Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing dumping of a popping kettle in a popcorn machine above a preset temperature to facilitate fire containment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine can include one or more temperature control systems to prevent the popping kettle from exceeding a normal operating temperature range. In the event such systems fail, however, embodiments of the present technology include lock systems that will lock the popping kettle in an upright position before the kettle reaches a temperature that will ignite the popping oil. Locking the popping kettle in this manner prevents an operator from inadvertently dumping burning oil onto popcorn piled in the bottom of the cabinet, igniting the popcorn and causing the fire to spread. Locking the kettle can also provide additional time for a fire suppression system to extinguish the fire while it is contained in the kettle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sterilizing items, such as respirators, masks, and other personal protection equipment, using UV-C light are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, counter-top systems for providing 360-degree germicidal irradiation of respirators and other items are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include one or more UV-C lamps positioned inside of a rotatable structure that supports items for sterilization, and one or more UV-C lamps positioned outside of the rotatable support structure.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having radiant burners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a kettle assembly having a heating plate that separates an upper portion from a lower portion. The heating plate can include a coated lower surface to absorb radiant heat, and the kettle assembly can be supported by a base having a gas-fired radiant burner. The radiant burner can include a heating element positioned to direct radiant heat toward the heating plate. In several embodiments, the heating element includes an opening extending therethrough, and a coupler can extend through the opening to connect a motor in the base with a mixer in the upper portion of the kettle assembly.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having process chambers with variable heating profiles, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube having an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion and the lower tube portion form a circumferential boundary of a tubular process chamber for popping popcorn. A first heating element can be positioned to heat a first heating zone, and a second heating element can be positioned to heat a second heating zone. A first thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature at a transition point between the first heating zone and the second heating zone, and a second thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature in the second heating zone. A rotatable auger can be positioned at least partially within the tube to move ingredients through the process chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing dumping of a popping kettle in a popcorn machine above a preset temperature to facilitate fire containment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine can include one or more temperature control systems to prevent the popping kettle from exceeding a normal operating temperature range. In the event such systems fail, however, embodiments of the present technology include lock systems that will lock the popping kettle in an upright position before the kettle reaches a temperature that will ignite the popping oil. Locking the popping kettle in this manner prevents an operator from inadvertently dumping burning oil onto popcorn piled in the bottom of the cabinet, igniting the popcorn and causing the fire to spread. Locking the kettle can also provide additional time for a fire suppression system to extinguish the fire while it is contained in the kettle.

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 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. In some embodiments, the operator rotates the popcorn machine about an axis that extends parallel to the rotational axis of the fan assembly. In these embodiments, rotating the popcorn machine while the fan is rotating does not induce substantial stress on the fan assembly due to the rotational inertia of the fan.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having process chambers with variable heating profiles, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube having an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion and the lower tube portion form a circumferential boundary of a tubular process chamber for popping popcorn. A first heating element can be positioned to heat a first heating zone, and a second heating element can be positioned to heat a second heating zone. A first thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature at a transition point between the first heating zone and the second heating zone, and a second thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature in the second heating zone. A rotatable auger can be positioned at least partially within the tube to move ingredients through the process chamber.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having automatic sifting systems, and associated methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a cabinet for receiving popcorn and unpopped corn kernels. The popcorn machine also includes an automatic sifting system having a sifting component positioned at least partially within the cabinet to receive the popcorn and the unpopped corn kernels. The sifting component can include a plurality of perforations, and an agitator can be positioned to move the sifting component to agitate the popcorn and unpopped corn kernels. The agitation of the popcorn and the unpopped corn kernels moves the unpopped corn kernels toward and through the perforations.

Abstract: Popcorn machines having radiant burners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a kettle assembly having a heating plate that separates an upper portion from a lower portion. The heating plate can include a coated lower surface to absorb radiant heat, and the kettle assembly can be supported by a base having a gas-fired radiant burner. The radiant burner can include a heating element positioned to direct radiant heat toward the heating plate. In several embodiments, the heating element includes an opening extending therethrough, and a coupler can extend through the opening to connect a motor in the base with a mixer in the upper portion of the kettle assembly.

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 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: A device and method for continuous production of cotton candy and automated handling of the cotton candy in a way that collects and condenses the cotton candy into a continuous strand.

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. The system is designed for use with a semi-enclosed space defined by at least a back panel, a top panel and a bottom panel, and having an open side for an operator to access the semi-enclosed space. An exhaust vent is installed in the top panel in communication with the semi-enclosed space and a blower exhausts air through the exhaust vent. An inlet air vent is installed in the top panel and is in communication with the semi-enclosed space and is located proximate the back panel. An inlet air blower provides air through the inlet air 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 air vent due to the source of air supplied by the inlet air blower.

Abstract: Machines having multiple heat zone cooking surfaces for producing popcorn and other types of expanded foods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a kettle assembly for popping corn includes a popping surface having a first heat zone adjacent to a second heat zone. In this embodiment, the first heat zone is configured to receive a plurality of unpopped corn kernels, and heat the unpopped corn kernels to a first level. The second heat zone is configured to receive the unpopped corn kernels from the first heat zone, and heat the unpopped corn kernels to a second level, higher than the first level. In one aspect of this embodiment, the kettle assembly can include a first heating element positioned at least proximate to the first heat zone, and a second heating element positioned at least proximate to the second heat zone. The first heating element operates at a first temperature, and the second heating element operates at a second temperature, higher than the first temperature.

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: A device and method for continuous production of cotton candy and automated handling of the cotton candy in a way that collects and condenses the cotton candy into a continuous strand.

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. The system is designed for use with a semi-enclosed space defined by at least a back panel, a top panel and a bottom panel, and having an open side for an operator to access the semi-enclosed space. An exhaust vent is installed in the top panel in communication with the semi-enclosed space and a blower exhausts air through the exhaust vent. An inlet air vent is installed in the top panel and is in communication with the semi-enclosed space and is located proximate the back panel. An inlet air blower provides air through the inlet air 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 air vent due to the source of air supplied by the inlet air blower.