Abstract: A microwavable dish having a body with a microwave-absorbing coating. A bottom of the microwavable dish or the microwave-absorbing coating defines or includes a dome portion. The microwave-absorbing coating can be coupled to or formed with the bottom of the microwavable dish. The microwave-absorbing coating provides heat to the body by transforming microwaves to heat. The microwave-absorbing coating can include a plurality of nubs, where each nub has a height and a nub diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a directional coupler having a coupler, a forward resistive attenuator, a reflected resistive attenuator, a forward compensation capacitor, and a reflected compensation capacitor. A forward coupler side arm and reflected coupler side arm of the coupler are configured to obtain a sample of forward energy and a sample of reflected energy from the coupler transmission line section. The forward resistive attenuator and reflected resistive attenuator are configured to attenuate the sample of forward energy and the sample of reflected energy. The forward compensation capacitor and the reflected compensation capacitor are configured to receive the attenuated sample of forward energy and the attenuated sample of reflected energy and produce a frequency-compensated sample of forward energy and a frequency-compensated sample of reflected energy.

Abstract: Heating systems utilizing radio frequency (RF) energy and methods for using the same to rapidly and uniformly heat packaged articles moving through the system on one or more convey lines. These systems may be useful for a variety of processes, including the pasteurization or sterilization of packaged foodstuffs.

Abstract: A package is configured for heating a food in a solid state microwave oven, and a method heats a food in a solid state microwave oven. Particularly, the package comprises includes a tray and a susceptor, and a thermal insulation is positioned between the susceptor and a food to be placed in the tray.

Abstract: A steam-releasing pouch includes two laminated sheets forming an accommodation compartment that accommodates a content, a sealing portion that seals the two sheets to form an opening that opens part of the accommodation compartment, and a steam-releasing sealing portion formed in the sealing portion to open as pressure of the accommodation compartment increases in a state in which the opening is sealed. The steam-releasing sealing portion includes a first sealant layer having at least a first base layer that faces the accommodation compartment and a second base layer laminated with the first base layer and a second sealant layer having at least a third base layer that faces the accommodation compartment and a fourth base layer laminated with the third base layer. The first base layer and the third base layer are joined together.

Abstract: A packing member having a structure capable of reliably extinguishing a fire generated in a cooking apparatus and a cooking apparatus having the packing member are provided. The packing member for packing components of a cooking apparatus includes a flange formed by bending at least one side thereof. The flange is provided to cover at least a portion of an inlet formed at one side of the cooking apparatus to allow external air to be introduced into the cooking apparatus when the packing member is received in the cooking apparatus or at least a portion of an outlet formed to allow air in the cooking apparatus to be discharged.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is disclosed. The heating apparatus comprises a cavity comprising a ceiling and a bottom support plate. The cavity is arranged to receive a food load. The apparatus further comprises at least one microwave supply system configured to supply microwaves at the cavity bottom. The at least one microwave supply system comprises at least one microwave source and at least one antenna arranged below the bottom support plate. The apparatus further comprises a heat element and a crisp plate. The heat element is connected proximate the ceiling and extends substantially over a ceiling area formed by the ceiling. The crisp plate is disposed in the cavity and vertically spaced from the bottom support plate by a rack.

Abstract: An oven includes a cooking chamber configured to receive a food product and an RF heating system configured to provide RF energy into the cooking chamber using solid state electronic components. The cooking chamber is defined at least in part by a top wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The solid state electronic components include power amplifier electronics configured to provide the RF energy into the cooking chamber via a launcher assembly operably coupled to the cooking chamber via a waveguide assembly. The waveguide assembly includes a waveguide extending along at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall to provide the RF energy into the cooking chamber through a radiation opening provided at the at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. The launcher assembly includes a launcher disposed proximate to a first end of the waveguide and the radiation opening is disposed proximate to a second end of the waveguide.

Abstract: A stackable microwave covers including a first food cover that includes a top wall for supporting a first food item and having a particular shape that has a first area, one or more side walls slanted at an outward angle from beneath the top wall, wherein a top of the one or more side walls defines a second area that is smaller than the first area, wherein a bottom edge of the one or more side walls defines a substantially similar shape to the particular shape of the top wall and has a third area greater than the second area and less than the first area, and wherein the top wall and the one or more side walls form a first cavity for positioning a second food item.

Abstract: A method of cooking food arranged in a sealed package including a one-way valve that opens at an overpressure of 20-200 mbar, including: heating the sealed package in an oven at approximately atmospheric pressure for a first time period; and after the first time period, subjecting the package to a sub-atmospheric pressure such that gas leaves the sealed package through the valve.

Abstract: A laminated film including: an inner layer which is formed of a linear low density polyethylene resin and is heat-sealable; an outer layer which is laminated on the inner layer; a fragile processed portion which is formed by laser irradiation to the outer layer and has a depth reaching at least an inside of the outer layer and not penetrating the inner layer; and an intermediate layer which is provided between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the intermediate layer is an ink layer for reducing a lamination strength between the inner layer and the outer layer, and is formed in a region excluding the fragile processed portion and excluding a periphery of the fragile processed portion in planar view.

Abstract: An outer portion of one or more layers of microwave interactive material, which is for becoming hot when exposed to microwave energy, is arranged in a manner that seeks to advantageously control heating, so that the outer portion of the microwave interactive material can safely be adjacent the periphery of a turntable tray. The turntable tray can be heated by the microwave interactive material so that a peak thermally induced stress occurs in the turntable tray at a position proximate the periphery of the tray. The layer(s) of microwave interactive material are configured in a manner so that the peak thermally induced stress is less than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A packaging bag (10) for microwave ovens has a tube part (13) formed from a pair of resin film parts (11, 12) that each include a base material layer (21), a heat seal layer (23), and an intermediate layer (22) provided between the base material layer (21) and the heat seal layer (23) and are disposed to face each other such that the heat seal layer (23) becomes an inside thereof. At least one of the pair of resin film parts (11, 12) includes cutting lines (L1, L2, L3, L4), a temporarily fixed seal part (S), and an easy peeling part (S1), and the temporarily fixed seal part (S) is located at the easy peeling part (S1).

Abstract: A bowl is provided for cooking pasta in a microwave in a simple high quality fashion. The bowl includes a reservoir with a floor and at least one wall extending up from the floor to a rim. Handles optionally extend laterally from opposite sides of the rim in a generally horizontal direction. A water line is provided on the at least one wall which is visible to a user. An optional pasta line is also provided beneath the water line. Pasta is provided from a package of pasta and flavorant with the bowl sized to match the amount of pasta in this package. Water is provided up to the water line. The bowl is then placed within a microwave and heated for a predetermined amount of time, preferably with a pause for stirring during this predetermined amount of time. The flavorant from the package is then added to the pasta.

Abstract: Multicore electric wires 31 for connecting an operation key sheet 4a and a control section of an oven body are loosely inserted into a hinge shaft 5b in a cylindrical shape and a door pipe 30 in a cylindrical shape having a length exceeding a half of the height of a door 2, and the door pipe 30 guides the electric wires 31 along the axial direction of the hinge shaft 5b. When the door 2 is opened/closed, torsional stress caused in the electric wires 31 are dispersed over the electric wires 31 disposed correspondingly to the length of the door pipe 30.

Abstract: An oven which runs on a 20 ampere single phase electrical service includes a cooking chamber comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, at least one microwave generator, at least one set of nozzles, tubes or apertures disposed above a food product disposed within the oven, at least one blower having an RPM in the range between about 3000 to about 4000 at 100 percent velocity, wherein the blower circulates at least a portion of gas from the nozzles, tubes or apertures into the cooking chamber substantially toward the food product and back to the nozzles, tubes or apertures, and a thermal energy source that heats the gas, wherein the heated gas at or near the food product disposed in the cooking chamber exhibits a flow rate of at least about 150 CFM.

Abstract: A snack holder includes a generally frustoconical or cone shaped upper cup section and a frustoconical or cone shaped lower support section with the upper section having a circular lower base panel in opposed relation to and adhesively attached to a circular top support panel of the lower support section and wherein the radius of the upper section lower base panel has a greater radius than the circular top support panel of the lower section.

Abstract: Processes for making healthful tortilla-based products in microwave ovens allow production of crisply finished products having one-fifth of the oil of those fried in oil. Likewise, a plastic composition that is suitable for supporting or holding food during warming in a microwave oven is taught which is manufactured, for example, with FDA compliant and non-leaching materials such as polymethylpentene, glass fiber, and talc, as the major or sole ingredients. Minor ingredients, such as a dye, can also be included in the manufacture of the composition, without Bispehnol A, nor any other non-FDA-approved for food contact additives needed to optimize gustatory and textural aspects of the products. Various shapes, sizes, and configurations are offered for consideration.

Abstract: Provided is an infrared radiation cooker in which heat from an infrared lamp is directly applied onto food being grilled, to thus cook the upper and inner parts of the food, as well as onto a rotatable pan, to thus simultaneously cook the lower part of the food. As a result, the food cooks evenly throughout without burning or creating residual odors from above to below as well as from outer to inner, and further the rotatable pan of respectively different structures can be selected depending on an intended cooking purpose, to thereby adjust height of the rotatable pan, which changes a heat intensity, to thus vary a cooking style, and which can be used to boil, grill or roast foods as one would like.

Abstract: The present invention provides food products, nutritional programs, and methods for meeting nutritional needs of subjects with dementia and related cognitive disorders. In one embodiment, the invention provides a food product comprising a reversibly sealed container and a soup, wherein the soup is in the container and comprises a total volume of 200-2000 mls, a vegetable or meat component, 300 to 2500 calories, a macronutrient caloric distribution comprising: 20-80% fat, 10-45% protein, and 10-65% carbohydrate, about 2% to about 40% medium chain triglycerides, omega 3 fatty acids in an amount of 100 to 2000 mg and less than 20 solid food particles having a volume greater than about 20 cm3.

Abstract: Provided is a packaging pouch for a microwave oven, provided with a steam releasing seal portion having a weakened portion, in which no clogging occurs in the steam releasing seal portion at the time of heat-cooking in a microwave oven, and any clogging occurred can be automatically eliminated. In the present invention, hermetic sealing is effected through heat sealing of a plastic film, and at least one steam releasing seal portion having a weakened portion is provided, with a width of the weakened portion gradually increasing from a forward end portion thereof to be opened toward a rear end portion thereof.

Abstract: A microwave cooking apparatus (10) is provided for cooking papadums in a microwave oven. The cooking apparatus (10) has a base (12), a plurality of dividers (14) and one or more spacer members (16). The base (12) is adapted to receive a plurality of uncooked papadums arranged in a generally upright orientation relative to an upper surface (18) of the base (12). The dividers (14) are provided on the upper surface (18) of the base (12) and are arranged parallel to one another in a row, so as to receive one papadum between each pair of adjacent dividers (14) in the row. The spacer members (16) project from the dividers (14) and are adapted to keep adjacent papadums in the row spaced from one another.

Abstract: A package for combined steam and microwave heating of food, wherein the package may include microwave energy interactive materials (“MEIMs”) configured for providing rapid, simultaneous microwave and steam cooking in a domestic microwave oven. The MEIMs may be configured for controlling the heating pattern within the package and to control volumetric heating of food in the package. The MEIMs may include one or more of a susceptor, shield, and/or resonating patch antenna. The package may be paper-based, or it may be manufactured of any other suitable material. One or more of the different sections of the package may comprise separate chambers respectively for the steam source and the food to be steamed, so that the steam source and the food to be steamed are separated from one another during manufacturing, storage, and cooking.

Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs may include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive heating sheet includes at least two layers of microwave energy interactive insulating material joined to one another, where each layer includes microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer, a support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, and a second polymer film layer joined to the support layer in a predetermined pattern, so that a plurality of expandable cells are defined between the support layer and the second polymer film layer. The expandable cells are operative for inflating upon sufficient exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a fabric cover for covering objects in a microwave. In an exemplary embodiment, the fabric cover is a fitted fabric cover (preferably made from organic or natural cotton material) that has a drawstring that can be used to secure the cover over a microwavable item. The fabric cover for microwave allows for food to be heated and keeps the microwave clean by covering the food and preventing it from splattering the inside of the microwave.

Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate for a microwavable package has a built-in vent for steam. The vent is formed by an outer score line through the outer layer(s) of the laminate to define an outer flap, and a smaller-footprint inner score line formed through the inner layer(s) of the laminate, so that there is a marginal region of U- or V-shape bounded between the two score lines. A patch of pressure-sensitive adhesive is disposed between the outer and inner structures of the laminate such that PSA is present in the marginal region. Pressure exerted on the inner flap or plug created by the inner score line overcomes the PSA between the outer flap and the inner structure in the marginal region, causing the outer flap to be pushed out along with the inner flap or plug, thereby venting steam through the resulting opening.

Abstract: A container includes a microwave interactive web at least partially overlying and joined to a three-dimensional support, wherein the three-dimensional support may be formed prior to having the microwave interactive web mounted thereto. The three-dimensional support may be a preformed container that is sufficiently rigid and dimensionally stable for use in containing food.

Abstract: A baking oven for producing baked molded products. The baking oven has an input station, a baking area and an output station. In addition, the oven has baking plates, which are arranged along a circulation path passing through the baking area, and a conveying device for the baking plates. The baking plates are in the form of susceptor plates, which can be heated inductively without contact. An induction heating device is provided in the baking area. This device includes at least one elongated inductor, which is arranged parallel to the circulation path of the baking plates and extends along the circulation path over a plurality of susceptor plates. The elongated inductor produces a large-area, broad magnetic field, which simultaneously inductively heats a plurality of baking plates in the form of susceptor plates without any contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food products on both sides which has a food-support surface that is transparent to both microwave and infrared radiation, an electric heating device, and a microwave generator. The microwave generator is connected to a waveguide cavity for irradiating the food products. The apparatus also has a food-contact heating surface that, together with the food-support surface, forms a cooking chamber capable of retaining the microwaves inside. The electric heating device has a shielded resistor with the external shield electrically connected to ground. The apparatus has a partition element made of thermal-insulating and microwave-transparent material, a portion of which is below the shielded resistor to separate the resistor from the microwave generator. The waveguide cavity has a microwave launch aperture underneath the partition element.

Abstract: A packaging device allowing for the distribution, storage and cooking of various food products, such as perishable or frozen food product(s). The packaging device includes a plurality of micro-perforations that may promote the extended shelf-life of the perishable food product and the maintenance of the quality of the perishable food product or be configured to maintain the integrity of a frozen food product. The packaging device also includes a venting system that allows the cooking of the perishable or frozen food products within the packaging device.

Abstract: A travel mug that is made of metal materials and can be used for microwave oven, including a container having a double-layered structure with an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell and said outer shell are joined by a joint in such a way that a cavity is provided therebetween, and a heat transfer medium is filled to at least part of said cavity. A microwave-heating plate is provided between the inner and outer shells. A handle is formed on one side of said outer shell. A pressure release device is provided at one side of said outer shell.

Abstract: A radio frequency heater is disclosed including a vessel for containing material to be heated and a radio frequency radiating surface. The vessel has a wall defining a reservoir. The radio frequency radiating surface at least partially surrounds the reservoir. The radiating surface includes two or more circumferentially spaced petals that are electrically isolated from other petals. The petals are positioned to irradiate at least a portion of the reservoir, and are adapted for connection to a source of radio frequency alternating current. A generally conical tank or tank segment having a conically wound radio frequency applicator is also contemplated. Also, a method of heating an oil-water process stream is disclosed. In this method a radio frequency heater and an oil-water process stream are provided. The process stream is irradiated with the heater, thus heating the water phase of the process stream.

Abstract: A cover for covering an opening of a container for a food stuff includes a substantially flat cover body including at least one aperture and at least one substantially flat flap. The at least one flap includes a linear proximal end configured to connect with the cover body and allow the at least one flap to rotate with respect to the cover body. A lower surface of the at least one flap includes a protrusion configured to close the at least one aperture when the at least one flap is at a first position in which the at least one flap is in parallel with the cover body. The cover body and the at least one flap are integrally formed by a co-injection molding. The container and cover are suitable for heating a food stuff in a microwave.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is provided. The preferred package includes a flexible bag construction reinforced with a sidewall construction. The package is such that the flexible bag construction and the sidewall construction are selectively expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. After the package is opened, the sidewall construction provides for a rigid sidewall to provide a stand up bowl for access to the popped popcorn.

Abstract: A food package kit including a plurality of trays having a bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom and terminating at a top end, and a flange extending from the sidewall opposite the bottom, the flange includes a rim section configured to receive a sealing film, and a recessed section extending from the rim section, wherein each of the opposed longitudinal edges intersect with a lateral edge at a corner, wherein the kit also includes a sleeve adapted to contain the trays completely therein, the sleeve including a sleeve top, a first depending sleeve side, and a second depending sleeve side and a sleeve bottom, wherein the tray is completely disposed within the sleeve by frictional force between the tray and the sleeve.

Abstract: A raised platform for microwave cooking of a food product includes legs that extend to elevate a food product support surface above the floor of a microwave oven during cooking. At least one fold line extends across the food product support surface about which the food product support surface and any food product thereon can be folded. Susceptor material of the food product support surface is disposed on both sides of a fold region of the support surface and extends on both sides of the at least one fold line. The fold region is substantially free from the susceptor material allowing a food product heated on the food product surface to remain flexible to permit folding of the food product with reduced cracking or breaking. The raised platform may further include a second susceptor material disposed on a bottom surface of the food product support surface.

Abstract: The package bag for microwave cooking includes: a back seal portion formed by heat-sealing a pair of edges of a resin sheet which are opposed to each other; and edge seal portions formed by heat-sealing edges of the resin sheet so as to intersect with the back seal portion. The resin sheet includes a base material and a heat-seal layer provided on one surface of the base material, and the back seal portion is provided with an opening start portion used to tear the resin sheet. In the resin sheet, at least one opening auxiliary portion formed by linearly cutting the base material is provided on each of both sides of the back seal portion, and the opening auxiliary portion is disposed in a position to which a tear caused in the resin sheet when the package bag is opened from the opening start portion proceeds.

Abstract: Microwaveable popcorn arrangements are provided, the arrangement being a bag having a popcorn charge of popcorn kernels and oil/fat component therein. The arrangements include folded bags having preferred, internal, seal and/or adhesive field configurations. The preferred configurations inhibit the undesired flow of oil/fat from the popcorn charge. Microwave popcorn products and methods of preparation and use, are provided.

Abstract: A cooking utensil is made of low thermal expansion glass such as Pyrex. The utensil has a bottom bowl, a top lid and a cooking plate. The bottom bowl has partitions defining cooking spaces and a central collection compartment, all of which are integral to the bowl and are made of the same material. A cooking plate rests on the top surfaces of the partitions and has a central through-hole. Food is placed on the plate. A lid covers the bowl and the plate. As the food is cooked, fats drip down through the central hole into the collection compartment. The cooking spaces may also contain food for cooking.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure includes a layer of indium tin oxide, which may be supported on a microwave energy transparent substrate. In one embodiment, the microwave energy interactive structure may have at least one of an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 0.05 cc/m2/day and a water vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.09 g/m2/day.

Abstract: A food press utensil is disclosed that varies incrementally as needed a weight of the utensil for pressing and cooking different food items on a cooking surface, wherein weight adjustment of the food press, by stacking of a plurality of food presses or other compatible weights, results in even heat distribution on the food to allow for uniform cooking and browning. The food press further can comprise a plurality of apertures through the body of the food press, to allow steam to vent and thus to prevent the food from becoming soggy as it cooks. The food press also can be made to accommodate a surface area of the food that exceeds a surface area of the food press, and thus can be used in any pan or griddle. The invention further can comprise a scraper surface to effect debris removal and preparation of the food cooking surface.

Abstract: Microwavable bags can include one or more seals formed by a cold seal adhesive. The one or more seals can prevent egress of liquid oil from the bag.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a plurality of heating regions including a first heating region and a second heating region, the first heating region comprising a first layer of microwave energy interactive material, and the second heating region comprising the first layer of microwave energy interactive material and a second layer of microwave energy interactive material, wherein the second heating region is operative for heating, browning, and/or crisping an adjacent food item to a greater extent than the first heating region.

Abstract: Various blanks and constructs formed therefrom are provided. The various constructs include features for supporting a food item at an elevated position to enhance the heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A cheesecake pan system having a bottom plate, a pan rim having a side wall and a hollow center, a lip on an inner surface, the bottom plate temporarily rests atop the lip, a water base having a bottom surface and a side wall that together form an enclosure for holding water, the side wall has a top and bottom edge, a locking means allow the water base and the pan rim to engage each other, a vapor hole in the side wall, a vacuum mount base removably attached to the bottom edge of the side wall a distance below the bottom surface of the water base, the bottom surface, the side wall, and the vacuum mount base together form a bottom cavity, and a vacuum locking means to secure the vacuum mount base to the water base.

Abstract: Multi-purpose food preparation kits for foods which include dough, at least a portion of which is exposed for cooking, browning, and crisping, and optionally rising. The kits include a support base of susceptor material elevated above a support surface by an elevator member either incorporated with a base or separate therefrom. Kits further include a ring component of susceptor material which surrounds the food product, and which is dimensioned larger than the initial dimensions of the food product, so as to be spaced therefrom, at least initially, prior to cooking The space inside the ring component allows the dough to rise during cooking without obstruction by the susceptor ring and without imparting thermal energy from the susceptor ring to the dough surface. In one embodiment the susceptor base it provided in the form of a shipping carton.

Abstract: A conveyor oven having an oven chamber with a single opening by which a food product enters and exits on a conveyor belt that is reversibly driven to convey the food product in and out of the oven chamber in a reciprocating manner. Also, the food is conveyed to a cooking position in an oscillating range within the oven chamber and then moved back and forth in the cooking range in an oscillatory manner within the oscillating range so as to prevent burning that would otherwise occur if left stationary.

Abstract: A method of making a microwave energy interactive structure includes plasma treating the surface of a polymer film with an inert gas at a plasma treatment energy per unit surface area of the film of from about 0.005 J/cm2 to about 0.2 J/cm2 to reduce the apparent surface roughness of film the polymer film, and depositing a layer of microwave energy interactive material onto the plasma treated surface of the film.

Abstract: A meal kit for microwave cooking of a multi-component food product is provided that includes at least two sealed packages of ingredients for the multi-component food product. One of the sealed packages of ingredients contains a liquid component of the multi-component food product. The meal kit also includes a cooking tray formed of a microwave-safe material having a bottom wall with an upstanding sidewall extending around the periphery thereof to define an interior of the cooking tray. Outer packaging is provided to contain the sealed packages of ingredients and the cooking tray.