Abstract: A microwave heating susceptor for browning or searing packaged foods in a microwave oven. The susceptor is constructed from a thin metal mesh, and a microwave absorbing material applied to the metal mesh. To sear food, the suspceptor is placed in proximity to food in a microwave oven cavity. When the microwave oven is turned on, the susceptor heats to a high temperature, thereby browning and cooking the food.

Abstract: A domestic cooking system including at least one cooking utensil defining a food heating surface and including heating apparatus operative to heat the food heating surface by thermal conduction, and a base defining one or more cooking locations arranged for removable engagement with at least one cooking utensil and including apparatus for providing energy to the heating apparatus including an electrical connector disposed at at least one of the cooking locations and configured for mating engagement with at least one of the utensils. There is also provided a domestic cooking system including a base defining at least one cooking location and including electromagnetic induction apparatus including an induction producing element operative to generate electromagnetic flux and at least one high permeability foil disposed so as to direct electromagnetic flux generated by the induction producing element to the cooking location.

Abstract: A drip-type coffee maker adapted for use in a microwave oven. The coffee maker includes a container which can dispense coffee directly into a receptacle therebelow and has an upper reservoir for holding water, a lower filter element for holding coffee grounds and a partition, which separates the reservoir and coffee filter element. The partition includes a portion thereof adapted to close and open communication between the reservoir and the filter element, and a non-toxic heat responsive sealing substance adapted to releasably seal the partition portion in the closed position until water in the reservoir reaches a temperature for brewing coffee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating an object in a microwave oven which includes microwave transparent fiber means for suspending the object to enable chaotic motion during microwave heating.

Abstract: Improvements in and new methods of using a prior art cooking kit are taught. The prior art kit includes an imperforate, metal outer pot, a perforated, metal inner pot, which nests in the outer pot, and a microwave-shielded, food by-product collection chamber between the two pots. A microwave-transparent cover covers the pots and forms a steam-confining, cooking chamber there between. Improvements include an adjustable, "skewer/support/grill" apparatus, improved handle construction, drainage-fabrication and shape. New methods of combining the cooking of food in a microwave oven and in a thermal oven are taught. The food includes soup, poultry, meat, fish, vegetables, stuffing recipes and crusting recipes. Methods taught concern: a) cooking one food with the by-product of a microwave cooking food, b) fully cooking a food in a microwave oven before frying, baking or broiling the food in a thermal oven, c) baking and crusting a food at temperatures over 500.degree. F.

Abstract: A microwave heating utensil is provided with a microwave absorbent susceptor material which may include at least one metallic oxide and at least one metal in the reduced state. The susceptor material may be disposed in a layer on the surface of the body and a continuous cover layer overlying the susceptor material may be fused with the utensil body. The susceptor material may be formed by oxidation of a metallic susceptor-forming material in situ, on the body. Preformed layers comprising the susceptor-forming material and the cover material in particulate form may be applied to the body by transferring these layers from a decal substrate. The continuous cover layer may be formed by fusion of the particulate cover material in the same heating step as employed to oxidize the susceptor-forming material.

Abstract: A package includes a food containing shell for storing, displaying, shipping and heating of the enclosed food in a microwave oven. The shell includes a lower portion and an upper portion, and is constructed, at least in part, of a multi-layer laminate which includes a microwave-interactive layer of a metallic alloy of nickel and chromium. The laminate also includes a structural layer and a protective layer on the side of the laminate facing the food. The shell may also include slits which remain closed during storing, displaying and shipping, but which open under the internal pressure of the vapors formed during heating allowing the vapors to be vented from the interior of the shell.

Abstract: A multilayer structure comprising a layer of film susceptible to melting when used in conjunction with a microwave susceptor, a layer of microwave susceptor material, and a layer formed from a crosslinked melt extrudable material does not melt when used in a microwave oven.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing hot beverages in a microwave oven has a lower carafe for receiving the finished brewed hot beverage and an upper reservoir having a bottom and retaining fresh water therein. The reservoir may be placed on the carafe and has a shut-off member disposed inside. The shut-off member has an inlet in the interior of the reservoir and an outlet extending through the bottom of the reservoir, and the shut-off member is a pipe which functions as a siphon or as an overflow. The reservoir is substantially air tight, and a vent is in the carafe for exhausting fluid from and into the carafe. Alternatively, the reservoir is fluidly connected to the carafe and the carafe has a one-way valve for only exhausting fluid from the carafe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for preserving fluid foodstuffs, and more particularly is directed to such methods and apparatus for extending the shelf life of perishable fluid foodstuffs such as dairy products, fruit juices and liquid egg products, which are growth media for microorganisms. The present invention is also directed to preserved liquid foodstuffs which have extended shelf life.

Abstract: A rice bowl, which comprises a plurality layers of plastic films smoothly secured thereto by means of a retainer ring and covering over the deep, rounded body thereof. The plastic films can be split off one after another each time after meal, so that the rice bowl can be repeatedly used without the need to wash.

Abstract: A disposable container for heating seeds, kernels, nuts, grains, popcorn or the like items, using microwave radiation. The container comprises a can-shaped package having a floor where the items are placed and held in a clump. As the items are heated with microwave radiation, the items pop, the cover panel and/or container walls expand to form a new shape wherein the walls are inclined toward the floor. As the items pop, the unpopped items continue to be directed into a clump. Alternatively, a ferrite and metal material may be placed on the floor to enhance the heating process.

Abstract: For use in a microwave oven, an invertible microwave-oven oven is provided which includes; a first heating member which has a first surface to heat a food in contact therewith; a second heating member which has a second heating surface to heat a food in contact therewith; connector means which engages with the first and second heating members and which keeps the first and second members in engagement while the apparatus is inverted; a cooking chamber defined by, at least, the first heating member and said second absorptive heating member; a microwave-absorptive substance for each of the heating surfaces, adapted to become hot when exposed to microwave energy and to heat the heating surfaces; and optionally, by auxiliary metal pan members for use within the steam-confining chamber. The connector means may include a microwave-reflective band disposed to adjust the amount of microwave energy directly entering the cooking chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulating microwave heating package with at least one and preferably a multiplicity of latent, uninflated or potential isulation chambers capable of inflating when exposed to microwave energy. The package includes at least two sheets of material bonded together at selected points, patches or along seal lines separated by unsealed areas which define unfilled inflation chambers between the lines, patches or points. Upon exposure to microwave energy, the package and its contents become heated. As a result of this heating process, the unfilled chambers also become heated, causing them to become filled with hot expanding air or moisture vapor. These chambers serve as insulation for the package and enhance heating of the food by reducing heat loss from the package.

Abstract: The invention provides that receptor material sheet is so formed or treated as to vary the microwave heating characteristics thereof. In one arrangement, the microwave heating characteristic is varied by corrugating the receptor material, while in another case the sheet material is embossed or treated so as to break up the receptor layer. In preferred arrangements the above two features are embodied in the same material, and according to a further preferred feature the receptor materials are embodied in packages for foodstuffs to be microwave cooked.

Abstract: A susceptor for use in microwave heating and a method of manufacturing a susceptor for use in microwave heating are shown to include a substrate and a coating of electrically conductive particles applied to the substrate in a pattern that results in a distribution of microwave energy across the pattern so that burning or charring of the substrate is substantially prevented. The coating is an ink coating and the ink coating is applied to the substrate in a printing operation. The pattern is shown to include a plurality of subpatterns located within an effective heating area wherein the positioning of subpatterns is sufficient to radiate the desired heat without burning.

Abstract: A food heating and serving package for elongated food products such as french fries and fish sticks is described which includes partitions formed from microwave energy absorbing material positioned in parallel relationship to define a honeycomb-like array of cells, each adapted to receive one of the food sticks and to crisp, toast or brown the surface of the food sticks. The partitions preferably enclose and heat the food sticks on at least three sides. A pair of opposed retaining tabs lock the susceptor in place within the package with a wedging action. The package includes a removable upper portion connected to a bottom portion with a severable panel. When the bottom portion is removed the food sticks slide out of the cells within which they are held in place within the top portion of the package. The back panel of the package has an upwardly extending portion which serves as a carrying handle to facilitate safe removal from the oven after heating.

Abstract: The electroplasmolyzer for processing plant raw material comprises a cylindrical casing (1) having inlet and outlet holes (2, 3) and electrodes (5) arranged uniformly along a generating line within the cylindrical casing (1). The electroplasmolyzer, according to the invention, also comprises T-shaped electromagnets (6) disposed uniformly on the outer surface along the generating line of the cylindrical casing (1). The number of the electromagnets (6) is a multiple of three. Each electromagnet (6) is arranged above an interelectrode space formed by adjacent electrodes (5) to which its coil (8) is connected. An axis (9) of a yoke (10) of each electromagnet (6) is parallel to a longitudinal axis (4) of the cylindrical casing (1).

Abstract: An improved structure induction heating wok comprising a wok, with a handle and pivoted on one side, from whose lower surface two contact rods extend, a magnetic core wound by a coil, driven by an A.C. power supply, and a bowl shaped yoke with a hollow well containing liquid mercury formed on the upper rim thereon. Wherein, when the pan is in a lowered position, the two contact rods are inserted into the mercury filled hollow well allowing an induced current in the yoke to flow through the contact rods and wok pan to generate heat therein. By pulling up on the handle, the wok pan tilts upwards about the pivot to allow the foodstuff within the wok to be rapidly removed.

Abstract: A cooking hood used in making a cake in a microwave oven has a peripheral wall and a top wall formed with a center hole similar in shape to the top wall itself and is adapted to be put over a cake mold containing dough for a cake. The cake mold containing the dough and covered with the hood is put in a microwave oven to heat the dough to form a cake. The center hole is of such a size that the steam rising from the dough being heated will be released gradually through the hole so that the cake will be baked uniformly from the inside to the outside. The dough is made by kneading whipped egg, sugar, sifted flour, a fat such as margarine and water or milk with a whipper. The content of the water or milk should be larger by about 20 percent than when baking a cake of the same size in a gas or electric oven. The weight ratio of the water or milk to the flour should be about 55 percent.

Abstract: The baking-heating according to the invention is characterized in that it consists in defining in the application cavity, a baking-heating enclosure, open to the front of the oven at least coincidingly with the glass of the door and designed to contain the products, by means of an element insertable in the cavity, comprising at least one wall interposed between the enclosure and the generator and made from a porous material which is permeable to microwave energy, and provided with a water-proof coating except on its face directed toward the enclosure. The invention finds an application in the baking or heating of food products.

Abstract: A container assembly for cooking relatively heavy and/or large amounts of food such as turkeys, roasts, large chickens, etc. in a microwave oven wherein the container, through the materials utilized and through certain structural features incorporated therein, has the integrity to support and contain the larger food products and further wherein a cover or lid structure is provided in most applications.

Abstract: A bulk material processor includes a tray assembly with a panel subassembly having an upper panel section and a lower panel section. The upper panel section is adapted to receive bulk material and pass it to the lower panel section for discharge. A heater panel is mounted over the tray assembly for radiantly heating the bulk material passing thereunder. A vibrator is coupled to the tray assembly for vibrating the bulk material whereby it advances along the tray assembly. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the vibrator and for controlling the output of the heater panel. A method of bulk material processing includes cascading the bulk material from an upper panel section to a lower panel section by vibration and subjecting it to infrared radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a microwave oven having an integral mixing assembly for agitating food inside of the microwave chamber during cooking. The mixing assembly includes a mixer shaft which is received through the top microwave chamber wall and which is capable of rotational movement. The mixer shaft is powered for rotational movement by a motor. The end of the mixer shaft disposed inside of the microwave chamber is adapted for releasable connection to one or more stirring or agitating means. A belt drive system and support mechanism are provided to control rotation of the mixer shaft.

Abstract: A heat generating container for use in a microwave oven, which includes a metallic main container, a metallic lid to be detachably applied onto said metallic main container, and microwave absorbing heat generating film layers formed on an outer surface of the metallic main container and metallic lid. The microwave absorbing heat generating film layers are varied in thickness for uniform heat generation of the main container and the lid.

Abstract: A reflective temperature compensating microwave susceptor is disclosed. The susceptor has a microwave interactive heating layer which may be characterized in various ways. In one aspect, the microwave interactive heating layer is operable to provide an increase in reflectance by several factors during heating from 23.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. The microwave interactive heating layer may have a surface resistance that decreases significantly from 23.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. In another aspect, the microwave interactive heating layer may have an electrical conductivity which increases significantly from 23.degree. to 250.degree. C. The microwave interactive heating layer is preferably formed as a thin film deposited upon a substrate, preferably a sheet of polyester. The coated polyester is adhesively bonded to a support member. The microwave interactive heating layer preferably comprises TiO.sub.x, where x has a value between two and one.

Abstract: An universal gas permeable, vapor releasing cover for adapting cooking vessels for use in a microwave oven includes a patterned array of openings to permit venting of vapors and gases in a relatively flat microwave permeable cover designed to accommodate varying sized vessels of the general shape described by the lid. A set of such covers can serve all popular shapes of such vessels. The holes may be tapered to reduce clogging.

Abstract: An appliance for dispensing hot water comprises walls defining a reservoir for receiving water to be heated, a filling aperture for introducing water into the reservoir, a heating chamber located at least partially above the reservoir, and a discharge aperture for allowing heated water to leave the heating chamber. The appliance further comprises a tube extending upwardly from the reservoir and opening into the heating chamber, and a plug for sealing the filling aperture. The walls are at least partially transparent to microwave radiation so that when the appliance is exposed to microwave radiation, water in the reservoir is heated and is forced from the reservoir through the tube into the heating chamber, where it is further heated and is discharged from the heating chamber by way of the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A method for cooking in a microwave oven is provided, in which edible ingredients are combined in a container transparent to microwave energy. A cooking optimizer panel having two faces of differing susceptibility to microwave energy is placed underneath the food container in a configuration determined by the power of the microwave oven.

Abstract: A drip-type coffee maker adapted for use in a microwave oven. The coffee maker includes a container which can dispense coffee directly into a receptacle therebelow and has an upper reservoir for holding water, a lower filter element for holding coffee grounds and a partition, which separates the reservoir and coffee filter element. The partition includes a portion thereof adapted to close and open communication between the reservoir and the filter element, and a non-toxic heat responsive sealing substance adapted to releasably seal the partition portion in the closed position until water in the reservoir reaches a temperature for brewing coffee.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for suspending a food product while cooking for use in high heat and microwave environments.

Abstract: A method and food product structure are provided for controlling heating of multi-component foods in a microwave oven. The structure and method include the use of a layer of edible substance with preselected properties and positioned adjacent to one or more food items to control the amount of transmitted microwave power to the adjacent food. One or more layers of edible substance has properties selected in relation to the other food substance such that effective shielding or control is achieved which will reliably control the heating of the components of the food product in the time required for heating one or more portions of the multi-component food product. With preselected values for thickness and dielectric properties of one or more layers and the thermal masses of the layers and the other components, the amount of energy transmitted to one or more of the food components and its final temperature can be effectively and reliably controlled.

Abstract: A package for popping popcorn in a microwave oven includes an open-topped container in the form of a tub formed from self-supporting microwave transparent sheet material such as stiff paper or paperboard. The tube includes an upstanding side wall terminating at the top in a free edge which defines an upper wide mouth. The side wall has a lower edge which rests on the floor of the microwave oven during cooking. The tube also includes a flat bottom wall which is connected to the side wall at an elevation spaced upwardly from its bottom edge to define an air compartment within the package between the botom wall of the package and the oven floor. A layer of microwave interactive susceptor material is connected to the bottom wall and is distributed across the bottom wall so that substantially the entire susceptor has a constant gap from the bottom wall of the oven.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a food item in a microwave oven is disclosed which has heater regions in combination with a reflective lattice structure. The combination of the reflective lattice structure and heater regions provides a food heating device which substantially maintains its reflectance, absorbance and transmittance during microwave heating. Substantial uniformity of heating is also achieved. The reflectance, transmittance and absorbance of the food heating device can be adjusted by changing the relative configuration and construction of the lattice structure and the heater regions.

Abstract: A non-metallic unitary baking pan, and especially a baking pan made of plastic, including foam plastic, paper or plastic laminated paper in which a cake or cake-like product can be baked, which baking pan has portions thereof which are thicker and have greater insulating effect than other portions to more uniformly and evenly distribute the heat produced during the baking operation throughout the cake batter or dough being baked. Also disclosed is method for producing such a non-metallic unitary baking pan by means of heated mating dies under pressure the mating dies having portions spaced farther apart than other portions thereof to produce corresponding thicker portions in the pan so formed.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for use in a microwave or conventional oven is disclosed. The utensil comprises a metal baking pan of largely conventional design with a plastic ring or girdle fitted around the outside edge of the pan to space the pan from the oven walls. The girdle may be provided with an interior shoulder to accept a lip on the pan. A rib on the girdle extending above the shoulder may be used to capture the pan lip between the rib and the shoulder in a snap-fit arrangement. Additionally, the girdle may be used as a cool-to-the-touch handle with or without handle extensions.

Abstract: The invention includes a brewing apparatus which makes coffee, tea or the like by the drip method within a microwave oven. The brewing apparatus includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of water for heating which is positioned on a carafe for receiving a quantity of brewed coffee, tea or the like therein. A basket supported on the reservoir retains coffee grounds, tea leave or the like while permitting brewed material to pass therethrough. A pump tube is attached to the reservoir and extends into the cavity formed thereby to a position below the water line. The reservoir is formed such that the application of microwave energy heats the water within the cavity, causing a pressure increase. The pressure forces liquid through the inlet of the pump tube. The pump tube direct the heated water through the outlet onto the coffee grounds, tea leaves or the like within the basket. The brewed material then passes from the basket into the carafe.

Abstract: A closure device is provided and generally comprises a "U" shaped structural member preformed to a size and shape suitable to join two vessels into a microwavable utensil. The closure device has opposed finger grips and a rod shaped handle for moving and handling the microwavable utensil formed by the closure device. The plastic or metal material from which the closure device is made is resilient so that when the closure is deformed, placed in position around the two vessels and then released it will return to its original preformed shape securing the two vessels in position. The lower and upper vessels joined together by the closure device are held in place by the legs of the "U" shaped structural member.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a food product, such as meats and the like while cooking comprised of two planar interlocking grids that allow for easy assembly and storage and allow for use in high heat and microwave environments.

Abstract: A container for heating a substance, e.g. food, in a microwave oven has a bottom transparent to microwave energy. The container is supported on a stand that contains one or more electrically conductive plates (or apertures in an electrically conductive sheet) that generate at least one mode of microwave energy of higher order than the fundamental modes. The stand also serves to support the container above the higher order mode generating plates (or apertures) so that the undersurface of the substance is spaced from them by a uniform predetermined distance. The arrangement has the known features of "bottom heating", i.e. taking advantage of the natural heat flow in the substance, while achieving more uniform heating of the substance by virtue of the higher order mode or modes.

Abstract: A container body is sealed by means of a lid made of a flexible sheet having an insulative property and an antenna made of an electrically conductive material which is laminated upon the lid. According to this construction, when the container body is exposed to microwaves within a microwave oven, microwave energy is concentrated at a position near the front end of the antenna and the microwave energy is converted into heat energy, whereby the lid is opened by means of the thus converted heat. The lid can thus be precisely partially melted so as to form an opening of a predeterminedly suitable size.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing filtered coffee by use of microwave energy includes a vessel for containing the filtered coffee and a container having a single compartment for receiving and retaining a non-heated coffee mixture of coffee grounds and water. The vessel has a vessel opening formed therein and the container includes an outlet adapted to be received by the vessel opening to pass the coffee mixture therethrough to the vessel. Heating means heats the coffee mixture through exposure to microwave energy. A filter means is disposed across the outlet and includes a resistance to flow which is slight enough that the heated mixture passes through a filter to emerge as a filtered coffee.

Abstract: A product comprises a shallow container and a load located therein for heating by microwave energy. This product is designed either to be used with, or itself to incorporate, a structure for generating or enhancing at least one mode of the microwave energy of an order higher than a fundamental mode that is determined by boundary conditions resulting from the lateral dimensions of either the container of the load or both. The invention resides in controlling the depth of the load in the container in such a manner that, upon irradiation of the product with the microwave energy, the power absorbed by the load from a higher order mode is at or near a maximum value, while preferably the power absorbed by the load from the fundamental mode is at or near a minimum value.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an endless conveyor band (2) of insulating material on which are mounted at even distances apart receptacles (7) composed of a metal adapted to receive separate portions of a dish to be cooked and inductors (10a, 10b) disposed below the upper reach (6) of the conveyor. The inductors have a diameter roughly equal to one-half of the diameter of the receptacles and are disposed in at least two rows in the direction of movement of the conveyor (2) symmetrically relative to the axis of movement of the receptacles. The inner edges of the inductors (10a, 10b) are located beyond a vertical plane containing the axis of movement of the receptacles (7) so as to insure a homogeneous heating of the receptacles.

Abstract: A method and food product structure are provided for controlling heating of multi-component foods in a microwave oven. The structure and methods include the use of a layer of edible substance with preselected properties and positioned adjacent to one or more food items to control the amont of transmitted microwave power to the adjacent food. One or more layers of edible substance has properties selected in relation to the other food substance such that effective shielding or control is achieved which will reliably control the heating of the components of the food product in the time required for heating one or more portions of the multi-component food product. With preselected values for thickness and dielectric properties of one or more layers and the thermal masses of the layers and the other components, the amount of energy transmitted to one or more of the food components and its final temperature can be effectively and reliably controlled.

Abstract: A novel package assembly and method are disclosed whereby a food product having a moisture content of less than 5 weight percent is disposed in a sealed package in which a sealed packet of an aqueous solution is also disposed; so that upon exposure to microwave radiation, the solution in the sealed packet vaporizes, rupture the packet and is dispersed as steam throughout the sealed package, whereby the temperature of the low moisture food product is increased.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus comprises a heating chamber (28), a metal skewer (5), a rotary driving portion (F) and a coupling (13). The heating chamber (28) comprises a high frequency generator (3) and a heater (2) for heating foods (26) contained therein. The metal skewer (5) supports the skewered food (26) and is rotatably suspended between both sidewalls (28b, 28c) of the heating chamber (28). The rotary driving portion (F) is provided for rotating the metal skewer (5) in the heating chamber (28). One end portion (5a) of the metal skewer (5) is coupled with the rotary driving portion (F) by the coupling (13). The coupling (13) is provided on the outside of one sidewall (28c) of the heating chamber (28). A support member (G) is provided at the position opposed to the coupling (13) for rotatably supporting the other end portion of the metal skewer (5). The support member (G) is detachably provided projecting from the other sidewall (28b) of the heating chamber (28).

Abstract: Warming devices are described having solid organic particulates that are solid at room temperature and which exhibit a meso-crystalline transition temperature within a range of about 30.degree. to about 200.degree. C. The particles can be heated by a variety of methods such as microwave radiation or hot liquids. Contemplated objects include vacuum bottles, coffee mugs, stadium pads, foot warming boxes, mittens, caps, snowsuits, and other wearing apparel. The solid particles act as a reusable heat reservoir to release heat over an extended period of time or absorb ambient heat and serve a protective function.

Abstract: A package for use in cooking or heating a food product in a microwave oven which comprises an outer paper container and an inner liner and a microwave interactive heater comprising a coating composition printed onto the surface of a suitable substrate or a selected portion of the outer container or inner liner. The coating composition preferably comprises finely divided carbon, aluminum flake, clay and a binder in a preferred embodiment, a polyester inner liner eliminates the need for an overwrap in packages containing a food product, such as popcorn and an oil.

Abstract: A heating device, particularly for food products, includes a housing containing at least a pair of electrodes connected to supply dielectric high frequency heating. The product, contained within a tray, is positioned between the electrodes being connected to a high frequency alternating current. At least one electrode on which the tray with product can be placed may include a number of rod-shaped electrodes. In another embodiment, one or both electrodes are positionable in the tray interior in intimate contact with the product.