US4259560A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for drying coal and other conductive materials using microwaves
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-09-21
•
Granted: 1981-03-31
•
Expires: 1997-09-21
Abstract
Abstract A process for drying a conductive material, particularly coal, by subjecting the material to microwave energy is disclosed. A conductive aggregate is directed through a region where microwave energy excites absorbed water molecules and the conductive material causing the water to evaporate, leaving behind a drier material.
Inventors
- 👤 George W. Rhodes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 10:21
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10B; C10B57/00; C10B57/08; C10B57/10; C10L; C10L9/00; C10L9/08; F; F26; F26B; F26B3/00; F26B3/32; F26B3/34; F26B3/347; H; H05; H05B; H05B6/00; H05B6/64; H05B6/78; H05B6/782; H05B2206/00; H05B2206/04; H05B2206/046; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S44/00; Y10S44/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A process for removing a polar liquid from a conductive aggregate, wherein said conductive aggregate is of the type which is susceptible to the production of free electrons which can be induced by microwave radiation, comprising the steps of: (a) reducing the size of the said conductive aggregate into fine particles which are smaller then the mean free path required to support arc formation at a predetermined microwave power level; (b) subjecting said conductive aggregate to said predetermined microwave radiation, whereby said polar liquid is removed due to the motion induced in said liquid by said microwaves.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A process for removing a polar liquid from a conductive aggregate, wherein said conductive aggregate is of the type which is susceptible to the production of free electrons which can be induced by microwave radiation, comprising the steps of: (a) reducing the size of the said conductive aggregate into fine particles which are smaller then the mean free path required to support arc formation at a predetermined microwave power level; (b) subjecting said conductive aggregate to said predetermined microwave radiation, whereby said polar liquid is removed due to the motion induced in said liquid by said microwaves.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said polar liquid is water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claims 1 and 2 wherein said conductive aggregate is coal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1 further including the step of circulating air in the region of the conductive aggregate to assist in removing evaporated polar liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said predetermined microwave power level is within the range of one to ten watts per centimeter squared.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said particle diameter is less than one inch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said conductive aggregate is coal of an average diameter, less than one inch, and said polar liquid is water.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Process of claim 1, 2 and 5 wherein said conductive aggregate is not transparent to microwaves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the conductive material is concrete.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the conductive material is a conductive fertilizer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-30 | 1984-09-29 | 1985-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-30 | 1988-09-29 | 1989-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-30 | 1992-09-29 | 1993-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |