Single-sided microwave applicator for sealing cartons

Abstract

The single-sided microwave applicator has a section of a microwave waveguide with an open end for receiving microwave energy and an end which is electrically shorted. A slot is located in one of the wide sides of the waveguide extending along the center line from the shorted end. A conductive ridge is mounted within the waveguide extending upward from the other side through the slot. One end of the ridge is connected to the shorted end of the waveguide, while the other end of the ridge is tapered from a point within the slot. The slot is generally in the order of 3/4 to 1 inch and at least 21/2 inches long, when the operating frequency is 2450 MHz. Since one end of the waveguide is shorted, standing waves are produced resulting in a non-uniform field having at least one maximum along the length of the slot. The electric field produced is non-radiating and its strength diminishes exponentially above the slot.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.