Apparatus and process for roasting coffee beans using a combination of microwave, conduction, convection, and latent steam

Abstract

A device and process to roast green coffee beans using a combination of microwave, conduction, convection, infrared, and latent steam heating. The device is a sealed cartridge that is semi porous and is used in a conventional or purpose built microwave oven. The resultant coffee is more flavorful and uses ½ the energy that conventional roasters use.

1 : New apparatus and process for roasting coffee beans using a combination of microwave, conduction, convection, and latent steam.  
     
     
         2 : A cartridge that is non-pours or semi porous and having a liner of susceptor for converting the microwaves into radiant, and convection heat.  
     
     
         3 : Green coffee beans placed within the cartridge; wherein the cartridge is sealed shut for microwave cooking such that sufficient heat and steam is trapped within the cartridge during microwave cooking to allow for complete and controlled roasting of the coffee beans throughout.  
     
     
         4 : A cartridge that is a spherical, cylindrical, or conical hollow form  
     
     
         5 : A device to convert the microwave ovens turntable rotation into rotation of the cartridge  
     
     
         6 : A device to rotate the cartridge in the microwave oven that is a separate device from the microwave oven turntable.  
     
     
         7 : A lid or closure that contains a fill pour spout that is; 
 a) covered with a transparent film material    b) covered with a translucent film material    
     
     
         8 : A cartridge that is composed of pulp formed paper product.  
     
     
         9 : A cartridge that is disposable or reusable  
     
     
         10 : The process of  claim 1  wherein the green coffee comprises Robusta coffee.  
     
     
         11 : The process of  claim 1  wherein the green coffee comprises Arabica coffee.  
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 1  wherein spices or other flavoring components are mixed with the green coffee to impart flavor to the green coffee during roasting.  
     
     
         13 : The method of  claim 1  wherein spices or other flavoring components are mixed green coffee to impart flavor to the food product during roasting.  
     
     
         14 : The package of  claim 1  wherein the volume of seeds is equal to 10% to 49% of the interior volume of the cartridge.  
     
     
         15 . A method for roasting coffee beans in a microwave oven comprising: 
 a) providing a cartridge containing green coffee beans suitable for microwave roasting; b) placing the cartridge containing said food product into a microwave oven    c) microwave heating the cartridge for a time sufficient for the coffee beans to obtain a desired degree of roast and;    d) allowing the cartridge to cool so that the food product may be safely handled.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the polymer is polyester  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the cartridge is sealed shut for microwave cooking, using a food safe adhesive.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein a hole is formed in the closure lid exposing a portion of the polymer layer thereby forming a window through which the food product may be viewed without opening the cartridge but is primarily used for the emptying out of cartridge the roasted coffee.