Microwave suppression tunnel and related features
AssigneeA.L.M. Holding Company
InventorVernon R. Hegg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A continuous asphalt mix system for using a microwave heating vessel at the point of production that includes a microwave energy suppression tunnel with one or more mesh flaps for substantially reducing or preventing the leakage of microwave energy from a microwave system, while having a continuous flow of product through the vessel and suppression tunnels. The suppression tunnels are installed on the inlet and/or the outlet side of the system and are sized to suppress leakage.
Claims22
1-2. (canceled)
An apparatus for treating material, comprising:
- a conveyor unit comprising an auger, the auger configured to rotate such that a quantity of material received at the conveyor unit is caused to be transported according to an axis;
- and
- at least one microwave energy generator operatively connected to at least one microwave guide configured to cause microwaves emitted by the at least one microwave energy generator to heat the quantity of material within the conveyor unit by converting the microwaves to heat when absorbed by at least a portion of the quantity of material.
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the auger shaft defines an internal auger fluid path provided along the axis, and further comprising a fluid management device configured to heat the auger and transfer heat to the quantity of material through the auger, wherein the quantity of material is heated using a combination of the microwave energy and fluidic heat.
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the flap comprises a metallic shielding mesh.
7-14. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.