Abstract: A popcorn popping unit comprises a blower unit and a popping vessel. The popping vessel has first and second parts assemblable with one another to form the popping vessel. The first part is operatively mounted on the blower unit and the second part has an opening configured to vent pressurized air generated by the blower during cooking operations from the popping vessel through the opening. The popping vessel has at least a portion with inner and outer walls spaced apart from one another to form a double wall construction for the at least portion of the popping vessel. The inner wall may comprise glass and the outer wall may comprise plastic. The inner and outer walls may be transparent.

Abstract: A Venturi apparatus includes: a body defining a receptacle chamber configured to receive a first fluid, a transition passageway in fluid communication with the receptacle chamber and configured to receive the first fluid from the receptacle chamber, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the transition passageway and configured to receive the first fluid from the transition passageway, and a sidearm passageway in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and extending to an outer surface of the body and configured to allow a second fluid to pass from an exterior of the into the mixing chamber; and a fluid flow regulator connected to the body, configured to affect a flow of the first fluid from the receptacle chamber into the mixing chamber, and including a valve mechanism configured to selectively engage the body to inhibit flow of the first fluid from the receptacle chamber into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A popcorn popping unit has a heating element and a blower fan, and a cooking surface adapted to receive kernels of corn. The popping unit is configurable for two flow paths of pressurized air through the popping unit. In the first path, pressurized air is configured to flow over the heating element, flow over the cooking surface, cook the kernels of corn, and move the cooked kernels of corn to a serving dispenser. In a second path, pressurized air is configured to flow over the cooking surface, and move un-popped seeds into a seed collection bin.

Abstract: An adjustable curtain rod assembly includes an adjustable-length rod having a first end and a second end, a bracket pivotably coupled to one of the first and second ends of the rod about a pivot axis that is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod, a first contact pad on the bracket spaced in a lateral direction from the pivot axis for frictionally engaging a support surface, and a second contact pad on the bracket spaced in an opposite lateral direction from the pivot axis as the first mounting pad for frictionally engaging the support surface.

Abstract: A rotary cutter comprises a handle with an axle portion and a gripping portion spaced from the axle portion. The cutter also includes a mesh wheel having a center axis of rotation that is operatively connected with the axle portion of the handle at the center axis of rotation thereby enabling the mesh wheel to rotate about its center axis relative to the handle. The mesh wheel has cutting surfaces on its outer peripheral edge. The rotary cutter side faces are configured to prevent food items from sticking to the cutting wheel. The rotary cutter is especially useful for cutting marshmallow and other sticky food items.

Abstract: A curtain comprises a receptacle having an interior with an access. The access is sized to allow a hand-held technology device to be directed through the access into the interior. The access is positioned on one side of the curtain and has a closure positionable between an open position in which access into the interior is allowed and a closed position in which the access is sealed by the closure. The receptacle has a viewing panel with sufficient transparency to allow viewing into the interior of the receptacle. The viewing panel is located on a side of the curtain opposite the access, and a tab is formed on the side of the curtain opposite the access adjacent the viewing panel. A technology device may be placed in the receptacle and a touch screen display of a technology device may be viewed and operated through the viewing panel.

Abstract: A carrier for food products such as muffins and cupcakes includes a pan and a cover. The pan including multiple pan wells that project from an upper surface thereof. At least some of the pan wells each includes an opening in respective bottom surfaces thereof. The cover includes multiple cover wells or supports projecting from a surface thereof, each corresponding to one of the pan wells. At least some of the cover wells each includes a support extending from a bottom surface thereof. The cover secures to and substantially covers the pan in a first configuration. The pan nests on the cover in a second configuration such that the supports project through a respective one of the openings.

Abstract: An adjustable curtain rod assembly includes a rod member and an adjustment mechanism coupled to an end of the rod member. The adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust a length of the rod assembly and has a clutch mechanism that prevents over-extension of the rod assembly during mounting.