Abstract: A kettle assembly for popping corn comprises an aluminum popping bowl with a sidewall aperture. The sidewall aperture introduces cooking oil directly into the popping bowl, and is in communication with an oil conduit leading from a cooking oil reservoir. The aperture is sized such that unpopped kernels do not become lodged in the aperture so as to block the flow of oil through the oil conduit. A housing may be provided to support the bowl. A pivoting axis on which the kettle assembly pivots from vertical to horizontal positions is also supported by the housing. A damping mechanism is mounted on a top surface of the housing so as to provide for controlled motion of the kettle assembly as it pivots from a vertical to a horizontal position. Another damping mechanism is connected between the housing and the pivoting axis. In one configuration this damping mechanism generates a damping force for controlling pivoting motion of the kettle assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses an automated corn popping apparatus including a kettle, a support arrangement for supporting and operating the kettle, a display arrangement for enclosing the corn popping apparatus, a controller for automatically operating the corn popping apparatus, and a conduit system for introducing cooking oil into the kettle. In a preferred embodiment, the kettle includes a kettle and an agitator mechanism. A support arrangement includes a mechanism for rotating the kettle from a position for popping corn to a position for dumping corn into the display arrangement. Also, a shaft mechanism is used for raising and lowering the lid and rotating the agitator mechanism. The shaft mechanism is in fluid association with a source of cooking oil at one end of its length, and has apertures located near the other end of its length so as to provide a conduit for the supply of cooking oil directly into the kettle.

Abstract: A kettle assembly for popping corn comprises an aluminum popping bowl with a sidewall aperture. The sidewall aperture introduces cooking oil directly into the popping bowl, and is in communication with an oil conduit leading from a cooking oil reservoir. The aperture is sized such that unpopped kernels do not become lodged in the aperture so as to block the flow of oil through the oil conduit. A housing may be provided to support the bowl. A pivoting axis on which the kettle assembly pivots from vertical to horizontal positions is also supported by the housing. A damping mechanism is mounted on a top surface of the housing so as to provide for controlled motion of the kettle assembly as it pivots from a vertical to a horizontal position. Another damping mechanism is connected between the housing and the pivoting axis. In one configuration this damping mechanism generates a damping force for controlling pivoting motion of the kettle assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses an automated corn popping apparatus including a kettle, a support arrangement for supporting and operating the kettle, a display arrangement for enclosing the corn popping apparatus, a controller for automatically operating the corn popping apparatus, and a conduit system for introducing cooking oil into the kettle. In a preferred embodiment, the kettle includes a kettle and an agitator mechanism. A support arrangement includes a mechanism for rotating the kettle from a position for popping corn to a position for dumping corn into the display arrangement. Also, a shaft mechanism is used for raising and lowering the lid and rotating the agitator mechanism. The shaft mechanism is in fluid association with a source of cooking oil at one end of its length, and has apertures located near the other end of its length so as to provide a conduit for the supply of cooking oil directly into the kettle.

Abstract: A sealed bushing arrangement guides an agitator rotor shaft through an aperture located on the bottom surface of a popping bowl in a popcorn popping assembly. The bushing arrangement has a top portion raised above the bottom surface of the bowl, and may include a cover plate for retaining the seal or seals within the bushing and for securely attaching the bushing to the bottom surface of the popping bowl. The bushing further includes a lower bushing for operative association with the rotor shaft. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of stacked seals are provided within the bushing to prevent cooking oil from leaking out of the popping bowl along the agitator rotor shaft. The bushing further preferably includes an inner bushing for operative association with the agitator rotor shaft, a middle bushing, and an outer bushing. The inner and outer bushings are comprised of materials which have an expansion rate characteristic lower than that of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: This invention discloses an automated corn popping apparatus including a kettle assembly, a support arrangement for supporting and operating the kettle assembly, a display arrangement for enclosing the corn popping apparatus, and control means for automatically operating the corn popping apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the kettle assembly includes a cast metal popping kettle and an agitator mechanism supported by a base adapted to receive pivot shafts. The support arrangement includes a mechanism for rotating the kettle assembly from a position for popping corn to a position for dumping corn into the display arrangement and a mechanism for raising and lowering the lid and rotating the agitator mechanism. The control means includes actuators for necessary mechanical movement, sensors of component position, and programmable means to receive sensor signals and control actuators to achieve the automatic popping of popcorn.

Abstract: A kettle assembly for popping corn comprises a Teflon coated, cast aluminum popping bowl with an sidewall aperture. The sidewall aperture introduces cooking oil directly into the popping bowl, and is in communication with an oil conduit leading from a cooking oil reservoir. The sidewalls of the bowl are surrounded by an insulating material and an exterior sheathing. The bowl has a lid attached with several thumbscrews for easy removal. The kettle assembly has a base with leg members mounted on a pivot axle. The pivot axle is supported by a housing. A piston and cylinder arrangement is connected between the housing and the axle. In one configuration this arrangement generates a damping force for controlling pivoting motion of the kettle assembly. In another configuration, this arrangement automatically generates pivoting forces to pivot the kettle assembly.

Abstract: A kettle assembly for popping corn comprises a Teflon coated, cast aluminum popping bowl with an sidewall aperture. The sidewall aperture introduces cooking oil directly into the popping bowl, and is in communication with an oil conduit leading from a cooking oil reservoir. The sidewalls of the bowl are surrounded by an insulating material and an exterior sheathing. The bowl has a lid attached with several thumbscrews for easy removal. The kettle assembly has a base with leg members mounted on a pivot axle. The pivot axle is supported by a housing. A piston and cylinder arrangement is connected between the housing and the axle. In one configuration this arrangement generates a damping force for controlling pivoting motion of the kettle assembly. In another configuration, this arrangement automatically generates pivoting forces to pivot the kettle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food storage, display, and warming apparatus having a first storage compartment for holding bulk food at a predetermined temperature above ambient temperature and including one or more door members for accessing the bulk food therein, a second storage and display compartment for holding and displaying a plurality of individualized food portions and including one or more transparent door members for viewing and accessing the individualized food portions therein, a heater and blower arrangement for circulating heated air between the first and second storage compartments, a thermostat for sensing the temperature in the first storage compartment and for discontinuing operation of the heater when a maximum temperature is sensed to avoid overheating the bulk food.