Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. That data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms that data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention monitors and adjusts the work performed on a specimen disposed within the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: A duct connector (32) with a flow channel through its center and an increased diameter seal (35) on its end. A compression ring (38) is designed to fit tightly over the duct connector (32) and has an inwardly directed flange (68) on one of its edges which reduces the diameter of the end and thereby prevents the compression ring (38) from sliding past the end of the duct connector (32). A retaining clamp (53) includes two arcs (77, 80) that are pivotally attached and that may be rotated between a circular, closed configuration and an open configuration. The second end of each arc includes a number of open loops (137, 140, and 152) that align when the arcs are in the closed configuration. A sliding locking mechanism (161) is affixed to the arc (77) proximate to the loops (137, 140). The locking mechanism (161) has a prong (170) that passes through the aligned loops (137, 140, and 152) on each arc (77, 80), thereby preventing the arcs (77, 80) from separating.