Induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils

Abstract

An induction heating system includes a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil; an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil; and a transport device configured to move metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes a circulating current flowing through the first induction coil that is opposite to a direction of a circulating current flowing through the second induction coil.

Description

INDUCTION HEATING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTING MULTIPLE FULL-VOLTAGE COILSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 571 ,044 filed on March 28, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure relates to an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils. Further, the disclosure relates to an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils that may operate from a single inverter.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] A typical induction heater includes an electromagnet that receives alternating current (AC) and generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field penetrates an object, generating electric currents inside the object, which heats the object. The electromagnet is typically configured as a coil.

[0004] However, the magnetic field additionally generates ground currents. The magnetic field and / or the ground currents can undesirably heat up adjacent structures. This reduces efficiency, increases current usage, and / or the like of the induction heater. Moreover, typical implementations suffer from generation of electrical tension on capacitors, need for larger cabinet implementations, limitations on wiring configurations, reduced rate of product processing (line rate), associated operational losses, and / or the like.

[0005] Accordingly, an induction heater coil configuration is needed to reduce ground currents, increase efficiency, improve operation, and / or the like.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the disclosure, wherein in one aspect an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils. Additionally, the foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the disclosure, wherein in one aspect an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils that may operate from a single inverter is provided.

[0007] In one aspect, an induction heating system includes a first induction coil having a first end and a second end. The induction heating system in addition includes a second induction coil having a first end and a second end. The system moreover includes at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system also includes an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil. The system further includes a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes where a circulating current flowing through the first induction coil is opposite to a direction of a circulating current flowing through the second induction coil.

[0008] In one aspect, an induction heating system includes a first induction coil having a first end and a second end. The induction heating system in addition includes a second induction coil having a first end and a second end. The system moreover includes at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system also includes an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil. The system further includes a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity. The system moreover includes where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

[0009] In one aspect, an induction heating system includes a first induction coil having a first end and a second end. The induction heating system in addition includes a second induction coil having a first end and a second end. The system moreover includes at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system also includes an inverterconfigured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil. The system further includes a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel. The system moreover includes where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain aspects of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of the disclosure that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0011] In this respect, before explaining at least one aspect of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of aspects in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosure. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an induction heating system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the induction heating system according to Figure 1 .

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the induction heating system together with a schematic illustration of a first induction coil and a second induction coil according to Figure 1 .

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a partial schematic view of the induction heating system according to Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic of the induction heating system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the first induction coil according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the second induction coil according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic side view of an induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates a partial front perspective of an induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10 illustrates a partial side view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 9.

[0023] Figure 11 illustrates a partial back view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 9.

[0024] Figure 12 illustrates a partial front perspective view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 9.

[0025] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic side view of an induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0026] Figure 14 illustrates a partial front perspective of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0027] Figure 15 illustrates a partial side view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0028] Figure 16 illustrates a partial front view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0029] Figure 17 illustrates another partial front view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0030] Figure 18 illustrates a partial top view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. Aspects of the disclosure advantageously provide an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils operating from a single inverter.

[0032] The disclosure relates to an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils. Further, the disclosure relates to an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils that may operate from a single inverter. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils that may operate from a single inverter, which may reduce a necessary heating current required in comparison to a single coil design.

[0033] The disclosure is directed to an induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils operating from a single inverter. In particular, the multiple fullvoltage coil design may be configured to be more efficient, reducing ampacity in each coil, which in turn reduces heat, electrical tension on the high voltage capacitors, and reduces ground currents by reducing the magnetic field.

[0034] Further, the disclosed induction heating system implementing multiple fullvoltage coils operating from a single inverter further allows for implementation of a smaller cabinet design reducing overall system footprint, increases the efficiency of a curing process, and extends a heat rise capability of Litz wire configured for medium frequency high current applications.

[0035] Additionally, the disclosed induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils operating from a single inverter is configured to implement a configuration that can increase the rate of product processing (line rate). In particular, processing with a line rate greater than is currently available in the industry. For example, processing of a particular workpiece types is currently limited to 2600 workpieces per minute. In contrast, the disclosed induction heating system implementing multiple full-voltage coils operating from a single inverter may be configured to process 3500 or more workpieces per minute.

[0036] Typically, an induction heating system implements a single induction coil. In aspects, the disclosed induction heating system may include a configuration that divides the single induction coil into multiple coils. Further, the disclosed induction heating system may then be configured to operate with a reduced ampacity that is required to heat the product passing through the coils.

[0037] In aspects, the disclosed induction heating system implementing a lower ampacity within the coil wire(s) allows for a smaller gauge of wire to be used. This reduces the overall cost of the system.

[0038] In aspects, the disclosed induction heating system implementing a lower ampacity lowers an effective magnetic field generated from the coils and connection wires, thereby inducing less losses by the way of eddy currents heating a steel enclosure surrounding the coil.

[0039] In aspects, the disclosed induction heating system configured with multiple coils allows implementations with a lower current rated Litz wire and / or avoid utilizing a bi-filar construction of the coils. Further, the disclosed induction heating system may result in less cabinet heating. Accordingly, the coil enclosure can be smaller with less power losses, so the overall system efficiency is not compromised.

[0040] In aspects, the disclosed induction heating system may implement a smaller overall enclosure size. Further, the disclosed induction heating system may eliminate the need to add additional tooling to increase a distance of a coil to an end of the enclosure. Accordingly, the disclosed induction heating system may save considerable cost of new tooling, and spacing concepts. Further, the disclosed inductionheating system implementing multiple coils powered from a single inverter may enable the system to operate at higher line speeds without a substantial redesign and at a lower overall cost than a single coil design.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an induction heating system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the induction heating system according to Figure 1 .

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the induction heating system together with a schematic illustration of a first induction coil and a second induction coil according to Figure 1 .

[0044] In particular, Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an induction heating system 100 according to aspects of the disclosure. The induction heating system 100 may be configured to at least partially cure or completely cure a coating material 902 that has been applied to surfaces of metallic workpieces 900 (illustrated in Figure 4).

[0045] With reference to Figure 3, the induction heating system 100 may implement a plurality of induction coils. In aspects, the induction heating system 100 may implement two or more induction coils, which may be configured as disclosed herein. In aspects, the induction heating system 100 may implement an even number of induction coils, which may be configured as disclosed herein. For brevity of disclosure, the induction heating system 100 is described and illustrated as implementing two induction coils, which may include a first induction coil 101 and a second induction coil 102. However, the induction heating system 100 may be implemented with any number of the induction coils.

[0046] In aspects and referring back to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the induction heating system 100 may include a housing 201 , a workpiece inlet 211 , a workpiece outlet 221 , a workpiece conveyance structure 204, support legs 206, and / or the like. However, the induction heating system 100 may be implemented with fewer components, more components, and / or different components.

[0047] In aspects, the housing 201 may be implemented as a cabinet, enclosure, and / or the like. In aspects, the housing 201 may be a metallic structure, a steelstructure, and / or the like. In aspects, the housing 201 may be arranged vertically as illustrated. In other aspects, the housing 201 may be arranged horizontally (not shown). In aspects, the housing 201 may be supported by the support legs 206.

[0048] In operation, the metallic workpieces 900 may enter the housing 201 through the workpiece inlet 211 . The metallic workpieces 900 may be processed by the first induction coil 101. Thereafter, the metallic workpieces 900 may be processed by the second induction coil 102. Thereafter, the metallic workpieces 900 may be exit the housing 201 through the workpiece outlet 221 .

[0049] In aspects, a door (not shown) may be arranged on the housing 201 and provide a closure for the housing 201 . In this regard, the door may allow access to the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, as well as other components arranged within the housing 201. In aspects, the door may include hinges allowing rotational movement of the door with respect to the housing 201 . Further, the door may include one or more locking mechanisms to maintain the door in a closed configuration with respect to the housing 201. In aspects, the housing 201 may include one or more air vents 240. In aspects, the one or more air vents 240 may be slots, louvered vents, and / or the like. In aspects, the one or more air vents 240 may provide cooling for the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, as well as other components of the induction heating system 100 arranged within the housing 201. Additionally, one or more air movers, such as fans, blowers, may be implemented together with the one or more air vents 240.

[0050] In particular, Figure 1 illustrates exemplary locations and arrangements of the one or more air vents 240 on the housing 201 .

[0051] In aspects, the metallic workpieces 900 may be metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, lids for tubular containers, and / or the like. In aspects, the coating material 902 may be applied to the metallic workpieces 900 in a system separate from the induction heating system 100.

[0052] In aspects, the coating material 902 may be applied to an interior surface of the metallic workpieces 900, an exterior surface of the metallic workpieces 900,and / or the like. The surfaces of the metallic workpieces 900 may be smooth, irregular in contour, and / or the like. The metallic workpieces 900 may be irregular in shape, a circular structure, a cylindrical structure, and / or the like. The metallic workpieces 900 may be structures for attachment to an open cylinder at one in end, both ends, and / or the like. In aspects, the induction heating system 100 may be configured to heat and / or at least partially cure the coating material 902 on the metallic workpieces 900.

[0053] In aspects, the induction heating system 100 may further include a control panel 140, a controller 200, and / or the like as illustrated in Figure 1 . In aspects, the control panel 140, the controller 200, as well as other components may be arranged within a housing 120. Alternatively, the control panel 140, the controller 200, as well as other components may be arranged within the housing 201 .

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates a partial schematic view of the induction heating system according to Figure 1 .

[0055] With reference to Figure 4, the induction heating system 100 may include a transport device 160. The transport device 160 may move the metallic workpieces 900 through the induction heating system 100. In particular, the transport device 160 may move the metallic workpieces 900 through the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 as indicated by an arrow 190.

[0056] In aspects, the transport device 160 may also deliver the metallic workpieces 900 to the induction heating system 100 and / or deliver the metallic workpieces 900 from the induction heating system 100. In aspects, the transport device 160 may also deliver the metallic workpieces 900 to the induction heating system 100 from a device or system that has applied the coating material 902 onto the metallic workpieces 900.

[0057] The transport device 160 may be implemented as a conveyor system that may provide an arrangement for moving the metallic workpieces 900 through the induction heating system 100, and more specifically through a magnetic field of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102. Due to the magnetic fields present inside the induction heating system 100, the transport device 160 may be made entirely of non-ferrous parts, non-conductive parts, and / or non-magnetic parts. In aspects, thetransport device 160 may include a transport surface for the metallic workpieces 900. In aspects, the transport surface may be formed of a glass material, such as borosilicate glass and / or the like.

[0058] In aspects, the transport device 160 may be implemented as an aeromechanical conveyor, a belt conveyor, a belt-driven live roller conveyor, a drag conveyor, a gravity conveyor, a plastic belt conveyor, a pneumatic conveyor, a tubular gallery conveyor, a vacuum conveyor, a vertical conveyor, a vibrating conveyor, and / or the like. In aspects, the transport device 160 may include a link chain, such as for example made of non-magnetic stainless steel, on which are mounted and spaced apart from each other a series of pusher lugs.

[0059] Further, the induction heating system 100 may include at least one capacitor bank 111. The at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected to the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102.

[0060] In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected to the first induction coil 101. In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be arranged in the housing 201. In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may also be connected to the second induction coil 102.

[0061] Additionally, the induction heating system 100 may include or be connected to an inverter 130. In aspects, the induction heating system 100 may have and implement a single implementation of the inverter 130.

[0062] The inverter 130 may be configured to provide a drive current 132 to the at least one capacitor bank 111. In aspects, the inverter 130 may provide a full operating voltage to each of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the inverter 130 may be located and / or arranged in the housing 201 , the housing 120, and / or the like. In other aspects, the inverter 130 may be located outside the housing 201 and the housing 120.

[0063] In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected to the first induction coil 101 to provide or receive a first polarity drive current 141 and a first opposite polarity drive current 143; and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected to the second induction coil 102 to provide or receive a second polarity drivecurrent 142 and a second opposite polarity drive current 144. In particular, the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter 130.

[0064] In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be configured to provide or receive the first polarity drive current 141 as an alternating current at a first end 151 of the first induction coil 101 ; and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be configured to provide or receive the first opposite polarity drive current 143 at a second end 152 of the first induction coil 101.

[0065] In aspects, the first polarity drive current 141 may have a positive voltage potential and the first opposite polarity drive current 143 may have a negative voltage potential. In other aspects, the first polarity drive current 141 may have a negative voltage potential and the first opposite polarity drive current 143 may have a positive voltage potential.

[0066] In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be configured to provide or receive the second polarity drive current 142 as an alternating current at a second end 172 of the second induction coil 102; and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be configured to provide or receive the second opposite polarity drive current 144 at a first end 171 of the second induction coil 102.

[0067] In aspects, the second polarity drive current 142 may have a positive voltage potential and the second opposite polarity drive current 144 may have a negative voltage potential. In other aspects, the second polarity drive current 142 may have a negative voltage potential and the second opposite polarity drive current 144 may have a positive voltage potential.

[0068] For example, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may provide the first polarity drive current 141 as an alternating current to the first end 151 of the first induction coil 101 ; and the first induction coil 101 may provide the first opposite polarity drive current 143 to the at least one capacitor bank 111 from the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101. In aspects, the first polarity drive current 141 may have a positive voltage potential and the first opposite polarity drive current 143 may have a negative voltage potential.

[0069] Additionally, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be configured to provide the second polarity drive current 142 as an alternating current at the second end 172 of the second induction coil 102; and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be configured to receive the second opposite polarity drive current 144 from the first end171 of the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the second polarity drive current 142 may have a positive voltage potential and the second opposite polarity drive current 144 may have a negative voltage potential.

[0070] In aspects, the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 may be arranged adjacent the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102. Further, the first end 151 of the first induction coil 101 and the second end 172 of the second induction coil 102 may be arranged on opposing sides. Further, a polarity (positive or negative) of the first opposite polarity drive current 143 and the second opposite polarity drive current 144 may be the same; and a polarity (positive or negative) of the first polarity drive current 141 and the second polarity drive current 142 may be the same.

[0071] In other words, a configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may have reflective symmetry. In aspects, the first polarity drive current 141 and the second polarity drive current 142 may have reflective symmetry. In aspects, the first opposite polarity drive current 143 and the second opposite polarity drive current 144 may have reflective symmetry.

[0072] In aspects, a circulating current may flow through the first induction coil 101 from the first end 151 to the second end 152; and a circulating current flowing through the second induction coil 102 may flow from the second end 172 to the first end 171. In this regard, the voltage flowing through the first induction coil 101 from the first end 151 to the second end 152 may be a full voltage of the at least one capacitor bank 111 ; and the voltage flowing through the second induction coil 102 may be a full voltage of the at least one capacitor bank 111.

[0073] Accordingly, the circulating current flowing through the first induction coil 101 from the first end 151 to the second end 152 is opposite to a direction of the circulating current flowing through the second induction coil 102 from the second end172 to the first end 171 . More specifically, the circulating current flowing through the firstinduction coil 101 may be in opposite direction to the circulating current flowing through the second induction coil 102.

[0074] Additionally, the current flowing through the first induction coil 101 may generate an electromagnetic field as it flows from the first end 151 to the second end 152; and the current flowing through the second induction coil 102 may generate an electromagnetic field as it flows from the second end 172 to the first end 171. More specifically, the electromagnetic field from the first induction coil 101 may be in an opposite direction to the electromagnetic field of the second induction coil 102. Accordingly, the electromagnetic field from the first induction coil 101 may cancel and / or substantially cancel the electromagnetic field (EMF) of the second induction coil 102. More specifically, an effective magnetic field generated by the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be greatly reduced.

[0075] In aspects, a circulating current flowing through the first induction coil 101 may be opposite to a direction of a circulating current flowing through the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 and a power connection at the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102 have a same polarity; and the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 may be arranged adjacent the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 , may be connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil 101 at the second end 152 and a current flow to the second induction coil 102 at the first end 171 may be parallel; and the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 may be arranged adjacent the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102. In aspects, a circulating current flows through the first induction coil 101 from the first end 151 to the second end 152; a circulating current flows through the second induction coil 102 from the second end 172 to the first end 171 ; and the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 may be arranged adjacent the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102.

[0076] In aspects, the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be arranged such that the metallic workpieces 900 travel to the first end 151 of the first induction coil 101 , exit the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 , enter the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102, and exit the second end 172 of the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter 130.

[0077] Additionally, an arrangement of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be situated with respect to the transport device 160 such that the metallic workpieces 900 may travel from the workpiece inlet 211 to the first induction coil 101 and then the second induction coil 102. In particular, an arrangement of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be situated with respect to the transport device 160 such that the metallic workpieces 900 may travel from the workpiece inlet 211 , enter the first end 151 of the first induction coil 101 , exit the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 , enter the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102, and exit the second end 172 of the second induction coil 102.

[0078] In aspects, the inverter 130 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 may provide a constant current. In aspects, the inverter 130 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 may provide pulsed currents as is well known in the art. In aspects, the inverter 130 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 may have varying currents.

[0079] The inverter 130 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be controlled using the controller 200 via the control panel 1 0. The controller 200 may monitor a current, a voltage, and / or the like of the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, the at least one capacitor bank 111 , the inverter 130, and / or the like. Further, the controller 200 may monitor and / or sense a temperature of the metallic workpieces 900 and adjust the applied current / voltage of the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, the at least one capacitor bank 111 , the inverter 130, and / or the like accordingly. Alternatively these adjustments of the applied current / voltage of the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, the at least one capacitor bank111 , the inverter 130, and / or the like may be made manually through the control panel 140.

[0080] The applied alternating current results in an alternating magnetic field that provides induction of currents in the metallic workpieces 900. The applied frequency and power may be chosen based on a number of factors, one of which is the material of the metallic workpieces 900. For poorly conductive workpieces like steel cans, lower power may be used, while for higher conductivity materials such as aluminum cans, higher power may be needed. Frequency ranges may also be selected to optimize heating of the metallic workpieces 900 and / or the coating material 902, wherein a medium frequency induction heater may have a frequency in the range of 5 kHz-15 kHz, whereas a higher frequency induction heater may use 15 kHz -50 kHz. The medium frequency induction heater typically can be air cooled while the higher frequency induction heater may require water cooling. In general, as is known, the power level may be set for a fixed or known load, resulting in a predictable and repeatable output and heating performance.

[0081] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figures 1-4 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figures 1 -4.

[0082] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic of the induction heating system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0083] In particular, Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic of the induction heating system 100 illustrating a current flow through the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 configured as described herein.

[0084] In particular, a circulating current IL1 of the first induction coil 101 is illustrated as flowing from left to right and a circulating current Ic1 of the at least one capacitor bank 111 is illustrated as flowing from left to right. On the other hand, acirculating current IL2 of the second induction coil 102 is illustrated as flowing from right to left and a circulating current Ic2 of the at least one capacitor bank 111 is illustrated as flowing from right to left.

[0085] Accordingly, the circulating current IL1 of the first induction coil 101 is opposite to the circulating current IL2 of the second induction coil 102. Moreover, the circulating current Ic1 of the at least one capacitor bank 111 is opposite to the circulating current Ic2 of the at least one capacitor bank 111.

[0086] Accordingly, the circulating current IL1 of the first induction coil 101 generates a first electromagnetic field; and the circulating current IL2 of the second induction coil 102 generates a second electromagnetic field. Moreover, the first electromagnetic field and the second electromagnetic field may be generated in opposite directions. Accordingly, the first electromagnetic field from the first induction coil 101 may cancel and / or substantially cancel the second electromagnetic field of the second induction coil 102. Accordingly, an effective electromagnetic field the induction heating system 100 may be greatly reduced.

[0087] Additionally, Figure 5 illustrates that the inverter 130 may provide the drive current 132 to a first power interconnect 301 and a second power interconnect 303. In aspects, the first power interconnect 301 and the second power interconnect 303 may be implemented as busbars, isolated busbars, cables, wires, and / or the like. The first power interconnect 301 may be electrically connected to a first connection of one or more capacitors of the at least one capacitor bank 111 ; and the second power interconnect 303 may be electrically connected to a second connection of the one or more capacitors of the at least one capacitor bank 111.

[0088] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 5 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 5.

[0089] Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the first induction coil according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0090] In particular, Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the first induction coil 101 according to aspects of the disclosure. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 may include a first coil of wire 291 , a first non-magnetic core 261 , and / or the like.

[0091] In aspects, the first coil of wire 291 may be wrapped around the first nonmagnetic core 261. In aspects, the first non-magnetic core 261 may be a cylindrical shaped structure formed of a synthetic material, a nonferrous material, a nonmagnetic material, a plastic material, fiberglass, and / or the like. In particular, the first nonmagnetic core 261 may be configured to accommodate the transport device 160 therethrough. Further, the first non-magnetic core 261 may be configured to accommodate the metallic workpieces 900 therethrough.

[0092] Further, the first coil of wire 291 may be wrapped with a pitch P between each loop of the first coil of wire 291 . Additionally, the first coil of wire 291 may have a number of turns, the amount of pitch and the associated pitch angle of the first coil of wire 291 may depend on the nature of the magnetic field needed for heating the metallic workpieces 900. These factors may vary depending on the type of the metallic workpieces 900 being heated, the material of the metallic workpieces 900, the properties of the coating material 902, the type of wire used in the first coil of wire 291 , the power levels used by the at least one capacitor bank 111 , the inverter 130, and so on. In some applications more than one implementation of the first coil of wire 291 may be wrapped about the first non-magnetic core 261 . In aspects, the first coil of wire 291 may include a plurality of wires bound together by a shroud or other suitable binding or sheath. The first coil of wire 291 may be affixed to the first non-magnetic core 261 by a suitable material such as glue, adhesive, epoxy, and / or the like.

[0093] In aspects, the first polarity drive current 141 may be provided by a first power connection 241 . The first power connection 241 may be connected to one end the of the first coil of wire 291 at the first end 151 of the first induction coil 101. Further, the first power connection 241 may be connected to one end the of the first coil of wire291 at the first end 151 of the first induction coil 101 with a mechanical connector. Further, the first power connection 241 may be connected to the at least one capacitor bank 111. In particular, the first power connection 241 may be connected to the first power interconnect 301 of the at least one capacitor bank 111. In particular, the first power connection 241 may be connected to the first power interconnect 301 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 with a mechanical connector. The first power connection 241 may be a Litz wire, a solid core wire, a stranded wire, a solid core copper wire, a stranded copper wire, a coaxial cable, and / or the like. In aspects, the first power connection 241 may be a Litz wire.

[0094] In aspects, the first opposite polarity drive current 143 may be provided by a first opposite polarity power connection 243. The first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be connected to one end the of the first coil of wire 291 at the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 . Further, the first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be connected to one end the of the first coil of wire 291 at the second end 152 of the first induction coil 101 with a mechanical connector. Further, the first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be connected to the at least one capacitor bank 111. In particular, the first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be connected to the second power interconnect 303 of the at least one capacitor bank 111. In aspects, the first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be connected to the second power interconnect 303 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 with a mechanical connector. The first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be a Litz wire, a solid core wire, a stranded wire, a solid core copper wire, a stranded copper wire, a coaxial cable, and / or the like. In aspects, the first opposite polarity power connection 243 may be a Litz wire.

[0095] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 6 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 6.

[0096] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the second induction coil according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0097] In particular, Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the second induction coil 102 according to aspects of the disclosure. In aspects, the second induction coil 102 may include a second coil of wire 292, a second non-magnetic core 262, and / or the like. In aspects, the second non-magnetic core 262 may be part of the first non-magnetic core 261 , the second non-magnetic core 262 may be separate from the first non-magnetic core 261 , and / or the second non-magnetic core 262 may be connected to the first non-magnetic core 261 .

[0098] In aspects, the second coil of wire 292 may be wrapped around the second non-magnetic core 262. In aspects, the second non-magnetic core 262 may be a cylindrical shaped structure formed of a synthetic material, a nonferrous material, a nonmagnetic material, a plastic material, fiberglass, and / or the like. In particular, the second non-magnetic core 262 may be configured to accommodate the transport device 160 therethrough. Further, the second non-magnetic core 262 may be configured to accommodate the metallic workpieces 900 therethrough.

[0099] Further, the second coil of wire 292 may be wrapped with a pitch P between each loop of the second coil of wire 292. Additionally, the second coil of wire 292 may have a number of turns, the amount of pitch and the associated pitch angle of the second coil of wire 292 may depend on the nature of the magnetic field needed for heating the metallic workpieces 900. These factors may vary depending on the type of the metallic workpieces 900 being heated, the material of the metallic workpieces 900, the properties of the coating material 902, the type of wire used in the second coil of wire 292, the power levels used by the at least one capacitor bank 111 , the inverter 130, and so on. In some applications more than one implementation of the second coil of wire 292 may be wrapped about the second non-magnetic core 262. In aspects, the second coil of wire 292 may include a plurality of wires bound together by a shroud or other suitable binding or sheath. The second coil of wire 292 may be affixed to the second non-magnetic core 262 by a suitable material such as glue, adhesive, epoxy, and / or the like.

[0100] In aspects, the second polarity drive current 142 may be provided by a second power connection 242. The second power connection 242 may be connected to one end the of the second coil of wire 292 at the second end 172 of the second induction coil 102. Further, the second power connection 242 may be connected to one end the of the second coil of wire 292 at the second end 172 of the second induction coil 102 with a mechanical connector. Further, the second power connection 242 may be connected to the at least one capacitor bank 111. In particular, the second power connection 242 may be connected to the first power interconnect 301 of the at least one capacitor bank 111. In aspects, the second power connection 242 may be connected to the first power interconnect 301 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 with a mechanical connector. The second power connection 242 may be a Litz wire, a solid core wire, a stranded wire, a solid core copper wire, a stranded copper wire, a coaxial cable, and / or the like. In aspects, the second power connection 242 may be a Litz wire.

[0101] In aspects, the second opposite polarity drive current 144 may be provided by a second opposite polarity power connection 244. The second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be connected to one end the of the second coil of wire 292 at the first end 171 of the second induction coil 102. Further, the second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be connected to one end the of the second coil of wire 292 at the first end 171 of the first induction coil 101 with a mechanical connector. Further, the second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be connected to the at least one capacitor bank 111. In particular, the second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be connected to the second power interconnect 303 of the at least one capacitor bank 111. In aspects, the second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be connected to the second power interconnect 303 and / or the at least one capacitor bank 111 with a mechanical connector. The second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be a Litz wire, a solid core wire, a stranded wire, a solid core copper wire, a stranded copper wire, a coaxial cable, and / or the like. In aspects, the second opposite polarity power connection 244 may be a Litz wire.

[0102] In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected and configured to result in a decreased current through the first coil of wire 291 and the second coil of wire 292.

[0103] In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected and configured to result in a reduced heating of the housing 201. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected and configured to result in an increased curing efficiency. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected and configured to result in an increased curing processing speed. In aspects, the first induction coil 101 , the second induction coil 102, and the at least one capacitor bank 111 may be connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coil 101 and an electromagnetic field the second induction coil 102 result in a reduced effective magnetic field.

[0104] The induction heating system 100 may include a hood with an attached exhaust pipe that is connected to a suction apparatus (not shown). The hood may be used to extract fumes that may be produced during the curing or heating process of the metallic workpieces 900 by the induction heating system 100. The extraction hood may also be integrated with the housing 201 .

[0105] In aspects, the housing 201 may be made of a metallic material, such as steel, so as to contain the magnetic fields generated by the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102. In aspects, one or more optional ferromagnetic members may be arranged in the housing 201 that may be configured to shape the magnetic field that is produced by the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102.

[0106] The controller 200 via the control panel 140 may be used to execute operation of the induction heating system 100 including the application of current to the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102, control the transport device 160, the inverter 130, the at least one capacitor bank 111 , and / or the like. Alternatively, the controller 200 may be autonomous and control operation of the induction heating system 100 including the application of current to the first induction coil 101 and thesecond induction coil 102, control the transport device 160, the inverter 130, the at least one capacitor bank 111 , and / or the like.

[0107] The transport device 160 may be but need not be under the control of the controller 200 and / or the control panel 140. The transport device 160 may be used to move the metallic workpieces 900 through the induction heating system 100, specifically through the magnetic field produced by the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 within the housing 201 .

[0108] The exemplary embodiments illustrated herein may be air cooled implementations of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 induction coil. In aspects, cooling equipment such as blowers, fans, air movers, and / or the like, illustrated in Figures 8 - 17, may be disposed in the housing 201 along with other control equipment as needed. Alternatively, the induction heating system 100 may be equipped for water cooling as is known in the art.

[0109] In aspects, the induction heating system 100 may be implemented with a blower, a heater, and / or the like to provide air, heated air, and / or the like to the induction heating system 100, the transport device 160, the metallic workpieces 900, the coating material 902, and / or the like. In aspects, the blower and / or the heater may help remove humidity from the induction heating system 100, the transport device 160, and / or the like generated from a curing process associated with the coating material 902.

[0110] The first coil of wire 291 and the second coil of wire 292 may be made of any suitable material as is well known. For lower current systems, magnet wire made of copper such as is commonly used for motor coils may be used. For higher currents, it may be desirable to use Litz wire for the first coil of wire 291 and the second coil of wire 292 which may be more efficient in reducing heating of the coil. When needed, water cooled tubing may be implemented in the induction heating system 100 when operating at higher power and higher frequencies.

[0111] In particular aspects, the first coil of wire 291 and / or the second coil of wire 292 may be configured to deliver a current of 100 A to 600 A, 100 A to 200 A, 200 A to 300 A, 300 A to 400 A, 400 A to 500 A, or 500 A to 600 A.

[0112] In particular aspects, the first coil of wire 291 and / or the second coil of wire 292 may be configured to deliver a current of greater than 100 A, 200 A, 300 A, 400 A, or 500 A.

[0113] In particular aspects, the first coil of wire 291 and / or the second coil of wire 292 may be configured with 10 turns - 100 turns, 10 turns - 20 turns, 20 turns - 30 turns, 30 turns - 40 turns, 40 turns - 50 turns, 50 turns - 60 turns, 60 turns - 70 turns, 70 turns - 80 turns, 80 turns - 90 turns, or 90 turns - 100 turns.

[0114] In particular aspects, the inverter 130 may be configured to deliver 200 V - 800 V, 200 V - 300 V, 300 V - 400 V, 400 V - 500 V, 500 V - 600 V, 600 V - 700 V, or 700 V - 800 V.

[0115] In particular aspects, the inverter 130 may be configured to deliver more than 200 V, 300 V, 400 V, 4500 V, 600 V, or 700 V.

[0116] In particular aspects, the inverter 130 may be configured receive a supply voltage of 100 V - 800 V, 100 V - 300 V, 300 V - 400 V, 400 V - 500 V, 500 V - 600 V, 600 V - 700 V, or 700 V - 800 V.

[0117] In particular aspects, the inverter 130 may be configured receive a supply current of 5 A - 50 A, 5 A - 10 A, 10 A - 15 A, 15 A - 20 A, 20 A - 30 A, 30 A - 40 A, or 40 A - 50 A.

[0118] In particular aspects, the inverter 130 may be configured to deliver a frequency of 2 kHz to 20 kHz, 2 kHz to 4 kHz, 4 kHz to 6 kHz, 6 kHz to 8 kHz, 8 kHz to 10 kHz, 10 kHz to 12 kHz, 12 kHz to 14 kHz, 14 kHz to 16 kHz, 16 kHz to 18 kHz, or 18 kHz to 20 kHz.

[0119] In aspects, the at least one capacitor bank 111 may implement one or more capacitors such that the at least one capacitor bank 111 may have a total capacitance of 5 pF - 50 pF, 5 pF - 10 pF, 10 pF - 15 pF, 15 pF - 20 pF, 20 pF - 25 pF, 25 pF - 30 pF, 30 pF - 40 pF, or 40 pF - 50 pF.

[0120] Accordingly, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may be more efficient. Additionally, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second inductioncoil 102 may reduce ampacity in each coil, which in turn reduces heat, electrical tension on the at least one capacitor bank 111 and reduces ground currents by reducing the magnetic field.

[0121] Further, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may allow for a smaller implementation of the housing 201 reducing overall system footprint. Additionally, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may increase the efficiency of a curing process of the metallic workpieces 900. Further, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may allow for implementation of Litz wire connections designed for medium frequency high current applications.

[0122] Additionally, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may increase the rate of processing (line rate) of the metallic workpieces 900. In particular, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may allow for processing with a line rate greater than is currently available in the industry.

[0123] For example, processing of a particular workpiece types is currently limited to 2600 workpieces per minute. In contrast, implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 operating from a single implementation of the inverter 130 may be configured to process 3000 or more workpieces per minute.

[0124] In aspects, the implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 may implement a lower ampacity within the coil wire(s) of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102 and allows for a smaller gauge of wire to be used. This reduces the overall cost of the system. In aspects, the implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil101 and the second induction coil 102 may lower ampacity and may lower an effective magnetic field generated from the coils and connection wires of the first induction coil101 and the second induction coil 102, thereby inducing less losses by the way of eddy currents heating the housing 201 in response to operation of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil 102.

[0125] In aspects, the implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and the second induction coil102 allows implementations with a lower current rated Litz wire, or avoid bi-filar construction of the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102. Further, the implementation of the induction heating system 100 with the disclosed configuration of the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102 may result in less heating of the housing 201. Accordingly, the housing 201 can be implemented with a smaller configuration with less power losses, so the overall efficiency of the induction heating system 100 may not be compromised.

[0126] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 7 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 7.

[0127] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic side view of an induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0128] In particular, Figure 8 illustrates a schematic side view of the induction heating system 100 that may implement a cooling system 300. In aspects, the cooling system 300 may include at least one fan 302, at least air guide 304, at least one discharge air vent 306, and / or the like. In aspects, the at least air guide 304 is configured to form a Plenum. In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may be a three dimensionally printed structure, a synthetic material structure, a plastic structure, a metallic structure, and / or the like.

[0129] In aspects, the cooling system 300 may generate a cooling airflow 399 and direct the cooling airflow 399 toward the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102 for cooling the same. In aspects, the cooling airflow 399 may form an air knife directed at the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102 for cooling the same. In aspects, the cooling airflow 399 may have a flow rate of more than 500 cubic feet per minute (CFM). In aspects, the cooling airflow 399 may be parallel to the z-axis as illustrated in Figure 8. In aspects, the cooling airflow 399 may have a flow rate of more than 500 CFM, 700 CFM, 900 CFM, 1100 CFM, or 1300 CFM.

[0130] In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may direct ambient air from outside of the housing 201 into the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may be implemented with an air mover, a fan, a blower, and / or the like. In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may be attached directly or indirectly to the housing 201 . In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may be in fluid communication with an implementation of the one or more air vents 240. In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may be controlled by the controller 200.

[0131] In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may receive air from the at least one fan 302 and direct the air toward the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the at least air guide 304 and the at least one fan 302 may generate the cooling airflow 399. Further, the cooling airflow 399 may continue past the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102 and be directed to the at least one discharge air vent 306 and directed outside of the housing 201 .

[0132] In aspects, there may be multiple implementations of the at least air guide 304 as illustrated in Figure 8. In aspects, there may be an implementation of the at least air guide 304 for each implementation of the at least one fan 302.

[0133] In aspects, multiple implementations of the at least one fan 302 may be associated with an implementation of the at least air guide 304. In aspects, there may be a single implementation of the at least air guide 304 associated with multiple implementations of the at least one fan 302 as illustrated in Figure 13.

[0134] In aspects, the at least one discharge air vent 306 may be associated with an implementation of the one or more air vents 240. In aspects, the at least one discharge air vent 306 may include structures to limit airflow therethrough.

[0135] In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like. In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0136] In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured to even out the cooling air so that the cooling airflow 399 may be uniform across the entire surface of the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured improve operation of the induction heating system 100.

[0137] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 8 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 8.

[0138] Figure 9 illustrates a partial front perspective of an induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0139] Figure 10 illustrates a partial side view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 9.

[0140] Figure 11 illustrates a partial back view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 9.

[0141] Figure 12 illustrates a partial front perspective view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 9.

[0142] In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may include an attachment structure 310, an air flow inlet 314, a first duct section 311 , a second duct section 312, an outletvent guide 313, an air flow outlet 316, an internal airflow guide structure 318, and / or the like.

[0143] In aspects, the attachment structure 310 may be configured to be attached to the at least one fan 302 directly or indirectly. In aspects, the attachment structure 310 may include apertures for receiving fasteners for attachment to the housing 201 and / or the at least one fan 302. In aspects, the attachment structure 310 may support the at least air guide 304 within the housing 201 .

[0144] In aspects, the air flow inlet 314 may be configured and arranged to receive air from the at least one fan 302. In aspects, the air flow inlet 314 may be configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the at least one fan 302. In aspects, the air flow inlet 314 may be in fluid communication with the first duct section 311.

[0145] In aspects, the first duct section 311 may be configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the air flow inlet 314 and the second duct section 312. In aspects, the first duct section 311 may be configured to be attached to the air flow inlet 314 and the second duct section 312. In aspects, the first duct section 311 may house the internal airflow guide structure 318. In aspects, the first duct section 311 may guide the air from the air flow inlet 314 and / or the at least one fan 302 through the at least air guide 304 to the second duct section 312.

[0146] In aspects, the first duct section 311 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the first duct section 311 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0147] In aspects, the second duct section 312 may be configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the air flow outlet 316 and the first duct section 311. In aspects, the second duct section 312 may be configured to be attached to the first duct section 311. In aspects, the second duct section 312 may partially house the outlet vent guide 313. In aspects, the second duct section 312 may guide the air from the first duct section 311 through the at least air guide 304 and past the outlet vent guide 313 to theair flow outlet 316. In aspects, the second duct section 312 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the second duct section 312 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0148] In aspects, the outlet vent guide 313 may be configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the second duct section 312. In aspects, the outlet vent guide 313 may be configured to be attached to the second duct section 312. In aspects, the outlet vent guide 313 may guide the air from the second duct section 312 through the air flow outlet 316. In aspects, the outlet vent guide 313 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the outlet vent guide 313 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0149] In aspects, the air flow outlet 316 may be configured to discharge the cooling airflow 399 from the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the air flow outlet 316 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the air flow outlet 316 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0150] In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may be arranged within the at least air guide 304, the second duct section 312 and / or the first duct section 311. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may be a honeycomb structure. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may be a honeycomb style air flow straightener. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may include walls arranged in various planes that are perpendicular to the y-axis and the x-axis. The walls may be perpendicular to the cooling airflow 399 and / or the z-axis.

[0151] In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the atleast air guide 304. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0152] In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured to even out the cooling air so that the cooling airflow 399 may be uniform across the entire surface of the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured improve operation of the induction heating system 100.

[0153] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figures 9-12 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figures 9-12.

[0154] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic side view of an induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0155] In particular, Figure 13 illustrates another schematic side view of the induction heating system 100 that may implement the cooling system 300. In aspects, the cooling system 300 may include the at least one fan 302, the at least one discharge air vent 306, and / or the like as previously described. Further, Figure 13 illustrates that multiple implementations of the at least one fan 302 may be associated with an implementation of the at least air guide 304. In aspects, there may be a single implementation of the at least air guide 304 associated with multiple implementations of the at least one fan 302. In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may be arranged at least partially within the at least air guide 304.

[0156] In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like. In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0157] In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured to even out the cooling air so that the cooling airflow 399 may be uniform across the entire surface of the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured improve operation of the induction heating system 100.

[0158] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 13 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figure 13.

[0159] Figure 14 illustrates a partial front perspective of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0160] Figure 15 illustrates a partial side view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0161] Figure 16 illustrates a partial front view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0162] Figure 17 illustrates another partial front view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0163] Figure 18 illustrates a partial top view of the induction heating system implementing a cooling system according to Figure 14.

[0164] In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may include an attachment structure 340, an air flow inlet 344, an air flow outlet 346, an airflow guide structure 348, and / or the like. In aspects, the at least air guide 304 may include an internal airflow guide structure 358 as illustrated in Figure 17 and Figure 18.

[0165] In aspects, the attachment structure 340 may be configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the housing 201 . In aspects, the attachment structure 340 may include apertures for receiving fasteners for attachment to the housing 201 . In aspects, the attachment structure 340 may support the at least air guide 304 within the housing 201.

[0166] In aspects, the air flow inlet 344 may be configured and arranged to receive air from the at least one fan 302. In aspects, the air flow inlet 344 may be configured and arranged to be in fluid communication with the at least one fan 302. In aspects, the air flow inlet 314 may be in fluid communication with the airflow guide structure 348. In aspects, the at least one fan 302 may be arranged within the air flow inlet 314.

[0167] In aspects, the airflow guide structure 348 may guide the air from the air flow inlet 344 and / or the at least one fan 302 through the at least air guide 304 to the air flow outlet 346. In aspects, the airflow guide structure 348 may be configured as wall structures forming the at least air guide 304.

[0168] In aspects, the airflow guide structure 348 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the airflow guide structure 348 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0169] In aspects, the air flow outlet 346 may be configured to discharge the cooling airflow 399 from the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the air flow outlet 346 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the air flow outlet 346 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0170] In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 358 may be arranged within the at least air guide 304, the air flow outlet 346 and / or the like. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 358 may be a screen structure. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 318 may be a screen style air flow straightener.

[0171] In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 358 may be configured to at least partially guide airflow, control airflow, deliver airflow, homogenize airflow, smooth airflow, regulate airflow, normalize airflow, even out airflow and / or the like within the at least air guide 304. In aspects, the internal airflow guide structure 358 may be configured to at least partially generate the cooling airflow 399.

[0172] In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured to even out the cooling air so that the cooling airflow 399 may be uniform across the entire surface of the first induction coil 101 and / or the second induction coil 102. In aspects, the cooling system 300 as described herein may be configured improve operation of the induction heating system 100.

[0173] The aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figures 14- 17 and described therewith, may optionally be implemented in any other aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith. Further, the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in the other figures and described therewith may optionally be implemented in the aspects of the induction heating system 100 illustrated in Figures 14-17.

[0174] The following are a number of nonlimiting EXAMPLES of aspects of the disclosure.

[0175] One EXAMPLE: an induction heating system includes a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end. The induction heating system in addition includes a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end. The system moreover includes at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system also includes an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil. The system further includes a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes where a circulating current flowing through the first induction coil is opposite to a direction of a circulating current flowing through the second induction coil.

[0176] The above-noted EXAMPLE may further include any one or a combination of more than one of the following EXAMPLES: The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity; and where the second end of the firstinduction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel; and where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where a circulating current flows through the first induction coil from the first end to the second end; where a circulating current flows through the second induction coil from the second end to the first end; and where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured and arranged such that the transport device sequentially moves the metallic workpieces past the first end of the first induction coil, the second end of the first induction coil, the first end of the second induction coil, and the second end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the abovenoted EXAMPLE where the at least one capacitor bank is configured to generate an output voltage; and where the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured such that each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil separately receive the output voltage from the at least one capacitor bank. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil comprises a first coil of wire and a first nonmagnetic core; and where the second induction coil comprises a second coil of wire and a second non-magnetic core. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first coil of wire comprises a Litz wire; and where the second coil of wire comprises a Litz wire. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to decrease current flow through the firstcoil of wire and the second coil of wire. The induction heating system of the abovenoted EXAMPLE where the first coil of wire is wrapped around the first non-magnetic core; and where the second coil of wire is wrapped around the second non-magnetic core. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first nonmagnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure; and where the second nonmagnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough; and where the second non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE includes a housing configured to house at least the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE includes a cooling system comprising at least one fan and at least air guide, where the at least air guide comprises an internal airflow guide structure. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the internal airflow guide structure comprises a honeycomb air flow straightener. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the internal airflow guide structure comprises a screen air flow straightener. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to reduce heating of the at least one housing. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a curing efficiency. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a processing speed. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coil and an electromagnetic field the second induction coil reduce an effective magnetic field. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the metallic workpiecescomprise metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, and / or lids for tubular containers. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces to the induction heating system. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces from the induction heating system.

[0177] One EXAMPLE: an induction heating system includes a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end. The induction heating system in addition includes a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end. The system moreover includes at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system also includes an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil. The system further includes a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity. The system moreover includes where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

[0178] The above-noted EXAMPLE may further include any one or a combination of more than one of the following EXAMPLES: The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel; and where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where a circulating current flows through the first induction coil from the first end to the second end; where a circulating current flows through the second induction coil from the second end to the first end; and where the second end ofthe first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured and arranged such that the transport device sequentially moves the metallic workpieces past the first end of the first induction coil, the second end of the first induction coil, the first end of the second induction coil, and the second end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the at least one capacitor bank is configured to generate an output voltage; and where the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured such that each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil separately receive the output voltage from the at least one capacitor bank. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil comprises a first coil of wire and a first non-magnetic core; and where the second induction coil comprises a second coil of wire and a second non-magnetic core. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first coil of wire comprises a Litz wire; and where the second coil of wire comprises a Litz wire. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to decrease current flow through the first coil of wire and the second coil of wire. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first coil of wire is wrapped around the first nonmagnetic core; and where the second coil of wire is wrapped around the second nonmagnetic core. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure; and where the second non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough; and where the second non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE includes at least one housing configuredto house at least the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE includes a cooling system comprising at least one fan and at least air guide, where the at least air guide comprises an internal airflow guide structure. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the internal airflow guide structure comprises a honeycomb air flow straightener. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the internal airflow guide structure comprises a screen air flow straightener. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to reduce heating of the at least one housing. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a curing efficiency. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a processing speed. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coil and an electromagnetic field the second induction coil reduce an effective magnetic field. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the metallic workpieces comprise metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, and / or lids for tubular containers. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces to the induction heating system. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces from the induction heating system.

[0179] One EXAMPLE: an induction heating system includes a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end. The induction heating system in addition includes a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end. The system moreover includes at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallelwith the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system also includes an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil. The system further includes a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The system in addition includes where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel. The system moreover includes where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

[0180] The above-noted EXAMPLE may further include any one or a combination of more than one of the following EXAMPLES: The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity; and where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where a circulating current flows through the first induction coil from the first end to the second end; where a circulating current flows through the second induction coil from the second end to the first end; and where the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured and arranged such that the transport device sequentially moves the metallic workpieces past the first end of the first induction coil, the second end of the first induction coil, the first end of the second induction coil, and the second end of the second induction coil. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the at least one capacitor bank is configured to generate an output voltage; and where the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured such that each of the first induction coil and the second induction coilseparately receive the output voltage from the at least one capacitor bank. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil comprises a first coil of wire and a first non-magnetic core; and where the second induction coil comprises a second coil of wire and a second non-magnetic core. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first coil of wire comprises a Litz wire; and where the second coil of wire comprises a Litz wire. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to decrease current flow through the first coil of wire and the second coil of wire. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first coil of wire is wrapped around the first non-magnetic core; and where the second coil of wire is wrapped around the second non-magnetic core. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure; and where the second non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough; and where the second non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE includes a housing configured to house at least the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE includes a cooling system comprising at least one fan and at least air guide, where the at least air guide comprises an internal airflow guide structure. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the internal airflow guide structure comprises a honeycomb air flow straightener. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the internal airflow guide structure comprises a screen air flow straightener. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to reduce heating of the atleast one housing. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a curing efficiency. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a processing speed. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coil and an electromagnetic field the second induction coil reduce an effective magnetic field. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the metallic workpieces comprise metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, and / or lids for tubular containers. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces to the induction heating system. The induction heating system of the above-noted EXAMPLE where the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces from the induction heating system.

[0181] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0182] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" or extending "onto" another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or extending "directly onto" another element, there are no intervening elements present. Likewise, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being "over" or extending "over" another element, it can be directly over or extenddirectly over another element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly over" or extending "directly over" another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to another element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0183] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0184] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0185] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0186] The many features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the disclosure which fall within the true spirit andscope of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to that fall within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . An induction heating system configured to at least partially cure a coating material that has been applied to surfaces of metallic workpieces, the induction heating system comprising: a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil; an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil; and a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil, wherein a circulating current flowing through the first induction coil is opposite to a direction of a circulating current flowing through the second induction coil.

2. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

3. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel; andwherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

4. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein a circulating current flows through the first induction coil from the first end to the second end; wherein a circulating current flows through the second induction coil from the second end to the first end; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

5. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the transport device, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured and arranged such that the transport device sequentially moves the metallic workpieces past the first end of the first induction coil, the second end of the first induction coil, the first end of the second induction coil, and the second end of the second induction coil.

6. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one capacitor bank is configured to generate an output voltage; and wherein the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured such that each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil separately receive the output voltage from the at least one capacitor bank.

7. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter.

8. The induction heating system according to claim 1wherein the first induction coil comprises a first coil of wire and a first nonmagnetic core; and wherein the second induction coil comprises a second coil of wire and a second non-magnetic core.

9. The induction heating system according to claim 8 wherein the first coil of wire comprises a Litz wire; and wherein the second coil of wire comprises a Litz wire.

10. The induction heating system according to claim 8 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to decrease current flow through the first coil of wire and the second coil of wire.11 . The induction heating system according to claim 8 wherein the first coil of wire is wrapped around the first non-magnetic core; and wherein the second coil of wire is wrapped around the second non-magnetic core.

12. The induction heating system according to claim 8 wherein the first non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure; and wherein the second non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure.

13. The induction heating system according to claim 8 wherein the first non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough; and wherein the second non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough.

14. The induction heating system according to claim 1 further comprising a housing configured to house at least the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank.

15. The induction heating system according to claim 1 further comprising a cooling system comprising at least one fan and at least air guide, wherein the at least air guide comprises an internal airflow guide structure .

16. The induction heating system according to claim 15 wherein the internal airflow guide structure comprises a honeycomb air flow straightener.

17. The induction heating system according to claim 15 wherein the internal airflow guide structure comprises a screen air flow straightener.

18. The induction heating system according to claim 14 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to reduce heating of the housing.

19. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a curing efficiency.

20. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a processing speed.21 . The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coiland an electromagnetic field the second induction coil reduce an effective magnetic field.

22. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the metallic workpieces comprise metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, and / or lids for tubular containers.

23. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces to the induction heating system.

24. The induction heating system according to claim 1 wherein the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces from the induction heating system.

25. An induction heating system configured to at least partially cure a coating material that has been applied to surfaces of metallic workpieces, the induction heating system comprising: a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil; an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil; and a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil, wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity; andwherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

26. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

27. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein a circulating current flows through the first induction coil from the first end to the second end; wherein a circulating current flows through the second induction coil from the second end to the first end; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

28. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the transport device, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured and arranged such that the transport device sequentially moves the metallic workpieces past the first end of the first induction coil, the second end of the first induction coil, the first end of the second induction coil, and the second end of the second induction coil.

29. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the at least one capacitor bank is configured to generate an output voltage; andwherein the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured such that each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil separately receive the output voltage from the at least one capacitor bank.

30. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter.31 . The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the first induction coil comprises a first coil of wire and a first nonmagnetic core; and wherein the second induction coil comprises a second coil of wire and a second non-magnetic core.

32. The induction heating system according to claim 31 wherein the first coil of wire comprises a Litz wire; and wherein the second coil of wire comprises a Litz wire.

33. The induction heating system according to claim 31 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to decrease current flow through the first coil of wire and the second coil of wire.

34. The induction heating system according to claim 31 wherein the first coil of wire is wrapped around the first non-magnetic core; and wherein the second coil of wire is wrapped around the second non-magnetic core.

35. The induction heating system according to claim 31 wherein the first non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure; andwherein the second non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure.

36. The induction heating system according to claim 31 wherein the first non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough; and wherein the second non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough.

37. The induction heating system according to claim 25 further comprising a housing configured to house at least the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank.

38. The induction heating system according to claim 25 further comprising a cooling system comprising at least one fan and at least air guide, wherein the at least air guide comprises an internal airflow guide structure .

39. The induction heating system according to claim 38 wherein the internal airflow guide structure comprises a honeycomb air flow straightener.

40. The induction heating system according to claim 38 wherein the internal airflow guide structure comprises a screen air flow straightener.41 . The induction heating system according to claim 37 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to reduce heating of the housing.

42. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a curing efficiency.

43. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a processing speed.

44. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coil and an electromagnetic field the second induction coil reduce an effective magnetic field.

45. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the metallic workpieces comprise metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, and / or lids for tubular containers.

46. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces to the induction heating system.

47. The induction heating system according to claim 25 wherein the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces from the induction heating system.

48. An induction heating system configured to at least partially cure a coating material that has been applied to surfaces of metallic workpieces, the induction heating system comprising: a first induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; a second induction coil comprising a first end and a second end; at least one capacitor bank connected to and configured in parallel with the first induction coil and the second induction coil;an inverter configured to provide a drive current to the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil; and a transport device configured to move the metallic workpieces through the first induction coil and the second induction coil, wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a current flow to the first induction coil at the second end and a current flow to the second induction coil at the first end are parallel; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

49. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that a power connection at the second end of the first induction coil and a power connection at the first end of the second induction coil have a same polarity; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.

50. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein a circulating current flows through the first induction coil from the first end to the second end; wherein a circulating current flows through the second induction coil from the second end to the first end; and wherein the second end of the first induction coil is arranged adjacent the first end of the second induction coil.51 . The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the transport device, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured and arranged such that the transport device sequentially moves the metallic workpieces pastthe first end of the first induction coil, the second end of the first induction coil, the first end of the second induction coil, and the second end of the second induction coil.

52. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the at least one capacitor bank is configured to generate an output voltage; and wherein the at least one capacitor bank, the first induction coil, and the second induction coil are configured such that each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil separately receive the output voltage from the at least one capacitor bank.

53. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the first induction coil and the second induction coil are configured to operate with a single implementation of the inverter.

54. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the first induction coil comprises a first coil of wire and a first nonmagnetic core; and wherein the second induction coil comprises a second coil of wire and a second non-magnetic core.

55. The induction heating system according to claim 54 wherein the first coil of wire comprises a Litz wire; and wherein the second coil of wire comprises a Litz wire.

56. The induction heating system according to claim 54 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to decrease current flow through the first coil of wire and the second coil of wire.

57. The induction heating system according to claim 54wherein the first coil of wire is wrapped around the first non-magnetic core; and wherein the second coil of wire is wrapped around the second non-magnetic core.

58. The induction heating system according to claim 54 wherein the first non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure; and wherein the second non-magnetic core comprises a cylindrical shaped structure.

59. The induction heating system according to claim 54 wherein the first non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough; and wherein the second non-magnetic core is configured to accommodate the transport device therethrough.

60. The induction heating system according to claim 48 further comprising a housing configured to house at least the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank.61 . The induction heating system according to claim 48 further comprising a cooling system comprising at least one fan and at least air guide, wherein the at least air guide comprises an internal airflow guide structure .

62. The induction heating system according to claim 61 wherein the internal airflow guide structure comprises a honeycomb air flow straightener.

63. The induction heating system according to claim 61 wherein the internal airflow guide structure comprises a screen air flow straightener.

64. The induction heating system according to claim 60 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to reduce heating of the housing.

65. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a curing efficiency.

66. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured to increase a processing speed.

67. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the first induction coil, the second induction coil, and the at least one capacitor bank are connected and configured such that an electromagnetic field of the first induction coil and an electromagnetic field the second induction coil reduce an effective magnetic field.

68. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the metallic workpieces comprise metallic components, metallic structures, portions of a container, containers, lids for a container, and / or lids for tubular containers.

69. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces to the induction heating system.

70. The induction heating system according to claim 48 wherein the transport device is further configured to deliver the metallic workpieces from the induction heating system.

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