Having Specific Electrical Or Wave Energy Feature Patents (Class 426/107)
  • Patent number: 11850210
    Abstract: A tubular locking body of a tamper evident plastic closure for necked vials for holding a plug in a mouth of a vial includes a retaining member for retaining the plug, a central opening being formed in the retaining member for providing access to the inside of the vial via the plug. The cap includes a disc-shaped cover and a coupling portion, for coupling the cap with the tubular locking body by positive-fit engagement. The coupling portion includes at least one frangible portion each configured such that at least one indicator member remains as a tamper evidence at a rim of the central opening of the tubular locking body after removal of the cap from the distal end of the tubular locking body by irreversibly breaking the annular frangible portion for providing access to the inside of the vial via the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: KAISHA PACKAGING PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Rishad Kairus Dadachanji, Keyurkumar Arvindbhai Patel
  • Patent number: 11447324
    Abstract: An object is to provide a microwave container configured to precisely discharge vapor from a vapor-discharging part to avoid any vapor discharge from the remaining portions, and the microwave container includes: a container main body having an opening in its upper portion; a flange part formed to extend outwardly from the opening of the container main body; and a heat-seal part in a rib shape formed over the entire periphery of an upper surface of the flange part and heat-sealed to a film-shaped lid member for sealing the opening, wherein the heat-seal part includes a first heat-seal part for discharging vapor generated in the container main body by breaking the heat seal with the lid member when the vapor reaches a predetermined pressure, and a second heat-seal part wider than the first heat-seal part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Kumio Maruyama
  • Patent number: 11419356
    Abstract: A grain-popping machine and associated pod-based popping method is disclosed. The grain-popping is configured to receive a pod. Each pod includes a plurality of cells, with each cell preferably containing a single grain kernel or seed, flavoring, and a cooking medium such as oil or shortening. In a preferred embodiment, the pod is loaded into the grain-popping machine through a slot so that it is held in position adjacent to a heating element. The heating element is activated to begin a popping sequence. When each grain kernel or seed in the pod reaches popping temperature, it absorbs the flavoring in its cell and ejects through the bottom of the pod, which can be weakened to ease ejection, into a bowl positioned in a receiving area of the grain-popping machine. The pod is then removed and disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Opopop, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Roulier, Jonas Tempel, Gary Ashurst, Robert Clark, Tejinder Grewal
  • Patent number: 11382934
    Abstract: Methods of making mixed allergen compositions, e.g., substantially aerobic organism free mixed allergen compositions, and the resulting allergen composition, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: BEFORE BRANDS, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley Dombkowski, Christopher Cornyn, Albert E. Rosevear, Jr., Olivia M. Weihe, Cosmin M. Beliciu, Alexandra F. Russell, Antoinette de Senna
  • Patent number: 11273969
    Abstract: The present invention provides a peelable microwavable food package capable of absorbing undesired liquids released from packaged food products during storage, display, or heating, including microwave cooking. The present invention provides a peelably sealed microwavable food package in any packaging format including pouches, flow-wrap, horizontal form fill seal (HFFS), vertical form fill seal (VFFS), gas-flushed, vacuum-packaged, sealed rigid plastic containers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Peterka, Otacilio T. Berbert
  • Patent number: 11111067
    Abstract: A package suitable for storing and cooking foods without user manipulation includes a venting mechanism actuated primarily or exclusively by temperature, rather than pressure. A vent hole can be sealed by a patch attached by a thermoplastic adhesive having a selected, well characterized Tg, or the patch itself can be a thermoplastic polymer having a selected Tg. The patch can be convection-heated, or a microwave absorbing susceptor material can be applied to the adhesive or patch for direct microwave heating. The patch can include a region that is melted by convection or by a susceptor material. A porous patch can be sealed by a low melting temperature polymer or by thermally sensitive ink. And/or, microwave susceptor material can be applied directly to a package wall and can melt a ventilation hole through the wall when a specified amount of microwave energy has been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: MarstonMAP, LLC
    Inventor: Elizabeth Varriano-Marston
  • Patent number: 10717585
    Abstract: An object is to provide a microwave container configured to precisely discharge vapor from a vapor-discharging part to avoid any vapor discharge from the remaining portions, and the microwave container includes: a container main body having an opening in its upper portion; a flange part formed to extend outwardly from the opening of the container main body; and a heat-seal part in a rib shape formed over the entire periphery of an upper surface of the flange part and heat-sealed to a film-shaped lid member for sealing the opening, wherein the heat-seal part includes a first heat-seal part for discharging vapor generated in the container main body by breaking the heat seal with the lid member when the vapor reaches a predetermined pressure, and a second heat-seal part wider than the first heat-seal part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Kumio Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10720613
    Abstract: The invention discloses a packaging film for a battery. The packaging film for the battery comprises an electrolyte-resistant layer, a protective layer, and a high-rigidity material layer. The high-rigidity material layer is located between the electrolyte-resistant layer and the protective layer. The high-rigidity material layer comprises a substrate layer and at least one cermet film. The substrate layer has two surfaces facing the electrolyte-resistant layer and the protective layer respectively. The at least one cermet film is located on at least one of the two surfaces of the substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.
    Inventor: Fei-Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 10604324
    Abstract: The present invention provides multilayer absorbent laminates useful for absorbing undesired liquids released from packaged food products during storage, display, or heating, including microwave cooking. In one aspect, the present invention provides a multilayer absorbent laminate comprising a first layer comprising an absorbent material, a second layer comprising a polymeric bonding material, a third layer comprising a polymeric support film layer, and a fourth layer comprising an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Bemis Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Otacilio T. Berbert, Bruce D. Kehler, Shayne D. Spence, Gary A. McMaster
  • Patent number: 10398158
    Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing a cooked egg product having irregular shaped egg curds similar in shape, size, and mouthfeel to that of freshly cooked scrambled eggs. Liquid egg product is optionally first preheated then transferred to a belt oven and cooked to form a layer of cooked egg product. The layer of cooked egg product is then transported through an agitator, which initially breaks down the layer of cooked egg product, and subsequently is passed through a forming plate to shape the cooked egg product into irregular shaped egg curds similar in appearance to that of freshly cooked scrambled eggs. This process allows for a simplified ingredient deck and reduces the number of fines present in the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steve Grinnell, Donald Andrew Moss, Donald R. Roberts, Theresa Wagner
  • Patent number: 10351329
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a food item in a microwave oven comprises a tray including a plurality of elevated heating areas and a plurality of channels disposed between the elevated heating areas, the elevated heating areas each including a microwave energy interactive material, a cover pivotably connected to the tray for pivoting the cover relative to the tray between an open position and a closed position, and a locking feature operative for releasably maintaining the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC
    Inventor: Terrence P. Lafferty
  • Patent number: 10233009
    Abstract: The objective is to provide a container for microwave oven and a package for microwave oven in which a clearance which is formed between a flanged portion and a lid material and a content may enter is made narrower while maintaining automatic vapor discharge function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Ishikawa, Tomohiro Yuhara
  • Patent number: 10023360
    Abstract: The present invention aims at dissolving hydrogen gas in a liquid and maintaining the solubility of the hydrogen gas in the liquid at a high state. A sealing bag 1 that dissolves hydrogen gas in a liquid by being put into the liquid includes a hydrogen permeable film that can permeate hydrogen gas that is sealed and filled in the sealing bag to outside. By sinking this sealing bag 1 into the liquid in advance, the hydrogen gas that is permeated through the hydrogen permeable film is dissolved in the liquid. Furthermore, since the hydrogen gas is continuously permeated little by little through the hydrogen permeable film, the solubility of the hydrogen in the liquid can be maintained at a high state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Hirakimirai Co. Ltd., Kyowa Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen Shih Chang, Naoyuki Yada
  • Patent number: 9440780
    Abstract: A container includes a sleeve, a first end closure, and a second end closure. The first end closure closes off a first end of the sleeve and the second end closes off an opposite second end of the sleeve. The sleeve and end closures cooperate to define an interior region therebetween that receives products therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Jau-Ming Su, Charisa Sofian, Paul Z Wolak
  • Patent number: 9380793
    Abstract: An artificial food casing includes a marking with a traceability code, wherein the marking includes an ultraviolet-detectable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: ViskoTeepak Belgium NV
    Inventors: Pierre Wielockx, Johan Quinten, Jo Maes
  • Patent number: 9382028
    Abstract: The present invention describes both a stretch-blow-molded opaque polyester container and a method of making it. The container, typically a beverage bottle has less than 15% transmission of visible light (500 nm) through a 0.4 millimeter wall thickness. It contains from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of said opacifying material. The opacifying material may be any material compatible with polyester resin. The method of making the container includes introducing the opacifying material during polymerization, or prepared as a master batch for mixing with the polymer. Selection of certain opacifying materials can also result in favorable reheat properties, gas permeation-barrier improvements, and when the resin contains both opacifying material and oxygen scavenger there can be a synergistic effect with respect to CO2 permeation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Invista North America S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Scantlebury, Zhenguo Liu, Xiaoyan Huang
  • Patent number: 9192263
    Abstract: A food toasting device comprising a pouch and optionally, a handle. A method of using the food toasting device comprising placing a desired quantity of a food product, such as nuts, in the pouch of the food toasting device, placing the food toasting device into an appliance for heating, turning on the appliance so that the food product is exposed to the desired amount of heat, waiting until the food product is sufficiently toasted, and removing the food toasting device containing the food product from the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Netcentrics Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Howard Hering, John Robert Dixon, Robert John Dougherty
  • Patent number: 9109962
    Abstract: To provide an electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, an electromagnetic wave radiation detection method, and a device including the electromagnetic wave radiation detection member that make it possible to determine whether an object to be detected has been heated by electromagnetic wave radiation by a microwave oven or the like. One embodiment includes a detection material 1 containing liquid and discoloring a substance to be attached to which the detection material adheres, and a bag 2 including the detection material 1 therein and from which the liquid flows out due to radiation of electromagnetic waves. Accordingly, the substance to be attached is discolored due to electromagnetic wave radiation, thereby making it possible to determine whether the electromagnetic waves have been radiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: LENOVO INNOVATIONS LIMITED (HONG KONG)
    Inventor: Takayuki Kagami
  • Patent number: 9066375
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a microwave energy interactive material. The panels are partially joined to one another in an opposed, facing relationship such that an unjoined area is defined between the first panel and the second panel. The unjoined area is in communication with an open peripheral edge of the construct. The first panel includes an aperture in communication. With the unjoined area between the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence P. Lafferty
  • Patent number: 9000339
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a first side wall and a second side wall opposite one another and a food-supporting panel extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. The first side wall includes a movable portion for being positioned over the food-supporting panel. The food-supporting panel and/or the movable portion of the first side wall may include microwave energy interactive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Burke
  • Patent number: 8993944
    Abstract: Packaging and a dessert food product combines a hot portion and a cold portion. In one embodiment, the dessert combines hot pie with a topping of ice cream in a single package. In one aspect of the invention, the microwaveable food product and package incorporates a food package that simultaneously includes various susceptor films that allow for differential heating of food. The susceptor film(s) shield the cold-portion food products from being heated in the microwave while they provide even heating of the hot portion of the product. The packaging provides a quick, convenient and tasty dessert with minimal effort. In another aspect of the present invention, the pie and ice cream formulation has been optimized to maintain superior flavor and texture properties after freezing and microwave reheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Animequom Adams, Hunter Gartner, John Partridge, Janice Harte, Keith Emery
  • Patent number: 8993018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected at a peripheral seam for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient, and a contactless element for identifying the capsule by detecting means of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is oriented along its longer dimension substantially orthogonally relative to the transversal plane passing along the seam of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Bucher, Alessandro Brazzola, Alexandre Kollep, André Jung
  • Patent number: 8967381
    Abstract: A snack holder includes a generally frustoconical or cone shaped upper cup section and a frustoconical or cone shaped lower support section with the upper section having a circular lower base panel in opposed relation to and adhesively attached to a circular top support panel of the lower support section and wherein the radius of the upper section lower base panel has a greater radius than the circular top support panel of the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph D. Cassese, James Hicswa
  • Patent number: 8963061
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct has a platform including microwave energy interactive material and a plurality of venting features. The venting features include a plurality of tabs that are urged out of the plane of the platform to define an aperture. The tabs are disposed beneath the platform to define a void in communication with the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence M. C. Lai
  • Publication number: 20140328978
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a kit of parts comprising a cooking bag for storing food to be cooked in a microwave oven, the cooking bag having a cooking bag opening, and a pressure release closure device, configured for restricting the cooking bag opening when attaching the pressure release closure device at the exterior of the cooking bag thereby contracting the cooking bag opening so as to establish a steam conduit whereby gas pressure in the cooking bag may be released from the cooking bag during cooking in a microwave oven. Further the present invention relates to a pressure release closure device and a method of preparing food using a pressure release closure device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Hiroko Shimada-Kreft, Hock Seng Gordon Soh, Cagdas Celik
  • Patent number: 8877271
    Abstract: Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Global Fresh Foods
    Inventor: Laurence D. Bell
  • Patent number: 8866054
    Abstract: A microwave energy interactive heating sheet includes at least two layers of microwave energy interactive insulating material joined to one another, where each layer includes microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer, a support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, and a second polymer film layer joined to the support layer in a predetermined pattern, so that a plurality of expandable cells are defined between the support layer and the second polymer film layer. The expandable cells are operative for inflating upon sufficient exposure to microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Lorin R Cole, Scott W. Middleton, Richard G. Robison
  • Patent number: 8821950
    Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative packaging for microwave preparation of expandable food, such as cookies, an innovative food product prepared from the packaging and the method of preparation thereof. The innovative packaging includes first and second susceptor sheet portions each having an accordion-like shape; one or more members for spacing the susceptor sheet portions at a predetermined distance; and an expandable uncooked food placed between the two susceptor sheets, wherein the food is in intimate contact with sheet portions and becomes efficiently browned and crisped during microwave cooking. The food is preferably a cookie dough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Urban Nilsson, Deborah Belser
  • Patent number: 8815317
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a platform having a plurality of peripheral edges, a plurality of elevating panels for maintaining the platform in a raised position, and a layer of microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the platform. The platform includes a movable portion defined at least partially by a line of disruption extending substantially between a pair of adjacent edges of the platform. The movable portion of the platform is adapted to pivot along the line of disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Lafferty, Lorin R. Cole, Scott W. Middleton
  • Patent number: 8803050
    Abstract: A tray for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a substantially planar base, a platform extending upwardly from the base, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Lafferty, Patrick H. Wnek
  • Patent number: 8784917
    Abstract: The invention concerns a new food product (1) in the form of a meal comprising food (4) and a sauce (5), intended to be mixed for consumption of the meal, in closed packaging (1) comprising a container (2) in which the food (4) is placed and a lid (3) in which the sauce (5) is placed, the sauce being separated from the food by a seal (7) which closes off the part of the lid (3) facing the food (4) characterized in that the container (2) comprises a mechanism (11) to tear the seal (7) when the lid (3) is turned concurrently to the container (2) between a pre-tearing position of the seal (7) and a tearing position of the seal (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Claude Sebban
  • Patent number: 8785826
    Abstract: A construct for heating a food item in a microwave oven includes a base, a wall extending upwardly from the base, a microwave energy shielding element overlying at least a portion of the wall, and a microwave energy diffusing element circumscribed by the microwave energy shielding element. The microwave energy diffusing element includes a plurality of microwave energy reflective elements within a microwave energy transparent area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence M. C. Lai, Neilson Zeng, Bing Liu
  • Patent number: 8778429
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for preparing liquid egg products, for example pure egg whites, whole eggs and egg products either alone or mixed with spices, vegetables or other ingredients, in a microwave oven. The container for preparing the liquid egg products is relatively inexpensive and disposable. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for preparing liquid egg products in a disposable, microwavable container in which the liquid egg product expands while cooking and partially removes the lid of the container to create a delicious meal of properly cooked, fresh egg product, that are ready for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Eggology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brad M. Halpern
  • Patent number: 8759729
    Abstract: A method of delivering energy to an object in a cavity may include transmitting electromagnetic energy to the cavity at a plurality of frequencies. At each of the plurality of frequencies, the method may also include determining an efficiency of energy transfer into the object and adjusting power transmitted at each of the plurality of frequencies such that a multiplicative product of the efficiency and the power transmitted is substantially constant across each of the plurality of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Goji Limited
    Inventors: Eran Ben-Shmuel, Alexander Bilchinsky
  • Publication number: 20140154367
    Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn, an edible oil or fat, and a flavoring container containing a heat-sensitive flavoring. During popping, the flavoring container is maintained at relatively low heat and opens during process to provide flavoring to the popping corn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Young Kang
  • Patent number: 8735786
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn package includes a flexible bag construction reinforced with a sidewall construction. The package is such that the flexible bag construction and the sidewall construction are expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. After the package is opened, the sidewall construction provides for a vertically rigid sidewall to provide a stand up bowl for access to the popped popcorn. The flexible bag construction may be fabricated from a generally transparent material so that the contents of the bag are visible when the package is in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul John Warosh
  • Patent number: 8729437
    Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is provided. The preferred package includes a flexible bag construction reinforced with a sidewall construction. The package is such that the flexible bag construction and the sidewall construction are selectively expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. After the package is opened, the sidewall construction provides for a rigid sidewall to provide a stand up bowl for access to the popped popcorn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Con Agra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, Paul John Warosh
  • Publication number: 20140113036
    Abstract: Microwaveable packages having composite susceptors and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, composite susceptors for cooking microwaveable foods (12, 14) in a microwave oven are provided. The composite susceptors may include, for example, a first layer that is a standard microwave susceptor (30) and a second layer (32) comprising mobile charges, wherein the second layer is at least substantially metal free. The second layer comprising mobile charges can both shield the standard susceptor from microwaves, and act as a conductor to increase the conductivity of the standard susceptor. The composite susceptors of the present disclosure provide improved surface heating patterns that are similar to surface heating patterns of conventional ovens, while also providing the benefits of microwave cooking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Ulrich Johannes Erle
  • Patent number: 8696854
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing self supporting container parts, such as dishes or covers, for containers for foodstuffs to be treated in a microwave oven, said containers each comprising at least one compartment for receiving the foodstuffs, along at least part of the circumferential surface of which compartment a microwave-radiation influencing material layer is provided in the wall of at least one associated container part, comprising the steps of providing a multilayer foil comprising said microwave radiation-influencing material layer and at least one material layer that does not influence microwave radiation, which is bonded thereto on at least one side of the microwave radiation-influencing material layer, bonding one side of the multilayer foil to a remaining portion of the container part in question, in such a manner that the material layer of the multilayer foil that does not influence microwave radiation is present on a free surface of the container part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Winstore Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Johannes Maria van de Weijer, Maurits Simon Johannes Maria Driessen
  • Patent number: 8680448
    Abstract: A tray for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a substantially planar base, a platform extending upwardly from the base, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Terrence P. Lafferty, Matthew Sundquist
  • Patent number: 8680447
    Abstract: Microwaveable popcorn arrangements are provided, the arrangement being a bag having a popcorn charge of popcorn kernels and oil/fat component therein. The arrangements include folded bags having preferred, internal, seal and/or adhesive field configurations. The preferred configurations inhibit the undesired flow of oil/fat from the popcorn charge. Microwave popcorn products and methods of preparation and use, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM. Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Craig Jackson, Denise Ellen Hanson, Charles Thomas Gorman, Matthew Roth, Paul John Warosh, Lance Schilmoeller, Jody Shands
  • Publication number: 20140065265
    Abstract: An improved package for heating dry food products is provided. The present invention allows a dry food product to be heated in a microwave oven. The package has barrier properties and at least a portion of an outer surface that is water absorbent, so that the food package may be wetted prior to being heated in the microwave in order to prevent burning of the food products inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David LESTAGE, Joseph Paul Sagel, Susan Tanner
  • Patent number: 8658952
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a microwave energy interactive material. The panels are partially joined to one another in an opposed, facing relationship such that an unjoined area is defined between the first panel and the second panel. The unjoined area is in communication with an open peripheral edge of the construct. The first panel includes an aperture in communication with the unjoined area between the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence P. Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20140044840
    Abstract: A microwaveable popcorn container may be fashioned from glassine or similar materials to provide a susceptor-free, biodegradable, and/or compostable container for cooking microwave popcorn. The material of the container may be translucent in order to advantageously permit inspection of contents during cooking, as well as evaluation of the completeness of kernel popping after microwaving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Justin Coulter Lewis, Kristine Homes Lewis
  • Patent number: 8642145
    Abstract: A method reclaims metalized polymer film or mixtures containing metal and/or metal alloys into a metal-containing, polymeric film. The resulting film structure has better oxygen and moisture barrier properties when metalized than plain metalized polymer films. The polymer to be reclaimed, originates in sheet form, and is densified, as by shredding, pelletizing and/or re-extruding into fine particulate form such as chips or pellets. The reclaimed polymeric film can be used, in a range of concentrations, to produce biaxially oriented polyester film for metalizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toray Plastics (America), Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas James Bower, Larissa Marie Peguero
  • Patent number: 8632831
    Abstract: Shelf stable microwave dessert packaged food products for individual servings comprise a novel, shielded packaging or container including a microwave shielded cup; a shelf-stable ready-to-heat uncooked product disposed within the cup, a modified low oxygen atmosphere in the headspace above the batter, and a peelably removable, low gas permeability sealing membrane. The articles provide high preparation abuse tolerance notwithstanding the low, controlled portion quantities (100 calorie) of batter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Perry, Joanne J. Garbe, Peter S. Pesheck
  • Patent number: 8610039
    Abstract: A vent assembly includes a bag construction configured to contain a food product such as a popcorn charge. The bag construction is formed of at least one sheet of polyester film material and configured to expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration when the food product is heated in a microwave oven. The vent assembly includes a first portion of the bag construction and a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion. The second portion includes a venting structure formed in the sheet of polyester material. An adhesive is applied to at least one of the first portion or the second portion. The adhesive is configured to adhere the first portion to the second portion so that the vent is at least partially sealed while the bag construction is in the collapsed configuration and to release the first portion from the second portion as the bag construction expands to the expanded configuration to allow the vent to at least partially open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. France, Charles Thomas Gorman, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul John Warosh, Steven P. Swanlund
  • Patent number: 8604400
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a plurality of heating regions including a first heating region and a second heating region, the first heating region comprising a first layer of microwave energy interactive material, and the second heating region comprising the first layer of microwave energy interactive material and a second layer of microwave energy interactive material, wherein the second heating region is operative for heating, browning, and/or crisping an adjacent food item to a greater extent than the first heating region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Lorin R. Cole
  • Patent number: 8604401
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct for preparing a food item having a periphery that is desirably browned and/or crisped includes a substantially planar base and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from a periphery of the base. The base and side walls define an interior space for receiving the food item. The base includes a plurality of movable portions for being moved out of the plane of the base into the interior space towards the periphery of the food item. A microwave energy interactive material may be joined to at least a portion of the base including the movable portions. The microwave energy interactive material may be operative for converting at least a portion of impinging microwave energy into heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Lorin R. Cole
  • Publication number: 20130323369
    Abstract: The present invention is a compact microwavable bag that includes a base bag that includes a top, a front side, a pair of sides, a bottom and an interior portion and a sealing strip that is disposed on the top of the base bag and utilizes a reclosable tongue and groove fastener to place one or more food items into the interior portion of the base bag. The compact microwavable bag also includes a venting aperture that releases steam that forms during microwaving the compact microwavable bag and one or more compartments that contain the one or more foods that are heated or cooked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Rand Peterman