Apparatus for drying ceramic structures using dielectric energy
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorG. Daniel Lipp
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention features a process and apparatus for drying ceramic structures in an electromagnetic energy field. The apparatus comprises a cradle or setter for supporting the ceramic structure which is made of a light-weight, tough, temperature-resistant material which does not absorb energy in the radio frequency range, for example, fiberglass reinforced polyester. The setter is also characterized by many apertures to allow passage of air or moisture, and is designed to avoid trapped air volumes.
Claims17
Apparatus for drying ceramic structures in an electromagnetic energy field, comprising:
- a setter for supporting a wet ceramic structure in an electromagnetic energy field, the setter being capable of absorbing no more than 10% of electromagnetic energy in the range of 10 MHz to 3.0 GHz, comprising a mantle forming a top portion, the mantle having a support surface forming a cradle, and a base forming a bottom portion, the cradle being contoured to fit the shape of the ceramic structure and comprising a plurality of apertures, the base being connected to the mantle and having a plurality of large apertures or openings, and open ends to allow free air movement between the mantle and the base;
- means for generating an electromagnetic energy field;
- and
- conveying means for moving the ceramic structure through the energy field.
A method of drying ceramic structures in an electromagnetic energy field, comprising:
- forming a wet ceramic structure;
- supporting the wet ceramic structure on a setter comprising a mantle forming a top portion, the mantle having a support surface forming a cradle, and a base forming a bottom portion, the cradle being contoured to fit the shape of the ceramic structure and comprising a plurality of apertures, the base being connected to the mantle and having a plurality of large apertures or openings, and open ends to allow free air movement between the mantle and the base;
- and
- conveying the wet ceramic structure into and through an electromagnetic energy field in the range of 10 MHz to 3.0 GHz to dry the structure;
- the setter being characterized by being capable of absorbing no more than 10% of electromagnetic energy in the range of 10 MHz to 3.0 GHz.
Setter for supporting a wet ceramic structure in an electromagnetic energy field, comprising:
- (1) a mantle forming a top portion, the mantle having a support surface forming a cradle having a plurality of apertures and being contoured to fit the shape of the ceramic structure, and (2) a base having a plurality of openings connected to the mantle and forming a bottom portion, the setter being characterized by being capable of absorbing no more than 10% of electromagnetic energy in the range of 10 MHz to 3.0 GHz.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.