Microwave Energy Patents (Class 34/259)
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Patent number: 6618957Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to a process for drying and/or pathogen reduction as well as an apparatus effective for the same, the process comprising the steps of feeding a sample containing water onto a mesh conveyor belt; transporting the sample into a heated chamber having an air flow about, around and through the sample; exposing said sample to at least two sources of microwaves in non-parallel alignment to each other; and collecting the sample. The at least two sources of microwaves are from a split waveguide assembly, producing microwaves which are essentially 90° out of phase to each other. The heated chamber is between approximately 75° C. and 125° C. The convection heating supplements the microwave heating thereby both heating the sample from the outside in and also from the inside out. The microwave frequency is between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Inventors: John F. Novak, Michael R. Burch
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Patent number: 6596975Abstract: A method for increasing the permeability of wood which comprises subjecting wood with a moisture content (based on dry weight) of at least 15% to microwave radiation at a frequency (f) in the range of from about 0.1 to about 24 GHz with a power intensity (p) from about 10 W/cm2 to about 100 kW/cm2 for a duration of from about 0.05 to about 600 seconds to cause water in the wood to vaporise resulting in an internal pressure in the wood such that the permeability of the wood is increased by partial or complete destruction of ray cell tissue, softening and displacement of wood resin, formation of pathways in the radial direction of the wood and/or by creating, on the base of destroyed rays, cavities in the wood, said cavities being primarily in radial-longitudinal planes of the wood, and wherein the overall integrity of the wood is substantially maintained. A wood-based material may be formed having a permeability which is at least 5 times that of the untreated wood.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The University of MelbourneInventors: Peter Vinden, Francisco Javier Romero, Grigory Torgovnikov
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Patent number: 6586713Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapid, continuous flow histological processing of tissues is disclosed. The steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation are performed in less than one hour; this allows a pathologist to evaluate samples shortly after receipt, perhaps while the patient is still in the operating room. Rapid and continuous processing is accomplished by decreasing the thickness of tissue sections, use of non-aqueous solutions composed of admixtures of solutions, solution exchange at elevated temperature and with agitation, and impregnation under vacuum pressure. The patient in surgery is thus provided with point-of-care surgical pathology.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: The University of MiamiInventors: Ervin Essenfeld, Harold Essenfeld, Azorides Morales
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Patent number: 6581299Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Valeurs Bois IndustrieInventors: Bernard Dedieu, Abdelaaziz Bouirdène
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Patent number: 6546646Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing moisture from a material, without spoiling the processed product, through the implementation of microwave irradiation heating, drying, dehydration, curing, disinfection, pasteurization, sterilization or vaporization or any combination thereof. The process and apparatus provide for a controlled processing of planar material, a combination of materials organic or inorganic, in natural or processed form, in sheet leaf, granular, prepared or transportable planar form.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Microwave Processing Technologies Pty. LimitedInventor: Donald S. Thomas
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Patent number: 6539644Abstract: A method for controlling differential shrinkage during drying of ceramic honeycomb substrates by heating the ceramic honeycomb substrate with a vapor-insulating guard disposed substantially about the ceramic honeycomb substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Carlos R. Araya
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Publication number: 20030051368Abstract: A method for controlling differential shrinkage during drying of ceramic honeycomb substrates by heating the ceramic honeycomb substrate with a vapor-insulating guard disposed substantially about the ceramic honeycomb substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Carlos R. Araya
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Publication number: 20030046826Abstract: Reduction of moisture in harvested crop particles such as corn and soy beans. Waste heat from an internal engine carried by a harvester is applied to the crop during the harvesting process. Microwave energy is optionally applied to the crop, concurrently with application of the heat, or separately from it. The objective is to reduce the moisture to a level acceptable to a storage facility, or at least to reduce the cost of further reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: Alvin A. Snaper
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Patent number: 6508013Abstract: There are provided a method of drying a fresh sample in a short period of time, a method of fabricating a pressed flower or specimen which retains a beautiful color, and a method of fabricating tea or herb tea which retains a natural beautiful color and scent. The method of quickly drying a fresh sample is characterized in comprising the steps of covering an outer surface of a fresh sample with a moisture absorbent porous flexible sheet, surrounding the periphery of the moisture absorbent porous flexible sheet with moisture absorbent granular bodies in an amount capable of absorbing all moisture contained in the fresh sample, bringing the outer surface of the fresh sample, the moisture absorbent porous flexible sheet and the moisture absorbent granular bodies into intimate contact with one another, and irradiating the fresh sample, the moisture absorbent porous flexible sheet and the moisture absorbent granular bodies with a microwave, then cooling them.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Chizuko Okazaki, Naoki Mita
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Publication number: 20020178607Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making expanded clay granules, characterized in that the granules are expanded by being heated with microwave radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: ENTEMA (SARL)Inventors: Frederic Vandenbussche, Nathalie Bessiron
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Patent number: 6473994Abstract: The invention relates to a process for drying wood, characterized in that it comprises a pressurizing step to place a sealed chamber (1) under a predetermined pressure by injecting or generating saturating steam and maintaining this pressure for a predetermined time interval, while ensuring a forced circulation of air and saturating steam within the chamber, a heating step to heat the wood core and central zone of the wood pieces by emitting microwaves at frequencies ranging between 400 and 2450 MHz, an evacuation step to carry away the liquid exudates from the wood which run down to the bottom of the chamber (1) where they are collected.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Valeurs Bois IndustrieInventors: Bernard Dedieu, Abdelaâziz Bouirdène
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Publication number: 20020152633Abstract: Disclosed is an adsorptive ethanol drying apparatus in which microwaves are applied during the regeneration of an absorbent conducted in a continuous adsorption process for drying ethanol, so that the absorbent regeneration can be rapidly achieved at a temperature lower than that used in a conventional heating type regeneration method and within a reduced processing time, thereby being capable of allowing an efficient use of energy while improving the productivity per adsorbent mass. A method for operating the adsorptive ethanol drying apparatus is also disclosed. At an adsorption step, a vaporized ethanol azeotropic mixture is forced to pass through adsorption towers to adsorb water contained in the vaporized ethanol azeotropic mixture to an adsorbent charged in each of the adsorption towers while condensing ethanol in a storage tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Jong Kee Park, Soon Haeng Cho, Jong Nam Kim, Jung Il Yang, Hee Tae Beom
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Patent number: 6455826Abstract: The invention is directed at an apparatus capable of the continuous drying of ceramic articles which produces little or no microwave radiation emission. The drying apparatus comprises comprise a microwave-heating chamber, for heating a ceramic, having an entrance and an exit end and a material flow axis along which the ceramic articles are conveyed. Positioned adjacent the entrance and exit ends of the microwave-heating chamber, respectively, are a first and second attenuation chamber each having an entrance and an exit end. An inlet chamber, having a material flow path, is connected to the entrance end of the first attenuation chamber with a portion of the material flow path disposed at an angle to the flow axis. Connected to the exit end of the second attenuation chamber is an outlet chamber having a second material flow path; again at least a portion of the material flow path is at an angle to the material flow axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Carlos R. Araya, Ronald A. Boyko
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Patent number: 6442866Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for drying or heat-treating substances or products at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure. The invention relates furthermore to banana chips dried by means of this method and banana powder produced therefrom. For drying or heat-treating, the products to be treated are loaded in transport receptacles which are subsequently charged via charging lock chambers into a treatment chamber and discharged therefrom via discharging lock chambers. For drying or heat treating, at least one microwave source is provided in the treatment chamber. Furthermore, an infrared heating source may be provided. After heat-treating or drying, a resting period may be scheduled. More particularly for this purpose, a vertically-oriented conveying system is provided in the treatment chamber when a longish resting period is involved. The transport receptacle is configured dished and my comprise nets on which the products are applied.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventor: Michael Wefers
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Patent number: 6425190Abstract: A method and device for moisture profiling of a fibrous material web to be dried in machines for manufacturing and/or refining this web that includes subjecting the fibrous material web to electromagnetic waves in the form of microwaves and/or high-frequency waves.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbHInventors: Robert Wolf, Markus Oechsle, Wolfgang Mayer, Roland Mayer, Frank Wegehaupt
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Patent number: 6423954Abstract: Method for shielding against dangerous microwave radiation during drying of a surface of a water damaged building part by one or more mobile unit(s) emitting microwave radiation against the surface that is being dried, which method comprises installing a temporary, easily applied and removed, metal foil as a partially covering of the surface to be dried so that microwave radiation can be reflected back onto the surface to be dried while allowing evaporated water to escape from the surface at uncovered areas. The foil is applied to cause the radiation to pass through at least 50 cm of the building material to utilize the inherent quenching effect of the building material to help dry the water damaged building part surface. Preferably, the foil is an aluminum foil and the building part is a ceiling, floor, or a wall of a building, and the foil is applied to surround the building part except in the area(s) of the mobile unit(s).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Leif Gösta Zettergren
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Patent number: 6424307Abstract: An in-line, guided-microwave spectrometer has an antenna mounting assembly that is particularly useful in sanitary applications, such as food processing systems. The antenna mounting assembly reduces the likelihood of leakage that can corrupt the electrical operation of the system. The mounting assembly includes antenna cover plate which has a recess, and a dielectric antenna window body which has a flange which fits into the recess. The seam between the dielectric window body flange and the recess in the cover plate where adhesive is applied is isolated from an area of high pressure due to this configuration. Also, a back cover is preferably mounted over the back side of the antenna cover plate to protect electrical components on the back side of the cover plate during high pressure wash downs.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Weiler and Company, Inc.Inventor: Sherel F. Nutt
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Patent number: 6401356Abstract: A method of drying veneer sheets by continuously shingling discrete wood veneer-sheets to form a layup where the leading edges of adjacent sheets are offset by a distance X with the lower, veneer sheet leading in the direction of movement the one there above and continuously feeding the so formed layup in the direction of movement into a drier where the veneer sheets while still in the layup are dried. The dried veneer sheets are then separated into discreet dried veneer sheets and are thereafter individually tested.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Weyerhaeuser CompanyInventors: Mark Trelawny Churchland, Robert Leeson Pike, Norbert Kott
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Patent number: 6381869Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.Inventor: Robert R. Lunan
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Publication number: 20020046474Abstract: The invention described herein pertain generally to a process for drying and/or pathogen reduction as well as an apparatus effective for the same, the process comprising the steps of feeding a sample containing water onto a mesh conveyor belt; transporting the sample into a heated chamber having an air flow about, around and through the sample; exposing said sample to at least two sources of microwaves in non-parallel alignment to each other; and collecting the sample. The at least two sources of microwaves are from a split waveguide assembly, producing microwaves which are essentially 90° out of phase to each other. The heated chamber is between approximately 75° C. and 125° C. The convection heating supplements the microwave heating thereby both heating the sample from the outside in and also from the inside out. The microwave frequency is between 915 MHz and 1000 MHz, preferably approximately 915 MHz.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventors: John F. Novak, Michael R. Burch
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Publication number: 20020035792Abstract: A toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: March 28, 2002Inventors: Robert F. Scalese, Thomas B. Taylor, Tim Holzschuh, Douglas E. Harbert, Thomas G. Plaven, Martin L. Maple, Jan Claesson
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Patent number: 6323470Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removing solvents from coated materials while capturing evaporated vapors in a confined space and maintaining non-explosive conditions within the space. Microwave energy may be applied to a coated material as the coated material passes through a cavity configured to produce an electromagnetic resonance mode. The application of microwaves to the coated material causes rapid evaporation of the solvents. The cavity is also configured to confine the evaporated vapors in a small volume and control the inflow of air into the volume so as to produce an effluent waste stream which includes a relatively high concentration of solvent molecules while maintaining a non-explosive atmosphere within the cavity. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for treating coated web materials, especially continuous webs.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventors: Philip S. Schmidt, John H. Davis, Tyler Blessing
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Patent number: 6259078Abstract: The invention is directed at apparatus for microwave heating of a ceramic, comprising an adjustable power microwave source for directing microwave power into a continuous throughput microwave cavity. The apparatus further includes a microwave power control system for variably controlling the power of that is delivered to the microwave cavity. The first component of this system comprises a reflected power detector for detecting the microwave power reflected from the ceramic material in the cavity. The reflected power detector measures the value of the reflected power from the cavity and compares that reflected power output value to a preset reflected output value to generate an output signal indicative of the difference in measured and set reflected values.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Carlos R. Araya
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Patent number: 6247246Abstract: A toploading weighing instrumentality which determines loss on drying by a cylindrical microwave. The cylindrical cavity of the microwave includes a power supply, a magnetron, a power module operatively coupled between said power supply and said magnetron for driving said magnetron, a wave guide communicating with the magnetron and with a microwave containment chamber for delivering energy thereto, at least one microwave energy sensor for sensing microwave energy or magnetic and/or electric field strength within the chamber for controlling, inter alia, the loss on drying process of the sample being assayed and determining when the drying process is complete. A precision electronic balance is operatively disposed within the microwave chamber for allowing a specimen being assayed to be weighed. In addition, a ventilation chamber is provided for venting moisture from the microwave chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Denver Instrument CompanyInventors: Robert F. Scalese, Thomas B. Taylor, Tim Holzschuh, Douglas E. Harbert, Thomas G. Playen, Martin L. Maple, Jan Claesson
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Patent number: 6237245Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials in a microwave oven. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is placed in a microwave oven and heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Lee Valley Tools, Ltd.Inventor: Robert R. Lunan
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Patent number: 6225611Abstract: A lyophilizer system is adapted for operation in a first mode or a second mode with microwave assisted drying. The system includes a lyophilizing chamber, including shielding from microwaves. The chamber is connected to a pressure controller for controlling vacuum in the lyophilizing chamber and a device for trapping water vapor. One or more microwave generators, direct microwaves into the lyophilizing chamber. Refrigeration units lower the temperature of the lyophilizing chamber and condenser. The chamber environment maintains a temperature and a pressure that facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a first mode, and for creating a chamber environment having vacuum and temperature such that when combined with microwaves directed into the chamber, facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a second mode. The chamber has arc inhibiting surfaces and shielding and a corona discharge detection and control system, including optical, thermal and other detection systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Hull CorporationInventors: Timothy E. Pearcy, Ronald R. Lentz
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Patent number: 6128829Abstract: In a method for drying substrates, in particular, semiconductor wafers, an especially residue-free drying of the substrates results when, during removal of the substrates from a liquid, a meniscus of the liquid forming at the transition between the substrate surface and the liquid surface is heated. A device for performing the method is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: STEAG Microtech GmbHInventors: Klaus Wolke, Martin Weber
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Patent number: 6073365Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting granular material using microwave energy in an applicator that mixes the material with air for consistent and effective insect mortality rates.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventors: Steven L. Halverson, Timothy S. Bigelow
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Patent number: 6063751Abstract: A process for preparing a low density detergent composition is disclosed. The process includes the steps of agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates wherein the detergent agglomerates include at least 3% by weight water and dielectrically heating the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of below 600 g/l.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Paul Amaat France, Larry Rudolph Genskow, Wayne Edward Beimesch
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Patent number: 6012233Abstract: When drying of garbage is started, the opening and closing valve 61 is opened, and at the same time the processing tank 21 is heated by the heater 31. Due to the foregoing, temperatures in the processing tank 21 and the heating chamber 30 are raised and water contained in garbage in the processing tank 21 starts evaporating. At a point of time when the heating chamber 30 and the condensing chamber 40 are filled with this steam, the opening and closing valve 61 is closed, and the fan 50 is operated, so that steam in the condensing chamber 40 is cooled and condensed. Therefore, steam generated in the heating chamber 30 flows into the condensing chamber 40, and pressure in the heating chamber 30 becomes negative and the boiling point is lowered. Accordingly, it is possible to evaporate water at a low temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Paloma Industries, LimitedInventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Takahiro Konno
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Patent number: 6004480Abstract: A continuous automated process is provided for manufacturing a phosphor product having controlled particle size characteristics and enhanced luminescent performance characteristics for use in a luminescent display. A precursor host lattice solution, a precursor dopant solution and reagent solution are initially selected as the starting materials for the phosphor product and are mixed together to produce a liquid starting material mixture. The mixture is conveyed to a microwave reactor and heated therein in a first heating stage by subjecting the mixture to microwaves at a predetermined frequency for a time sufficient to convert the starting material mixture to a precursor complex. The precursor complex is conveyed to a fluidized bed reactor and heated therein in a second heating stage by a hot fluidizing gas for a time and at a temperature sufficient to convert the precursor complex to the phosphor product in particulate form.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Surjit S. Chadha
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Patent number: 5989781Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for producing printing plates comprising rapid, efficient drying of solvent-containing resin compositions of the printing plates and apparatus useful therefor. Printing plates processed employing invention methods and apparatus are ready for use in printing applications in a relatively short period of time, especially compared to the time required for conventional convection drying. Moreover, printing plates processed according to the present invention method and apparatus are not subjected to excessive levels of heat, as is frequently the case with conventional convection drying. Excessive heating tends to be detrimental to the performance properties of the polymeric resin. In a particular aspect of the present invention, there are provided novel compositions which, upon drying according to the methods described herein, undergo a color change, thereby indicating when the drying process is substantially complete.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: NAPP Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Idacavage, Robert W. Kelsall
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Patent number: 5979073Abstract: A method of making a dried porous ceramic body having interconnected surface pores and interior channels. The body is formed by extrusion from a paste and is irradiated with microwave radiation to heat it for an initial period at a rate of at least 15.degree. C./minute, after which the irradiation is reduced so that the body is heated at a rate of at most 1.degree. C./minute. Heat loss from the external surface of the body, during heating, is resisted.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Implico B.V.Inventors: Paul F Fuls, Johann D Le Roux
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Method for the microwave induced oxidation of pyritic ores without the production of sulphur dioxide
Patent number: 5972302Abstract: Pyritic ores are heated with microwave energy in a fluidized bed to a temperature in the range of approximately 573 degrees Kelvin to 823 degrees Kelvin with a controlled amount of oxygen to promote the oxidation of the pyritic ores according to the reaction: 2FeS.sub.2 +3/2 O.sub.2 .fwdarw.Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 +4S, thereby preventing the production of sulphur dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: EMR Microwave Technology CorporationInventors: James M. Tranquilla, Paul R. Kruesi -
Patent number: 5962057Abstract: A vacuum microwave dehydration process for drying fresh mango and pineapple fruit pieces at low temperatures which results in a product with a "fresh", uncooked flavor and a unique crunchy texture with little or no shrinkage which can not be achieved through conventional air drying.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: The University of Bristish ColumbiaInventors: Timothy Douglas Durance, Jian Hua Wang, Richard Schlomer Meyer
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Patent number: 5956865Abstract: Herbs are dried by applying microwave power to herbs in a chamber under reduced or negative pressure to reduce the moisture content of the herbs without significantly damaging the flavor of the dried herbs and produce a dried herb having a flavor more closely approaching the flavor of fresh herbs than dried herbs produced by conventional processes.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: The University of British ColumbiaInventors: Timothy Douglas Durance, Dragan Macura, Richard Scholmer Meyer, Alex N. Yousif, Christine H. Scaman, Jianhua (Linda) Wang
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Patent number: 5954970Abstract: The present invention describes a process and an apparatus for treating sludge having both liquid and solid constituents. The sludge is first heated to a minimum optimum draining temperature. During heating, mechanical dewatering of the sludge occurs. In a preferred embodiment, a process is disclosed for treating waste paint sludge generated from a paint spraybooth, and heating is performed using microwave radiation. Liquid released from the paint sludge during dewatering can be recycled back to the spraybooth water, and vaporized exhaust generated during heating can either be condensed into liquid form and recycled, or incinerated and, preferably, sparged through untreated sludge to pre-heat it.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1995Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Haden Schweitzer CorporationInventor: Daniel M. St. Louis
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Patent number: 5937761Abstract: A method for controlling and regulating a dryer in a rotary printing press having a varnishing device for varnishing printing stock processed in the printing press, includes measuring the intensity of a microwave signal after the microwave signal has interacted with varnished and dried printing stock fed through the rotary printing press; from the measured radiation intensity of the microwave signal, forming a status variable representing a measure of the degree of drying of the printing stock; and varying drying power provided by the dryer as a function of the formed status variable; and a device for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Martin Buschmann, Sharam Hauck
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Patent number: 5914309Abstract: A process for producing detergent tablets by exposing a detergent composition to microwave radiation in the frequency range from 3 to 300,000 MHz while treating the detergent composition with hot air having a temperature of 50.degree. C. to 300.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Mario Ulbl, Andreas Potthoff, Sandra Witt, Manfred Klemm
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Patent number: 5868940Abstract: Methods for on-site remediation of contaminated natural resources and fabrication of construction products therefrom. A mobile treatment facility is provided at the site of the contaminated natural resources. Contaminated sediment, soil, pulp and/or liquids are obtained from the site and processed on-site to obtain a variety of construction materials, including coarse and fine particulate material, bricks, concrete products, pellets and aggregate material. Coarse, sand-like materials are fabricated from decontaminated clay-based based materials and used in the fabrication of concrete products. Waste streams are combined to optimize their mutually neutralizing properties. Contaminants such as inorganics and heavy metals are immobilized as water-insoluble complexes in the matrix of the resulting products. Organic contaminants are volatilized and/or burned off, and thermochemical reactions of inorganic contaminants are induced, in a high-temperature irradiation treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Alex Gurfinkel
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Patent number: 5869816Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous processing of a granular material in a wet or dry state. The apparatus comprises first and second heating chambers, and the heating energy is provided by microwave energy. The first chamber preheats the granular material to lower the moisture content. The second chamber heats the granular material to the desired high temperature, for example, 800.degree. C. for the reactivation of carbon. The first and second chambers are arranged in a vertical orientation to allow gravity to assist in the flow of material through the chambers. The flow of material is controlled by a valve positioned at the outlet of the second chamber. The apparatus is suitable for the reactivation of metallurgical carbon and the heating of other granular materials such as ceramics and glass powders.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Ontario HydroInventors: J. Terry Strack, Ibrahim Balbaa, Bruce T. Barber
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Patent number: 5866531Abstract: A process for producing detergent tablets containing more than 10% by weight of anionic surfactant wherein the detergent tablets contain detergent components which are at least partly in hydrated form and the anionic surfactant is present in the form of one or more compounds containing up to 95% by weight of surfactants, by exposing a mixture of the detergent components and the anionic surfactant to microwaves in the frequency range from 3 to 300,000 MHz.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf AktienInventors: Georg Assmann, Hans-Friedrich Kruse, Jochen Jacobs, Volker Bauer, Guenther Vogt, Heinz-Manfred Wilsberg, Sandra Witt
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Patent number: 5859412Abstract: A method of drying objects includes the steps of placing the object into a pressure reduction tank, placing a metallic element having an acute-angled portion into the pressure reduction tank, reducing to the pressure toward a predetermined single reduced pressure value or plurality of reduced pressure values, subjecting the object to controlled microwave heating and controlled far infrared heating either separately or simultaneously, continuously heating the body of the pressure reduction tank to vaporize any water that comes into contact with the inside wall surfaces of the pressure reduction tank, detecting an electrical discharge at the acute-angled portion of the metallic element due to microwave energy, stopping or pausing the microwave heating when an electrical discharge is detected at the acute-angled portion of the metallic element, continuously measuring the change in reduced pressure at prescribed time intervals after the microwave heating has been stopped or paused upon detecting an electrical disType: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Shunichi Yagi
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Patent number: 5829163Abstract: A frit-drying system for cathode ray tubes is to utilize VHF and it is to evaporate organic matters which are contained in the frit spread on the funnel by a VHF dielectric heating method that matters with dipole components are heated from the inner part of the frit by dielectric loss of VHF when the VHF is injected on the matters with dipole components. A frit-drying system for cathode ray tubes utilizing VHF includes a funnel transferring device, and a main furnace body which defines the VHF room for drying frit therein, a VHF oscillating device, and VHF induction path which inducts VHF generated from the VHF oscillating device into the main furnace body.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Samsung Display Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung-lyul Park, Dae-cheol Shin, Yong-jin Cho
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Patent number: 5797194Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for supplying electromagnetic energy to a body having at least one substantially planar surface comprises moving over the planar surface a self-propelled container housing a source of electromagnetic energy and having an open side which is substantially perforate to the electromagnetic energy thereby permitting transmission of the energy from the container to the body while all other surfaces of the container substantially block transmission therethrough. Concurrently with the movement of the container responding within the container to at least one selected parameter to control the movement of the container over the planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Microz Sweden ABInventor: Leif Zettergren
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Patent number: 5712672Abstract: A transport system for transporting a recording sheet having liquid ink deposited thereon through a dryer for drying the liquid ink having an input portion and an output portion. The transport system includes a transport belt disposed between the input portion and the output portion for transporting the recording sheet through the dryer. A negative pressure member is located beneath the belt and defines a negative pressure chamber. The pressure member decreases the pressure within the pressure member so that a non-uniform negative pressure is applied to the recording sheet during transport through the dryer. A directing member located within a plenum directs differing negative pressures within the plenum such that negative pressures decrease in amplitude along the transport direction. The application of a negative pressure within the plenum also tends to reduce or remove evaporated liquid driven from the inks during drying.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1995Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Arthur M. Gooray, Kenneth C. Peter
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Patent number: 5631685Abstract: An apparatus for drying ink deposited upon cut sheet of paper. The apparatus includes a microwave generating member to generate microwave energy for the ink and an applying member connected to said microwave generating member to apply resonating traveling microwaves to the paper. The applicator member includes a serpentine applicator for drying the ink and includes input slots and output slots for moving cut sheet of paper through the serpentine applicator. A transport member transports ink printed cut sheet paper stock from the input slot to the output slot by a belt running through the center of the applicator.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1993Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Arthur M. Gooray, Kenneth C. Peter, Murray D. Sirkis
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Patent number: 5536921Abstract: A microwave processing system is provided wherein the material to be processed is in the form of a web type quantity configuration with a thickness that is small in relation to the wavelength of a particular microwave frequency. The material is passed through the field associated with a plurality of microwave standing waves of the particular frequency, each adjacent standing wave being offset 1/4 wavelength along the direction of movement of the web. A carrier gas removes volatile solvents from the material surfaces. Control is provided for the interrelationship of temperature, rate of movement, flow of carrier gas, and microwave power.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jeffrey C. Hedrick, David A. Lewis, Jane M. Shaw, Alfred Viehbeck, Stanley J. Whitehair
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Patent number: 5512734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Microwave Research Corp.Inventor: Terrance R. Copstead
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Patent number: 5509956Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein an adsorption media, containing contaminants adsorbed from a contaminated gas stream, are contained in a media chamber. This chamber is defined by a generally cylindrical vessel, and the adsorption media comprises a polymeric material in particulate or bead form. The media chamber is defined in surrounding relationship to an elongate hollow guide tube which extends longitudinally along the central axis of the chamber. A microwave generator supplies microwave energy into the guide tube which functions as a waveguide. This waveguide has a plurality of slots formed therein which functions as radiators for the microwave energy. The microwave energy passes radially outwardly from the waveguide into the surrounding media throughout the length thereof to effect uniform heating of the media both longitudinally and radially. This heating effects release of the contaminants from the adsorbent media, which volatiles are then sucked out of the media.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Horizon Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Stephen H. Opperman, Mark S. Arsenault