The Procter & Gamble Company
Method and apparatus for microwave product treatment

Abstract:

An apparatus for applying a field of microwave energy for the processing of a material is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongate chamber having a longitudinal axis, a first microwave transmitting device radiatingly coupled to the elongate chamber at a first position, and a second microwave transmitting device radiatingly coupled to the elongate chamber at a second position. The first microwave transmitting device is oriented so that a first portion of the microwave energy is directed toward the longitudinal axis. The second microwave transmitting device is disposed so that a second portion of the microwave energy is directed toward the longitudinal axis. The second microwave transmitting device is coupled to the elongate chamber at a position relative to the longitudinal axis that ranges from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees relative to the position of the first microwave transmitting device relative to the longitudinal axis.