Abstract: Microwave heating apparatus comprising a dielectric microwave applicator provided with a microwave coupling means adapted to feed microwave energy to the applicator. The applicator is provided with a load chamber 8 extending coaxially with regard to the center axis of the applicator from an upper end to a predetermined distance from a lower end of the applicator, said load chamber is adapted to receive a load to be heated. The dielectric applicator comprises two sections, an upper section 4 provided with the load chamber and a lower section 6 for impedance matching between the coupling means and upper section. In a preferred embodiment the lower section has an increasing cross-sectional area from the coupling means to the intersection to the upper section.

Abstract: A device for treating sausage in a hot dog dispensing machine has a substantially closed chamber for receiving a sausage, a unit associated with the chamber and operative for providing a microwave radiation into an interior of the chamber so as to provide cooking of an interior of the sausage, and a unit for generating an infrared radiation arranged outside of an area of the microwave radiation generated by the first unit so as to supply the infrared radiation into the interior of the chamber onto a sausage located in the chamber and therefore to treat a surface of the sausage to provide an exterior skin of the sausage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting the distribution of microwave energy density in an applicator which forms a resonator chamber and in which the radiation generated by microwave generators is guided to the applicator wall by waveguides; and to a use for this device. According to the invention, several electroconductive coupling pins (31) are used, each of these extending preferably vertically into both the waveguide chamber and the applicator resonator chamber, in order to feed in the microwaves with as little loss as possible and to enable the field distribution in the resonator chamber to be modified. The invention is especially suitable for producing a plasma.

Abstract: A microwave applicator for heating a moving fluid includes a heating chamber having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and through which the fluid to be heated flows. The applicator also includes a microwave energy source and a microwave circuit having at least one wave-guide element. The microwave circuit transforms microwave energy from the microwave source into a cylindrical wave-guide mode within the heating chamber for uniformly heating fluid flowing through the heating chamber. This technology is also applied as a method for applying microwave energy for heating a moving fluid. This method includes passing a fluid from a fluid inlet, through a heating chamber, and out a fluid outlet; and applying a microwave energy source through a microwave circuit including at least one wave-guide element to transform microwave energy from the microwave energy source into a cylindrical wave-guide mode within the heating chamber to uniformly heat the fluid flowing through the heating chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying wood, characterized in that it comprises a pressurizing step to place a sealed chamber (1) under a predetermined pressure by injecting or generating saturating steam and maintaining this pressure for a predetermined time interval, while ensuring a forced circulation of air and saturating steam within the chamber, a heating step to heat the wood core and central zone of the wood pieces by emitting microwaves at frequencies ranging between 400 and 2450 MHz, an evacuation step to carry away the liquid exudates from the wood which run down to the bottom of the chamber (1) where they are collected.

Abstract: Method and device for moisture profiling of fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining of fibrous material web. Method includes subjecting fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of high-frequency waves. Device includes a fibrous material web support that supports travel of fibrous material web and a rotating cylinder. Rotating cylinder receives fibrous material web from fibrous material web support, and fibrous material web support is arranged outside fibrous material web in relation to the surface of the rotating cylinder. At least one electromagnetic wave transmitter is also included.

Abstract: The microwave applicator for microwaves outputs from a guide (1) comprises an envelope (3) that forces microwaves to converge towards a focal point (16) by means of a complementary central reflector (4). A fraction of the waves reaches this point after reflection on two facets (11, 13), usually curved and concave, of the reflector (4) and the envelope (3), while the other fraction is reflected three times on three facets (10, 12 and 14), the last two facets of which form part of the envelope and one of which is concave for focussing. These devices can be used for removing a concrete surface, because the microwaves cause vaporisation at the focal point (16).

Abstract: A microwave applicator suitable for drying sheet material is configured as a dual slot antenna, with one portion of the slot coupled to a wave launching cavity, and the other portion of the slot coupled to an impedance matching cavity.

Abstract: A method and a furnace are provided for microwave sintering of nuclear fuel. A stationary wave is generated in an antenna cavity and used to extract microwaves through slots into a resonance chamber containing the nuclear fuel. A position of the slots is adjusted in such a way that a predetermined temperature profile is produced in the nuclear fuel.

Abstract: A path for a material passes through an opening and along a segment through an off-peak region of an electric field. An E-plane bend delivers an electromagnetic wave to the segment. A standing wave is used to heat the material. The peaks or valleys are pushed or pulled by a movable surface or by changing the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. A rectangular choke flange is used at the opening to the segment. A curved segment connects the segment to another segment for heating the material. According to another aspect of the invention, a segment is used to heat just the edge of a planar material.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a heated wet food or beverage product that includes a housing capable of receiving the product, a heating device including an electrical power supply and a magnetron configured to supply electromagnetic energy in the microwave range to a wave-guide, and a heating passage configured to supply the product on-demand and arranged to intersect the wave-guide to heat the product when electromagnetic energy is applied within the wave-guide. The invention aims to prevent degradation and microbiological contamination of the product by maintaining it at ambient temperature and then heating and dispensing it only on-demand.

Abstract: A device and a method for microwave feeding of an oven cavity by means of a coupling slot (1) which is fed by a waveguide. The a-dimension of the waveguide is significantly larger than the effective a-dimension of the slot. The slot comprised a radiating main slot part (5) and slot extensions (6,7) projecting from it at its respective sides, which extension have a substantially smaller cross-dimension than the b-dimension of the main slot part.

Abstract: A microwave heating system is provided including a microwave generator, a fluid pipeline having an upstream section and a downstream section, and a waveguide assembly connected to the microwave generator. The waveguide assembly includes a microwave distributor positioned in the fluid pipeline at a junction between the upstream section and the downstream section. The microwave distributor is in substantially straight line alignment with the upstream section proximal to the junction, while the downstream section is in substantially right angle alignment with the upstream section proximal to the junction. The microwave heating system substantially prevents or remediates gas hydrate blockages in the upstream section of the fluid pipeline at extended distances from the microwave generator. The microwave heating system may also simultaneously control a function of a device remotely positioned on the upstream section or power the remote device.

Abstract: A source provides an electromagnetic wave that has a range of frequencies. The source sweeps the frequency of the electromagnetic wave between a cutoff frequency and double the cutoff frequency. The location, angle, or effective angle of an opening is adjusted by an opening adjuster. A path for an electromagnetic wave has a short for creating a standing wave. The path has a movable surface that can push and pull the peaks and valleys of the standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of the material. A dielectric wheel pushes and pulls the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A dielectric structure has a surface that has a short side and a long side. A motor rotates the dielectric structure to push and pull the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A path has a first choke flange that has a width w1 and a second choke flange that has a width w2.

Abstract: A feed that provides circularly polarized microwave energy such as for energizing a microwave oven cavity. The feed includes a transformer to match a linearly polarized rectangular waveguide to a polarization waveguide section which may be circular or square in cross section. The polarization waveguide section contains an asymmetrical element that provides symmetry about a plane only. The asymmetrical element therefore introduces a difference in microwave electrical phase for polarizations which are respectively parallel to and perpendicular to the symmetry plane. A second waveguide section having a bend is also used in the feed assembly. The second waveguide section, which may for example be a bent section of circular waveguide, also presents an electromagnetic symmetry about a plane only. As a result, the two waveguide sections operating together provide circularly polarized energy at constant magnitude but continually rotating phase.

Abstract: A source provides an electromagnetic wave that has a range of frequencies. The source sweeps the frequency of the electromagnetic wave between a cutoff frequency and double the cutoff frequency. The location, angle, or effective angle of an opening is adjusted by an opening adjuster. A path for an electromagnetic wave has a short for creating a standing wave. The path has a movable surface that can push and pull the peaks and valleys of the standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of the material. A dielectric wheel pushes and pulls the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A dielectric structure has a surface that has a short side and a long side. A motor rotates the dielectric structure to push and pull the peaks and valleys of a standing wave so as to achieve more uniform heating of a material. A path has a first choke flange that has a width w1, and a second choke flange that has a width w2.

Abstract: The microwave oven is provided with a magnetron and a wave guide. The wave guide is formed by a combining portion and a matching portion. The magnetron is provided with a magnetron antenna, and the magnetron antenna projects into the combining portion. The combining portion has one end connected to the matching portion, and has a structure in which the cross-sectional area does not change in the horizontal direction. The matching portion has a structure in which its cross-sectional area increases toward the side surface of a heating chamber. An antenna is provided on a mica board in the portion connecting a matching portion with another matching portion.

Abstract: A path for a material passes through an opening and along a segment through an off-peak region of an electric field. An E-plane bend delivers an electromagnetic wave to the segment. A standing wave is used to heat the material. The peaks or valleys are pushed or pulled by a movable surface or by changing the frequency of the electromagnetic wave. A rectangular choke flange is used at the opening to the segment. A curved segment connects the segment to another segment for heating the material. According to another aspect of the invention, a segment is used to heat just the edge of a planar material.

Abstract: With a device for heating parts 8 made of a microwave absorbing plastic and having a microwave generator 1 that generates microwaves of a certain wavelength, an antenna 4 to which the microwaves are conducted, having at least one free end 5 and a device 6 which surrounds the antenna 4, it is proposed that the device for shielding 6 be designed with a tubular shape, so that the device 6 has an inside diameter smaller than half the wavelength, projects beyond the free end 5 of the antenna and has an opening 7 in its end face. With this device it is possible to achieve a spatially limited and nevertheless homogeneous heating of parts 8. Furthermore a method of heating or welding, shaping or crosslinking parts made of a microwave absorbing plastic using this device is also proposed.

Abstract: The applicator directs microwaves through a guide (5) and housing to focus microwaves generated from a microwave emitter to the surface of a target of contaminated concrete. The housing (4) of the applicator has a elliptical base and a truncated elliptical section with two focal areas (F1) and (F2). A component (11) is arranged at the focal area (F1) in the direction of the waveguide to diffuse incident waves to a wall of the housing where they are reflected to the focusing area (F2).

Abstract: A device for applying microwaves particularly for cooking products on a metallic support, includes at least one microwave generator (G) and a metallic waveguide, particularly of rectangular cross section (1, 11, 11', 11", 11"'). The waveguide forms a cooking chamber whose floor is constituted by a removable flat metallic support (5, T), on which are disposed the products to be cooked (6).

Abstract: A microwave applicator that provides a substantially uniform microwave field distribution over a large area, includes an elongated chamber, preferably operating in the length independent mode. A microwave source generates a microwave field at an output frequency. A waveguide or coaxial cable directs the microwave field from the microwave source into the elongated chamber, either through a side launch, end launch or multi launch. A frequency of the microwave field in the elongated chamber and the output frequency of the microwave source are matched through the use of controlled feedback of critical material and process parameters.

Abstract: A microwave device and corresponding method for cutting, and especially drilling into, a solid body of non-conductive material employ a microwave source which provides microwave radiation, typically through a waveguide, to a concentrator. The concentrator is configured to concentrate the microwave radiation onto a small region of solid body, thereby generating sufficient heat in that region to liquefy a volume of the material to form a hole. The device and method may be used to perform various drilling, cutting, nailing, joining and welding operations on a wide range of dielectric materials including ceramics, concrete and stone.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for sterilizing, disinfecting or otherwise heating materials, objects, liquids and the like under pressure is disclosed. The invention utilizes the generation and transmission of single-mode, non-interfering coaxial microwaves from multiple sources into the material to be treated. As a result, a more efficient transfer of microwave energy into the material to be treated is obtained.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a magnetron for generating electromagnetic wave energy, a waveguide for guiding and directing the electromagnetic wave energy into a cavity body defining a cooking chamber, and an antenna for radiating the electromagnetic wave energy generated by the magnetron into the waveguide. The waveguide includes a first opening for uniformly dispersing the electromagnetic wave energy into the cooking chamber, a second opening for uniformly dispersing the electromagnetic wave energy into the cooking chamber, and a short circuit for providing a short surface to the antenna. The first opening is formed on a portion of the waveguide which contacts the cavity body and extends along a longitudinal direction. The second opening is spaced away from and having a predetermined angle with respect to the first opening.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method used in etching, ashing, CVD, etc. in the manufacturing, etc. of large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs) and liquid crystal display panels (LCDs). The plasma processing apparatus includes a dielectric plate used for the passage of a microwave, a microwave window disposed to confront the dielectric plate, and a reaction chamber in which a sample stage is disposed to confront the microwave window. The apparatus is characterized in that the microwave window has a recess in the area confronting the sample stage. The plasma processing method is characterized by implementing a plasma process for a sample with the plasma processing apparatus. The method and apparatus are capable of raising the plasma density in the area confronting the sample, improving the plasma processing rate, improving the etch-through performance for fine hole patterns, and improving the yield of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating and solidifying a salt solution includes a vessel for containing the salt solution having an exposed surface, the vessel having a generally open upper portion, a cover for sealing the generally open upper portion of the vessel and having a generally hood shaped portion, the cover including at least one inlet conduit for admitting the salt solution to the vessel and a discharge conduit for vapor, and a magnetron for generating microwaves for heating the solution in the vessel. A microwave waveguide is disposed between the magnetron and the vessel and incorporates the cover, for directing microwaves from the magnetron into the vessel, the waveguide transitioning within the cover from the generally hood shaped portion into a horn having a variable cross-section and/or variable vertical spacing with respect to the vessel. This structure enables microwaves to be radiated directly onto the exposed surface of the salt solution in the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated with electromagnetic exposure of planar materials. A diagonal slot compensates for the effects of signal attenuation along the propagation path. Adjustably variable path lengths allow peaks and valleys of the electromagnetic field in one exposure segment to compensate for peaks and valleys in another exposure segment. Dielectric slabs may be used to extend the peak field region between top and bottom conducting surfaces to allow for more uniform exposure of planar materials that have a significant thickness. Specialized choke flanges prevent the escape of electromagnetic energy. One or more rollers between exposure segments may be enclosed by an outer surface to prevent the escape of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: In a high-mode microwave resonator for high-temperature treatment of materials, the resonator comprises a housing with a polygonal cross-section formed by planar housing wall segments and planar end walls. One of the end walls includes an in-coupling window arranged so as to direct a microwave beam into the resonator at an angle with respect to the housing axis and toward an edge between adjacent wall segments such that the microwave beam is divided, upon reflection, into two symmetrical beam components which, upon further reflection, provide for an essentially homogeneous field distribution throughout the resonator interior.

Abstract: A process for joining ceramic parts comprises autoclaving a powdered ceramic composition to increase its hydrogen form contents to a concentration that serves to increase the composition's absorption of microwave energy during subsequent heating of the ceramic parts; coating the autoclaved ceramic composition on the surfaces of the parts to be joined together; and placing the coated surfaces of the parts to be joined together and focusing microwave energy at the joint between the parts in order to seal the joint by refiring and rereacting the parts, the microwave energy being of sufficient power and being uniformly applied to the joint for a sufficient period of time to seal the joint.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes dielectric slabs to provide a relatively uniform electromagnetic field to a cavity between two or more dielectric slabs. Each dielectric slab is a thickness equal to or nearly equal to a quarter of a wavelength of the electromagnetic field in the dielectric slab. In a particular embodiment, sample material is introduced into the cavity between the two dielectric slabs. This sample material may be introduced through one or more openings in the dielectric slabs. In further embodiments, specialized choke flanges prevent the leakage of energy from this cavity. In a preferred embodiment, an elliptical conducting surface directs the electromagnetic field to a focal region between the two dielectric slabs. Openings to this focal region allow sample material to be passed through this region of focused heating.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus for heating an object to be heated is provided with an electromagnetic wave emission means for emitting electromagnetic waves, a local heating means capable of heating an optional portion of the object by the electromagnetic waves emitted from the emission means, and a control means for controlling the local heating means. The high frequency heating apparatus is further provided with a stage on which the object is placed, a protecting means for protecting the local heating means, a setting means and a detection means, so that the local heating means, the electromagnetic wave emission means or the stage is controlled in accordance with the setting means or the detection means.

Abstract: A non-toxic extermination device is disclosed herein having an RF radiation generator providing microwave, high frequency waves for penetration through solid obstacles such as walls, floors, partitions or the like. The generated waves are characterized as being effective to cause insect internal molecular friction to generate deadly heat.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated with electromagnetic exposure of planar materials. A diagonal slot compensates for the effects of signal attenuation along the propagation path. Adjustably variable path lengths allow peaks and valleys of the electromagnetic field in one exposure segment to compensate for peaks and valleys in another exposure segment. Dielectric slabs may be used to extend the peak field region between top and bottom conducting surfaces to allow for more uniform exposure of planar materials that have a significant thickness. Specialized choke flanges prevent the escape of electromagnetic energy. One or more rollers between exposure segments may be enclosed by an outer surface to prevent the escape of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A method for preparing fertilizer from animal, human and medical waste utilizing vacuumized microwave pathogen decontamination. The invention contemplates simultaneously heating the waste and reducing the pressure the reaction chamber in which the waste is located. As a result of the invention, the waste is decontaminated at a low temperature and the nutrients are preserved. The decontaminated waste is then mixed with a planting medium such as soil. The method may also include adding a diluting substance, chosen from the group consisting of humate, sawdust and sand, to dilute the nitrogen content of the disinfected waste.

Abstract: A microwave oven for radiating microwaves generated from a magnetron into a cavity to heat and cook foodstuff disposed therein, the microwave oven comprising an antenna disposed between a magnetron and the cavity for converting the microwaves to circularly polarized waves to radiate same into the cavity, the microwave oven having the advantage in that the foodstuff in the cavity is heated by radiation of the circularly polarized waves, thereby enabling a uniform heating of the foodstuff and improving an absorption efficiency of microwave energy.

Abstract: A microwave applicator of microwave reflective material having a closed first end, four side walls and, in a first embodiment, an open second end spaced apart from and facing a ground plate, the ground plate extending in a pair of transverse directions and having a longitudinal direction perpendicular thereto, and in a second embodiment, a closed second end, the applicator forming a cavity containing a desired hybrid mode having a low wave impedance in the longitudinal direction and an absence of an E field component in one of the transverse directions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wave guide having an improved structure and being used in a microwave oven, by which the food contained in a heating chamber is effectively heated. The wave guide has a housing attached to a side wall of the heating chamber, and has first, second, and third guide plates which are spaced at a predetermined distance apart from each other. The first guide plate has a first wave diffusing opening, the second guide plate has two second wave diffusing openings, and the third guide plate has four third wave diffusing openings. The second wave diffusing openings are off-set from the first wave diffusing opening. The third wave diffusing openings are off-set from the second wave diffusing openings. By the wave guide, superimposed high-frequency microwaves are radiated into the heating chamber, so the heating efficiency is improved and the cooking time is shortened. The microwave oven having the wave guide can prevent a waste of electrical power.

Abstract: A microwave heating chamber for use in a vending machine including a cylindrically shaped chamber, retractable upper and lower end plates for defining a chamber cavity, a retractable object holding plate for supporting an object to be heated at a position of maximum microwave energy, and a microwave generator for generating the microwave energy wherein the heating chamber allows the rapid heating of an article positioned in the chamber due to its small chamber volume and its cylindrically shaped cavity.

Abstract: The output matching networks normally included in a microwave power transistor package as well as the transistor combining network therefor are eliminated for heating applications, e.g. microwave ovens. In a preferred embodiment, the transistor dies of four microwave silicon bipolar power transistors are directly connected to the low impedance points of a common patch type antenna element, also referred to as an applicator, located within the wall of a heating chamber in place of a magnetron. Each pair of power transistors are electrically spaced one half wavelength apart and are located transverse to each other on the antenna. The transistors are operated in pairs with a 180.degree. phase difference so that mutually orthogonal longitudinal modes are excited in the antenna. Moreover, the transistors are frequency modulated over their prescribed frequency band to eliminate standing waves in the load, i.e. the article or substance being heated or cooked.

Abstract: A reaction vessel used in industrial applications is heated by a multiple mode microwave beam that is directed to an interior wall of the reaction vessel. The beam is in an inclined-angular fashion and the wall is arranged so the beam is absorbed and reflected from it many times to provide a helical-like reflection and absorption pattern within the vessel interior to uniformly heat the vessel wall and the material. A microwave isolator connected between a source of the microwave energy and the reaction vessel includes a quartz plate and a seal for compensating disparities in thermal expansion coefficients between the plate and a housing for the plate.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave heater comprises an electromagnetic wave generator a wave guide being connected to the generator for guiding the generated electromagnetic wave to be propagated in a uniform direction, at least one container being provided in the wave guide for accommodating an object to be heated up by irradiation of the electromagnetic wave, the container having at least one tapered portion, a pointed end of which faces to a direction of the propagation of the electromagnetic wave in the wave guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing concrete adapted to facilitate removal of hardened concrete therefrom includes a metal container and a microwave energy generation device. The metal container is adapted to contain concrete and to enable concrete placed therein to be mixed or agitated, the container having inner walls to which the concrete may adhere when the concrete hardens. The microwave energy generation device generates microwave radiation energy into the metal container and is capable of liberating water molecules from the concrete placed in the container so as to weaken the chemical structure of the concrete to thereby facilitate breakage of the hardened concrete and removal of the concrete from the container.

Abstract: Process and apparatus, in which a stream of liquid reactants is heated in a resonant microwave cavity operating in a TM.sub.0n0 mode and then provided with sufficient time in an annular plug flow reactor to complete the reaction results in improved time-temperature uniformity for all volume elements of the stream and are particularly suited for production of polyurethane prepolymer. A special cleaning method is provided for removing polymeric residues from the equipment with a solution of a monofunctional secondary amine in an organic solvent.

Abstract: A non-toxic extermination device is disclosed herein having an RF radiation generator providing microwave, high frequency waves for penetration through solid obstacles such as walls, floors, partitions or the like. The generated waves are characterized as being effective to cause insect internal molecular friction to generate deadly heat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microwave applicator which is positioned above an electrically conductive conveyor band on which products, such as biscuits in a baking oven, are carried to be subjected to microwave radiation, the applicator having a launch section configured to provide an electric field in the region above the band which is that which would exist in a parallel plate transmission line extending lengthwise of the oven, the electric field having a plane of polarity which is normal to the plane of the band.

Abstract: Microwave energy may be used to dielectrically heat a medium, which can remediate the medium. An apparatus or a system employing this concept is well-suited for various environmental applications, such as in-situ remediation of soil, sludge or spills. The system comprises a microwave energy source having a preselected microwave frequency for emitting microwave energy. The system also comprises a wave-guide section having a cross-section dimensioned in accordance with the wavelength of the microwave frequency for transmitting microwave energy. A broadband mode converter may be disposed in alignment with the wave-guide section. An applicator element is disposed in alignment with the broadband more converter for applying microwave energy directly to the medium without confining the medium, thereby removing contaminants from the medium.

Abstract: A matched or dummy load for a microwave dryer having a microwave generator and a microwave applicator. The matched load includes a waveguide having opposed broad walls, opposed narrow walls, and an end wall defining a waveguide chamber. A power absorbing body made of sintered silicon carbide, casted silicon carbide, or other materials is disposed in the waveguide chamber. One or more of the walls includes means for transferring heat from the power absorbing body. A housing or shroud having an inlet and an outlet surrounds the waveguide. The means for removing heat is disposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing so that a cooling medium passed through the housing removes heat from the power absorbing body. A tuning stub is placed in front of the power absorbing body to reduce microwave reflections.

Abstract: A microwave oven, in particular for rapid heating to high temperature, is disclosed. A cylindrical metal housing is open at one end and has a cylindrical side wall, into which a waveguide opens, the waveguide being coupled to a microwave generator. A first outer layer of a thermally insulative, microwave-transparent material and a second inner layer thereof are provided in a coaxial configuration. A metal sleeve provided with plural coupling slots is interposed between the outer and inner layers. A muff of a microwave-absorbing material is received within a central opening of the inner layer and constitutes a heating enclosure. A metal plate fitted with an access door is provided for closing the open end of the housing. An infrared pyrometer or a thermocouple may be provided for measuring temperatures in the heating enclosure. The heating enclosure may have a vent for evacuating fumes and an orifice for injecting gases.

Abstract: An installation for continuously treating a granular or powdered product. The installation includes at least one microwave applicator which is connected to a generator by a coupling device. The installation further includes a dielectric duct which has an axis and an internal surface. The dielectric duct passes through the applicator and contains a rotating metal screw for conveying the granular or powdered product therethrough. This is accomplished by constructing the screw so that it includes at least one helically wound wire which extends longitudinally through the duct at a radial distance from the axis of the duct and proximate the internal surface of the duct. An annular clearance is thereby defined between the wire and the internal surface of the duct.