CN113993235A

CN113993235A - Induction heating device suitable for heating shaving or cosmetic products

Info

Publication number: CN113993235A
Application number: CN202111347103.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿尔多·拉吉
Original assignee: A ErduoLaji; Alps South Europe sro
Current assignee: A ErduoLaji; Alps South Europe sro
Priority date: 2016-04-18
Filing date: 2017-04-18
Publication date: 2022-01-28
Also published as: JP2019516228A; WO2017184582A1; JP7007360B2; EP3446543A1; EP3446543A4; EP3446543B1; CN109219985A; CN109219985B

Abstract

An induction heating device for heating and/or melting a heat affected product area of a shaving or cosmetic product stored in a product container, the heat affected product area consisting of a layer of said product heated by an electrically conductive metallic target member having a channel overlapping a top surface of said product and energized by an induction coil, an electromagnetic field being generated in the induction coil by an electronic circuit in said product container for a predetermined period of time, thereby allowing said heated and/or melted product to flow through said channel onto said top surface of said target member for collection by a user for shaving or cosmetic purposes.

Description

Induction heating device suitable for heating shaving or cosmetic products

The application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent invention application 'induction heater and distributor' with application date of 2017, 4 and 18 months and application number of 201780024245. X.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an induction heater capable of generating an electromagnetic field in a container holding a target workpiece, which in turn generates heat that is transferred to a small portion of material contained within a removable container.

Background

The basic principle of induction heating dates back to the work of Michael Faraday in 1831. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive object by electromagnetic induction, in which eddy currents are generated within a target workpiece. This technique is widely used in industrial welding, brazing, bending and sealing processes. Moreover, induction heating has become very popular in cooking applications, providing a more efficient and accelerated heating of liquids and/or food on the oven surface or in the oven. The advantage of using an induction heating system is that it increases efficiency by using less energy and generates heat to a particular target workpiece.

There are many kinds of dispensers for providing a volume of material to an operator. These are readily seen in domestic, industrial and commercial applications. In each case a pressure is generated, as a result of which the pressure displaces a volume of material. These mechanisms are called pumps.

In addition, there are many types of heaters that generate heat and transfer the heat to a material. Some common methods include resistance methods, radiation methods, and induction heating methods.

The most common heating is resistive heating, in which an element is heated by passing a current through a conductive resistor. The generated heat is then transferred to the material by convection or conduction. These systems are common, inexpensive, but lack efficiency due to the occurrence of indirect heating. In a resistance system, the vessel containing the heating material needs to be cleaned periodically. Due to the simplicity of this heating system, it is generally the cheapest system of all heating methods. The disadvantage of this heating method is that the material change requires careful cleaning to avoid cross contamination, or the system is separated for each material type.

One attempt to use an induction heating system is disclosed in US 20080257880 a1 by Brown et al. Brown et al discloses an induction heated dispenser having a refill unit 8 heated by a primary induction coil 2 and a secondary induction coil 13. As disclosed in paragraph [0020], the dispenser can be used in many different applications, such as air fresheners, depilatory waxes, insecticides, decontamination products, cleaning materials, creams and oils for application to skin or hair, shaving products, shoe polish, furniture polish, and the like. The refill unit 8 comprises a plurality of replaceable containers 9 for containing respective products. The container is sealed under the porous membrane 11. As disclosed in paragraph [0011], porous membranes are commonly used to remove meltable solid substances. The porous membrane cannot remove volatile liquid materials. As disclosed in paragraph [0023], the porous membrane 11 has a porosity that allows vapor to pass through but not liquid to prevent spillage. Also, in paragraph [0020], for heated products applied to a surface, the container may have an associated applicator, such as a brush, pad, or sponge.

Another heated dispenser system is disclosed in US 20110200381A 1 to Bylsma et al. Bylsma et al disclose a dispenser in which the heating unit may be in the base unit 10 as shown in fig. 4, or in the applicator 42 as shown in fig. 5. As disclosed in paragraph [0026], the heating unit may be an inductive power coupling device. As disclosed in paragraphs [ 0030-.

The present invention uses induction to heat a target workpiece located within an induction chamber of a removable material container. The sensing chamber is sized so that the volume contained therein is proportional to the amount required for each application. It should be noted that the volume contained in the sensing chamber is only the volume that is heated during the heating cycle of the present invention. Advantageously, this immediately provides the user with heated material for each application, and the ability to quickly get material in and out of the induction dispenser without risk of cross-contamination.

In the field of induction heating, the temperature of the target workpiece is typically controlled by time and the relative strength of the electromagnetic field. In some cases, the inductive control circuit is provided with a feedback device relating to the target workpiece temperature by a sensor external to the target workpiece. Typically, the sensor is wired directly to the induction heater. Due to the complexity and inherent unreliability, integrating target workpiece temperature control into induction heaters has abandoned the trial and error process. However, Warren s. grabber describes one such temperature controlled induction system in patent US 9,066,374. The prior art provided by Grabber discloses an induction heating device that utilizes a temperature sensor mounted to the bottom interior surface of the holder. The disk serves as a target workpiece and contacts the temperature sensor when placed within the induction heating device. The heat from the disk is conducted to a temperature sensor and measured accordingly. The disadvantages of such a system are as follows: contact between the temperature sensor and the target workpiece container must be maintained. If a disturbance occurs, the measurement will be inaccurate and the actual temperature will be much higher than the measured temperature. Such sensors are prone to failure due to contamination, spillage or general cleaning cycles. Depending on the geometry and material of the target workpiece, areas of higher local heat, "hot spots," will occur. In fact, due to the coil configuration configured to accommodate the temperature sensor, the target workpiece area measured by the temperature sensor will be a "cold spot" on the target workpiece. In other words, by using a temperature sensor, the induction coil cannot occupy the space occupied by the temperature sensor, and therefore no heat is generated in that region of the target workpiece. Therefore, the temperature at the hottest position of the target workpiece and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor have a significant difference.

In the field of induction heating, target workpiece temperature control has been degraded to a relative measurement or in some cases to a maximum temperature, such as taught by Hagino Fujita (hereinafter "Fujita") in U.S. patent 8,263,916. Fujita proposes an induction target workpiece contained in a container for heating food and the like. The target workpiece is configured to have a "separation section". The separation section breaks when the high-frequency electromagnetic field generates sufficiently strong eddy currents in the separation section to cause a malfunction or break. As a result, the target workpiece becomes unusable. The separation section is created by a wrinkle in the target workpiece. The novelty of the present invention relies on the construction of coils that radially generate eddy current flow. In addition, the "divided segment" essentially functions as a thermal fuse. Thus, it would be necessary to adjust the induction heating device generating the high-frequency electromagnetic field to prevent the instant invention from being destroyed if the electromagnetic field is too strong. In addition, it should be noted that the separation section creates a high electrical resistance in its location, which can cause it to be higher in temperature than other locations within the target workpiece.

Further, for this type of induction heating system, it would be preferable to use a bellows pump system. The assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,793,803 to Neerinex et al (hereinafter "Neerinex") proposes an assembly that provides a configuration that is best suited for introducing a target workpiece. This assembly allows for compression and decompression of the bellows, which in cooperation with the system described herein, allows for simple production of the heating material. Additionally, it should be noted that Neerinex requires substantial changes to the valve portion of the assembly to provide a suitable structure for introducing the target workpiece. While nererinex provides the optimal pumping system for the induction heating system described herein, other pumps may be used to achieve the desired results. For example, applicators such as those used in caulking guns may be modified for use in the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improvement which overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art devices and which provides an improvement which makes a significant contribution to the advancement of the sensing and dispenser technology.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for heating a material which a small amount of a user can place on his skin, wherein the heated material diffuses into the user's skin at a faster rate due to the higher temperature.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispenser wherein the material may be a gel, liquid or solid.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispenser that uses a small target workpiece made of aluminum or similar conductive metal, for use with induction heating, which may or may not also be coated with plastic or similar material, to prevent oxidation of the target workpiece.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispenser that automatically dispenses material by using a motion sensor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser that only rapidly heats the volume of material to be dispensed, leaving the remainder of the material within the container at room temperature, thereby avoiding degradation of some of the material, and facilitating removal of the container even directly after the heated material has been dispensed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an induction chamber wherein the induction chamber is comprised of channels that control the flow of material to be heated. Within the channel, the material is heated relative to the target workpiece. This heating action occurs during the dispensing of the material from the container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an induction chamber wherein the target workpiece is configured to distribute heat evenly over a maximum surface area of the target workpiece.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a product container containing a target workpiece that is configured to provide feedback to the induction dispenser regarding the temperature of the target workpiece.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a product container with a target workpiece that mechanically limits the maximum amount of heat provided to the material during and due to continuous thermal cycling.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an inductive dispenser that detects changes in the target workpiece in the container based on changes in the loop frequency.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an inductive dispenser that controls parameters of the heating cycle based on the inductance of the coil.

The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims set forth in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates generally to an induction heater for heating a product, such as a soap, cream, lotion, gel composition, or other solution (hereinafter "material") for use on skin. The material is stored in a container, wherein only a volume of the product is heated and/or melted by the induction heating device. An electrically conductive metal workpiece, also called the "target workpiece", is positioned within the sensing chamber, preferably between the dispensing mechanism and the outlet. The target workpiece may also be located in front of the dispensing mechanism, or the system may have multiple target workpieces working in coordination with each other. The induction heater preferably uses a motion sensor that causes the dispensing mechanism to dispense material through the sensing chamber. The heated target workpiece then heats the material on its way to the outlet. Another embodiment of an induction heater is that it heats the top layer material.

The dispenser preferably has a housing with an induction coil housing. The induction coil housing is an electromagnetic heating circuit and an induction coil with an aperture for receiving the material container. The induction coil is arranged in parallel with an induction chamber in the material container, as described below. A user interface is also mounted on the front surface of the housing for controlling dispensing of the material and heating and/or melting and/or liquefying of the material for dispensing. While the preferred shape of the target workpiece is a disk, other geometries, such as a square shape or a rectangular shape, may also be used, depending on the shape of the product container, as discussed in more detail below. The present invention is a more efficient way of heating the product; especially the amount necessary for immediate application, since only the product in the sensing chamber is heated and/or melted. Since different products can be stored in different containers, the containers of products are easily accessible and interchangeable with the sensing container. A unique RFID tag may be included in each material container to allow the material and associated target workpiece to be uniquely identified by the sensing system with an RFID reader to provide the necessary heating in accordance with the advantages of the present invention. The present invention has no open flame, operates quietly, and remains cool after the container is removed. Moreover, the product will return to its original form (e.g., solid, cream or gel) more quickly than if the entire product melted, minimizing degradation of the product.

Another arrangement includes storing the product in a container, wherein only an upper portion of the product is heated and/or melted by the induction heating device. A conductive metal target workpiece (hereinafter referred to as a "target workpiece") having a channel is generally located on the top surface of the product in the product container. When the target workpiece becomes heated by the induction system, the heated and/or melted product flows through the channel. The present invention only momentarily heats a portion or volume of product necessary for the user to apply immediately. The induction heating unit includes a housing having a top exterior surface defining an induction vessel. Mounted within the housing are an electromagnetic heating circuit and an induction coil. The induction coil is disposed parallel to the induction vessel as described below. A user interface is also mounted on the top surface of the housing for controlling heating and/or melting or liquefying of the product in the "heat affected product zone". The apparatus includes a sensing vessel that receives a product container filled with product. The electromagnetic heating circuit and the induction coil generate an electromagnetic field within the product container that induces eddy currents into the target workpiece, thereby heating the target workpiece. The present invention may be further characterized in that the induction coil may have various configurations for varying the electromagnetic field as described in further detail below. Within the product container, a target workpiece is disposed on a top surface of the product. The target workpiece includes a channel for allowing the heated and/or melted product to flow through. The heat generated in the target workpiece is then conducted to the "heat affected product area" of the product to heat and/or melt or liquefy the product only in the "heat affected product area". The target workpiece then serves as an interface between the user (or the user's brush, pad, cloth, finger, etc.) and the product. The target workpiece may be composed of various geometric configurations that allow the user to stir or agitate different products to desired temperatures and/or concentrations. In applications where heated products (e.g., cosmetics, lotions, creams, ointments, waxes, etc.) are desired, the target workpiece will be predominantly flat. In applications where heating and frothing of the product is desired, the target workpiece will consist of a non-flat geometry, including raised portions or indentations depending on the orientation of the target workpiece within the product container. As an alternative to a relatively flat profile, the target workpiece may be disk-shaped, cup-shaped or corrugated. The target workpiece may comprise a conductive disc made of wire mesh, a metal plate perforated with holes, slots, or a combination of holes and slots, all of which provide a passage for allowing passage of the product. While the preferred shape of the target workpiece is disk-like, other geometries, such as square or rectangular shapes, may be used depending on the shape of the product container, as discussed in more detail below. Since only the product in the heat affected product area is heated and/or melted, the heated and/or melted product may be collected from the upper surface of the target workpiece using an applicator such as a shaving brush or skin care pad, which may be applied to the face or any other desired location on the body. The present invention is a more efficient way of heating the product; especially in the amount necessary for immediate application, since only the product in the heat affected product area is heated and/or melted. Since different products can be stored in different containers, the containers of products are easily accessible and interchangeable with the sensing container. A unique RFID tag may be included in each product container to allow the product and associated target workpiece to be uniquely identified by the induction system to provide the necessary heating in accordance with the advantages of the present invention. The present invention has no open flame, operates quietly, and remains cool after the container is removed. Moreover, the product will return to its original form (e.g., solid, cream or gel) more quickly than if the entire product melted, minimizing degradation of the product.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the trapezoidal shaped housing of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II shown in fig. 1 containing an induction heating system.

Fig. 4 illustrates the stages that the product undergoes within the product container during a single heating cycle.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention, illustrating the assembled induction vessel, product container, and target workpiece including a wire mesh defined by the flotation ring.

Fig. 5B is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 5A.

Fig. 6 is a circuit block diagram of an electronic system of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the actual arrangement of components within the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of a third embodiment of the present invention similar to the first embodiment but with a rectangular housing and a modified cylindrical induction coil configuration.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention with a modified induction vessel and product vessel and a modified coil configuration.

Fig. 10A shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention similar to the second embodiment shown in fig. 5A, with the floating ring eliminated.

Fig. 10B is an exploded view of the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 10A.

FIG. 11A illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an induction vessel, a product container, and a target workpiece that can be used with the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.

Fig. 11B is an exploded view of the sixth embodiment of fig. 11A.

Fig. 12-20 illustrate various embodiments of a target workpiece.

FIG. 21 shows a high level flow chart illustrating a process of delivering input power to a target workpiece.

FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of the decision making process of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including a dispenser housing and a material container.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a material container.

Figure 25 is a front isometric view of the dispenser housing.

Fig. 26 is an exploded view of the sensing chamber.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a sensing chamber.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of a sensing chamber.

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a material container.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a material container.

FIG. 31 is an exploded view of yet another embodiment of a sensing chamber.

Fig. 32 is a flow chart of the operation of the inductive dispenser.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description

The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

As shown in fig. 1, the exploded view of the first embodiment of the present invention basically includes an induction heating unit main housing 1 connected to a power supply 2. In describing the structure of the present invention, elements common to each embodiment will be given the same numerals. The main housing 1 has a top outer surface 1A with an opening 1B. The induction vessel 4 is mounted in the main casing 1 through the opening 1B. The induction heating coil 3 is installed near the induction vessel 4. The product container 6 is removably inserted into the induction container 4. In this first embodiment, the product container 6 includes a flange 6D for receiving a closure (not shown), such as a conventional foil adhered to the flange.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, a cross-section along the line II-II shown in fig. 1 is illustrated. The sensing volume 4 has an open top extending through the top surface 1A. The induction heating coil 3 surrounds the induction vessel 4 and is controlled by the microprocessor 19. The preferred diameter of the container is between 2 inches and 4 inches (5.08cm and 10.16 cm). As shown at H in fig. 3, the height of the container is between 0.5 and 2 times the diameter of the container. While the induction vessel and product vessel are shown in the form of cylindrical vessels, the shape of the induction vessel and product vessel is not intended to be so limited and other geometric configurations may be used. Moreover, the product container 6 shown in fig. 2 and 3 includes an upper threaded extension 6E for receiving a threaded closure (not shown).

Referring to fig. 3, the RFID tag 14 is mounted on or in the bottom surface of the product container 6 for transmitting data to the RFID reader 27, and the RFID reader 27 translates information such as cycle time, resonant frequency of the target workpiece, product type, and other parameters required to heat the product as desired to the microprocessor 19. To ensure the key objective of the present invention, namely, immediate heating of the product for application and minimization of product degradation, the present invention requires successful transmission of information from the RFID tag 14 to the RFID reader 27. An electrically conductive target workpiece 7 having a channel 7A is removably inserted into the product container 6 and initially rests on the product upper surface 6B of the unheated product 6A contained within the container. The term "electrically conductive target workpiece" as used herein means that it is the only structural element of the present invention within the product container 6 that is heated by the induction heating coil 3. The heat from the "conductive target workpiece" is then transferred to the "heat affected product area" as previously described. As explained and emphasized in further detail below, the cycle time is adjusted to heat and/or melt the product only in the "heat affected product zone" to allow the product to flow through the channel. Once the cycle time is complete and the product cools and returns to its original state, the target workpiece remains embedded within the upper surface area of the product. The materials used to make the main housing 1, the induction vessel 4 and the product container 6 are non-metallic and non-conductive. Such materials are well known and may include any type of well known polymer composition. By selecting the materials used to make the present invention and the operation of the present invention as described below, the heated target workpiece 7 heats and/or melts the product only in the "heat affected product zone". The product itself is not directly heated by the induction heating coil 3. Also shown is an operator interface or user interface window 5 in the side of the housing 1 that allows the user to interact with the device through visual and touch based actions. The target workpiece 7 in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 is an electrically conductive wire mesh. The interstices between the metal strands of the wire mesh constitute channels. It should be noted that the target workpiece 7 includes a geometry nested within the product container 6, including a geometry nested within the induction container 4. In other words, the peripheral dimensions of the target workpiece 7, and in all embodiments of the invention described herein, are slightly smaller than the interior dimensions of the product container, whereby the target workpiece is free to fall into the product container as product is reduced with each use. Also, the outer perimeter dimension of the product container is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the sensing container.

Referring to fig. 4, the stages the product undergoes during the heating cycle are shown. The area or volume within the product container that is heated only during each phase of the heating cycle is the heat affected product area indicated as X. It should be emphasized that this is a key focus of the present invention, since only the product in the "heat affected product zone" is heated, not the entire product which would reduce the effectiveness of the product over time. In the product container labeled "before", a cross-section containing unheated product 6A is shown, with the target workpiece resting on the product upper surface 6B of the product 6A. In the product container labeled "period", the product in the heat affected product zone X is heated, which is the zone immediately above and below and includes the target workpiece in which the product becomes heated and graded for the user. During this stage, when the heating cycle begins, the electromagnetic field delivers electromagnetic energy within the target workpiece (described in more detail below), thereby heating the target workpiece. The heat is then transferred to the product in contact with the target workpiece. The heated product melts or liquefies and then flows through the target workpiece passage 7A to the upper surface of the target workpiece 7. The heated product located on the upper surface of the target workpiece is then ready for stirring and/or collection by the user with a brush, spatula or finger. During the heating cycle, the target workpiece may descend through the product due to gravity, or may rely on a user downward force. In the product container labeled "after", the induction heating cycle has ended and the product and target workpiece begin to cool. As a result, the viscosity of the product increases, and in some cases, the product returns from a liquid state to a solid or gel state. Moreover, after the product has cooled, a residual product layer 6C will remain on the upper surface of the target workpiece 7.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, the illustrated embodiment includes a target workpiece 9, the target workpiece 9 being illustrated as a conductive wire mesh and a flotation device 10 removably inserted into a threaded product container 12, the threaded product container 12 being removably inserted into an induction container 11. The threaded product container 12 does not include an outwardly extending upper flange or threaded extension as does the product container 6 of fig. 1-4. In this embodiment, a plug closure (not shown) is used to close the product container for storage. The induction vessel 11 and the product vessel 6 are modified with a non-circular geometry. In particular, each part has at least one flat surface for aligning the parts in the assembled position and preventing rotation while collecting the product on the applicator. Although this embodiment is shown with a flat surface, any other configuration may be used to align and prevent rotation of the components during use.

Referring to fig. 6, a block circuit diagram of the present invention is illustrated. The standard wall outlet ac line input 13 is connected to a standard electromagnetic transformer 15 and an ac-dc rectifier 16 enclosed within the housing 1 to power the components. The system further includes a standard dc breaker 33 and a regulator chip 17 that steps down the voltage to power sensitive digital components. The operator interface 18 is accessed through the window 5 shown in figures 1 to 3,8 and 9 to enable a user to interact with the device. The microprocessor unit 19 controls the level of electromagnetic energy in the resonant tank 26, described further below, to the induction coil 3. The induction coil 3 is arranged near the induction vessel 4 shown in fig. 3. The conductive target workpiece 7 is disposed within a product container 6 that is removably received within the induction container 4. The microprocessor 19 varies the level of thermal energy introduced into the conductive target workpiece 7 by adjusting the oscillation frequency in the HF converter 25 via Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). Microprocessor 19 also controls operator interface 18, temperature sensor 20, current sensor 21, antenna 22, signal processor 24, RFID reader 27, and electro-acoustic transducer 23. The temperature sensor 20 is capable of reading the temperature of the inner plate components of the microprocessor and the temperature of the induction coil windings. The current sensor 21 is configured to measure current draw through a switching circuit within the microprocessor. The antenna 22 may be of any conventional type, such as a dipole antenna, a helical antenna, a periodic antenna, a loop antenna, etc., and is configured to receive information from a remote module or transmit data to an external remote control device, for example, via Bluetooth technology. The electro-acoustic transducer 23 may be of any conventional type, such as a speaker capable of generating an alarm such as an over-temperature or other useful help to the user during thermal cycling. It may also provide instructions during product application. The transducer may also be constructed in such a way that it records machine electrical pulses and is read by the signal processor 24. The signal processor 24 is a standard signal processing unit used to decode information received from the antenna 22 and transmit the information via the electroacoustic transducer 23. The high frequency inverter 25 converts the dc power to high frequency ac power by receiving the pulse width modulated signal from the microprocessor 19 and receiving the high level dc power from the rectifier 16. The high frequency ac power generated by the inverter 25 is then passed into a series, parallel, quasi-series or quasi-parallel resistor, capacitor and inductor network known as a resonant tank 26. The loop 26 has a resonant frequency determined by a resistor, an inductor, and a capacitor (RLC) disposed therein. When current passes through resonant tank 26, it travels through the induction coil, which is a large winding conductive copper induction coil as shown in element 3 in fig. 1 and 3, element 3A in fig. 8, and element 3B in fig. 9. An RFID reader 27 is mounted within the main housing 1 adjacent the bottom of the induction containers 4, 4A and 11 to communicate with the RFID tag 14 on or in the bottom of the

product container

6, 6A or 12. The frequency of the resonant tank 26 is optimized by means of electrical reprogramming and tuning performed by the microprocessor 19 and the high frequency inverter 25. Optimization of the resonant tank is accomplished by user input and/or information generated by the RFID tag 14 located on the product container. This system allows the device to deliver precise amounts of current into the induction coil 3 to heat the "conductive target workpiece" 7, which also limits the system from overheating various components of the system. During the heating cycle and during the non-heating idle time, the microprocessor 19 monitors the current sensor 21 and the temperature sensor 20 to ensure safe operation of the device. The coil is not visible outside the housing 1 and surrounds the induction vessel 4 and the nested product container 6, the target workpiece 7 resting on the top surface of the product within the product container 6. Thus, the target workpiece 7 is closely positioned relative to the coil 3, and the coil 3 generates an electromagnetic field that causes electromagnetic energy to be transferred into the conductive target workpiece 7. Through this process, the target workpiece is heated solely by the electromagnetic energy, which is then transferred to the "heat affected product region" X within the product container. Here again, the electromagnetic energy heats only the target workpiece, not the induction vessel and the product vessel. The power supply components described above are not intended to be limiting, as will be described below.

Referring to fig. 7, there is a perspective view of how the components shown in fig. 6 are arranged in the main housing 1. The radio frequency module 31 is mounted on the main board 32, and the radio frequency module 31 includes the antenna 22 and the signal processor 24 shown in fig. 6, the microprocessor unit 19, the dc regulator 17, the high frequency converter 25, the resonant tank 26, the speaker 23, the current sensor 21, and the temperature sensor 20. The mains ac 13 is supplied from a standard wall outlet. The supplied power is received by a power supply 2, which power supply 2 comprises a transformer 15 and an ac-dc rectifier 16, where it is converted into dc power and sent to the remaining components via a dc regulator 17 located on the motherboard 32. In the case where the apparatus consumes a large amount of current, the breaker 33 is used as a safety fault. The operator interface 18 is connected to the motherboard by a multi-conductor harness 35. The radio frequency module 31 transmits and receives information through the antenna 22. The received and transmitted data passes through the signal processing unit 24 to the microprocessor 19. The motherboard 32 is controlled by the micro-processing unit 19. The low voltage dc power is converted from the high voltage dc power by the dc regulator IC chip 17 located on the motherboard 32. An RFID reader 27 is mounted within the housing 1 adjacent the induction vessel 4 for communicating with the RFID tag 14.

Referring to fig. 8, a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated which is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 1 except for the shape of the induction coil 3A and the main housing 1. The induction coil shown in fig. 2 is constructed with an even number of windings from top to bottom. However, the configuration of the induction coil may be arranged or formed to meet different requirements for each product. The embodiment shown in fig. 1 shows an induction coil 3, the induction coil 3 being formed as a uniform pitch helix for relatively uniformly heating the

target workpiece

7 or 9 as it descends from the top to the bottom of the product container 6. The embodiment shown in fig. 8 shows an induction coil 3A wound with a variable pitch allowing variable heating when the target workpiece is lowered from top to bottom in the product container. This may be advantageously used to increase heating, decrease heating, or even heating as the target workpiece is lowered through the coil. This embodiment may further provide the user with a product heated to a higher level when the product container is full. As the product is reduced, the level of heat is reduced to avoid overheating and damaging the product. Thus, a uniformly heated product is provided to the user throughout the product in the product container. It is well known that although the coil pitch is uniform, in certain areas, particularly toward the center height of the helical coil, the energy flux lines may be more dense. This can be counteracted by changing only the pitch of the helix in this region. Alternatively, the amount of heat generated within the target workpiece can be controlled by indirectly measuring the inductance of the system and varying its frequency. Most preferably, the present invention utilizes a unique RFID tag associated with each product container, associated with each target workpiece, to properly adjust parameters associated with the heating cycle. In this embodiment, the main housing has a rectangular housing with an interface 5 on its top surface.

Referring to fig. 9, a fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, which is similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 8, except for an induction coil 3B formed as a flat coil. Moreover, the sensing vessel 4A and the product vessel 6A have a much smaller overall depth than the sensing vessel and the product vessel of the previously described embodiments. All other components are identical to those of the embodiment shown in fig. 2 or fig. 8. The effective height of the electromagnetic field generated by the flat coil 3A is much smaller than the effective height of the cylindrical coil of the previous embodiment, thus taking into account the total depth of the induction vessel 4A and the product vessel 6A. In other words, the effective distance of the electromagnetic field generated by the pancake coil 3A is sufficient to heat the target workpiece at the upper region of the product disposed within the product container of smaller height.

Referring to fig. 10A and 10B, an embodiment similar to that shown in fig. 5A and 5B is shown. The target workpiece 9 is removably inserted into the product container 12, and the product container 12 is removably inserted into the sensing container 11. The components of this embodiment are similar to those shown in fig. 5A and 5B, except that the target workpiece does not include a flotation ring. The target workpiece 9 includes a geometry nested within the product container 12, including a geometry nested within the induction container 11. In this variation, the assembly consists of an asymmetric geometry about the midplane to prevent rotation of the target workpiece while stirring or agitating. The product container is between 2 inches and 5 inches (5.08cm and 12.7cm) deep, requiring the use of coils along the sides of the induction container. In particular, the cross section of each part has at least one flat side surface for aligning the parts in the assembled position and preventing rotation while collecting the product on the applicator. Although this embodiment is shown with flat side surfaces, the cross-sectional configuration of each component may be any geometric shape to align and prevent rotation of the components during use.

Referring to fig. 11A and 11B, an alternative embodiment is shown including a target workpiece 9, the target workpiece 9 being illustrated as a conductive wire mesh removably inserted into a product container 12A, the product container 12A being removably inserted into an induction container 11A. This embodiment will be used with the pancake coil in the embodiment shown in fig. 9. The components of this embodiment are similar to those shown in fig. 5A, 5B, 10A, and 10B, except that the target workpiece does not include a float ring and the total depth of the induction vessel and the product vessel is smaller. In this embodiment, the product container is between 0.500 inches and 2 inches (1.27cm and 5.08cm) deep, requiring the use of a flat coil along the bottom of the induction container. This provides the user with the opportunity to introduce product into the product container or greatly reduce the starting sample size as desired. As in the previous embodiments, the cross-section of each component has at least one flat side surface for aligning the component in the assembled position and preventing rotation of the target workpiece while collecting product on the applicator, and the cross-sectional configuration of each component may be any geometry to align and prevent rotation of the component during use.

Referring to fig. 12 to 19, as an alternative to the target workpiece of the conductive mesh type illustrated in the above-described embodiments, other embodiments of the target workpiece usable in each of the above-described embodiments are shown.

Applicants have found that by changing the configuration of the target workpiece, the heating pattern of the target workpiece can be changed. Each target workpiece illustrated in fig. 12-19 comprises a solid metal disc target workpiece having an outer peripheral surface 51, an upper surface 52, and a lower surface 53. The outer peripheral surface 51 is where heat is generated due to the concentration of flux lines from the cylindrical coil (as shown in fig. 2 and 8). The upper surface 52 provides a surface area with which a user will interact. The lower surface 53 is the area or zone where heat is first provided to the product.

As shown in fig. 12 and 12A, the target workpiece 30 comprises a solid metal disc target workpiece having an outer peripheral surface 51, an upper surface 52, and a lower surface 53. A plurality of evenly distributed holes or apertures 37 extend therethrough and are located in spaced relation between the outer peripheral surfaces 51. In the preferred embodiment, the six holes or cavities 37 are circular and have a diameter ranging between 0.030 inches to 1.000 inches (0.076cm to 2.54cm), most preferably between 0.030 inches and 0.400 inches (0.076cm and 1.016 cm). In this embodiment, heat propagates from the outer peripheral surface toward the central axis of the target workpiece. When the target workpiece is excited by the electromagnetic field from the induction coil, the heat generated in the target workpiece 30 is concentrated in the peripheral area indicated by the hatching 36.

Referring to fig. 13, the target workpiece 39 comprises a solid metal disk with a peripheral surface, an upper surface and a lower surface (not numbered). In this embodiment, the target workpiece includes a channel consisting of four radially extending slots 40, the four slots 40 dividing the metal disk into four separate quadrants 42 having slots 41 each connected by a central segment 43. Each quadrant includes a centrally located slot 41 having sharp and/or rounded corners. This embodiment provides an increased heat transfer rate from the hot zone 44 to the center of the target workpiece within the conductive material due to the absence of material, and also increases the heat transfer rate through the outer slots 40 that direct eddy currents along the peripheral surface toward the center. The

slots

40 and 41 extend completely through the metal disc from the upper surface to the lower surface. In this embodiment, when the target workpiece is excited by the electromagnetic flux from the induction coil, the heat generated in the target workpiece 39 is concentrated in the region indicated by the shadow 44.

Referring to fig. 14, the target workpiece 45 comprises a solid metal disk with a peripheral surface, an upper surface and a lower surface (not numbered). In this embodiment, the target workpiece includes a channel consisting of radially extending square slots 46 that are equally spaced from one another. Each groove extends inwardly from the peripheral surface to a point in the peripheral region 47 of the metal disc. These square slots consist of only straight walls and 90 degree angles so that hot zone 48 extends inward from the perimeter of the target workpiece. This helps to distribute heat more evenly in the target workpiece.

Referring to fig. 15, a target workpiece 49 comprises a solid metal disk with a peripheral surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface (not numbered). This embodiment includes a channel consisting of a radially extending slot 40 and a crescent shaped slot 62. The slot 50 extends from the peripheral surface to one corner of the central diamond-shaped cutout 64. The remaining corners are formed with sharp tips 63, except for the corners where the slots 50 enter the diamond-shaped cutouts. Crescent-shaped slot 62 surrounds slot 40 and diamond-shaped cutout 64. The

slots

40 and 62 and the diamond-shaped cutouts 64 extend completely through the metal disk from the upper surface to the lower surface. The remainder of the metal disc is solid. In this embodiment, when the target workpiece is excited by the electromagnetic flux from the induction coil, the heat generated in the target workpiece 49 is concentrated in the indicated region 54.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, target workpiece 55 comprises a solid metal disk with a peripheral surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface (not numbered). In this embodiment, the target workpiece 55 is similar to that shown in FIG. 12 and, therefore, will have a very similar heat distribution. However, this embodiment differs from the embodiment of fig. 12 in that each aperture 57 is surrounded by an upstanding conical target workpiece 56. The upright conical target workpiece promotes agitation and bubbling of the molten product as it flows through the apertures or channels 57 and is collected by the user (e.g., by a shaving brush). Each tapered target workpiece extends from the upper surface of the target workpiece a distance between 0.010 inches and 0.250 inches (0.0254cm and 0.635 cm). Each hole 57 may be between 0.020 inches and 0.750 inches (0.05cm and 1.9cm) in diameter. In this embodiment, although the hatching is not shown, when the target workpiece is excited by the electromagnetic flux from the induction coil, the heat generated in the target workpiece 55 is concentrated in the same region indicated by hatching 36 in fig. 12.

Referring to fig. 18 and 19, the target workpiece 58 comprises a solid metal disk with a peripheral surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface (not numbered). In this embodiment, the target workpiece 58 includes a channel consisting of a single large central bore 60 extending through from the upper surface to the lower surface. A plurality of upstanding ribs 59 are uniformly provided on the upper surface. The upstanding ribs provide agitation to the molten product as it flows through the apertures 60 to create a froth as it is collected by a user, such as by a shaving brush. In this embodiment, although the shadow is not shown, when the target workpiece is excited by the electromagnetic flux from the induction coil, the heat generated in the target workpiece 58 is uniformly concentrated around approximately each of the upstanding ribs 59.

Referring to fig. 20, the target workpiece is shown as the

conductive wire net

7 or 9 as shown in the embodiments of fig. 1 and 8 to 11. The wire mesh is composed of braided strands of an electrically conductive material, preferably aluminum or stainless steel. The braided strands have a diameter of between 0.010 and 0.070 inches (0.0254 and 1.778cm) with an open area of between 20% and 85% of the total area. The interstices between the braided strands constitute channels for the flow of the heated and/or melted product through the target workpiece. The hot zones 61 propagate from the four peripheral regions toward the center. The four peripheral regions are located at the point on the peripheral surface where the longest strand intersects the peripheral surface. Preferably, the contact points of the strands are connected to promote uniform distribution of the hot zone. The varying topology of the top surface of this embodiment provides a user with a very favorable area for creating blisters. In this embodiment, when the target workpiece is excited by the electromagnetic flux from the induction coil, the heat generated in the target workpiece is concentrated around its peripheral region indicated by the hatched region 61.

Although only indicated in fig. 12A, all of the target workpieces shown in fig. 12-19 have a material thickness h ranging between 0.005 inch and 0.150 inch (0.0127cm and 0.0381cm), most preferably between 0.008 inch and 0.020 inch (0.020cm and 0.050cm), and a width w ranging between 2 inch and 4 inch (5.08cm and 10.16 cm). The various target workpiece configurations shown in fig. 12-19 provide different heating characteristics by altering or interrupting the contour of the peripheral surface 51, or target workpiece surface parallel to the cylindrical coil wall of the target workpiece. Depending on the application and heating requirements, some target workpieces have a greater total surface area to provide more contact with the product, thereby heating the product more quickly. The varying topography of the upper surface 52 of each target workpiece, along with the viscosity of the product, can significantly affect the rate at which the target workpiece is lowered through the product. In addition, the varying top surface topology provides opportunities for ventilation. For applications requiring agitation or venting, the top surface topology of the target workpiece has more variation. For applications requiring lathering (e.g., shaving soap), the size and number of the openings may also be advantageous in providing agitation of the product. The present invention may utilize one or more target workpieces composed of any of the following types of steel alloys, carbon, tools, or stainless steel, and may be ferritic, martensitic, and/or austenitic grain structures. In addition, the target workpiece may preferably be any SAE-specific aluminum type. Aluminum, which is generally incompatible with domestic induction heaters/cookers, provides corrosion resistance, very low heat capacity, and high thermal conductivity compared to other materials used with domestic induction cooking/heating systems. The low heat capacity of aluminum allows the target workpiece to quickly increase in temperature and quickly cool once the cycle has ended. This then allows the product to return to its original state faster than steel grades that retain more heat. The target workpiece, which consists of a material with a high heat capacity, will descend downwards towards the bottom of the product container, even after having to be used due to the excess heat retained in the conductive material. The high thermal conductivity of the aluminum target workpiece facilitates the transfer of heat generated by eddy currents to the product as quickly as possible. As a result of the high and low thermal conductivity, energy from the electromagnetic field is instantaneously transferred to the product in the form of heat, with minimal dwell time in the target workpiece.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a process for transferring power from its origin to thermal energy within a target workpiece. As shown in fig. 6, the power input stage is in the form of alternating current, typically supplied by a wall outlet in a residential and/or commercial building. This alternating current enters a rectifier stage, thereby converting it to direct current. This stage is not intended to be limiting, but rather illustrates one suitable choice. For example, the transformer and rectifier may be included in a microprocessor unit. In other embodiments, the ac line may be eliminated and replaced with a battery. The dc power is then converted back to high frequency ac power by any common oscillator circuit, whether digital or analog. The high frequency alternating current then generates an electromagnetic field that generates eddy currents within the target workpiece, thereby generating heat.

The diagram in fig. 22 shows the decision making process associated with an RFID system. A unique RFID tag 14 is attached to each product container and has been pre-programmed with the information used by the present invention to optimize the induction heating cycle for a given product. After detection, the RFID reader reads information about the RFID tag found on an internal memory block within the RFID tag and provides the information to the microprocessor. Such information includes the product type, the duration of the thermal cycle, the desired heat level, and the induction value, e.g., frequency, required for optimizing the induction cycle. The system then runs a verification algorithm to determine that the RFID tag is a valid tag. This step is included as a security measure. After these steps are completed, the system unlocks the system and alerts the user that a thermal cycle can be activated. After a given number of cycles have been run, the RFID tag associated with the product container is altered by the sensing system microcontroller to provide information such as the number of cycles run, the duration of the cycle, the date, and/or other information related to the use of the product. In addition, the system may make the RFID tag unusable in the future.

The operation of the induction heating system of the present invention is as follows. An ac power supply 13 is connected to the system. The received voltage is then electromagnetically reduced by transformer 15 and converted to a Direct Current (DC) waveform by rectifier 16. The transformer 15 and the rectifier 16 may be externally packaged together in an ac-dc power supply commonly used in computers or electronic devices. Within the device, the rectified dc power passes through a dc regulator 17, which is a monolithic integrated circuit regulator that steps down the voltage to TTL, CMOS, ECL levels, etc. The induction heater coil 3 is controlled by a microprocessor 19, and the microprocessor 19 also controls the timing and frequency of a high frequency inverter 25, sensor 20, sensor 21, operator interface 18, LED lights 34, timer, antenna 22, speaker 23, and RFID reader 27. The microprocessor 19 may also be used to interact with many other peripheral devices, if desired. The microprocessor is programmed to control and vary the oscillation frequency to achieve electromagnetic resonance between the target workpiece and the resonant tank. The microprocessor has flash read and write capability and EEPROM storage for storing user settings, timers and security. The user can interact with the device by visually viewing or pressing the operator interface 18 or user buttons 29. The display of operator interface 18 is constructed from piezoresistive technology, capacitive technology, surface acoustic technology, infrared grids, or similar technologies. Which allows the user to press and begin a heating cycle while displaying helpful information based on the temperature or duration of the cycle. The security information may be displayed on this display or any other helpful visual aid. In addition to operator interface 18, speaker 23 is used to provide audible feedback and alerts to the user based on the state of the thermal cycle. The buttons 29 serve as auxiliary user input sources. A nearby LED 34 is used to provide an auxiliary visual indication of the status of the device. The manufacturer can reprogram the buttons, LEDs, and operator interface to adjust functionality and usability among different device revisions. Once the thermal cycle is initiated, the microprocessor 19 inputs a low voltage Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal that is received by a High Frequency (HF) inverter module 25. The inverter module switches the dc power rectified from the rectifier 16 to the high frequency ac power at the oscillation frequency set by the microprocessor 19. The high frequency ac power is then fed into a resonant RLC loop, either in series or in parallel. The loop capacitance, inductance and resistance are optimized to reach the resonant frequency of the PWM signal. This resonance is also matched to the oscillation frequency of the target workpiece shown in fig. 12-20. Throughout the thermal cycle, the sensor 21 measures the current transferred into each target workpiece. At this point, the microprocessor 19 adjusts the oscillation frequency to transfer maximum power into the target workpiece. If the current exceeds the safety limit measured by the sensor 21, the device shuts down the thermal cycle. Likewise, the temperature of the internal components is measured by the sensor 20. This prevents the device from working all day long or operating in harsh environments. The sensor 20 also measures the temperature of the induction coil 3 to prevent overheating on its internal windings. During thermal cycling, a high frequency current is passed through the resonant tank 26 and into the

coil

3, 3A or 3B disposed adjacent the induction vessel 4, 4A or 11 that receives the

product vessel

6, 6A or 12. Then the high-frequency current is transferred to the target workpiece in an electromagnetic induction mode. Eddy currents are generated in the target workpiece and cause joule heating effects and heating through hysteresis. The heat generated by the target workpiece then penetrates all the way to the top layer of the product in the container. Due to the geometry of the target workpiece, energy is more directly transferred to the "heat affected product area" of the product within the

product container

6, 6A or 12.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a dispenser that uses induction heat to heat a volume of material when dispensing. As shown in fig. 23, the dispensing system 100 includes a product container 200 and a dispenser 300. When in use as described herein, the product container 200 is normally locked in the dispenser.

As shown in fig. 24, this cross-sectional view illustrates the material container 200. Any kind of pumping mechanism 243 may be used to expel the material 281 from the product container 200. In a preferred embodiment, aspects of the product container 200 may be compressed by an external device, thereby providing a septum 520 and a check valve 510 inside the product container 200.

Further details of the diaphragm and check valve are shown in fig. 29. This allows for the material to be delivered manually or by a dispenser. In either case, an external force is required to expel the material 281 from the product container 200. The product container 200 includes a material reservoir 280 and a material heat exchanger cavity 240. The material heat exchanger cavity 240 houses a sensing cavity 241, the sensing cavity 241 housing a target workpiece 242. The target workpiece 242 is preferably any electrically conductive material, but for applications in corrosive environments, is preferably aluminum or stainless steel or any other type of electrically conductive material that may or may not be coated with a thin layer of plastic to prevent the buildup of material 281 on the target workpiece 242 or oxidation on the target workpiece 242. In a preferred embodiment, the product container 200 further includes an outlet 244 from which the heated material 281 is dispensed.

As shown in fig. 25, in addition to the baffle, the dispenser 300 includes an induction coil housing 310 and a cover 340 to help hold the product container 200 when in place. In one embodiment, the induction coil housing 310 houses an induction coil, but is also mechanically coupled to a vertical motion system 320 that allows vertical motion to accommodate different sized product containers 200 or product containers 200 with different types of pumping mechanisms 243. Additionally, the vertical motion system 320 allows for compression of the product container 200 when the product container 200 requires physical compression to dispense the material 281 therein. The vertical motion system 320 may be any type of mechanical system that will allow vertical motion required for compression or height change. When the dispensing system 100 receives a signal to begin an induction heating cycle by pressing the control button 35, an electromagnetic field is generated within the induction coil housing 310. The electromagnetic field generates eddy currents within the target workpiece 242, thereby generating heat. Preferably, the circuitry for generating the electrical current is located within the dispenser lower housing 360. The LED light 375 may be used to communicate the heating cycle status to the user. The dispenser 300 may also use the motion sensor 345 to provide feedback as to when the heating and/or dispensing cycle should begin or end. Within lid 340 is an RFID reader or similar technology for communicating with RFID tags located on product containers 200, the RFID tags being located such that they will be adjacent to the RFID reader. An important feature of the present invention is the relationship between the target workpiece and the RFID tag. The information contained therein may be read and/or recorded to an RFID tag, which is itself associated with each product container 200 to provide unique instructions to the dispenser 300 regarding heating and dispensing.

In one embodiment, the RFID tag provides identification of the resonant frequency of the target workpiece 242. An on-board current meter (not shown) housed in the distributor 300 measures the current to confirm that the expected current matches the measured current.

In another embodiment, the target workpiece 242 is comprised of a device that changes resistance with temperature. When the resistance changes, the inductance of the coil changes due to temperature change, thereby shifting the resonance frequency. The resulting change in resonant frequency generates less heat within the target workpiece. This relationship between frequency, temperature and traction current is calibrated into the inductive dispenser via the RFID tag. In other words, the induction heating circuit provides a fixed frequency for generating the electromagnetic field. As the temperature of the target workpiece 242 increases, the resistance change device moves the target workpiece 242 away from resonance that reduces the amount of heat generated within the target workpiece, thereby maintaining the temperature of the target workpiece. A redundant form is programmed into the system by a third measurement of current. For a given target workpiece at a given temperature, the current draw of the coil is measured and should be within a given range. All such data and calibration standards are provided by RFID tags.

An electromagnetic field based on a preset value determined by the RFID tag may be generated such that heat is generated within the target workpiece with a fixed oscillation frequency. As the temperature of the target workpiece increases, the resistance of the resistance change device increases, thereby moving the inductance of the coil and thereby changing the resonant tank frequency. Since the frequency is fixed, the current will vary up and down according to the corresponding resonance-current curve. The induction system of the present invention measures current and coil inductance to determine the temperature of the target workpiece. The sensing system may be adjusted to increase or decrease the temperature of the target workpiece based on the RFID command and/or user input to the control of the sensing system. Thus, the sensing system becomes a closed loop system in which measurements are made to verify and maintain system functionality.

As shown in fig. 26, the sensing chamber 241 includes a male cap 410, a female receiving cap 420, and a target workpiece 242. The male member 410 includes an inlet aperture 412 on its lower face 413, a first chamber 414, a second chamber 416 and a dividing wall 418. Preferably, the dividing wall 418 does not completely enclose the material flow 281 from the first and

second cavities

414 and 416. This may be accomplished by machining the male cap 410 to leave a gap 419 between the first cavity 414 and the second cavity 416. However, the gap 419 is not critical to the present invention and the dividing wall 418 may completely separate the first and

second cavities

414, 416 and still achieve the same result. The target workpiece 242 is placed on top of the convex cap 410. The target workpiece 242 is preferably a butterfly, but may be a solid disk or other shape. A female receiving cap 420 is placed on top of the male cap 410 and the target workpiece 242, the female receiving cap 420 including an exit orifice 422 on its upper face 424. As material enters the sensing chamber 241 through the entrance aperture 412, the entrance aperture 412 is preferably aligned with the second chamber 416 so that the material contacts the heated target workpiece 242 for as long as possible.

Fig. 27 shows a second embodiment of a sensing chamber in which the target workpiece 242 is a solid disk. The target workpiece 242 preferably has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the convex cap 410 so that material can pass around the edges of the target workpiece 242.

FIG. 28 shows a third embodiment of a sensing chamber in which a target workpiece 242 is configured with a slot 601, the slot 601 being connected from one side to the other by means 602, the means 602 changing resistance with temperature. The device 602 may be a thermistor (NTC (negative temperature coefficient) or PTC (positive temperature coefficient)), a mechanical thermostat, a resistance temperature detector, or any other now known or later discovered device for changing resistance with temperature. When the target workpiece 242 is positioned within the coil, the total inductance varies corresponding to the resistance of the device. This provides direct feedback to the inductive distribution circuit regarding the temperature of the target workpiece.

Fig. 29 illustrates a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of a product container 200. In this embodiment, the material container 200 is inserted upside down into the dispenser 300. When the material 281 is at least semi-liquid, the outlet 244 is preferably a duckbill nozzle to prevent leakage. In this embodiment, the product container 200 contains a diaphragm 510 and a check valve 520, the check valve 520 determining the volume of material 281 that passes through the sensing chamber 241. The check valve outlet 530 siphons the material 281 to the sensing chamber 241. A conduit 540 between the outlet aperture 422 of the sensing chamber 241 and the outlet 244 of the product container 200 is necessary for proper flow of the material 281.

Fig. 30 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a product container 200. In this embodiment, the product container 200 is devoid of an energy storage device, such as a spring for dispensing. This product container 200 is similarly configured to a stopcock in that driven plate 801 must be actuated to dispense product. In this embodiment, the target workpiece 242 is located in the region near the exit aperture 802. When the heating cycle begins, the material 281 that is in immediate contact with the target workpiece 242 is heated, thereby reducing the viscosity. An external force is applied to the driven plate 801, and then the driven plate 801 dispenses or discharges the heated material 281 from the outlet hole 803.

Because only the material 281 within about 2-3mm of the target workpiece 242 is heated, the time required before the material 281 can be used is minimized. In addition, since only the material 281 to be used is heated, the remaining portion of the material 281 inside the product container 200 maintains its original unheated state, thereby preventing the deterioration of the material.

Fig. 31 illustrates another embodiment of the sensing chamber 241 of the present invention in which the target workpiece 242 is a circular ring having a lower bottom 901 and sidewalls 902. To maintain control of the flow of material over the surface of the target workpiece 242, projections 903 are provided. The target piece 242 preferably has a diameter such that the lower base 901 of the target piece 242 fits snugly around the protrusion 903. The natural shape of the target workpiece 242 may be interrupted to include a resistive device 904 that changes resistance with temperature. When the target workpiece 242 is positioned within the coil, the total inductance varies corresponding to the resistance of the device. This provides direct feedback to the inductive distribution circuit regarding the temperature of the target workpiece.

Fig. 32 is a flow chart of the operation of the inductive dispenser. FIG. 32 is a flow chart of the operation of the present invention. Upon power up, the dispenser searches for an RFID tag. Once the RFID tag is detected, the RFID tag is read and if the information sequence is correct, it is determined to be valid. Once the dispenser has deemed the RFID tag to be valid, the resonant frequency is measured to verify the presence of the target workpiece, and the target workpiece matches the criteria maintained within the RFID tag. If all of the previously specified criteria have been deemed to be within the tolerances found within the RFID tag, then the thermal recipe is measured and stored within the device. Upon activation of the thermal cycle, the inductive dispenser provides heat determined by the thermal recipe. In one embodiment of the invention, the target workpiece includes a device that changes resistance with temperature. In this embodiment, data is stored on an RFID tag that defines the relationship of the temperature of the target workpiece to the loop resonant frequency of the coil current. As a result, the induction device measures the current drawn by the coil and the resonant frequency to determine and control the target workpiece temperature. Upon completion of the cycle, the inductive dispenser waits for user input to dispense the heated material, in accordance with instructions held by the RFID tag. The heating cycle described previously is repeated until the RFID tag is no longer detected or when the dispenser is powered down. At this point, the loop begins back to the beginning or top of the flowchart.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Various modifications and alterations of the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thus within its spirit and scope. In addition, all publications and patent documents referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. An induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product, comprising:

a housing defining a non-conductive induction housing;

a non-conductive product container for holding the product, the product container being removably received in the induction housing;

an induction coil proximate the induction housing for generating an electromagnetic field in the product container;

an electrically conductive target in the product container, the target comprising a metal disk having a cross-section configured to complement a cross-section of the product container, the metal disk having a cross-section slightly smaller than the cross-section of the product container to allow the metal disk to freely descend within the product container when the product is in use; and

an electromagnetic field activator mounted in the housing and connected to the induction coil to heat the target part for a predetermined period of time in response to the electromagnetic field from the induction coil during a heating cycle to heat and/or melt the product.

2. An induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the product container further comprises a top product surface and a heat affected product area consisting of a layer of the product immediately below the top product surface, which layer is heated by the target member, allowing heated material to flow through the target member for collection by a user for shaving or cosmetic purposes.

3. An induction heating device adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 2, further comprising:

the housing has a top surface;

the induction housing includes a side wall, a bottom wall, and an open top mounted in the top surface, the side wall of the induction housing defining an inner surface of uniform cross-section from the open top to the bottom wall, the product container including a side wall, a bottom wall, and a closable open top, the side wall of the product container defining an outer surface of uniform cross-section that is complementarily configured to the inner surface of the induction housing, the product container removably inserted in the induction housing.

4. An induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 3, wherein the side walls of the product container define an inner surface of uniform cross-section from the closable open top to the bottom wall, the target piece of electrically conductive metal further comprising a peripheral surface configured complementarily to the inner surface of the product container.

5. The induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 4, wherein the induction housing comprises a first cylindrical cup and the product container comprises a second cylindrical cup.

6. An induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 5, wherein the first and second cylindrical cups and the target member are configured to maintain alignment and prevent rotation therebetween during use.

7. An induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 6, wherein the first and second cylindrical cups have flat side wall sections and the peripheral surface of the target member has a flat section aligned with the flat side wall sections to maintain said alignment and prevent rotation therebetween during use.

8. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 2, further comprising means for supplying an alternating current or direct current power supply to the electronic circuit.

9. An induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 8, wherein the electronic circuit comprises means for generating high frequency electromagnetic energy in the target piece of electrically conductive metal, the electronic circuit further comprising means for regulating the alternating or direct current to adjust the heat generated within the target piece of electrically conductive metal.

10. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 9, wherein said means comprise a microprocessor, a high frequency inverter circuit, a resonant tank circuit and said induction coil.

11. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 10, further comprising: an operator interface coupled to the microprocessor to allow a user to manually start and stop the heating cycle, to adjust the energy level and duration of heat during the heating cycle, and to display helpful information based on the energy level, temperature, or duration of the heating cycle.

12. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 11, further comprising at least one current sensor for monitoring the current of the electronic circuit and at least one temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the electronic circuit.

13. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 12, further comprising: a visual and/or audible alarm device responsive to the current sensor and the temperature sensor to indicate overcurrent or overtemperature of the electronic circuit.

14. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 10, further comprising: a radio frequency module for transmitting information to and receiving information from the microprocessor to remotely control the electronic circuit.

15. The induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 14, further comprising a speaker for emitting information received via the radio frequency module relating to the start and stop of a heating cycle, or the energy level and duration of heat regulated during a heating cycle, or temperature and current sensing levels.

16. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the metal disc comprises an annular disc.

17. The induction heating unit adapted for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the metal disc comprises at least one hole extending through the metal disc, at least one slot extending through the metal disc, or a combination of at least one hole extending through the metal disc and at least one slot extending through the metal disc.

18. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the metal disc, which is thermally conductive, comprises at least one element located on an upper surface and in the vicinity of the at least one hole, extending orthogonally to the plane of the upper surface.

19. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the at least one element comprises ribs.

20. Induction heating device suitable for heating a shaving or cosmetic product according to claim 1, wherein the metal disc is made of stainless steel or aluminium.