Abstract: An oven of modular construction to enhance cleaning and an improved energy transfer apparatus, wherein the oven includes a frame having a base on which is removably mounted a conveyor and a heating unit and a hood movably mounted relative to the base to coact with the conveyor by having an inlet and an outlet end, and a removable energy transfer apparatus mountable in the hood together with a heater. The improved energy transfer apparatus has stronger electrode or probe construction to avoid distortions and warping and better maintain the spacing relation with grid bars or wires together with being arranged and configured to minimize the height of the apparatus and to increase the effective energy transfer over the surface of the target to eliminate striping of a food product, thereby providing a more uniform application of the energy to the target.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for efficiently transferring energy through a medium between a source and a target which in one form includes a rigid frame supporting a plurality of electrically conductive probe strips having probe tips or points spaced therealong and a plurality of connected grid wires or rods in spaced relation to the probe tips or points and electrically insulated therefrom. The grid wires are arranged in at least a pair configuration with respect to each of the probe strips. The probe points are disposed in facing relation toward the target and each grid wire pair is equally disposed in relation to the axis of the probe strip points that it serves. A high voltage low amperage direct current source is connected to the probe strips. In another form the apparatus includes a single probe tip or point in combination with a pair of electrically connected grid wires.