Abstract: A method of simultaneously sterilizing a first object and a second object that includes providing a first container with a first exterior surface, the first exterior surface comprises a first microwave interactive layer and defines a first interior space having a first initial temperature. The first object is placed within the first interior space of the first container. The method includes the step of providing a second container with a second exterior surface, the second exterior surface comprises a second microwave interactive layer and defines a second interior space having a second initial temperature. A second object is placed within the second interior space of the second container. The first and second microwave interactive layers are exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the first microwave layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the first interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature.

Abstract: A container for containing a dummy load while being subjected to microwave radiation that includes a first surface with an exterior surface and an inner surface, wherein the first surface includes an optically transparent material. A second surface having an exterior surface and an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first surface, the second surface attached to the first surface wherein both of the inner surfaces define a volume of space into which the dummy load is placed. The dummy load is supported on the second surface and positioned to be subjected to microwave radiation that passes through the optically transparent material, wherein the dummy load is not heated by the microwave radiation that passes through the optically transparent material.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an object having the steps of providing a container with an exterior surface that has a microwave interactive layer and defines an interior space having an initial temperature. An object is then placed within the interior space of the container. Next, the microwave interactive layer is exposed to a first amount of microwaves so that the layer produces heat which raises the temperature within the interior space to a predetermined sterilization temperature. The predetermined sterilization temperature is then maintained within the interior space for an amount of time sufficient to sterilize the object.

Abstract: A microwave sterilization system including a microwave oven having a microwave source that produces microwave radiation. The oven encloses a first chamber and a second chamber. Each chamber has a pouch containing an object and is positioned therein so as to be exposed to the microwave radiation, wherein each pouch has an interior which contains the object corresponding to that pouch. The system further includes a sensor system for detecting the temperatures of said both interiors and produces signals representative of those temperatures. Those signals are sent to the microwave source so as to control the emission of microwave radiation from the microwave source.