Abstract: A rain detection device for sensing rain drops on a surface includes at least one sensor unit and at least one evaluation unit. The sensor unit includes at least one capacitive sensor element. The sensor element is configured such that a capacitance characteristic of the sensor element changes based on an object contacting the surface. The evaluation unit is configured to detect rain drops on the surface based on a differential signal of the sensor element. The evaluation unit is configured to detect a rain drop on the surface based on a symmetry characteristic of the differential signal with respect to a zero point.

Abstract: A rain detection device for sensing rain drops on a surface includes at least one sensor unit and at least one evaluation unit. The sensor unit includes at least one capacitive sensor element. The sensor element is configured such that a capacitance characteristic of the sensor element changes based on an object contacting the surface. The evaluation unit is configured to detect rain drops on the surface based on a differential signal of the sensor element. The evaluation unit is configured to detect a rain drop on the surface based on a symmetry characteristic of the differential signal with respect to a zero point.

Abstract: A laminate structure includes a base layer, a thermally stable adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the base layer, and a thermally stable film overlying the base layer and the adhesive. The thermally stable film and the thermally stable adhesive are configured such that the laminate structure substantially resists deformation at a temperature of about 400° F. (204° C.) and above.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct that includes a bottom and upstanding side walls formed from a first pair of opposing side walls and a second pair of opposing side walls. The first pair of opposing side walls being substantially parallel and the second pair of opposing side walls being substantially parallel. The first pair of opposing side walls being connected to the second pair of opposing side walls along corners to form a continuous upper surface above the bottom. The construct includes at least one raised surface disposed above the bottom with the at least one raised surface being defined by an upper surface that slopes downwardly to the bottom. The construct can be packaged with a pad and a product to be heated under a film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting defects in susceptors of microwave food containers during production of such containers. The method comprises the steps of advancing the microwave food containers in a downstream direction along a processing path; subjecting each microwave food container as it moves along the processing path to microwave radiation sufficient to heat the susceptors of the container without destroying the susceptors of the container; obtaining an image preferably in the infrared spectrum of the heated susceptors of each container; determining if the image is indicative of a defect in the susceptors of each container; and removing from the processing path containers that are indicated to have defective susceptors. The apparatus includes a conveyor that moves containers through a first microwave absorbing cavity, a resonator cavity wherein containers are subjected to microwave energy, and a second microwave absorbing cavity wherein an image of each container is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting defects in susceptors of microwave food containers during production of such containers. The method comprises the steps of advancing the microwave food containers in a downstream direction along a processing path; subjecting each microwave food container as it moves along the processing path to microwave radiation sufficient to heat the susceptors of the container without destroying the susceptors of the container; obtaining an image preferably in the infrared spectrum of the heated susceptors of each container; determining if the image is indicative of a defect in the susceptors of each container; and removing from the processing path containers that are indicated to have defective susceptors. The apparatus includes a conveyor that moves containers through a first microwave absorbing cavity, a resonator cavity wherein containers are subjected to microwave energy, and a second microwave absorbing cavity wherein an image of each container is obtained.

Abstract: A two-color radiation detector includes a mesa-type multi-layered mercury-cadmium-telluride detector structure monolithically integrated on a substrate. The detector is responsive to two discrete wavelength ranges separated by a wavelength range to which the detector is not responsive. The detector further includes two contact points deposited on the layer disposed furthest away from the entry point of the radiation, the contact points being isolated with respect to each other by a trench disposed within the layer.