Abstract: A solid state controlled popcorn machine is disclosed which is used in conjunction with a popcorn machine. The components of the machine are electronically controlled by a controller which is a programmable microprocessor. The controller has a user interface with programming keys and a visual display. The cooking cycle for popcorn is automatically programmed to add a selected amount of oil in a kettle. The kettle is heated for a selected amount of time at a certain temperature and the corn is agitated by an agitator. The parameters of the cooking cycle may be adjusted by a variety of programming buttons. The popcorn machine also has a blower, lights and a heater for the storage of completed popcorn. These elements are also controlled by the controller and may be adjusted via programming keys and the display. The mechanical elements are connected to fuses which are coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing popcorn comprising a popcorn popping apparatus and a bin for containing popcorn. The bin is removably positionable in the popcorn popping apparatus so that the popcorn that is popped can drop through an aperture in the popping apparatus into the bin. The bin itself is mobile, thereby enabling an operator to transport the bin from the popping apparatus to a receiving station or vice-versa. The popcorn in the bin can be dispensed directly therefrom or stored for later use. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bin also contains a warming system that keeps the popcorn in the bin warm, fresh and crisp. The warming system is provided with power when it is placed in either the popping apparatus or the receiving station via electrical connectors located on the bin, popping apparatus and receiving station.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a microprocessor controlled popcorn machine. The processor is programmed with an auto cycle to insure the correct popping of popcorn. The popcorn machine has a kettle with a heating element for holding unpopped corn. An agitator for stirring the corn in the kettle is suspended in the kettle. An oil pump injects oil into the kettle. The processor controls all the operations of the popcorn machine. The popcorn machine has a control panel by which the user may activate the processor auto cycle program to begin the popping of corn. The processor controls the kettle heat through the kettle heating element. The processor also controls the oil pump to inject oil in the heated kettle to pop the corn. The processor controls the agitator to stir the kernels. The processor also controls the injection of oil and monitors the temperature of the kettle to insure that it does not exceed a regulation temperature.

Abstract: An integral liquid pump and drainback valve for use in pumping popcorn popping oil. A two-part housing is formed with one part having cavities forming inlet and outlet passages extending from an impeller cavity. A second part is formed with inlet and outlet ports and shuttle valve cavity connecting those ports. The inlet and outlet passages and the inlet and outlet ports respectively are in fluid communication with each other when the two parts are secured to each other. A resilient biasing means in the shuttle valve cavity moves the shuttle to a position wherein a fluid path is provided between the inlet and outlet ports when the pump impeller is not driven.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing means for popcorn popping oil. Popcorn popping oil is provided in a plastic bag contained within a rectangular box. The plastic bag is provided with a dispensing arrangement having a quick couple connection provided thereon. The dispensing means includes a housing having shelves for supporting the boxes in a tilted position wherein the dispensing point is lower most such that all of the popcorn popping oil may be drained from the bag within the box. The shelves are provided with electrical heaters which maintain the popcorn popping oil at a desired viscosity. A pump is provided for withdrawing the popcorn popping oil from the bags and supplying it to a popping kettle.

Abstract: A thermostat is disclosed which includes a bimetal element in the form of an elongated strip and a trip mechanism formed by an elongated metal strip and a member having a U-shaped portion operative as a spring and an arm portion projecting from one leg of the U-shaped portion to form a reset lever. The trip mechanism operates electrical contacts on metal strips and has an over-center operation to provide a snap action. The thermostat is connectable in series with a cooking temperature control thermostat of a popcorn cooking machine to protect against dangerously high operating temperatures.

Abstract: A corn popping apparatus is provided including a mechanism for maintaining a popcorn pan in one of two stable positions, a cooking position and a discharge position, and for assisting in the movement of the pan from one position to the other. The mechanism is powered by a compression spring and includes a piston to provide a controlled return rate. A linkage is provided which serves to pivotally connect the popcorn pan to a frame. The linkage allows the pan to swing from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position down and away from the pan cover so that the top of the pan is completely open to discharge its contents without significant effort on the part of the operator.