Cooking device, cooking method and component parts thereof

Abstract

An apparatus comprising: a housing having a front surface and an opening positioned on the front surface; a door rotatably connected to the housing to selectively cover the opening; a cooking chamber formed within the housing, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall, where the cooking chamber is configured to be accessed through the opening; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air movement device positioned within the housing; a heating element positioned within the housing; and a container selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber comprising a top opening for placing food therein, where in a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall and in a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent the inner top wall.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Based on Section 119(e) of Title 35 of the United States Code, this application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 63 / 512,523, filed on July 7, 2023, entitled “Cooking Device, Method, and Components Thereof,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] A countertop cooking system including one or more convection and radiant heating elements in combination with a microwave heating element and methods for using the countertop cooking system are provided. Background Art

[0004] Conventional microwave cooking systems typically include a microwave source (i.e., a magnetron) that directs microwave energy toward food disposed in a cooking compartment and into the food. The microwave energy heats water molecules in the food, converting them into steam. Since conventional microwave devices only include a microwave source, the air in the microwave device is relatively cool, which causes the steam to condense once the microwaves are no longer absorbed by the food. This rapid condensation of steam means that moisture remains on the surface of the food, which can lead to undesirable reheating or cooking results because there is no evaporative means for removing the moisture generated during the microwave process. Summary of the invention

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; a heating element positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; and a container selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein in a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall, and in a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the cooking chamber container includes a bracket positioned on at least one of the side walls or the inner top wall.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the container and configured to abut the support in the second cooking mode.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the inner top wall includes at least one aperture.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in the first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in the second cooking mode, the air moving device and the heating element generate a heated air flow directly into the container.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container is partially sealed to the inner top wall to reduce the rate of loss of the heated air flow from the container to the cooking chamber.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container abuts the shelf in the second cooking mode to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the microwave source is positioned within a second chamber disposed adjacent to the cooking chamber.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a shell in which a cooking chamber is formed, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source, which is positioned outside the cooking chamber and is configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air movement device, which is positioned within the shell and is configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element, which is positioned within the shell and is configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; a bracket, which is positioned within the cooking chamber; and a container, which can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber including a top opening for placing food therein, and a protrusion extending outward from the container, wherein the protrusion of the container contacts the bracket to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the support surrounds the container on a first side, a second side, and a third side of the container.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the rack is positioned on at least one of the inner top wall or side walls of the cooking chamber.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the inner top wall includes a plurality of perforations to enable the heated air flow to pass through the inner top wall and into the cooking chamber.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall and the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein, in a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent to the inner top wall, and the air moving device and heating element direct the heated airflow directly into the container.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the rack is horizontally spaced apart from a side wall of the cooking chamber.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container is partially sealed to the inner top wall to reduce the rate of loss of the heated air flow from the container to the cooking chamber.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container abuts the shelf in the second cooking mode to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a shell having a front surface and an opening positioned on the front surface; a door rotatably connected to the shell to selectively cover the opening; a cooking chamber formed in the shell and having a first volume, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to be accessed through the opening and to cook food directly therein; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the shell; a heating element positioned within the shell; and a container having a second volume and selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein the first volume is larger than the second volume.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the first volume is in a range of 0.7 cubic feet to 0.9 cubic feet.

[0027] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the first volume is 0.8 cubic feet.

[0028] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the second volume is in a range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.15 cubic feet.

[0029] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the second volume is 0.13 cubic feet.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the first volume is in a range of 1.0 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet.

[0031] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the first volume is 1.1 cubic feet.

[0032] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the second volume is in a range of 0.18 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet.

[0033] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the second volume is 0.20 cubic feet.

[0034] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is in a range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:1.

[0035] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 5.50:1.

[0036] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 6.15:1.

[0037] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in a first cooking mode, a microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0038] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in a second cooking mode, the air moving device and the heating element direct a heated air flow directly into the container.

[0039] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing in which a cooking chamber having a first height and a first width is formed, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to directly cook food therein; an air movement device positioned within the housing and configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the housing and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; and a container having a second height and a second width and being selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing the food therein, wherein the first height is at least twice the second height.

[0040] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the cooking chamber includes a first volume within a range of 0.7 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet.

[0041] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container includes a second volume within a range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet.

[0042] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein a ratio of the first volume to the second volume is in a range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:1.

[0043] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and spaced vertically from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

[0044] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the container is configured to be positioned on the shelf and a second container is configured to be positioned below the shelf within the cooking chamber.

[0045] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and side walls; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a pattern agitator positioned on the side walls of the cooking chamber; an air movement device positioned within the housing; a heating element positioned within the housing; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein in a first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber and the pattern agitator rotates to distribute the microwaves emitted into the cooking chamber, and in a second cooking mode, the air movement device and the heating element direct a heated airflow directly into the container.

[0046] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the housing includes a second chamber that is arranged adjacent to the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

[0047] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the microwave source is positioned within the second chamber.

[0048] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein a waveguide is positioned within the second chamber and configured to direct microwaves from the microwave source to the cooking chamber.

[0049] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the mode stirrer is positioned at an exit of the waveguide.

[0050] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the mode stirrer is connected to a drive shaft of a motor that passes through the waveguide to rotate the mode stirrer.

[0051] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the sidewall of the cooking chamber separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

[0052] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the mode stirrer comprises a first orifice and a second orifice.

[0053] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein at least one of the first aperture and the second aperture is a rectangular aperture.

[0054] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the mode stirrer is asymmetric.

[0055] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing in which a cooking chamber is formed, the cooking chamber comprising a top wall, a rear wall, and side walls; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a mode agitator positioned on the side wall of the cooking chamber; an air movement device positioned within the housing and configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the housing and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container comprising a top opening for placing food therein.

[0056] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the housing includes a second chamber that is arranged adjacent to the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

[0057] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the sidewall of the cooking chamber separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

[0058] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the microwave source is positioned within the second chamber.

[0059] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein a waveguide is positioned within the second chamber and configured to direct microwaves from the microwave source to the cooking chamber.

[0060] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein a motor is positioned within the second chamber and the motor is configured to rotate the pattern agitator.

[0061] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the pattern agitator includes a protrusion extending axially outward toward the cooking chamber.

[0062] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the protrusion is adjacent to an orifice positioned within the mode stirrer.

[0063] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein a mica sheet is positioned between the mode stirrer and the cooking chamber.

[0064] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the mode stirrer is asymmetric.

[0065] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed within the housing, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a motor positioned outside the cooking chamber and including a first pulley connected to a drive shaft of the motor; an air movement device positioned within the housing, the air movement device including a drive shaft extending vertically upward and having a second pulley; a belt extending between the first pulley and the second pulley, the belt being configured to transfer rotational motion from the first pulley to the second pulley; a heating element positioned within the housing; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein.

[0066] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus in which the housing includes a second chamber that is arranged adjacent to the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

[0067] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the microwave source and the motor are positioned within the second chamber.

[0068] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the motor is positioned above the microwave source.

[0069] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the motor comprises a cooling fan configured to rotate within the second chamber.

[0070] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the motor and the air moving device are horizontally spaced apart and vertically aligned from each other within the housing.

[0071] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in a first cooking mode, the motor rotates the first pulley to rotate the air moving device to generate airflow.

[0072] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the second pulley is positioned vertically above the heating element.

[0073] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the first pulley includes a plurality of teeth disposed circumferentially around the first pulley.

[0074] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the belt includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first pulley.

[0075] In some aspects, the technology described in this application relates to an apparatus comprising: a housing in which a cooking chamber and a second chamber are formed, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and a side wall separating the cooking chamber from the second chamber; a microwave source positioned within the second chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to directly cook food therein; a motor positioned within the second chamber and including a first pulley connected to a drive shaft of the motor, the first pulley being positioned vertically above the cooking chamber; an air movement device positioned within the housing and capable of being positioned vertically above the inner top wall, the air movement device including a drive shaft extending vertically upward and having a second pulley vertically aligned within the first pulley; a belt extending between the first pulley and the second pulley, the belt being configured to transfer rotational motion from the first pulley to the second pulley; a heating element positioned within the housing and capable of being positioned vertically above the inner top wall; and a container selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein.

[0076] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the cooking chamber and the second chamber are arranged in a side-by-side configuration within the housing.

[0077] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the motor is positioned above the microwave source.

[0078] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the motor comprises a cooling fan configured to rotate within the second chamber.

[0079] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which the motor and the air moving device are horizontally spaced apart from each other within the housing.

[0080] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in a first cooking mode, the motor rotates the first pulley to rotate the air moving device to generate airflow.

[0081] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein in a second cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0082] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the second pulley is positioned vertically above the heating element.

[0083] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the first pulley includes a plurality of teeth disposed circumferentially around the first pulley.

[0084] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an apparatus wherein the belt includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first pulley.

[0085] ]Therefore, there is a need for a cooking system that includes the speed and efficiency of a microwave device while also producing an adequate Maillard reaction on the food product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0086] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0087] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cooking system according to the subject matter described herein;

[0088] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken along line 2-2;

[0089] Figure 3A It is along Figure 1 A top cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken along line 3A-3A;

[0090] Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a cooking system with the housing removed;

[0091] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 An independent perspective view of a cooking system with a drive system;

[0092] Figure 5A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken along line 5A-5A;

[0093] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of a cooking system wherein no container is present in the cooking volume;

[0094] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A A detailed view of a container;

[0095] Figure 5D yes Figure 5C A detailed view of a container;

[0096] Fig. 6A It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken along line 6A-6A in FIG.

[0097] Figure 6B It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cooking system taken along line 6B-6B in FIG.

[0098] Fig. 7A yes Figure 1 An isolated perspective view of a mode agitator and an inner cover of a cooking system; and

[0099] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Isolated perspective view of a reflective cover for a cooking system.

[0100] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Certain exemplary embodiments will be described herein to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture and use of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0102] Conventional countertop cooking systems, such as air fryers, are typically comprised of a heating element and a fan positioned above a cooking chamber. Due to the slow nature of convective heat exchange, these types of cooking devices may require a relatively long amount of time to cook or reheat food. Microwaves can be used to cook or reheat food relatively quickly, since food absorbs microwaves, thereby generating steam within the food. However, microwaves may leave food soggy, since condensed steam remains on and in the food after the cooking process. While the basic function of a microwave oven is to heat food by dielectric heating (i.e., via direct microwaves absorbed in the food), the present disclosure includes microwave ovens with additional multiple cooking capabilities, such as a crisping (or browning) function or a grilling function, thereby enabling the preparation of various types of food items and providing new cooking effects. Such additional multiple cooking capabilities typically require additional components, such as a browning plate or a grilling element.

[0103] Embodiments of the cooking systems and methods described herein advantageously provide a system that can rapidly reheat and / or cook using microwaves while also providing crisping and browning functions to remove water vapor generated from food as a result of the microwave process, thereby producing a more desirable finished food product.

[0104] Figures 1 to 4 An embodiment of a cooking system 100 according to the subject matter described herein is depicted. In some embodiments, the cooking system 100 can include a housing 102 including a cooking volume 104, an inner container 106, an upper volume 108, and a side volume 110. A door 132 can be movably and rotatably configured on the housing 102 to selectively close the cooking volume 104.

[0105] In one aspect, the cooking volume 104 is the main cooking chamber where food is placed for the cooking process. The cooking volume 104 is formed by an inner shell 105 within the housing 102 and can serve as a shield for microwaves and heat, as will be described in more detail below. An air gap can be positioned around the inner shell 105 and the housing 102 to isolate the cooking volume 104 from the housing 102 in terms of heat transfer.

[0106] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CA cross-sectional view of cooking system 100 is shown with a more detailed view of cooking volume 104 and components therein. As shown, cooking volume 104 can include tray 502 configured to separate cooking volume 104 into upper cooking volume 512 and lower cooking volume 514. In one aspect, a user of cooking system 100 may desire to place two food items in cooking volume 104 and thus separate the items by using tray 502. Upper cooking volume 512 can provide for food items or containers 106. For example, Figure 5B The cooking volume 104 is shown with the container 106 removed and exposing the upper cooking volume 512. When the container is removed, the fan 130 can provide circulating air throughout the cooking volume 104. In one aspect, when the circulating air from the fan 130 is turned on, the circulating air can reach the food placed on the tray 502 and the upper cooking volume 512 as well as the food placed in the lower cooking volume 514, which can be evenly cooked.

[0107] Defining the top surface of the cooking volume 104 is an inner top wall 109. The inner top wall 109 separates the upper volume 108 from the cooking volume 104. The upper volume 108 is disposed within the housing 102 and is vertically positioned above the cooking volume 104. The inner top wall 109 includes a plurality of apertures disposed therein and is configured to allow airflow from the upper volume 108 into the cooking volume 104, as described in more detail below. The inner top wall 109 may also protect the components within the upper volume 108 from food splashes that may be generated during the cooking process. The inner top wall 109 may be made of a metal material and may also include a single aperture or a plurality of apertures 111 disposed in a particular pattern to facilitate airflow from the upper volume 108 to the cooking volume 104. The pattern in which the apertures 111 are disposed may correspond to the size of the opening of the inner container 106, as described in more detail below.

[0108] Figure 2 as well as Fig. 6A 7 depicts a perspective view of the side volume 110 of the cooking system 100. The side volume 110 is separated from the cooking volume 114 by a side wall 616. Fig. 6A As shown, the side volume 110 can include a magnetron 620 positioned adjacent to the rear wall 604 of the side volume 110. The magnetron 620 is configured to emit electromagnetic waves as a microwave source to the cooking volume 104. To guide the microwaves from the magnetron 620 to the cooking volume 104, a waveguide 617 is positioned within the side volume 110. The waveguide 617 is a metal conduit that contains and guides the microwaves from the magnetron 620 to the cooking volume 104. In one aspect, the waveguide 617 is positioned on the side wall 616 with an inlet at the magnetron 620 and an outlet at an aperture in the side wall 616.

[0109] like Fig. 7A As shown, the pattern stirrer 702 is positioned adjacent to the aperture in the side wall 616. The pattern stirrer 702 is configured to randomly distribute microwaves from the microwave assembly 120 within the cooking volume 104 to ensure uniform heating during a cooking process using microwaves. As described in more detail below, the pattern stirrer 702 can be rotated about a central axis to enhance the distribution of microwave energy throughout the cooking volume 104.

[0110] The shape of the mode stirrer 702 can be circular, flat in a single plane, or include a curved protrusion extending axially from the plane of rotation. In one aspect, the mode stirrer can include a first slot 704 and a second slot 706, wherein the first slot 704 and the second slot 706 are configured to randomly scatter microwaves from the magnetron 620 throughout the cooking volume 104. The slots 704, 706 can be rectangular in shape and include a protrusion extending axially from the edges of the slots 704, 706 into the cooking volume 104.

[0111] like Figure 7B As shown, the mode agitator 702 is coupled to a motor 710 positioned in the side volume 110 through a waveguide 614. A drive shaft extends through the waveguide 614 and is non-rotatably connected to the mode agitator 702 to transfer rotational motion from the motor 710 to the mode agitator 704. In one aspect, the mode agitator 702 can rotate continuously during a cooking mode when the microwave assembly 120 is in operation and emitting microwaves into the cooking volume 104. In one aspect, the mode agitator 702 can rotate at a single speed during a cooking operation. Additionally, in one aspect, the mode agitator 702 can change its rotational speed depending on the cooking process. Figure 6B As shown, the mode stirrer is positioned on the side wall 616 behind the mica sheet 614. The mica sheet 614 allows microwaves to pass through and into the cooking volume 104 while hiding the mode stirrer 702 from the user's view.

[0112] When the cooking process is in operation, heat is generated within the side volume 110 due to the magnetron 620 and the motor 405 disposed therein. To help exhaust excess heat within the side volume 110, the side volume 110 may include a fan 608 powered by a motor 609, which is positioned on the top wall 606. In addition, the motor 405 includes a fan 606. Figure 6B As further shown, the side volume 110 may include a side wall 616 configured with ventilation holes 618 .

[0113] Disposed within the upper volume 108 is an air moving device 130 (ie, a fan). The air moving device 130 is configured to generate an air flow into the cooking volume 104 during convection heating. In one aspect, the air moving device 130 may be a radial fan that generates a radially outward air flow. Figure 3A As shown, the fan 130 inside the upper volume 108 can be surrounded by a reflective cover 302. When the fan 130 is turned on, the reflective cover 302 can redirect the radial airflow from the fan and direct it downward through the apertures 111 of the inner top wall 109 and into the cooking volume 104.

[0114] The air moving device 130 can be connected to a belt drive system 304 to provide power to the air moving device 103 while reducing the height of the housing 102 compared to conventional air fryers. Figure 3B As shown, the belt drive system 304 may be connected at a first point in the upper volume 108 and may be connected at a second point on the side volume 110 . Figure 4 A perspective view of a belt drive system 304 configured to circulate air in a container 106 is depicted. At a first point A on the upper volume 108, a belt 310 can be coupled to a first gear 402 or pulley. At a second point B on the side volume 110, the belt 310 can be connected to a second gear 404 or pulley. The first gear 402 and the second gear 404 can be designed with components for achieving speed matching between the motor 405 and each corresponding gear 402, 404. For example, the first gear 402 and the second gear 404 can be configured to have the same diameter to achieve a 1:1 gear ratio during operation of the fan. This configuration can provide minimal power loss when operating the cooking system 100. In addition, this direct drive configuration can achieve minimal noise from the fan 130 and therefore the motor, which will be described in more detail below. However, different gear ratios can be used between the gears 402, 404 and should be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. In one aspect, the gears 402, 404 may include gear teeth positioned on the peripheral edge of each gear. In addition, the belt 310 may include corresponding teeth that mesh with the teeth of the gears 402, 404 to help prevent the belt 310 from slipping relative to the gears 402, 402 during operation.

[0115] Gear 402 is connected to fan 130 via a drive shaft extending vertically downward through the inner shell of cooking volume 104. Belt 310 is configured to drive the rotation of fan 130 and generate air circulation within the container. In one aspect, belt 310 can be made of synthetic rubber to achieve extended use time of cooking system 100. For example, the cooking system can operate at high temperatures, and therefore, the belt can be made of urethane and polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or nylon fibers. In one aspect, a gear train or multiple gears can be used instead of a belt.

[0116] In order to generate a heated air flow for a convection cooking process, a heating element 140 is positioned adjacent to the fan 130 to heat the air flow generated by the fan 130. The heat source 140 can be a radiant or convection heat source, which, in combination with the fan 130, can generate a heated air flow that can travel from the upper volume 108 to the cooking volumes 104, 114. In one aspect, the heating element 140 is a cal-rod, tungsten alloy, carbon fiber, or any other suitable heating source. In one aspect, the heating element 140 can be positioned around the fan 130 in the same horizontal plane and radially offset from the fan 130. In one aspect, the heating element 130 can be cycled on and off during the cooking process according to the desired temperature or cooking method (i.e., air frying, baking, roasting).

[0117] The cooking system 100 can adapt to the user's selections based on the size of the food item and the choice of using the container 106 and the heating element 140 or the cooking volume 104 and the microwave assembly 120 accordingly. For example, when food is placed in the container 106, the cooking system 100 can activate the heating element 140 independently of the microwave assembly 120, and vice versa. As will be described in more detail below, if the user desires to heat the food via the container 106, the cooking system 100 can deactivate the microwave assembly 120 to conserve energy used by the cooking system 100 during operation.

[0118] The inner container 106 may also include a cooking volume 114 where food may be positioned to receive microwave, radiant, and / or convective heat. In one aspect, the container 106 may be metal, glass, or a suitable polymer that allows microwaves to pass through. The container 106 may be held on the top inner surface of the cooking volume 104 by a bracket 123 having a channel 124 extending downwardly from the inner top wall 109. Figure 5C As shown, when the container 106 is placed inside the upper cooking volume 512, the container 106 is positioned directly adjacent to the fan 130 and the heating element 140. Due to this adjacent and proximate relationship, the airflow from the fan 130 and the heating element 104 is substantially contained within the container 106, as shown by the airflow AF. This also prevents excessive heated airflow from reaching the lower cooking volume 514. In one aspect, this can enable the heat generated by the heating element 140 to be retained inside the cooking volume of the container 106. For example, with the container 106 placed inside the upper cooking volume, the channel 124 provides support for the container through the outer lip 516 of the container 106. See Figure 5C and Figure 5D , the outer lip 516 can be shown as resting in the channel 124. In one aspect, the support provided by the channel 124 can be used as a guide when placing the container 106 inside the upper cooking volume 512. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. Figure 5D As shown, when the container 106 is placed inside the upper cooking volume 512, the outlet 520 can be disposed between the outer lip 516 and the channel 124. The outlet 520 enables ventilation of the cooking volume 114 during the convection cooking process. For example, during operation of the cooking system 100, as the fan 130 circulates air around the container 106, the internal temperature and pressure within the container 106 will increase. The outlet 520 can provide sufficient space for the hot air to leave the container 106 and enter the cooking volume 104. Because most of the heated airflow remains in the cooking volume 114, this helps increase the operating efficiency of the convection cooking process.

[0119] Because the cooking device 100 has both a convection cooking system and a microwave cooking system, multiple cooking processes can be performed within the device. A first cooking process can include heating the food within the cooking volume 104 using only microwaves. In addition, a second cooking process can include generating a convection airflow to further heat and cook the food within the cooking volumes 104, 114. The container 106 and the cooking volume 114 can be designed to have an optimal volume to enhance the cooking process during operation. In one aspect, the container 106 can be configured to have an internal volume in the range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.15 cubic feet, specifically 0.13 cubic feet. In one aspect, the container 106 can be configured to have an internal volume in the range of 0.18 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet, specifically 0.20 cubic feet. As the fan 130 circulates the hot air from the heating element 140 into the container 106, the concentration of heat can increase at a faster rate inside the volume 114 than the cooking volume 104 due to the smaller size of the volume 114. In one aspect, the cooking volume 104 can be configured to have an internal volume in the range of 0.70 cubic feet to 0.90 cubic feet, specifically 0.80 cubic feet. In one aspect, the cooking volume 104 can be configured to have an internal volume in the range of 1.0 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet, specifically 1.1 cubic feet. In one aspect, the ratio of the cooking volume 104 to the volume 114 is in the range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:1. Specifically, the ratio can be 5.50:1 or 6.15:1.

[0120] 1. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; a heating element positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; and a container selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein in a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall, and in a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0121] Option 2. The apparatus of Option 1, wherein the cooking chamber container includes a bracket positioned on at least one of the side walls or the inner top wall.

[0122] Option 3. An apparatus according to Option 2, wherein the container includes a protrusion extending outward from the container and is configured to abut against the support in the second cooking mode.

[0123] Option 4. A device according to Option 1, wherein the inner top wall includes at least one orifice.

[0124] Option 5. The apparatus according to Option 1, wherein in the first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0125] Option 6. An apparatus according to Option 5, wherein in the second cooking mode, the air movement device and the heating element generate a heated air flow directly into the container.

[0126] Option 7. An apparatus according to Option 1, wherein the container is partially sealed to the inner top wall to reduce the loss rate of the heated air flow from the container to the cooking chamber.

[0127] Option 8. The apparatus of Option 1, wherein the cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

[0128] Option 9. An apparatus according to Option 8, wherein the container abuts the shelf in the second cooking mode to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0129] Option 10. The device according to Option 1, wherein the microwave source is positioned in a second chamber arranged adjacent to the cooking chamber.

[0130] 11. An apparatus comprising: a shell forming a cooking chamber therein, the cooking chamber comprising an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the shell and configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the shell and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; a support positioned within the cooking chamber; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber comprising a top opening for placing food therein, and a protrusion extending outward from the container, wherein the protrusion of the container contacts the support to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0131] Option 12. A device according to Option 11, wherein the support surrounds the container on a first side, a second side, and a third side of the container.

[0132] Option 13. The device according to Option 11, wherein the support is positioned on at least one of the inner top wall or side walls of the cooking chamber.

[0133] Option 14. The device according to Option 11, wherein the inner top wall includes a plurality of perforations so that the heated air flow can pass through the inner top wall and enter the cooking chamber.

[0134] Option 15. The apparatus according to Option 11, wherein in a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall and the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0135] Option 16. An apparatus according to Option 15, wherein in a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent to the inner top wall, and the air moving device and heating element direct the heated airflow directly into the container.

[0136] Option 17. The device according to Option 11, wherein the support is horizontally spaced apart from the side wall of the cooking chamber.

[0137] Option 18. An apparatus according to Option 11, wherein the container is partially sealed to the inner top wall to reduce the loss rate of the heated air flow from the container to the cooking chamber.

[0138] Embodiment 19. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the cooking chamber comprises a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

[0139] Embodiment 20. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the container abuts the shelf in the second cooking mode to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

[0140] 21. An apparatus comprising: a shell having a front surface and an opening positioned on the front surface; a door rotatably connected to the shell to selectively cover the opening; a cooking chamber formed within the shell and having a first volume, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to be accessed through the opening and to cook food directly therein; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the shell; a heating element positioned within the shell; and a container having a second volume and selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container comprising a top opening for placing food therein, wherein the first volume is larger than the second volume.

[0141] Option 22. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the first volume is in the range of 0.7 cubic feet to 0.9 cubic feet.

[0142] Option 23. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the first volume is 0.8 cubic feet.

[0143] Option 24. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the second volume is in the range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.15 cubic feet.

[0144] Option 25. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the second volume is 0.13 cubic feet.

[0145] Option 26. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the first volume is in the range of 1.0 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet.

[0146] Option 27. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the first volume is 1.1 cubic feet.

[0147] Option 28. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the second volume is in the range of 0.18 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet.

[0148] Option 29. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein the second volume is 0.20 cubic feet.

[0149] Option 30. A device according to Option 21, wherein the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is in the range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:1.

[0150] Option 31. A device according to Option 21, wherein the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 5.50:1.

[0151] Option 32. A device according to Option 21, wherein the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 6.15:1.

[0152] Option 33. An apparatus according to Option 21, wherein in a first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0153] Option 34. An apparatus according to Option 33, wherein in a second cooking mode, the air movement device and the heating element direct the heated airflow directly into the container.

[0154] Option 35. An apparatus comprising: a shell in which a cooking chamber having a first height and a first width is formed, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to directly cook food therein; an air movement device positioned within the shell and configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the shell and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; and a container having a second height and a second width and capable of being selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing the food therein, wherein the first height is at least twice the second height.

[0155] Option 36. An apparatus according to Option 35, wherein the cooking chamber includes a first volume in the range of 0.7 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet.

[0156] Option 37. An apparatus according to Option 36, wherein the container includes a second volume in the range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet.

[0157] Option 38. An apparatus according to Option 37, wherein the ratio of the first volume to the second volume is in the range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:1.

[0158] Embodiment 39. The apparatus of embodiment 35, wherein the cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

[0159] Option 40. An apparatus according to Option 38, wherein the container is configured to be positioned on the shelf and a second container is configured to be positioned below the shelf within the cooking chamber.

[0160] 41. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and side walls; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a pattern agitator positioned on the side walls of the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing; a heating element positioned within the housing; and a container selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein in a first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber and the pattern agitator rotates to distribute the microwaves emitted into the cooking chamber, and in a second cooking mode, the air moving device and the heating element direct a heated airflow directly into the container.

[0161] Option 42. An apparatus according to Option 41, wherein the housing includes a second chamber, which is configured adjacent to the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

[0162] Option 43. An apparatus according to Option 42, wherein the microwave source is positioned within the second chamber.

[0163] Option 44. An apparatus according to Option 43, wherein a waveguide is positioned within the second chamber, and the waveguide is configured to guide microwaves from the microwave source to the cooking chamber.

[0164] Option 45. A device according to Option 44, wherein the mode stirrer is positioned at the exit of the waveguide.

[0165] Option 46. A device according to Option 45, wherein the mode stirrer is connected to a drive shaft of a motor passing through the waveguide to rotate the mode stirrer.

[0166] Option 47. An apparatus according to Option 42, wherein the side wall of the cooking chamber separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

[0167] Option 48. A device according to Option 41, wherein the mode agitator comprises a first orifice and a second orifice.

[0168] Option 49. A device according to Option 48, wherein at least one of the first orifice and the second orifice is a rectangular orifice.

[0169] Option 50. An apparatus according to Option 41, wherein the mode agitator is asymmetric.

[0170] 51. An apparatus comprising: a shell in which a cooking chamber is formed, the cooking chamber comprising a top wall, a rear wall and side walls; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a mode agitator positioned on the side wall of the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the shell and configured to generate an airflow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the shell and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container comprising a top opening for placing food therein.

[0171] Option 52. An apparatus according to Option 51, wherein the housing includes a second chamber, which is configured adjacent to the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

[0172] Option 53. An apparatus according to Option 52, wherein the side wall of the cooking chamber separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

[0173] Option 54. An apparatus according to Option 52, wherein the microwave source is positioned within the second chamber.

[0174] Option 55. An apparatus according to Option 54, wherein a waveguide is positioned within the second chamber, and the waveguide is configured to guide microwaves from the microwave source to the cooking chamber.

[0175] Option 56. An apparatus according to Option 52, wherein a motor is positioned within the second chamber and is configured to rotate the mode agitator.

[0176] Option 57. An apparatus according to Option 51, wherein the mode agitator includes a protrusion extending axially outward toward the cooking chamber.

[0177] Embodiment 58. A device according to Embodiment 57, wherein the protrusion is adjacent to an orifice positioned within the mode agitator.

[0178] Option 59. An apparatus according to Option 51, wherein a mica sheet is positioned between the mode agitator and the cooking chamber.

[0179] Option 60. A device according to Option 51, wherein the mode agitator is asymmetric.

[0180] 61. An apparatus comprising: a shell having a cooking chamber formed within the shell, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a motor positioned outside the cooking chamber and comprising a first pulley connected to a drive shaft of the motor; an air movement device positioned within the shell, the air movement device comprising a drive shaft extending vertically upward and having a second pulley; a belt extending between the first pulley and the second pulley, the belt being configured to transfer rotational motion from the first pulley to the second pulley; a heating element positioned within the shell; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container comprising a top opening for placing food therein.

[0181] Option 62. An apparatus according to Option 61, wherein the housing includes a second chamber, which is configured adjacent to the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

[0182] Option 63. An apparatus according to Option 62, wherein the microwave source and the motor are positioned within the second chamber.

[0183] Option 64. An apparatus according to Option 63, wherein the motor is positioned above the microwave source.

[0184] Option 65. An apparatus according to Option 62, wherein the motor includes a cooling fan, and the cooling fan is configured to rotate within the second chamber.

[0185] Embodiment 66. A device according to embodiment 61, wherein the motor and the air moving device are horizontally spaced apart from each other and vertically aligned within the housing.

[0186] Option 67. An apparatus according to Option 61, wherein in a first cooking mode, the motor rotates the first pulley to rotate the air moving device to generate airflow.

[0187] Embodiment 68. A device according to Embodiment 61, wherein the second pulley is positioned vertically above the heating element.

[0188] Embodiment 69. A device according to embodiment 61, wherein the first pulley includes a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially around the first pulley.

[0189] Embodiment 70. A device according to Embodiment 69, wherein the belt includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first pulley.

[0190] 71. An apparatus comprising: a housing in which a cooking chamber and a second chamber are formed, the cooking chamber comprising an inner top wall and a side wall separating the cooking chamber from the second chamber; a microwave source positioned within the second chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to cook food directly therein; a motor positioned within the second chamber and comprising a first pulley connected to a drive shaft of the motor, the first pulley being positioned vertically above the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and capable of being positioned vertically above the inner top wall, the air moving device comprising a drive shaft extending vertically upward and having a second pulley vertically aligned within the first pulley; a belt extending between the first pulley and the second pulley, the belt being configured to transfer rotational motion from the first pulley to the second pulley; a heating element positioned within the housing and capable of being positioned vertically above the inner top wall; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container comprising a top opening for placing food therein.

[0191] Option 72. An apparatus according to Option 71, wherein the cooking chamber and the second chamber are arranged in a side-by-side structure within the shell.

[0192] Option 73. An apparatus according to Option 71, wherein the motor is positioned above the microwave source.

[0193] Option 74. An apparatus according to Option 71, wherein the motor includes a cooling fan, and the cooling fan is configured to rotate within the second chamber.

[0194] Option 75. A device according to Option 71, wherein the motor and the air moving device are horizontally spaced apart from each other within the housing.

[0195] Option 76. An apparatus according to Option 71, wherein in a first cooking mode, the motor rotates the first pulley to rotate the air moving device to generate airflow.

[0196] Option 77. An apparatus according to Option 76, wherein in a second cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

[0197] Embodiment 78. A device according to embodiment 71, wherein the second pulley is positioned vertically above the heating element.

[0198] Embodiment 79. A device according to embodiment 71, wherein the first pulley includes a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially around the first pulley.

[0199] Embodiment 80. A device according to Embodiment 79, wherein the belt includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first pulley.

[0200] Described herein are specific exemplary embodiments to provide an overall understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture and use of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the apparatus and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-restrictive exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the proposal. The features shown or described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0201] In addition, in the present disclosure, the components of the same name of the embodiment generally have similar features, so in a specific embodiment, each feature of each component of the same name does not need to be fully elaborated. In addition, in the description of the disclosed system, device and method, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used, these dimensions are not intended to limit the type of shape that can be used in combination with these systems, devices and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that for any geometric shape, the equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be easily determined. The size and shape of the system and device and its components can be at least related to the structure of the subject in which the system and device will be used, the size and shape of the components to be used with the system and device, and the method and procedure in which the system and device will be used. In addition, the terms "around" and "substantially" are defined as the range of changes based on manufacturing variations and temperature and other parameters.

[0202] Approximate language used herein throughout the specification and claims may be applicable to modify any quantitative representation of permissible variation without causing a change in the basic function associated therewith. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (such as "about", "approximately" and "substantially") are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring a numerical value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, unless otherwise indicated by context or language, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and these ranges are confirmed and include all subranges contained therein.

[0203] In the above description and in the claims, phrases such as "at least one" or "one or more" may appear, followed by a list of connectivity of elements or features. The term "and / or" may also appear in the enumeration of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implied or clearly contradictory to the context in which it is used, the phrase is intended to indicate any listed element or feature alone or any quoted element or feature in combination with any other quoted element or feature. For example, the phrases "at least one of A and B", "one or more of A and B" and "A and / or B" are all intended to indicate "only A, only B or A and B together". Similar explanations are also intended to be used for enumerations including three or more items. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B and C;" "one or more of A, B and C;" and "A, B and / or C" are all intended to indicate "only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together". In addition, the term "based on" used in the above and claims is intended to indicate "based at least in part", so unmentioned features or elements are also permissible.

[0204] Those skilled in the art will understand other features and advantages of the present invention based on the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, unless the appended claims indicate, the present application is not limited by the content that has been specifically shown and described. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; a heating element positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; and a container that is selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein in a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall, and in a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooking chamber container includes a bracket positioned on at least one of the side walls or the inner top wall.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The container includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the container and is configured to abut the support in the second cooking mode.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner top wall includes at least one aperture.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that In the second cooking mode, the air moving device and heating element generate a heated air flow directly into the container.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The container is partially sealed to the inner top wall to reduce the rate of loss of the heated air flow from the container to the cooking chamber.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The container abuts the shelf in the second cooking mode to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The microwave source is positioned in a second chamber disposed adjacent to the cooking chamber.

11. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and configured to generate an air flow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the housing and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; a support frame positioned within the cooking chamber; and A container is selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the cooking chamber including a top opening for placing food therein, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the container, wherein the protrusion of the container contacts the bracket to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The bracket surrounds the container on a first side, a second side, and a third side of the container.

13. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The support is positioned on at least one of the inner top wall or the side wall of the cooking chamber.

14. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The inner top wall includes a plurality of perforations to enable the heated air flow to pass through the inner top wall and enter the cooking chamber.

15. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that In a first cooking mode, the container is spaced apart from the inner top wall and the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that In a second cooking mode, the container is positioned directly adjacent to the inner top wall, and the air moving device and heating element direct the heated air flow directly into the container.

17. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The support is horizontally spaced apart from a side wall of the cooking chamber.

18. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The container is partially sealed to the inner top wall to reduce the rate of loss of the heated air flow from the container to the cooking chamber.

19. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

20. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The container abuts the shelf in the second cooking mode to position the container directly adjacent to the inner top wall.

21. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a front surface and an opening positioned on the front surface; a door rotatably connected to the housing to selectively cover the opening; a cooking chamber formed in the housing and having a first volume, wherein the cooking chamber is configured to be accessed through the opening and to directly cook food therein; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing; a heating element positioned within the housing; and A container having a second volume and being selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume.

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The first volume is in a range of 0.7 cubic feet to 0.9 cubic feet.

23. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The first volume is 0.8 cubic feet.

24. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The second volume is in a range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.15 cubic feet.

25. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The second volume is 0.13 cubic feet.

26. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The first volume is in a range of 1.0 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet.

27. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The first volume is 1.1 cubic feet.

28. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The second volume is in a range of 0.18 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet.

29. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The second volume is 0.20 cubic feet.

30. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that A ratio of the first volume to the second volume is in a range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:

1.

31. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 5.50:

1.

32. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that The ratio of the first volume to the second volume is 6.15:

1.

33. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that In the first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

34. The device according to claim 33, characterized in that In a second cooking mode, the air moving device and heating element direct a heated air flow directly into the container.

35. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein having a first height and a first width, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to cook food directly therein; an air moving device positioned within the housing and configured to generate an air flow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the housing and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; and A container having a second height and a second width and being selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing the food therein, wherein the first height is at least twice the second height.

36. The device according to claim 35, characterized in that The cooking chamber includes a first volume within a range of 0.7 cubic feet to 1.2 cubic feet.

37. The device according to claim 36, characterized in that The container includes a second volume in a range of 0.10 cubic feet to 0.22 cubic feet.

38. The device according to claim 37, characterized in that A ratio of the first volume to the second volume is in a range of 5.3:1 to 6.3:

1.

39. The device according to claim 35, characterized in that The cooking chamber includes a shelf positioned within the cooking chamber and vertically spaced apart from a bottom surface of the cooking chamber.

40. The device according to claim 38, characterized in that The container is configured to be positioned on the shelf, and a second container is configured to be positioned below the shelf within the cooking chamber.

41. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and side walls; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a pattern agitator positioned on a side wall of the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing; a heating element positioned within the housing; and a container that can be selectively removed from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein, wherein, in a first cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber and the mode agitator rotates to distribute the microwaves emitted into the cooking chamber, and in a second cooking mode, the air moving device and the heating element direct the heated airflow directly into the container.

42. The device according to claim 41, characterized in that The housing includes a second chamber disposed adjacent the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

43. The device according to claim 42, characterized in that The microwave source is positioned within the second chamber.

44. The device according to claim 43, characterized in that A waveguide is positioned within the second chamber and is configured to guide microwaves from the microwave source to the cooking chamber.

45. The device according to claim 44, characterized in that The mode stirrer is positioned at the exit of the waveguide.

46. ​​The device according to claim 45, characterized in that The mode stirrer is connected to a drive shaft of a motor that passes through the waveguide to rotate the mode stirrer.

47. The device according to claim 42, characterized in that The side wall of the cooking chamber separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

48. The device according to claim 41, characterized in that The mode stirrer includes a first orifice and a second orifice.

49. The device according to claim 48, characterized in that At least one of the first aperture and the second aperture is a rectangular aperture.

50. The device according to claim 41, characterized in that The mode stirrer is asymmetric.

51. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber comprising a top wall, a rear wall, and side walls; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a pattern agitator positioned on the side wall of the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and configured to generate an air flow within the cooking chamber; a heating element positioned within the housing and configured to heat the airflow to generate a heated airflow; and A container is selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein.

52. The device according to claim 51, characterized in that The housing includes a second chamber disposed adjacent the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

53. The device according to claim 52, characterized in that The side wall of the cooking chamber separates the cooking chamber from the second chamber.

54. The device according to claim 52, characterized in that The microwave source is positioned within the second chamber.

55. The device according to claim 54, characterized in that A waveguide is positioned within the second chamber and is configured to guide microwaves from the microwave source to the cooking chamber.

56. The device according to claim 52, characterized in that A motor is positioned within the second chamber and is configured to rotate the pattern agitator.

57. The device according to claim 51, characterized in that The pattern agitator includes a protrusion extending axially outwardly toward the cooking chamber.

58. The device according to claim 57, characterized in that The protrusion is adjacent to an orifice positioned within the mode stirrer.

59. The device according to claim 51, characterized in that A mica sheet is positioned between the pattern stirrer and the cooking chamber.

60. The device according to claim 51, characterized in that The mode stirrer is asymmetric.

61. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall; a microwave source positioned outside the cooking chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber; a motor positioned outside of the cooking chamber and including a first pulley connected to a drive shaft of the motor; an air moving device positioned within the housing, the air moving device including a drive shaft extending vertically upward and having a second pulley; a belt extending between the first pulley and the second pulley, the belt being configured to transfer rotational motion from the first pulley to the second pulley; a heating element positioned within the housing; and A container is selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein.

62. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that The housing includes a second chamber disposed adjacent the cooking chamber in a side-by-side configuration.

63. The device according to claim 62, characterized in that The microwave source and the motor are positioned within the second chamber.

64. The device according to claim 63, characterized in that The motor is positioned above the microwave source.

65. The device according to claim 62, characterized in that The motor includes a cooling fan configured to rotate within the second chamber.

66. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that The motor and the air moving device are horizontally spaced apart and vertically aligned from one another within the housing.

67. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that In a first cooking mode, the motor rotates the first pulley to rotate the air moving device to generate airflow.

68. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that The second pulley is positioned vertically above the heating element.

69. The device according to claim 61, characterized in that The first pulley includes a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially around the first pulley.

70. The device according to claim 69, characterized in that The belt includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first pulley.

71. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a cooking chamber and a second chamber formed therein, the cooking chamber including an inner top wall and a side wall separating the cooking chamber from the second chamber; a microwave source positioned within the second chamber and configured to emit microwaves into the cooking chamber to directly cook food therein; a motor positioned within the second chamber and including a first pulley connected to a drive shaft of the motor, the first pulley being positioned vertically above the cooking chamber; an air moving device positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall, the air moving device including a drive shaft extending vertically upward and having a second pulley vertically aligned within the first pulley; a belt extending between the first pulley and the second pulley, the belt being configured to transfer rotational motion from the first pulley to the second pulley; a heating element positioned within the housing and capable of being vertically above the inner top wall; and A container is selectively removable from the cooking chamber, the container including a top opening for placing food therein.

72. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that The cooking chamber and the second chamber are arranged in the housing in a side-by-side configuration.

73. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that The motor is positioned above the microwave source.

74. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that The motor includes a cooling fan configured to rotate within the second chamber.

75. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that The motor and the air moving device are horizontally spaced apart from each other within the housing.

76. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that In a first cooking mode, the motor rotates the first pulley to rotate the air moving device to generate airflow.

77. The device according to claim 76, characterized in that In the second cooking mode, the microwave source emits microwaves into the cooking chamber.

78. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that The second pulley is positioned vertically above the heating element.

79. The device according to claim 71, characterized in that The first pulley includes a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially around the first pulley.

80. The device according to claim 79, characterized in that The belt includes a plurality of teeth corresponding to the plurality of teeth of the first pulley.

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