Abstract: A microwave pizza maker including a metallic pan, a metallic cover, and a microwave transparent base for removably supporting the pan and cover in spaced overlap alignment forming a partial microwave choke between the side of the pan and a peripheral region of the cover. A layer containing ferrite particles is attached to the undersurface of the pan to absorb microwave energy and produce heat for conduction to the interior defined by the pan and the cover. The base has legs so that the pan is elevated at least an inch above the floor of the oven. The support surface for the pan consists of a plurality of protrusions or spacers to provide a small surface contact area to minimize heat transfer from the pan to the base. The spacers may be fabricated from a different material than the remainder of the base and connected thereto.

Abstract: An appliance for heating seeds, nuts, grains and the like such as popcorn kernels, for example, by means of microwave radiation, comprising a bowl which is transparent to microwave energy and which has in its lower region an area of restricted size for holding unheated seeds in a clump, the area of the bowl above the restricted area being larger to allow heated seeds to expand, and means for directing the microwave energy upon the clump of seeds.

Abstract: A two level turntable adapted for use in a microwave oven. The top level platform which may include a roasting rack is removably supported above the bottom level by a plurality of columns. The bottom level platform has a shaft that extends downwardly through an aperture in a microwave shielding enclosure to a motor. The motor components consisting of a coil spring and a braking mechanism are mounted in substantially the same horizontal plane to provide a relatively low vertical profile. Although the low profile is important when the bottom level platform is used by itself, it is even more important when the top level platform is mounted on top. The shielding enclosure which includes a pan shaped bottom has a downwardly bent lip from the lid to provide a low microwave field region adjacent to the connection of the pan and lid.

Abstract: A microwave egg cooking utensil having a microwave transparent container for water, a metal tray with at least one depression for holding the egg, and a metal lid. Both the tray and the lid are supported by a lip of the container such that there is a small gap between the outer perimeter edge of the tray and the inner surface of the lid. The combination of the tray and the lid provides substantial microwave shielding of the interior there defined; the separation of these metal parts prevents arcing therebetween. It is preferable that the edge of the tray be raised from the lip so that the small gap is not filled with condensation which would minimize the effect of the gap. The water in the container is heated to boiling by radiation of microwave energy. The steam heats the tray and the egg cooks by conduction rather than by microwave radiation.

Abstract: A microwave oven feed system having the output probe of the magnetron inserted directly into the microwave enclosure. A rotating feed structure positioned within the enclosure couples the microwave energy from the probe into a directive radiation pattern towards the food. The feed structure may be located in a well extending from the enclosure and separated from the processing cavity by a layer of microwave transparent material, the functions of the layer being to provide thermal isolation and to provide a protective covering for the feed structure. A microwave choke around the periphery of the well prevents leakage of microwave energy from the enclosure. The choke may be elevated from the floor of the cavity to prevent food drippings and spilled soups from running into the feed structure well.

Abstract: An expresso coffee maker for use in a microwave oven. The water is stored in a microwave transparent reservoir or container which is adjacent to the pot. The pot and reservoir are coupled in a fixed spacial relationship by a collar. The collar includes a strainer which presses against a layer of coffee grounds when the collar is rigidly secured to the reservoir. The compressed coffee grounds in combination with the strainer form a pressure resistant seal over the opening of the reservoir. The water in the reservoir is heated by microwave energy. The pressure rises to a level sufficient to force steam and water through the coffee grounds into the pot.

Abstract: A microwave heating appliance having a metallic member supporting a body comprising ferrite bonded to an outer surface of the metallic member with a grooved inner surface of the metallic member contacting a food body to be heated by thermal energy generated from microwave energy absorbed by the ferrite body and transferred through the metallic member to the food body. An additional metallic member forms a container for the food body, and adjacent peripheral areas of the two metallic members provide substantial microwave sealing between the two metallic members thereby substantially shielding the food body from the microwave energy when the appliance is placed in a microwave oven. Upper and lower surfaces of the interior of the appliance contain grooves to form corrugated surfaces which contact the food body and which permit juices produced by heating the food body to flow away from regions of contact between the corrugated surfaces and the food body.

Abstract: A microwave oven feed system having the output probe of the magnetron inserted directly into the microwave enclosure. A rotating feed structure positioned within the enclosure couples the microwave energy from the probe into a directive radiation pattern towards the food. The feed structure may be located in a well extending from the enclosure and separated from the processing cavity by a layer of microwave transparent material, the functions of the layer being to provide thermal isolation and to provide a protective covering for the feed structure. A microwave choke around the periphery of the well prevents leakage of microwave energy from the enclosure. The choke may be elevated from the floor of the cavity to prevent food drippings and spilled soups from running into the feed structure well.

Abstract: A utensil for steam cooking in a microwave oven. The bottom portion of the utensil is a microwave transparent dish in which water is placed. A metal pan having a plurality of holes in the bottom is supported in the dish in a fixed horizontal alignment with the bottom spaced above the water level. A tray for holding food is positioned in the pan; the tray may be inverted to provide a second support surface configuration. A metallic cover is supported by the dish and is thereby secured in a spaced overlap alignment with the pan to substantially provide a microwave choke therebetween. The water in the dish is heated by microwave energy to provide steam which passes through the holes into the cooking region. Substantially all of the available microwave energy is absorbed by the water as the food is shielded by the combination of the pan, cover, and the choke therebetween.