System and method for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature
US5391595A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1994 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0027
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Both a system and method are provided for remotely heating a polymeric material to a selected temperature. The system generally comprises particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed throughout the polymeric material to form a composite, wherein the particulate material has a Curie temperature that corresponds to the selected heating temperature, and a source of microwave energy for remotely applying a beam of microwave energy to the polymeric composite material. Preferably, the particulate ferromagnetic material comprises only about 2 percent of the total composite by weight. The polymeric material may be compliant, thermosettable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material dispersed therein may advantageously be above the curing temperature of the polymer, such that the beam from the source of microwave energy may be used to remotely join surfaces or construct joints in composite structures. Alternatively, the polymeric material may be a meltable plastic, and the Curie temperature of the particulate ferromagnetic material may be chosen to be above the temperature of fusion of the polymer to create a polymeric composite which is magnetically separa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.