Radiation Protection Patents (Class 219/736)
  • Patent number: 8975562
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a safety door of an oven having glass therein with a plastic laminate. The safety door retains glass within the door in order to prevent glass from falling or being forced outside of the oven, which may cause injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick D. Galbreath, Brian Henninger
  • Patent number: 8563907
    Abstract: A radiopharmaceutical heater includes a heat-transfer member having a receptacle defined therein to receive a container (e.g., a vial). The heat-transfer member has a thermal conductivity greater than about 100 W/(mK) A radiation shield is disposed about the heat-transfer member wherein the radiation shield comprises lead, tungsten, tungsten-impregnated plastic, depleted uranium, or any combination thereof. A heating element is in thermal communication with the heat-transfer member wherein at least a portion of the heating element is located within the radiation shield. The heater includes compliant heat-transfer member shaped to receive the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Bushman, Stefan S. Jelesnianski, Michael R. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 8455803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wave choke device for an oven door of a microwave oven. The wave choke device includes a front shielding comprising at least one conductive material and a wave trap forming a channel with one at least partially open side, which wave trap is arranged on at least one outer portion of the front shielding and comprises at least one conductive material. The wave choke device includes further a plurality of lamellae arranged uniformly in the at least partially open side of the wave trap, which lamellae comprises at least one conductive material. The wave choke device comprises one single piece made of a perforated material, wherein said one single piece includes at least the front shielding and the wave trap. The present invention relates further to a corresponding oven door and a corresponding microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation
    Inventors: Norbert Danzer, Martin Gasch, Abdel-Ilah Zbat, Arnd Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7525074
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for detecting a presence of metal objects placed in a microwave cooking unit. A metal detection unit is activated to scan for the presence of a metal object placed into a cooking area of the microwave cooking unit. In response to receiving an indicator of the presence of a metal object from the metal detection unit, the process generates an alert indicating the presence of the metal object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Edward Bostick, Randolph Michael Forlenza, John Paul Kaemmerer, Raghuraman Kalyanaraman, Courtney Joseph Spooner
  • Patent number: 7511251
    Abstract: A magnetron is provided including a yoke having an internal space, a first magnet provided at one end of the internal space, a second magnet provided at a second end of the internal space, the second magnet being axially spaced from the first magnet. Further, an anode cylinder that generates radio frequency energy may be provided axially between the first and second magnets, a first pole piece and a second pole piece may be provided proximate first and second openings of the anode cylinder, respectively. Additionally, the magnetron may also include a seal that intercepts external leakage, the seal may have an inward protrusion extending axially towards the anode cylinder; and a choke filter that intercepts external leakage provided proximate the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Won Baek, Jong-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7145118
    Abstract: A microwave oven protective circuit arrangement is disclosed to include a cutoff switch electrically connected between a power supply unit and a microwave oven for controlling the supply of electricity from the power supply unit to the microwave oven, and a detector provided outside the microwave oven to detect leakage of the microwave produced by the microwave oven and to output a cutoff signal to the cutoff switch to cut off electricity from the microwave oven when detected a leakage of the microwave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Jing Wu
  • Patent number: 6952000
    Abstract: A rice cooking system for a microwave oven comprises an inner cooking container for containing rice and rice cooking water, main outer container holding the inner container with a space in between their side surfaces, a lid covering the outer container, and a foam control sheet having a plurality of small holes 52 and supported between the outer container and the lid. The inner cooking container is made of metal and has a folded or rolled a rim. A step at the bottom of the outer container locates the inner cooking container so that its outer wall is spaced from the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Yoshio Ohyama
  • Patent number: 6852958
    Abstract: Container designed to contain a product having to be heated by applying microwaves, the container having a side wall (10) and an end wall (12) formed by a base or a lid and means (10A) for limiting the penetration of the microwaves through the side wall (10), compared with the penetration of the microwaves through a central region of the end wall (12). Advantageously, the container according to the invention further comprises means (12A) for concentrating the microwaves in a central region of the end wall (12), the said means being formed by an excess thickness of a dielectric material, the dielectric constant of which is at least equal to 1.5, preferably greater than 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Microondes Energie Systèmes
    Inventors: Alain Germain, André-Jean Berteaud, Mostafa El Haba, Patrick Mahe
  • Patent number: 6689994
    Abstract: Disclosed is an antenna radiation heater (2) to heat material using molecular resonance. A plurality of surface antenna elements (3), each having a carrier surface material (11) and a radiation coating (10) applied thereon are connected by two spaced apart electrical conductors (14, 15) in parallel, with electrical contacts as antenna limiters and with which high-frequency electromagnetic radiation can be emitted. The antenna (2) includes a harmonic generator, coupled to electrical conductors (14, 15) of element (3) for excitation of the coating (10) for emitting an oscillation spectrum within the range of natural molecular frequencies of the material being heated. The radiation coating (10) is unilaterally applied to the carrier material (11) and forms an element front facing the material being heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Moletherm Holding AG
    Inventor: Helmut Reichelt
  • Patent number: 6559430
    Abstract: A method for controlling heating and avoiding arcing in microwave food packaging having a conductive material such as a metal foil on the packaging by controlling the cross-sectional shape of the foil to have a predetermined shape at the edge portion of the foil including controlling a wedge angle and a corner radius of the edge of the foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal J. Monforton, Hong Ji, Clifton F. Richardson, Achilles D. Speliotopoulos
  • Patent number: 6429370
    Abstract: Using a new compound to produce a magnetic tape having low electrical resistivity and high magnetic absorptivity. The magnetic tape self-adheres around a cabinet door opening such that when a cabinet door is closed, the magnetic tape provides an EMI seal with low electrical resistivity and high magnetic absorptivity. In addition, the magnetic tape electrically connects the door to the cabinet. To achieve greater EMI shielding, separate magnetic tape pieces can be positioned on both the cabinet and cabinet door. The compound is of a magnetically lossy Manganese-Zinc (soft ferrite material) having a complex permeability plus cobalt, nickel, or iron (ferromagnetic materials). The Manganese-Zinc material may be Product 3S1, 3S4, 3C11, 3E25 or 3E27 manufactured by the Phillips Corporation of The Netherlands which is readily commercially available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Norte, Woong K. Yoon
  • Patent number: 6265703
    Abstract: A technique for passive suppression of arcs within a microwave frequency waveguide section. The waveguide is configured to have a bend at a point where the naturally, relatively high location occurs within the run. The bend at the high point causes arcs to be trapped as heat naturally collects within the waveguide at such predictable locations. Vent holes formed in the exterior portion of the waveguide at this point allow trapped hot air gases to escape, and cause the arc to be drawn towards the sidewall of the waveguide at a point where the voltage approaches zero. Presenting this region of zero voltage to the arc causes the arc to extinguish itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Ferrite Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Alton
  • Patent number: 5965056
    Abstract: A radio wave absorbent comprises an Ni--Cu--Zn base ferrite having a major composition comprising 49 to less than 50 mol % of Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, 32 to 35 mol % of ZnO, 3 to 9 mol % of CuO and 9 to 14 mol % of NiO. The radio wave absorbent further contains an additive molybdenum oxide in an amount of greater than 0 to 0.10 wt %, calculated as MoO.sub.3, with the proviso that the total amount of the major composition is 100 wt %. The radio wave absorbent may be used as an exterior or interior material for a building or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Okuyama, Yutaka Saito
  • Patent number: 5961872
    Abstract: A metal container which can be utilized in a microwave oven has an interior and an exterior defined by a bottom and at least one side wall. Each side wall has a height which does not exceed 40 percent of the wavelength of the microwave radiation. The container is adapted to receive an object into its interior through an open top. Microwave-transparent electrical insulation is disposed on each side wall and on that part of the bottom which would, in the absence of insulation, contact the floor of the oven. This microwave transparent electrical insulation may be a coating on the metal, a label, or a sleeve placed around the container. A microwave transparent, electrically-insulating cap is removably disposed at the top of the container. The top of the container also may have a removable seal disposed thereon. Also, a method for storing an object, then subjecting the object to microwave radiation comprising first placing the object in the removably sealed metal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Campbell Soup Company
    Inventors: Frederick E. Simon, Frederick Rick Green, Kelly A. Iliescu
  • Patent number: 5951906
    Abstract: A collapsible microwave oven includes a main body, a cooking chamber defined within the main body, a magnetron for radiating high frequency microwaves to the cooking chamber, a high voltage transformer for applying high voltage to the magnetron, and an electronic component case containing the magnetron and the high voltage transformer. The electronic component case is mounted on the main body to be insertable into and withdrawable from the main body, whereby the space occupied by the oven can be reduced when the oven is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Jun Sung
  • Patent number: 5844216
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing arcing and localized heating as a result of applying microwave energy to a microelectronic substrate having electronic components thereon is provided. A microwave furnace having a chamber is configured to secure a microelectronic substrate therewithin. The microelectronic substrate is electrically interconnected with a ground connected to an interior wall of the microwave furnace. A holder for securing a microelectronic substrate during the application of microwave energy and for providing the necessary electrical connections for grounding components and circuitry thereon is also provided. The holder may have a heat sink for protection against heat build-up and for maintaining a microelectronic substrate in a substantially flat orientation during microwave processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Lambda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Richard S. Garard, Jianghua Wei
  • Patent number: 5811769
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Quiclave, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Frank Schiffmann, Jeffery Scott Held
  • Patent number: 5750968
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for reducing arcing and localized heating as a result of applying microwave energy to a microelectronic substrate having electronic components thereon is provided. A microwave furnace having a chamber is configured to secure a microelectronic substrate therewithin. The microelectronic substrate is electrically interconnected with a ground connected to an interior wall of the microwave furnace. A holder for securing a microelectronic substrate during the application of microwave energy and for providing the necessary electrical connections for grounding components and circuitry thereon is also provided. The holder may have a heat sink for protection against heat build-up and for maintaining a microelectronic substrate in a substantially flat orientation during microwave processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lambda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Richard S. Gerard, Jianghua Wei
  • Patent number: 5645748
    Abstract: A microwave sterilization system including a microwave oven having a microwave source that produces microwave radiation. The oven encloses a first chamber and a second chamber. Each chamber has a pouch containing an object and is positioned therein so as to be exposed to the microwave radiation, wherein each pouch has an interior which contains the object corresponding to that pouch. The system further includes a sensor system for detecting the temperatures of said both interiors and produces signals representative of those temperatures. Those signals are sent to the microwave source so as to control the emission of microwave radiation from the microwave source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Quiclave, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Frank Schiffmann, Jeffery Scott Held
  • Patent number: 5645749
    Abstract: A heat pack including a flexible water-tight plastic bag, saturated sodium acetate solution contained in the plastic bag, and an activator disposed in contact with the saturated sodium acetate solution and operated to activate the saturated sodium acetate solution, causing the saturated sodium acetate solution to crystallize, wherein the activator is covered within a plastic shell. According to another embodiment of the invention, the activator is a metal plate having a frosted outside wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Wang
  • Patent number: 5591361
    Abstract: A protective enclosure is provided for a laser system having a laser generator for generating and directing a laser beam to a laser workstation. The enclosure includes a housing having an inner cavity for containing the laser workstation. The housing further includes a section having an opening through which workpieces pass into and out of the inner cavity. The enclosure additionally includes a rotary turntable for moving the workpieces through the opening into and out of the inner cavity, and passive sealing members movably coupled to the section for sealing a portion of the rotary turntable with a portion of the section to inhibit laser energy from exiting the housing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Motoman, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Hostler, William H. DeCamp, Daniel W. Slanker
  • Patent number: 5523548
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneo Tsukagoshi, Kenichi Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 5516495
    Abstract: A case for use in disinfecting soft contact lenses including a pair of lens-receiving compartments formed by a first pair of substantially dome-shaped members mounted on a first cover member and a second pair of substantially dome-shaped members mounted on a second cover member. The dome-shaped members shield the interior of the lens-receiving compartments from microwave radiation when the case is used in a heat disinfecting process in which microwave radiation is utilized. The dome-shaped members of the first and second pairs are adapted to be brought into contiguous relationship to thereby form the pair of compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Flexiclave, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Kutner, Daniel A. Latowicki, Kenneth E. Malech
  • Patent number: 5464963
    Abstract: A protective enclosure is provided for a laser system having a laser generator for generating and directing a laser beam to a laser workstation. The enclosure includes a housing having an inner cavity for containing the laser workstation. The housing further includes a section having an opening through which workpieces pass into and out of the inner cavity. The enclosure additionally includes a rotary turntable for moving the workpieces through the opening into and out of the inner cavity, and passive sealing members movably coupled to the section for sealing a portion of the rotary turntable with a portion of the section to inhibit laser energy from exiting the housing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Motoman Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Hostler, William H. DeCamp, Daniel W. Slanker
  • Patent number: 5424515
    Abstract: The present invention features a UV tube detector for sensing a resonant arcing condition in a microwave environment. Where clothing or fabric is being dried in a magnetron-powered, microwave chamber, the UV tube detector is placed in proximity to the fabric. The UV tube detector senses a possible resonant arcing condition related to small metal objects hidden in the material. Upon the sensing of arcing, the UV tube provides a signal for shutting down the magnetron power. In conjunction with UV detection, the moisture condition can be monitored during the drying cycle. At a point in the microwave heating cycle consistent with an "end of microwave heating cycle" or "near dryness", the power output of the magnetrons is reduced or terminated. The moist fabric can then be dried via reduced microwave heating and/or by normal heating methods, including, but not limited to, electrical radiant heating and convection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Micro Dry Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Gentile
  • Patent number: 5357088
    Abstract: A method for making a photographic composition gel ready for use in production from a good preservative frozen state, causing no change in photographic properties, wherein a photographic composition gel is melted to a sol by placing a light shielding dielectric preservative container holding lumps of a photographic composition gel in a dielectric heating apparatus which generates high frequencies capable of penetrating to a depth corresponding to the size of the above photographic composition gel lumps, and melting the photographic composition gel to a sol by irradiating the lumps of gel with the above high frequencies from the outside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Suzuki, Hideaki Kimura, Kazuyoshi Ichikawa, Sanae Oyama