Patent ID: 7792178
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. A method of heating material comprising the steps of: passing an electric current through an electrically conductive member when the conductive member is in a closed electrical circuit mode to heat the conductive member resistively; transferring heat from the resistively heated conductive member to the material during the step of passing; switching the conductive member from the closed circuit mode to an open circuit mode after the step of passing; heating the material inductively with an electromagnetic induction member while the conductive member is in the open circuit mode after the steps of passing, transferring and switching; melting the material within a melting cavity of a crucible; heating molten material inductively within the melting cavity to create flow of molten material due to electromotive forces emanating from the induction member; and guiding molten material flow upwardly within the melting cavity with a flow guide disposed therein in order to increase flow velocity of the molten material within the melting cavity to provide greater turbulence along an upper surface of the molten material relative to corresponding flow velocity and turbulence which occurs without use of the flow guide.