Abstract: A wall-mounted type microwave oven includes an outer cabinet defining an outer appearance thereof, an inner cabinet disposed in the outer cabinet to define a flow path therebetween, a sensor disposed in the flow path to check conditions of air flowing in the flow path, and a terminal unit connected to the sensor to transmit electric power and control signals to the sensor. The flow path includes a fitting hole to hold the sensor and the terminal unit. A sensor holder receives the sensor and the terminal unit, and is detachably fitted in the fitting hole. Only an operation of separating the sensor holder from a guide duct is performed in the guide duct, and an operation of pulling the sensor and the terminal unit out of the sensor holder and detaching the sensor from the terminal unit is performed outside the guide duct.

Abstract: A device for heating a material utilizes a rectangular waveguide with an elongated opening for passing a planar material through the rectangular waveguide. A source creates an electric field between a top surface and a bottom surface of the rectangular waveguide. The electric field is controlled to compensate for attenuation of the electric field. The electric field can be controlled by, for example, using a dielectric slab along the top surface of the rectangular waveguide or a tapered dielectric slab along the top surface of the rectangular waveguide. The electric field can also be controlled by, for example, making the waveguide appear electrically wider at one end. The waveguide can be made to appear electrically wider at one end by, for example, inserting one or more tapered fins. The tapered fins can be adjusted or removed to account for the lossiness of the planar material.

Abstract: A rotary nozzle device has: a nozzle composed of plural rotatable hollow links which are mutually passable through, a pump for press-feeding a fluid into the hollow links, and at least one fluid injection port in at least one hollow link of the nozzle, wherein the fluid is injected from the injection port while the hollow link is rotated by the force of the fluid pressurized by the pump, and the motion of the injection port is set in chaotic state by adjusting a characteristic of the nozzle.

Abstract: A microwave oven effectively and uniformly cooks large-sized food even though the food inhibits a proper rotation of a cooking tray in a cooking cavity of the microwave oven. An upper wave dispersing unit is provided at a top wall of the cooking cavity and primarily disperses microwaves from the top wall into the cooking cavity. A side wave dispersing unit is provided at a second sidewall of the cooking cavity opposite to a first sidewall of the cooking cavity. The first sidewall partitions the cooking cavity from a machine room of the microwave oven. The side wave dispersing unit secondarily disperses the primarily dispersed microwaves in the cooking cavity. The second sidewall of the cooking cavity has a recess which receives a fan of the side wave dispersing unit. A cover is installed in front of the recess to cover the fan of the side wave dispersing unit. The cover is made of a transparent material and allows a user to view a rotational operation of the side wave dispersing unit.

Abstract: The apparatus for uniformly dispersing the microwave comprises a body including a plurality of reflective portions which are made of materials capable of reflecting the microwave and have the horizontal top surfaces and vertical side surfaces. The width of the plurality of reflective portions is set as 1/n times as large as a wavelength &lgr;g of the microwave. The depth of each of the plurality of reflective portions may be set as a value obtained by multiplying the remainder, which is obtained by dividing the power of a natural number for the least primitive root of a prime number by the prime number, by the width of the reflective portion under a condition that a datum plane is defined by a height from the bottom surface corresponding to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the reflective portion by (prime number−1).

Abstract: An instrument is disclosed for microwave-assisted chemical processes that avoids tuning discrepancies that otherwise result based upon the materials being heated. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, a waveguide in communication with the source, with at least a portion of the waveguide forming a cylindrical arc, a cylindrical cavity immediately surrounded by the cylindrical arc portions of the waveguide, and at least three slotted openings in the circumference of the circular waveguide that provide microwave communication between the waveguide and the cavity.

Abstract: An elliptical exposure chamber has an extended focal region. A plurality of cylindrical reactors (25) form the extended focal region. Reducing the size of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) reduces the amount of energy reflected and increases the overall heating. In order to efficiently deliver the electromagnetic energy to the reduced opening (58), a tapered waveguide (55) has a concave end (56). A power splitter (42) divides power from a central waveguide (52) to the plurality of reactors (25). The power that is delivered to each reactor (25) can be adjusted by adjusting the impedance of each reactor (25), the width of each reactor (25) or the width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25). The width of the opening (58) to each reactor (25) can be controlled by a movable metal plate (44). A dielectric wheel can be used to shift hot spots along the focal region.

Abstract: The apparatus for uniformly dispersing the microwave comprises a body including a plurality of reflective portions which are made of materials capable of reflecting the microwave and have the horizontal top surfaces and vertical side surfaces. The width of the plurality of reflective portions is set as 1/n times as large as a wavelength &lgr;g of the microwave. The depth of each of the plurality of reflective portions may be set as a value obtained by multiplying the remainder, which is obtained by dividing the power of a natural number for the least primitive root of a prime number by the prime number, by the width of the reflective portion under a condition that a datum plane is defined by a height from the bottom surface corresponding to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the reflective portion by (prime number −1).

Abstract: In a microwave oven system comprising at least one magnetron of a given operating frequency and a mains unit for the at least one magnetron, the at least one magnetron of a given operating frequency is replaceable by a magnetron of another operating frequency. The magnetrons of the different operating frequencies have at least approximately the same mechanical dimensions so that they can be easily replaced quickly. The mains unit can be used for the different magnetrons in unchanged form or in a form involving minor modifications, without any change in the electrical parameters or with a slight change therein, thereby affording interchangeability of the various magnetrons.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes repeated sets of metallic foil or high optical density evaporated material segments disposed on a substrate. Each set of metallic segments is arranged to define a perimeter having a length equal to a predetermined fraction of the operating or effective wavelength of an operating microwave oven. The repeated sets of segments act both as a shield to microwave energy and as focusing elements for microwave energy when used in conjunction with food products, while remaining electrically safe in the absence of the food products.

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: An instrument for microwave-assisted chemical processes is disclosed that provides greater flexibility in carrying out microwave-assisted chemistry under varying conditions. The instrument includes a source of microwave radiation, and a cavity in communication with the source, with the cavity including at least one wall formed of two engaged portions that form a barrier to the transmission of microwaves when so engaged. The engaged portions are disengagable from one another, and one of the portions includes a microwave-attenuating opening.

Abstract: Method for shielding against dangerous microwave radiation during drying of a surface of a water damaged building part by one or more mobile unit(s) emitting microwave radiation against the surface that is being dried, which method comprises installing a temporary, easily applied and removed, metal foil as a partially covering of the surface to be dried so that microwave radiation can be reflected back onto the surface to be dried while allowing evaporated water to escape from the surface at uncovered areas. The foil is applied to cause the radiation to pass through at least 50 cm of the building material to utilize the inherent quenching effect of the building material to help dry the water damaged building part surface. Preferably, the foil is an aluminum foil and the building part is a ceiling, floor, or a wall of a building, and the foil is applied to surround the building part except in the area(s) of the mobile unit(s).

Abstract: Embodiments include a process including providing a microwave radiation source and a processing chamber. The process includes generating a region of pure magnetic field from the microwave radiation in the processing chamber. A region of pure electric field from the microwave radiation is also generated. A material is positioned in the region of pure magnetic field while no portion of the material is positioned in the region of pure electric field, and the material is heated in the region of pure magnetic field. The heating may be conducted to sinter the material. The material may includes a metal.

Abstract: A uniform heating structure for a microwave oven is provided. The structure of the invention includes: a magnetron for generating microwaves, a wave guide for guiding the microwaves generated by the magnetron, a pair of openings for radiating the microwaves guided by the wave guide in the form of circular polarized waves, and a cavity which is shaped in a polyhedron more than a rectangular and in which more than one interior walls constructing the polyhedron slope at a predetermined angle(&thgr;1) excepting a right angle with respect to a neighboring interior wall. With this structure, the microwaves generated by the magnetron are reflected to be delivered to food through a sloping interior wall of the cavity while being radiated to the cavity through the wave guide and the openings, thus ensuring a uniform distribution of the microwaves throughout the food and making the food uniformly cooked.

Abstract: An apparatus for dampening standing wave pattern generation in a closed cavity of a microwave oven, includes a fluid table having an enclosure made of a microwave energy transparent material, such as plastic, and a structure, such as top flat platform held in place by the enclosure, for defining a processing surface for placement thereupon of samples to be processed, and a quantity of dielectric fluid contained by the enclosure so as to provide a large flat surface of the dielectric fluid beneath the flat platform and thus below the processing surface. The apparatus also includes mechanisms for recirculating the dielectric fluid to and from the enclosure and for cooling the dielectric fluid to maintain the dielectric fluid within a given narrow range of temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for dampening standing wave pattern generation in a closed cavity of a microwave oven, includes a fluid table having an enclosure made of a microwave energy transparent material, such as plastic, and a structure, such as top flat platform held in place by the enclosure, for defining a processing surface for placement thereupon of samples to be processed, and a quantity of dielectric fluid contained by the enclosure so as to provide a large flat surface of the dielectric fluid beneath the flat platform and thus below the processing surface. The apparatus also includes mechanisms for recirculating the dielectric fluid to and from the enclosure and for cooling the dielectric fluid to maintain the dielectric fluid within a given narrow range of temperatures.

Abstract: An electromagnetic exposure chamber has an exterior conducting surface that forms an interior cavity. The exterior conducting surface has a first substantially planar surface, a second substantially planar surface, a first end, and a second end. The first end has an opening for an electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave forms an electric field. The second end has an elliptical shape that directs the electromagnetic wave to a focal region that extends from the first substantially planar surface to the second substantially planar surface. A second opening through the top surface is aligned with the electromagnetic field. It is possible to pass a material through the second opening. If the opening is aligned with the focal region, the heating is increased. If the opening is aligned with a peak of the electromagnetic wave, the heating is increased and the need for dielectric slabs is decreased. A choke prevents the escape of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus designed to allow concentration of microwave power to a liquid sample to be processed, by use of a field-perturbing tool disposed within or proximate to the volume of liquid. Uniformity of processing is achieved by circulating the liquid past the tool during processing. The apparatus and method is particularly useful when used to excite a nonlinear process whereby greater overall process efficiency may be achieved.

Abstract: An electromagnetic exposure chamber has an exterior conducting surface that forms an interior cavity. The exterior conducting surface has a first substantially planar surface, a second substantially planar surface, a first end, and a second end. The first end has an opening for an electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave forms an electric field. The second end has an elliptical shape that directs the electromagnetic wave to a focal region that extends from the first substantially planar surface to the second substantially planar surface. A second opening through the top surface is aligned with the electromagnetic field. It is possible to pass a material through the second opening. If the opening is aligned with the focal region, the heating is increased. If the opening is aligned with a peak of the electromagnetic wave, the heating is increased and the need for dielectric slabs is decreased. A choke prevents the escape of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A microwave waveguide or resonator for conducting microwaves of high energy density at high temperature for sintering hard materials has a support of a highly heat-resistant material and a laminated body at least partially mounted on the support and having a surface coating consisting of nitrides, carbides, or carbonitrides of elements of the IVa to VIa groups of the periodic system and having a thickness between 0.10 &mgr;m and 100 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating a microwave oven using a deterministic chaotic signal. The microwave oven includes a heating compartment, a magnetron for generating microwaves, a waveguide for directing the microwaves into the heating compartment and a chaotic signal generator for driving the magnetron. The characteristics of the chaotic signal are adjusted to tend to vary the output energy of the magnetron and increase the uniformity of the microwaves in the heating compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids is disclosed. One or more receptacles for holding fluids are located in an interior cavity formed by an exterior conductive surface. In one embodiment, the receptacles are spaced from a side of the exterior conductive surface a distance equal to an odd multiple of 1/4 of a wavelength. In another embodiment, bases of the receptacles are spaced a distance equal to slightly less than an odd multiple of 1/4 of a wavelength from the bottom of the exterior conductive surface. In a further embodiment, a receptacle has a pointed base for enhancing the heating of fluids. Furthermore, receptacles can be formed with bases spaced an odd multiple of 1/4 of a wavelength from at least two adjacent sides of the exterior conductive surface. Receptacles can be formed in a platform that may be made to fit into preexisting electromagnetic heating chambers.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a magnetron (6) mounted on a top surface of a wave guide (7). A bottom surface of wave guide (7) is inclined towards the bottom of the wave guide opening. A metal plate (9) is provided with a predetermined clearance above the bottom surface of wave guide (7). The microwaves are irradiated from an antenna (10) of magnetron (6) and travel along the bottom surface of wave guide (7). The microwaves are guided to an opening (8) under regulation by a metal plate (9) dispersion, and thus the microwaves reach the opening without suffering from the loss of energy. An object of heating (1) is irradiated directly by the microwaves with an improved heating efficiency.

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: 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 microwave oven and microwave heating method generates microwaves within a cavity in a predetermined mode such that there is a known region of uniform microwave field. Samples placed in the region will then be heated in a relatively identical manner. Where perturbations induced by the samples are significant, samples are arranged in a symmetrical distribution so that the cumulative perturbation at each sample location is the same.

Abstract: A feed that provides circularly polarized microwave energy such as for energizing a cavity in a microwave oven. The feed includes a transformer to match a linearly polarized rectangular waveguide to an exit waveguide which may be circular or square in cross section. The exit waveguide contains an asymmetrical element that provides symmetry about a plane only. The asymmetrical element therefore introduces a difference in microwave electrical phase of 90 degrees for polarizations which are respectively parallel to and perpendicular to the symmetry plane. The two components add to provide circularly polarized energy at constant magnitude but continually rotating phase. An extension may be used to modify the spread and matching of the energy from the exit waveguide into the enclosure.

Abstract: A microwave applicator includes an elongated chamber, preferably having a cylindrical shape, for processing materials therein. A waveguide, connected to the elongated chamber, couples microwave power into the elongated chamber. The cross-sectional area of the elongated chamber can be mechanically adjusted to control and maintain the microwave field uniformity and resonant mode, preferably the length independent mode TM.sub.010, during the processing of the material. The applicator can thus provide microwave energy having a substantially uniform field distribution over a large area for processing materials, for example, a web or sheet like product, plywood and pre-impregnated cloth, in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A microwave applicator includes an elongated chamber, preferably having a cylindrical shape, for processing materials therein. A waveguide, connected to the elongated chamber, couples microwave power into the elongated chamber. The cross-sectional area of the elongated chamber can be mechanically adjusted to control and maintain the microwave field uniformity and resonant mode, preferably the length independent mode TM.sub.010, during the processing of the material. The applicator can thus provide microwave energy having a substantially uniform field distribution over a large area for processing materials in a non-continuous, semi-continuous or fully continuous manner.

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: The invention relates to a device for heat treating products by microwave radiation with a heating chamber to take the products in which the microwaves (16) can be coupled to a device (12) in the heating chamber (2) and the heating chamber (2) has at least one wall (13) which reflects the microwaves (16).

Abstract: A microwave grilling apparatus comprising a continuous conductive grill element which is a continuous element shaped into a plurality of elements segments. At least a portion of the cross-sectional area of the elements segments of the continuous grill element has a surface area between about 5.times.10.sup.-3 cm.sup.2 to about 0.1 cm.sup.2. Additionally, a microwave grilling apparatus comprising multiple continuous grill elements and at least one tray is provided. The grill elements can be rectangular, round or other geometric configurations and are used for grilling comestibles in a microwave oven.

Abstract: An even heating apparatus for converting microwave energy emitted from a magnetron to a plurality of resonant modes in a heating chamber of a microwave oven for thereby evenly heating the food in the heating chamber includes an antenna array plate including a plurality of antennas therein. The apparatus evenly heats food in the heating chamber by fixing the antenna array plate having multiple antennas therein spaced from the ceiling of the heating chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microwaveable food product composite containing a coating food product and a mode filtering structure wherein the food product has a crumb coating having an average crumb size of greater than 1.5 mm and an air gap of from 1 to 6 mm between the food product and the mode filtering structure such that the electric field strength generated within the mode filtering structure, when used in a commercially available microwave oven, is greater than 20 kV/m, but below the breakdown voltage of air. Such composite products are useful in enhancing the heating of the surface layer of the coated food product by a microwave energy.

Abstract: A transport system for transporting a recording sheet having liquid ink deposited thereon through a dryer for drying the liquid ink having an input portion and an output portion. The transport system includes a transport belt disposed between the input portion and the output portion for transporting the recording sheet through the dryer. A negative pressure member is located beneath the belt and defines a negative pressure chamber. The pressure member decreases the pressure within the pressure member so that a non-uniform negative pressure is applied to the recording sheet during transport through the dryer. A directing member located within a plenum directs differing negative pressures within the plenum such that negative pressures decrease in amplitude along the transport direction. The application of a negative pressure within the plenum also tends to reduce or remove evaporated liquid driven from the inks during drying.

Abstract: A microwave oven in which a plurality of projections are formed on an interior surface of a cavity for reflection and distribution of microwaves. The plurality of projections are dispersedly arranged so that neighboring projections do not contact each other. With this arrangement, microwaves can be efficiently distributed within the cavity, since the interior surface of the cavity does not have any depressions which would converge microwaves.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for simultaneous treatment in a wet medium of four samples contained in four flasks placed in a microwave application cavity, four microwave deflectors being placed inside the application cavity. According to the invention, each deflector is formed by a cylindrical surface that surrounds a fraction of the outside surface of the flask, which fraction lies in the range one-fourth to one-half and the deflectors are symmetrically disposed in pairs about the axis X of the application cavity, and they are disposed for the most part on opposite sides of planes containing the axis X and the two axes of the corresponding flasks, the concave sides of the four deflectors facing in alternating directions.

Abstract: A container constituted of a microwave transparent material for the heating or cooking of foods or comestibles through the intermediary of microwaves at a high degree of efficiency and with an enhanced temperature uniformity.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic-wave-operated heating apparatus in which, with a body to be heated such as a living body inserted into the cavity resonator incorporating at least one reentrant, an electromagnetic wave produced by high frequency energy supplied into the cavity resonator is used to heat the body; an electric field concentrating member is provided between the reentrant and the body in such a manner that the electric field concentrating member is provided to be electrically disconnected to the reentrant, whereby, under an ordinary condition that the body held in the apparatus is not in parallel with the end face of the reentrant, a deep portion of the body can be heated with high efficiency.

Abstract: A method of sintering ceramic materials following: A compacted article comprising inorganic particles coated with carbon is provided, the carbon providing improved microwave coupling. The compacted article is then heated by microwave radiation to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to sinter the compacted article.

Abstract: A variable frequency microwave furnace system (10) designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity (34) for testing or other selected applications. The variable frequency microwave furnace system (10) includes a microwave signal generator (12) or microwave voltage-controlled oscillator (14) for generating a low-power microwave signal for input to the microwave furnace. A first amplifier (18) may be provided to amplify the magnitude of the signal output from the microwave signal generator (12) or the microwave voltage-controlled oscillator (14). A second amplifier (20) is provided for processing the signal output by the first amplifier (18). The second amplifier (20) outputs the microwave signal input to the furnace cavity (34). In the preferred embodiment, the second amplifier (20) is a traveling-wave tube (TWT). A power supply (22) is provided for operation of the second amplifier (20).

Abstract: Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures.

Abstract: Microwave diffuser films are describe that provide a modified microwave energy field on one side of the diffuser film and on the other side. The films include an insulative substrate having a first side upon which is deposited a metallic coating capable of selectively reflecting a portion of incoming microwave energy. A coating is formed in a plurality of discrete areas having a predetermined reflectivity. The shape and spacing of the areas may be varied so that energy emission from noncoated surfaces of the substrate is spatially distributed in one or more ways; i.e. the energy emission more uniform than the energy impinging on the coated surface, the energy emission is focused on one or more particular location and/or the energy emission is shielded. A food packaging system for microwave cooking, which includes the microwave diffuser film of this invention, is also described.

Abstract: A piece of microwave-active tape which is odor-free and physiologically inert can be adhered to a food package and remains strongly adhered during cooking at temperatures of at least 200.degree. C. The tape has layers of microwave-active material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive which is a polymeric .alpha.-olefin that has been cured to afford a "Peel Value" of at least 5 N/dm and a "Shrink Back" at 220.degree. C. of less than 5%. The tape can have a flexible backing such as a low-adhesion carrier web which can be stripped off from a piece of the tape that has been applied to a microwave food package, or when the backing is heat-resistant, it can be left in place.

Abstract: A thermocompensated susceptor laminate is described comprising a microwave transparent sheet, e.g., paper, paperboard or plastic, having two layers thereon. One layer is a microwave interactive susceptor layer, e.g., a dried dispersion comprising a film-forming vehicle together with microwave interactive particles such as metal, metal oxide, carbon or graphite that absorbs microwave energy to produce heat in a microwave oven. The second layer is an attenuator layer which includes electrically nonconductive thermocompensating particles of a mineral. One mineral attenuator is a hydrate containing bound water and having a dissociation temperature between about 100.degree. F. and 500.degree. F., at which temperature the bound water is released therefrom to prevent overheating of the laminate.