Abstract: A microwave grilling apparatus comprising a continuous conductive grill element which is a continuous element shaped into a plurality of elements segments. At least a portion of the cross-sectional area of the elements segments of the continuous grill element has a surface area between about 5.times.10.sup.-3 cm.sup.2 to about 0.1 cm.sup.2. Additionally, a microwave grilling apparatus comprising multiple continuous grill elements and at least one tray is provided. The grill elements can be rectangular, round or other geometric configurations and are used for grilling comestibles in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive reversibly deformable laminate which is reversibly deformable towards both sides thereof with changes in temperature to take three states; an original state at room temperature, a contracted state at a low temperature, and an expanded state at a high temperature, wherein the laminate is composed of at least two resin layers having different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A microwave-reflective vessel with a cold-keeping agent is chilled in a freezer. Then a frozen foodstuff, contained in the chilled vessel, is deep heated by microwave energy while the foodstuff's surface is cooled by conventional heat loss to the chilled vessel. The invention concerns frozen, foodstuffs a) that are difficult to penetrate with a spoon, as frozen whipped cream, b) that frozen are too rigid to easily masticate, as a frozen Milky Way.RTM., and c) that, when cooled on the outside and warmed on the inside, provide a novel taste treat, as a cool outside, warm inside, jelly doughnut. Multiple purpose covers are disclosed that a) retard freezer burn when in a freezer, b) maintain freezing temperatures when in a microwave oven, and c) serve as chilled dessert dishes on the dining table.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave shelf stable popcorn articles that contain real butter. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to kernel popcorn and fat, the charge further essentially includes about 1% to 8% of a high fat butter constituent. By virtue of selecting a particularly defined high fat butter ingredient, microwave popcorn articles can be prepared that are shelf stable.

Abstract: A package is described comprising a bag with at least two layers, an outer layer comprised of kraft paper and an inner layer comprised of a thinly extruded polymeric material. The bag is at least partially filled with raw, unshelled nuts or seeds for roasting. The product is roasted by placing the bag in a microwave oven and cooking for a predetermined time limit to achieve the desired texture and crunchiness of the roasted product, and then allowing the food contents to cool thereby improving the crunchiness of the roasted product.

Abstract: Microwaveable heat retentive receptacles comprising a volume for receiving a product, in heat exchange communication with a microwave absorbing material, wherein the microwave absorbing material preferably comprises monoglycerides, diglycerides, or mixtures thereof. Pouches containing the microwave absorbing material are also provided which can be associated with containers to provide improved heat storage characteristics.

Abstract: Active elements are described which modify the heating of foodstuffs and other microwave-heatable loads and which are responsive to changes of load dielectric properties with temperature or as a result of changes of state, composition or density during heating, to the presence of absence of loads, and to the presence or absence of adjacent dielectric materials. The active elements, which may be looped slots or strips, are constituted so as to be or become resonant or non-resonant during microwave heating of the load in response to the presence or absence of the load or the presence or absence of adjacent dielectric material. The elements conveniently may be constructed of electroconductive metal or artificial dielectric material.

Abstract: A food package including a tray and a sleeve surrounding the tray. The tray includes a base defining an opening and a sidewall extending from the base which terminates in a free edge. The free edge defines a tray opening. The sleeve includes a top panel positioned adjacent the tray opening, a bottom panel positioned adjacent to the opening in the base and a side panel positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: Microwave popcorn articles which upon microwave heating provide popcorn having enlarged salt particles that provide popped popcorn more reminiscent of at-home, stove-top prepared popped popcorn. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag, kernel popcorn, fat and salt. At least 50% of the salt is essentially characterized by an enlarged particle size having a mean particle size of >400 .mu.m. Included are methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein the coarse salt is added in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.

Abstract: A multi-ply laminated wall structure, especially for a bag for popping popcorn in a microwave oven, has at least two plies of paper secured together with spaced patches of adhesive to form a unitary laminated structure that has greater flexibility and lower cost than a conventional bag wall. The adhesive covers from about 25% up to about 60% of the confronting area between the plies, and the unsecured areas between the patches of adhesive are in communication with one another. The outer ply is gas permeable so that gas is permitted to escape from between the plies, and any moisture between the plies escapes through the unsecured areas between the patches of adhesive at the ends of the laminated structure.

Abstract: A label assembly is provided allowing the aesthetic packaging of vegetables, other food items, or other products, for point of purchase display in a simple, versatile and effective manner. First and second flexible strips of material (e.g. paper or plastic) have a header formed at one end and are overlapped at the other end to be held together by adhesive. An adhesive pattern of discrete spaced adhesive elements is provided on the inner face of at least one of the strips and engages the container or covering of a product being packaged so that the label assembly does not inadvertently detach from the package. The label assembly is particularly suited for use with a microwavable tray having an open top covered by plastic shrink wrap and containing vegetables (there being no adhesive where the label covers the open top), or for encircling a number of low density polypropylene bags (e.g. containing vegetables) which are held together by the label assembly.

Abstract: Active elements are described which modify the heating of foodstuffs and other microwave-heatable loads and which are responsive to changes of load dielectric properties with temperature or as a result of changes of state, composition or density during heating, to the presence of absence of loads, and to the presence or absence of adjacent dielectric materials. The active elements, which may be looped slots or strips, are constituted so as to be or become resonant or non-resonant during microwave heating of the load in response to the presence or absence of the load or the presence or absence of adjacent dielectric material. The elements conveniently may be constructed of electroconductive metal or artificial dielectric material.

Abstract: Packaging for seafood that may have been coated in sauce or marinated, including the optional use of pallet structure for positioning the product within the packaging to be vacuum sealed and flash frozen before being subsequently microwaved without rupture of the packaging until after microwaving.

Abstract: Packaging for lobster, within which the product may be microwaved, including the use of pallet structure for positioning the lobster within the packaging to avoid penetration of the plastic wrapping film by shell structure. The packaging is vacuum sealed, flash frozen and distributed to be subsequently microwaved without rupture of the packaging until after microwaving.

Abstract: A process for thawing a frozen sushi product of a type packed by a plastic film by a microwave oven is provided. Each of a packed frozen sushi product of a type packed by a plastic film in which the entire sushi product is covered with the plastic film, and a frozen sushi product of a type packed by a plastic film in which an upper portion of a sushi material is covered with an aluminum foil, and the entire sushi product is covered with a plastic film with the aluminum foil located therebetween, can be thawed in a microwave oven by heating it by an electromagnetic wave heating to rise the temperature of an exposed side of a shaped form of boiled rice to 40.degree. C. or more, while rising the temperature of a contact area between the sushi material and the boiled rice portion to 15.degree. C.

Abstract: A construction for heating food in a microwave oven is provided. The construction includes an outer receptacle and a moisture barrier closure enclosed within the outer receptacle. Food material to be heated is enclosed within the moisture barrier closure, during storage. Preferred arrangements include an outer receptacle which is expandable to accommodate expansion of the food material, preferably popcorn, upon heating. In a preferred construction shown, a microwave susceptor construction is positioned within the moisture barrier closure.

Abstract: Packaging for shellfish and other seafood in which the product may be microwaved, including the use of pallet structure for positioning the product within the packaging to avoid penetration by shells, fish bones or fins of the plastic wrapping film to enable the product to be preserved by flat packing and vacuum sealing to be subsequently microwaved without rupture of the packaging until intentionally done at the completion of microwaving.

Abstract: A container for food includes a paper-based substrate, and at least one grease and moisture resistant coating applied in liquid form to the paper-based substrate. The liquid coating is preferably formed from an aqueous-based dispersion of acrylic-based material. The liquid coating remains resistant to grease and moisture issuing from food at temperatures in the range of about -20.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by means of a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof; and methods of making the same are described, including the making of a roll from which said bags can be made.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a sealed, expandable, automatically self-venting container for cooking microwavable foods in a microwave oven. The container has a pull-tab lid, a vent-hole, a vent-hole cover, an expandable casing, and a microwavable food charge such as corn kernels.

Abstract: A microwave and oven safe packaging is provided which may be repeatedly resealed. The packing includes a top panel, a back panel, side panels and a bottom panel which define an enclosure in which a food item may be placed. The top and bottom panels have a top and a bottom, and the tops of the top and bottom panels are positionable substantially adjacent each other to define a top of the packaging. A non-metallic, flexible closure is provided which may be used to repeatedly close the package. The closure includes an elongate inner portion which extends generally parallel to the sides of the package. The inner portion is adhered to the bag front panel and is spaced from the top of the panel. An upper portion has a free and a fixed end. The upper portion is adhered to the bottom of the inner portion at its fixed end. The upper portion is longer than the inner portion and its free end extends beyond the top of the package to be wrapped about the top of the package and adhered to the back panel of the packaging.

Abstract: A construction for container charge of popcorn to be heated in a microwave heating operation is provided. The construction generally comprises a flexible single-ply bag having a microwave interactive construction secured thereto. A variety of embodiments are described. An arrangement including a charged popcorn therein is also provided. Further, methods of constructing such arrangements of methods of use are described.

Abstract: A container for cooking and browning pot pies and similar food items in a microwave oven is disclosed. The container has a susceptor layer positioned between the top panel and the pot pie. A pan for containing a food item and having a susceptor lining for further cooking and browning the food item is located below the susceptor layer. The arrangement of susceptor layer in connection with the pan provide for the desired degree of cooking and browning the food item without the need to remove the food item from the transporting container.

Abstract: A patterned metal foil/substrate laminate wherein the pattern is formed by laminating a sheet of metal foil to a substrate by applying an adhesive between the metal foil and substrate in a predetermined pattern which defines areas where adhesive is present and areas where no adhesive is present, cutting the metal foil, as by rotary die cutting or laser cutting, in a pattern which corresponds to the boundaries of the adhesive-containing areas and removing the areas of metal foil which are not adhesively adhered to the substrate. Particularly where the laminate is intended for microwave packaging, the laminate further includes a sheet of barrier layer material, preferably polymer film, laminated to the patterned metal foil layer.

Abstract: A microwave popcorn package is provided. The package generally comprises plies of flexible material, such as paper, bonded or adhered to one another, with a microwave interactive construction therebetween. The laminating adhesive between the plies is applied in a preferred pattern, to advantage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microwaveable food product composite containing a coating food product and a mode filtering structure wherein the food product has a crumb coating having an average crumb size of greater than 1.5 mm and an air gap of from 1 to 6 mm between the food product and the mode filtering structure such that the electric field strength generated within the mode filtering structure, when used in a commercially available microwave oven, is greater than 20 kV/m, but below the breakdown voltage of air. Such composite products are useful in enhancing the heating of the surface layer of the coated food product by a microwave energy.

Abstract: A container for heating frozen French fries in a toaster. The frozen French fries preferably have a moisture content by weight ranging from 35% to 55% prior to heating in the toaster. The container comprises an upright structure adapted to removably fit into a vertical slot of a conventional toaster and be supported by the toaster during a toaster heating cycle. The upright structure has a front and back connected to a closed bottom. The front and back have side edges and apertures through the front and back for passing heat from the toaster to frozen French fries located inside the container and for passing steam from heated French fries to outside of the container. The container has an openable end to permit removal of the French fries after heating. The closed bottom forms a drip trough for collecting drippings from the French fries.

Abstract: A container for use in connection with the exposure of edible matter to microwave radiation. The container comprises a base tray and a lid. The lid is formed from a sheet of material which absorbs microwave radiation and is heated by it, and has a plurality of openings formed in it to allow escape of moisture during heating of the product. The lid is so folded or constructed that the distance through the openings from one side to the other side of the lid is greater then the thickness of the material of the lid.

Abstract: A microwavable container has an active microwave energy heating element to distribute energy. The active microwave energy heating element includes a plurality of loops interspersed with islands. Similar structures may be used in the tray to distribute energy through the tray. Alternatively, resonant loops interconnected by transmission lines may be dispersed over the tray to distribute energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microwave silicate foam susceptor which comprises a dry sodium silicate foam substrate coated with an effective amount of microwave active material. The silicate is preferably a sodium silicate, but can be other suitable alkali metal silicate, and the active constituent is preferably graphite, but other actives can be used. The susceptor of the present invention is capable of quickly reaching and more importantly maintaining extremely high temperatures. This enables it to brown and crispen foods in a microwave oven.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles which upon microwave heating provide popcorn of reduced fat content, better fat distribution and improved taste as well as methods for the preparation of such articles. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to unpopped popcorn kernels and fat, the charge further essentially includes minor amounts of salt, color and/or flavors. The present method involves the spraying of a fat/salt slurry at the same time as and at an angle to a falling cascade of unpopped popcorn kernels as they are charged to the upper open end of the microwave popcorn bag. The angle of the fat/salt spray is such as to intersect with the falling popcorn cascade within the popcorn bag below the top seal area. By applying the fat/salt slurry to a falling cascade of unpopped popcorn kernels during bag filling, improved distribution of the slurry over the popcorn is achieved.

Abstract: A microwave heating package for containing a food item to be cooked in a microwave oven including a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall. A microwave interactive layer is affixed to the bottom wall for converting microwave energy into heat. The side wall is scored to define a first end flap and a second end flap. Each end flap is partially separable from the remainder of the package along the scoring and is hingedly connected to the bottom wall such that the separable portion of each end flap is pivotable from a first unseparated position to a second position located underneath the bottom wall.

Abstract: A microwaveable container is formed of a three part laminate structure including a middle layer of plastic impervious to liquid oils, water vapor, gas, and moisture, an inner layer of fibrous material joined to one side of the middle layer, and an outer fibrous layer joined to the other side of the middle layer. The seams are configured to enable the complete or essential prevention of leakage of oil, moisture, volatile flavoring agents, water vapor and oxygen through the container walls. Oils which are liquid at room temperature may be sealed and stored in the container without refrigeration to a temperature below the melting point of the oils.

Abstract: A packaged egg omelet mix facilitates preparation of omelets by microwave heating. An upper container portion holds an omelet inlay, such as cheese or the like, and has a cylindrical body and an upper end wall. A lower container portion also has a cylindrical body and encloses a sealed container holding an aseptically-packaged liquid egg. The omelet is prepared by depositing the liquid egg and omelet inlay into the lower container portion, and placing the lower container portion in a microwave oven for heating.

Abstract: A self-supporting layer of flexible etchable metal having a thickness of about 1 micron has a plurality of apertures formed therethrough and has a layer of etchant resistant material on each face of the metal layer in a pattern completely overlying the metal layer and the periphery of the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: A folded microwavable arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a folded bag having an interior, the bag being folded to define a portion of the interior with an upper portion and a lower edge, defined by a transverse folds in the bag. The arrangement also includes a releasable seal arrangement in a portion of the folded bag between the upper portion and the lower edge. The seal arrangement is oriented to inhibit contents in the interior from settling away from the upper portion and toward the lower fold line, when the folded bag is oriented with the upper portion oriented above the lower edge and with contents in the interior. Methods of folding such arrangements and using such arrangements are also provided.

Abstract: A microwavable pad for heating food has a liquid absorbent to prevent liquid leakage in the event that the sealed thermoplastic envelope of the pad is ruptured. The method of forming the pad includes evacuating air from the thermoplastic envelope prior to sealing. The pad can be used alone or with a food cover to provide warmth and impart heat to food when the pad is placed in a container with the food.

Abstract: Microwave interactive susceptors in end product condition or form are produced by a continuous in-line production method wherein, under continuous vacuum, a paper or board substrate is first coated with a thin film of monomer which is cured to a polymer, a metal or other microwave interactive susceptor material is vapor or sputter deposited onto the polymer film, either in an overall layer or preselected pattern, and a thin film monomer is deposited over the susceptor layer and cured or polymerized resulting in an end product ready for use without the previously required polyester substrate and without requiring lamination of a metallized film to a paper or board backing. Production of plural layers susceptors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for deli food has a base and a removable lid with male and female locking members extending around the periphery thereof. Stiff tabs extend from the periphery of the base and the lid. The tabs are displaced one from the other for easy opening of the container. The tabs are embossed with visual instructions for unlocking, The base of the container is formed of opaque plastic and the lid is clear plastic. The plastic materials are suitable for placing the container in a warming oven and for reheating the food in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A pattern of tear perforations is provided in the substrate that forms a microwave reheating support. The pattern of tear perforations enables the substrate to be separated into portions so that the substrate can be adjusted in size and/or shape to correspond to the size and/or shape of the food product being heated. For example, a round substrate can include a circular pattern of tear perforations spaced radially inward from an outer circumference of the round substrate. This enables the outer peripheral portion of the round substrate to be removed to reduce the size (diameter) of the substrate for use with smaller-sized food products. The pattern of tear perforations can include one or more lines of tear perforations that extend across a substrate. For example, the lines of tear perforations can divide the circular substrate into a plurality of wedges that can be used, for example, to heat a slice of pizza instead of the entire pizza.

Abstract: A container for food includes a paper-based substrate, and at least one grease and moisture resistant coating applied in liquid form to the paper-based substrate. The liquid coating is preferably formed from an aqueous-based dispersion of acrylic-based material. The liquid coating remains resistant to grease and moisture issuing from food at temperatures in the range of about -20.degree. F. to 425.degree. F.

Abstract: A susceptor according to the present invention includes a substrate having physical properties so that melting and size deformation of the substrate occur in response to microwave absorption by the susceptor. A metalized layer is coupled to the substrate, and supporting means is provided for supporting the substrate and the metalized layer.

Abstract: A food product tray including a base defining an opening and a floor member covering the opening. The floor member has an edge portion thereof secured to the base such that the floor member substantially directly supports the food product in the tray. A food product package is also provided.

Abstract: A printed microwave susceptor includes a paper or paperboard substrate having first and second surfaces. A food contact layer is applied to one surface, and separate thermal insulating layers and microwave interactive layers are applied to the other surface, with the thermal insulating layer being disposed between the substrate and the microwave interactive layer. The microwave interactive layer may be overcoated with a protective layer for abrasion resistance.

Abstract: A food package and absorbent pad adapted for microwave or conventional oven cooking of food products by being formed of high temperature resistant, heat sealable materials and by the pad being capable of absorbing water, juices and the like and fats, oils or greases simultaneously without hindering the absorption of the other, and in which the liquid permeability of the pad may be controlled depending upon the characteristics of the food product. The pad includes upper and lower layers, and an intermediate layer of absorbent material, one or both of the upper and lower layers may be of varying liquid permeability.

Abstract: An ovenable food package including a non-circular base having legs extending therefrom. The base is constructed and arranged such that an exterior gap is created between a portion of the base and the support surface of a food heating apparatus into which the package is placed. The base is also constructed and arranged such that at least one interior gap is created between the food product contained in the package and the base when the food product rests on the base. This construction and arrangement insures uniform and efficient heating of the food product and also insures that moisture in the form of steam can escape from the food product so that the food product comes out of the oven crispy and not soggy. An ovenable food package is also disclosed that has a sidewall extending from the base that terminates in a stepped flange and a removable lid for covering the base. The lid is sized and shaped such that a removable portion of the lid can be positioned to rest on the stepped flange.

Abstract: A conductive structure for use in microwave food packaging which adapts itself to heat food articles in a safer, more uniform manner is disclosed. The structure includes a conductive layer disposed on a non-conductive substrate. Provision in the structure's conductive layer of fuse links and base areas causes microwave induced currents to be channeled through the fuse links, resulting in a controlled heating. When over-exposed to microwave energy, fuses break more readily than the conductive base areas resulting in less absorption of microwave energy in the area of fuse breaks than in other regions where fuses do not break. The arrangement and dimensions of fuse links compensate for known uneven stresses in the substrate, giving uniform fuse performance. In addition, by varying the dimensions of the fuse links and base areas it is possible to design and fabricate different fused microwave conductive structures having a wide range of heating characteristics.

Abstract: A susceptor according to the present invention includes a substrate having physical properties so that melting and size deformation of the substrate occur in response to microwave absorption by the susceptor. A metalized layer is coupled to the substrate, and supporting means is provided for supporting the substrate and the metalized layer.

Abstract: A ferrite composition is created by adding a high Curie temperature ferrite, such as lithium ferrite, to a soft magnetic ferrite, such as magnesium manganese zinc ferrite. The composition is used in a microwave oven dish or laminate wrap to crisp or brown food by maintaining the food at a desired temperature during microwave operation. The high Curie temperature ferrite is preferably selected from the group consisting of lithium ferrite, nickel ferrite, copper ferrite, magnesium ferrite, strontium ferrite, barium ferrite, manganese ferrite, strontium zinc ferrite, barium zinc ferrite, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, the preferred process of making the new ferrite composition for use in microwave browning dishes includes the low-cost method of sintering raw materials in an air atmosphere. A browning plate including the ferrite compositions, and a microwave oven suitable for use with the browning plate are also disclosed.