Abstract: A microwave energy interactive insulating structure comprises a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film layer, a moisture-containing layer joined to the layer of microwave energy interactive material, a second polymer film layer joined to the moisture-containing layer in a predetermined pattern to define a plurality of closed cells between the moisture-containing layer and the second polymer film layer, and an aperture extending through the first polymer film layer, the moisture-containing layer, and the second polymer film layer.

Abstract: Packaging and a dessert food product combines a hot portion and a cold portion. In one embodiment, the dessert combines hot pie with a topping of ice cream in a single package. In one aspect of the invention, the microwaveable food product and package incorporates a food package that simultaneously includes various susceptor films that allow for differential heating of food. The susceptor film(s) shield the cold-portion food products from being heated in the microwave while they provide even heating of the hot portion of the product. The packaging provides a quick, convenient and tasty dessert with minimal effort. In another aspect of the present invention, the pie and ice cream formulation has been optimized to maintain superior flavor and texture properties after freezing and microwave reheating.

Abstract: A forming tool assembly and method for forming a cooking element. The forming tool assembly has an upper tool assembly and a lower tool assembly that cooperate to shape the cooking element from an annular cutout.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct has a platform including microwave energy interactive material and a plurality of venting features. The venting features include a plurality of tabs that are urged out of the plane of the platform to define an aperture. The tabs are disposed beneath the platform to define a void in communication with the aperture.

Abstract: A cup or plate for heating food or beverages is disclosed. The cup/plate contains a heating component, which may keep consumable goods, such as food and beverages at a desired temperature. An insulated external layer may be placed between the heating component and the external portion of the cup/plate. A wireless power receiver may be coupled to the heater component to receive an electrical power source and transfer it to the heater component. A transmitter element may form pockets of energy at the location of the different receivers to be used as power sources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing the thermal signal noise in process chambers using a non-contact temperature sensing device to measure the temperature of a component in the process chamber. In some embodiments, a susceptor for supporting a substrate in a process chamber includes a first surface comprising a substrate support surface; and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein a portion of the second surface comprises a feature to absorb incident radiant energy.

Abstract: A container with a window through which food within the container may be seen. The window may include a hole in a base material of the container, and at least one substantially clear polymeric film that is mounted to a portion of the container and obstructs (e.g., covers) the hole. Microwave energy interactive material (“MEIM”) may be mounted to the polymeric film for influencing the effect of microwave energy on the food within the container. Typically (e.g., optionally), the film extends beyond the hole, and the MEIM may be segregated to portions of the film that do not obstruct the hole, so that the MEIM does not interfere with the view through the window.

Abstract: A container to keep substances heated for longer periods of time is described. The container bears a cavity that contains a heating medium and a microwave susceptor. The container maybe a plate, cup, mug or other utensil to keep food or bevarages hot.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a food item in a microwave oven comprises a tray including an interior space defined by a base and an upstanding peripheral wall, and a cover pivotably connected to the tray for pivoting the cover relative to the tray between an open position and a closed position. The tray and/or cover includes a plurality of protrusions extending into the interior space. A microwave energy interactive material overlies the protrusions on the tray and/or cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a food item in a microwave oven comprises a tray including a plurality of elevated heating areas and a plurality of channels disposed between the elevated heating areas, the elevated heating areas each including a microwave energy interactive material, a cover pivotably connected to the tray for pivoting the cover relative to the tray between an open position and a closed position, and a locking feature operative for releasably maintaining the cover in the closed position.

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 cooking device has a casing 1, a heating chamber 8 provided in the casing 1, an exhaust tube 18 for guiding exhaust from inside of the heating chamber 8 through an electric component chamber 9 in the casing 1 to front face side, and a dew receiving container 4 that is provided on front face side of the casing 1 and that receives and diffuses the exhaust from the exhaust tube 18 to outside of the casing 1.

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: 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 field director assembly includes electrically conductive vanes configured to prevent arcing in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention concern a removable cover for placement over food to be cooked in a microwave oven. The cover includes punchable perforations around the perimeter of the cover. The perforations are to be optionally punched out by the user to provide one or more holes for egress of moisture during cooking. The cover is configured as a dome, pyramid, cone or similar shape.

Abstract: A packaging container which includes a synthetic resin container body having a flange part and the cover member heat-sealed to the flange part of the container body. The cover member includes (1) an upper member in which inner surfaces of resin films are positioned opposite to each other to form an abutted part, an unsealed part communicating with the inside of the container body is formed by heat-sealing a peripheral edge part of the abutted part excluding one side of the abutted part forming a base part, and the steam releasing seal part is formed at the abutted part and (2) a lower member which covers a lower surface of the upper member and in which a steam guide part communicating with the inside of the container body is formed at or near the base part of the abutted part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative packaging for microwave preparation of expandable food, such as cookies, an innovative food product prepared from the packaging and the method of preparation thereof. The innovative packaging includes first and second susceptor sheet portions each having an accordion-like shape; one or more members for spacing the susceptor sheet portions at a predetermined distance; and an expandable uncooked food placed between the two susceptor sheets, wherein the food is in intimate contact with sheet portions and becomes efficiently browned and crisped during microwave cooking. The food is preferably a cookie dough.

Abstract: Thermoplastic pellitized materials are melted in gravity flow through coaxially oriented perforated cylindrical metal susceptors. The susceptors are equally energized by the interception of a common magnetic field formed by a high frequency powered inductor coil.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a platform having a plurality of peripheral edges, a plurality of elevating panels for maintaining the platform in a raised position, and a layer of microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the platform. The platform includes a movable portion defined at least partially by a line of disruption extending substantially between a pair of adjacent edges of the platform. The movable portion of the platform is adapted to pivot along the line of disruption.

Abstract: A forming tool assembly and method for forming a cooking element. The forming tool assembly has an upper tool assembly and a lower tool assembly that cooperate to shape the cooking element from an annular cutout.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure includes a susceptor film comprising microwave energy interactive material on a polymer film, a support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, and an adjoining layer joined to the support layer. The adjoining layer comprises a paper-based material having a machine direction and a cross direction. The adjoining layer is joined to the support layer by an adhesive region extending in the cross direction across at least a portion of the adjoining layer.

Abstract: A tray for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a substantially planar base, a platform extending upwardly from the base, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the platform.

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: An appliance including a cabinet having a first PCB located therein, a door connected to the cabinet, the door being moveable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the cabinet, and a second PCB located in the door. In addition, at least one first connector is connected to the first PCB. At least one second connector is connected to the second PCB and is electronically connectable to the first connector. In particular, the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector when the door is in a substantially closed position.

Abstract: A construct for heating a food item in a microwave oven includes 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. The microwave energy diffusing element includes a plurality of microwave energy reflective elements within a microwave energy transparent area.

Abstract: A carton including multiple focused susceptors can be configured to provide multiple heating configurations for microwave heating of a packaged food product. In at least one heating configuration, the microwave susceptors are arranged such that food product has a softer texture when heated. In a second heating configuration, the microwave susceptors such that the food product has a crispier texture when heated. In use a consumer can select any of the multiple carton configurations for heating the food product.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for heating substances in a microwave oven. A container structure includes an internal chamber configured to have heating contents placed therein, wherein the chamber is defined at least partially by a thermally-conductive structure. A microwave-absorbing medium is disposed in direct or indirect thermal communication with at least a portion of the thermally-conductive structure. A microwave radiation barrier is disposed between at least a portion of the microwave-absorbing medium and the internal chamber. In certain embodiments, when the container is exposed to external microwave radiation, the internal chamber is substantially shielded from the microwave radiation.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn 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 expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. After the package is opened, the sidewall construction provides for a vertically rigid sidewall to provide a stand up bowl for access to the popped popcorn. The flexible bag construction may be fabricated from a generally transparent material so that the contents of the bag are visible when the package is in the expanded configuration.

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 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 heating construct comprises a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a microwave energy interactive material. The panels are partially joined to one another in an opposed, facing relationship such that an unjoined area is defined between the first panel and the second panel. The unjoined area is in communication with an open peripheral edge of the construct. The first panel includes an aperture in communication. With the unjoined area between the first panel and the second panel.

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: A hermetically closed package enclosing a product comprises a wall formed of a packaging material including a first polymer film (7) and a second polymer film (10) being co-extensive with the packaging material, the first polymer film (7) is laminated to the second polymer film (10) by means of an adhesive layer (16). One of the polymer films is provided in a limited region thereof with a layer of a material generating heat when subjected to microwave radiation, i.e. a heat-generating layer (5) having susceptor effect. The heat-generating effect, i.e. the susceptor effect, of the heat-generating layer (5) is selected so as to melt, decompose, soften or weaken the first polymer film (7) and/or the second polymer film (10) in the limited region as seen transversely of the packaging material to such a degree that an opening is formed in the limited region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing self supporting container parts, such as dishes or covers, for containers for foodstuffs to be treated in a microwave oven, said containers each comprising at least one compartment for receiving the foodstuffs, along at least part of the circumferential surface of which compartment a microwave-radiation influencing material layer is provided in the wall of at least one associated container part, comprising the steps of providing a multilayer foil comprising said microwave radiation-influencing material layer and at least one material layer that does not influence microwave radiation, which is bonded thereto on at least one side of the microwave radiation-influencing material layer, bonding one side of the multilayer foil to a remaining portion of the container part in question, in such a manner that the material layer of the multilayer foil that does not influence microwave radiation is present on a free surface of the container part.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package, for example a freezable, microwavable package containing a food product, having a sealing film that includes a vent system that is scored by a laser into the package. The vent system includes at least one linear or non-linear vent pattern scored into a portion of the outer surface of the sealing film so as to form at least one weakened wall pattern. According to certain embodiments, the vent pattern may be scored by a laser to a depth that does not perforate the sealing film. The inner surface of the sealing film that is adjacent to the weakened wall pattern is directly exposed to pressure that is generated in the inner region of the package during heating. According to some embodiments, the vent pattern may have a vent pattern span that is approximately 1% to 50% of the size of the inner region span.

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 including 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: 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 tray for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a substantially planar base, a platform extending upwardly from the base, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the platform.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a base with a plurality of movable portions, where the movable portions are operative for pivoting into a substantially upright condition, and the base and plurality of movable portions comprise microwave energy interactive material that is operative for converting microwave energy into heat, so that pivoting the movable portions moves the microwave energy interactive material of the movable portions into an upright condition.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a microwave energy interactive material. The panels are partially joined to one another in an opposed, facing relationship such that an unjoined area is defined between the first panel and the second panel. The unjoined area is in communication with an open peripheral edge of the construct. The first panel includes an aperture in communication with the unjoined area between the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A composite material that increases in temperature upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation includes single crystal silicon carbide whiskers and fibrils in a matrix material. Also disclosed are heat-generating objects that include the composite material, and a method of generating heat.

Abstract: A method reclaims metalized polymer film or mixtures containing metal and/or metal alloys into a metal-containing, polymeric film. The resulting film structure has better oxygen and moisture barrier properties when metalized than plain metalized polymer films. The polymer to be reclaimed, originates in sheet form, and is densified, as by shredding, pelletizing and/or re-extruding into fine particulate form such as chips or pellets. The reclaimed polymeric film can be used, in a range of concentrations, to produce biaxially oriented polyester film for metalizing.

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 microwave packaging material including a plurality of susceptors is disclosed. Each susceptor includes a plastic film or polymer with a metal layer on one surface of the plastic film and a paper adhered to the plastic film opposite the metal layer. A patterned adhesive is bonded between a first susceptor layer and a second susceptor layer in a pattern bond creating sealed air pockets. A paper board substrate is adhered using an adhesive in a bond pattern to one of the susceptor layers facing the metal of the respective susceptor layer to provide the microwave packing material rigidity. Upon exposure to microwave energy in a microwave oven, moisture is trapped between the paper board substrate and the susceptor layer creating a vapor pressure that causes the sealed air pockets to form expanded air pockets.

Abstract: A thermally insulated susceptor structure includes a dimensionally stable corrugated base, a first susceptor, and a second susceptor. At least one of the first susceptor and second susceptor may circumscribe one or more microwave energy transparent areas that allow the transmission of microwave energy through the respective susceptor and/or create localized fields that enhance heating, browning and/or crisping of an adjacent food item.

Abstract: A susceptor assembly includes electrically conductive vanes positioned with respect to each other and to an planar susceptor member having an electrically lossy layer thereon to prevent overheating of the susceptor in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: A vent assembly includes a bag construction configured to contain a food product such as a popcorn charge. The bag construction is formed of at least one sheet of polyester film material and configured to expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration when the food product is heated in a microwave oven. The vent assembly includes a first portion of the bag construction and a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion. The second portion includes a venting structure formed in the sheet of polyester material. An adhesive is applied to at least one of the first portion or the second portion. The adhesive is configured to adhere the first portion to the second portion so that the vent is at least partially sealed while the bag construction is in the collapsed configuration and to release the first portion from the second portion as the bag construction expands to the expanded configuration to allow the vent to at least partially open.

Abstract: A microwaveable container for transporting, freezing, storing, and cooking a multi-component foodstuff is disclosed. The container comprises a unitary tray having a base portion and a lid portion and employs a susceptor in combination with steam and venting to cook the multi-component foodstuff in a single microwave cooking step.