Patent ID: 6020579
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: B01J,G01N,H05B

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying microwave energy having a substantially uniform field distribution over a large area for processing a material, said apparatus comprising:an elongated chamber having means for receiving said material at one end of a longitudinal axis of said elongated chamber;adjustment means associated with said elongated chamber for adjusting a cross-sectional area of said elongated chamber to control uniformity and mode of microwave energy in said elongated chamber during processing of said material;means for coupling microwave power into said elongated chamber; andwherein said means for receiving includes a first endplate and a second end plate respectively positioned at opposite ends of said elongated chamber, said first endplate including a first opening and said second endplate including a second opening, wherein said material enters said elongated chamber through one of said first opening and said second opening and exits said elongated chamber through the other of said first opening and said second opening.