US 2010/0163555 A1 · Microwave T-Junction Applicator

Abstract

A T-junction microwave applicator and a method for making a T-junction microwave applicator with a microwave source supplying electromagnetic energy through a junction arm to a pair of collinear arms extending in opposite directions from their junction with the junction arm. The two collinear arms form a main waveguide terminated in end walls in which entrance and exit ports are formed for a conveyor to convey material to be heated through the main waveguide for exposure to electromagnetic energy. A rectangular conductive ridge in the wall of the main waveguide opposite the junction arm extends the length of the applicator. A cylindrical tuning bar spanning the junction is positioned vertically in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the main waveguide to maximize power transfer to the material to be heated.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A T-junction microwave applicator comprising:

a main waveguide comprising a first arm and a second arm extending in opposite directions along a main axis from a central junction to distal end walls, each end wall having a port through which material to be heated is conveyed along the main waveguide;
a junction arm extending perpendicularly from the main waveguide at the junction through which electromagnetic energy is supplied to the main waveguide;
wherein the main waveguide includes a conductive ridge disposed opposite the junction arm and extending along the main waveguide between the end walls of the first and second arms.

A microwave applicator comprising:

a rectangular main waveguide extending in length from a first end wall having an entrance port to a second end wall having an exit port, in height from a bottom wall to a top wall having an opening, and in width from a first side wall to a second side wall;
a microwave source emitting electromagnetic energy;
a rectangular waveguide segment disposed between the microwave source and the top wall of the main waveguide at the opening to couple the electromagnetic energy from the microwave source into the main waveguide and having a first pair of opposite outer walls continuous with the first and second side walls of the main waveguide to form opposite inverse T-shaped side walls of the applicator and a second pair of opposite outer walls extending outward of the top wall of the main waveguide;
a conveyor extending along the length of the main waveguide through the entrance and exit ports to convey material to be heated through the main waveguide;
and
a rectangular ridge upstanding from the bottom wall and extending along the length of the main waveguide between the first and second side walls.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microwave T-Junction Applicator

Life of this patent

Microwave T-Junction Applicator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13