Microwave and vacuum drying device, system, and related methods
OwnerRobert Ernest Troxlerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for drying at least one sample of material is provided. The method includes placing the at least one sample of material into a chamber and then sealing the chamber. The method includes applying a vacuum to the chamber in order to reduce the pressure therein. The method includes heating the at least one sample using electromagnetic energy while applying the vacuum to the chamber. The method includes measuring at least one condition of the chamber and determining that the sample is dry based on the at least one monitored condition.
Claims20
A method for drying at least one sample of material, the method comprising:
- placing the at least one sample of material into an interior of a sealable chamber, wherein the sample is a construction material from a road surface or material for use as a road surface;
- sealing the sealable chamber;
- applying a vacuum to the interior of the sealable chamber;
- heating the at least one sample using electromagnetic energy while applying the vacuum to the interior of the sealable chamber;
- electronically monitoring at least one condition in the interior of the sealable chamber;
- and
- determining that the at least one sample is dry based on the at least one monitored condition;
- and
- wherein the heating is carried out by automatically adjusting the electromagnetic energy delivered or duty cycle of the heating to maintain the sample at a substantially constant temperature.
A system for drying at least one sample of material, the system comprising:
- a sealable chamber including an interior sized and configured to house the at least one sample of material, wherein the sample is a construction material from a road surface or material for use as a road surface, the chamber including an outlet;
- a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the chamber to evacuate air from the interior of the sealable chamber through the outlet of the chamber;
- an electromagnetic energy source in communication with the sealable chamber;
- and
- at least one controller configured to:
- operate the vacuum pump and the electromagnetic energy source;
- start and stop a drying operation using the vacuum pump and the electromagnetic energy source;
- monitor pressure and infrared radiation in the interior of the chamber;
- and
- determine that the at least one sample of material is dry based on the monitored pressure and infrared radiation;
- and
- wherein heating is carried out by automatically adjusting the electromagnetic energy delivered or duty cycle of the heating to maintain the sample at a substantially constant temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.