Abstract: A susceptor tray has a susceptor surface of a platform positioned above a downwardly extending portion that has sidewall functions and that traps heated vapor within an open surface defined by the susceptor tray. A kit of the susceptor tray and a dough-containing food product has a storage mode which permits the food product to be stored within the open volume and out of contact with the susceptor surface. The extending portion preferably includes apertures to permit controlled dissipation of heated vapor from out of the open volume during cooking within a microwave oven.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn, fat, salt and sufficient amounts of a heat tolerant glaze forming carbohydrate ingredient such as isomalt to provide the finished popped popcorn with sweet glaze coating. Methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein the isomalt in particulate form in a separate step and preferably after the kernel popcorn and fat have been added to the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-venting microwaveable package of food product comprising a) a rigid or semi-rigid, flat or shaped, support member, b) a food product loaded onto the support a), and c) a flexible thermoplastic film enclosing the food product on the support member, said flexible film being draped over the food product, by vacuum and/or air pressure, in a vacuum skin packaging arrangement, substantially conforming to the shape of the food product and being sealed to the support member outside the periphery of the food product; said package being characterized in that the support member a) as well as the flexible film c) are of microwaveable thermoplastic materials and the peel strength between the support member a) and the flexible c) is comprised between about 2.0 and about 4.0 N/25.4 nm.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container, which is particularly useful for packaging meat, comprises a first polymeric layer, a second intermediate or tie layer, and a third polymeric layer. The first layer comprises an alkylene terephthalate or naphthalate polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first layer can include, in whole or in part, one or more homo-polymers, co-polymers, recycled polymers, or reprocessed polymers. The third layer comprises a non-polar thermoplastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or a blend thereof. The intermediate layer primarily functions as an adhesive and as a compatibilizer/emulsifier/surfactant (CES), and comprises a grafted or backbone-based co-polymer or ter-polymer of ethylene, glycidyl acrylate or maleic anhydride, and optionally an acrylate co-monomer.

Abstract: The claims are drawn to a method of detecting seal breakage or incomplete seal formation in a package, said method comprising the steps of: (i) providing said package, prior to sealing, with a strip or ring of an indicator comprising an oxygen scavenging composition which includes a source of labile hydrogen or electrons and at least one reducible organic compound, wherein said strip or ring is located on an internal surface adjacent to where a seal is to be formed, (ii) treating the strip or ring with electromagnetic energy so as to reduce the reducible organic compound to a reduced form which is oxidizable by ground state molecular oxygen regardless of the presence of a transition metal catalyst and such that, when oxidized, there is a detectable change in a characteristic of said composition selected from the group consisting of: colour, fluorescence emission and UV-visible, infrared or near-infrared absorption, (iii) subjecting said package to a sealing process intended to seal the package, and (iv) detec

Abstract: A microwave popcorn product is provided. The popcorn product includes a package having a popcorn composition therein, the popcorn composition including popcorn kernels, an oil/fat component that can be trans-fat free or low-trans fat, and optional ingredients such as flavorants. At least a portion of the popcorn composition is retained within an internal containment package within the package. The containment package provides containment of any liquid or non-solid components of the popcorn composition. A burst facilitator can be used with the containment pouch; usually, this burst facilitator is water or other form of moisture.

Abstract: A leader which is used to pull a seamable papermaker's fabric onto a paper machine comprising a ravel area for securing pull ropes or cables thereto.

Abstract: A method and product for preserving produce including plants comprising storing the produce and plant in a container incorporated with a spinel AB2O4 and resin mixture which emits a radiation of 3-18 and 3-30 micron wave length.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an oval shaped access opening closed by an oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) to the first portion (22d). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven. This domed shape of the bottom wall (22) keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag (18) to rock to maximize gravimetric separation.

Abstract: A container has a patterned susceptor region in the bottom, a fold region between the bottom and the sidewall of the container, a sidewall region, and a flange region that forms a flange or lip of the container. The patterned susceptor region includes arrangements of microwave-interactive features disposed generally along respective close plane curves, which reduces overheating and increases the filling temperature of the food product. The fold region contains microwave transparent features that minimize de-lamination of the container in the folded region, and also create a generally transmissive area in the vicinity of the heel of the food product to improve the cooking thereof. The sidewall region shields the periphery of the food product so that it is not overcooked while promoting an appropriate degree of pie dough shell browning. The flange area is transmissive to promote an appropriate degree of cooking of the food product crust.

Abstract: A lunch box capable of blast frozen preservation. The lunch box has two compartments, having two containers that are concentric with each other. The lunch box can withstand blast freezing and is microwave compatible keeping two separate food components separate from each other. The lunch box is space saving and easily portable. One side dish container fits within the other main dish container.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles comprising any conventional microwave popcorn bag, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn, fat, salt and sufficient amounts of a calcium ingredient to provide a total calcium content of about 360 to 3600 mg per 100 grams of unpopped popcorn. Preferably the salt and calcium ingredients are essentially characterized by having a mean particle size of less than 25 &mgr;m. Methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein some of the salt and/or calcium ingredient is added to the fat slurry while the balance is added in particulate form in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.

Abstract: Procedure for the preparation of pre-packaged coloured popcorn in the microwave oven. The following ingredients are used basically: coloured corn for popcorn and sugar or fine, table salt, the product being suitable for cooking in a microwave oven and packaged beforehand in a microwave-resistant paper bag with an inner aluminium lining. Aromas shall also be used, on an optional basis. According to the procedure, corn is measured out in the proportion of 70% of the total weight of the product to be packaged. Then the other ingredients, representing 30% of the indicated weight, are added, these latter having been prepared homogeneously beforehand at a controlled temperature of 50-55° C., and the resultant mixture is poured tidily into the paper bag.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes an array of solid shapes of microwave energy reflective material, for example, of aluminum foil, disposed on a substrate. The an array of shapes of microwave energy reflective material shield microwave energy from a food product while remaining substantially resistant to arcing or burning under abusive cooking conditions in an operating microwave oven.

Abstract: A pre-assembly of pre-baked corn tortillas are alternatingly stacked with separators to space the tortillas apart to enable water vapor to escape during microwave heating and help keep the tortillas from becoming wet or soggy. The assembly can include a plastic bag for the stack, in a prepackaged form. Also a method for re-heating tortillas by placing the tortilla/separator stack in a microwave heating compartment and allowing water vapor to escape via the separators. The stack can be placed in a microwave-safe serving container with a removable lid to facilitate microwaving and serving the tortillas in a single container.

Abstract: A package is provided for shipping first and second food product components, and for dispensing the second food product component over the first food product component during heating. Food package includes a bowl having fluted portions cooperating with fluted portions of a cap. The cap includes a plurality of protrusions pointed toward the bowl which guide the second food product component for uniform dispersion.

Abstract: A container for a food product having a filling is disclosed. The food container has an interior susceptor layer to facilitate microwave cooking of the food product. The container is collapsible to facilitate transport of the food product and container prior to consumption. The food envelope has a susceptor material along the entire interior surface, or along portions thereof. The envelope may be configured so as to completely enclose the food product. The container is configured to facilitate transport and consumption of the food product at sporting events, picnics, and the like.

Abstract: A flavored, microwaveable popcorn composition is provided. The popcorn composition comprises a plurality of flavored, unpopped popcorn kernels, a first flavorant fixed to the surface of the kernels, and a second, non-fixed flavorant. A distribution component facilitates providing the second flavorant to the exterior surface of the popped corn. After popping the composition in a microwave oven, the resulting flavored popcorn product has a unique, multi-dimensional taste.

Abstract: A method for processing coffee and a product by the method is set forth. The method includes partially roasting and then packaging the partially roasted coffee beans in a micro-wavable, sealed, package for distribution in commerce. The end user microwaves the package to complete roasting to the desired degree. The beans are then ground and brewed.

Abstract: A package and a method for storing, venting, and heating consumable goods. The package includes a container defining an interior and a valve for venting gas during storage and heating. The container having sufficient stability to withstand heating conditions including microwave energy, vapor pressure, and a temperature of 150° Celsius. The valve has a well-defined, substantially constant flow resistance at vapor pressures and at a temperature of at least 150° Celsius developed in the interior during heating. Consumable goods are disposed in the interior of the container and comprise of at least two different fresh, raw foods that require different cooking times in water, and said consumable goods having an amount of water content of at least 30% by weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plated frozen meal comprising a plate, a first group of individually frozen predominantly meat-based ingredients positioned on the plate, a second group of individually frozen predominantly carbohydrate-based or predominantly vegetable-based ingredients positioned on the plate, and at least one pellet of frozen sauce. The at least one pellet of frozen sauce is positioned such that when it thaws it facilitates the thawing or heating of at least one of the first or second groups of ingredients. This invention is also directed to a method of increasing the rate of thawing or heating of a frozen plated meal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metallic food or beverage container or closure, which includes a fluorescent coating thereon,

Abstract: A bag(1) to define a containment region for food, said bag formed of a multiply plastics film to define a front panel and back panel and being square or rectangular in shape wherein said side edges(12) and bottom edges(6) of each panel are sealed to each other said bag further comprising at said sealed bottom, a vent passage(2) to allow the escape of some fluid from the containment region of said bag during heating, the vent passage provided between said front and back panels where a region(5) of the internal most ply(4) of said multiply plastic film of at least one of said front or back panels is of a less or non-heat sealable nature to the remainder the material of the internal most ply at the sealed bottom.

Abstract: Indentation patterns are scored in microwave packaging materials to enhance the baking and browning effects of the microwave packaging materials on food products. The indentation patterns provide venting to either channel moisture from one area of the food product to another, trap moisture in a certain area to prevent it from escaping, or channel the moisture completely away from the food product. The indentation patterns cause the microwave packaging material underneath a food product to be slightly elevated above the cooking platform in the base of a microwave. The indentation patterns lessen the heat sinking effect of the cooking platform by providing an air gap for insulation. Elevating the base of the microwave packaging material further allows more incident microwave radiation to propagate underneath the microwave packaging material to be absorbed by the food product or by microwave interactive materials in the microwave packaging material that augment the heating process.

Abstract: A method for controlling heating and avoiding arcing in microwave food packaging having a conductive material such as a metal foil on the packaging by controlling the cross-sectional shape of the foil to have a predetermined shape at the edge portion of the foil including controlling a wedge angle and a corner radius of the edge of the foil.

Abstract: A microwaveable pasta product is provided. The product comprises a dried pasta product in a microwaveable container. The microwaveable container comprises a bowl having a generally-ovular bottom and a generally-ovular outer wall in generally-perpendicular relation to the circumference of the generally-ovular bottom. The bottom and outer wall together define a cavity in which the dried pasta product is contained. The container accommodates foam expansion without sacrificing product appearance or shelf space.

Abstract: The invention comprises a packaging arrangement for a food item that is cut into segments and positioned on microwaveable susceptor material selected for the size shape and desired cooking properties of he food item to be prepared. The segmented food items can be any shape or size or type of food, however pizza is a preferred food item. The microwaveable susceptor material may have walls surrounding the food item. The food items may be arranged to resemble the whole food item in the package. Each segment of the food item may be individually wrapped so that one or more segments can be save for later use. The segmented food items with associated microwave susceptors are particularly suitable for being dispensed from refrigerated vending machines located in schools, factories, food courts, convenience stores and where microwave ovens are available.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having a generally oval shaped access opening closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a wet adhesive seal (40) to the first portion (22d). In a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal (40) is formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel bands (400, 401, 402) defining a plurality of spaced, parallel spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag (18) through the seal (40). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A packaging material is provided that can provide a packaging bag or container cover in which the contents is shielded from the atmosphere and tightly sealed, a small hole is formed in the appropriate locations, without special processing of the heat seal portion, and the internal pressure is maintained with high stability at a level above the normal pressure. The packaging material is suitable, for example, for heating in a microwave oven. The packaging material uses a film in which a heat sealing agent (4) with a low melting point is applied to a prescribed zone of an oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin, a cutting line (5) is cut in the oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin in the form of a solid or broken line passing through the zone coated with the heat sealing agent (4), and a cast film (3) made of a synthetic resin and having heat sealing properties is affixed to the oriented film (2) made of a synthetic resin. Such film is used for a packaging bag (1) or a container cover.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions, the reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: Snacks such as tortilla chips with melted nacho cheese toppings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the dispensing of such snacks, as a single unit, in microwavable packages, for either home or vending stand use is desirable. A major problem with packaging cheese and chips in contact with one another in a single container, however, is that over time the chips, which are a low moisture content food, would draw moisture from the cheese, causing them to become soggy. The present invention remedies this problem by separating the cheese from the chips by containing it in an open grid integrated into the package top in such a way that when microwaved, the cheese will melt and be evenly distributed over the chips.

Abstract: A sweet and salty microwave popcorn composition is provided. The sweet taste is provided by using a sweetening effective amount of sucralose in the composition. The salt taste is provided by using an effective amount of sodium chloride or common salt. Various sugar components (monosaccharides and non-sucralose disaccharides) are preferably avoided, to accomplish a desirable taste without burn. Microwave popcorn products using compositions as characterized, and preferred methods, are also provided.

Abstract: A microwave laminate for heating, browning, and crisping food products is provided. The microwave-absorbing region of the laminate is formed from electrically conducting film of shielding thickness. The film is patterned to provide an increased effective electrical sheet resistance that allows the susceptor to substantially absorb rather than reflect microwave energy. Also, a microwave susceptor underlay or shield formed from a patterned electrically conducting film of shielding thickness is provided for controlling temperature gradients within microwave susceptors.

Abstract: An ovenable enclosure (10) for pizza or other heatable food product comprises a box of taint free board having an interior clearance over the pizza, a central vent (15) in the upper surface and a metal plate (16) on lower surface. The enclosure gives more consistent heating of the pizza with reduced edge dryness.

Abstract: A sweet microwave popcorn product is provided that can be prepared by the consumer in a single step. The product comprises a microwaveable container; a plurality of unpopped corn kernels in the container; and a plurality of sugar pellets in the container. Each sugar pellet comprises sugar in an amount of at least about 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the sugar pellet. The sugar pellets are substantially free of an emulsifying agent.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes repeated sets of microwave energy reflective material segments disposed on a substrate. Each set of reflective segments is arranged to define a perimeter having a length equal to a predetermined fraction of the effective wavelength of an operating microwave oven. The repeated sets of segments act both as a shield to microwave energy and as focusing elements for microwave energy when used in conjunction with food products, while remaining electrically safe in the absence of the food products.

Abstract: A microwavable package includes a base to support a food product, an active microwave energy heating element is on the base to effect heating of the food product upon impingement by microwave energy. A cover spaced from and separate to the active microwave energy heating element overlies the food product. The cover includes microwave energy interactive material extending substantially over the food product and at least one layer of suscepting material interposed between the food product and the microwave energy interactive material. A plurality of apertures are formed in the microwave energy interactive material and are spaced apart about a peripheral margin of the cover. The apertures are sized to promote localized fields to enhance the at least one layer of suscepting material and promote browning of the food product when exposed to incident microwave energy.

Abstract: Packaging for microwavable convenience foods, such as tamales, and a related method for microwave steam heating or cooking of such foods. The food packaging includes an unvented, sealed, stretchable plastic bag enclosing a food product and a moisture pad which is placed on top of the food product. The pad serves to shield the food product from direct microwave radiation, and to provide a source of steam generated by absorption of the waves in the water of the pad.

Abstract: A sweet and salty microwave popcorn composition is provided. The sweet taste is provided by using a sweetening effective amount of sucralose in the composition. The salt taste is provided by using an effective amount of sodium chloride or common salt. Various sugar components (monosaccharides and non-sucralose disaccharides) are preferably avoided, to accomplish a desirable taste without burn. Microwave popcorn products using compositions as characterized, and preferred methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Instant menu pack having a substantially tray-like base part, whose circumferential side wall diverges outwards from a substantially flat bottom towards the upper edge thereof and passes there into an outwardly projecting, substantially flat, bottom-parallel, circumferential marginal flange, an instant menu filled into the base part having at least two components with a different consistency, which is preferably pre-cooked and deep-freezable after filling into the base part, and a sealing foil sealed onto the marginal flange after filling the instant menu, characterized in that the base part is made from a material permeable to microwave energy and which can absorb water at least in its surface layer facing the instant menu and whose thermal expansion coefficient in the temperature range between −20° C.

Abstract: A microwavable package for roasting coffee beans in which the package is shaped to be relatively larger in two dimensions than in a third dimension so that it presents a generally flat appearance or configuration. The package comprises a paper outer layer and an inner layer that includes a microwave susceptor. On the interior of the package a filter is provided, and a vent permits communication between the interior and exterior. The outer layer may be variously, kraft paper, bond paper, or filter paper. The inner layer may comprise a printed dipole antenna or a thin film conductor. The vent may be at least one perforation through both the inner and outer layers or a series of perforations. In a preferred embodiment, the package includes supports for maintaining the package in a generally vertical orientation when it is placed in a microwave to roast the coffee beans contained therein.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes repeated sets of metallic foil or high optical density evaporated material segments disposed on a substrate. Each set of metallic segments is arranged to define a perimeter having a length equal to a predetermined fraction of the operating or effective wavelength of an operating microwave oven. The repeated sets of segments act both as a shield to microwave energy and as focusing elements for microwave energy when used in conjunction with food products, while remaining electrically safe in the absence of the food products.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an oval shaped access opening closed by an oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) to the first portion (22d). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven. This domed shape of the bottom wall (22) keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag (18) to rock to maximize gravimetric separation.

Abstract: Snacks such as tortilla chips with melted nacho cheese toppings have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the dispensing of such snacks, as a single unit, in microwavable packages, for either home or vending stand use is desirable. A major problem with packaging cheese and chips in contact with one another in a single container, however, is that over time the chips, which are a low moisture content food, would draw moisture from the cheese, causing them to become soggy. The present invention remedies this problem by separating the cheese from the chips by containing it in an open grid integrated into the package top in such a way that when microwaved, the cheese will melt and be evenly distributed over the chips.

Abstract: An expansible container is provided for use during the cooking of food in a radiant energy device such as a microwave oven, with the container being configured or otherwise designed to provide entertainment to onlookers as the container expands in size during the relative rapid cooking of food in the container and/or with the fully expanded container of cooked food providing an interesting article, character, figure or configuration that is of novel, interesting or entertaining appearance. The container is formed from relatively flexible materials that define a closed chamber which contains food to be cooked. In its deflated form, the container is collapsed to assume a relatively flat, thin configuration which, in most preferred practice, displays or is configured to provide an entertaining or amusing shape.

Abstract: A microwaveable mixture useable for preparing a microwaveable popcorn product with the sugar-base flavoring is provided. The mixture includes unpopped popcorn a sweetening blend and a glazing blend. The sweetening blend includes an oil component and a crystalline sugar component. The glazing blend includes oil and corn syrup. Preferred blends, mixtures and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the concentration of molecular oxygen present in an atmosphere or liquid, comprising at least one reducible organic compound which is reduced under predetermined conditions, the reduced form of the compound being oxidizable by molecular oxygen, wherein the reduction and/or subsequent oxidation of the organic compound occurs independent of the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave shelf stable popcorn articles that contain real butter. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to kernel popcorn and fat, the charge further essentially includes about 1% to 8% of a high fat butter constituent. By virtue of selecting a particularly defined high fat butter ingredient, microwave popcorn articles can be prepared that are shelf stable.

Abstract: Packaging for microwavable convenience foods, such as tamales, and a related method for microwave steam heating or cooking of such foods. The food packaging includes an unvented, sealed, stretchable plastic bag enclosing a food product and a moisture pad which is placed on top of the food product. The pad serves to shield the food product from direct microwave radiation, and to provide a source of steam generated by absorption of the waves in the water of the pad.

Abstract: A microwave steam tray is made of a thermo-formed co-polymer polypropylene quality food grade plastic. The microwave steam tray comprises a plastic container having a dish portion and a connected lid. The dish portion includes a bottom surface with four sidewalls extending therefrom to define a dish interior. A plurality of ribs are raised from the bottom surface to provide a cooking plane. Steam channels are formed between the ribs. The ribs extend radially from a moisture reservoir positioned within the dish interior. The moisture reservoir includes a retaining wall having a cup portion formed within the retaining wall. Recesses are formed within the retaining wall. Liquid based food products may be placed in the moisture cylinder during cooking. Steam generated from the moisture reservoir easily travels down the radial steam channels.