Abstract: A grain-popping machine and associated pod-based popping method is disclosed. The grain-popping is configured to receive a pod. Each pod includes a plurality of cells, with each cell preferably containing a single grain kernel or seed, flavoring, and a cooking medium such as oil or shortening. In a preferred embodiment, the pod is loaded into the grain-popping machine through a slot so that it is held in position below a heating element. The heating element is activated to begin a popping sequence. When each grain kernel or seed in the pod reaches popping temperature, it absorbs the flavoring in its cell and ejects through the bottom of the pod, which is weakened to ease ejection, into a bowl positioned in a receiving area of the grain-popping machine. The pod is then removed and disposed of.

Abstract: A device for making popcorn. A heating element and a fan are contained within a base housing. The base housing includes an agitator and convection unit unit having a bottom and a side portion located above the heating element and fan. The side portion includes louvers configured to allow heated air provided by operation of the heating element and fan to circulate around the agitator and convection unit and cause corn kernels added to the agitator and convection unit to be heated so as to form popcorn. A bowl surrounds the base housing such that the base housing, agitator and convection unit and bowl have a common axis. A canopy is removably mated to the base housing and is configured so that when popcorn is expelled from the agitator and convection unit, it strikes a bottom surface of the canopy and is guided into the bowl.

Abstract: An improved popcorn popper (10) has effluent filtration structure to treat the oil laden vapor and steam effluent from popping popcorn within the popper and with discharge of effluent having less than 5 milligrams of particulates per cubic meter of effluent discharged directly into the area in which the popper (10) is located. There is no need for external hoods or for external ducting of effluent to outside the area and facility in which the popcorn is popped. The filtering is carried out within the popper (10). A fire suppression system is provided to handle fires even within the kettle (14). Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A double-headed five-sided fishing net uses a pair of net heads to enclose a fish from two opposing sides and uses a lateral net to enclose a fish from three additional sides. The lateral net is connected in between the pair of net heads on three sides so that the front side is an opening that can be used to capture fish. A tong assembly allows a user to press the pair of net heads against each other, which puts the fishing net into a closed position. In addition, the tong assembly continuously applies a force by a torsion spring to separate the pair of net heads from each other, which puts the fishing net into an open position. In order to counter the continuous force from the torsion spring, the fishing net has a locking mechanism to hold the tong assembly in the closed position.

Abstract: A self-contained popcorn popper has an open side provided with an air-flow curtain extending at least partially across the open side and directed inwardly. Effluent from popping flows upwardly into a “U”-shaped vent, through an effluent filter and flows into said air flow curtains to reduce particulate-bearing effluent emitted from the popper cabinet. Heated air is recirculated in a lower warming bin to maintain heat in popped corn dumped from a popping kettle and that air is recirculated in the bin, also to reduce emission of particulars into the environment surrounding the popper.

Abstract: Popcorn machines are disclosed having a construction that includes an upper unit spaced from and above a base unit and a plurality of columns that are spaced apart and slidably connected to the upper and base units thereby defining a cavity, wherein such popcorn machines include a first side having an opening through which the cavity is accessible and at least a second side having an opening through which the cavity is accessible. Side panels having vertical rails and a portion of a hinge along one side and a latch along another side, and a configuration of a popcorn machine having edge lighting, are disclosed.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having a kettle support assembly connected to an upper unit and having kettle supports being configured to releasably support the kettle assembly, and wherein the kettle support assembly is movable relative to the upper unit are disclosed. An inner kettle bowl having a tool-free removable connection to an outer kettle bowl an electrical element removably connected to the bottom of the inner kettle bowl, as well as a venting assembly that is movable to selectively direct air exiting the venting assembly, also are disclosed.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having modular construction that permits shipping in a disassembled condition while providing for quick and simple assembly are disclosed. The popcorn machines include an upper unit spaced from and above a base unit, a plurality of columns that extend vertically between and are connected to the upper unit and base unit. At least three side panels extend within the respective spaces located between the upper and base units and the between the spaced apart columns. The use of a wiring harness in a corner column facilitates the modular construction by permitting plug and socket connection of electrical cords when the upper and base units are connected to the plurality of columns. A side panel having slidable connectors at or near at least two opposed edges and a method of preparing to ship a popcorn machine also are disclosed.

Abstract: A popcorn cooker provides for a general spherical form composed of a lower hemispherical pan and upper hemispherical mesh screen that serves to vent steam while retaining popped kernels and grease.

Abstract: A popcorn popping unit comprises a blower unit and a carafe. The carafe and blower unit are removably attachable. The carafe may have a double wall construction. The blower unit has a heating element and a blower fan. The blower unit is adapted to direct heated air into the carafe and to pop the kernels of corn. The carafe is selectively configurable to be vented during cooking operations and to be sealed for use as a serving dispenser for the popped kernels of corn after cooking is complete.

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 popcorn popping machine is provided including a cabinet, a popcorn popping kettle mounted within the cabinet, and a pump mounted at a height above a height of the kettle that is configured to pump oil from a container of oil and deliver the oil to the kettle. Control circuitry is provided for operating the pump to deliver oil to the kettle.

Abstract: A blower intensified gas flame kettle including a kettle disposed in an upper housing and a gas burner disposed in a lower housing and having gas burner jets at least partially inserted into the upper housing. Burning gases emanating from the gas burner jets are directed toward the kettle and contained by the upper housing. The temperature and velocity of the burning gases are enhanced by action of a blower which blows air which mixes with flammable gas in the gas burner prior to burning. Higher temperatures and improved, radiant, conductive and convection heating of the kettle are achieved. A mechanized stirrer enhances heating of contents of the kettle by stirring the contents of the kettle.

Abstract: The popcorn popper blowout stopper is an accessory unit of a round rimmed screen with an arm and a handle attached to be able to position the screen over the discharge outlet/heating chamber within the popper assembly. The screen will prevent kernels (but not the airflow) from leaving the popcorn popper burning pets, people/children and landing on the counters and floor. The accessory is important especially in the beginning and the end of the cycle when the output of popped corn is sparse and until the mass of popped corn pushes the accessory into the awaiting bowl. After the mass of popped corn subsides and the output is sparse, the accessory can then be placed again in the popcorn popper for blowout protection to the very end of the cycle. This accessory will fit the Presto, Orville Redenbacher, Conair, Great Northern and many other popcorn poppers.

Abstract: A popcorn popping assembly includes a popcorn popping kettle having a side wall extending from a bottom wall. The assembly includes a plurality of retainers. Each of the retainers includes a bottom wall extending between a pair of side walls. The side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity, and an aperture is formed in the bottom wall and defines an essentially closed shaped periphery. The assembly includes a plurality of studs, each configured to be inserted through a respective aperture of a respective retainer. A plurality of fasteners are each configured to be received within the cavity of a retainer and couple with a stud to secure the stud to the retainer. A temperature sensor may extend through at least one of the apertures. A stud may be configured to cooperate with the temperature sensor and hold the temperature sensor in a predetermined location.

Abstract: Machines for popping corn and producing puffed snacks and other expanded foods are described herein. In one embodiment, a flow-through popper circulates unpopped corn kernels through a popping chamber by use of a plurality of vanes that directionally control a flow of high velocity, high temperature and high pressure air. In this embodiment, the air in the popping chamber causes the unpopped corn kernels to circulate as they move through the length of the popping chamber without the need for an auger or other moving apparatus.

Abstract: A fire containment system and method is disclosed. The fire containment system is designed to assist in temporarily containing a fire within a semi-enclosed space having an open side for operator access. An exhaust air blower exhausts air from the semi-enclosed space through an exhaust vent. An inlet air blower provides air to the semi-enclosed space through an inlet vent. In the case of a fire in the semi-enclosed space, the fire will be drawn away from the open side and toward the inlet vent due to the air supplied by the inlet air blower. The fire is thus encouraged to remain within the semi-enclosed space, allowing additional time for a fire suppression mechanism to be activated.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having fan assemblies and heat sources are described herein. The fan assemblies and the heat sources can be configured to provide heat to unpopped corn kernels to produce popcorn without the use of cooking oil. The popcorn machines can be configured for commercial use and can be mounted onto support structures that allow operators to rotate the popcorn machines.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having popping kettles in direct fluid communication with exhaust ducts are described herein. The effluent produced as a byproduct of corn popping travels directly from the kettle into an exhaust system of the popcorn machine via an exhaust duct that extends through a kettle cover or lid. The exhaust systems can include one or more filters configured to remove smoke, odors, and/or other particulate matter before venting the effluent into the surrounding area as filtered exhaust.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having communication capabilities are disclosed herein. Popcorn machines configured in accordance with the disclosure can include communication devices or components that provide remote notification of the status of operations of the machine and/or the indication of particular parameters. Several popcorn machines can be controlled remotely by mobile devices, personal computers, and/or other suitable devices. In some embodiments, notification that a popcorn machine requires maintenance or repair can be sent to a remote location and a user can be provided options to order parts or schedule repairs.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having topping dispensing systems are disclosed herein. A popcorn machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a popping kettle or other popping apparatus positioned in a cabinet. The popping apparatus is configured to heat un-popped corn kernels and pop the corn kernels. After popping, the corn is held in the cabinet. The popcorn machine of this embodiment further includes a topping outlet positioned in the cabinet and a topping pump. The topping outlet is operably connectable to a topping container, and the topping pump is configured to move topping from the topping container through the topping outlet and onto a serving portion of popcorn in response to operator activation of the pump.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of stovetop popcorn poppers, with an interoperating apparatus to facilitate the mixing or stirring of the popped popcorn during a coating or flavoring operation.

Abstract: A device for displaying and cooking food such as kernels of corn includes a container with a base that can store kernels of corn extended by a compensation zone that can assume at least two positions, one folded and the other unfolded. The compensation zone includes four faces: two retractable faces and two stiffening faces opposite, whereby the retractable faces each include a fold that is approximately at the center of each of these faces and parallel to the base. The stiffening faces each include a first fold that is approximately at the center of each of these faces and parallel to the base and diagonal folds, whereby the base is rigid over a height so as to delimit a restricted space in which kernels of corn are likely to be stored when the compensation zone is in the folded position.

Abstract: An improved popcorn popper (10) has effluent filtration structure to treat the oil laden vapor and steam effluent from popping popcorn within the popper and with discharge of effluent having less than 5 milligrams of particulates per cubic meter of effluent discharged directly into the area in which the popper (10) is located. There is no need for external hoods or for external ducting of effluent to outside the area and facility in which the popcorn is popped. The filtering is carried out within the popper (10). A fire suppression system is provided to handle fires even within the kettle (14). Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A popcorn making machine includes a main unit comprising a fan pumping air into a chamber, enclosing a heater and a bowl. The bowl has sidewalls tapered downwardly with mini-nozzles attached thereto. Hot airflows are introduced from the chamber through the mini-nozzles into the bowl tangentially to its inner surface, forming a main hot airflow circulation. A central nozzle is mounted at the bowl's bottom, including slots, introducing additional airflows, tangential to the nozzle's surface, from the chamber into the bowl, forming an additional hot airflow circulation surrounding the nozzle, co-directed with the main circulation. The main unit comprises a receptacle collecting popcorn coming from the bowl. The claimed machine optionally includes a coater unit for coating popcorn with oil, salt, etc., and a compact cabinet enclosing the main and coater units. The above design provides for a fast and essentially even heating of corn kernels for efficient popping thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating popped corn from un-popped kernels. The apparatus includes a popped corn container that holds popped corn and a kernel separator located on a side of the popped corn container. The kernel separator includes a kernel separator screen with a plurality of holes, where a hole in the plurality of holes is larger than an un-popped kernel and smaller than a fully popped corn. The kernel separator also includes a reentry impedance means for impeding an un-popped kernel from entering the popped corn container through the kernel separator. The apparatus also includes a kernel container positioned outside the popped corn container and adjacent to the kernel separator such that the kernel container stores the un-popped kernel after the un-popped kernel has passed through the kernel separator. The apparatus may further include a cover container.

Abstract: A popcorn popper having a heat source transferring heat to a heating surface and also having a reflective surface for focusing the heat radiated by the heat source toward the heating surface. The popcorn popper can include a mechanical stirrer on the heating surface for shifting the kernels during heating and evenly distributing the kernels across the heating surface. The popcorn popper can have a cover with an integrated reservoir for holding toppings for the popcorn, wherein the reservoir is adapted to drain the topping through the cover without fouling the cover air vents and evenly distribute the topping onto the kernels.

Abstract: A blower intensified gas flame kettle is disclosed. The kettle and gas burner jets of a gas burner are at least partially inserted into a first housing. Burning gases emanating from the gas burner jets are directed toward the kettle and contained by the first housing. The temperature and velocity of the burning gases are enhanced by action of a blower which blows air which mixes with flammable gas in the gas burner prior to burning. Higher temperatures and improved, radiant, conductive, and convection heating of the kettle are achieved. A mechanized stirrer is also disclosed which enhances heating of contents of the kettle by stirring the contents of the kettle.

Abstract: A popcorn popping machine is provided including a cabinet, a popcorn popping kettle mounted within the cabinet, and a pump mounted at a height above a height of the kettle that is configured to pump oil from a container of oil and deliver the oil to the kettle. Control circuitry is provided for operating the pump to deliver oil to the kettle.

Abstract: A kettle, lid, and utensils for cooking kettle corn comprising, a kettle body, lid, utensil, and splatter guard. The kettle body contains curved annular side walls, bottom, and open top. The lid contains a central aperture and radial knob. The utensil contains a handle end, working end, and shaft connecting the handle end and working end. The splatter guard contains a central aperture and radial cut. The combination of these elements allows an individual to easily cook kettle corn on their home stove.

Abstract: An improved popcorn popper (10) has effluent filtration structure to treat the oil laden vapor and steam effluent from popping popcorn within the popper and with discharge of effluent having less than 5 milligrams of particulates per cubic meter of effluent discharged directly into the area in which the popper (10) is located. There is no need for external hoods or for external ducting of effluent to outside the area and facility in which the popcorn is popped. The filtering is carried out within the popper (10). A fire suppression system is provided to handle fires even within the kettle (14). Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Machines for popping corn and producing puffed snacks and other expanded foods are described herein. In one embodiment, a flow-through popper circulates unpopped corn kernels through a popping chamber by use of a plurality of vanes that directionally control a flow of high velocity, high temperature and high pressure air. In this embodiment, the air in the popping chamber causes the unpopped corn kernels to circulate as they move through the length of the popping chamber without the need for an auger or other moving apparatus.

Abstract: An improved popcorn popper (10) has effluent filtration structure to treat the oil laden vapor and steam effluent from popping popcorn within the popper and with discharge of effluent having less than 5 milligrams of particulates per cubic meter of effluent discharged directly into the area in which the popper (10) is located. There is no need for external hoods or for external ducting of effluent to outside the area and facility in which the popcorn is popped. The filtering is carried out within the popper (10). A fire suppression system is provided to handle fires even within the kettle (14). Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An oil delivery system for a popcorn popping machine to deliver cooking oil to a kettle of the popping machine. In one embodiment, the oil delivery system includes more or more containers of oil which are supported within a cabinet of the popping machine so that the outlet of each container is facing downwardly so as to be oriented along a vertical axis. Flexible tubing is provided to connect the outlets of the containers to a pump of the oil delivery system. Each container may comprise a flexible bag which is enclosed in a rectangular box. The outlets of the flexible bags include quick connect/disconnect connectors which are connected with quick connect/disconnect connectors provided on the flexible tubing. The oil delivery system is provided with a flow sensor to detect when a container of oil is empty and provide an alert to an operator to remove and replace the container with a filled container. An electronic valve is provided in the oil delivery system to control the flow of oil from the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of popping popcorn. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus comprises a popcorn popper, a popped popcorn hopper and a dispensing mechanism in communication with the hopper. By actuation, the dispensing mechanism dispenses one or more servings from the hopper. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a dosing mechanism to provide sequential doses of unpopped corn to the popper to make a plurality of batches of popped popcorn. In another aspect of the invention, a sensor sensing when popped popcorn in the hopper exceeds a pre-determined level or amount and instigates a signal to actuate the dosing mechanism to fill the hopper. In a system according to the invention, a self-contained cabinet includes the popper, hopper, dispensing mechanism and dosing mechanism, as well as a control circuit and actuators to operate the dosing mechanism and dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for displaying and cooking food such as kernels of corn includes a container with a base that can store kernels of corn extended by a compensation zone that can assume at least two positions, one folded and the other unfolded. The compensation zone includes four faces: two retractable faces and two stiffening faces opposite, whereby the retractable faces each include a fold that is approximately at the center of each of these faces and parallel to the base. The stiffening faces each include a first fold that is approximately at the center of each of these faces and parallel to the base and diagonal folds, whereby the base is rigid over a height so as to delimit a restricted space in which kernels of corn are likely to be stored when the compensation zone is in the folded position.

Abstract: Popcorn popping machines and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A popcorn popping machine configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing having an interior portion and a first side portion opposite a second side portion. The popcorn popping machine also includes a corn mover, a heat source, and an air mover positioned in the interior portion. The air mover is positioned on a support shaft extending from the first side portion to the second side portion of the housing. In operation, the air mover is configured to direct heated air from the heat source to corn kernels moved through the interior portion by the corn mover.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having topping dispensing systems are disclosed herein. A popcorn machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a popping kettle or other popping apparatus positioned in a cabinet. The popping apparatus is configured to heat un-popped corn kernels and pop the corn kernels. After popping, the corn is held in the cabinet. The popcorn machine of this embodiment further includes a topping outlet positioned in the cabinet and a topping pump. The topping outlet is operably connectable to a topping container, and the topping pump is configured to move topping from the topping container through the topping outlet and onto a serving portion of popcorn in response to operator activation of the pump.

Abstract: The disclosed popcorn popper has a housing and a container for heating popcorn popping ingredients introduced into the container for popcorn making. The container can be pivoted with respect to the housing for emptying. The popcorn popper also has an induction heater with an induction coil disposed beneath the container for generating a alternating high-frequency magnetic field. The induction coil is pivotable together with the container.

Abstract: A popcorn popping device and method in which popcorn is popped in a sealable container at sub-ambient pressure. A vacuum source connected to the sealed chamber of the container reduces the pressure in the chamber prior to the popping process and maintains the reduced pressure throughout the popping process. The vacuum source can be attached to the exterior of the container or positioned remotely. Embodiments of the device include a stove-top version, intended for use with a heating element, a microwave version, or a commercial-style version in which popcorn is popped in a kettle that is positioned within a sealable chamber.

Abstract: A popcorn maker (100). Popcorn maker (100) comprises a container (102) for holding and popping corn kernels, a popping bowl (104) installed on top of container (102) for holding and serving popped corns, a lid (105) installed on top of bowl (104) for closing the open top of bowl (104) to avoid splashing, a stirrer (114) installed inside container (102) for stirring corn kernels, a co-rotation prevention member (118) installed inside container (102) on the sidewall for preventing corn kernels from co-rotating with stirrer (114), as stirrer (114) rotates, a heating tube (116) disposed underneath container (102) for heating corn kernels, a base support (112) disposed underneath container (102) for supporting container (102), a support member (110) installed on the bottom of container (102) for adapting container (102) to stand in position on base support (112), and a motor (124) installed inside base support (112) and coupled with stirrer (114) for driving stirrer (114).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards a bag for heating and preparing popcorn in a microwave that allows users to view the popcorn as it is cooked. Various embodiments of the invention disclose a popcorn bag that features one or more transparent areas, allowing the user to view the popcorn as it is cooked.

Abstract: The present application describes a popcorn maker including a self-regulating heating unit. The self-regulating heating unit provides a regulated heat to the popcorn maker. The self-regulating heating unit can be configured to maintain a predetermined temperature for the popcorn maker. The predetermined temperature can be adjusted to provide appropriate amount of heat to the popcorn maker for popping a maximum number of corn kernels while limiting the heat from causing damage to heating coils and thermoplastic parts of the popcorn maker. The self-regulating heating unit includes a positive temperature coefficient heater.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system Is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: A popcorn cooking includes a cooking receptacle for use over a heat source and a means for stirring popcorn contained within it. The stirring means consists of a single stirring rod inserted through the cover of the cooking receptacle. The stirring rod, in one embodiment, consists of a rod-like member, or stirring rod, descending generally vertically downwardly from a cover of the cooking receptacle toward the floor of the cooking receptacle. A second embodiment of the stirring rod provides for a unique “double bend” type rod design. A third embodiment of the stirring rod provides for a unique spring loaded stirring rod. And a fourth embodiment provides for V-shaped sweeping member.

Abstract: A kettle for popping corn has a thick film heater applied to a bottom wall of the kettle. The thick film heater may be used to uniformly heat the kettle or provide a controlled temperature gradient across the kettle cooking surface. The kettle and thick film heater provide efficient heating of the kettle and better control of heat supplied to the cooking surface.

Abstract: The present application describes a popcorn maker including a self-regulating heating unit. The self-regulating heating unit provides a regulated heat to the popcorn maker. The self-regulating heating unit can be configured to maintain a predetermined temperature for the popcorn maker. The predetermined temperature can be adjusted to provide appropriate amount of heat to the popcorn maker for popping a maximum number of corn kernels while limiting the heat from causing damage to heating coils and thermoplastic parts of the popcorn maker. The self-regulating heating unit includes a positive temperature coefficient heater.

Abstract: A kettle corn popper comprises a cabinet, a deck attached to an upper edge of the cabinet by a hinge, a hemispherical kettle fixed to the deck and protruding through the deck into the cabinet, a control panel attached to the cabinet, and heating assembly attached inside the cabinet.

Abstract: A corn popping apparatus including an electrically energized heat source contiguous along an underside of a tiltable corn popping kettle projecting into a cabinet enclosure for the kettle when its lid panel closes its open top.

Abstract: An enclosed hopper receives popped kettle corn input when in a substantially horizontal position supported atop a frame and, once moved to a dispensing location, is rotated to a vertical position substantially perpendicular to the frame, where hingeably coupled spouts are openable to effectuate the dropping of the popped kettle corn into a dispensing bag by gravity.