Abstract: A piece of microwave-active tape which is odor-free and physiologically inert can be adhered to a food package and remains strongly adhered during cooking at temperatures of at least 200.degree. C. The tape has layers of microwave-active material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive which is a polymeric .alpha.-olefin that has been cured to afford a "Peel Value" of at least 5 N/dm and a "Shrink Back" at 220.degree. C. of less than 5%. The tape can have a flexible backing such as a low-adhesion carrier web which can be stripped off from a piece of the tape that has been applied to a microwave food package, or when the backing is heat-resistant, it can be left in place.

Abstract: A food package including a package body forming a food receiving cavity for storing and heating a food item in a microwave oven. Specifically, the package body includes a bottom panel and a top panel with side panels joining the bottom and top panel. An impedance matching element is provided on at least one of the panels for impedance matching microwave energy entering the package. The impedance matching element is preferably a contiguous film of thinly flaked material embedded in a dielectric binder which is sized and shaped with respect to the food to cause impedance matching to elevate the temperature of the food in predetermined areas dependent upon the size and spacing of the film without interacting with the microwave energy to produce heat. The film may also be shaped in the form of a convex lens to direct impedance matched microwave energy toward the food to elevate the temperature of the food in a predetermined area.

Abstract: A microwave-reflective device and method for enhancing microwave heating of food items. The microwave-reflective device comprises an upstanding, microwave-reflective wall. During cooking, the microwave-reflective device is maintained about the periphery of the food item, while the space inward and above the wall may be maintained free of obstructions to microwave radiation. A susceptor film may be employed beneath the food item during heating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking a tortilla for use, e.g. as a taco shell, produces an edible wrapper, preferably having a narrow partially cooked flexible strip across the central diameter and a fully cooked firm and crispy texture adjacent the flexible area, that can be folded into the typical taco shell U-shape. Preferably, the tortilla is cooked in a microwave oven using two perforated rigid and reusable microwave energy transparent frame members between which a flat fresh uncooked tortilla is positioned. Selective microwave attenuation by a conductive screen strip means, and controlled expansion and distortion of the tortilla by the frame members provide the double textured food end product with desirable surface bubbling, blistering and delamination.

Abstract: Device for the transport and distribution of meal trays including built-in microwave oven for reheating the latter. The device consists of an isothermic unequipped trolley for transporting food trays between kitchens and hospital wards, a central equipped unit permanently installed in hospitals, capable of having one or two transport trolleys coupled to it to form mobile distribution units, and one or two microwave ovens built into the central unit, comprising a metallic shield located between the hot and cold areas, which enables meal trays without a shield to be used. For use in the distribution of individual meal trays in establishments such as hospitals.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting soft contact lenses includes a vessel at least partially formed of material transparent to microwave electromagnetic radiation, disinfecting solution receivable within the vessel, a device for irradiating the disinfecting solution within the vessel with microwave electromagnetic radiation, and shielding apparatus for defining a radiation shielded interior portion within the vessel receivable of contact lenses and disinfecting solution, and an unshielded interior portion within the vessel which is in fluid communication with the shielded portion.

Abstract: A package for heating food has a cover for covering a tray and provides an aluminum laminate for covering the tray side wall. The cover is configured to extend over the top opening or over the base of the tray and cover the tray side wall. In one embodiment, only side edge portions of the cover are formed of an aluminum laminate. In another embodiment, the entirety of the cover is formed of an aluminum laminate, in which case, the cover has lines of weakening positioned therein for tearing and removing a central portion of the cover.

Abstract: A composite material for efficient use in a microwave heating container and a container formed therefrom are described. The composite material includes a thermoplastic resin and a particulate dielectric material oriented therein so the container exhibits a dielectric constant within the range from about 5 to about 8 which is particularly useful for heating high moisture foods in microwave ovens. The particulate dielectric material includes particles having a dielectric constant within a range from about 5 to about 8 and a particle size within the range from about 1 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: Composition comprising (a) susceptors having the capability of absorbing microwave energy, and (b) a matrix substantially non-reflective of microwave energy. The susceptors comprise a particulate substrate having a thin-film coating thereon. The particulate substrate is substantially non-reflective of microwave energy and the coating is capable of absorbing microwave energy. The matrix typically comprises polymeric or ceramic materials that are stable at temperatures conventionally used in microwave cooking. The composition allows reuse of the susceptors, eliminates decline in heating rate, eliminates arcing, allows the heating rate to be controlled, allows overheating to be controlled, and allows formation of microwave heatable composite materials having very low metal content.

Abstract: A perforated susceptor for use in disposable packaging that functions as the cooking container for a microwaveable food product such as popcorn. The susceptor includes a thin layer of microwave-interactive material, such as aluminum with an optical density of about 0.22 to 0.35. This layer is deposited on a substrate of a flexible plastic film. Perforations in the metallic layer are less than 0.060 inches in diameter, do not extend into the substrate, and are arrayed in rows and columns spaced at regular intervals of between 1/16 and 3/16 of an inch, so that the combined surface area of the perforations represents less than 20 percent of the area of the susceptor. The film can be directly bonded, through the perforations, to a sheet that forms part of a package.

Abstract: An enclosure for cooking and browning pot pies and similar food items in a microwave oven is disclosed. The enclosure has a first microwave reflective shield defining a single hole therein, and a susceptor layer positioned below the first reflective shield. A pan for containing a food item and having a susceptor lining for further cooking and browning the food item is located below the first reflective shield and susceptor layer. A second microwave reflective shield defining a single hole therein can be advantageously positioned below the pot pie pan. The arrangement of the reflective shields and the susceptor layer in connection with the pan provide for the selective cooking and browning of the food item to the desired degree. Another embodiment of the present invention includes having a reflective shield defining a single hole therein positioned below the pan, along with a susceptor layer above the pan.