Patent US4065654A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4065654A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Microwave oven adjusting (energy distribution) and tuning arrangement
Assignee: SPX Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1975-12-01
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Granted: 1977-12-27
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Expires: 1995-12-01
Abstract
Abstract An adjusting and tuning arrangement is provided in a microwave oven to adjust the energy distribution to various areas of the oven cavity such as defined areas or the area of a sensor assembly on a tray inserted in the oven and also to balance the distribution of energy between the load articles on the tray and the sensor assembly or between various load articles. Two electrically conductive planar elements are positioned inside and project into the cavity to accomplish the tuning. The planar elements are arranged one above the other at predetermined angular orientations and are also each independently rotatable about one edge.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald G. Moore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:05
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B6/00; H05B6/64; H05B6/70; H05B6/705; H05B6/6426; H05B6/6447; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B40/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
In a system for heating articles by supplying electromagnetic energy to the articles to be heated which are carried by a tray placed within a cavity defined in a heating structure of the system, means for adjusting the distribution of energy supplied to particular areas of the cavity comprising a first generally planar electrically conductive member positioned in the cavity and near a boundary of the cavity and being movable such that a first edge is rotatable about a second opposite edge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
In a system for heating articles by supplying electromagnetic energy to the articles to be heated which are carried by a tray placed within a cavity defined in a heating structure of the system, means for adjusting the distribution of energy supplied to particular areas of the cavity comprising a first generally planar electrically conductive member positioned in the cavity and near a boundary of the cavity and being movable such that a first edge is rotatable about a second opposite edge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 1 wherein said generally planar member is positioned a predetermined distance above the floor boundary of the cavity dependent upon the dimensions and characteristics of the particular cavity and load to be heated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 1 further comprising a nonconductive adjusting member positioned between said generally planar member and a boundary of the cavity, said adjusting member being capable of rotatably positioning said generally planar member about said second edge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
The distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 1 further comprising a second generally planar electrically conductive member positioned above said first generally planar member and being of substantially smaller area than said first generally planar member, said second member being rotatable about an axis parallel to said second edge of said first member, said first and second members being combinational in effect to adjust the distribution of energy in said cavity to said load items.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 4 wherein said second member is provided with a beaded edge at the periphery of that portion which projects into the cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
The distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 4 wherein said second member projects into the cavity as measured along a direction perpendicular to a boundary wall of the cavity, a distance approximately equal to a quarter wavelength at the operating frequency of the electromagnetic energy source in the heating system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
A distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 4 wherein a corner of said second member may be adjusted in an upward or downward direction out of the normal plane of said second member to change the energy distribution in a predetermined area of the cavity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 4 wherein said second member is inclined at an angle of approximately 15° relative to the plane of the cavity floor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 1 further comprising a nonconductive cover that extends over said first and second planar members and is fabricated from a material that exhibits low energy loss characteristics.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
87 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 1 wherein said heating system includes a generally rectangular tray on which articles are placed, said tray being positioned within the cavity along a lower boundary or floor of the cavity, said tray including a sensor assembly for absorbing quantities of electromagnetic energy, said distribution adjusting means positioned in a predetermined relationship to said sensor assembly and being effective to control the energy delivered to said sensor assembly in a predetermined relationship relative to the other articles on said tray.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 10 further comprising a distended planar portion extending from the boundary wall where said first and second elements are positioned, said distended portion being located below said planar members.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
Distribution adjusting means as recited in claim 11 wherein said heating system includes an energy shield designed to interfit with said tray and cooperating with said first and second planar elements and said distended portion to concentrate energy distribution to said sensor assembly.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus for adjusting the distribution of energy in an electromagnetic heating oven having a cavity in which items to be heating are placed comprising a first generally planar electrically conductive member positioned in said cavity and near a boundary wall of said cavity and being movable such that a first edge is rotatable about a second opposite edge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus for adjusting the distribution of energy in an electromagnetic heating oven having a cavity in which items to be heating are placed comprising a first generally planar electrically conductive member positioned in said cavity and near a boundary wall of said cavity and being movable such that a first edge is rotatable about a second opposite edge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus for tuning the distribution of energy in an electromagnetic heating oven having a cavity in which items to be heated are placed comprising a first generally planar electrically conductive member positioned in said cavity and near a boundary wall of said cavity, said first planar element oriented at a predetermined angle from the reference plane perpendicular to the boundary wall and at a predetermined height above the cavity floor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus for tuning the distribution of energy in an electromagnetic heating oven having a cavity in which items to be heated are placed comprising a first generally planar electrically conductive member positioned in said cavity and near a boundary wall of said cavity, said first planar element oriented at a predetermined angle from the reference plane perpendicular to the boundary wall and at a predetermined height above the cavity floor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-26 | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-26 | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-26 | 1989-06-27 | 1989-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |