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 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: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a plurality of compartments, at least one of which is defined at least partially by a microwave energy interactive insulating material that includes a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a polymer film, and a second polymer film layer that at least partially defines a plurality of expandable insulating cells that inflate upon exposure to microwave energy.

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 package for heating a microwave food item is provided.

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 microwave heating construct includes a base for underlying a food item and a cover for overlying the food item. The cover may include a plurality of resilient, deformable tabs extending from an opening, where each tab includes microwave energy interactive material. The tabs may be capable of independently flexing in response to an urging force.

Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a substantially tubular body having a pair of open ends and an interior space for receiving a food item. The body comprises a plurality of foldably joined panel segments extending between the open ends of the body, and microwave energy interactive material operative for converting at least a portion of impinging microwave energy into thermal energy. A plurality of support elements may extend downwardly from the body.

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 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: In an embodiment, the invention is a single ply paper product comprising a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface and comprising 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./3,000 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 comprising 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 comprising a single ply paper product and a charge of oil and popcorn.

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 roasting oven includes an enclosure coupled to a source of microwave RF energy, an operable door for sealing the enclosure for RF, the operable door having a viewing aperture which prevents the escape of RF from inside the chamber. A rotating support has an axis which is perpendicular to the viewing aperture such that the progress of roasting may be viewed through the viewing aperture and into a food container placed in the rotating support. The applied power of the microwave RF source and the rotational velocity of the rotating support are selected to provide uniform or wide spectrum roasting of the food item. A roasting profile may include a roasting interval during which the microwave RF source and rotating support are both energized, and subsequently a cool-down interval where the microwave RF source is disabled and the rotating support continues to rotate.

Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a microwave energy interactive material overlying at least a portion of the first surface, wherein the microwave energy interactive material generates heat when exposed to microwave energy, and a thermally stable coating overlying at least a portion of the second surface.

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 microwave energy interactive construct for heating a food item having a surface intended to be browned and/or crisped includes a flanged receiving element shaped to receive the food item. The flanged receiving element includes a plurality of hingeable flange segments, so that microwave energy interactive material disposed on the hingeable flange segments may be brought into intimate and/or proximate contact with the surface of the food item.

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 cooking device includes a cooking chamber; a first deodorization region along which air from the cooking chamber flows and in which a plasma discharge is generated for removing odor-producing materials generated in the cooking chamber from the air; and a bypass region along which air from the cooking chamber flows to bypass the first deodorization region.

Abstract: A microwavable crinkle-cut French fry potato includes deep groves and coatings of oil and encapsulated salt. Crinkle-cut potato pieces are prepared with a solids content of 40-50% by weight, frozen, sprayed with oil and coated with encapsulated salt. A carton for the potato pieces is formed from a single-piece blank provided with a pair of microwave susceptor surfaces and reinforced corners. A removable lid contacts the potato pieces during microwave reconstitute.

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: A microwave heating construct includes a first side wall and a second side wall opposite one another and a food-supporting panel extending between the first side wall and the second side wall. The first side wall includes a movable portion for being positioned over the food-supporting panel. The food-supporting panel and/or the movable portion of the first side wall may include microwave energy interactive material.

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 is provided in the form of a shipping carton.

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: Various blanks, trays, cartons, systems, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item are provided.

Abstract: Various constructs and methods are provided for heating a plurality of different food items to their respective desired serving temperatures in a microwave oven in about the same amount of time.

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 sheet blank for forming a collapsible field director structure comprises a sheet of nonconductive material having at least three panels thereon, one of the panels being a master panel and the other two panels being slave panels. Each panel is substantially rectangular in shape and has elongated upper and lower edges and two relatively shorter side edges. Each panel is connected to at least one adjacent panel along an elongated edge. A patch of adhesive material is disposed on: the first surface of a first one of the panels; and another patch of adhesive material is disposed on: the first surface on one of the other panels or the second surface of said first one of the panels. The slave panels are each foldable along an elongated edge thereof so that a surface of each of the slave panels is brought into confronting facial adjacency to and adhered against a surface of the master panel.

Abstract: Various constructs that absorb exudates and enhance browning and crisping of a food item during heating in a microwave oven are provided.

Abstract: A cooking or food warming appliance having a heated heat sink plate situated in a vacuum environment within an outer shell. A food vessel intimately engages the heat sink plate along a food contacting surface thereof by virtue of the vacuum. The vacuum eliminates air gaps between the food contacting surface of the food vessel and the heat sink plate so as to provide instantaneous and uniform heating of the food vessel. The vacuum environment also provides thermal insulation for the heat sink plate whereby heat loss by convection is virtually eliminated.

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 construct for supporting a food item comprises 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: 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 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: The combination of insulating material with microwave interactive food packaging for enhanced cooking properties is disclosed. An insulating microwave packaging material (200) and a method of making the same are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the insulating microwave packaging material (200) is formed by bonding a microwave interactive material substrate (205) that creates sensible heat upon exposure to microwave energy to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) arranged in a pattern to form 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: A microwave heating construct for preparing a food item having a periphery that is desirably browned and/or crisped comprises 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: A microwave heating construct comprises 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 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: 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: An insulating microwave packaging material (200) is formed by bonding a microwave interactive material substrate (205) that creates sensible heat upon exposure to microwave energy to a second substrate (210) along bond lines (212) arranged in a pattern to form 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: 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: Raised platforms having microwave susceptors thereon are provided, where the platforms are separable into two or more different platform components for use in heating either a larger food product or separately heating smaller food products. When the platform is separated into platform components, support is provided adjacent the area of separation.

Abstract: Erectable platforms having microwave susceptors thereon are provided, where the platforms are convertible between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration to save costs on packaging, storage, and shipping while still providing the benefits of elevated microwave heating. When the platforms are converted to the erected configurations, mechanisms are provided to maintain the platforms in the erected configuration.

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 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 carton comprises a microwave heating construct including a base and a plurality of upstanding walls defining an interior space for receiving a food item, and a cover joined to the construct along a line of disruption. The construct includes a line of disruption extending substantially across the base. The line of disruption defines a first section and a second section of the construct.

Abstract: A microwave oven is provided. A component generating relatively high temperature heat and a component generating a relatively low temperature heat are cooled by airflow divided and provided by a cooling part, thereby improving operation reliability and durability of a product.

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: 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.