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 adjacent to 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 can be 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 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 adjacent to 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 can be 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 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 adjacent to 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 can be 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 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 adjacent to 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 can be 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 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 adjacent to 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 can be 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: An adaptive defrost control method and device for controlling a damper door during a defrost cycle is provided. Before entering the defrost cycle, the adaptive defrost control logic determines if the damper door is open. If the damper door is open, the defrost cycle is suspended until the door is closed. If the damper door is closed, the adaptive defrost control logic activates a barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply so that the damper door may not be opened during the defrost cycle. After the defrost cycle is completed, the adaptive defrost control logic removes the barrier between the damper door motor and a power supply. The damper door may then be opened and closed as necessary. Accordingly, warm moist air from the defrost cycle does not enter the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a cellular roller shade material for use in roller shade coverings for architectural openings is described. In a preferred embodiment, two fabric tapes are joined proximate an edge of each to form a wide fabric tape. The wide fabric tape is then pulled through a folding horn to fold the tape along a longitudinal axis that is laterally offset from the tape's longitudinal axis. Two longitudinal adhesive beads are applied to the folded tape by an adhesive applicator. The folded tape is then continuously wound onto tubular surface with the surfaces of the folded tape containing the adhesive beads being placed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of a previously wrapped section of the folded tape. The wrapped and joined tubular tape is cut to form a sheet of shade material that comprises plurality of horizontally-extending cells when utilized in a roller shade.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a cellular roller shade material for use in roller shade coverings for architectural openings is described. In a preferred embodiment, two fabric tapes are joined proximate an edge of each to form a wide fabric tape. The wide fabric tape is then pulled through a folding horn to fold the tape along a longitudinal axis that is laterally offset from the tape's longitudinal axis. Two longitudinal adhesive beads are applied to the folded tape by an adhesive applicator. The folded tape is then continuously wound onto tubular surface with the surfaces of the folded tape containing the adhesive beads being placed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of a previously wrapped section of the folded tape. The wrapped and joined tubular tape is cut to form a sheet of shade material that comprises plurality of horizontally-extending cells when utilized in a roller shade.

Abstract: A hand piece assembly for an oral irrigator having a pressure control valve assembly, a stop valve, and a housing. The pressure control valve assembly has a valve body having an intermediate section having a substantially cylindrical bore therethrough. A valve gate having a cylindrical portion with an orifice bored therethrough has a control arm coupled to a guide portion for rotation within the valve body. A slide control is positioned on the housing and is coupled to guide portion of the valve gate, so that as the slide control moves linearly along a portion of the housing, the cylindrical portion of the valve gate correspondingly rotates within the bore of the valve body to adjust the pressure or flow rate of the fluid passing through the pressure control valve assembly.