Induction heating apparatus
US6608291B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B6/06
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A portable induction heating system which utilizes a broadband high frequency high-power, low output impedance power generator formed from switching MOSFET devices. A voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) or microprocessor-controlled signal generator drives a power output stage under feedback control so as to effectuate resonance at a high frequency in an induction coil assembly connected to the power generator. The power generator is operable with a switching regulator that can supply a fixed DC voltage, e.g., 12 to 48 V or a variable setpoint. The induction coil assembly includes a capacitive circuit portion connected to a conductive coil that can couple magnetic field to a susceptor. A microcontroller is provided for inputting operating parameters such as power, frequency, duty cycle and duration, and is operable to auto-tune the VCO output under feedback control by sweeping frequency at startup as well as by controlling drift during operation under a changing load.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.