Abstract: Apparatus and method for popping high yield popcorn using a bag having a substantially rectangular cross section as manufactured using a conventional bag machine. A base supports the bag on edge with at least one joining panel being inclined such as, for example, at 45.degree.. Whether the bag is initially unfolded or unfolds as a result of internal pressure caused by some kernels popping, a horizontal elongated V-shaped trough is formed as the lower-most region of the bag due to the supporting orientation of the base. Kernels form in a clump in the nadir of the trough thereby enhancing the yield of the popping, and kernels disturbed from the clump by popping kernels are directed back to the clump by the inclined walls of the bag.

Abstract: A system for safely disposing of pathogenic waste materials. The waste material is disposed in a chamber and heated by forced hot air to temperatures above approximately 450.degree. F. to destroy harmful bacteria within several minutes. The high temperatures melt plastic waste materials. The harmless waste is cooled providing a solid block in which syringes and other sharp items are generally encased. The temperature within the chamber is continuously sensed and the operation of the apparatus is microprocessor controlled to adjust the process time in accordance with the load size. The microprocessor further stores the sensed temperature to provide verification that the waste has been exposed to sufficient temperatures and for a sufficient time to render such waste harmless.

Abstract: A seal for use in a microwave oven having a griddle feature. An aluminum plate having a Calrod heating element coupled thereto provides a griddle and is disposed in an aperture in the stainless steel floor of the microwave oven. The griddle has a lip extending over a peripheral portion of the floor adjacent to the aperture therein. A U-shaped clamp comprising a bracket and a fastener couples the griddle to the peripheral portion of the floor. More particularly, the fastener draws the griddle downwardly to engage the lip down on the peripheral portion of the floor. With this arrangement, a continuous metal-to-metal contact is provided between the lip of the griddle and the microwave oven floor to prevent leakage of microwave energy. Moreover, the griddle can expand and contract free of restriction by the steel floor to prevent buckling. A gasket may be disposed between the lip of the griddle and the peripheral portion of the floor to provide a liquid seal.

Abstract: A method for repairing voids such as potholes in asphalt pavement by mixing a lossy microwave material in the tack used for the tack layer. The asphalt patch used to fill the pothole is relatively non-lossy so that a substantial portion of microwave energy applied to the upper surface penetrates through the asphalt patch and is absorbed in the tack layer. The heating of the tack layer is enhanced to improve the interface bond between the asphalt patch and the surface of the pothole.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for chemically fixating a plurality of tissue specimens in a multimode microwave oven. The tissue specimens are loaded in respective cassettes and then placed in radial alignment in a circular container that is filled with a fixation solution. Selective microwave shields such as metal disks with central apertures are located above and below the container which is then rotated on a turntable while being exposed to microwave energy in the microwave oven cavity. The shields are selected to provide a substantially uniform microwave field within the region occupied by the cassettes so that all of the tissue specimens are consistently and uniformly fixated.

Abstract: An expansion thermostat adapted for regulating the temperature of a cooking surface. One end of the cooking surface is secured at one end of a container. Mounted to the other end of the container is a switch which controls the heat. When the cooking surface is heated, the cooking surface expands causing the other end of the cooking surface to release the switch. Releasing the switch turns off heat to the cooking surface. As the cooking surface cools, the switch is pressed. Pressing the switch turns on heat to the cooking surface. The heat to the cooking surface is thus cycled to provide a substantially constant cooking temperature.

Abstract: A combination bake oven/steamer/broiler cartridge for cooking food on a cooktop. A heat source is placed on a pan within a cooktop frame. A cartridge is placed over the heat source and inserted into the pan. The heating device warms the cartridge. The cartridge can be selectively configured as a bake oven, steamer or broiler. To configure a bake oven, an adjustable rack is placed in the cartridge to hold the food. A cover is then placed over the cartridge to contain heat. To configure a steamer, water is added to the bottom of the cartridge. A steaming pan is then placed in the cartridge. The cartridge is then covered. The water is then heated to make steam. By substituting a ceramic or glass container for the steaming pan, the steamer functions as a warming device. To configure a broiler, a special cover containing heating elements is placed over the adjustable rack.

Abstract: An expansion thermostat adapted for regulating the temperature of a cooking surface. One end of the cooking surface is secured at one end of a container. Mounted to the other end of the container is a switch which controls the heat. When the cooking surface is heated, the cooking surface expands causing the other end of the cooking surface to release the switch. Releasing the switch turns off heat to the cooking surface. As the cooking surface cools, the switch is pressed. Pressing the switch turns on heat to the cooking surface. The heat to the cooking surface is thus cycled to provide a substantially constant cooking temperature.

Abstract: A mixing attachment for stirring sauces, foods, mixtures or the like in a microwave oven. The mixing attachment includes a vertical mixing arm, a stationary blade attached to the bottom of the arm, and a cross beam, which is fastened to the top of the vertical mixing arm. The cross beam is secured to the walls within the microwave oven. One way to implement the mixer is to extend the arm downward into a cooking dish. The cooking dish contains food and rests on a turntable. When cooking food, the turntable rotates causing the food to be mixed by the stationary blade. In addition, the blade may be made to move up and down by the rotating turntable through a series of cams and a drive wheel.

Abstract: A mixing attachment for stirring sauces, foods, mixtures or the like in a microwave oven. The mixing attachment includes a vertical mixing arm, a stationary blade attached to the bottom of the arm, and a cross beam, which is fastened to the top of the vertical mixing arm. The cross beam is secured to the walls within the microwave oven. One way to implement the mixer is to extend the arm downward into a cooking dish. The cooking dish contains food and rests on a turnable. When cooking food, the turntable rotates causing the food to be mixed by the stationary blade. In addition, the blade may be made to move up and down by the rotating turntable through a series of cams and a drive wheel.

Abstract: A microwave oven adapted for under-counter use that eliminates many of the disadvantages of prior microwave ovens. A bottom member and transparent canopy shaped top member or cover from a microwave conductive cavity viewable from three or more sides. The bottom and top members may be hinged or slidably connected to provide maximum cavity access for food insertion. By mounting the oven on slides in a kitchen cabinet, drawer, or appliance enclosure, the oven is kept out of sight and out of the way when not in use but quickly available when needed. Lighting, venting, and viewing of the cavity and its contents is simpler, safer, easy and efficient.

Abstract: A utensil for supporting microwave heatable material in a microwave oven is provided with a microwave responsive illuminator including a light source connected to a suitable antenna for receiving microwave energy and directing it to the light source. The oven has an energy distributor disposed for varying localized field intensities of microwave energy in the oven to promote uniform cooking of the heatable material. When the localized field intensity of the microwave energy adjacent the antenna rises periodically above a predetermined value, the antenna receives sufficient energy to cause illumination of the light source. When the localized field intensity falls below the predetermined value, the antenna receives insufficient energy for maintaining the illumination and the light source is extinguished. Thus, the energy distributor, in addition to promoting uniform cooking of the heatable material, also causes intermittent illumination or flashing of the light source to enhance attractiveness of the utensil.

Abstract: A covered microwave cooking vessel or cake/bread baker for browning a food body. A microwave absorbing material, comprising separated layers of ferrite, absorbs microwave energy to provide heat for heating the food body by conduction, thermal radiation and convection. The cover and bottom of the cooking vessel may also be used as individual browning utensils.

Abstract: An electric oven including a broiler having a concentrator or reflector for providing more effective and efficient broiling. The broiling element is recessed into a downward facing trough of the aluminized steel concentrator. The broiling element has a plurality of parallel segments interconnected by curved end segments, and the shape of the trough is conforming. In operation, energy that would otherwise radiate to the cavity ceiling and side walls impinges the trough. A portion of the impinging energy is reflected downwards towards the food and another portion is absorbed by the concentrator causing it to heat and thereby become a source of thermal energy for the food.

Abstract: A utensil for cooking or baking in a microwave oven. The utensil includes a partitioned tray and cover which are held in substantially fixed horizontal alignment by a microwave transparent base. The tray and cover are metallic and shield the interior there defined from microwave energy. A ferrite layer on the underside of the tray absorbs microwave energy to provide heat which conducts through the tray to the cooking compartments. The utensil can be used to fry and bake different foods simultaneous without intermixing the respective juices. Apertures in the cover provide for the escape of steam from the interior of the utensil.