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Apparatus and method for microwave processing of materials

Patent ·
OSTI ID:870435
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Lake in the Hills, IL
  2. Oak Ridge, TN
  3. Clinton, TN
  4. Chapel Hill, NC
+ Show Author Affiliations

A variable frequency microwave heating apparatus (10) designed to allow modulation of the frequency of the microwaves introduced into a furnace cavity (34) for testing or other selected applications. The variable frequency heating apparatus (10) is used in the method of the present invention to monitor the resonant processing frequency within the furnace cavity (34) depending upon the material, including the state thereof, from which the workpiece (36) is fabricated. The variable frequency microwave heating apparatus (10) includes a microwave signal generator (12) and a high-power microwave amplifier (20) or a microwave voltage-controlled oscillator (14). A power supply (22) is provided for operation of the high-power microwave oscillator (14) or microwave amplifier (20). A directional coupler (24) is provided for detecting the direction and amplitude of signals incident upon and reflected from the microwave cavity (34). A first power meter (30) is provided for measuring the power delivered to the microwave furnace (32). A second power meter (26) detects the magnitude of reflected power. Reflected power is dissipated in the reflected power load (28).

Research Organization:
LOCKHEED MARTIN ENRGY SYST INC
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
US 5521360
OSTI ID:
870435
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (3)

Frequency Agile Sources for Microwave Ovens journal January 1979
Accelerated imidization reactions using microwave radiation journal July 1992
Use of Sheath Heiix Slow-wave Structure as an Applicator in Microwave Heating Systems journal January 1981

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Related Subjects

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10
12
14
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
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