The present invention relates to a processing apparatus, in which a substance is preferably heated, cooked, dried, disinfected and/or pasteurized, sterilized. The present invention further relates to a method to treat a substance with radio-frequency waves.

The present invention relates to a thawing-apparatus, in which a substance is preferably heated. The present invention further relates to a method to thaw a substance with radio-frequency waves.

The present invention relates to a thawing-apparatus, in which a substance is preferably heated. The present invention further relates to a method to thaw a substance with radio-frequency waves.

Methods of making mixed allergen compositions, e.g., substantially aerobic organism free mixed allergen compositions, and the resulting allergen composition, are provided.

Structures and methods of using a microwave pasteurization device, as well as related non-linear waveguides. In some embodiments, an in-shell egg pasteurization device with a non-linear slotted waveguide. In some embodiments the non-linear slotted waveguide comprises shaped waveguide applicators. The shaped waveguide applicators may employ oval, lens, or plum shaped non-linear slots to improve efficiency and efficacy of pasteurizing in-shell eggs, live oysters, tomatoes, or blueberries while maintianly the quality and functional attributes of the raw product.

Structures and methods of using a microwave pasteurization device, as well as related non-linear waveguides. In some embodiments, an in-shell egg pasteurization device with a non-linear slotted waveguide. In some embodiments the non-linear slotted waveguide comprises shaped waveguide applicators. The shaped waveguide applicators may employ oval, lens, or plum shaped non-linear slots to improve efficiency and efficacy of pasteurizing in-shell eggs, live oysters, tomatoes, or blueberries while maintianly the quality and functional attributes of the raw product.

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.

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.

A main energizing/heating unit has an outer electrode and an inner electrode, and energizes a fool material to be gelatinized by heating and continuously heat-treats it while it is conveyed in a food flow channel. The food flow channel in which the food material flows is formed between the both electrodes. Fed to the food material flowing in the food flow channel by a power supply section is a current in a direction traversing a flow direction of the food material. An inner cooling flow channel is formed in the inner electrode, and cooling liquid is fed to the inner cooling flow channel through a piping.

A main energizing/heating unit has an outer electrode and an inner electrode, and energizes a fool material to be gelatinized by heating and continuously heat-treats it while it is conveyed in a food flow channel. The food flow channel in which the food material flows is formed between the both electrodes. Fed to the food material flowing in the food flow channel by a power supply section is a current in a direction traversing a flow direction of the food material. An inner cooling flow channel is formed in the inner electrode, and cooling liquid is fed to the inner cooling flow channel through a piping.