Microwave cell system and method for asphalt treatment
OwnerGary J. HOLODNAKinventor
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Abstract
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that employ a plurality of microwave applicator cells as a combined unit to continuously travel along an asphalt surface to treat the existing asphalt with microwave energy. The microwave treatment reanimates the existing (and likely damaged) asphalt to a workable state that is almost identical in nature to newly laid asphalt. The microwave system is configurable to span the width of a standard road lane, wherein the continuously traveling system efficiently repairs damaged roads with minimal down time.
Claims24
A microwave applicator cell for providing microwave energy to a treatment surface comprising:
- an applicator body including an exterior sidewall and top wall;
- at least two microwave generator and waveguide pairs;
- each waveguide of the microwave generator and waveguide pair having a first end operatively connected to an associated microwave generator and a second end mounted to the top wall arranged to direct microwaves from the microwave generator to the treatment surface bounded by the applicator body.
A microwave application system for continuous treatment of a treatment surface comprising:
- a plurality of microwave applicator cells for providing microwave energy to a treatment surface comprising an applicator body including an exterior sidewall a top wall and at least one microwave generator and waveguide pair, wherein the waveguide of the microwave generator and waveguide pair has a first end operatively connected to an associated microwave generator and a second end mounted to the top wall arranged to direct microwaves from the microwave generator to the treatment surface bounded by the applicator body;
- a power source configured to supply power to the at least one microwave generator.
A method for microwave treating a treatment surface comprising:
- continuously advancing a plurality of microwave applicator cells, each microwave applicator cell comprising an applicator body including a sidewall a top wall and at least one microwave generator and waveguide pair, wherein the waveguide of the microwave generator and waveguide pair has a first end operatively connected to an associated microwave generator and a second end mounted to the top wall arranged to direct microwaves from the microwave generator to the treatment surface bounded by the applicator body;
- applying microwaves to the treatment surface as the plurality of microwave applicator cells are continuously advancing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.