Patent ID: 7388179

Claim:
A microwave energy device comprising: a dielectric waveguide applicator, having an applicator input and applicator end, the waveguide also having a generally circular cross section, and the waveguide being formed from a solid dielectric material along at least fifty percent (50%) of its overall length, the waveguide further comprising: a center portion, having a substantially constant outer diameter, and solid interior portion; an entry portion, disposed adjacent the center portion, and having an outer diameter that tapers from a first relatively larger outer diameter adjacent the applicator input, to a first relatively smaller outer diameter adjacent the center portion, the entry portion also having a tapered conical void formed within that presents a decrease in void diameter with distance from the applicator input; and an exit taper portion, disposed on a side of the center portion opposite the entry portion, the exit taper portion having a solid interior portion, and having an outer diameter that tapers from a second relatively larger outer diameter adjacent the center portion to a second relatively smaller outer diameter adjacent the applicator end.