Efficient induction heating tube furnace

Abstract

An induction tube furnace system. The furnace includes a sealed quartz tube and a source of alternating current. A continuous unidirectional helical coil encircles the quartz tube and is responsive to the alternating current for generating an electromagnetic field within the quartz tube. A graphite vessel is disposed within the quartz tube. A processor controls the source of alternating current to achieve a desired temperature within the crucible or within the quartz tube. A target object within the vessel is heated by conduction or convection.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.