Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis and being angularly adjacent to two other vanes. The vanes are attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material and an electrically conductive wrapper that wraps the substrate so that a portion of the first and second major surfaces are covered and the radially outer end of each vane is wrapped by an electrically conductive material. The wrapper and the substrate are arranged in a laterally symmetric fashion so that thermal expansion effects due to heating are equalized across the thickness of each vane.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis and being angularly adjacent to two other vanes. The vanes are attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material, and an electrically conductive sheath encasing the substrate so that a portion of the first and second major surfaces are covered by an electrically conductive material. The sheath is arranged on the substrate in a laterally symmetric fashion so that thermal expansion effects due to heating are equalized across the thickness of each vane.

Abstract: A food container for microwave use comprises at least one compartment for receiving a food item, the container portion having a structural wall defining the lateral sides of the container portion. The structural wall is made of a polymer. A label is secured to the structural wall and covers continuously the lateral sides of the container portion. The label has an inner surface against the structural wall and an outer surface oriented away from the structural wall. The label comprises a substrate defining the outer surface of the label and a metallic ink defining partly the inner surface of the label. The metallic ink defines a continuous coating on the label with openings. The openings have a selected dimension to allow some microwaves to pass therethrough to reach the food item in the compartment. A method for fabricating a food container for microwave use is also provided.

Abstract: A microwave packaging made of a flexible, heat-sealable laminate has a grid structure made of electrically non-conductive cells that do not absorb microwaves, and an electrically conductive metal grid that separates the cells from one another. The metal grid has a layer thickness of at least 1 ?m, and the cells each have a size between 100 mm2 and 1200 mm2. The proportion of the non-conductive area formed by the cells amounts to at least 50% of the total area. A liquid-tight outer film follows a first side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one connecting layer, and a moisture-absorbent layer follows a second side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one intermediate layer, and has a polymer base substance and extends essentially over the entire area of the laminate. The microwave packaging is formed from the laminate by heat-sealing.

Abstract: A construct for preparing a food item in a microwave oven includes a plurality of heating regions including an inner heating region and an outer heating region. The inner heating region includes a susceptor including a plurality of annular microwave energy transparent areas, and the outer heating region includes a plurality of susceptor projections extending radially from the susceptor of the inner heating region.

Abstract: A susceptor assembly includes a generally planar susceptor having an electric field director structure mechanically connected thereto. The field director structure includes at least one, but more preferably, a plurality of two or more vanes mechanically connected to the susceptor. Each vane has a surface at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The vane(s) are most preferably disposed substantially orthogonal to the planar susceptor. The connection may be either a fixed or a flexible articulating connection. In use, such as in the presence of a standing electromagnetic wave generated within a microwave oven, only an attenuated electric field component of the electromagnetic wave exists in a plane tangent to the surface of the vane in the vicinity of the conductive portion of the vane.

Abstract: A blank for a construct includes a main panel including a removable panel at least partially defined by a line of disruption, a plurality of side panels extending from the main panel along respective fold lines, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the main panel. The blank may be used to form a construct capable of heating, browning, and/or crisping upper and lower surfaces of a food item.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive heating sheet includes at least two susceptor layers and a plurality of expandable insulating cells. At least some of the expandable insulating cells inflate when exposed to microwave energy.

Abstract: A susceptor structure includes a layer of conductive material supported on a non-conductive substrate. The conductive layer includes a resonant loop defined by a plurality of microwave energy transparent segments and, optionally, a microwave energy transparent element within the resonant loop.

Abstract: A method of making a self-supporting field director structure for use in heating an article in a microwave oven comprises in any operative order, the steps of folding a first and a second elongated vane blank along a central fold line to form at least two V-shaped vane doublets; inserting each of the vane doublets into a slotted annular support member so that each vane in each vane doublet extends through an adjacent slot in the annular support member; and attaching the vane doublets at their vertices to define a vane array.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus used in conjunction with a metallic container adapted for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a microwave oven, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion, metallic reinforcing member, and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.

Abstract: Various constructs and systems for heating a dough-based food item in a microwave oven are provided.

Abstract: A system for heating a food item in a microwave oven is provided. The system may include an inner container and an outer carton including an opening feature that allows for easy opening thereof. The system also may include a microwave energy interactive element.

Abstract: A microwave heating package includes a dimensionally stable first component for supporting a food item and a flexible second component dimensioned to receive the dimensionally stable first component. Each of the first component and the second component may include a microwave energy interactive element for altering the effect of microwave energy on a food item within the package.

Abstract: A multi-temperature and multi-texture frozen food microwave heating tray includes a first integral compartment defined by at least one sidewall and an upwardly convex bottom, and a second integral compartment defined by at least one sidewall and a bottom and comprising a microwave energy access modulating structure for one of the first and second compartments.

Abstract: A construct for supporting a food item includes a plurality of divider walls and a plurality of base panels. The divider walls are spaced from one another along a length of the construct. Each base panel is located between a pair of adjacent divider walls and connecting the adjacent divider walls. A microwave energy interactive element may overlie a surface of the construct.

Abstract: A multi-layer freezable/microwaveable film having both low temperature resistance and high temperature resistant to withstand subzero freezer storage temperatures and microwave cooking temperatures. The freezable/microwaveable film includes a three-layer coextruded film having a polypropylene/alpha-olefin copolymer inner, heat sealable layer, an adjacent polypropylene or high density polyethylene core layer, and an outer polyethylene skin layer adjacent the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer, and further includes an outer protective layer laminated to the outer skin layer.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive web includes a reagent that is responsive to heat. The microwave energy interactive web may be used to form a package for heating a food item.

Abstract: Multilayer freezable/microwaveable films and packages having both low temperature resistance to withstand subzero freezer storage temperatures and high temperature resistance to withstand microwave cooking temperatures. The freezable/microwaveable films and packages include, for example, a film having at least three coextruded layers comprising an inner heat sealable layer, at least one core layer adjacent to the heat sealable layer, and an outer skin layer adjacent the core layer opposite the heat sealable layer. Preferably, the films and packages further include an outer protective layer laminated to the outer skin layer. The freezable/microwaveable packages can include a venting system, such as vent slits or a vent valve in the package, or vents in at least one seal of the package, to facilitate microwave heating or cooking of the package contents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing, storing and heating foodstuffs in a partially metal microwavable bowl, and more specifically, a substantially metallic stackable container with a microwavable transparent portion and a selectively removable lid, wherein the same container can be used to store, ship, heat, and serve a foodstuff to a consumer.

Abstract: A construct for heating a food item in a microwave oven comprises a base, a wall extending upwardly from the base, a microwave energy shielding element overlying at least a portion of the wall, and a microwave energy diffusing element circumscribed by the microwave energy shielding element, where the microwave energy diffusing element includes a plurality of microwave energy reflective elements within a microwave energy transparent area.

Abstract: A microwave intensification system includes a base frame having a plurality of support members, a microwave transparent, central vessel, and at least one dielectric unit positioned within the central vessel. A cooking surface is formed by covering the dielectric unit with a protective covering. In operation, a food item is placed within a processing container and positioned on the cooking surface over the dielectric unit. The processing container is sized such that an overlap exists between the container and the dielectric unit in order to balance the exposure of the food item to a microwave energy field. With this arrangement, the food item can rapidly undergo a cooking process in a manner wherein central and edge portions of the food item are exposed to a uniform cooking process thereby increasing the quality of the final product.

Abstract: A collapsible field director structure convertible from a collapsed to a deployed state includes at least one master vane and at least a first and a second slave vane. The master vane includes a conductive flap having at least one electrically conductive region thereon. The conductor flap is attached to the mounting flange for articulable movement with respect thereto. Each slave vane has at least one electrically conductive region thereon. The slave vanes are flexibly connected to the master vane along a respective line of flexure. The vanes are foldable against each other so that the field director structure, in the collapsed state, is able to exhibit a generally planar configuration.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, with each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis. Each vane is angularly adjacent to two other vanes and is attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a predetermined thickness dimension. Each vane each vane has a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, and an electrically conductive sheath having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate. The sheath encases the substrate so that a portion of the first and second major surfaces and a portion of the first and second minor surfaces of each vane are covered by an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, with each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis. Each vane is angularly adjacent to two other vanes and is attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a predetermined thickness dimension. Each vane comprises a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion and an electrically conductive wrapper having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate. The wrapper wraps the substrate so that a portion of the first and second major surfaces are covered and the radially inner end of each vane is wrapped by an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, with each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis. Each vane is angularly adjacent to two other vanes. Each vane has a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material, with a portion of the major surface of each vane having an electrically conductive material thereon. A vane support structure is attached to the vanes.

Abstract: A self-supporting field director structure for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a vane array comprising a plurality of V-shaped vane doublets, wherein each vane doublet itself comprises a first and a second vane. Each vane extends radially outwardly from the central axis. Each vane has a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material, with a portion of each vane being electrically conductive. A vane support structure is attached to the vane array.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, with each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis. Each vane is angularly adjacent to two other vanes and is attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a predetermined thickness dimension. Each vane is formed from a pair of electrically non-conductive outer laminae, each having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, and an inner core formed of an electrically conductive material. The core has a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer laminae. The inner core and the outer laminae are arranged in a laterally symmetric fashion with the inner core being completely enclosed within the non-conductive outer laminae so that thermal expansion effects due to heating are equalized across the thickness of each vane.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, with each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis. Each vane is angularly adjacent to two other vanes and is attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a predetermined thickness dimension. Each vane each vane has a substrate formed from an electrically non-conductive material having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion, and an electrically conductive wrapper having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate. The wrapper wraps the substrate so that a portion of the first and second major surfaces are covered and the radially outer end of each vane is wrapped by an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by a plurality of vanes, with each vane extending radially outwardly from a central axis. Each vane is angularly adjacent to two other vanes and is attached to each other at their inner ends. Each vane has a predetermined thickness dimension. Each vane is formed from an electrically non-conductive outer jacket having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion and an inner layer of an electrically conductive material having a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer jacket. The inner layer and the outer jacket are arranged in a laterally symmetric fashion with the inner layer being substantially completely enclosed within the electrically non-conductive outer jacket, so that thermal expansion effects due to heating are equalized across the thickness of each vane.

Abstract: A reusable self-supporting field director structure for use in heating an article in a microwave oven is characterized by an integral array of rigid vanes extending radially outwardly from a central axis, the vanes being molded from an electrically non-conductive heat-resistant material. At least a portion of one major surface of each vane has an electrically conductive material embedded thereinto. The electrically non-conductive heat-resistant material is either a polymeric resin (with an optional reinforcing matrix) or paperboard material. A plurality of bracing members, each extending between the first major surface of one vane and the second major surface of an adjacent vane, may be integrally molded into the field director structure.

Abstract: A self-supporting field director structure for use in heating an article in a microwave oven includes a plurality of vanes connected to a central support member. Each vane is formed from an electrically conductive metallic material. Each vane extends radially outwardly from a central axis, with the radially inner end of each vane being spaced a predetermined separation distance from the axis.

Abstract: Microwaveable container that provides for accelerated microwave cooking times and more uniform internal temperature distribution. The container is manufactured from a laminate structure, the laminate structure including a first layer of microwave-transparent material and a second layer of microwave-reflective material. The second layer has at least one aperture defined therein, the at least one aperture having a width dimension W, a length dimension L, and a perimeter dimension P. The aperture is sized such that at least one of the width dimension W or length dimension L is sized about an energy maximum. Accordingly, the width and/or the length dimension is defined as within ?? of a predetermined dimension D. The predetermined dimension is equal to ¼?+n(½)?, wherein n is an integer and ? is a microwave wavelength associated with a predetermined range of microwave frequencies. Preferably, the predetermined range of microwave frequencies is between about 2.0-3.0 GHz.

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

Abstract: Indentation patterns in microwave packaging materials can enhance the baking and browning effects of the microwave packaging materials on food. The indentation patterns can provide venting to either channel moisture from one area of the food product to another, trap moisture in a certain area to prevent it from escaping, or channel the moisture completely away from the food product. The indentation patterns can cause the microwave packaging material underneath a food product to be slightly elevated above the cooking platform in the base of a microwave. The indentation patterns can lessen the heat sinking effect of the cooking platform by providing an air gap for insulation. Elevating the base of the microwave packaging material further allows more incident microwave radiation to propagate underneath the microwave packaging material to be absorbed by the food product or by microwave interactive materials in the microwave packaging material that augment the heating process.

Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a microwave energy interactive element at least partially joined to a dimensionally-stable support and at least one an aperture extending through the microwave energy interactive element and support. The aperture has an elongated shape with a widened central portion that facilitates manufacture of the construct.

Abstract: The installation includes a microwave heater station (14) having a microwave applicator, and a support (10) suitable for supporting the receptacles (12) in the heater station. The support (10) has at least one receptacle zone (20) which is defined by the surface (10A) of the support and by a metal band (24A, 24B) fixed to the support. The zone (20) serves to support a receptacle (12) whose bottom stands on the surface (10A) of the support and whose side wall (12B) is surrounded by the band. The support can be a conveyor bringing the receptacles into the heater station.

Abstract: A guided heating apparatus and a method for using the same is provided. The apparatus includes a guiding enclosure, a supporting piece, and an absorbing piece. The guiding enclosure guides and keeps energy from an energy source within the guiding enclosure. The guiding enclosure is made of a material reflective of the energy. The energy source is either one of a microwave source and an infrared source. The supporting piece is detachably coupled with the guiding enclosure and is made of a material transparent to the energy. The absorbing piece is coupled to and supported by the supporting piece within the guiding enclosure. The absorbing piece is made of at least one material that absorbs the energy and transfers the energy to an object to be heated. The absorbing piece has a predetermined composition that controls an energy absorption rate of the absorbing piece.

Abstract: A microwave cooking tray comprises a base having at least two compartments. Each compartment of the base has a bottom surface defining a pattern, the bottom surface of one of the compartments defining a first pattern and a bottom surface of a second of the compartments defining a second pattern. The first and second patterns are distinct and each is designed for optimal cooking of a particular type of food product.

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 collapsible cooking container formed from a generally, rectangularly shaped paperboard blank folded along crease lines so as to have a bottom portion, a first side portion, a top portion, and a second side portion wherein the top portion and the first side portion are adapted to be attached to form a cube having opposed, open sides. The opposed, open sides are substantially covered when the collapsible cooking container is in an expanded condition by segments provided to the bottom portion, first and second side portions, and top portion that cooperate to form first and second collapsible sides.

Abstract: Indentation patterns are scored in microwave packaging materials to enhance the baking and browning effects of the microwave packaging materials on food products. The indentation patterns provide venting to either channel moisture from one area of the food product to another, trap moisture in a certain area to prevent it from escaping, or channel the moisture completely away from the food product. The indentation patterns cause the microwave packaging material underneath a food product to be slightly elevated above the cooking platform in the base of a microwave. The indentation patterns lessen the heat sinking effect of the cooking platform by providing an air gap for insulation. Elevating the base of the microwave packaging material further allows more incident microwave radiation to propagate underneath the microwave packaging material to be absorbed by the food product or by microwave interactive materials in the microwave packaging material that augment the heating process.

Abstract: A system is described for programming a household appliance that has electronic control means for executing a plurality of control programs. The household appliance operates in accordance with conventional functions, able to perform standard programs, and has the feature of being prearranged for receiving and retaining additional operating programs, coming from outside, according to the user's specific requirements; such new programs are designed and stored in the control system of the household appliance through an external electronic device, such as a Personal Computer programmed accordingly. The control system of the household appliance comprises a duly prearranged microcontroller, associated with suitable memory means and means for interfacing with said external electronic device; a protected part, i.e.

Abstract: Container designed to contain a product having to be heated by applying microwaves, the container having a side wall (10) and an end wall (12) formed by a base or a lid and means (10A) for limiting the penetration of the microwaves through the side wall (10), compared with the penetration of the microwaves through a central region of the end wall (12). Advantageously, the container according to the invention further comprises means (12A) for concentrating the microwaves in a central region of the end wall (12), the said means being formed by an excess thickness of a dielectric material, the dielectric constant of which is at least equal to 1.5, preferably greater than 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for ensuring more uniform heating of food by microwaves. The method includes providing food in a portion having a predetermined size and shape; and providing a container adapted for receiving and reheating the portion of food in a microwave oven. The container forms a supporting cavity having peripheral sides and a bottom side, with the portion of food placed within the supporting cavity. The peripheral sides of the container are circumferentially shielded by a microwave reflective material that forms a circumference having axial and transverse distances that are determined so as to change the wavelength of resonant modes inside the food thereby resulting in a more uniform heating food pattern.

Abstract: A container has a patterned susceptor region in the bottom, a fold region between the bottom and the sidewall of the container, a sidewall region, and a flange region that forms a flange or lip of the container. The patterned susceptor region includes arrangements of microwave-interactive features disposed generally along respective close plane curves, which reduces overheating and increases the filling temperature of the food product. The fold region contains microwave transparent features that minimize de-lamination of the container in the folded region, and also create a generally transmissive area in the vicinity of the heel of the food product to improve the cooking thereof. The sidewall region shields the periphery of the food product so that it is not overcooked while promoting an appropriate degree of pie dough shell browning. The flange area is transmissive to promote an appropriate degree of cooking of the food product crust.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes an array of solid shapes of microwave energy reflective material, for example, of aluminum foil, disposed on a substrate. The an array of shapes of microwave energy reflective material shield microwave energy from a food product while remaining substantially resistant to arcing or burning under abusive cooking conditions in an operating microwave oven.

Abstract: The apparatus for uniformly dispersing the microwave comprises a body including a plurality of reflective portions which are made of materials capable of reflecting the microwave and have the horizontal top surfaces and vertical side surfaces. The width of the plurality of reflective portions is set as 1/n times as large as a wavelength &lgr;g of the microwave. The depth of each of the plurality of reflective portions may be set as a value obtained by multiplying the remainder, which is obtained by dividing the power of a natural number for the least primitive root of a prime number by the prime number, by the width of the reflective portion under a condition that a datum plane is defined by a height from the bottom surface corresponding to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the reflective portion by (prime number−1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for ensuring more uniform heating of food by microwaves. The method includes providing food in a portion having a predetermined size and shape; and providing a container adapted for receiving and reheating the portion of food in a microwave oven. The container forms a supporting cavity having peripheral sides and a bottom side, with the portion of food placed within the supporting cavity. The peripheral sides of the container are circumferentially shielded by a microwave reflective material that forms a circumference having axial and transverse distances that are determined so as to change the wavelength of resonant modes inside the food thereby resulting in a more uniform heating food pattern.

Abstract: An abuse-tolerant microwave food packaging material includes an array of solid shapes of microwave energy reflective material, for example, of aluminum foil, disposed on a substrate. The an array of shapes of microwave energy reflective material shield microwave energy from a food product while remaining substantially resistant to arcing or burning under abusive cooking conditions in an operating microwave oven.