Abstract: A product for heating a load at different rates using microwave radiation provided at a substantially constant power level. The product may include a polymer matrix alone or in combination with a metal substrate, with the polymer matrix located on the surface of the metal substrate that does not contact the load and is thus disposed to the incident microwave radiation. The matrix includes dielectric and magnetic components in amounts that enable at least initial absorption of the incident radiation and thus initial thermalization of the radiation within the matrix. The matrix is designed to change its rate of thermalization and the rate at which it conducts thermalized radiation to the substrate and load after a predetermined time of exposure to the radiation at a predetermined temperature of the matrix.

Abstract: Means and method for heating loads with microwave energy, with the loads being located on a metal substrate or in a metal container. A layer of organic material is located on the outside surface of the container or substrate, the layer having microwave absorbing substances contained in a minimum thickness of the layer. The absorbing substances include both dielectric and magnetic components that provide useful power absorption, the amount of the dielectric component being effective to compress the wavelength of the microwave energy while simultaneously preserving useful impedance to the magnetic component of the energy. Useful power absorption within a range of minimum layer of thicknesses is obtained. The amounts of the dielectric and magnetic components, in addition, transport the heat generated within the layer to the metal container or substrate at rates sufficient to maintain internal temperature of the layer near that of the load.

Abstract: A novel and improved microwave oven cooking utensil wherein a water absorbing member generally underlies a microwave opaque cooking container such that food contained in the container may be cooked in a microwave oven through direct exposure to microwave radiation and indirect heating of the container by steam evolved from the water absorbing member upon simultaneous exposure thereof to microwave radiation.

Abstract: An improved metallic food container system especially adapted for cooking dough or pastry based foodstuffs in a microwave oven and including improved configurations of microwave opaque and microwave transparent container portions as well as an improved dome or cover structure therefor.

Abstract: A container for arc-free use and minimal electromagnetic reflection in a microwave oven is disclosed. The container includes a tray having smooth side and bottom walls and edges, with the side wall in elevation having a curved configuration provided with a substantial radius. The configuration of the tray in plan view is either round (circular) or has rounded corners formed with substantial radii. The surfaces of the tray are coated on both sides with a layer of heat-resistant plastic material having a thickness on the order of 0.25 to 2.5 mils. A heat-resistant plastic microwave transparent lid is provided for the tray. In a preferred embodiment, the tray's bottom defines a steam port that, during heating, allows steam to escape therethrough and travel along the tray bottom to further heat the tray bottom and thus the tray's contents.

Abstract: A metal container and system for arc-free use and minimal electromagnetic reflection in a microwave oven. The container has smooth wrinkle-free side and bottom walls and edges, with the side wall in elevation having a curved configuration provided with a generous radius. The configuration of the container in plan view is either round (circular) or has rounded corners formed with generous radii. The surfaces of the walls and edges are coated on both sides with a layer of heat-resistant plastic material having a thickness on the order of 0.25 to 2.5 mils. A heat-resistant plastic rigid microwave transparent lid is provided for the container, the lid having edge portions that cover the edges of the container when the lid is placed thereon. Such edge portions electrically insulate the metal container from the walls of a microwave oven while the lid itself serves to reduce the escape of heat and moisture from the container.