Time estimation for energy application in an RF energy transfer device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for applying RF energy to an object in an energy application zone via a source of electromagnetic energy, comprising:
- a source of electromagnetic energy including an amplifier;
an antenna;
a detector connected to the antenna; and
at least one processor configured to;
cause the source to supply RF energy to the energy application zone via the antenna;
determine a value indicative of a rate of energy absorption by a load, including at least a portion of the object, during a first period of time by monitoring via the detector an amount of reflected power reflected back to the antenna; and
determine, based on the value indicative of the rate of energy absorption by the load, an estimated amount of time to obtain a desired characteristic in at least a portion of the object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus configured to apply electromagnetic energy to an object may include an energy application zone adapted to receive at least a portion of an object and a source configured to supply RF energy to the energy application zone. The apparatus may also include at least one processor configured to: cause the source to supply RF energy to the energy application zone; determine a value indicative of a rate of energy absorption by a load, including at least a portion of the object, during a first period of time; and determine, based on the value indicative of the rate of energy absorption by the load, an estimated amount of time to obtain a desired characteristic in at least a portion of the object.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1. An apparatus for applying RF energy to an object in an energy application zone via a source of electromagnetic energy, comprising:
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a source of electromagnetic energy including an amplifier; an antenna; a detector connected to the antenna; and at least one processor configured to; cause the source to supply RF energy to the energy application zone via the antenna; determine a value indicative of a rate of energy absorption by a load, including at least a portion of the object, during a first period of time by monitoring via the detector an amount of reflected power reflected back to the antenna; and determine, based on the value indicative of the rate of energy absorption by the load, an estimated amount of time to obtain a desired characteristic in at least a portion of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification