Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of gelatin pharmaceutical capsules is disclosed, in which microwave drying is used. The drying section of the machine has two upper tunnels and two corresponding return tunnels beneath them, through which pin bars carrying the hot moist gelatin capsule halves pass. Microwave transmitters are positioned above the upper tunnels to transmit microwave energy towards the capsule halves for drying. Inlet ducts along the outer sides of the upper tunnels supply cool, dry air which flows through apertures in the tunnel side walls and across the tunnels to an exhaust duct. The return tunnels also have a conditioned air system, supplied through ducts above the return tunnels having apertured bottom plates, for fine tuning the temperature and moisture content of the capsules prior to final processing operations.

Abstract: A process of baking proofed loaves of bread in an oven in which a substantially uniform hot air heat in the range of 300.degree. to 500.degree. F. is applied to the loaves constantly throughout the baking process and the loaves are subjected to microwave energy through a portion of the process, the loaves, preferably in mild steel pans, are first exposed to the hot air heat alone for sufficient time to seal the skin of the loaves, generally for about one minute for a one pound loaf of white bread, then exposed to microwave power in the amount of about one half to one and one-half Kilowatts (0.5 to 1.5 KW) per loaf for a period of about one to one and one half minutes, and thereafter, exposed to the hot air alone for a total heating period in the oven of about eight minutes.