Abstract An applicator is provided in combination with a microwave nonradiant energy source having means for automatically sensing and maintaining a predetermined distance with respect to the article being heated. In one embodiment a tire having a nonuniform cross-sectional contour is continuously rotated and axially displaced while the sensor means contact the outer surfaces of the tread to track the disposition of the tire relative to an energy applicator such as a horn radiator mounted on a motorized cart. Electromechanical actuators and limiters are incorporated with the sensor means to generate electrical data to control the movement of the energy radiator in a forward and backward direction. Another embodiment comprises a motorized cart arrangement with a sloped track bearing the sensor and energy radiator means utilizing the force of gravity to maintain contact.
Microwave heating apparatus comprising: an enclosure; an electromagnetic energy source; means for supporting and rotating an article having a substantially nonuniform cross-sectional contour to be heated within said enclosure; means for radiating said article with said energy comprising waveguide feed means coupled to said source and terminating in a horn energy radiator with said waveguide and source mounted on a vehicle adapted to be moved relative to said rotating article; and means for controlling the positioning of said radiator relative to the exterior surfaces of the rotating article comprising a freely rotatable wheel in continuous contact with said rotating article when said energy is radiated secured adjacent to the end of said radiator and means for moving said vehicle relative to said rotating article actuated by the substantially horizontal linear movement of said wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
Microwave heating apparatus comprising: an enclosure; an electromagnetic energy source; means for supporting and rotating an article having a substantially nonuniform cross-sectional contour to be heated within said enclosure; means for radiating said article with said energy comprising waveguide feed means coupled to said source and terminating in a horn energy radiator with said waveguide and source mounted on a vehicle adapted to be moved relative to said rotating article; and means for controlling the positioning of said radiator relative to the exterior surfaces of the rotating article comprising a freely rotatable wheel in continuous contact with said rotating article when said energy is radiated secured adjacent to the end of said radiator and means for moving said vehicle relative to said rotating article actuated by the substantially horizontal linear movement of said wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vehicle is supported on a sloped track carried by a second vehicle with said second vehicle being maintained stationary while said article is rotating.