Method and apparatus for microwave product treatment

An apparatus for applying a substantially uniform field of microwave energy for the processing of a material, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongate chamber having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, said elongate chamber having a surface distributed about said longitudinal axis, said proximal end providing ingress for said material into said elongate chamber and said distal end providing egress of said material from said elongate chamber;
• a plurality of microwave transmitting devices each radiatingly coupled to said surface of said elongate chamber;
• a first microwave transmitting device of said plurality of microwave transmitting devices being radiatingly coupled to said surface of said elongate chamber at a first position relative to said longitudinal axis and proximate to said proximal end, said first microwave transmitting device being oriented so that a first portion of said microwave energy is transmitted from said first microwave transmitting device and is directed toward said longitudinal axis;
• and,
• a second microwave transmitting device of said plurality of microwave transmitting devices being radiatingly coupled to said elongate chamber at a second position disposed orbitally about said longitudinal axis between said first microwave transmitting device and said distal end, said second microwave transmitting device being oriented so that a second portion of said microwave energy is transmitted from said second microwave transmitting device and is directed toward said longitudinal axis;
• a plurality of molds disposed within the elongate chamber, each of the plurality of molds comprising a mold cavity configured to receive a tampon pledget.