A storage bag including a film sheet is provided. The film sheet defines a first chamber, a second chamber located adjacent the first chamber; and a releasable seal preventing fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. The releasable seal may be configured to release when an internal temperature within either the first chamber or the second chamber exceeds a temperature threshold or an internal pressure within either the first chamber or the second chamber exceeds a pressure threshold.

A package suitable for storing and cooking foods without user manipulation includes a venting mechanism actuated primarily or exclusively by temperature, rather than pressure. A vent hole can be sealed by a patch attached by a thermoplastic adhesive having a selected, well characterized Tg, or the patch itself can be a thermoplastic polymer having a selected Tg. The patch can be convection-heated, or a microwave absorbing susceptor material can be applied to the adhesive or patch for direct microwave heating. The patch can include a region that is melted by convection or by a susceptor material. A porous patch can be sealed by a low melting temperature polymer or by thermally sensitive ink. And/or, microwave susceptor material can be applied directly to a package wall and can melt a ventilation hole through the wall when a specified amount of microwave energy has been applied.

A packaged food product and methods of making and using it. In some embodiments. The packaged food product may comprise a cup containing multiple ingredients in sealed pouches suitable for use in making an omelet or other egg-based entres, with the cup being suitable for microwave cooking of an egg-based entre. The ingredients may include vegetable components that offer organoleptic properties similar to those of fresh vegetables after an extended period of time. Ideally, time required for processing, shipment, storage, etc., which may be, e.g., several weeks, may pass without unacceptable degradation of taste, texture, mouth feel, flavor, aroma, color, nutritional content or other important qualities. In some embodiments, the ingredients may also include additional components, such as, for example, one or more meats, and/or one or more varieties of cheese.

A food pack includes a body that includes a hole, and a steam heater is inserted into the hole and provides heat to cook the body of the food pack.

A microwave heating element includes a microwave antenna configured to absorb power from a microwave field in a microwave oven, a housing having a first end coupled to the microwave antenna and a second end configured to be inserted into an item to be heated, and a transmission line positioned within the housing, the transmission line having an end coupled to the microwave antenna. The transmission line is configured to spatially distribute the power absorbed from the microwave field into the item to be heated at a location between the first end and the second end of the housing.

Disclosed are disposable containers, such as a stand-up pouch, for heating food in a microwave oven and while automatically dispensing sauce onto the food. Methods and apparatuses for making sauce packets and disposable containers are also disclosed.

According to the present invention there is provided a flexible container for use by the end user as a cooking utensil. Said container comprises a front and rear panel formed of a food safe material and sealed at three sides, the rear panel being extended beyond the front panel on the unsealed fourth side to form a flap. On the upper side of the flap is formed an adhesive strip provided with a removable cover strip intended to be removed by the user when closing the container. The user is instructed to fold the container across both layers rather than simply across the junction of the flap and front panel in order to seal it prior to cooking. This creates a container which is effectively sealed but which is capable of releasing excess pressure above that level needed to steam the contents thoroughly. At the opposite end and sides of the container, away from the flap, a second weld parallel to the sealed edge may be formed on one or more sides in order to create an area which is not subject to the steam effect which occurs when food is heated, thus forming a cooler area for handling by the user when the product is cooked and removed from the microwave oven.

A resealable package configured for heating in a microwave oven having at least one vent capable of relieving an internal pressure from an interior space of the package during heating. To protect the integrity of a resealable fastener, such as a zipper reclose feature, the at least one vent is capable of functioning at a low pressure below about 3.0 psi and preferably below about 1.4 psi. The at least one vent includes a specifically shaped outer portion and inner portion integrated into a package seal to allow for a controlled rupture or separation of this seal at the location of the at least one vent. This at least one vent can be formed directly into a seal of the package through a specifically shaped seal bar used during package formation.

A resealable package configured for heating in a microwave oven having at least one vent capable of relieving an internal pressure from an interior space of the package during heating. To protect the integrity of a resealable fastener, such as a zipper reclose feature, the at least one vent is capable of functioning at a low pressure below about 3.0 psi and preferably below about 1.4 psi. The at least one vent includes a specifically shaped outer portion and inner portion integrated into a package seal to allow for a controlled rupture or separation of this seal at the location of the at least one vent. This at least one vent can be formed directly into a seal of the package through a specifically shaped seal bar used during package formation.