With Heat Exchange (e.g., Susceptor, Etc.) Patents (Class 219/759)
  • Patent number: 5837977
    Abstract: A container for containing a dummy load while being subjected to microwave radiation that includes a first surface with an exterior surface and an inner surface, wherein the first surface includes an optically transparent material. A second surface having an exterior surface and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first surface, the second surface attached to the first surface wherein both of the inner surfaces define a volume of space into which the dummy load is placed. The dummy load is supported on the second surface and positioned to be subjected to microwave radiation that passes through the optically transparent material, wherein the dummy load is not heated by the microwave radiation that passes through the optically transparent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Quiclave, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Frank Schiffmann, Jeffery Scott Held
  • Patent number: 5833795
    Abstract: A method of repairing a composite material product by adhering a repair patch to the composite material product with an adhesive or epoxy resin that includes magnetic particles. Thus, the adhesive or epoxy resin can be cured by electromagnetically exciting the magnetic particles, such as by microwave heating. The electromagnetically excited magnetic particles internally heat the adhesive or epoxy resin to the predetermined Curie Point temperature of the magnetic particles such that the adhesive or epoxy resin cures in a uniform and inspectable fashion. The magnetic particles can be mixed into an adhesive, such as a paste adhesive, a film adhesive or a foam adhesive, to create a magnetic particle integrated adhesive. The magnetic particle integrated adhesive can then be applied between a precured repair patch and the underlying composite material product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Roy Smith, Kevin Dale Walters
  • Patent number: 5817406
    Abstract: A ceramic susceptor with an embedded metal electrode. The metal electrode has multiple apertures, and the ceramic material is cross-linked through the apertures. An electrical connection to the electrode protects the electrode from the environment in the processing chamber. The ceramic may be aluminum nitride, and the metal electrode may be a mesh of molybdenum wires. To form the electrical connection, the susceptor may be heated until an eutectic forms between a conductive connector and the metal electrode. Alternately, a brazing material may be placed between the metal layer and a conductive connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Cheung, Mark A. Fodor, Christopher Lane, Ryusuke Ushikoshi, Hideyoshi Tsuruta, Tomoyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 5811769
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Quiclave, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Frank Schiffmann, Jeffery Scott Held
  • Patent number: 5808282
    Abstract: A microwave susceptor bed useful for sintering ceramics, ceramic composites and metal powders is disclosed. The susceptor bed contains granules of a major amount of a microwave susceptor material, and a minor amount of a refractory parting agent, either dispersed in the susceptor material, or as a coating on the susceptor material. Alumina is the preferred susceptor material. Carbon is the most preferred parting agent. A sintering process using the bed and novel silicon nitride products produced thereby are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Microwear Corporation
    Inventors: Prasad Shrikrishna Apte, Larry Roy Morris
  • Patent number: 5804801
    Abstract: Methods of facilitating the adhesive bonding of various components with variable frequency microwave energy are disclosed. The time required to cure a polymeric adhesive is decreased by placing components to be bonded via the adhesive in a microwave heating apparatus having a multimode cavity and irradiated with microwaves of varying frequencies. Methods of uniformly heating various articles having conductive fibers disposed therein are provided. Microwave energy may be selectively oriented to enter an edge portion of an article having conductive fibers therein. An edge portion of an article having conductive fibers therein may be selectively shielded from microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignees: Lambda Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Lauf, April D. McMillan, Felix L. Paulauskas, Zakaryae Fathi, Jianghua Wei
  • Patent number: 5801358
    Abstract: A joining member for joining parts or materials to form a joined structure is constituted by a composite material containing a heating assistant in a matrix material. For disintegrating the joined structure, it is placed in a heating zone, and a high frequency magnetic field or a high frequency electric field, or a high frequency magnetic field and a high frequency electric field are applied to the joining member. The heating assistant may be in a form of a particle or a fiber containing at least one of a soft magnetic material, an electrically conducting material and a dielectric material. The matrix material may be plastic or ceramic. The disintegration of the joined structure can be efficiently and selectively carried out, thus contributing to efficient recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Sadahiko Yokoyama, Masatoshi Iji
  • Patent number: 5798395
    Abstract: Methods of facilitating the adhesive bonding of various components with variable frequency microwave energy are disclosed. The time required to cure a polymeric adhesive is decreased by placing components to be bonded via the adhesive in a microwave heating apparatus having a multimode cavity and irradiated with microwaves of varying frequencies. Methods of uniformly heating various articles having conductive fibers disposed therein are provided. Microwave energy may be selectively oriented to enter an edge portion of an article having conductive fibers therein. An edge portion of an article having conductive fibers therein may be selectively shielded from microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignees: Lambda Technologies Inc., Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Lauf, April D. McMillan, Felix L. Paulauskas, Zakaryae Fathi, Jianghua Wei
  • Patent number: 5773802
    Abstract: A hair care system for applying heat generated by microwave energy to hair, in which an auxiliary heat source is adapted to be exposed to microwave energy and convert the microwave energy into heat and store the same for subsequent use in treating or conditioning hair; the auxiliary heat source is a multi-layer structure and includes an outer layer substantially microwave-safe and remaining cool to touch, an insulation layer inside of the outer layer and also substantially microwave-safe, a further layer inside the insulation layer which converts microwave energy into heat, whereby the further layer is either of double-walled construction containing lossy dielectric material or a single layer of flexible material, or molded into a shape corresponding to the shape of a rigid outer layer, or includes a moisture-absorbing material adjoined on the inside by a layer of a moisture-proof material or a moisture-non-absorbing material having a close wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Carol Anne Graves
  • Patent number: 5770840
    Abstract: A container for cooking and browning pot pies and similar food items in a microwave oven is disclosed. The container has a susceptor layer positioned between the top panel and the pot pie. A pan for containing a food item and having a susceptor lining for further cooking and browning the food item is located below the susceptor layer. The arrangement of susceptor layer in connection with the pan provide for the desired degree of cooking and browning the food item without the need to remove the food item from the transporting container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Conagra Frozen Foods
    Inventor: Matthew W. Lorence
  • Patent number: 5770143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for liquid thermoset resin or polymer molding using electromagnetic waves (particularly radiofrequency waves or microwaves), is described. The method and apparatus uses a metal mold (10, 212) with a cavity (401) for the molding as well as for confinement of the electromagnetic waves. Multiple low loss ports (A, B, C, D, E, p1, p2, p3) are provided for introducing the microwaves into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Martin C. Hawley, Jes Asmussen, Jr., Jianghua Wei, Trent A. Shidaker
  • Patent number: 5756973
    Abstract: Thermoplastic welding is an emerging technology targeted at significantly reducing the manufacture of aerospace structure by eliminating fasteners and the touch labor associated with fasteners to prepare, install, and inspect the assemblies. Thermoplastic welds, however, suffer from low pulloff strength because the metal foil susceptor used to heat the bondline is essentially a foreign substance in the weld that is unreinforced. The susceptor of the present invention provides Z-direction barbs on the susceptor to increase the pulloff strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad L. Kirkwood, Paul J. Patt
  • Patent number: 5750968
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for reducing arcing and localized heating as a result of applying microwave energy to a microelectronic substrate having electronic components thereon is provided. A microwave furnace having a chamber is configured to secure a microelectronic substrate therewithin. The microelectronic substrate is electrically interconnected with a ground connected to an interior wall of the microwave furnace. A holder for securing a microelectronic substrate during the application of microwave energy and for providing the necessary electrical connections for grounding components and circuitry thereon is also provided. The holder may have a heat sink for protection against heat build-up and for maintaining a microelectronic substrate in a substantially flat orientation during microwave processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lambda Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zakaryae Fathi, Richard S. Gerard, Jianghua Wei
  • Patent number: 5723844
    Abstract: A system for using a ferrite element to convert RF energy into heat consists only of the ferrite element, an RF generator and a cable connecting the ferrite element to the RF generator. No external impedance matching mechanism is needed, and the preferred form of the ferrite has a Curie temperature in excess of 150.degree. C., and has a lower cutoff frequency of about 10 KHz. The specific best mode ferrite element includes a formulation of MnO.sub.0.45 Zn.sub.0.3 FeO.sub.0.25 Fe.sub.2 O.sub.4. One use of the circuit is in the mining industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventors: Robert L. Dow, Paul W. Proctor
  • Patent number: 5718356
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other materials. The apparatus includes a container and an outlet. The container has a first material (the material to be dispensed) disposed therein, which changes from a solid state or a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container also has a second material disposed therein, which is adapted to be heated above a predetermined temperature when subjected to microwaves for at least a predetermined period of time. The second material can be an inner layer of the container, can be applied to a microwave transparent sheet surrounding the first material, or can be embedded in a silicone tube surrounding the first material. The second material is in a heat transfer relationship with the first material. While the dispenser is being subjected to microwaves, the second material converts the microwave energy into heat and transfers the heat to the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, John Spirk, Craig M. Saunders, Paul E. Brokaw, Bernard M. Malofsky, Richard T. Thompson, Cynthia R. Jaros
  • Patent number: 5710413
    Abstract: An H-field electromagnetic heating system for fusion bonding, particularly useful in the sealing of telecommunications cables and closures, comprises a composite bonding material having a bonding matrix and susceptors, the susceptors being magnetically reactive at a frequency above 50 MHz, and an applicator for applying radiant electromagnetic energy to the composite bonding material, at a frequency above 50 MHz (preferably 75-500 MHz). The applicator may take the form of a quarter-wave resonator having an inner conductor and an outer conductor which at least partially surrounds the inner conductor, the two conductors being shorted at a common end. The material to be heated is placed between the conductors. The inner conductor may include a resonator tube which is capacitively coupled to the power supply by a capacitive probe connected to the center conductor of a coaxial connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James D. King, Harold F. Donoho, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5705795
    Abstract: Thermoplastic welding is an emerging technology targeted at significantly reducing the cast of manufacture of aerospace structure by eliminating fasteners and the touch labor associated with fasteners to prepare, install, and inspect the assemblies. Thermoplastic welds, however, suffer from significant residual tensile strain caused by differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion between the carbon fiber reinforced composite laminates and the unreinforced weld. Holding fiber reinforcement to the weld using a structural susceptor which is a laminate of alternating layers of thermoplastic resin and fiber reinforcement sandwiching a conventional metal susceptor alleviates this strain. The structural susceptor can be peeled in selected locations to fill the gap between the laminates, eliminating costly profilometry of the faying surfaces and the associated problem of resin depletion where machining occurred to match the faying surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Anderson, Stephen Christensen, Todd R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5698127
    Abstract: A microwavable container has an active microwave energy heating element to distribute energy. The active microwave energy heating element includes a plurality of loops interspersed with islands. Similar structures may be used in the tray to distribute energy through the tray. Alternatively, resonant loops interconnected by transmission lines may be dispersed over the tray to distribute energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Lawrence Lai, Neilson Zeng
  • Patent number: 5695673
    Abstract: A microwave cooking device is provided including a rigid body construction. A microwave susceptor is separate from the body construction and disposed within the body construction adjacent the bottom portion to receive food. The susceptor becomes hot in the presence of microwave energy. A saucer-shaped metal plate is disposed beneath the susceptor at a predetermined spaced apart distance. The metal plate is part of a support assembly which is separately mountable to the body construction. The bottom portion of the body construction includes one or more support ribs for spacing the susceptor away from a remainder of the body construction. A dead zone may be provided in the susceptor adjacent each support rib. At least one retaining lip is provided to engage an edge of the susceptor, thereby retaining the susceptor with the body construction during use. The metal plate may include a central aperture. The device may be used to cook popcorn or other food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Geissler
  • Patent number: 5645749
    Abstract: A heat pack including a flexible water-tight plastic bag, saturated sodium acetate solution contained in the plastic bag, and an activator disposed in contact with the saturated sodium acetate solution and operated to activate the saturated sodium acetate solution, causing the saturated sodium acetate solution to crystallize, wherein the activator is covered within a plastic shell. According to another embodiment of the invention, the activator is a metal plate having a frosted outside wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Charles Wang
  • Patent number: 5630961
    Abstract: A thermal storage composition activated by exposure to microwave energy is provided. The thermal storage composition preferably comprises a mixture of at least two impregnated powders where a first powder is calcium silicate impregnated with a microwave-sensitive material, and a second powder is calcium silicate impregnated with a phase-change material to provide a free-flowing powder; the thermal storage mixture may be utilized in a container, to provide a thermal storage construction (heating construction) comprising a seat cushion having a thermal storage unit therein; further, a process of storing thermal energy for release over an extended period of time is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: ThermaStor Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gideon Salee
  • Patent number: 5630959
    Abstract: A microwavable pad for heating food has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event that the sealed thermoplastic envelope of the pad is ruptured. The method of forming the pad includes evacuating air from the thermoplastic envelope prior to sealing. The pad can be used alone or with a food cover to provide warmth and impart heat to food when the pad is placed in a container with the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Vesture Corporation
    Inventor: Byron C. Owens
  • Patent number: 5614259
    Abstract: Microwave interactive susceptors in end product condition or form are produced by a continuous in-line production method wherein, under continuous vacuum, a paper or board substrate is first coated with a thin film of monomer which is cured to a polymer, a metal or other microwave interactive susceptor material is vapor or sputter deposited onto the polymer film, either in an overall layer or preselected pattern, and a thin film monomer is deposited over the susceptor layer and cured or polymerized resulting in an end product ready for use without the previously required polyester substrate and without requiring lamination of a metallized film to a paper or board backing. Production of plural layers susceptors is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Deposition Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Y. Yang, Graeme J. Fairlie
  • Patent number: 5611954
    Abstract: A device and method for microwave heating of premoistened fabric sheets held within a microwave heatable container, the container retaining heat and moisture over a period of time is provided. The microwave heatable container comprises: a microwavable housing having a top border defining an upper opening, an exterior surface, and an interior surface; a microwave heatable liner in connection with the interior surface of the housing, the liner defining a cavity within the housing for disposing premoistened fabric sheets; and a lid having a bottom surface for closing the upper opening of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Carolyn Wright
  • Patent number: 5607612
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a container for preventing arcing of a metal object placed therein and subjected to microwave radiation. The surgical instrument container has a first surface having an exterior surface and a support surface and a second surface attached to the bottom having an exterior surface and an inner surface facing the first surface. The support surface and the inner surface define a volume of space into which the surgical instrument is placed therein. The inner surface has a microwave-to-heat transducer that absorbs microwave radiation impinging on the exterior surface of the second surface and converts the absorbed microwave radiation to radiant energy. The microwave-to-heat transducer also prevents substantially all of the microwave radiation impinging on the exterior surface of the second surface from entering the volume of space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Quiclave, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Held, Robert F. Schiffmann
  • Patent number: 5601744
    Abstract: A beverage cup includes an inner vessel having walls defining a fluid retaining volume. An outer wall surrounds the inner vessel and cooperates with the inner vessel to define an enclosed chamber. A microwave receptive material is disposed within the enclosed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Vesture Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne D. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 5599499
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a container for preventing arcing of a metal object placed therein and subjected to microwave radiation. The surgical instrument container has a first surface having an exterior surface and a support surface and a second surface attached to the bottom having an exterior surface and an inner surface facing the first surface. The support surface and the inner surface define a volume of space into which the surgical instrument is placed therein. The inner surface has a microwave-to-heat transducer that absorbs microwave radiation impinging on the exterior surface of the second surface and converts the absorbed microwave radiation to radiant energy. The microwave-to-heat transducer also prevents substantially all of the microwave radiation impinging on the exterior surface of the second surface from entering the volume of space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Quiclave, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Held, Robert F. Schiffmann
  • Patent number: 5595673
    Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a microwave radiation source, a microwave-activable bottom heater (4) on which the food is placed, and optionally an IR-radiating top heater, which all can be controlled via the control unit of the oven. Further, the oven comprises one or more sensors for sensing the temperature of the bottom heater (4) and feeding this information back to the control unit. The feedback temperature information makes it possible to impart the desired temperature to the bottom heater (4) by controlling the microwave radiation source and/or the top heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Whirlpool Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Anders W. Ekstrom, Bo W. Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 5585027
    Abstract: A pattern of tear perforations is provided in the substrate that forms a microwave reheating support. The pattern of tear perforations enables the substrate to be separated into portions so that the substrate can be adjusted in size and/or shape to correspond to the size and/or shape of the food product being heated. For example, a round substrate can include a circular pattern of tear perforations spaced radially inward from an outer circumference of the round substrate. This enables the outer peripheral portion of the round substrate to be removed to reduce the size (diameter) of the substrate for use with smaller-sized food products. The pattern of tear perforations can include one or more lines of tear perforations that extend across a substrate. For example, the lines of tear perforations can divide the circular substrate into a plurality of wedges that can be used, for example, to heat a slice of pizza instead of the entire pizza.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Robert C. Young
  • Patent number: 5565125
    Abstract: A printed microwave susceptor includes a paper or paperboard substrate having first and second surfaces. A food contact layer is applied to one surface, and separate thermal insulating layers and microwave interactive layers are applied to the other surface, with the thermal insulating layer being disposed between the substrate and the microwave interactive layer. The microwave interactive layer may be overcoated with a protective layer for abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Parks
  • Patent number: 5565228
    Abstract: A food product tray including a base defining an opening and a floor member covering the opening. The floor member has an edge portion thereof secured to the base such that the floor member substantially directly supports the food product in the tray. A food product package is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Gics & Vermee, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul W. Gics
  • Patent number: 5552112
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Quiclave, LLC
    Inventors: Robert F. Schiffmann, Jeffery S. Held
  • Patent number: 5544787
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for heating and subsequent dispensing of a microwaveable adhesive material, comprising: a dispenser housing having a microwaveable adhesive charge-receiving cavity therein; a microwave susceptor member in the cavity, constructed and arranged to receive microwave energy when the dispensing assembly is exposed to microwave radiation and to responsively generate heat; and a microwaveable adhesive charge of a size and shape for insertion into and retention in the cavity including the microwave receptor, the charge comprising a container having disposed therein a microwaveable adhesive material; wherein the microwaveable adhesive charge is devoid of susceptor materials and susceptor structure. Also disclosed are susceptor-free adhesive charge articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard M. Malofsky
  • Patent number: 5540357
    Abstract: A glue stick article adapted for microwave heating and dispensing of hot melt adhesive material, comprising a container having disposed therein a solid body of hot melt adhesive material having a cross-sectional shape differing from the cross-sectional shape of the container in which the hot melt adhesive material is disposed for microwave heating. Also disclosed is a hot melt adhesive dispensing assembly for microwave heating and dispensing of hot melt adhesive from such glue stick article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard M. Malofsky
  • Patent number: 5532462
    Abstract: A reaction vessel used in industrial applications is heated by a multiple mode microwave beam that is directed to an interior wall of the reaction vessel. The beam is in an inclined-angular fashion and the wall is arranged so the beam is absorbed and reflected from it many times to provide a helical-like reflection and absorption pattern within the vessel interior to uniformly heat the vessel wall and the material. A microwave isolator connected between a source of the microwave energy and the reaction vessel includes a quartz plate and a seal for compensating disparities in thermal expansion coefficients between the plate and a housing for the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Communications & Power Industries
    Inventors: Robert J. Butwell, Earl McCune, Michael Green, Hugo Huey, James R. Legarra, Ross Wilcox
  • Patent number: 5523549
    Abstract: A ferrite composition is created by adding a high Curie temperature ferrite, such as lithium ferrite, to a soft magnetic ferrite, such as magnesium manganese zinc ferrite. The composition is used in a microwave oven dish or laminate wrap to crisp or brown food by maintaining the food at a desired temperature during microwave operation. The high Curie temperature ferrite is preferably selected from the group consisting of lithium ferrite, nickel ferrite, copper ferrite, magnesium ferrite, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, manganese ferrite, strontium zinc ferrite, barium zinc ferrite, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, the preferred process of making the new ferrite composition for use in microwave browning dishes includes the low-cost method of sintering raw materials in an air atmosphere. A browning plate including the ferrite compositions, and a microwave oven suitable for use with the browning plate are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Ceramic Powders, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf K. Tenzer
  • Patent number: 5519196
    Abstract: A material for converting microwave energy into thermal energy is made of a composition which includes a combination of iron oxide, a polymer coating, and at least the following compounds: calcium carbonate, water, aluminum silicate, ethylene glycol, and mineral spirits. The material performs the microwave to thermal conversion according to the principle of induction heating. A microwave cooking receptacle incorporates the converting material into its cooking surface for browning and searing food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Liming Xu
  • Patent number: 5512734
    Abstract: A heating apparatus having features of the present invention comprises a microwave energy source, a reservoir, and a heat exchanger. The reservoir is adapted to contain a flowable medium such as a liquid and is positioned so that the liquid may be heated by the microwave energy source. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive the liquid and is in communication with or coupled to the reservoir. The present invention may further include a pump for circulating the liquid between the reservoir and the heat exchanger. The liquid may be circulated using a conduit. Preferably, the heat exchanger is adapted to use at least some of the liquid heated by the microwave energy source to heat air in proximity to the heat exchanger. Also, a blower positioned near the heat exchanger may be used to direct the air heated by the heat exchanger to a desired space to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Microwave Research Corp.
    Inventor: Terrance R. Copstead
  • Patent number: 5508496
    Abstract: Susceptors for induction heating for use in thermoplastic welding are tailored to provide precise control of the heat applied to the weld and especially to control overheating at the edges of susceptor. The preferred susceptor has a central portion having a uniform pattern of substantially similar openings and selvage edge strips devoid of openings to provide a low impedance current path for eddy currents at the edges. We can create aerospace structure, particularly a wingskin-spar assembly, without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Karl A. Hansen, Edward C. Weisberg
  • Patent number: 5508498
    Abstract: A utensil for use, for example, in the home or in restaurants, with a microwave oven for heating food preparation or service vessels (such as a dinner plate) and the food in such vessels. The utensil includes a matrix material and a microwave absorptive material. The utensil may also be configured for direct conductive heat transfer heating of food into which the utensil is immersed. Alternatively, an appliance for applying therapeutic dry or moist heat to the human body may use pellets of the matrix and microwave absorptive material in a flexible moisture and heat transmissive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Invenetics LLC
    Inventors: Robert S. Rheinish, Yading Wang
  • Patent number: 5500511
    Abstract: To obtain more uniform heating across the susceptor when welding composite parts using induction heating, we create edge regions of lower absolute impedance or a lower longitudinal impedance than the transverse impedance to counterbalance the higher current density and current that occurs near the edges. We achieve lower impedance at the edges by altering the aspect ratio (length/width) of openings in the susceptor, by folding the susceptor over onto itself, or both. Uniform heating is important to obtaining a uniform, consistent weld on which aerospace designers can rely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Karl A. Hansen, C. David Lunden
  • Patent number: 5494598
    Abstract: A novel heat exchange medium made from a clay and oil mixture for use in absorbing, retaining, and dispensing heat is provided. The composition and variations thereof are most effective when heat treated so as to reduce the expansion of gases when the composition is encapsulated in sealed packaging. Particularly, the composition may employ microwave heatable and/or microwave invisible clays in combination with microwave invisible oils, such as mineral oils or microwave heatable oils, such as vegetable oils. Various constituents may be added to the medium, such as fibers made of polymeric substances and/or cloth, moisture absorbents such as polyacrylamide, and plastics such as polypropylene and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Thermionics Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5478988
    Abstract: A thermal exchange composition made from clay, glycol and/or water for retaining and slowly releasing hot and cold temperatures is provided. The composition can further include polyacrylamide, for mixing with water, and olivine. The composition can be incorporated and used in a variety of applications. For instance, the thermal exchange composition can be used in hot and cold packs for therapeutic treatment to sore areas of the body. Other articles incorporating the thermal exchange composition include food trays, stadium seats, and the like. A thermal delivery device is also provided. The thermal delivery device can be incorporated into a variety of articles, including toys and food containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Thermionics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Hughes, R. Scott Sparkman
  • Patent number: 5466917
    Abstract: A sheet-like heat generation body for use in a microwave oven, which absorbs microwave and generates heat to irradiate food to be cooked. This heat generation body comprises a conductive film, which is made of a crystalline carbon as its principal component, and is formed on a sheet-like base material. The heat-generating body is prepared using a heat-resistant base material and an inorganic bonding agent applied to its surface. Specifically, a heat-resistant base is coated with a mixture of a microwave-absorbing and heat-generating material as its principal component and an agent for hardening an inorganic bonding agent to be applied later. After the mixed agent is dried, it is impregnated with the inorganic bonding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kouransha
    Inventors: Masaharu Matsuki, Toshiaki Yoshihara, Sumihiko Kurita
  • Patent number: 5464968
    Abstract: A process for controlling the microwave heating of a product to a temperature which is higher than or equal to a determined temperature for a period which is longer than or equal to a determined period, a marking support and a receptacle for product intended for such a control. Measurement is made of the resistivity of a thermally crosslinkable ink filled with conductive particles, with which the product or the receptacle containing the product has been previously marked and the resistivity of which is arranged to decrease in a predetermined manner in relation to the temperature and the period of microwave heating. The invention is applicable especially to the control of the sterilization of a pharmaceutical or agri-foodstuff product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignees: Microondes Energie Systemes, Solufrance
    Inventors: Alain Germain, Andre-Jean Berteaud, Francois Galtier
  • Patent number: 5446270
    Abstract: Composition comprising (a) susceptors having the capability of absorbing microwave energy, said susceptors comprising a particulate substrate substantially non-reflective of microwave energy and a coating capable of absorbing microwave energy, and (b) a matrix substantially non-reflective of microwave energy. Susceptors are typically particles having a thin-film coating thereon. The matrix typically comprises polymeric or ceramic materials that are stable at temperatures conventionally used in microwave cooking. The composition allows reuse of the susceptors, eliminates decline in heating rate, eliminates arcing, allows the heating rate to be controlled, allows overheating to be controlled, and allows formation of microwave heatable composite materials having very low metal content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Craig S. Chamberlain, Glen Connell, Pierre H. LePere, Chris A. Minick, Charlotte M. Palmgren, William C. Tait, George F. Vesley, Patrick G. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5432325
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for high temperature sintering of plate-shaped articles of alumina, magnesia, silica, yttria, zirconia, and mixtures thereof using microwave radiation. An article is placed within a sintering structure located within a sintering container which is placed in a microwave cavity for heating. The rates at which heating and cooling take place is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: University of California
    Inventors: Joel D. Katz, Rodger D. Blake
  • Patent number: 5424519
    Abstract: A thermal storage mixture activated by exposure to microwave energy is provided. The thermal storage mixture comprises a liquid phase of a microwave active fluid; and, a solid phase suspended within the microwave active fluid. The solid phase is preferably selected from material having a melting point at or below a temperature to which the liquid phase is heated, during use. The thermal storage mixture may be utilized in a container, to provide a thermal storage unit in a variety of applications. Herein, a thermal storage construction (heating construction) comprising a seat cushion having a thermal storage unit therein, to advantage, is described. Further, a process of storing thermal energy for release over an extended period of time is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventor: Gideon Salee
  • Patent number: 5422463
    Abstract: A matched or dummy load for a microwave dryer having a microwave generator and a microwave applicator. The matched load includes a waveguide having opposed broad walls, opposed narrow walls, and an end wall defining a waveguide chamber. A power absorbing body made of sintered silicon carbide, casted silicon carbide, or other materials is disposed in the waveguide chamber. One or more of the walls includes means for transferring heat from the power absorbing body. A housing or shroud having an inlet and an outlet surrounds the waveguide. The means for removing heat is disposed between the inlet and outlet of the housing so that a cooling medium passed through the housing removes heat from the power absorbing body. A tuning stub is placed in front of the power absorbing body to reduce microwave reflections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur M. Gooray, Kenneth C. Peter
  • Patent number: 5420401
    Abstract: A microwave oven, in particular for rapid heating to high temperature, is disclosed. A cylindrical metal housing is open at one end and has a cylindrical side wall, into which a waveguide opens, the waveguide being coupled to a microwave generator. A first outer layer of a thermally insulative, microwave-transparent material and a second inner layer thereof are provided in a coaxial configuration. A metal sleeve provided with plural coupling slots is interposed between the outer and inner layers. A muff of a microwave-absorbing material is received within a central opening of the inner layer and constitutes a heating enclosure. A metal plate fitted with an access door is provided for closing the open end of the housing. An infrared pyrometer or a thermocouple may be provided for measuring temperatures in the heating enclosure. The heating enclosure may have a vent for evacuating fumes and an orifice for injecting gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Prolabo
    Inventors: Patrick Jacquault, Bernard Cerdan