Abstract: An appliance network has messaging protocol to establish communication between a first networked appliance and a remote user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a semiconductor substrate is described. The apparatus is a process chamber having an optically transparent upper dome and lower dome. Vacuum is maintained in the process chamber during processing. The upper dome is thermally controlled by flowing a thermal control fluid along the upper dome outside the processing region. Thermal lamps are positioned proximate the lower dome, and thermal sensors are disposed among the lamps. The lamps are powered in zones, and a controller adjusts power to the lamp zones based on data received from the thermal sensors.

Abstract: The device for electromagnetic radiation treatment of a reactive medium includes an electromagnetic radiation generator, a reactor containing the reactive medium, and a device for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation generated by the generator to the reactive medium contained in the reactor. The device includes a wave guide for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation from the generator and a coupling means arranged to allow transfer within the reactive medium of the electromagnetic energy transmitted by the wave guide. The wave guide includes a curved segment in a general “U” shape forming a return loop from the wave guide. The device further includes a separation wall that isolates the generator form the reactor, with the reactor being connected to the curved segment. The curved segment extends at least partially from one side of the separation wall to the opposite generator.

Abstract: A microwave induction heating device includes microwave oscillation means (100) for oscillating a microwave so that an object is heated by the induction heating of the microwave oscillated from the microwave oscillation means (100). The microwave oscillation means (100) is configured in such a manner that the frequency of the microwave oscillated from the microwave oscillation means (100) can be changed.

Abstract: An oven door comprises a structure with internal glass plates, the external glass plate being bigger than the internal glass plates. The door further comprises a housing of polymeric material for electrical and/or electronic components of an user interface integral with the door, the housing being shell-shaped and being mounted on an internal face of the external glass plate, above the internal glass plates.

Abstract: A furnace system for thermal processing of products and materials is disclosed which is particularly useful in processing touch screens for computer tablets and silicon wafers employed in fabricating solar cells. The system employs a hybrid of microwave and radiant heating of workpieces to provide controlled heating of the workpieces. A plurality of susceptors are disposed a furnace chamber. A plurality of microwave sources are arranged to provide microwave radiation in the chamber to uniformly heat workpieces in the chamber and to provide uniform heating of the susceptors. The susceptors are effective upon microwave heating by the microwave sources to provide uniform radiant heating of the workpieces in the chamber.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a microwave generation part 10 using a semiconductor element, and first and second heating chambers 100a, 100b to each of which a microwave generated in the microwave generation part is fed. A reflected microwave returned from at least one of the first and second heating chambers 100a, 100b to the microwave generation part is transmitted to the other heating chamber by a circulation type non-reciprocal circuit 118, so that generated power of the microwave generation part is substantially completely consumed upon heating of an article to be heated.

Abstract: A voltage calibration routine for an oven, particularly a microwave oven, enables a field technician to enter a voltage calibration mode to display on the oven a pre-established default voltage to which the oven is calibrated. The technician then measures the actual line voltage applied to the oven and, if different than the default voltage displayed, inputs the actual line voltage into the microwave oven control, such as via a keypad. Thereafter, an offset value is calculated to correct the voltage measurement, allowing for a correct tap selection when the microwave oven is running. An additional function is available to check the oven voltage reading upon accessing a voltage reading mode wherein the oven measures and displays the line voltage which is compared to a volt meter reading such that a simple comparison can be made, while avoiding certain steps associated with the voltage calibration mode.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a tray rotatably installed inside a cooking compartment, a temperature measuring apparatus comprising a driving unit configured to generate a rotation force, and a sensing unit configured to measure the temperatures of a plurality of temperature measurement points by having a temperature measurement angle changed by the rotation force of the driving unit; and a control unit configured to control the temperature measuring apparatus to measure the plurality of temperature measurement points provided at the upper side of the tray according to a predetermined temperature measurement pattern that provides a different pattern for successive rotation periods of the tray.

Abstract: A power control unit for high-frequency dielectric heating is provided. The power control unit controls an inverter circuit for rectifying voltage of an AC power supply, and modulates the on time of a switching transistor during high frequency switching. The power control unit includes an input current detection section for detecting input current from the AC power supply to the inverter circuit and outputting input current waveform information. A conversion section is provided for converting the input current waveform information into a drive signal of the switching transistor of the inverter circuit so that an instantaneous fluctuation of the input current waveform information is suppressed.

Abstract: A fluid management apparatus and method, the apparatus including: a fluid conduit for the passage of a dispersion containing particulate matter; a laser arranged to provide laser light inside the fluid conduit; wherein, in use, the laser light heats the particulate matter sufficiently to generate incandescence; one or more sensors for detecting the incandescence of the particulate matter so as to determine a characteristic of the dispersion; and an electromagnetic wave generator operable to provide electromagnetic waves inside the fluid conduit at a position downstream of the laser light so as to vaporise at least a portion of the dispersion.

Abstract: The high-frequency heating device, the subject of the present invention, is driven by an inverter and, by reducing the power losses in the mentioned inverter the operating efficiency is increased.

Abstract: An inverter controller controls an inverter. The inverter converts direct current into alternating current of a predetermined frequency. The inverter includes a resonance circuit for fluctuating output of a predetermined object to be controlled. The inverter controller comprises an output fluctuating unit which fluctuates output of the inverter in response to an output value of a temperature detection section which detects a temperature of a switching element of the inverter. The inverter controller further comprises an output increase suppressing unit which suppresses an increase in the output of the inverter for a predetermined time after decrease control in the output of the inverter performed by the output fluctuating unit.

Abstract: A domestic oven comprises heating means, a gas sensor connected to a central processing and control unit and a user interface connected to the central processing unit by means of which the user can set the type of food placed in the oven compartment. The user interface comprises means for setting the desired degree of cooking of the food and is capable of processing the signal of the gas sensor in such a way as to determine the optimal cooking end time of the food. The central processing unit interrupts the electrical supply to the heating means on the basis either of said cooking end time, modified if necessary on the basis of degree of cooking set by the user, or of the food type set by the user.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a cooking cavity and a RF generation module configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. A controller is operatively associated with the RF generation module. The controller receives and processes a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility for determining whether to operate the microwave oven in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least temporarily block the signal when the RF generation module is activated if a frequency of the signal is at least partially degraded by a frequency of the RF generation module.

Abstract: A reaction device including a microwave oscillation means for generating microwaves; holding containers for individually holding multiple samples collected from collection targets (e.g., human targets, etc.); a microwave irradiation container on which each of the holding containers can be individually loaded; a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a sample held in a holding container or of the interior of the microwave irradiation container; and a microwave control means for varying the microwaves generated by the microwave oscillation means on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The microwave irradiation container includes: a microwave introduction port for introducing the microwaves generated by the microwave oscillation means into the microwave irradiation container; and ring-shaped patterns for irradiating each of the holding containers with the microwaves introduced from the microwave introduction port.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for a processing apparatus configured to authenticate an item based on at least one optical indicium associated with the item before processing the item. An interface may be configured to receive processing information from a machine readable element associated with an item to be processed. An image acquisition device may be configured to acquire image information relating to at least one optical indicium associated with an item. At least one processor may be configured to verify authentication of the item based upon the image information acquired by the image sensor unit. The processor may be further configured to receive processing information from the interface and to determine one or more instructions for processing the item based on the processing information. The apparatus may be further configured to processing the item in accordance with the instructions after the item has been verified as authentic.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus and a method of heating a load using microwaves is disclosed. The microwave heating apparatus includes a cavity configured to receive a load, a microwave source for generating microwaves and a plurality of transmission lines for guiding the generated microwaves to the cavity. The microwave heating apparatus may also include an electronic device adapted to adjust the impedances of each of the plurality of transmission lines individually, a measuring device adapted to obtain a signal representative of the impedance of each one of the plurality of transmission lines, and a control unit configured to control the electronic device based on the obtained signals. The microwave heating apparatus, as disclosed, provides a microwave heating apparatus configured to heat a load with improved energy efficiency and improved heating evenness.

Abstract: Generally and not exclusively, a microwave cooking oven to cook food in a microwave chamber includes at least one array of radiation detectors. An exemplary method includes sensing an optical depth of the item along each of multiple beam paths from at least two sides of the item, and mapping isothermal regions in the interior of the item 3-dimensionally based on the sensing. Another exemplary method includes sensing a microwave power representing a value of a heatability property for each of multiple regions of the same item, and applying a different measure of the microwave power to each of the different regions according to the value of the heatability property in each individual region. Yet another exemplary method includes sensing different frequencies of the microwave power in the microwave chamber, and changing the frequency of the microwave power for heating the item, as the item undergoes heating.

Abstract: A user interface arranged at least to display, on a display unit or on a display panel, information relative to the operation of a household electrical appliance with which the interface is associated, the appliance presenting functional members controlled in their operation by a control unit, and an external housing provided with an aperture with its own closure door; the interface is positionable on and fastenable to the exterior of the housing of the electrical appliance, remote wire-less data communication and transmission means being associated with the control unit and with the interface to enable the data to be transmitted from the interior of the electrical appliance to the interface through the housing. A household electrical appliance with this interface is also claimed.

Abstract: A microwave oven having a cabinet, a door, a programming interface, a magnetron tube that capable of being dynamically controlled, a controller configured to control the magnetron tube, and a microwave generating system is described. A method of dynamically controlling the magnetron tube in the microwave oven by utilizing a magnetron power supply is also described. By monitoring a current to the magnetron power supply, determining the current to the magnetron power supply at which the magnetron tube conducts, calculating a time base, and adjusting the time base as the power level required is increased, the control produces consistent power when the magnetron tube is cycled at less than a 100% power level and to compensate for a slow start of the magnetron tube during a short cook cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing food products is provided. The product conditioning system includes an inlet assembly, a pressurizeable tunnel and an outlet assembly. The inlet assembly and outlet assembly include a pair of vertically extending pressure vessels having entry and exit openings which are both sealable by doors to provide liquid and gaseous tight seals. The inlet and outlet assembly pressure vessels further include a pair of vertically extending parallel screws for transporting food products from one end of the pressure vessel to the other. The pressurizeable tunnel includes a heating stage having microwave sources for irradiating food products so as to pasteurize or sterilize prepackaged food. The pressurizeable tunnel further includes a heat maintenance stage and product cooling stage. Both the heat maintenance stage and product cooling stage include vertically extending pressure vessels.

Abstract: Tunnel is provided for conditioning of food products, especially for sterilization of food in containers or vessels of the heat-sealed type, in which the conditioning unit has: 1) an active temperature and pressure control system provided in at least one magnetron supported heating stage, which provides for balancing of the pressure within the heat-sealed vessels or containers; 2) a conveyor which conveys the heat-sealed vessels or containers through the stages along the conditioning unit which contains mechanisms that move the conveyor outside of the conditioning tunnel, and 3) doors operating like check valves that separate the conditioning stages, but still provide for continuous linear feed of products through conditioning tunnel. Movement of the magnetron electromagnetic field and/or conveyor is controlled by software which utilizes the temperature and/or density measurements in a closed loop process to ensure uniform heating of the products.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a combined microwave and warmer, provided in a single device. Such devices find particular use on-board passenger transport vehicles, such as aircraft, although they may be useful in any other instance when space and/or weight reduction is at a premium.

Abstract: A microwave oven is provided. A barrier member prevents airflow provided by a fan assembly from being introduced again to the fan assembly. A separation member divides the airflow provided by the fan assembly to cool a first component and a second component. Thus, the components are efficiently cooled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preheating a pressed material mat (14) spread on an endlessly and continuously circulating molding band (6) during manufacture of wood material boards, wherein microwaves from one or both press surface sides are beamed into the pressed material mat (14) to preheat the pressed material mat (14) and the pressed material mat (14) is compacted and hardened by application of pressure and heat after transfer to a continuously operating press (1). The invention consists of microwaves in a frequency range of 2400-2500 MHz being used to heat the pressed material mat (14), wherein the microwaves for each press surface side are generated from 20 to 300 microwave generators (26) with magnetrons (20) of a respective output of 3 to 50 kW.

Abstract: A microwave heating system configured to heat a plurality of articles and a process for using the same are provided. The microwave heating system includes a liquid-filled thermalization zone, a liquid-filled microwave heating zone, and a pressure lock system disposed therebetween. The pressure lock system includes a pair of locking gate valves and a pressure adjustment chamber configured to transition the articles being heated from the thermalization zone to the microwave heating zone, which may be operated at different pressures.

Abstract: A method and system for heating a plurality of articles is provided. The method includes discharging microwave energy into a microwave chamber and passing a plurality of articles through the heating zone. At least a portion of the microwave energy discharged into the heating zone may first be phase shifted using one or more phase shifting devices. One embodiment of a rotatable phase shifting device is also provided and includes an elongated fixed member disposed proximate a rotatable housing. The phase shifting device employed by the microwave heating system is configured such that the ratio of the article residence time in the heating zone to the phase shifting rate is at least about 4:1. Rotatable phase shifting devices, or variable phase short circuits, as described herein can also be used in other applications, such as, for example, as impedance or frequency tuning devices.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which include a specimen vessel holding at least one biological sample. A histological agent is in the specimen vessel so as to come into contact with the tissue sample. A microwave susceptor is provided in, near, or integral to the specimen vessel.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus and a method of heating a load using microwaves is disclosed. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a cavity arranged to receive a load, a microwave generator, a transmission line arranged to transmit the generated microwaves to the cavity and a sensing device arranged to measure electromagnetic field strengths at different positions along the transmission line. The positions are selected such that the measured field strengths provide information about the phase of a reflection coefficient being representative of the ratio between the amount of microwaves reflected back towards the microwave generator and the amount of microwaves transmitted in the transmission line from the microwave generator. The microwave heating apparatus further comprises a control unit configured to control feeding of the microwaves to the cavity based on the measured field strengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a facility for disinfecting bedding items, in particular mattresses or cushions, the facility (30) including: a device (38) for generating microwaves which is capable of being selectively activated in order to expose the bedding item to microwave radiation, the power of which is 40 kW to 100 kW, a member (66) for controlling the microwave-generating device (38), programmed to activate the microwave-generating device (38) for an exposure time suitable for maintaining the central layer of the bedding item at a temperature of more than 70° C. for a predetermined period of time that is longer than 45 seconds.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus and a method of heating a load using microwaves is disclosed. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a cavity arranged to receive a load, a plurality of feeding ports for feeding microwaves from a plurality of microwave generators to the cavity, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to obtain a desired temperature pattern within the cavity based on information about a plurality of regions of the load. The control unit is also configured to determine a heating pattern comprising zones of different intensities corresponding to the desired temperature pattern, and control at least one of the plurality of microwave generators for providing the heating pattern within the cavity. The apparatus and method may provide heating of a load according to different desired temperatures in various parts of the load.

Abstract: A power control unit for high-frequency dielectric heating is provided, and includes an input current detection section for detecting input current from the AC power supply to the inverter circuit and outputting input current waveform information. A conversion section converts the input current waveform information into a drive signal of the switching transistor of the inverter circuit so that instantaneous fluctuation of the input current waveform information is suppressed. A mix circuit mixes the input current waveform information and power control information for controlling so that current or voltage at an arbitrary point of the inverter circuit becomes a predetermined value and generates an on voltage signal. The conversion section converts the on voltage signal into the drive signal so that the on time is shortened in the portion where the input current is large and that the on time is prolonged in the portion where the input current is small.

Abstract: Methods for drying ceramic materials are provided. In one embodiment, a first power set-point of a first microwave applicator of a drying apparatus is determined Power set-points for at least two additional microwave applicators in the drying apparatus are determined such that a power distribution among the microwave applicators provides an energy per unit of water profile for the additional microwave applicators that is substantially uniform. The microwave applicators may be operated at the determined power set-points as the ceramic material is passed through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: Provided herein are a cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a cavity, and a microwave generator to generate and output microwaves of a plurality of frequencies to heat an object within the cavity, wherein the microwave generator includes a controller to calculate heating efficiencies based on microwaves reflected by the inside of the cavity from among the output microwaves and to calculate heating modes consisting of microwaves for heating, during a scanning session and to control the heating modes so as to achieve the equal heating time during a heating session. Thereby, the object within the cavity is uniformly heated.

Abstract: A network includes a client and an appliance configured to perform an operation cycle on an article using a consumable. Information associated with the consumable can be exchanged between the appliance and the client across the network.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microwave heating apparatus and method of heating a load using microwaves. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a cavity dividable into at least two compartments, a first microwave generator and a first feeding port for feeding a first mode field in a first compartment of the cavity, a second microwave generator and a second feeding port for feeding a second mode field in a second compartment of the cavity. The first mode field and the second mode field provide complementary heating patterns in the cavity when the cavity is undivided. The present disclosure provides the flexibility of heating a load in a large cavity or heating a plurality of loads in smaller compartments of the cavity while still providing even heating in the cavity and in the compartments.

Abstract: A microwave oven is provided. A component generating relatively high temperature heat and a component generating a relatively low temperature heat are cooled by airflow divided and provided by a cooling part, thereby improving operation reliability and durability of a product.

Abstract: An oven includes a cooking chamber configured to receive a food product, a user interface configured to display information associated with processes employed for cooking, first and second energy sources, and a cooking controller. The first energy source provides primary heating and the second energy source provides secondary heating for the food product. The cooking controller executes instructions associated with a cooking program directing application of energy to the food product via the first or second energy sources. The cooking controller includes processing circuitry configured to monitor energy added to the food product via the first energy source in accordance with the cooking program, receive an indication of a change to a cooking parameter associated with a second energy source, and determine a modification to the cooking program by employing a modification algorithm based on the cooking parameter change.

Abstract: Tray assemblies and methods for manufacturing ceramic articles are provided. In one embodiment, a tray assembly includes a tray body having a supporting surface operable to support a ceramic article for passage through a microwave drying apparatus during a microwave drying process and a microwave coupling cover associated with the tray body. The microwave coupling cover envelopes at least a portion of the ceramic article during the microwave drying process. The microwave coupling cover has a dielectric property such that a greater percentage of microwave energy is coupled into the ceramic article with the microwave coupling cover present during the microwave drying process than with the microwave coupling cover not present. Methods may include rotating the ceramic article when the ceramic article is about 40%-60 dry.

Abstract: A microwave processing apparatus includes a processing chamber which accommodates an object to be processed, and a microwave introducing unit which has at least one microwave source to generate a microwave used to process the object and introduces the microwave into the processing chamber. The microwave processing apparatus further includes a control unit which controls the microwave introducing unit. Furthermore, the control unit changes a frequency of the microwave during a state of processing the object.

Abstract: A microwave processing apparatus includes a processing chamber which accommodates an object; a microwave introducing unit for generating microwaves used to process the object and introducing the microwaves into the processing chamber; and a control unit for controlling the microwave introducing unit. The microwave introducing unit includes microwave sources to generate the microwaves and introduces parts of the microwaves into the processing chamber simultaneously, and the control unit controls the microwave sources such that arbitrary combinations of the microwave sources alternately repeat a simultaneous microwave generating state and a microwave non-generating state during a state of processing the object.

Abstract: A microwave oven capable of quickly detecting the abnormal operation and the overheated temperature of a high voltage transformer. The microwave oven including cooking chamber, a magnetron configured to provide a high frequency wave to inside of the cooking chamber, a high voltage transformer (HVT) including a core, a primary coil wound around the core, and a secondary coil wound around the core and configured to transform a voltage, which is provided to the microwave oven, to the magnetron, and a Thermo Protector (TP) configured to block a current from being applied to the primary coil when the HVT is overheated, wherein the TP is disposed at an outer surface of the secondary coil.

Abstract: Devices and methods for RF heating of food, using techniques which allow uniformity and/or controlled non-uniformity.

Abstract: A cooking device having a drawer type automatic door in which delicate control is carried out when the door is opened and closed, whereby influence exerted on an object to be cooked by a shock produced at the time of door opening and closing can be reduced or eliminated. When a before-stop position (full opening detection switch Pso at the time of full opening, intermediate switch Psi at the time of full closing) provided before the stop position of the door is detected, the travel speed of a drawer body is controlled. A speed control is configured to reduce the speed of the drawer body in response to the arrival of the drawer body at a before-stop position and increase the closing speed of the drawer body in response to the arrival of the drawer body at a latch riding position.

Abstract: Approaches for producing fuel from a carbon-containing feedstock are described. Feedstock is introduced into a substantially microwave-transparent reaction chamber. A microwave source emits microwaves which are directed through the microwave-transparent wall of the reaction chamber to impinge on the feedstock within the reaction chamber. The microwave source may be rotated relative to the reaction chamber. The feedstock is subjected to microwaves until the desired reaction occurs to produce a fuel. A catalyst can be mixed with the feedstock to enhance the reaction process.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a cooking cavity and a RF generation module configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. A controller receives and processes a signal indicative of the current state of an associated energy supplying utility for determining whether to operate the microwave oven in one of a normal operating mode and a power saving mode in response to the received signal. A power source is operatively associated with the controller and the RF generation module, and is configured to receive a signal from the controller and cause the microwave oven to operate in normal operating mode or in power saving operating mode in accord with the signal.

Abstract: A drawer type heating apparatus includes a heating case forming a heating space, and an openable door adapted to be moved in a drawing manner relative to the heating case for opening and closing an opening portion, and includes a radio-wave transmission suppression portion which is faced to inner wall surfaces of the opening portion of the heating case, and placed such that there is a predetermined gap between the radio-wave transmission suppression portion and the entire periphery of the inner wall surfaces of the opening portion in the heating case, in a state where the openable door is closed, the radio-wave transmission suppression portion including a first radio-wave-propagation-direction suppression-area constituted by a surface with a plurality of steps, and a second radio-wave-propagation-direction suppression-area having suppression protruding portions which are periodically formed and placed in such a way as to face the first radio-wave-propagation-direction suppression-area with a predetermined int

Abstract: A microwave heating device and a method for heating a load using microwaves are provided. The microwave heating device comprises a cavity adapted to receive a load and at least two microwave sources for feeding microwave energy into the cavity through at least two feeding ports respectively. The microwave heating device further comprises at least two field sensors adapted to measure field strengths of the microwave energy in the cavity. A first field sensor is arranged at a first location for measuring the field strength representative of a mode fed from a first feeding port and a second field sensor is arranged at a second location for measuring the field strength representative of a mode fed from a second feeding port. The microwave heating device further comprises a control unit connected to the microwave sources and the field sensors for regulating the microwave sources based on the measured field strengths.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing forming a food handling compartment, a door positioned at the front of the housing that is configured to rotate about a vertical axis, and a hinge assembly secured to the door. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin extending along the vertical axis and a double slider-crank mechanism that is coupled to the hinge pin. As the door rotates about the vertical axis, the hinge assembly moves the vertical axis along an elliptical path.