Abstract: A microwave heating construct for preparing a food item having a periphery that is desirably browned and/or crisped includes a substantially planar base and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from a periphery of the base. The base and side walls define an interior space for receiving the food item. The base includes a plurality of movable portions for being moved out of the plane of the base into the interior space towards the periphery of the food item. A microwave energy interactive material may be joined to at least a portion of the base including the movable portions. The microwave energy interactive material may be operative for converting at least a portion of impinging microwave energy into heat.

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

Abstract: A system, assembly and method for cooking a palatable sandwich in the microwave includes a sleeve sized for receiving a compressed sandwich whereby the compressed sandwich maintains contact with the susceptor material of the sleeve while cooking, in spite of sandwich shrinkage. A compression means assists in uniformly compressing the sandwich and insertion into the sleeve. The sleeve can be easily removed after cooking.

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.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an insulating microwave packaging material (200) includes a microwave interactive material substrate (205) joined to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) to define closed cells (214). Upon impingement of the insulating microwave packaging material (200) by microwave energy in a microwave oven, the closed cells (214) expand to form insulating pockets (216). One side of the insulating pocket (216) bulges and lofts above the opposite side. When a food product is situated on the insulating microwave packaging material (200), the insulating pockets (216) insulate the food product from the microwave oven environment.

Abstract: Packaging for facilitating microwave heating arranged to contain a food product up to a fill level within the packaging. The packaging includes a first metallic microwave active component, extending above and below the fill level. The first metallic microwave active component has portions arranged below the fill level and above a base level which allow for a microwave heating of the food contained in the packaging between the fill level and the base level.

Abstract: A utensil for containing foodstuffs, applicable to cooking in a microwave oven, including a receptacle made of an elastomer material with an access opening and a cover for covering the access opening. The receptacle is formed by one or more walls including a bottom wall in elongated channel shape and opening edges defining the access opening at a height greater than the bottom. The bottom wall includes reinforcing ribs projecting outwardly from an outer surface thereof and providing supports leaving most of the outer surface of the bottom wall exposed to the surrounding atmosphere when the receptacle is on a support surface. The bottom wall is connected at its ends to end walls determining respective end opening edges configured to support lids.

Abstract: A collapsible field director includes at least one master vane and at least first and second slave vanes. The master vane includes a conductive flap that is articulably attached to a mounting flange. The flange is attached to a planar support member having openings or slots formed therein. Each slave vane has a mounting tab thereon. The slave vanes are flexibly connected to the master vane. The slave vanes are flexibly displaceable with respect to the conductor flap and the conductor flap is articulably movable with respect to the mounting flange so that the field director structure, in the deployed state, occupies a self-supported disposition in which the conductor flap is oriented perpendicular to the mounting flange and the slave vanes are angularly spaced from the master vane with the tabs on the slave banes being received in openings or slots in the planar member.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided which include a specimen vessel holding at least one biological sample. A histological agent is in the specimen vessel so as to come into contact with the tissue sample. A microwave susceptor is provided in, near, or integral to the specimen vessel.

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: Food packaging of the present invention is particularly adapted for microwave, conventional oven, stove top and boiler cooking techniques and includes an integral pocket or trap compartment for receiving fluids created by the cooking process, such as grease. Embodiments include a compartment for cooking food products therein with the addition of water or other fluids, wherein the water or other fluids are drained from the food products and removed from the food packaging after cooking the food products.

Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure includes a polymer film having a crystallinity of from about 1% to about 50% (as derived from density measurements) prior to being exposed to microwave energy, and a layer of microwave energy interactive material on the polymer film. The layer of microwave energy interactive material is operative for converting at least a portion of impinging microwave energy into thermal energy.

Abstract: A microwave susceptor system for cooking food in a microwave. The microwave susceptor system generally includes a platform having a support layer and a susceptor layer, sidewalls foldably connected to a first and second side of the platform and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom, and end walls foldably connected to a third and fourth side of the platform and adapted to extend upwardly therefrom. Each of the sidewalls and end walls have a support layer and a susceptor layer. Extending from each sidewall opposite the platform is a support leg. The support leg is foldably connected to the sidewall and extends downwardly from the sidewall below the platform to elevate the platform above the microwave cooking surface. The support legs are retained in position by outwardly extending flaps that connect to an adjacent end wall via a slot within the end wall.

Abstract: A pre-packaged microwavable food having a steam emitting source integral to the package permitting preparation of the food product in a broad range of microwave ovens. A food product is placed into a package. A steam emitting source is placed in porous communication with the food product inside the package. When the package is heated, steam blankets the food product. Steam has a positive effect on cooking performance and cooking time. The steam emitting source can be made from an absorbent material or a gel. The food product can be a half-product, pellet, or other microwavable food or snack product.

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.

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: 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 microwavable material having a structure that may be used to enhance the browning and crisping, and thus improve the taste and appearance, of a food item cooked therein. The material may be in the form of a sheet material or formed as a container such as a bag, pouch, or other suitable structure. The material may have one or more features that help bring the material into close contact with the food item and help conform the bag around the food item. Furthermore, the material may have a structure that avoids substantial contact with liquid released by a food item, may have a venting system suitable for the exiting of moisture, may have a coating, a transparent surface, and when formed as a container, may have a gusseted surface.

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: 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 invention concerns an assembly for preparing and presenting an edible composition designed to be puffed including a first portion defining a chamber for enabling the puffed composition to be presented, and a second portion defining a storage chamber designed to include at least one non-puffed composition, the second portion being arranged in the first portion. The invention also concerns a method for preparing a composition to be puffed using the assembly.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for a flexible microwave package system is provided. The flexible microwave package system includes a front panel having a first sealing edge and an opposite second sealing edge and formed of at least a first outer layer adjacent an exterior of the flexible package. The system also includes a back panel having a first sealing edge and an opposite second sealing edge and formed of a perforated layer adjacent an interior of the flexible microwave package, an outer layer adjacent an exterior of the flexible package, and an absorbent layer extending from the first sealing edge to the second sealing edge between the perforated layer and the outer layer. The absorbent layer includes a layer of a nonwoven material. Adjacent edges of the front panel and the back panel are sealed together. Each layer contacts an adjacent layer without an intervening metallic layer.

Abstract: A microwave furnace that can operate at least 1700° C. having a furnacing chamber within a retaining cavity. The chamber is at least partly surrounded by microwave transparent insulation. At least one susceptor is at least partly between the insulation and the chamber. The susceptor at least in part is a specially formulated sintered coarse grain polycrystalline ? alumina capable of absorbing microwave energy from room temperature to its maximum use temperature. The furnace has a power system providing microwave energy to activate the susceptor. A temperature sensor may be provided that has an infrared channeling tube to conduct an infrared signal from the chamber to a pyrometer for converting the infrared signal to an electrical signal proportional to temperature within the microwave chamber. The electrical signal is then used to signal the power supply to control temperature by controlling energy to the susceptor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly comprising a food product (15) to be heated or cooked in a microwave device, a packaging (13) surrounding said food product, wherein said packaging has at least one surface to come into contact with said food product and is made at least partly of a susceptor, and a heat shrinking film (16).

Abstract: A product and package system for producing surface color changes through the retention of steam is provided. The package includes a food base that is rehydrated in the package system in a microwave during a first heating step. A topping component including a browning material is added and then heated during a second heating step to produce browning characteristics to the surface of the food.

Abstract: A construct for heating a food product. The construct comprises a first centerline extending in a first direction and a second centerline extending in a second direction, wherein the first centerline is substantially perpendicular to the second centerline, a base, a pair of opposed platforms extending upwardly from the base. The pair of opposed platforms are separated by a recess extending in the second direction. The construct comprises at least one locating feature foldably connected to the construct and being located between the opposed platforms for locating a food product on one of the opposed platforms.

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: The present document describes a cooking container for foodstuff in the form of a pouch made of a microwaveable heat-sealable polyester film. The polyester film comprises micro-perforations allowing controlled respiration of the film while maintaining atmospheric pressure inside the pouch.

Abstract: A device for hastening a rise of dough placed inside a bowl, the device comprising: an internal member made of fabric, the internal member comprising a plurality of interconnected chambers having therein solid dry grains that are heatable in a microwave oven or in other suitable way; and an external member or sleeve, to enclose therein said internal member after said internal member is heated in the microwave oven, wherein the device is wrapable around said bowl.

Abstract: A field director assembly includes electrically conductive vanes positioned with respect to each other and to a planar support member to prevent overheating of the susceptor in an unloaded microwave oven.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct may include a widened base. The construct may be erected by folding end panels of the construct towards one another and optionally securing the panels in the folded position. The construct may be formed from a blank. The construct and/or blank may include a removable portion at least partially defined by a line of disruption.

Abstract: An apparatus for small particle and nanoparticle synthesis. A durable particle generator capable of high temperature particle synthesis. The particle generator is configured as to minimize susceptor degradation associated with harsh reaction conditions, for example, using encased susceptors.

Abstract: A tray for a microwave oven and a microwave oven having the same is disclosed. Heat generators are formed on the surface of a tray unit of the tray for a microwave oven through transfer coating carried out at a high temperature, and thus the tray for a microwave oven may be heated to a high temperature, thereby being capable of effectively forming a grill mark on food to be cooked.

Abstract: A susceptor includes a flexible substrate and a metallic material provided on at least one surface of the substrate. A first plurality of ventilation apertures are formed in the substrate and the metallic material, and the first plurality of ventilation apertures are configured to permit a fluid to pass through the substrate and the metallic material.

Abstract: A cooker of the invention includes: a heating chamber; a detachable heating pan; a high-frequency wave supply unit which generates microwaves; an antenna which radiates the microwaves generated by the high-frequency wave supply unit; a heat supply unit which heats an object placed on the heating pan by heat radiation; and a control unit which controls heating treatment of the objects to be heated. When a first object to be heated is placed on a placing table used also as a bottom surface of the heating chamber, and a second object to be heated is placed on the heating pan, the control unit controls the second object to be heated so as to be heated by the heat supply unit after subjecting at least the first object to be heated to the microwave radiation, and stops operation after heating of the objects to be heated is completed.

Abstract: A tray for holding a food product includes a plurality of panels extending around an interior of the tray. The plurality of panels includes at least a central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the central panel along an arcuate fold line. The central panel forms a curved bottom surface of the tray.

Abstract: A constructable microwave susceptor sheet for holding and cooking a food item in a microwave. The constructable microwave susceptor sheet generally includes an outer panel having a first susceptor layer and a first support layer attached to the first susceptor layer and an inner panel foldably connected to the outer panel for lining an interior surface of the outer panel, wherein the inner panel includes a second susceptor layer and a second support layer attached to the second susceptor layer. The outer panel has a raised platform and a plurality of legs foldably connected to the platform. The outer panel also includes a plurality of retainer flaps vertically extending upward from a perimeter of the platform for retaining a food item thereon. The inner panel seals a plurality of openings extending through the platform which are exposed by the flaps pivoting to a vertical position.

Abstract: Various containers with an enlarged base for receiving a food item are provided. The containers may be formed from various sleeves for heating, browning, and crisping a food item. Blanks for forming such sleeves and containers also are provided. The blanks, sleeves, and/or containers may include a removable portion at least partially defined by a line of disruption.

Abstract: A flexible microwave heating package for food includes a first panel and a second panel joined to one another in a facing relationship, and a third panel joined to the first panel and the second panel. The first panel and second panel define walls of the package and the third panel defines a base of the package. The first panel and second panel may each include microwave energy interactive material operative for reflecting at least a portion of incident microwave energy.

Abstract: A heat retaining dish includes a pressure relief mechanism and has a heat retention material capable of being heated by microwave or other thermal radiation in order to maintain any food placed on the dish at an elevated temperature. The heat retention material is capable of accommodating expansion during heating of the device, and when an overpressure condition occurs as a result of inadvertent overheating, the pressure relief mechanism vents the pressure to the ambient environment. The pressure relief mechanism is an integral part of the wall construction of at least one of the portions making up the housing of the device, and deformation due to overpressure directly causes the opening of the pressure relief mechanism as soon as the housing is deformed sufficiently to open a fluid communication path through an aperture in the wall.

Abstract: Ovenware for microwave ovens which contain a composition comprising a susceptor and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer are improved when the composition also has a thermal conductivity of about 0.7 W/m° K. or more. Heat generated by absorption of microwave radiation by the susceptor is more readily conducted to the food being cooked when the thermal conductivity of the composition is high, particularly when the part containing the susceptor is relatively thick. Also described are designs for various pieces of ovenware containing this composition.

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

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: 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 multi-use construct includes a base and a plurality of walls defining an interior space. The base includes a line of disruption that defines a removable portion and a peripheral portion of the base. The construct is for being transitioned between a first configuration with the walls extending upwardly from the base, so that the construct is for containing a food item, and a second configuration with the removable portion underlying the food item and the peripheral portion overlying the food item.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus which uses microwaves is provided having a microwave supplier which supplies microwaves into the cooking chamber. More particularly, the microwave supplier may be provided proximate an upper side of the cooking chamber; and a microwave radiator may be provided inside of the cooking chamber to re-radiate the microwaves.

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.