Bwxt Y-12, LLC

Donald E Schechter

Marvin S Morrow

Alan F Moore

Harley A Grant

Chin-Chi Tsai

C Christopher Klepper

John Niemel

Robert C Hazelton

M Stanley Morrow

Clyde L Calhoun, Jr

A method and apparatus for melting metals uses microwave energy as the primary source of heat. The metal or mixture of metals are placed in a ceramic crucible which couples, at least partially, with the microwaves to be used. The crucible is encased in a ceramic casket for insulation and placed within a microwave chamber. The chamber may be evacuated and refilled to exclude oxygen. After melting, the crucible may be removed for pouring or poured within the chamber by dripping or running into a heated mold within the chamber. Apparent coupling of the microwaves with softened or molten metal produces high temperatures with great energy savings.

Method and apparatus for melting metals

Boron powders are sintered and densified utilizing a microwave environment for so doing.

Microwave processing of pressed boron powders for use as cathodes in vacuum arc sources

A uniquely surface-modified metallic part is provided by the utilization of microwave energy to promote diffusion of desired metals into the surface of the formed metallic part.

Metallic diffusion process and improved article produced thereby

A method for separating and recovering components includes the steps of providing at least a first component bonded to a second component by a microwave absorbent adhesive bonding material at a bonding area to form an assembly, the bonding material disposed between the components. Microwave energy is directly and selectively applied to the assembly so that substantially only the bonding material absorbs the microwave energy until the bonding material is at a debonding state. A separation force is applied while the bonding material is at the debonding state to permit disengaging and recovering the components. In addition, an apparatus for practicing the method includes holders for the components.

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Ten Mile, TN, United States of America

Donald E Schechter