Enclosed Cavity Structure Patents (Class 219/756)
  • Publication number: 20020060219
    Abstract: A space saving cooking appliance having a shape that conserves counter space and/or room space with either a prism shaped outer case that has an apex in the rear to match a corner, or a flat back that can be pushed up against a wall. The front of the appliance can be curved or arcuate forming a part of an ellipse or circle. The cooking space inside the appliance can be cylindrical or spherical, and in the case where the appliance is a microwave oven, can form a cylindrical or spherical cavity where a uniform cavity mode field can be excited to promote uniform cooking. On the front of the arcuate surface there can be a door that completes the arcuate surface when it closes, and on its inner side is shaped so that it completes the cylindrical or spheroidal cooking space when it is closed. One embodiment is a partial spheroid appliance with a flat bottom. The cooking space in this case is a partial spheroid. In all embodiments, auxiliary side appliances can be located left and right of the main cooking area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Zenon Rypan
  • Patent number: 6392212
    Abstract: A microwave oven is conveniently used even when a vibration and/or shock are applied to a vessel containing food by preventing the vessel from falling down. The microwave oven includes a cabinet having a cooking chamber and a driving chamber, a high frequency generating section for generating high frequency waves and supplying the high frequency waves to the cooking chamber, and a vessel supporting section for supporting a vessel containing food in the cooking chamber so as to prevent the vessel from falling due to a vibration and/or shock. The vessel supporting section includes a supporting member selectively installed to be contacted with a certain inner wall of the cooking chamber, and at least a supporting ring installed at a side of the supporting member for receiving and supporting the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-woon Han, Seong-deog Jang, Kwang-seok Kang, Han-jun Sung
  • Patent number: 6384392
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Min Lee, Yang Kyeong Kim, Sung Jin Han
  • Publication number: 20020050491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wall-mounted type microwave oven suspended on an installation surface, including a main body formed with a cooking chamber and a component chamber, an outer casing enclosing the main body, defining an outer appearance of the microwave oven, and a grill member installed between the main body and the outer casing, comprising at least one bracket having one end coupled to the main body and the other end coupled to the installation surface together with the planar surface of the outer casing; and a plurality of fastening members for coupling the reinforcement bracket and the outer casing to the installation surface. With this configuration, there is provided a microwave oven capable of being easily mounted in suspension structure where there is no cabinet having an installation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: An-sik Kim
  • Patent number: 6373037
    Abstract: A convection cooking appliance includes an oven cavity and an air channel assembly that extends about at least a portion of the oven cavity. The air channel assembly includes an air delivery section and a return section, both of which are preferably attached to the oven cavity through a quick latching connection. More specifically, the air delivery section is preferably mounted about an opening in a top wall of the oven cavity through a twist lock arrangement, while the return section is mounted about another opening formed in a bottom wall of the oven cavity also through a twist lock. The overall appliance also incorporates a microwave unit and a metal gasket is interposed at the connections of each of the air delivery section and the return section to the oven cavity in order to provide a continuous ground path between the components in order to contain the microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: John Scott Brown, William Edward Jay
  • Patent number: 6369372
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wall-mounted type microwave oven suspended on an installation surface, including a main body formed with a cooking chamber and a component chamber, an outer casing enclosing the main body, defining an outer appearance of the microwave oven, and a grill member installed between the main body and the outer casing, comprising at least one bracket having one end coupled to the main body and the other end coupled to the installation surface together with the planar surface of the outer casing; and a plurality of fastening members for coupling the reinforcement bracket and the outer casing to the installation surface. With this configuration, there is provided a microwave oven capable of being easily mounted in suspension structure where there is no cabinet having an installation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: An-sik Kim
  • Patent number: 6368544
    Abstract: All of the current processes for making molded particleboard products require very long furnish dwell times within a heated press, due to the low heat transfer rates from the heated molds to the furnish being compressed. Furnish dwell times vary between approximately one minute to more than 10 minutes, depending upon the part thickness. Since profitability of a particleboard molding operation is closely related to product throughput, these long furnish dwell times within the heated press limit production rates and continue to be a major economic concern to the industry. The essence of the invention is a heretofore unsuggested use of radiowave energy to speed production of molded particleboard parts by preheating the furnish prior to the application of heat and pressure within the forming mold. Because radiowaves propagate readily throughout the volume of the furnish, rapid heating is obtainable even for a loose, uncompacted particulate furnish that has very poor thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas L. Owens
  • Publication number: 20020023922
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Young Min Lee, Yang Kyeong Kim, Sung Jin Han
  • Patent number: 6342693
    Abstract: A pleated microwave oven liner comprising a plurality of liner pleats, is expandable in the preferred embodiment from initial dimensions of approximately 6 inches in height by 11 inches in width, to final dimensions as large as approximately 15 inches in height by 21 inches in width, by ⅛ inch increments. This microwave oven liner, by virtue of its resizability (scalability), can be used to protect a wide range of sizes of microwave oven from spills and spatters associated with the microwave cooking and heating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: Rose Mary Smith, Elizabeth Hogan, David Hogan
  • Publication number: 20010045430
    Abstract: A new and improved microwave oven is disclosed which would be transportable and possess alternate power means other than a standard household alternating current connection. The present invention would be analogous to a standard microwave oven but would be approximately the size of a small to medium-sized toaster oven. In addition, the present invention could use one of several possible power sources, including a cigarette lighter adapter, a 12 volt battery, or a rechargeable battery. The present invention would be very convenient for a driver or passengers of a vehicle, and would also be convenient for outdoor use in a wide variety of situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Heshmat Bashra Mawoud
  • Publication number: 20010045429
    Abstract: A microwave oven has an oven cavity with a wall (2) formed with a hole (6) covered on an external side of the wall by a metal launch box (8) and choke plate (7). A metal match plate (10) is mounted on the internal side of the wall (2) so that the match plate (10) and the launch box (8) form a launch cavity for delivering microwave energy to the cavity. The choke plate (7) has a peripheral choke channel which prevents leakage of microwave energy between the launch box (8) and choke plate (7), enabling the choke plate (7) and match plate (10) to be bolted to the wall (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth Ian Eke
  • Patent number: 6323471
    Abstract: Microwave and far infrared heating under reduced pressure is carried out on objects to be dried, concentrated, defrosted, roasted or sterilized by placing the objects in plate-shaped or tray-shaped object-holding jigs arranged on a shelf-type jig which is held motionless in a pressure reducing chamber during heating, wherein the provision of reflector plates, reflective frames, specific object-holding jigs and cutting methods are employed to achieve uniform heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Shunichi Yagi
  • Patent number: 6320170
    Abstract: A volatiles analyzer is disclosed that includes a source of microwave radiation that can selectively produce at least one predetermined frequency of microwave radiation. A cavity is in communication with the source. The analyzer includes an analytical pan balance with at least its balance pan in the cavity. The walls of the cavity form a polyhedron that focuses microwave energy of the predetermined frequency on the balance pan while supporting a plurality of TM and TE modes in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cem Corporation
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Matthew Donald Barrett, Edward Earl King
  • Patent number: 6313450
    Abstract: A non-directional frequency generator inputs direct current power and outputs alternating current power. A high voltage transformer inputs the alternating current power, and either induces a higher voltage for driving the magnetron, or induces and outputs a commonly used alternating current power. A button inputting section includes a microwave oven operating button for driving the magnetron, and a voltage supplying button for supplying the commonly used alternating current power. A microcomputer applies the higher voltage of the high voltage transformer to the magnetron when there is a button input through the microwave oven operating button, while outputting the commonly used alternating current power when there is a button input through the voltage supplying button. Further, a socket outlet is formed on the body of the microwave oven, through which the commonly used alternating power generated at the microwave oven is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-woon Han, Seong-deog Jang, Kwang-seok Kang, Han-jun Sung
  • Publication number: 20010035407
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: J. Michael Drozd, William T. Joines
  • Patent number: 6309594
    Abstract: A method of consolidating metal powder to form an object, includes: a) pressing the powder into a preform, and preheating the preform to elevated temperature, b) providing flowable pressure transmitting particles and transmitting microwaves into the particles to heat same, and providing a bed of the flowable and heated pressure transmitting particles, c) positioning the preform in such relation to the bed that the particles substantially encompass the preform, d) and pressurizing the bed to compress said particles and cause pressure transmission to the preform, thereby to consolidate the preform into a desired object shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Ceracon, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry S. Meeks, III, Lucile Lansing
  • Publication number: 20010032845
    Abstract: A volatiles analyzer is disclosed that includes a source of microwave radiation that can selectively produce at least one predetermined frequency of microwave radiation. A cavity is in communication with the source. The analyzer includes an analytical pan balance with at least its balance pan in the cavity. The walls of the cavity form a polyhedron that focuses microwave energy of the predetermined frequency on the balance pan while supporting a plurality of TM and TE modes in the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: William Edward Jennings, Matthew Donald Barrett, Edward Earl King
  • Patent number: 6300610
    Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a main casing with a cooking chamber, a door for opening and closing the cooking chamber, and a magnetron in the main casing, for heating food within the cooking chamber. The microwave oven further comprises a power supply part; a plurality of contact parts provided to the main casing to be spaced from each other, being electrically connected to the power supply part; and a conductive part provided at the door, being electrically connected to the contact parts. With this configuration, the necessary components are decreased in number and the circuit is simplified in structure, thereby saving the cost of production and further improving the stability of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dae-sung Han, Han-sung Kang
  • Patent number: 6297485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microwave oven including a cavity having a certain area for cooking, a magnetron installed at the outside of the cavity for generating microwave, a waveguide installed at the side of the magnetron and its end extended inside of the cavity for transmitting the microwave inside of the cavity. The microwave oven comprises a bidirectional flow channel formed inside of the waveguide for transmitting microwave selectively inside of the cavity in accordance with cooking function, a microwave plate combined to inside of the waveguide so as to be rotational for guiding the microwave to selected direction between the two direction of the flow channel, and a plasma lamp installed adjacent to the side of the bidirectional flow channel for generating radiant energy by being heated by the microwave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Kyeong Kim, Jong Gwan Ryu
  • Patent number: 6297593
    Abstract: A boosting transformer for a high-frequency heating apparatus includes an insulation member, and a primary winding and a secondary winding formed at the insulation member and mutually isolated by the insulation member, each winding having a width and a thickness as measured when the winding is stacked, the width being smaller than the thickness. As such, the boosting transformer can be reduced in height to readily ensure a distance for insulating locations having therebetween a large potential difference from each other in the transformer's internal structure in designing a structure in which the transformer is attached to a high-frequency heating apparatus. Thus the boosting transformer can be attached to the high-frequency heating apparatus at a location less restrictively and such designing can be facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Takashige, Shinichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6271509
    Abstract: A device for thermal treatment of gases and pollutants employs alternate cavity (1) and susceptor (9) geometries for providing more homogeneous interactions of applied electromagnetic energy (6) in the volume of the susceptor (9) regardless of the flow rate and diameter of the exhaust duct (3) width. The heat transfer methods improve the overall heat efficiency of the device. The susceptor (9) structure has reflectivity as principle mode of interaction with applied electromagnetic energy (6) which allows for energy to penetrate the susceptor (9) which is formed of composite susceptive materials. The use of field concentrators (5) to concentrate the energy density of the applied electromagnetic energy (6) provides a simple method of controlling the temperature versus energy in the susceptor (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Robert C. Dalton
  • Publication number: 20010009256
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus has a door for opening and closing the opening of a heating chamber. The door has an operation portion that permits setting of heating conditions such as heating time and heating mode and a display panel for displaying the heating conditions. The door is composed of a door frame constituting the outer frame of the door, and a door screen made of an elastic material and fitted in the door frame. A door sheet is laid over the door screen by being bonded thereto. In the door sheet are formed operation keys that are arranged in the operation portion, a transparent portion that serves as a display window through which to view the display panel, and a transparent portion that serves as a peep window through which to look into the heating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: Tadashi Nasu, Tadanobu Kimura
  • 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: 6265702
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Microwave Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Drozd, William T. Joines
  • Patent number: 6258329
    Abstract: A system for carrying out microwave assisted chemical reactions is disclosed. The system includes a source of microwave radiation; a cavity in communication with the source, an attenuator in communication with the cavity for providing access to the cavity while preventing microwaves from escaping through the attenuator, and a vessel positioned in the cavity and the attenuator and extending externally of the attenuator for holding materials in the cavity while microwaves from the source are applied thereto. The vessel includes a reaction chamber and a venting portion. The chamber portion is positioned entirely within the cavity, and the venting portion extends from the cavity and through the attenuator and externally of the attenuator and has a gas passage for permitting gases to flow to or from the reaction portion from gas sources external to the cavity, the attenuator, and the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: James Nelson Mutterer, Jr., Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6252214
    Abstract: A microwave oven to prevent a tray from deviation from its initial installed position due to vibration and/or shock, so that it can be conveniently used in a vehicle even when the vehicle is in motion. The microwave oven includes a cabinet having a cooking chamber and a driving chamber, high frequency generating section for generating high frequency waves and supplying the high frequency waves to the cooking chamber, a tray rotatably installed on the bottom of the cooking chamber, a food and/or a vessel containing food and being placed on a tray, a tray driving section provided in the driving chamber for rotatably driving the tray, and tray supporting section for rotatably supporting the tray and preventing the deviation of the tray from an initial installed position of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Woon Han, Seong-Deog Jang, Kwang-Seok Kang, Han-Jun Sung
  • Publication number: 20010003339
    Abstract: A method and apparatus heats ultrapure water using microwaves. Chambers such as pipes containing the water are capable of admitting microwaves to the water, allowing the microwaves to heat the water. The pipes may be made of inert material such as PVDF or quartz that will not introduce contamination into the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventors: DANIEL A. HAVENS, RALPH N. WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 6242724
    Abstract: A microwave oven capable of selectively adjusting capacity of a cooking chamber of a microwave oven, including a case; a body formed by front and rear panels which are arranged in front/back of the case, the body having a cooking chamber having a first cavity concaved from an upper side of the cooking chamber and a second cavity; and an adjustable section for selectively adjusting the capacity of the cooking chamber by selectively blocking the first and second cavities by being selectively coupled in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chea-how Lee
  • Patent number: 6239418
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Widia GmbH
    Inventors: Udo K{overscore (o)}nig, Klaus R{overscore (o)}diger
  • Patent number: 6218650
    Abstract: A heating apparatus of the present invention relates to a high speed oven having a turntable mechanism for heating food products by utilizing a combination of jet impingement of heated air (a jet impingement) and microwaves or either of them, the apparatus comprising a safety device and an exhaust device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fujimak Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Tsukamoto, Akio Ueoka, Hiroshi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6207462
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing the aggregate content of asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes placing a preheated, preweighed container carrying a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition into a preheated furnace with the preheated furnace being warmer than the preheated sample, continuing to heat the furnace while drawing air through the furnace at a rate that avoids impeding the heating of the furnace or the sample until the sample in the container reaches its combustion temperature and the combustion of the sample becomes exothermic, initiating a second draw of air around rather than through the furnace to moderate the exterior temperature of the furnace, accelerating the draw through the furnace to increase the rate of combustion of the exothermic reaction, and reweighing the container and sample after combustion is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: David Allan Barclay, Ali Regimand
  • Patent number: 6204491
    Abstract: An automatic dispenser and a method to operate the same dispenses food prepacked in packets, particularly popcorn. The dispenser includes a frame with at least one conveying unit, at least a microwave oven and a collecting container mounted on the frame, the conveying unit being positioned above the oven and the container under the oven. The microwave oven includes at least a top inlet door and a bottom outlet door, the packets being fed one-by-one into the inlet door by way of the conveying unit, and dropping out from the outlet door into the collecting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Paidela S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marco Montani
  • Patent number: 6191403
    Abstract: A high frequency heating cooking apparatus is capable of preventing from rusting and reducing the cost substantially at the same time. The heating compartment of the high frequency heating cooking apparatus of the invention comprises a side wall, a top panel, and a bottom panel. By folding and plating one plated steel plate, the side wall having a left side wall, a right side wall, and a back side wall is formed. The plated steel plate has a function of preventing from rusting. The top panel is made of a stainless steel material, and this top panel has a power feed port, an intake hole, and an exhaust hole. The side wall made from a plated steel plate does not have opening ends of holes such as intake hole and exhaust hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Hayakawa, Ichiro Hori
  • Patent number: 6190917
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing asphalt-aggregate compositions. The method includes directing sufficient microwave radiation from a microwave source to a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition to ignite the asphalt in the composition and to thereafter entirely combust the asphalt in the sample. The apparatus includes a source of microwave radiation, a cavity in communication with the microwave source, a sample holder in the cavity for holding a sample of an asphalt-aggregate composition during exposure to microwaves from the source, thermal insulation between the sample holder and the remainder of the cavity, and means for minimizing or eliminating any undesired combustion products generated by the burning asphalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: David Allan Barclay, Ali Regimand
  • Patent number: 6191402
    Abstract: An apparatus that enables a homogenous heating and an efficient measurement of organic as well as a mixture of organic and inorganic materials. The apparatus is characterized in that a load, placed in a cavity with very small dimensions in relation to the wavelength in vacuum at applied frequency, is heated by a generated pulsating near field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Antrad System AB
    Inventor: Lars Sven Erling Ekemar
  • Patent number: 6176951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of boards of wood-based material from a mixture of lignocellulose- and/or cellulose-containing particles mixed with a binder, the mat or pressed stock being preheated by means of high-frequency (HF) or microwave (MW) energy and, after transfer into a single or multi-platen press or a continuously operating press, being pressed and cured by the application of pressure and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik J. Dieffenbacher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Friedrich B. Bielfeldt, Werner Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 6172347
    Abstract: A microwave oven with halogen lamps is disclosed. In the microwave oven, two upper halogen lamps are installed on the top wall of a cavity of the microwave oven at a position corresponding to the central portion of a turntable. Two lower halogen lamps are installed on the bottom wall of the cavity so as to be diagonally opposite to the upper lamps and to not overlap with the upper lamps. Therefore, the light, emanating from the upper and lower lamps, is uniformly transmitted to the total area on the turntable. The upper lamps are positioned to overlap with the central portion of the turntable. The lower lamps individually have an output power of lower than that of each upper lamp. The lower lamps are positioned to be radially spaced apart from the central portion of the turntable. The microwave oven of this invention thus uniformly heats and cooks food laid on the turntable while effectively preventing thermal damage of a turntable motor due to heat of the lower lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 6163020
    Abstract: In the furnace (10) for the high-temperature processing of materials with a relatively low dielectric loss factor (tan .delta.) by heating the material by absorption of microwave energy in a resonant cavity (16), a uniform energy intensity of the microwave field is to be achieved for example by irradiating the microwave energy over a broad band and/or by varying in time the frequency of the irradiated microwave energy. The resonant cavity (16) and the radiation source (13) are tuned to each other such that the relation: (V/.lambda..sup.3). B.gtoreq.20 is satisfied. V stands for the volume of the resonant cavity (16), .lambda. for the wavelength of the microwave radiation and B its band width. V/.lambda..sup.3 equals at least 300 and the clear dimensions 1x, ly and lz of the resonant cavity (16) in the direction of the co-ordinates x, y and z are approximately equal to the cubic root of V. The wall (16.sub.1 to 16.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: GERO Hochtemperaturoefen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bartusch, Gunter Muller
  • Patent number: 6153867
    Abstract: A heater cover for microwave ovens using halogen heaters in addition to magnetrons is disclosed. The above heater cover is designed to have an optimal opening ratio while effectively protecting the halogen heaters from microwaves and having a desired structural strength. On the heater cover, a plurality of perforations are formed along a plurality of rows with both the same interval between the perforations and a radius "r" of each perforation being three times or more of the interval. The interval between horizontal phantom lines, passing through the centers of the perforations arranged on the rows, is shorter than the diameter "2r" of each perforation. The relation between the radius "r" of each perforation and the wavelength ".lambda." of microwaves is expressed by the expression, .lambda./64 .ltoreq.2r .ltoreq..lambda./8. The interval between the perforations ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 6153866
    Abstract: A microwave oven with an oven capacity (3) which is designed so that a part (9) of the cavity is essentially free of microwave radiation, in which part (9) is arranged a grill element which radiated IR radiation. The microwave-free space is obtained by a special dimensioning of the connection opening between the actual oven cavity, in which foodstuffs are heated by means of microwave radiation, and the microwave-free space (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ann-Marie Andersson, Nyren Gunnar
  • Patent number: 6150648
    Abstract: An air circulation structure for a microwave oven is disclosed. The structure includes a fan for sucking air into the interior of a machinery compartment installed below a cooking chamber of the microwave oven, a bottom plate having an air suction port through which an air sucked by the fan and radiating heat generated from the electrical elements of the microwave oven is flown into the interior of the cooking chamber, and a rear surface plate having a first air discharge port through which the air passed through an air suction port formed on the bottom plate and circulated in the interior of the cooking chamber is discharged to the outside of the microwave oven, for thereby effectively radiating heat from electrical elements of a microwave oven having a machinery chamber installed below a cooking chamber and dehumidifying from the interior of the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Soo Kang, Dong-Wan Seo
  • Patent number: 6137097
    Abstract: A pleated microwave liner bag comprising a plurality of liner pleats, is expandable in the preferred embodiment from initial dimensions of approximately 6 inches in height by 11 inches in width, to final dimensions as large as approximately 15 inches in height by 21 inches in width, by 1/8 inch increments. This liner bag, by virtue of its resizability (scalability), can be used to protect a wide range of sizes of microwave oven from spills and spatters associated with the microwave cooking and heating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Rose Mary Smith, Elizabeth Hogan, David Hogan
  • Patent number: 6121594
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Microwave Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Joines, J. Michael Drozd
  • Patent number: 6118112
    Abstract: A microwave apparatus includes a coaxial feed connected to a microwave waveguide and extended into a rotating antenna applicator in a microwave cavity, wherein a gap between the ceiling of the microwave cavity and the top of the rotating antenna applicator as well as between the coaxial feed and the rotating antenna applicator is present to facilitate the rotation of the antenna applicator. The presence of these gaps permit radial leakage, uncontrolled excitation of modes and occasional arcing. An annular knob is provided proximate the coaxial feed and attached to the top of the rotating antenna applicator to suppress radial leakage, uncontrolled excitations and arcing in the microwave cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Amana Company, L.P.
    Inventors: John M. Osepchuk, Rex E. Fritts, Glen R. Breuer, Thomas L. Miller
  • Patent number: 6104015
    Abstract: This disclosure sets forth a microwave sintering process for green oxide particles introduced from a source such as a hopper or a container, a downwardly directed funnel and a discharge outlet from the funnel. Particles are introduced into an elongate rotatable tube. The tube is inclined at a controlled angle. Particles traverse the tube, passing through a central heating zone between inlet and outlet. The time interval of the particles in the heating zone is controlled by adjustment of the angle of inclination, particle size, and rotation rate to assure that all particles are processed and converted from green to sintered oxide particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Ponnarassery Sukumaran Jayan, Narayanan Ananthaseshan, Balachandran Subramaniam, Murugappan Vellayan Murugappan
  • Patent number: 6087642
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Industrial Microwave Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Joines, J. Michael Drozd
  • Patent number: 6066841
    Abstract: A microwave oven adapted to radiate microwaves of mutually reverse phases to minimize impedance variation of a waveguide in response to load change of foodstuff, thereby maintaining an output of the microwave at a constant level regardless of load amount of the foodstuff and maintaining an electric field distribution in a cavity at a constant level as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-Bong Kim, Ki-Hun Joo, Jong-Sup Shin, Eung-Sup Lee
  • Patent number: 6060700
    Abstract: A microwave oven adapted for use within a motor vehicle dashboard area. The microwave oven has a removable storage cassette, and slidable platforms for securing and serving containers of beverages and foods. A motor vehicle featuring a microwave oven in which food may be heated by a microwave-generating magnetron powered directly or indirectly by the vehicle's battery and/or alternator. The space required for the microwave oven is provided by elimination of the major dashboard storage compartment, i.e., the glove compartment. The microwave oven door opens to a horizontal position to provide a securing and serving surface for hot beverages and food. The microwave oven accommodates a removable storage cassette for glove compartment items. The storage cassette must be removed as one condition, and the door of the microwave oven must be closed as a second condition for the magnetron to receive electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignees: Daniel Perlman, Jane Ilene Katims
    Inventors: Daniel Perlman, Jane Ilene Katims
  • Patent number: 6057535
    Abstract: An electric cooking oven comprising a cooking vessel (1), a microwave energy source and a waveguide (2') substantially parallelepiped in shape delimited transversally by two substantially rectangular surfaces (20', 21') located in two parallel planes separated by a predefined distance (d), the output of guided waves occurring in at least two zones (230, 231) located in an outlet plane (23') perpendicular to the two surfaces and delimited by two parallel edges (b'.sub.1, b'.sub.4) connecting the two surfaces. The length (1) of the edges is greater than the distance (d) separating the two surfaces (20', 21') so as to optimize the number of excited transversal electric and/or transversal magnetic modes inside the cooking vessel in excitation planes parallel to the outlet plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Moulinex S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Derobert, Michel Guy De Matteis
  • Patent number: 6054699
    Abstract: A front panel assembly of a microwave oven which can improve the appearance and strength of the oven and a method for assembling the same are disclosed. The assembly includes a front panel frame and a reinforcement plate attached to the front panel frame and made of a metal such as stainless steel or synthetic resin. The assembly is assembled to a door frame or a front panel section of the oven. The front panel frame is formed with a recess into which the reinforcement plate is attached. The reinforcement plate is attached to the recess by using a double-sided adhesive tape or by a heat-treatment. The welding lines and non-homogeneous colors formed at the door frame and the front panel frame can be hidden and the strength of the oven increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byeong-Jun Kim, Byung-Nam Choi, Sang-Kee Min