Abstract: External heating assembly 1 is usable to heat subsea flowline 100 and remediate a blockage in subsea flowline 100 and comprises a predetermined set of heaters 10; one or more conductive layers 20 configured to uniformly distribute heat over an exterior of subsea flowline 100; one or more insulating layers 30 adapted to shield subsea flowline 100, the predetermined set of heaters 10, and conductive layers 20 from ambient seawater temperature; an anchor; and a strength member. The predetermined set of heaters 10 may comprise one or more mineral insulated cables capable of reaching very high temperatures with very little power and minimal controls.

Abstract: Dielectric ceramic particulates are introduced into thin a sheet of pre-cured elastomer to form a sheet. Successive layers of the sheets may then be laminated together to form a finished article. An electric field may be applied to the article during a curing process while the article is at a temperature near a Curie temperature of the dielectric ceramic particulates to increase a dielectric constant of the article. As each sheet may be different from each other in the finished article, the resulting finished article may have anisotropic dielectric and mechanical properties. Similarly, tiled dielectric ceramic structures may be introduced into the elastomers layers to generate materials with varying dielectric constants.

Abstract: In a method of producing a membrane electrode assembly, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and gas diffusion layers are stacked together in a stacking direction in a manner that electrode catalyst layers are interposed between at least parts of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the gas diffusion layers to form a stack body. A load is applied to the stack body in the stacking direction, and the temperature of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is increased by high frequency dielectric heating. In this manner, the gas diffusion layers, the electrode catalyst layers, and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane are joined integrally to obtain the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: Certain configurations described herein are directed to gas chromatography devices. In some instances, the gas chromatography devices may comprise at least one heating device which can be moved along a chromatography column to provide a thermal gradient to the chromatography column. In other instances, the gas chromatography devices may comprise a heating device that can receive a moving chromatography column to provide a thermal gradient to the chromatography column. The gas chromatography devices may be configured as portable devices which can be used to perform remote analyzes.

Abstract: A method of processing at least one biological sample capable of containing at least one target microorganism, the method being carried out within a container and including: (a) performing at least one step of homogenizing the biological sample, during which contents of the container are displaced from a level n, corresponding to a level of the contents at rest, to a homogenization level nh, distinct from the level n, and vice versa; and (b) generating a displacement of the contents to a level n+1, which is different from levels n and nh, such that the contents come into contact with at least one culture, at least one analysis device, or a combination thereof, positioned in a chamber of the container, between level n+1 inclusive and level nh exclusive, wherein step b) takes place before, after or during all or part of the homogenization step a).

Abstract: A cartridge holds a perishable dielectric load, e.g. blood plasma, during heating n a heating chamber by means of an electromagnetic field from an emitting element. A conducting container of the cartridge is arranged between the emitting element and the perishable dielectric load. The conducting container holds dielectric matter and is arranged in contact with a load container for the perishable dielectric load, so that energy from the electromagnetic field is bridged into the perishable dielectric load. A first surface of the cartridge faces the emitting element and contains a recess for receiving any fluid having leaked out from the conducting container and/or the load container. A transmitter module for generating the electromagnetic energy repeatedly measures an impedance of the perishable dielectric load and the conducting container. If, due to any fluid being located in the recess, the impedance deviates substantially from a previous measurement, an alarm signal is generated.

Abstract: An enhanced elastomer molding process applies an electric field to an elastomer doped to include dielectric ceramic particulates inserted in a cavity of a mold while maintaining a temperature at or near a melting point of the elastomer and a Curie temperature of the ceramic particulates. Because a material's dielectric constant is related to the material's net remnant ferroelectric polarization, which may be increased by poling near the material's Curie temperature, applying the electric field to the elastomer doped with the dielectric ceramic particulates increases the dielectric constant of the dielectric ceramic particulates. This maintains the high elasticity of the elastomer while increasing the elastomer's dielectric constant of the material by increasing the value of the dielectric constant of the dielectric ceramic particulates included in the elastomer.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a device for processing at least one biological sample capable of containing at least one target microorganism within at least one container. The device having at least one displacement device for generating the displacement of the contents of the at least one container and at least one site for receiving the at least one container. Additionally, the at least one container can receive the at least one biological sample within the at least one container, the container being delimited by a wall fixed on a base. Further, the at least one displacement device may be movable with respect to the base, and the at least one container may include a flexible material which allows the at least one container to be compressed against said wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to eliminate gram negative bacterial pathogens from food or produce. This method includes the steps of exposing produce or food to an electrically conductive medium having an anode and a cathode; inserting the anode of the electrically conductive medium into a water flume; connecting the cathode of the electrically conductive medium to a conveyor belt to convey the produce or food through the water flume for increasing the negative electrostatic charge on the surface of the pathogen cells selected to cause cell lysis; and attaching one or more misters to the roof of a water chamber to disperse the water in the water chamber. When DC current is applied to any pathogen cell that is gram negative, it overrides the internal governing electrostatic charge controlling the pathogen cell causing cell lysis. This is the “Achilles heel” of gram negative bacteria pathogen cells.

Abstract: A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a geological formation is disclosed. A radio frequency source configured to apply a differential mode signal is connected to a coaxial conductor including an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through one or more metal jumpers. One or more current chokes, such as a common mode choke or antenna balun, are installed around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation. The outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe can be traditional well pipes for extracting hydrocarbons, such as a steam pipe and an extraction pipe of a steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) system. An apparatus and method for installing a current choke are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled to the transmission line. The apparatus also includes a balun configured to be coupled to the transmission line adjacent the RF antenna within the wellbore. The balun comprises a body defining a liquid chamber configured to receive a quantity of dielectric liquid therein.

Abstract: Dielectric in situ heating of materials using a resonant, non-radiating transformer. The target material is strategically formed into a part of the capacitance of the resonant system. The system may be used to heat in situ materials such as oilsands.

Abstract: A radio frequency heater is disclosed including a vessel for containing material to be heated and a radio frequency radiating surface. The vessel has a wall defining a reservoir. The radio frequency radiating surface at least partially surrounds the reservoir. The radiating surface includes two or more circumferentially spaced petals that are electrically isolated from other petals. The petals are positioned to irradiate at least a portion of the reservoir, and are adapted for connection to a source of radio frequency alternating current. A generally conical tank or tank segment having a conically wound radio frequency applicator is also contemplated. Also, a method of heating an oil-water process stream is disclosed. In this method a radio frequency heater and an oil-water process stream are provided. The process stream is irradiated with the heater, thus heating the water phase of the process stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for uniformly heating products, the products (8, 15) being heated by a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field. The method and the device are characterised in that the high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field for heating the products (8, 15) is produced by means of a semiconductor generator (4). By using a semiconductor generator (4), temperature fluctuations in the event of fluctuating load due to the transport of the products (8, 15) through the heating volume (7, 17) are reduced, so that a more uniform temperature of the products (8, 15) can be achieved in the heating process.

Abstract: A loose mixture formed of one or more solid inert materials and a hardenable resin dissolved in an organic solvent, in particular the remainder of the initial mix used for the manufacture of conglomerate stone sheets, is rendered inert by means of dielectric heating at a frequency of less than 300 MHz. A plant for implements a method where a loose mixture is formed of one or more solid inert materials and a hardenable resin dissolved in an organic solvent, in particular the remainder of the initial mix used for the manufacture of conglomerate stone sheets, is rendered inert by means of dielectric heating at a frequency of less than 300 MHz.

Abstract: A window such as a vehicle window (e.g., windshield) has a de-icing feature. In certain example embodiments, a conductive structure is provided on an interior surface of a substrate of the window, AC tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the conductive structure, and fields generated by the AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate to an exterior surface of the window and can be absorbed by ice thereby causing the ice to melt and/or be removed from the window.

Abstract: Electrical oscillations are supplied to electrodes of a diathermal heating chamber. A liquid is passed through the diathermal heating chamber so as to be heated. The liquid has a minimum level of dissolved solids, which is replenished over time or when the dissolved solids in the liquid fall below a predetermined minimum level. Alternatively, when the level of dissolved solids is excessive, current input or liquid temperature is reduced.

Abstract: A pulse system for detaching ice includes a power supply for applying a high-power heating pulse to the interface between ice and an object such as a cold plate of an ice making system, an ice-container, a heat-exchanger, a refrigerator surface or an airplane wing. Pulse heating may be generated within a metal foil or resistive film disposed upon an object to be deiced, or a capillary tube proximate the object to be deiced. An interfacial layer of ice is melted and the ice is released from the object. A force, for example gravity, pressure of vaporization or mechanical scraping, removes the ice from the object.

Abstract: A window such as a vehicle window (e.g., windshield) has a de-icing feature. In certain example embodiments, a conductive structure is provided on an interior surface of a substrate of the window, AC tuned to an ice removal frequency is caused to run through the conductive structure, and fields generated by the AC passing through the conductive structure propagate through the substrate to an exterior surface of the window and can be absorbed by ice thereby causing the ice to melt and/or be removed from the window.

Abstract: A compact, portable resistance heating device that takes a source of alternating current electricity and through a series of connections and circuitry splits the alternating current electricity into a plurality of circuits. The compact, portable resistance heating device is capable of heating a plurality of cartridge heaters at one time, individually or a combination thereof. The compact, portable resistance heating device is controlled by at least one controller that controls three (3) power output receptacles. The controller is capable of producing 0-100% output power to each respective cartridge heater. Each cartridge heater may be individually controlled by an on/off switch, and an indicator light may be provided and illuminate when each cartridge heater is energized. The cartridge heaters of the compact, portable resistance heating device do not require close tolerances with an axial bore of a stud or threaded bolt and are further capable of being bent to suit the particular operation.

Abstract: A medium (24 and 124) made up of fossil fuel hydrocarbons (304) is heated by maintaining at least a portion or area of the medium (334) in an alternating current electrical field (36 and 136) provided by a radio frequency signal at a radio frequency that matches a Debye resonance frequency or frequencies of one or more components of the medium (334). As the medium (334), or as at least one individual component of the medium (334) increases in temperature, the frequency of the radio frequency signal is automatically adjusted to track changes in the Debye resonance frequency, which shifts in frequency as the temperature rises. Portions, areas and/or individual chemical compositions of the medium (334) can be heated, by the use of grid electrodes (22, 22, 120, 124), at different rates to assure uniform temperature increases or to achieve a particular desired warming pattern.

Abstract: A first electrode is separated from a second electrode by an interelectrode space. The interelectrode space does not exceed 3 mm, and preferably does not exceed 100 ?m. Liquid water fills the interelectrode space, thereby electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. A power supply, preferably low-frequency AC, is connected to the first and second electrodes, generating a current through the water in the interelectrode space. The applied electric power prevents freezing of a thin liquid water layer in the interelectrode space, thereby preventing ice formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon bearing formation (304) which is heated using a variable frequency capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating (334) in situ process. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation may be produced by heating specific chemical compositions with or without the use of a carrier medium (320) in a subterranean reservoir. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation are heated by maintaining specific chemical compositions in an alternating current electrical field generated by a radio frequency signal. As the targeted chemical compositions increase in temperature, maximum energy is delivered using variable frequency radio frequency dielectric heating to adjust the rate of the heating process.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon bearing formation (304) which is heated using a automatic impedance matching (181) capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating (334) in situ process. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation may be produced by heating specific chemical compositions with or without the use of a carrier medium (320) in a subterranean reservoir. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation are heated by maintaining specific chemical compositions in an alternating current electrical field generated by a radio frequency signal. As the targeted chemical compositions increase in temperature, maximum energy is delivered using automatic impedance matching to adjust the rate of the heating process.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon bearing formation which is heated using a variable frequency automated capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating in situ process. Hydrocarbons or other substances natural to a hydrocarbonaceous formation may be produced by heating specific chemical compositions with or without the use of a carrier medium. Separation of desired hydrocarbons from less sought-after constituents can occur in carrier medium subterranean reservoir. Hydrocarbon media can be slurry heated using a variable frequency automated capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating method. Slurry heated hydrocarbon media can be ejected to lower depths of carrier medium reservoir to impart hydrostatic pressure onto media. Hydraulic pressure blasted at cavern wall with carrier medium fluid possessing variable frequency automated capacitive radio frequency dielectric heating properties will be used to enlarge cavern size. Explosives can be used to enlarge cavern outer perimeter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for contactless heating of a fluid in a chamber using a high frequency alternating potential are described. At least two electrodes are coupled to the chamber such that the alternating potential is coupled to the fluid inside the chamber and heats the fluid. A control loop derives a signal from the alternating potential and uses the signal to control the alternating potential. The devices and methods described determine temperature and/or conductivity of the fluid using the signal.

Abstract: This invention solves the problem with the overheatings of perishable dielectric matters. The invention is intended for the warming and/or the heating of dielectric matters, which are placed in oscillating electric and/or electromagnetic fields generated at frequencies being below 900 MHz between capacitor discs or in cavities.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for electrically heating subsea pipelines. An electrically insulating layer is placed over the pipe in the segment of the pipeline to be heated and electrical current is caused to flow axially through the steel wall of the pipe. In one embodiment (end fed), an insulating joint at the host end of the pipeline is used to apply voltage to the end of the segment. At the remote end an electrical connector is used to conduct the electrical current to a return cable or to a seawater electrode. A buffer zone of the pipeline beyond the remote end is provided. Separate electrical heating may also be applied in the buffer zone. Electrical chokes may be used in different arrangements to decrease leakage current in the pipeline outside the heated segment. In another embodiment (center fed), voltage is applied at or near the midpoint of the segment to be heated through an electrical connector and no insulating joint is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dielectric drying is disclosed wherein a load to be heated positioned on a carrier the bottom of which provides a secondary electrode is moved with the carrier a dielectric heating chamber having a primary electrode positioned above load when said load on said carrier is moved into an operative position in the chamber. The carrier and load are elevated into heating position and this movement simultaneously connects the secondary electrode to ground, so that when high frequency power is applied to the primary electrode the circuit is made to dielectrically heat the load.

Abstract: An alternating electric field is applied at an ice interface to generate a resistive AC current having a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice. Typically, a first electrode and a second electrode proximate to the interface are separated by an interelectrode distance of about 50 &mgr;m to 500 &mgr;m. An AC power source provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes in order to create the alternating electric field. Interfacial ice converts capacitive AC current into resistive AC current, which generates Joule heat in the interfacial ice.

Abstract: A canister is provided for preventing the emanation of a vaporized fuel gas. The canister is capable of quickly heating the activated carbon through the resistance thereof up to a required temperature at the time of desorption of the vaporized fuel gas. The canister comprises a container having a vaporized fuel gas inlet port and an exit port. An aggregate of activated carbon is filled in the container to adsorb the vaporized fuel gas, and at least a pair of electrodes are provided for heating the activated carbon through the resistance thereof, at the time of desorption of the vaporized fuel gas. A highly electrically conductive activated carbon is used having an electric resistance of not larger than 500 .OMEGA./2.5.sup.3 cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A novel dielectric heater including a RF source having a first impedance, a parallel plate mold having a second impedance, and an impedance network, matching the first impedance to the second impedance, connected to the RF source and the parallel plate mold. The impedance network may be connected in series with the RF source and the parallel plate mold. The RF source may include a RF terminal and a common terminal, the impedance network may include a first terminal, connected to the RF terminal, and a second terminal, and the parallel plate mold may include a first plate, connected to the second terminal of the impedance network, and a second plate, connected to the common terminal of the RF source. In an alternative embodiment the novel dielectric heater includes parallel plates divided into a number of series-connected cells. The series cells lower the capacitive component, and may be configured such that an impedance of the parallel plate mold approximates an impedance of the RF source.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking chamber and a steam generator for supplying steam thereto for preventing food from drying out during cooking. The steam generator includes a water storage tank and a pair of spaced-apart electrodes mounted in the tank for producing an electrical current across the water in the tank, thereby heating the water to form steam. The water may contain an electrical conducting substance such as sodium chloride to facilitate generation of the electrical current.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electroheating an electrically conducting flowable material are provided. In a preferred embodiment, flowable material is conveyed from an entrance passageway to first and second electrode assemblies. The flowable material is then conveyed from the first and second electrode assemblies to an exit passageway. Voltages of opposite polarity are respectively applied to the first and second electrode assemblies so that a first electric current passes through the flowable material as it is conveyed from the entrance passageway to the first and second electrode assemblies, and a second electric current passes through the flowable material as it is conveyed from the first and second electrode assemblies to the exit passageway, in order to electroheat the flowable material. The flowable material preferably is rapidly cooled after being electroheated. The present invention may, for example, advantageously be used to electroheat biological proteinaceous matter, such as liquid egg or milk.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are disclosed for confining ohmic heating currents to a subsurface formation in the use of in situ ohmic heating for recovery of volatile and semi-volatile materials, such as hazardous waste, hydrocarbon-like materials, and valuable minerals having thermally responsive properties. Spacing between emplaced electrodes and the number of electrodes employed are controlled to cause coupling between electrodes for more uniform and higher temperature heating. Electrode designs are disclosed which suppress spurious earth currents which would heat other formations not of interest. Suppression of electrode end currents is accomplished by the use of distinct rings of insulation, control of the applied potential along the electrode, and injection or withdrawal of fluids at distinct locations along the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing heat energy without combustion for causing no air pollution. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process which imposes kinetic energy selected from the group comprising static electricity, high voltage electricity and electromagnetic radiation upon selected matter to convert the electrons from such matter into an exciting or ionizing state, and collecting the heat energy released when the excited or ionized electrons from such matter go back to a lower energy state without combustion. The heat energy produced in accordance with the present invention does not go through combustion, therefore no pollution is created.

Abstract: Electroheating apparatus and methods utilize a dielectric structure defining a conduit course of relatively small cross-sectional area and electrode surfaces of relatively large area so that the electrical current density in a region of the conduit remote from the electrodes is substantially higher than the current density at the electrode surfaces themselves. The system uses relatively high electrical resistance and relatively high voltages to provide substantial heating effect with low total currents. Foods such as liquid egg can be pasteurized.

Abstract: An electroheating apparatus to continuously treating pumpable food is made up of a number of connected electroheating cells. In one embodiment, all of the cells include a pair of concentric electrodes between which the food is pumped. The electrodes are connected to a high frequency energy source which passes current through the food to heat them based upon their own resistivity and the electrode gap. In another embodiment, two different functioning electrodes are used, connected in series, so as to provide long run times and high process temperatures.

Abstract: A method for increasing the rate of evaporation of water in a humid atmosphere by providing a high frequency electric field at the evaporating surface of the water. The method is an energy-efficient alternative to attempts to lower the humidity of the air surrounding water to be evaporated.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing heat energy without combustion and without causing air pollution. The apparatus includes a cylindrical shaped reactor containing non-fuel fluid matter in a tank having liquid stored therein for converting selected matter into energy the apparatus also includes an electrostatic wave generator, an electrostatic wave regulator and a heat releasing reactor. The heat releasing reactor is connected to opposite ends of the cylindrical shaped reactor with the electrodes of the wave generator inside the reactor and with the heat releasing reactor in proximity to the liquid stored in the tank.

Abstract: A reactor apparatus for production of Lunar oxygen uses feed stocks comprising a particulate hydrogen-reducible enriched feed in the size range from about 20-200 microns, containing 80-90% Lunar ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and ferrous Lunar agglutinates. The reactor apparatus has three vertically spaced fluidized zones with downcomers from the upper to the central fluidized zone and openings for introducing a hydrogen-containing gas stream through the lower fluidized zone. A solid-to-gas RF-dielectric heater has a ceramic honeycomb with small parallel channels separated by thin, ceramic walls and electrodes surrounding the honeycomb connected to an external RF power source for heating the gas stream to a reducing reaction temperature. A top inlet introduces the enriched feed into the upper fluidized zone for fluidization therein and flow into middle and lower fluidized zones countercurrent to the flow of the gas stream.

Abstract: A water heater including a first electrode and a second electrode in spaced relation to the first electrode. The first an second electrodes define a fluid path and a capacitance therebetween. The heater may also include a first winding associated with the fluid path and a second winding in spaced relation to the first winding and associated with the fluid path. The first and second windings generate a magnetic field therebetween and across the fluid path.

Abstract: A diathermal water heater for the rapid and controlled heating of water and like fluids. A diathermal heating chamber uses electrical oscillations to heat liquids flowing through it. By means of feedback circuitry, the electrical oscillations are controlled to provide liquids at a constant temperature. Household and industrial quantities of hot water, wet steam and dry steam may be generated by the water heater. The heater itself is compact and can be used to provide one pipe plumbing to provide water at controlled heated temperatures.

Abstract: An in-situ method of extracting contaminants from a soil volume comprises applying a radiofrequency (RF) excitation signal to heat the soil with an array of electrodes. The electrodes are inserted into the contaminated volume or inserted into a matrix of holes drilled into the volume. A first row of electrodes is electrically coupled to a shield of a coaxial cable, with a second row electrically coupled to the central conductor of the coaxial cable. RF energy is applied to pairs of electrode rows through the coaxial cable and a matching network is installed in front of the electrode-row pair to maximize power flow into the electrode-row pair. This results in very evenly distributed voltages which results in even heating. A balanced-to-unbalanced transformer (balun) is installed at the input to the matching network to prevent the deposition of RF energy outside the target volume and creation of voltages that could be hazardous to personnel.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are disclosed for confining ohmic heating currents to a subsurface formation in the use of in situ ohmic heating for recovery of volatile and semi-volatile materials, such as hazardous waste, hydrocarbon-like materials, and valuable minerals having thermally responsive properties. Spacing between emplaced electrodes and the number of electrodes employed are controlled to cause coupling between electrodes for more uniform and higher temperature heating. Electrode designs are disclosed which suppress spurious earth currents which would heat other formations not of interest. Suppression of electrode end currents is accomplished by the use of distinct rings of insulation, control of the applied potential along the electrode, and injection or withdrawal of fluids at distinct locations along the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying, by heating, a continuous supply of dielectric material. A terminated, quarter-wavelength transmission line is used as a "traveling wave" applicator for transferring electromagnetic energy from a radio-frequency generator to the dielectric material as the material passes through the transmission line, preferably by gravity feed. The transmission line applicator is directly connected to the output of the radio-frequency generator, without any intervening feeding transmission line, so that the transmission line applicator becomes the resonant output tank circuit of the generator and thus determines the oscillation frequency of the generator. Forced air may be blown through the dielectric material as it flows through the transmission line so as to sweep moisture, driven to the surface of the dielectric material by heating, from the flowing dielectric material.

Abstract: A method for making a photographic composition gel ready for use in production from a good preservative frozen state, causing no change in photographic properties, wherein a photographic composition gel is melted to a sol by placing a light shielding dielectric preservative container holding lumps of a photographic composition gel in a dielectric heating apparatus which generates high frequencies capable of penetrating to a depth corresponding to the size of the above photographic composition gel lumps, and melting the photographic composition gel to a sol by irradiating the lumps of gel with the above high frequencies from the outside of the container.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel compositions of matter, in particulate forms, which function as heat transfer agents for heating or cooling applications. The particulates comprise solid carriers containing microwave responsive substances which are liquid at a predetermined elevated operating temperature. These particulate agents, preheated by microwave energy, serve as sources of dry heat or moist heat, depending on their composition. They also serve as sources of cold, when prechilled in a freezer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating aqueous fluids for the purpose of increasing the heat absorption characteristics thereof. The method also relates to treating aqueous fluid in applications where it is desired to use a certain amount of heat input to achieve a higher temperature for the fluid or where it is desired to achieve a certain temperature for the fluid using a lesser amount of heat input or to accelerate fluid heating. The treatment comprises directly injecting into the fluid electromagnetic radiation, most preferably electromagnetic radiation having a frequency between 1 KHz and 1000 MHz. In the most preferred embodiment, electromagnetic radiation is injected through a conductor directly in contact with the fluid.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of: preheating a selected volume of product to a temperature proximate to the maximum temperature of the treatment; irradiating the product with an alternating electromagnetic field in order to heat the product to approximately 50.degree. C.; maintaining the product at a substantially constant temperature for a set time; cooling the product to a temperature close to the packaging temperature. An apparatus for performing the above method includes a pair of facing emitting surfaces connected to the terminals of an oscillator operating below 1 GHz and set to heat the product to a maximum temperature of approximately 50.degree. C. The apparatus also includes a thermally insulated region to maintain the product at the maximum temperature of the treatment for a selected time adapted to ensure the complete destruction of the bacterial and sporal loads.