Abstract: Processes and systems that enhance the heating of packaged foodstuffs and other items in various microwave heating systems are described herein. It has been unexpectedly found that configuring the microwave heating zone of a microwave-assisted pasteurization or sterilization system so that the article carrier, the microwave launchers, and/or the packages have certain relative dimensions may significantly enhance the uniformity of heating of the articles. The result is pasteurized or sterilized articles that exhibit fewer hot and cold spots, a consistent microbial lethality rate, and desirable end properties, such as visual appearance, taste, and texture.

Abstract: A pull-out guide for a microwave cooking appliance or an industrial oven includes a body rail and a running rail that is movable relative thereto, for depositing a carrier. The pull-out guide includes an electrical contact for electrically contacting the running rail with the body rail.

Abstract: Carriers suitable for transporting a plurality of articles through a microwave heating zone are provided. Carriers as described herein may include an outer frame and upper and lower support structures vertically spaced from one another to provide a cargo volume into which the articles are loaded. At least a portion of the upper and/or lower support structures may be formed of an electrically conductive material. Additionally, the carrier may include removable article spacing members, such as vertical spacing members and dividers, that can be selectively inserted to adjust the size and/or shaper of the cargo volume. Carriers as described herein may be configured to receive a variety of different articles, including trays and pouches, and the articles may be loaded into the carrier in a nested or overlapping manner.

Abstract: Processes and systems that enhance the heating of packaged foodstuffs and other items in various microwave heating systems are described herein. It has been unexpectedly found that configuring the microwave heating zone of a microwave-assisted pasteurization or sterilization system so that the article carrier, the microwave launchers, and/or the packages have certain relative dimensions may significantly enhance the uniformity of heating of the articles. The result is pasteurized or sterilized articles that exhibit fewer hot and cold spots, a consistent microbial lethality rate, and desirable end properties, such as visual appearance, taste, and texture.

Abstract: A radio-frequency heating apparatus includes a phase varying unit to vary the phase of radio-frequency power; and a plurality of antennas which are placed on the same plane in a heating chamber and radiate a plurality of radio-frequency waves. The radio-frequency waves have a predetermined phase difference caused by phase variation in the phase varying unit. A geometry information acquisition unit acquires the geometry of an object; and a control unit controls the phase varying unit so that the radio-frequency waves are in phase in a first mode, and the radio-frequency waves are in opposite phase in a second mode. The control unit switches between the first mode and the second mode based on the acquired geometry information.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a processing chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall, and configured to accommodate an object to be processed; a microwave introducing unit configured to generate a microwave for heating the object and introduce the microwave into the processing chamber; a plurality of supporting members configured to make contact with the object and support the object in the processing chamber. The microwave heating apparatus further includes a dielectric member provided between the object supported by the supporting members and the bottom wall while being apart from the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems of making a meat-based food product, the methods and systems including forming minced meat into a blended form. Methods may include forming minced meat into a blended form. Encasing the blended form, heating the blended form to at least approximately 145° F. to 160° F. Chilling the blended form to at least approximately 40° F. Slicing the chilled blended form into a plurality of slices that have first and second sides spaced apart by a thickness having a range from approximately 0.039 inches to approximately 0.187 inches. Finally, drying the slices in a drying stage by an approximate 1,500 W for approximately 90 seconds to approximately 105 seconds in a dryer to produce dried slices, and moving the dried slices from the dryer stage to a cooling stage, the cooling stage incorporates an ambient air medium passing through the dried slices.

Abstract: A mechanism for constraining a product package as it is conveyed through a microwave applicator. In one preferred embodiment, the conveyor is provided by a pair of parallel guide belts arranged to travel through a microwave applicator. The guide belts have a series of slots or other guide elements formed therein. The guide elements engage edges of the product packages. In one arrangement, the pair of belts are disposed on either side of a series of packages, and thus constrain the location of the packages in three dimensions.

Abstract: A processing system is disclosed, having a process chamber that houses a substrate for exposure of a surface of the substrate to a travelling electromagnetic (EM) wave. The processing system also includes an EM wave transmission antenna configured to launch the travelling EM wave into the process chamber for the travelling EM wave to propagate in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate. The processing system also includes a power coupling system configured to supply EM energy into the EM wave transmission antenna to generate the travelling EM wave at a prescribed output power and in a prescribed EM wave mode during treatment of the substrate. The processing system also includes an EM wave receiving antenna configured to absorb the travelling EM wave after propagation through the process chamber.

Abstract: A microwave mat for removing items from a microwave oven includes a mat portion and a lip portion. The mat portion includes a plurality of ridges on the bottom side of the mat portion. The mat portion lays flat when the microwave mat is placed on a flat surface. The lip portion includes a plurality of ridges on the bottom side of the lip portion. The lip portion is raised from the flat surface when the microwave mat is placed on a flat surface. The mat portion and the lip portion are made from a single material and the material is a heat resistant material. The mat portion and the lip portion are flexible.

Abstract: A cooker and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The cooker may include a cavity having a cooking chamber, an electrical chamber, in which a part to provide heat to the cooking chamber may be disposed, the electrical chamber being defined in one side of the cavity, and a door disposed on a side of the cavity to selectively open or close the cooking chamber. The cavity may include a bottom portion that defines a bottom surface of the cavity, a side portion that extends backward from each of both sides of the bottom portion, and a rear portion rounded to extend backward from the side portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for small scale heating of an asphalt material suitable for repair and/or resurfacing of paved surfaces, most preferably where the material is placed in a small microwavable container.

Abstract: Systems for heat treating materials are presented. The systems typically involve a fluidized bed that contains granulated heat treating material. In some embodiments a fluid, such as an inert gas, is flowed through the granulated heat treating medium, which homogenizes the temperature of the heat treating medium. In some embodiments the fluid may be heated in a heating vessel and flowed into the process chamber where the fluid is then flowed through the granulated heat treating medium. In some embodiments the heat treating material may be liquid or granulated heat treating material and the heat treating material may be circulated through a heating vessel into a process chamber where the heat treating material contacts the material to be heat treated. Microwave energy may be used to provide the source of heat for heat treating systems.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes, a processing chamber, a microwave introducing unit, a support member and a heat assist member. The processing chamber is configured to accommodate an object to be processed, the processing chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall. The microwave introducing unit is configured to generate a microwave for heating the object and introduce the microwave into the processing chamber. The support member is configured to support the object by contact with the object in the processing chamber. The heating assist member is configured to generate heat by absorbing the microwave and assist heating of the object by radiant heat, the heating assist member disposed to be separated from the object by the support member.

Abstract: A high-frequency heating cooker includes: a heating chamber; a high-frequency heating unit; a tray table; a tray table rotating shaft which includes a cylindrical shaft portion and which holds the tray table; and an electric motor which rotates the tray table. The electric motor is fixed to the heating chamber by an electric motor mounting plate, and is configured to transmit a force of an electric motor rotating shaft to the tray table rotating shaft. The tray table rotating shaft transmits a rotating force to the tray table, and is made of a resin molding material. The tray table rotating shaft includes a tray table rotating shaft protrusion formed on a side surface of the cylindrical shaft portion, thereby being configured not to be easily removed from interior of the heating chamber.

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: A microwave heating system configured to heat a plurality of articles is provided. The microwave heating system includes a microwave splitter, a pair of microwave launchers, and at least one inductive iris disposed between the splitter and the launch opening of one of the launchers. A microwave launcher suitable for use in such a heating system is also provided. The launcher includes an inductive iris disposed within the interior of the launcher, spaced between its inlet and outlet and obstructing at least a portion of the microwave pathway.

Abstract: A microwave system for heating a plurality of articles and a method of using the same is provided. The microwave heating system comprises at least three microwave launchers and at least three microwave allocation devices for dividing the microwave energy into at least three separate portions. Each allocation device is configured to divide the microwave energy passing therethrough according to a predetermined ratio, and at least one of the allocation devices is configured to divide the microwave energy according to a predetermined ratio that is not 1:1. The resulting energy portions can then be discharged into the microwave heating chamber via the launchers and used to heat a plurality of articles, including foodstuffs, medical fluids, or medical instruments, disposed within the heating chamber.

Abstract: A method for heating a plurality of articles according to a prescribed heating profile is provided. The method includes heating a first test article in a small-scale microwave heating system and, based on the value of one or more parameters determined during this small-scale heating, determining a prescribed heating profile for the test article. Suitable parameters can include for example, net power discharged, sequential microwave distribution, average temperature and flow rate of the fluid in the heating chamber, and residence time. The heating profile can then be used to control a commercial-scale microwave heating system used to heat a plurality of similar articles.

Abstract: A method for controlling a microwave heating system is provided. The method may be used with a system having a liquid-filled microwave heating chamber and includes measuring the value of one or more microwave system parameters. Suitable parameters can include, for example, net microwave power discharged, the temperature of the liquid in the microwave chamber, the flow rate of liquid through the microwave chamber, and the speed of the conveyance system disposed within the microwave chamber. The measured value of the selected parameter is then compared to a target value for that parameter in order to determine a difference. Based on the difference, one or more actions can be taken in order to start, stop, or alter the operation of the microwave heating system.

Abstract: A microwave heating system configured for heating a plurality of articles is provided. One or more of the microwave launchers can be offset slightly, such that the microwave energy introduced into the heating chamber is discharged at a launch tilt angle of at least 2°. Additionally, each launcher can include a microwave-transparent window disposed between the microwave chamber and the one or more launch openings and at least 50 percent of the chamber-side surface of the window can be oriented at an angle of at least 2° from the horizontal.

Abstract: A microwave heating system configured to heat a plurality of articles is provided. The microwave heating system includes a thermalization zone for adjusting the temperature of the articles disposed therein to be substantially uniform and a microwave heating zone for heating the thermalized articles. At least one of the thermalization zone and microwave heating zone are liquid-filled and may include a plurality of fluid agitators for discharging jets of liquid medium toward the articles at multiple locations within the chamber.

Abstract: A microwave heating system configured to heat a plurality of articles and a process for using the same is provided. The heating system includes at least two laterally-spaced parallel convey lines and two or more groups of microwave launchers configured to heat articles transported along each convey line. The groups of microwave launchers can include pairs of oppositely disposed launchers that are spaced apart from one another along the axis of convey. When the system includes multiple convey lines, adjacent launcher groups are staggered relative to one another in the convey direction. Heating articles, such as foodstuffs or medical fluids or equipment in such a system, minimize undesirable interference between launchers of adjacent groups and provide a more uniform heating field.

Abstract: A microwave heating system configured to heat a plurality of articles is provided. The microwave heating system can include one or more microwave launchers that define at least one launch opening having a depth of not more than about 0.625 ?, wherein ? is the predominant wavelength of the microwave energy passing through the launcher. Additionally, in some embodiments, the launch opening may have a width or depth that is less than the corresponding inlet dimension, such that the microwave launcher has a generally tapered profile. When the microwave launcher includes a single inlet and two or more launch openings, the center points of adjacent outlets may be laterally spaced from one another relative to the direction in which the articles are passed through the heating chamber.

Abstract: A microwave heating system for continuously heating a plurality of articles and process for using the same are provided. The microwave system includes a thermalization zone for thermalizing the articles to a substantially uniform temperature, a microwave heating zone for increasing the temperature of the articles by at least about 50° C., and a quench zone for cooling the articles after heating. The heating can be carried out at a rate of at least 25° C. per minute. The system also includes at least one conveyance system for transporting the articles through each of the thermalization, microwave heating, and quench zones. The system can be commercial-sized and may have an overall production rate of at least 20 packages per minute per convey line.

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 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: A device for producing exfoliated graphite from graphite flakes, intercalated graphite, or expanded graphite by means of microwave heating using single mode microwave cavities, a method of producing such materials and products from such methods.

Abstract: A multiple-tier baking oven rack may include a top tier and a bottom tier lying substantially parallel to the top tier and a support base on which the bottom tier is supported. The bottom tier may be elevated with respect to the support base and the top tier may be elevated with respect to the bottom tier. The bottom tier and the top tier may form a space therebetween to facilitate a flow of air across the bottom tier and the top tier between the opposing sidewalls of an oven in which the multiple-tier baking oven rack is usable.

Abstract: A cooking device having a drawer type automatic door in which delicate control is carried out when the door is opened and closed, whereby influence exerted on an object to be cooked by a shock produced at the time of door opening and closing can be reduced or eliminated. When a before-stop position (full opening detection switch Pso at the time of full opening, intermediate switch Psi at the time of full closing) provided before the stop position of the door is detected, the travel speed of a drawer body is controlled. A speed control is configured to reduce the speed of the drawer body in response to the arrival of the drawer body at a before-stop position and increase the closing speed of the drawer body in response to the arrival of the drawer body at a latch riding position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Microwave-Radiometry-Detector for measuring the core temperature of a piece of protein containing substance, such as meat.

Abstract: Methods and devices for opening and closing a door of a drawer-type cooking device, enabling reduction in operation force by causing a drive mechanism not to put a load during an initial period when the door is opened or closed are provided. When a drawer body is driven by a drive mechanism including an electric motor to reach a stroke end such as a fully closed (opened) position, the drive mechanism is reversely driven only for a distance corresponding to a backlash existing in a transmission mechanism (between a pinion and a rack) and is stopped. When the drawer body is manually operated in the direction away from the stroke end, the drawer body moves without driving the drive mechanism against the inertia or load only for the distance corresponding to the backlash. As a result, the drawer body can start to be manually moved with a light burden.

Abstract: A baker's oven 10 and a method of operating the baking oven 10. The baking oven 10 including heating means 50 arranged to underlie baking trays 31 to provide a substantial proportion of the heat to the baking trays 31 than to other portions of the oven, a temperature sensor 62 for providing a signal indicative of oven temperature. An interface 60 is adapted to receive information from a baker indicative of a bake program and information corresponding to products being loaded into the oven. The control means 61 is operatively connected to the heating means 50, the temperature sensor 62 and the interface 60 to receive signals corresponding to oven variables comprising the oven temperature and a fixed baking time indicative of the product. The control means 61 is adapted to deactivate the heating means 50 after a first predetermined portion of the fixed baking time has elapsed in response to the oven temperature reaching a trip temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material is disclosed. The system typically includes an insulating vessel placed within a microwave applicator chamber. A moderating material is positioned inside the insulating vessel so that a substantial portion of the exterior surface of each component for heat treating is in contact with the moderating material.

Abstract: Ways of applying microwaves to feedstock to be processed are disclosed. One embodiment relates to heating inter-layer water in vermiculite to expand the vermiculite. Another embodiment relates to heating water in oil-contaminated materials and waste products, such as drilling cuttings, contaminated soils and certain types of animal by-products, to drive out oil. In some embodiments a microwave tunnel applicator has the microwaves applied from beneath the feedstock.

Abstract: A microwave oven for the thermal treatment of at least one dental restoration part comprises a firing chamber inside which the dental restoration part as well as at least one susceptor that may be moved or rotated by means of a drive motor and that substantially is disc-shaped, are disposed, and a microwave radiation source that indirectly heats the dental restoration part with the aid of the susceptor, wherein the susceptor at least partially is microwave-tight and wherein the microwave radiation source is arranged below the susceptor.

Abstract: A Injection molded part that is design to ride on any standard, or large microwave turntable. This unit will allow the user to double the capacity of your current microwave. The benefit of using the unit will decrease the time in heating, or reheating ref in your standard, or large microwave. This will in turn save time, energy, and money in the life time use of the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave heater and a method of heating. The microwave heater includes a non-modal interplate microwave applicator and may include a nonresonant enclosure. The non-modal interplate microwave applicator is configured to receive therein a load to be heated by microwaves radiated from the non-modal interplate microwave applicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating manufactured components using microwave energy and microwave susceptor material. Heat treating medium such as eutectic salts may be employed. A fluidized bed introduces process gases which may include carburizing or nitriding gases The process may be operated in a batch mode or continuous process mode. A microwave heating probe may be used to restart a frozen eutectic salt bath.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a slidable tray assembly for a microwave oven is disclosed. The slidable tray assembly includes a horizontal portion having a size configured to fit within the interior cavity of a microwave oven, a vertical portion coupled to the horizontal portion, a recess defined in the top surface of the horizontal portion; and a pair of slide rails attached to the inner cavity of the microwave oven.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a slidable tray assembly for a microwave oven is disclosed. The slidable tray assembly includes a horizontal portion having a size configured to fit within the interior cavity of a microwave oven, a vertical portion coupled to the horizontal portion, a recess defined in the top surface of the horizontal portion; and a pair of slide rails attached to the inner cavity of the microwave oven.

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: Disclosed herein is a microwave oven, in which a tray within a cooking room is rectilinearly reciprocated in a lengthwise direction of the cooking room and is rotated, simultaneously, to cook food. This is achieved using a gear assembly including a main gear and a planetary gear. The gear assembly includes the main gear and the planetary gear, which are engaged with each other and are rotated. A diameter of the main gear and a diameter of the planetary gear may be equal to each other, and the main gear and the planetary gear respectively include eccentric shafts. The gear assembly effectively transmits power supplied by a motor to the tray, thereby allowing the tray to be rotated at a uniform speed and to be driven even using a motor having a small load capacity.

Abstract: One aspect is a microwave furnace including a conveyor for conveying a first material layer, and a second material layer carried on the first material layer, through the furnace. A microwave heating zone is configured for heating the second material layer with a microwave generator as the conveyer conveys the layers through the microwave heating zone. The second material layer consists of a metal-containing material. A direct heat zone is configured for heating the second material layer with a direct heat source as the conveyer conveys the layers through the direct heat zone. A discharge is provided for discharging the material layers out of the microwave furnace.

Abstract: A microwave oven in which a power transmission transmitting driving force of a motor moves a tray right and left without direct contact with the tray. The microwave oven includes a support disposed between a bottom plate and the tray to support the tray and the power transmission transmitting driving force of the motor to the support such that the support linearly travels. The shape of an oval guide hole formed in the support is changed to adjust the stopping time of the support at the rightmost or leftmost side. The tray linearly travels together with the support when the support linearly travels. The microwave oven further includes a tray restriction device or a tray moving device for guiding the linear movement of the tray. The tray restriction device and the tray moving device are implemented by locking steps, grooves, protrusions, or rollers.

Abstract: A mounting table structure for use in a processing chamber for performing a heat treatment by using a microwave, includes a mounting table for mounting thereon a target object, the mounting table including therein a heating unit having a heating element made of a non-metal material and a supporting column standing up on a bottom portion of the processing chamber to support the mounting table. A shield member for blocking the microwave is provided on a top surface of the mounting table.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing ceramic parts with a certain porosity by sintering using microwaves, the materials to be sintered being arranged in a vessel, wherein the microwaves introduce sintering energy into the materials to be sintered via electromagnetic waves in the range of vacuum wavelengths between 5 cm-20 cm in multimode having an electromagnetic power of up to one kilowatt, and besides being built from primary materials for the structure of the vessel, the vessel is built from a secondary material which comprises, in particular, a mixture of or mixed crystals of non-metallic, para-, ferro- or antiferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: There is provided a cooking device having a drawer type automatic door in which delicate control is carried out when the door is opened and closed, whereby an influence (falling, overflowing, or the like) exerted on an object to be cooked such as a food by a shock produced at the time of door opening and closing can be reduced or eliminated. When a before-stop position (full opening detection switch Pso at the time of full opening, intermediate switch Psi at the time of full closing) provided before the stop position of the door is detected by specific position detecting means, speed control means controls driving means to reduce the travel speed of a drawer body. For the door opening and closing at the time of start and finish of cooking, a position at which the drawer body is to be stopped automatically (fully opened position Po, fully closed position Pc) is recognized, and the opening/closing speed leading to the stopping is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling agricultural pests in soil using microwave energy. The apparatus is an agricultural implement having a means for directing a layer of soil from the ground onto a conveyor which carries the soil through a microwave energy application area, and then disperses the soil back onto the ground. The microwave energy heats the soil to a desired temperature which destroys weeds, seeds, and insects in the soil.

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