Abstract: A microwave energy interactive insulating structure comprises a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer, a moisture-containing layer joined to the layer of microwave energy interactive material, a second polymer film layer joined to the moisture-containing layer in a predetermined pattern to define a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer, and an aperture extending through the first polymer film layer, the moisture-containing layer, and the second polymer film layer.

Abstract: A single ply paper product including a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface and including a web of fibers sufficiently refined to have a Canadian Standard Freeness value of greater than about 100 cm3 according to TAPPI standard test T 227, and having a weight of between about 20 lbs./3,000 ft.2 and about 45 lbs./3,000 ft.2; and a fluorochemical in an amount of at least 800 parts per million.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bolometric device with receiving cavity for measuring a beam of high frequency microwaves, comprising a hollow body (1) with receiving cavity (50) having an opening (2) for the entrance of said beam of high frequency microwaves in said receiving cavity (50), a diverging mirror (3) located in the lower part of said cavity (50) for reflecting said beam of microwaves on an absorbent coating material (4) applied on the internal surface (5) of the hollow body (1), a cooling circuit (7) for transferring the thermal energy accumulated on the absorbent coating material (4) and a circuit (6) for measuring the power of the beam of high frequency microwaves entering the hollow body (1). Said absorbent coating material (4) consists of boron carbide. In addition a procedure is described for coating with an absorbent material the internal surface (5) of a hollow body (1) being part of the aforementioned device for measuring a beam of high frequency microwaves (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A carton capable of containing a plurality of food items is disclosed. The carton can be separated into two portions or trays, each of which can be converted into a tray for heating a food item in a microwave oven. One or both of the trays may be designed to elevate the food product from the turntable or floor of the microwave oven to enhance the efficiency of the heating process. One or both trays may include a microwave energy interactive to enhance browning and/or crisping of the food item.

Abstract: A collapsible field director structure convertible from a collapsed to a deployed state includes at least one master vane and at least a first and a second slave vane. The master vane includes a conductive flap having at least one electrically conductive region thereon. The conductor flap is attached to the mounting flange for articulable movement with respect thereto. Each slave vane has at least one electrically conductive region thereon. The slave vanes are flexibly connected to the master vane along a respective line of flexure. The vanes are foldable against each other so that the field director structure, in the collapsed state, is able to exhibit a generally planar configuration.

Abstract: A system and method is provided in which a radio frequency transmitter and/or a microwave frequency transmitter applies radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, to an imprinted material to cure the imprinted material. In some embodiments, an oven may be used to apply thermal energy to the imprinted material in conjunction with the radio and/or microwave frequency energy to cure the imprinted material. In other embodiments, an oven is not used. The imprinted material may also include a susceptor that absorbs radio and/or microwave frequency energy and responsive thereto emits thermal energy to aid in curing the imprinted material. Further, at least one susceptor may be located externally and adjacent to the imprinted material. The external susceptor may absorb radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, and responsive thereto emits thermal energy towards the imprinted material to aid in curing the imprinted material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for sintering a ceramic body, the arrangement including: an applicator defining a monomode microwave heating chamber; a thermal insulation structure disposed within the chamber; a susceptor disposed within the thermal insulation structure having a lower microwave coupling temperature than the ceramic body; the ceramic body arranged adjacent to the susceptor; a magnetron; and a temperature measurement device. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A microwave water heater, which utilizes a triple plenum design with bi-planar cross-flow to provide uniformly heated water for both baseboard room heating and hot tap water, is adaptable to existing heating/plumbing systems and is readily expandable.

Abstract: An improved gas chromatograph system includes a radiant source, an insert located to receive an output of the radiant source, and an analytic column wound on a concave surface of the insert so that successive coils of the wound analytic column are in direct contact with each other and exert an outward pressure on the concave surface of the insert such that the outward pressure minimizes a gap between the analytic column and the concave surface of the insert so as to minimize thermal gradients and maximize heat transfer to the analytic column.

Abstract: Various packages for heating a food item therein are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process, method and device for the production and/or derivation of hydrogen utilizing microwave energy through use of a microwave susceptor that absorbs/assimilates microwave energy and converts it to radiant/heat energy which is imparted to iron and alters its physical characteristics such that water in contact with the iron will have one of its physical characteristics, preferably temperature, altered, and result in a reaction of the to produce/derive hydrogen. Invention also includes a progressive change to water prior to it achieving a reactive threshold with the iron element, and the progressive preparation and/or pretreatment of water, via exposure or contact of water with other materials with high thermal conductivities in lieu of iron through use of a microwave susceptor.

Abstract: A microwave heating system utilizes a microwave energy generator to provide microwave energy through wave guides to targets. The targets are microwave absorbers and thereby increasing temperature upon the contact of microwave energy. The heated targets then transfer heat to an area to be heated such as by conduction, convection or radiation depending on the particular embodiment. A sensor in the area to be heated provides an input to a controller for controlling the input of microwave energy to be directed to the target.

Abstract: A process for heating a powder material by microwave radiation so that heating of the powder material is selective and sufficient to cause complete melting of the particles. The process entails providing a mass of powder comprising a quantity of filler particles of a metallic composition, and subjecting the mass to microwave radiation so that the filler particles within the mass couple with the microwave radiation and are completely melted. According to one aspect, the mass further contains at least one constituent that is more highly susceptible to microwave radiation than the filler particles, and the filler particles are melted as a result of heating by microwave radiation and thermal contact with the at least one constituent. According to another aspect, the powder mass is thermally pretreated to induce an irreversible increase in its dielectric loss factor prior to melting by microwave irradiation.

Abstract: A blank for a construct comprises a main panel including a removable panel at least partially defined by a line of disruption, a plurality of side panels extending from the main panel along respective fold lines, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the main panel. The blank may be used to form a construct capable of heating, browning, and/or crisping upper and lower surfaces of a food item.

Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven comprises a plurality of compartments, at least one of which is defined at least partially by a microwave energy interactive insulating material that includes a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a polymer film, and a second polymer film layer that at least partially defines a plurality of expandable insulating cells that inflate upon exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven, comprises a panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the first surface, wherein the microwave energy interactive material generates heat when exposed to microwave energy, and a thermally stable coating overlying at least a portion of the second surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases. The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases. The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.

Abstract: A heat storage unit (2) includes a body having a passage (12) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element (10) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit (2) in thermal communication with the passage (12). Meanwhile, a heat-retentive material (8) is in thermal communication with the heatable element (10). The heatable element (10) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device (6), for example.

Abstract: A microwave burning furnace including a housing constituted by a metal on which a microwave is to be irradiated, a metallic door provided in the housing, a burning chamber provided in the housing and surrounded by a material having a low microwave absorption characteristic and a high heat insulating property, and microwave generating means, wherein the burning chamber includes a heater element constituted by at least two types of heating materials having a heating material for a high temperature region which automatically generates a heat mainly in the high temperature region to have a burning temperature by an irradiation of a microwave and a heating material for a low temperature region which automatically generates a heat mainly in the low temperature region including an ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A microwave baking furnace is provided including a metallic cavity irradiated with microwaves; a baking chamber provided in the cavity and surrounded by a heat insulating member having a low microwave absorption characteristic and a high heat insulating property, which is disposed in the cavity; and a microwave generator. Substances having a high microwave loss are arranged in weak microwave electric field areas in the baking chamber at a distance, which exceeds ¼? of a wavelength ? of microwaves to be used, from the metallic cavity. The microwave baking furnace can efficiently implement a temperature rise in a low temperature range and a temperature rise in a high temperature range only by microwave heating, can effectively prevent the occurrence of a temperature gradient in an object to be baked during a baking process, and is stable in supply of microwaves and is simply structured.

Abstract: A heat storage unit (2) includes a body having a passage (12) formed therein through which a flowable product passes. A heatable element (10) is incorporated within the body of the heat storage unit (2) in thermal communication with the passage (12). The heatable element (10) includes either a magnetically-compatible material or a microwave-compatible material that is heated by locating the heatable element in a field (F) generated by a charging device (6), for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate comprising a first web of fibers and a first film that together form a first ply and a second web of fibers and a second film that together form a second ply, wherein an adhesive layer is disposed between the plies and serves as a grease barrier. A laminate according to the invention serves as a grease barrier without the need for fluorochemical treatment. The invention also relates to a method of making a laminate comprising forming a first ply and a second ply and applying an adhesive layer between the plies. The invention also relates to an article comprising a laminate and a charge of oil and popcorn.

Abstract: An electromagnetic susceptor for chemical processing that is made from a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the greatest length of measurement of the electromagnetic susceptor is between one nanometer and 10 meters.

Abstract: An electromagnetic susceptor for chemical processing having a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, the matrix material is constructed of a sintered ceramic material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, and the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material.

Abstract: A radiant oven comprises a radiant energy source configured to provide radiant electromagnetic energy, an insert configured to receive the radiant electromagnetic energy and convert the radiant electromagnetic energy into heat, and an additional element configured to receive the heat.

Abstract: A system and method is provided in which a radio frequency transmitter and/or a microwave frequency transmitter applies radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, to an imprinted material to cure the imprinted material. In some embodiments, an oven may be used to apply thermal energy to the imprinted material in conjunction with the radio and/or microwave frequency energy to cure the imprinted material. In other embodiments, an oven is not used. The imprinted material may also include a susceptor that absorbs radio and/or microwave frequency energy and responsive thereto emits thermal energy to aid in curing the imprinted material. Further, at least one susceptor may be located externally and adjacent to the imprinted material. The external susceptor may absorb radio and/or microwave frequency energy, respectively, and responsive thereto emits thermal energy towards the imprinted material to aid in curing the imprinted material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microwave heating system. The system includes a holding tank for retaining water positioned around a central core. A rotating heating device is positioned around the holding tank. The holding tank includes a motor connected to the holding tank. An armature is connected to the motor. Pluralities of microwave emitters depend from and are supported by the armature. A bearing ring is connected to each of the plurality of emitters at an end opposite the armature. The bearing ring further supports the plurality of microwave emitters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for consolidating a composite workpiece are provided. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic field generator for inducing a current and thereby heating a susceptor in thermal communication with the workpiece. The workpiece is supported by one or more support tools, each of which transmits the electromagnetic field so that the support tools are not substantially heated by the electromagnetic field. Thus, the time and energy required for heating the workpiece are reduced relative to conventional consolidation techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient heating fluid by using electromagnetic energy, the fluid is passed into a channeling structure within a region of space illuminated with electromagnetic energy uniformly, equally and simultaneously for rapid heating. Electromagnetic energy penetrates the fluid and causes it to heat. Structure in close proximity to the fluid in the channeling structure efficiently converts electromagnetic energy to heat to further heat the fluid to obtain a substantially homogeneous final desired temperature. The fluid is moved through the channeling structure creating turbulent to maximize the transfer of electromagnetic energy to the fluid.

Abstract: The heating effect of a microwave susceptor can be improved by providing a pattern of microwave transparent areas in the susceptor. The transparent areas are preferably circles having a diameter of about 0.5 inch. The distance between adjacent circles is preferably about 0.5 inch. The susceptor may be used to brown and crispen the crust of frozen pizza heated in a microwave oven. The crust of the pizza is browner, especially at its central area, than the crust of pizza heated using a conventional susceptor.

Abstract: A system and method for thermally expanding a product submerged in heating medium located in an internal compartment of a microwave oven. The heating medium is subjected to low doses of micro-radiation in order to become heated and thermally expand the encapsulated product.

Abstract: A system and method for thermally expanding a product submerged in heating medium located in an internal compartment of a microwave oven. The heating medium is subjected to low doses of micro-radiation in order to become heated and thermally expand the encapsulated product.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package which has a thermal epoxy that can be attached to an integrated circuit and a thermal element. The thermal epoxy can be cured with energy at a microwave frequency. Curing the thermal epoxy with microwave energy can minimize package warpage during the curing process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a composite workpiece are provided. An electromagnetic field generator induces a current in a susceptor, thereby heating the workpiece in a die cavity. An elastomeric bladder in the cavity is inflated and urges the workpiece against a contour surface corresponding to a desired configuration of the workpiece. Coolant fluid can also be circulated through the die cavity to cool the workpiece. Thus, the workpiece can be heated, formed, and cooled quickly and without substantial heating of other components, thereby reducing the time and energy relative to conventional forming methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for consolidating a composite workpiece are provided. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic field generator for inducing a current and thereby heating a susceptor in thermal communication with the workpiece. The workpiece is supported by one or more support tools, each of which transmits the electromagnetic field so that the support tools are not substantially heated by the electromagnetic field. Thus, the time and energy required for heating the workpiece are reduced relative to conventional consolidation techniques.

Abstract: A coated susceptor of electromagnetic energy for chemical processing made of a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, in which the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the surface of the susceptor is coated with a material that interacts with applied electromagnetic energy of at least one frequency and initially absorbs electromagnetic energy and produces heat.

Abstract: A method of locally concentrating an applied electric field to promote chemical reaction having a dispersion of individual field concentrators on the surface of a substrate, embedded on a substrate, and embedded on the surface of a substrate, in which the individual field concentrators consists of shaped material and the shape and material are capable of producing a locally concentrated electric field in the vicinity of the field concentrator from interaction between the field concentrator and the applied electric field.

Abstract: A system and method of assembling a container for microwave heating of a food product.

Abstract: A microwave-heatable apparatus for defrosting a windshield includes a housing that has first and second sections integral with each other and selectively movable between open and closed positions. The first and second sections each has an elongated slot formed therein and for advantageously allowing air to flow upwardly therethrough respectively. The first and second sections each has a chamber defined about the respective slots thereof and a plurality of heat-absorbing members positioned within the chambers respectively for dissipating thermal energy so that as air passes upwardly through the slot the air will become heated.

Abstract: The heating effect of a microwave susceptor can be improved by providing a pattern of microwave transparent areas in the susceptor. The transparent areas are preferably circles having a diameter of about 0.5 inch. The distance between adjacent circles is preferably about 0.5 inch. The susceptor may be used to brown and crispen the crust of frozen pizza heated in a microwave oven. The crust of the pizza is browner, especially at its central area, than the crust of pizza heated using a conventional susceptor.

Abstract: A container for microwave heating of a food product, and a method of fabricating such a container, wherein the container includes a tub assembly having a moisture-impervious floor and one or more sidewalls. A quantity of food product, such as popcorn, is placed in a pocket formed in a sheet of barrier material, and a continuous heat seal is formed between the floor of the tub and the sheet of barrier material. A microwave susceptor can be disposed to the floor for heating the food product.

Abstract: A method of bonding together first and second components and a joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a film coating of electrically conductive material to an adjoining interface of a first component surface of the first component and a second component surface of the second component. The film coating has a thickness of less than 200 nanometers. The method also includes the step of positioning the first and second components such that the film coating is disposed between the first and second component surfaces. The method further includes the step of irradiating microwave energy to the film coating to generate thermal energy on the film coating to bond together the first and second components.

Abstract: A microwave oven incorporating a toaster includes a toaster door provided on a toaster panel for opening and closing at least one toaster entrance and a tray assembly. The tray assembly includes a tray support inside the toaster and at least one tray which is fastened to a top of the tray support for holding a food item. The tray includes at least one elevating bracket for maintaining a predetermined distance between the tray and the tray support. In addition, the tray assembly further includes a support wall provided at a front end of the tray for supporting a front lower portion of the food item so as to stably position the food item at an optimal location for toasting. In the microwave oven incorporating a toaster, each food item is positioned against a heater included therein so as to maximize the toasting performance of the toaster. Also the tray and the tray support can be easily disassembled and assembled for the purpose of cleaning and replacing with a new tray.

Abstract: A coated susceptor of electromagnetic energy for chemical processing made of a matrix material that surrounds a non-matrix material that is made from a material that is different from the matrix material, in which the matrix material is constructed of material having lower dielectric losses compared to the non-matrix material, the non-matrix material initially absorbs electromagnetic energy applied to the electromagnetic susceptor to a greater extent than the matrix material, the non-matrix material produces subsequent heat in the matrix material, and the surface of the susceptor is coated with a material that interacts with applied electromagnetic energy of at least one frequency and initially absorbs electromagnetic energy and produces heat.

Abstract: A surgical and dental instrument sterilizer is described. Liquid water is rapidly vaporized by microwave heating and steam is generated to attain a steam pressure of approximately 47 psi and a temperature of approximately 135° C. in the region of the articles to be sterilized. Micron-size water-droplets are intermittently sprayed onto the articles which are arranged on a tray, from both the top and from underneath thereof so as to thoroughly wet the surfaces. A 30-90 s duration of droplet spray is followed by pulsed microwave irradiation of the top and underneath surfaces for a similar period, as an example; this is followed by a plurality of spray/microwave cycles.

Abstract: A container for microwave heating of a food product, and a method of fabricating such a container, wherein the container includes a tub assembly having a moisture-impervious floor and one or more sidewalls. A quantity of food product, such as popcorn, is placed in a pocket formed in a sheet of barrier material, and a continuous heat seal is formed between the floor of the tub and the sheet of barrier material. A microwave susceptor can be disposed to the floor for heating the food product.

Abstract: Indentation patterns are scored in microwave packaging materials to enhance the baking and browning effects of the microwave packaging materials on food products. The indentation patterns provide venting to either channel moisture from one area of the food product to another, trap moisture in a certain area to prevent it from escaping, or channel the moisture completely away from the food product. The indentation patterns cause the microwave packaging material underneath a food product to be slightly elevated above the cooking platform in the base of a microwave. The indentation patterns lessen the heat sinking effect of the cooking platform by providing an air gap for insulation. Elevating the base of the microwave packaging material further allows more incident microwave radiation to propagate underneath the microwave packaging material to be absorbed by the food product or by microwave interactive materials in the microwave packaging material that augment the heating process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum valve including a lid, a depression defined on the lid, a boss formed on the lid at a bottom of the depression, a rotary cover rotatably arranged in the depression, and a closure member detachably coupled to the rotary cover.