Inductive Heating Patents (Class 219/600)
  • Patent number: 11878333
    Abstract: A method for hot forming a semifinished product in sheet form for a motor vehicle component. The method includes heating the semifinished product to be formed in a heating process and forming the heated semifinished product in a shaping forming process. During the heating process the semifinished product undergoes an input of heat from at least one heat source. During the heating of the semifinished product, a shielding device is arranged between the heat source and the semifinished product, such that the semifinished product is thermally shielded at least in certain portions in such a way that a first semifinished-product portion is heated differently than a second semifinished-product portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Auer, Georgios Kalaitzidis, Joerg Kutter, Lisa-Marie Menter, Ulrich Schmid, Ruediger Striefler
  • Patent number: 11882641
    Abstract: An induction heating type cooktop include a case, a cover plate connected to an upper end of the case, the cover plate having an upper surface configured to support thereon an object to be heated, a thin layer disposed at the cover plate, a heat insulator disposed vertically below the thin layer, a working coil disposed inside the case, a cooling fan configured to blow air toward the working coil, and a bracket that defines a cooling passage. The cooling passage is configured to guide the air to pass through the working coil and to discharge the air to an outside of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seongjun Kim, Wontae Kim, Seonghoon Hwang
  • Patent number: 11825584
    Abstract: A heating device includes a first capacitor, a first switch, a second switch, a second capacitor, a third capacitor, a coil and a controller. The first and second switch are coupled in series at a first node, and are coupled with the first capacitor in parallel. The second capacitor is coupled to the first switch. The third capacitor is coupled to the second switch, and is coupled to the second capacitor at a second node. The coil is coupled between the first and the second node. The controller outputs a first and a second control signal to the first switch and the second switch, respectively. After the heating device received a voltage and a starting command, the controller outputs the first and the second control signal to turn on or off the first and the second switch respectively. The duty cycle of the first signal is lower than 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Thiam-Wee Tan, Cheng-Chung Li, Chun Chang, Yu-Min Meng
  • Patent number: 11729867
    Abstract: An induction heating type cooktop includes an upper plate coupled to a top side of a case and configured to place an object to be heated on a top of the upper plate, a working coil disposed inside the case to heat the object, a thin film disposed on at least one of a top surface or a bottom surface of the upper plate, an insulator disposed between the bottom surface of the upper plate and the working coil, and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of at least one of the thin film or the upper plate by a plurality of thermocouples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seonho Jeon, Seongho Son, Younghwan Kwack, Chuhyoung Cho, Jongseong Ji
  • Patent number: 11654512
    Abstract: The apparatus for 3D laser printing by fusing a metal wire material is provided. The zone of fusion is heated and fused by a plurality of laser beams which uniformly converge into the focal area around the tip of the metal wire material by a focusing lens into a focal point on an object-formation table. The optical and wire feeding units are stationary, while the object-formation table is moveable under command of a computer along a pre-programmed spatial trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventors: John Mehmet Ulgar Dogru, Anton Vedeshin
  • Patent number: 11653422
    Abstract: An induction heating device includes a case, working coils, a cover plate, an input interface, a first control module configured to detect one or more of the working coils at a position of an object seated on the cover plate, a second control module configured to receive information on the position of the object and control the input interface to display an image of a heating zone, and light emitting elements disposed below a periphery of each of the plurality of working coils. The second control module is configured to analyze an arrangement form of the one or more of the working coils based on the information on the position of the object, and control driving of at least one of the light emitting elements based on a result of analyzing the arrangement form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae-Woo Lee, Seongjun Kim, Seungbok Ok
  • Patent number: 11647613
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infrared sauna room with a low electric field and low electromagnetic wave radiation comprising a room body, heating plates with a low electric field and low electromagnetic wave radiation and shielding lines, wherein a plurality of heating plates with a low electric field and low electromagnetic wave radiation are distributed in the room body; the first insulating layer has concave points or/and convex points; and the shielding line comprises a stranded power wire, an electric field absorbing shielding layer and a wire insulating layer. Through the above-mentioned manner, the infrared sauna room with a low electric field and low electromagnetic wave radiation can significantly reduce electromagnetic wave radiation and electric field radiation for sauna rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: WUXI SAUNAPRO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Xuanzhi Zhu
  • Patent number: 11641701
    Abstract: A controller is connected to at least one transistor of the transistor driving circuit and connected to the at least one current sensing element to detect the current through the induction heating coil and in response to the current through the at least one current sensing coil exceeding a limit level sending a control signal to the at least one transistor of the transistor driving circuit to temporarily turn off the at least one transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Techniks, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Worthington
  • Patent number: 11369009
    Abstract: An induction cooking appliance comprises a bottom metal tray containing a printed circuit board and electronic components mounted thereon, and also a pair of polymeric support elements configured to be fastened to the metal tray and interposed between the tray and the printed circuit board in order to define a predetermined distance between the tray and the printed circuit board. The polymeric support elements may have an integral intermediate polymeric frame which provides a predetermined relative position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Himanshu Khokle, Luca Leonardi, Pradeep Thorat
  • Patent number: 11317478
    Abstract: A pad device includes a pad unit for placement at least in part between a setting-down counter and a heated cooking vessel in a heating operating mode. To provide great flexibility, the pad device includes an electronic unit which supplies at least one function in at least one operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Sergio Llorente Gil, Jorge Mir Bel, Julio Rivera Peman
  • Patent number: 11178731
    Abstract: An induction heating device includes: a working coil that includes an annularly-coiled conductive wire and that defines an annular coil hole at a central region of the working coil; a ferrite core that is located vertically below the working coil and that defines a core hole at a central region of the ferrite core corresponding to the annular coil hole; and an indicator board support that is located vertically below the ferrite core. The indicator board support includes a hook that extends to the core hole in a vertical direction and that is configured to insert into the core hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seongjun Kim, Seongho Son, Jaekyung Yang, Yongsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 11160144
    Abstract: In some examples, an induction heating system includes an induction heating power supply and an induction heating tool configured to receive induction heating type power from the induction power supply through a modular transformer. In some examples, the modular transformer comprises a first coupler (e.g., a power receptacle) and a second coupler (e.g., a power insert) configured to couple together to complete the modular transformer, and/or decouple to separate the modular transformer. In some examples, the first coupler is in electrical communication with the induction heating power supply, and the second coupler is in electrical communication with the induction heating tool. When the first and second couplers are coupled together to complete the modular transformer, induction heating power flows through the modular transformer from the induction heating power supply to the induction heating tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Anthony V. Salsich, Paul Verhagen
  • Patent number: 11136634
    Abstract: A superalloy component heat treatment method using controlled induction heat treatment. The method being adapted to controllably generate a coarse grain microstructure region within the component from a fine grain microstructure metallic component. The method further being adapted to controllably form precipitates within the desired region in order to achieve a desired hardness therein. A single piece alloy component having a controlled core region and a controlled peripheral region. The controlled core region defining fine metallurgical grains and adapted to provide a desired fatigue resistance. The controlled peripheral region defining coarse metallurgical grains and adapted to provide a desired creep resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventors: Florent Bridier, Philippe Bocher, Jonathan Cormier, Patrick Villechaise
  • Patent number: 10969109
    Abstract: A combination type cooker may include a top plate with a surface, a case that is configured to define a space shielded by the top plate, a gas burner that is provided inside the case, and in which a heat plate is heated by combustion of a fuel gas, an induction burner that is provided inside the case, and that is configured to heat a cooking container by induction, and a barrier that is provided between the gas burner and the induction burner, and that is configured to partition an inside of the case into a first space where the gas burner housed, and a second space where the induction burner is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunwoo Park, Dongjae Lee, Seungyoun Kim
  • Patent number: 10781130
    Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus includes: a furnace core tube made of silica glass; a heater provided adjacent to the furnace core tube, the heater heating a heating region; and a moving mechanism supporting a porous glass base material and relatively moving the porous glass base material with respect to the heater in the furnace core tube in a state where the heating region is heated by the heater to make the porous glass base material pass through the heating region. The heat treatment apparatus includes a thin-walled part provided in a region adjacent to a portion located in the heating region in the furnace core tube, the thin-walled part having a thickness of glass less than that of the portion located in the heating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Uchida, Takashi Koshigai
  • Patent number: 10164570
    Abstract: A circuit includes a coupling structure and a first inductive device. The coupling structure includes two or more conductive loops and a set of conductive paths electrically connecting the two or more conductive loops. The first inductive device is magnetically coupled with a first conductive loop of the two or more conductive loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Huan-Neng Chen, Chewn-Pu Jou
  • Patent number: 9987671
    Abstract: A sheet metal member shape-forming system and method includes a mold consisting of a sealing die defining therein a sealing cavity and an air hole and a shape-forming die defining therein a shape-forming cavity, a compressed gas guided through the air hole into the sealing cavity, a sheet metal member placed on the shape-forming die that is pre-heated in an out-mold heating zone prior to deliver to the molding zone, a lift unit controlled to move the shape-forming die and the sheet metal member to the sealing die and to impart an upward pressure on the shape-forming die against the sheet metal member and the sealing die during continuous supply of the compressed gas into the sealing die cavity to compress the sheet metal member against the upward pressure, enabling the sheet metal member to be rapidly compression-molded into a shaped metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Chi-Jui Huang
  • Patent number: 9700172
    Abstract: A heating cooker includes a container for containing an object to be heated, a stirrer for stirring the object inside the container, and a stirring controller for controlling a stirring operation of the stirrer. In cooking the object under stirring by the stirrer, the stirring controller determines a state of the object from at least one of a cooking menu to be executed and a heating time, and controls at least one of a stirring speed, a stirring-operation timing and a stirring direction of the stirrer in accordance with the state of the object. Thus, the heating cooker can perform proper stirring suited to a mixed state and/or viscosity of ingredients during the cooking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Motoki Tanaka, Mao Yamada, Noriko Kurihara, Yuko Nakajima, Setsuko Kobashi
  • Patent number: 9697392
    Abstract: A reader (112) for reading data, the data being associated with a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag (16) and carried by a data signal originating from the RFID tag, the reader (112) comprising processing means (118) and storage means, the storage means having instructions stored thereon, whereby the processing means (118) is operable, under control of the instructions, to periodically switch the reader (112) from a first state to a second state; wherein, when the reader (112) is in the second state, the reader (112) is operable to determine an occurrence of a tag present event corresponding to the presence of an RFID tag within a field generated to activate an RFID tag to transmit a respective data signal carrying data associated with the RFID tag, and one or more other events; following determination of the one or more other events, return the reader to the first state; and following determination of the tag present event, receive and store in the storage means a representation of the data signal o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MALPURE PTY LTD
    Inventor: George Leonard Powell
  • Patent number: 9029743
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a subcompartment in a compartment of an appliance is disclosed. The heating apparatus includes an electromagnetic member disposed in the compartment, and a metal member thermally coupled to the subcompartment. The metal member is magnetically coupled to the electromagnetic member to generate an eddy current in the metal member in response to a magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic member for heating the subcompartment. A related heating method and a refrigerator incorporating such a heating apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Timothy Allen Hamel, Denis Alagic
  • Patent number: 9000334
    Abstract: A Bleve (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) reaction wherein fuel is pumped from a fuel line and is fed through a solenoid valve to a BLEVE reaction chamber. The BLEVE reaction takes place in the bleve chamber, during which a bleve is released and supplied via the bleve outlet nozzle. A thermal housing with embedded electrical resistive wire, is a method and installation for generating sufficient heat causing a bleve. The fuel is heated by the electrical resistive wire as it is moved into the bleve-reaction chamber. As bleved fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber, the latent heat causes the bleve to auto-ignite upon contact with the oxygen producing a blue flame. The cycle of the process is controlled by means of a regulating control. The method described is particularly suited for a bleved fuel valve nozzled burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: William H. Manning, James M. Manning, Glenn M Pearson
  • Patent number: 9000337
    Abstract: A device for heating an object by an electromagnetic induction comprises at least one rotor, and the rotor comprises at least one permanent magnet. The device also comprises a stator for providing varying magnetic field arranged to interact with at least one magnet of the rotor and causing said rotor to rotate around the axis. The magnets of said rotor is arranged to provide varying magnetic field and eddy currents within the object when said rotor is rotated so that said object is heated by the electromagnetic induction generated by said varying magnetic field and eddy currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: EFFMAG Oy
    Inventor: Pekka Suominen
  • Patent number: 8963057
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for an electric induction brazing process in an inert atmosphere using a substantially oxygen-free copper alloy filler or preform under an inert atmosphere within a brazing chamber minimally sized for containment of the brazed joint region and an induction coil. The inert atmosphere may be nitrogen gas supplied from a liquid nitrogen source. For brazing of an open-interior fitting around a hole in a tubular material a nesting area is provided around the hole for seating of the filler or preform and the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Radyne Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Gramoll, Robert P. Frank
  • Patent number: 8907257
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a contactlessly chargeable heater. In one example, the contactlessly chargeable heater includes: an induction patch emitting magnetic field by means of current applied to an inner coil; and a heating body, receiving the magnetic field from the charging patch to perform a contactless charging operation, and including a conductive metal yarn for emitting heat via the power generated through the contactless charging operation. The conductive metal yarn is woven together using threads within the heating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventor: Gi Soo Chung
  • Patent number: 8884201
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermoplastic component using inductive heating is described. The method includes positioning a plurality of induction heating coils to define a process area for the thermoplastic component, wherein the plurality of induction heating coils comprises a first set of coils and a second set of coils. The method also includes controlling a supply of electricity provided to the plurality of inductive heating coils to intermittently activate the coils. The intermittent activation is configured to facilitate prevention of electromagnetic interference between adjacent coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Marc R. Matsen, Mark A. Negley
  • Patent number: 8884197
    Abstract: An indoor or outdoor induction cook top with a heat management system is disclosed. The cook top controls heat generated by various components, including the electronic controller, mechanical controls, and the induction generators. The heat management system provides precise temperature control and an efficient way of removing heat from the cooktop. The cook top construction provides the ability to incorporate a smooth ceramic glass cook top and a number of induction hobs in multiple arrangements. The cook top also features a reduction in the number of components, the efficient removal of generated heat, the reduction of noise, an increase in performance and a barrier airflow director. Consequently, the cook top may be installed in a countertop without the need for venting above the counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gagas, Scott A. Jonovic, Richard C. Hochschild, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140329016
    Abstract: This invention discloses a metal coating method whereby an abrasion resistant and wear resistant coating is first applied to the that portion of a metal object of extended size to be protected, the coating is then fused onto the metal object with the use of a temperature controlled induction heater, which results in a metal object, at least a portion of which is more abrasion resistant and wear resistant than the uncoated metal object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: THE LUND INDUSTRIAL GROUP
    Inventor: Earl E. Hill
  • Patent number: 8847126
    Abstract: A heating device and a heating method which is able to quickly and accurately partition each region of a material to be heated and heat up each of the region to a required temperature, and a shape and required temperature of each region is different from each other. A heating device for heating a material to be heated by applying an electromagnetic wave to the material, wherein a plate member(s) which shields, absorbs and/or reflects the irradiated electromagnetic radiation and has a predetermined pattern contour can be placed, at least partially, close to the material to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Aisin Takaoka Co., Ltd., Benteler Automobiletechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Katsunori Ishiguro, Masaki Furuhashi, Martin Pohl, Kiyohito Kondo
  • Patent number: 8846448
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool arrangement and method to reduce warpage within a package-on-package semiconductor structure, while minimizing void formation within an electrically-insulating adhesive which couples the packages. A pressure generator and a variable frequency microwave source are coupled to a process chamber which encapsulates a package-on-package semiconductor structure. The package-on-package semiconductor structure is simultaneously heated by the variable frequency microwave source at variable frequency, variable temperature, and variable duration and exposed to an elevated pressure by the pressure generator. This combination for microwave heating and elevated pressure limits the amount of warpage introduced while preventing void formation within an electrically-insulating adhesive which couples the substrates of the package-on-package semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Tse Chen, Wei-Hung Lin, Kuei-Wei Huang, Tsai-Tsung Tsai, Ai-Tee Ang, Ming-Da Cheng, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Patent number: 8822893
    Abstract: Thermoplastic pellitized materials are melted in gravity flow through coaxially oriented perforated cylindrical metal susceptors. The susceptors are equally energized by the interception of a common magnetic field formed by a high frequency powered inductor coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard C. Lasko
  • Patent number: 8803045
    Abstract: A cavity divider is provided for use within an appliance cavity to partition the appliance cavity into a plurality of sub-cavities. The appliance cavity has a sending coil. The cavity divider comprises a pick-up coil and a heating element, whereby the sending coil is configured to be inductively coupled to the pick-up coil, whereby an electrical current generated in the pick-up coil provides power to the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Bryan Cadima
  • Patent number: 8791397
    Abstract: The present invention provides an induction heating device for a fuel cell system, which can rapidly heat coolant during cold start-up, control the power consumption depending on the voltage of a fuel cell stack, and ensure the insulation resistance by separating a heating unit, which is in contact with the coolant, from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seong Kyun Kim, Haeng Jin Ko, Su Dong Han, Gi Young Nam, Yun Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8766148
    Abstract: A baking oven for producing baked molded products. The baking oven has an input station, a baking area and an output station. In addition, the oven has baking plates, which are arranged along a circulation path passing through the baking area, and a conveying device for the baking plates. The baking plates are in the form of susceptor plates, which can be heated inductively without contact. An induction heating device is provided in the baking area. This device includes at least one elongated inductor, which is arranged parallel to the circulation path of the baking plates and extends along the circulation path over a plurality of susceptor plates. The elongated inductor produces a large-area, broad magnetic field, which simultaneously inductively heats a plurality of baking plates in the form of susceptor plates without any contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Franz Haas Waffel- und Keksanlagen-Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Haas, Stefan Jiraschek, Johannes Haas, Josef Haas, Erich Koletnik, Fritz Obermaier, Marcus Pickart
  • Patent number: 8766146
    Abstract: An apparatus for the inductive heating of oil sand and heavy oil deposits by way of current-carrying conductors is provided. The conductors include individual conductor groups, wherein the conductor groups are designed in periodically repeating sections of defined length defining a resonance length, and wherein two or more of the conductor groups are capacitively coupled. In this way, each conductor can be advantageously insulated and may include a single wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellscaft
    Inventor: Dirk Diehl
  • Patent number: 8761950
    Abstract: A power control device includes a priority setting section capable of setting a use priority of a home appliance connected wirelessly or via cable or an adapter connected to the home appliance. The home appliance or the adaptor connected to the home appliance operates within the usable power of a result of the inquiry to the power control device. When there is no excess in usable power over the required power in the inquiry, the power control device reduces the power of a device having a lower priority than the device which has transmitted the inquiry in order to use the device with the higher priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kouda, Kazunori Kurimoto, Satoshi Tsujimura, Naofumi Nakatani, Yasuo Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8698054
    Abstract: An induction heating inductor and perforated susceptor are formed as an integral unit to provide a low cost, physically stable, efficient, and easily cleaned unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard C. Lasko
  • Publication number: 20140083638
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vessel for melting and casting meltable materials. The vessel may be a surface temperature regulated vessel for providing a substantially non-wetting interface with the molten materials. In one embodiment, the vessel may include one or more temperature regulating channels configured to flow a fluid therein for regulating a surface temperature of the vessel such that molten materials are substantially non-wetting at the interface with the vessel. Disclosed also includes systems and methods for melting and casting meltable materials using the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Theodore A. Waniuk, Joseph Stevick, Sean O'Keeffe, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Matthew S. Scott, Christopher D. Prest
  • Patent number: 8647401
    Abstract: A gasification system and method for converting organic materials into a usable syngas are provided. The gasification system includes a kiln for receiving a feedstock; a means for heating the kiln; a steam reforming reactor; and means for inductively heating the steam reforming reactor to drive the gasification reactions. In one preferred embodiment, the fuel processing system includes a steam reforming reactor that is at least partially filled with thermal transmitters which receive electromagnetic energy and generate heat within the steam reforming reactor. The organic material to be used as feedstock may include but will not be limited to petrochemical streams, refinery streams, natural gas, crude oil, coal, plastics, municipal wastes, toxic and hazardous wastes, biomass, medical wastes, and automobile wastes. The syngas that is produced in this process may consist primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shaw Intellectual Property Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John Self, Robert A. Olexy, Steve Cochran
  • Publication number: 20140014647
    Abstract: An induction heating system includes an induction heating coil operable to inductively heat a load with a magnetic field; a detector for detecting a current through the coil and providing a current signal representative of the current; and a controller with a memory in communication with a processor. The memory includes program instructions for execution by the processor to detect a presence of the load on the induction heating coil based on a characteristic of the current signal; determine a resonant frequency of the system with the load from a characteristic of the current signal; determine operational performance characteristics of the system; and output an indication of the operational performance characteristics of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Vincent Brosnan, Gregory Francis Gawron, SR., John Michael Kulp, JR., Mingwei Shan
  • Patent number: 8624684
    Abstract: A power-oscillator-starting circuit for an electronic high frequency induction-heater driver. The induction-heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, generates a high frequency alternating current, wherein the alternating current through an induction-heater coil is magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component for a variable-spray fuel-injection system. The induction-heater driver uses a power oscillator that is started and restarted as is appropriate based on a threshold current limit referenced to the supply voltage of the induction-heater driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Perry Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8610040
    Abstract: An electric oven includes a box casing presenting side walls, a rear wall, an upper wall and a lower wall, an opening and a closure door for this latter, the walls bounding an oven cavity heated by heating structure functionally associated with at least one of the walls. The heating structure is arranged to heat the cavity by induction and includes a generator arranged to generate an electromagnetic field, an electrically insulating material disposed between the generator and the oven wall at which the heating structure is positioned, and magnetically insulating structure is disposed on the outside of the oven with reference to the wall, the generator, the electrically insulating structure and the magnetically insulating structure defining a single, layered structure fitted to the oven wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Francesco Farachi, Rocco Galli, Davide Gerola, Fabrizio Dughiero
  • Patent number: 8576017
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a zero-voltage switching oscillator that utilizes a full H-bridge topology wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronized within the bridge for function. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of the tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Perry Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8576016
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a zero-voltage switching oscillator that utilizes a full H-bridge topology with inductors between semiconductor switches wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronized within the bridge for function. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of the tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventor: Perry Czimmek
  • Patent number: 8576018
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a scalable array of zero-voltage switching oscillators that utilize full and half-bridge topology wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronous within each bridge for function, and each bridge is synchronized for function along the entire array. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of each tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Czimmek, Mike Hornby
  • Patent number: 8576019
    Abstract: An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a scalable array of zero-voltage switching oscillators that utilize full and half-bridge topology with inductors between semiconductor switches wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronous within each bridge for function, and each bridge is synchronized for function along the entire array. The induction heater driver, upon receipt of a turn-on signal, multiplies a supply voltage through a self-oscillating series resonance, wherein one component of each tank resonator circuit comprises an induction heater coil magnetically coupled to an appropriate loss component so that fuel inside a fuel component is heated to a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Perry Czimmek, Mike Hornby
  • Publication number: 20130287580
    Abstract: A treatment for improving resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and a treated component are disclosed. A surface of a relatively high tensile strength component that includes a superalloy material is heated to a temperature at which softening occurs. The surface is then cooled in a controlled manner so as to maintain a reduced tensile strength at the surface that improves resistance to SCC while keeping a relatively high tensile strength in the remainder of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew Batton Witney, Robin Carl Schwant
  • Patent number: 8569664
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hardening method and a hardening device capable of successfully hardening a shaft and an inner wall of a hole of a work in which the hole is formed close to the shaft on a flat plate. A hardening device for hardening a shaft and an inner wall of a hole, the shaft extending vertically from a flat plate and the hole being formed adjacent to the shaft, includes a first heating coil that is a conductive body facing the shaft and a second heating coil that is a helical conductive body having at least a portion inserted into the hole, so that the first heating coil and the second heating coil heat the shaft and the inner wall of the hole respectively and simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electronics Industry Co.
    Inventors: Junji Minoue, Hiroko Watanabe, Masayuki Koyama, Hideo Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20130248515
    Abstract: Hot gas torches include a nozzle that includes an internal conduit that extends between an inlet end and an outlet end and a heating unit disposed external the internal conduit, wherein the heating unit heats the internal conduit such that a gas that enters the internal conduit at the inlet end is heated before it exits the internal conduit at the outlet end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Lawrence Hunt
  • Publication number: 20130243699
    Abstract: The design of biodegradable magnetic nanoparticles for use in in-vivo biomedical applications. The particles can include Fe in combination with one or more of Mg, Zn, Si, C, N, and P atoms or other particles. The nanoparticles can be degraded in-vivo after usage. The nanoparticles can cease heating upon reaching a predetermined temperature or other value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Jian-Ping Wang, Ying Jing, Shihai He
  • Patent number: 8475610
    Abstract: A system and method of induction heat treating a gear includes a workstation. The workstation has a power source, an inductor coil, and a rotational mechanism. The gear is induction heat treated at a first portion of the gear and a second portion of the gear remains untreated by induction hardening. The gear has an inner surface. The inner surface includes the first portion and the second portion. The first portion has a first width. The second portion has a second width. The inductor coil includes at least one heating loop and at least one non-heating loop. The inductor coil is energized to a predetermined frequency to create an alternating magnetic field, where the alternating magnetic field developed in the heating loop induces an eddy current in the first portion of the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Madhu Sudan Chatterjee, William Irwin Stuehr