Method and apparatus for controlling distribution and power within the cells of a device for promoting the uniform heating of a food product in a radiant energy field

摘要

An apparatus and method for heating a food product in the presence of a radiant energy source includes a collector having a plurality of radiant energy reflective cells enclosed in a radiant energy transparent material. The cells are formed by a number of tabs that collect the radiant energy incident on the collectors and form a radiant energy field to uniformly heat the food product. The tabs can be manufactured from a material having a graduated thickness or gradient. The distribution of power within the collector cells is controlled by varying the number or size of the cells as well as the shape, angle or position of the tabs physically or automatically. The cells can be formed on a ceramic substrate, which can include a ferrite like coating, such as tin oxide.