Abstract: An alignment baffle for use in a printing apparatus having a conveying mechanism for conveying images toward an image transfer area and copy sheet chute for guiding copy sheets toward the conveying mechanism is provided. The images are transferred to the copy sheets in the transfer area. The baffle includes a body operably associated with the image transfer area and a first member connected to the body and spaced from the copy sheet chute. The first member has a first member surface for guiding the copy sheet. The baffle also includes a second member operably associated with the first member, connected to the body and spaced from the copy sheet chute. The second member has a second member surface for guiding the copy sheet. The first member and the second member have a passageway therebetween for passage of the copy sheets therebetween. The first member surface and the second member surface cooperate with the copy sheets to guide the copy sheets in a path tangential to the conveying mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus which transfers a developed image from a photoconductive surface to a copy sheet. The apparatus includes a corona generating device arranged to charge the copy sheet for establishing a transfer field that is effective to attract the developed image from the photoconductive surface to the copy sheet and a blade which is moved from a non-operative position spaced from the copy sheet, to an operative position, in contact with the copy sheet for pressing the copy sheet into contact with at least the developed image on the photoconductive surface to substantially eliminate any spaces between the copy sheet and the developed image during transfer of the developed image from the photoconductive surface to the copy sheet. The blade is fabricated to include a conductive material for preventing the generation of electrostatic charge on the blade which may create copy quality defects as a lead edge of the copy sheet passes between the blade and the photoconductive surface.

Abstract: A method for cooking in a microwave oven is provided, in which edible ingredients are combined in a container transparent to microwave energy. A cooking optimizer panel having two faces of differing susceptibility to microwave energy is placed underneath the food container in a configuration determined by the power of the microwave oven.

Abstract: This invention relates to bags suitable for containing edible components during microwave cooking. The bags comprise two opposing side panels and an inwardly pleated bottom panel between the opposing side panels. The side panels are joined to one another along their side edges and to the bottom panel along its outside edge. Sections of the side panels may also be seamed or bonded to sections of the bottom panel so that the inside surface area of the bottom panel is substantially less than the outside surface area of the bottom panel. The bags optionally contain microwave susceptor materials and self-closing features.

Abstract: This invention relates to bags suitable for containing edible components during microwave cooking. The bags may serve as shelf-stable packages for the uncooked edible components as well as containers for the edible components during microwave cooking. The bag comprises two opposing side panels and an inwardly pleated bottom panel between the opposing side panels. Sections of the side panels may be seamed or bonded to sections of the bottom panel so that the inside surface area of the bottom panel is substantially less than the outside surface area of said bottom panel. The side panels are also joined along one side edge and the top edge, leaving an opening on one side. In one embodiment, self close ties are provided by slitting the bag in the area joining the side panels to the bottom panel. In another embodiment, a funnel opening to the bag is provided by means of an appropriately configured seal or bond between the side panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a package for popcorn to be cooked in a microwave oven. The package serves as a package for the unpopped corn, as a container for the corn while it is being popped, and also as a serving container for the popped corn. The package utilizes a bag comprising two opposing side panels and an inwardly pleated bottom panel between said opposing side panels, the outside edges of said side panels being joined to one another and to the outside edges of said inwardly pleated bottom panel, portions of said opposing side panels further being joined to portions of said bottom panel so that the inside surface area of said bottom panel is substantially less than the outside surface area of said bottom panel.