Method and apparatus for dehydrating fruit

Claim 1

In combination with a vessel that encloses a chamber, a product that contains moisture and is supported in the chamber, and means for introducing microwave radiation into the chamber remote from the product to elevate the temperature of the moisture in the product so that moisture escapes from the product, the improvement residing in thermal radiator means within the chamber for directing infrared radiation toward said product to also elevate the temperature of the product so as to contribute to the escape of moisture therefrom, said thermal radiator means comprising a plurality of substantially rigid metal plates positioned remote from the location at which microwave energy is introduced into the chamber and each having an uninterrupted surface area presented toward the product, but being spaced from the product, the plates being spaced apart in the direction of the surface areas thereof to provide openings permitting substantial amounts of microwave radiation of random polarization to pass the plates and onto the product where the product is supported; and, heating means attached to the plates for transferring heat into the plates so as to elevate the temperature of the plates along the surface area thereof that is presented toward the product, whereby the plates direct thermal radiation to the product.