Abstract: A system for applying microwave energy to a product in which a conveyor extends through a central portion of a cavity having a pair of opposing sidewalls. The conveyor is supported directly or indirectly by a plurality of support elements attached to and between the sidewalls. The system includes top and bottom waveguides directing microwave energy toward the conveyor, and provides for attachment blocks surrounding the support elements and fastened to a support sheet on which the conveyor is conveyed. Contact strips can be used to reduce conveyor friction.

Abstract: An exemplary method for protecting a microwave magnetron is disclosed provided by the steps of positioning one or more containers on a conveyer belt which passes through the microwave oven, where each container is holding a liquid. Exemplary embodiments also provide the steps of ramping up the magnetron while a container is passing through the microwave oven, positioning product for microwaving on the conveyer belt, and applying microwave energy to the product. A system for protecting a magnetron is also disclosed having a plurality of containers, each container holding a liquid and positioned atop the conveyer belt before placing a product for microwaving on the conveyer.

Abstract: An exemplary method for protecting a microwave magnetron is disclosed provided by the steps of positioning one or more containers on a conveyer belt which passes through the microwave oven, where each container is holding a liquid. Further comprising the steps of ramping up the magnetron while a container is passing through the microwave oven, positioning product for microwaving on the conveyer belt, and applying microwave energy to the product. A system for protecting a magnetron is also disclosed comprising a plurality of containers, each container holding a liquid and positioned atop the conveyer belt before placing a product for microwaving on the conveyer.

Abstract: A system for applying microwave energy to a product and having a first microwave oven, a relaxation tunnel connected to the first microwave oven, and a second microwave oven connected to the relaxation tunnel. The microwave ovens may have a cross-sectional area that is at least twice the size of the cross-sectional area of the relaxation tunnel. Generally, no microwave energy is applied to the product while travelling through the relaxation tunnel. Preferably, the product spends at least twice as much time within the relaxation tunnel as the first or second microwave ovens. The microwave ovens preferably apply the microwave energy directly to the product.

Abstract: A device for applying microwave energy to a product having a microwave cavity defined by a top wall, bottom wall, and opposing sidewalls. The central portion of the microwave cavity contains a conveyer for moving product through the microwave cavity. A waveguide passes through one of the walls of the microwave cavity and directs microwave energy through the mouth of the waveguide which is located in the central portion of the microwave cavity, near the conveyer. The microwave energy is applied directly to the product without the need for antennas, stirring devices, scattering devices, or diffusing devices.