Patent ID: 8258445
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: F26B,H05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of heating air and moving the heated air through a tube in an induction heating apparatus for heating workpieces that move through the tube, the tube being supported in an enclosure by an inlet hub and an outlet hub, with an induction heating coil extending around the tube in the enclosure, said method comprising the steps of: preheating air by moving the air past power and control circuitry at a first location that provides power for the induction coil; moving the preheated air from the first location to a second location in the interior of the enclosure; heating the preheated air with a heater located within the enclosure and spaced apart from the induction heating coil; moving the heated air from the enclosure through an air inlet in the inlet hub into the interior of the tube; moving the heated air through the tube to a tube outlet past workpieces that are in the tube to pick up moisture that is driven off from the workpieces by induction heating; moving the heated air out of the tube through the tube outlet; and exhausting the air from the enclosure.