Abstract: A popcorn popping machine which pops popcorn in batches/cycles. A sensor on a popcorn popping machine senses pops of popcorn in the kettle. A system computer controller monitors the rate of popping sensed by the sensor and uses the beginning of the decline in the rate of popping as a basis for controlling heat to the kettle during a given cycle/batch. Activation of the dump mechanism, which terminates the popping cycle/batch, is initiated when the computer controller detects a predetermined programmed minimum pop count rate after the heat has been turned OFF.

Abstract: A method of popping popcorn in batches/cycles. A sensor on a popcorn popping machine senses pops of popcorn in the kettle. A system computer controller monitors the rate of popping sensed by the sensor and uses the beginning of the decline in the rate of popping as a basis for controlling heat to the kettle during a given cycle/batch. Activation of the dump mechanism, which terminates the popping cycle/batch, is initiated when the computer controller detects a predetermined programmed minimum count rate after the heat has been turned OFF.

Abstract: A method of popping popcorn in batches/cycles. A sensor on a popcorn popping machine senses pops of popcorn in the kettle. A system computer controller monitors the rate of popping sensed by the sensor and uses the beginning of the decline in the rate of popping as a basis for controlling heat to the kettle during a given cycle/batch. Activation of the dump mechanism, which terminates the popping cycle/batch, is initiated when the computer controller detects a predetermined programmed minimum count rate after the heat has been turned OFF.

Abstract: A popcorn popping machine which pops popcorn in batches/cycles. A sensor on a popcorn popping machine senses pops of popcorn in the kettle. A system computer controller monitors the rate of popping sensed by the sensor and uses the beginning of the decline in the rate of popping as a basis for controlling heat to the kettle during a given cycle/batch. Activation of the dump mechanism, which terminates the popping cycle/batch, is initiated when the computer controller detects a predetermined programmed minimum pop count rate after the heat has been turned OFF.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is especially adapted for a packaging machine which wraps spaced-apart products with a tubular film. The apparatus includes a frame which provides a path along which the products are advanced. A sealing support structure is mounted on the frame for linear reciprocating movement along the path. A crank arm is rotatably mounted on the frame for reciprocating the sealing support structure. Upper and lower sealing dies are mounted on the sealing support structure for linear movement toward and away from each other in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the path.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a plurality of pairs of upper and lower sealing die assemblies which travel around upper and lower pairs of oval tracks. Each of the oval tracks includes upper and lower horizontal portions and front and rear curved end portions. Each pair of die assemblies is driven independently of the other pairs. Each of the die assemblies includes a pair of carriages which are supported by the tracks and a sealing die which extends between the carriages. A pair of bogie arms are pivotally mounted on each of the carriages, and a pair of rollers which are rotatably mounted on each bogie arm ride on one of the tracks. The sealing apparatus seals a series of products in a plastic film as the products and film are advanced along a horizontal path which extends between the upper tracks and between the lower tracks.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding, stacking, and/or upending products includes a pair of indexing star wheels. A conveyor advances a row of products toward an upstream star wheel. One or more products are metered into one of the notches in the upstream star wheel, and the upstream star wheel indexes to transfer the products to the downstream star wheel. The upstream star wheel can stack products by indexing twice before the downstream star wheel indexes. The downstream star wheel indexes to upend the products, and the upended products are moved away from the downstream star wheel.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for wrapping reams of paper or the like in which the ream being wrapped is placed on an elevator mechanism at a lower level and raised by the elevator mechanism to an upper level. The elevator mechanism comprises a central support and two outboard supports extending endwise of the ream. The outboard supports are movable inwardly from an outer position wherein they are spaced outwardly from the central support. The outboard supports occupy their outer position as the ream is placed on the supports and while the ream is being raised. As the ream is raised, it engages a wrapper sheet and portions of the wrapper sheet fold down on the sides of the ream. When the ream is raised, underfolders move in under the ream from opposite sides of the ream to fold portions of the sheet in under the bottom of the ream.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding randomly received items and for placing these items on apparatus, such as a flight conveyor or a packaging machine, which cycles continuously at a steady rate, with the flight conveyor being operated at a cycling rate slightly faster than the average rate at which the items are randomly received, with the placement of an item on the flight conveyor being in timed relation to a portion or window of each cycle of the flight conveyor, and with placement of an item on the flight conveyor being intermittently deferred so as to bring the rate at which the items are randomly received and the operating rate of the flight conveyor into phase with one another.