A method for processing articles using a microwave heating system includes obtaining an operating profile for heating a type of article using the microwave heating system. The operating profile includes a temperature-time profile for a target F.sub.0 value and a group of set point values for achieving the temperature-time profile, the group of set point values including a target for a control parameter of the microwave heating system. Using a control system operatively coupled to the microwave heating system, the microwave heating system is operated in accordance with the group of set point values such that each of the articles achieves an F.sub.0 value that is greater than or equal to the target F.sub.0 value.

The use of heat is elemental in household applications, particularly in cooking apparatus, but they are not smart and automated, which often causes fires and other safety hazards. In fact, 42% of household fires are caused by cooking devices. In our modern household, all cooking devices require some kind of user input, such as time, temperature, food type etc. to determine how long to cook, often resulting in under/overcooking due to human error. This invention demonstrates advanced thermopile assisted remote temperature detection technology in conjunction with controlled feedback systems to effectively cook food. Extending this with the use of a computing device and “Internet Of Things,” a revolutionary cooking apparatus has been devised that can automatically calculate & control the desired temperature of any food type & amount placed in the device without need of any user input. A working prototype has been created that includes all these features.

An exemplary method for protecting a microwave magnetron is disclosed provided by the steps of positioning one or more containers on a conveyer belt which passes through the microwave oven, where each container is holding a liquid. Exemplary embodiments also provide the steps of ramping up the magnetron while a container is passing through the microwave oven, positioning product for microwaving on the conveyer belt, and applying microwave energy to the product. A system for protecting a magnetron is also disclosed having a plurality of containers, each container holding a liquid and positioned atop the conveyer belt before placing a product for microwaving on the conveyer.

A method of operating a cooking appliance includes receiving, by a controller of the cooking appliance, an input indicating that the cooking appliance is to operate in a meal cook cycle. The method also includes activating at least one heater module of a plurality of heater modules during the meal cook cycle. The method also includes activating a motor to rotate a turntable through a complete revolution within the cooking cavity. The turntable is rotated at a first speed during a first portion of the complete revolution and at a second speed different from the first speed during a second portion of the complete revolution.

Embodiments herein include processing systems for food products and related methods. In an embodiment, a food processing system is included with a continuous processing channel divided into a come-up chamber, a main electromagnetic wave (such as microwave) heating chamber, and a cool-down chamber. The continuous processing channel can define at least two separate portions oriented for vertical product movement. In various embodiments, the come-up chamber, the main electromagnetic wave heating chamber, and the cool-down chamber are at least partially filled with liquid. The system can further include a product conveyor mechanism to convey food products to be processed continuously along a conveyance path passing from the come-up chamber through the main electromagnetic wave heating chamber and to the cool-down chamber. The system can further include an electromagnetic wave energy emitting apparatus configured to emit electromagnetic wave energy into the main heating chamber. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Heating systems utilizing radio frequency (RF) energy and methods for using the same to rapidly and uniformly heat packaged articles moving through the system on one or more convey lines. These systems may be useful for a variety of processes, including the pasteurization or sterilization of packaged foodstuffs.

In certain examples, a food processing machine for processing a food product includes a housing defining a cavity, a conveyor with a belt comprising metal for conveying the food product through the cavity in a longitudinal direction, and a convection heating system for heating air in the cavity such that heated air heats the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity. A microwave launch box system is configured to emit microwave energy into the cavity in a lateral direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to thereby further heat the food product as the food product is conveyed through the cavity.

A method for processing articles using a microwave heating system includes obtaining an operating profile for heating a type of article using the microwave heating system. The operating profile includes a temperature-time profile for a target F.sub.0 value and a group of set point values for achieving the temperature-time profile, the group of set point values including a target for a control parameter of the microwave heating system. Using a control system operatively coupled to the microwave heating system, the microwave heating system is operated in accordance with the group of set point values such that each of the articles achieves an F.sub.0 value that is greater than or equal to the target F.sub.0 value.

Heating systems utilizing radio frequency (RF) energy and methods for using the same to rapidly and uniformly heat packaged articles moving through the system on one or more convey lines. These systems may be useful for a variety of processes, including the pasteurization or sterilization of packaged foodstuffs.

A system for applying microwave energy to a product in which a conveyor extends through a central portion of a cavity having a pair of opposing sidewalls. The conveyor is supported directly or indirectly by a plurality of support elements attached to and between the sidewalls. The system includes top and bottom waveguides directing microwave energy toward the conveyor, and provides for attachment blocks surrounding the support elements and fastened to a support sheet on which the conveyor is conveyed. Contact strips can be used to reduce conveyor friction.