Abstract: A microwave oven includes a heating cavity, a tray for supporting foodstuff to be heated inside the cavity, a driver including a motor and a shaft protruding into the cavity for moving the tray along a predetermined pattern, and a supporting frame with rollers interposed between the bottom of the heating cavity and the tray. The supporting frame comprises a first group of rollers adapted to be guided on the bottom of the heating cavity along a first direction, and a second group of rollers adapted to be guided on a lower surface of the tray along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, so that the overall movement of the tray is an orbital movement.

Abstract: A microwave susceptor system for efficiently cooking food in a microwave. The microwave susceptor system includes a base positionable in a microwave, a first platform including a plurality of first openings, wherein the first platform is attached to the base and a second platform including a plurality of second openings, wherein the second platform is attached to an opposite end of the base. An outer surface of the base, first platform and second platform are comprised of a heat collecting material and a food item is positioned upon the first platform and the second platform.

Abstract: A method for heating a meal in a closed cooking appliance which is mounted in an elevated manner. Said elevated cooking appliance comprises at least one muffle which comprises a muffle opening and which defines a cooking area, a base door which closes the muffle opening and a ceramic hob which is arranged in the base door. Said method comprises the following steps: (a) at least one meal is placed on the ceramic hob, without cooking utensils, when the cooking appliance, which is mounted in an elevated manner, is in the open state, (b) the elevated cooking appliance is closed and (c) the at least one meal is heated at least by contact heat from the heated ceramic hob when the elevated cooking appliance is in the closed state.

Abstract: Monomode electromagnetic radiation is generated in an irradiation zone. A disc-shaped product to be treated is held vertically in a carriage and is moved translationally into the irradiation zone. Upstream, infrared lights subject the product to infrared radiation. Thus, the product is very rapidly defrosted.

Abstract: A package for microwave heating is provided. The package comprises a packaging film including an outer structural film having at least one set of perforations therethrough, and, an inner heat sealable film capable of being hermetically sealed to itself to form an inner package volume having no perforations therethrough that would create an aperture path through the packaging film. Typically, a non-release, heat and water stable, adhesive region is provided between the outer structural film and the inner heat sealable film. A packaging film, methods of formation of the packaging film, packages, and methods of use of the packages, are also described.

Abstract: A product developed for the purpose of cooking food in a microwave oven. A microwave food-container includes metal particles in a matrix. The composition of the present invention is essentially invisible to microwave radiation but is efficient as a reflector of IR radiation. This promotes higher heat to be generated, which is more evenly applied within a container by reflecting IR energy back toward the food product while allowing microwave radiation to penetrate the container to aid in the cooking process. Such packaging for microwave use allows for efficient, thorough cooking of frozen, raw, and raw-frozen foods.

Abstract: A microwave cooking appliance includes first and second side mounted microwave systems, each including an associated antenna. Drive structure is provided to establish an oscillating operation for each of the antennae, wherein the angles through which the antennae rotate are configured to assure that the cooking appliance operates in favorable mode patterns. In accordance with the invention, the antenna preferably only oscillates through less than or equal to 180° and, most preferably, approximately 150°.

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: Apparatus for cooking food products on both sides thereof, including a base member (2) associated to a bottom heating surface (3) adapted to support food products to be cooked, an upper member (4) associated to a top heating surface (5) and joined in an articulated manner to the base member (2) so that, when the upper member (4) is displaced towards the base member (2), the top heating surface (5) comes to lie opposite to the bottom heating surface (3) so as to enclose the food products therebetween. The upper member (4) is adapted to close in onto the base member (2) so as to form a cooking cavity (6) containing the heating surfaces (3, 5), wherein the cooking cavity (6) defines a radiation shield capable of retaining the microwaves inside the cooking cavity (6) itself.

Abstract: A microwavable cooking container assembly has a bottom wall and a top rim spaced apart by a sidewalls. The container also has a notch, a gate with a steam aperture and a projection for mating within the notch. A film cover is attached to the top rim over the gate and has a fill aperture in communication with the container. The gate is moveable between a blocking position and a fill position for passing cooking ingredients through the fill aperture past the gate into the container. In another embodiment, a lid mates with the top rim and has a handle for gripping and a sealing rib for mating with the ledge seat on the top rim. The lid has a steam aperture for controllably releasing stem to create a pressure cooking environment within the container for cooking food in a microwave.

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 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: The present invention relates to a browning accessory for use in a microwave oven, for substantially simultaneous microwave cooking and browning or crusting of a food item. The browning accessory includes a microwave absorbing material operative to convert microwave energy into thermal energy and having its underside uncovered, thereby being accessible to airflow inside the microwave oven, and an outer enclosure having a skirt portion extending downwards below the microwave absorbing material to reduce convection cooling of the microwave absorbing material during use of the accessory.

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: Apparatus for cooking food products on both sides thereof, comprising a base member associated to a bottom heating surface, a first electric heating element located between the base member and the bottom heating surface, an upper movable member associated to a top heating surface, a second electric heating element located between said upper member and said top heating surface, and one or more microwave generators housed in the base member; when said upper member is lowered, the top heating surface comes to lie opposite to the bottom heating surface so as to form a cooking cavity therebetween. Said first electric heating element is separated from the bottom heating surface by a hollow space and the microwave generator is placed in such position, with the use of appropriate wave-guide means, as to allow the microwaves issuing therefrom to propagate towards said hollow space and, eventually, towards the bottom surface of said bottom heating surface.

Abstract: A microwave grill for converting microwave energy to heat and applying the heat to a grillable food or other grillable substance. The microwave grill a cover and a base that each have a grill element and an enclosure. The grill element includes a microwave absorbent material and a grilling surface that are in thermal communication with each other. The enclosure is attached to the grill element. The enclosure is fabricated from a microwave transparent material possessing a low heat transfer rate. The first enclosure substantially extends over the first microwave absorbent material. A hinge mechanism operably attaches the cover and the base. An offset bump extends from at least one of the enclosures to maintain the cover and the base in a first spaced-apart configuration when the cover and the base are in a closed configuration.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven, comprises a plurality of layers including a layer of microwave energy interactive material and a substantially continuous tie layer. The tie layer comprises a thermoplastic material. Upon sufficient exposure to microwave energy, the tie layer softens and allows the adjacent layers to separate from one another to define a void between the respective layers.

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 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 disposable microwave food shield for preventing splatter of food onto the interior surfaces of microwave ovens made from absorbent, yet rigid paper material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave oven including a food-cooking enclosure, the electromagnetic energy of which is supplied by a set of two to four magnetrons (5, 6, 7) mounted on an enclosure wall, the magnetrons communicating with waveguides (55, 65, 75) which are in communication with the oven enclosure. The magnetrons are individually air-cooled and the air is then discharged to the outside via a discharge conduit. The invention is characterised in that the discharge conduits open out into a common calming chamber before discharge to the outside.

Abstract: The microwave oven of the invention comprises a food-cooking cavity, microwave-generating means, at least one microwave adapter plate (34), at least one plate support (17) mounted removably on a cavity wall, characterised in that the adapter plate (34) is fixed to the plate support (17). Thus there is a simple and inexpensive system allowing easy cleaning of the cavity walls and of the adapter plate or plates, while not impairing proper positioning and operation of the latter.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking cavity, a door, an input selection device provided on an exterior of the door, and a control panel provided in the door and operably coupled to the input selection device. The input selection device may include buttons which are illuminated by a light source provided with the control panel. A guide may be positioned between the control panel and the input selection device to guide the light generated by the light source to the input selection device and concentrate light on the buttons to illuminate the buttons. In this manner, the cooking apparatus may include a selection device on its door including buttons that are effectively illuminated.

Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A microwave heating system utilizes a microwave energy generator to provide microwave energy through wave guides to targets. The targets are microwave absorbers and thereby increasing temperature upon the contact of microwave energy. The heated targets then transfer heat to an area to be heated such as by conduction, convection or radiation depending on the particular embodiment. A sensor in the area to be heated provides an input to a controller for controlling the input of microwave energy to be directed to the target.

Abstract: A package for heating a microwave food item is provided.

Abstract: This invention refers to the industrial area of manufacture of microwave oven accessories for thawing foodstuff in different compartments in response to the incidence of microwave ovens. Furthermore, this invention can also be applied in the industry of packages for frozen foodstuff. Advantages of the foregoing invention regarding trays of the prior art include allowing thawing of raw ingredients in the recopies without cooking them and thawing of cooked ingredients without changing their consistency; with a faster thawing operation; with ease of manufacture; whose cover can be easily detached from the rest of the container without having any kind of adhesive; that allows to easily hold sushi rolls with chopsticks; allowing microwave generated heat to go from one cavity to the next.

Abstract: A liner unit for a microwave oven. The liner unit has a plurality of disposable liners in a stack and which are adhered to each other to be peeled off each other. Each liner is disposable and will protect the interior surfaces of the oven against splatters and spills. After use, the liner is simply peeled off the stack of liners and discarded. Each of the liners has openings associated with a microwave oven.

Abstract: Various microwave energy interactive display packages, blanks for forming such packages, and methods of displaying and heating a food item are provided.

Abstract: A carton for use in microwave ovens includes a base and a removable cover. The base has a cooking surface at least partially covered with a microwave susceptor material. The base defines an aperture arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the carton is triangular-shaped with an apex region. The apex region does not have a susceptor material, and can include a microwave shield. The removable cover can function as a cover, a platform, and a tray. A packaged food product includes a food product, such as a slice of pizza, oriented within the carton. Methods of packaging and use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermometer assembly adapted to be utilized to sense the temperature of a material within a container, such as a food item heating or cooling container. The assembly includes a spout connected to the container, a closure releasably engageable with the spout, and a temperature sensing element engaged with the closure. The closure and spout allow a food item to be inserted into and withdrawn from the container after preparation, while the temperature sensing element, when engaged with the closure, senses the temperature of the food item within the container and emits both visible and audible signals regarding the temperature of the food item.

Abstract: A package configured to receive a food item for storage and heating therein is disclosed. The package includes an opening and a closure mechanism and comprises an insulating microwave material. A plurality of packages in a stacked relation also is provided.

Abstract: Chemical processing apparatuses which incorporate a process vessel, such as a crucible or retort, and which include a gas separation or filtration system. Various embodiments incorporate such features as loose filtration material, semi-rigid filtration material, and structured filtration material. The vessel may include material that is a microwave susceptor. Filtration media may be selected so that if it inadvertently mixes with the chemical process or the reaction products of such process, it would not adversely affect the results of the chemical process.

Abstract: An edible article for acting as a substitute for a food item includes a carrier element formed of an edible material and an information element disposed on one or more surface of the carrier element. The one or more information element includes information related to the food item. The information may be one or more of a flavoring agent, a coloring agent or a texturing agent, for example. Different types and combinations of information may be provided by way of the information element and/or the carrier element to substitute for food items.

Abstract: A cooking device is provided in which damage to a lamp that provides light to a cooking cavity may be prevented. The lamp may be mounted in a lighting assembly and coupled to an outer surface of the cavity by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly provides for limited movement of the lighting assembly relative to the cavity. Any external shocks or vibrations imparted on the cavity may be attenuated through this limited movement, thus reducing or eliminating forces transmitted to the lighting assembly and preventing damage to the lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a releasably sealable bag for low temperature cooking comprising a film material, wherein the film material does not deform at temperatures of up to about 125° C., and wherein the bag is air and liquid impermeable when sealed. Also disclosed are such bags wherein at least a portion of the film material is comprised of a composite film material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive protected from inadvertent adherence. Further disclosed are methods for food preparation and cooking using any of the embodiments of the bag of the present invention.

Abstract: A frozen food package and method of producing and using the same is disclosed. The food package includes a bag which is freezable, ovenable and microwaveable. A frozen food assembly within the bag includes uncooked food, preferably an entree. Typically, the food assembly includes a meat, a fruit or vegetable, and a flavoring liquid such as a broth or stock, and may include infused oil or a dairy product. The uncooked food is typically embedded in the frozen liquid to facilitate handling and shipping and to align the frozen food with a display window of the bag. Chemical preservatives are not necessary and sauces may be omitted although sauces are not burned in the cooking process. The method typically includes sealing the frozen uncooked food in the liquid-impermeable bag and cooking the food in the sealed bag. The resulting dish is a substantial improvement over the well-known precooked frozen meals.

Abstract: A defrost vessel for a microwave oven includes a body having a certain space therein for receiving a refrigerating load, and an antenna connected to the body for oscillating a microwave into the space of the body. When microwave is supplied into a cavity of the microwave oven, the microwave is oscillated into the space of the body by the antenna and thus the microwave is deeply penetrated up to inside of the refrigerating load. Also, the microwave is secondly emitted into the space of the body from an edge of the slot, thereby completely defrosting the refrigerating load.

Abstract: A control method for a microwave oven equipped with a tray installed in a cooking chamber to rotate a popcorn bag while having a popcorn cooking mode to cook popcorn. During cooking, rotation of the tray is temporarily stopped near the point of time when the popcorn bag is increased in size to a maximum size. Accordingly, problems caused by the fact that the popcorn bag comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the cooking chamber so that it cannot rotate are solved. The popcorn cooking mode is an operation mode to cook a popcorn product with corn grains packed in the popcorn bag in a state in which it is folded at least one time. The rotation of the tray is temporarily stopped near the point of time when the popcorn bag is estimated to achieve its maximum length as a folded portion of the popcorn bag is unfolded.

Abstract: A microwave oven liner 11 is an injection moulding having a roof 12, a floor 14, a back 15 and two sides 16. The moulding is of food grade polypropylene, such that the liner can be washed in a commercial dishwasher. The liner is sized to be a sliding fit in a microwave oven. The roof is shorter 17 at the front than the floor to allow air circulation. Further, the roof is apertured, also for air circulation, with a series of small c. 4 mm bores 18 registering with the roof aperture 8. A lip 19 is provided across the front of the floor to retain split liquid. The external corners 20 are chamfered to clear the silicone seal 9 for instance. The floor has regularly pitched, 2 mm high ridges 21 running front to back. The ridges allow circulation of air beneath a container of food being heated in the oven having the liner.

Abstract: A carton for use in microwave ovens includes a base and a removable cover. The base has a cooking surface at least partially covered with a microwave susceptor material. The base defines an aperture arrangement. In preferred embodiments, the carton is triangular-shaped with an apex region. The apex region does not have a susceptor material, and can include a microwave shield. The removable cover can function as a cover, a platform, and a tray. A packaged food product includes a food product, such as a slice of pizza, oriented within the carton. Methods of packaging and use are provided.

Abstract: One object of the invention is to provide a container for cooking foods that (1) enables cooking while maintaining an appropriate moisture content, even when the container is heated by an external heating means such as a microwave oven, and (2) can be opened easily. Another object is to provide a container that is equipped with a separate seasoning means that enables the foods to be seasoned automatically, without that needing to be done manually by a user, and for the seasoning means to be removed easily. The container, which is formed of a polyolefin-based sheet, comprises a container body and a cover and is provided with a pressure-releasing part whose adhesion strength is weak enough so that it can be opened by the vapor pressure that is generated inside the container when it is heated. Also provided is a packet that contains liquid seasoning and that can be opened by the vapor pressure that is generated by heating the container, so as to make the liquid seasoning flow out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminate comprising a first web of fibers and a first film that together form a first ply and a second web of fibers and a second film that together form a second ply, wherein an adhesive layer is disposed between the plies and serves as a grease barrier. A laminate according to the invention serves as a grease barrier without the need for fluorochemical treatment. The invention also relates to a method of making a laminate comprising forming a first ply and a second ply and applying an adhesive layer between the plies. The invention also relates to an article comprising a laminate and a charge of oil and popcorn.

Abstract: A microwavable package has a pad for absorbing fat, grease, oil, moisture, and like liquid exuded from food, primarily meat, during cooking. The pad has a high-melting, liquid-transmissible, stiff, shrink-resistant, preferably foraminous face layer in contact with the food. A body layer is in contact with the face layer opposite the food. During cooking, the food releases liquid that transfers through the face layer where it contacts and is absorbed by the body layer. The face layer resists adhering to the food and therefore can be easily separated from the food after cooking.

Abstract: A container for food and beverage products, and more specifically, a substantially metallic container with a microwavable transparent portion and a selectively removable metallic lid, wherein the container can be used in a conventional microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwave cooking device includes a container for holding a food product, a seal for sealing the container to enclose a substantially fixed volume therein, and a venting configuration. The venting configuration includes a steam guide defining a central vent and a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of the steam guide. The steam guide and associated steam horns weaken a portion of the seal at a predetermined location and are each in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within the container to allow movement of steam from the container into the steam guide and steam horns, such that, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal and resulting in the seal being broken at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A folds-as-you-eat multi-purpose food-serving apparatus (‘MPFSA’) that is supportable from one end by one hand during eating, and has optional exhibiting means for providing multi-minute close-proximity exposures promoting observer-discernible content and/or user-discernible content, and optionally providing recreational, or display, functionality. The MPFSA is comprised of one or more materials having a pliability which accommodates the bending and unbending of the apparatus a plurality of times in a manner that will not significantly alter the presentation of served food. The MPFSA is also comprised of material(s) having sufficient rigidity to support one or more items of food, having a food-supporting surface which is stiffened by at least one adjacent food-retaining portion which extends upward from an edge thereof, or can be so positioned by a user, to increase the rigidity of, and facilitate the retention of served food on, the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile feeding bottle which is manufactured in disposable plastic and/or rubber materials, resistant to heat, including that produced by microwaves, and which has the special feature of incorporating a solute and a solvent which are separate from each other but which can be mixed by simple and novel means which are incorporated in the feeding bottle, for the preparation of a compound, and without coming into contact with any of the components, or any of the elements of the feeding bottle itself, including the teat.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention is a single ply paper product with a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface and a web of fibers sufficiently refined to have a Canadian Standard Freeness value of greater than about 100 cm3 according to TAPPI standard test T 227, and having a weight of between about 20 lbs./3000 ft.2 and about 45 lbs./3,000 ft.2; and a fluorochemical in an amount of at least 800 parts per million. In another embodiment, the invention is a method for processing a single ply paper product including the steps of folding a single ply paper product into a container. Processing of the single ply paper product includes at least one of folding, creasing, applying adhesive, applying a susceptor patch, and heat sealing. In another embodiment, the invention is an article with a single ply paper product and a charge of oil and popcorn.

Abstract: A container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens. A resin container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens having an aluminum thin, film on the bottom thereof for storing food therein. The aluminum thin film is 5–30 ?m in thickness and 70 cm2 in area, and has no projections having a curvature radius of less than 2 cm over the entire surface thereof. The aluminum thin film covers 30–80% of the bottom area of the container.

Abstract: A microwave dry-fry cooking process includes the steps of providing a food product in or on a microwave cooking vessel and exposing the food product in or on the microwave cooking vessel to microwave energy in a microwave oven. The food product includes a food load and a coating composition coated on the food load, where the coating composition comprises at least one microwave-absorbing oil or fat.

Abstract: A utensil for cooking pasta in a microwave oven has an upstanding tubular central portion through which a drive shaft extends of a mixing member which fits over that central tubular portion and extends downwardly in the utensil. The drive shaft is driven by a motor in the microwave oven or a motor forming part of the utensil.