Abstract: A popcorn making machine includes a case, a roaster mounted therein and provided with a circulated hot airflow, a feeding pipe receiving raw corn and delivering it into the roaster, a dosage unit capable of controlling a flow of raw corn into the feeding pipe, a sensor unit that includes a light source capable of irradiating light at least partially directed into the roaster containing a quantity of corn kernels, a sensor capable of producing an electric signal corresponding to a light flow received by the sensor, wherein the light flow particularly depends upon the quantity of corn kernels contained in the roaster, a light-guide for delivering the light flow from the roaster to the sensor, and a programmable electronic module capable of processing the electric signal produced by the sensor, associated with the dosage unit and capable of controlling thereof. Detail design of the sensor unit is also provided.

Abstract: A popcorn making machine is proposed in three embodiments including a roaster, provided with a circulated hot airflow, and a pipebranch coupled thereto, receiving popcorn from the roaster and discharging thereof. In the first embodiment, the roaster has truncated conical sidewalls, the pipebranch has a rectangular cross-section. In the second embodiment the roaster is configured as at least a portion of a deformed sphere having a lesser pole radius and a greater equator radius, the pipebranch is conjugated with the roaster without any acute angle, and continuously tapers transforming into a cylindrical shape. In the third preferred embodiment, the roaster and pipebranch are similar to the ones of the second embodiment, but the roaster additionally contains a central cavity configured in a cone-like shape, having a base, a cupola-like top, and a curved conjugation angle at the base. The aforementioned shapes reduce manufacturing costs and improve the popcorn machine's productivity.

Abstract: A popcorn making machine includes a case enclosing a roaster with a circulated hot airflow therein, causing raw corn to pop up, a feeding pipe having an upper aperture for feeding raw corn thereinto and a lower aperture, and a trap mounted within the case. The trap has an upper entrance for receiving raw corn and a lower exit for discharging thereof into the roaster. The upper entrance is coupled with the lower aperture. The trap includes a body, having inner walls, and at least two blades attached to the inner walls on opposite sides thereof, and inwardly declined. A lower blade is inwardly protruded from the inner wall, so that it partially covers the lower exit. The trap prevents blocking the feeding pipe by corn kernels that otherwise would be capable of getting into and blocking thereof, thereby enhancing the machine's reliability and maintainability. Preferable trap dimensions are provided.

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: 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.