Abstract: A popcorn kettle is provided with a heater plate mounting one or more heater elements in an annular configuration about a thermostat. Two semicircular disposed slots in said heater plate isolate the thermostat from heat directly conducted through the plate to the thermostat except in defined areas between ends of the slots. This prevents a high rate of heat rise which could be witnessed by the thermostat causing premature cessation of a popping cycle.

Abstract: Methods to control power to a cooking appliance are provided. The methods include monitoring a power signal to the portion of the cooking appliance, including monitoring a current and/or voltage of the power signal. The methods also include selectively interrupting power to the portion of the cooking appliance in response to: determining that the current fails to exceed a current threshold within a time threshold, determining that the voltage fails to exceed a voltage threshold within a time threshold, determining that the current exceeds a current threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the current threshold for a second time threshold, and determining that the voltage exceeds a voltage threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the voltage threshold for a second time threshold. The methods also include temperature sensing and controlling the power signal based thereupon.

Abstract: A bolt retainer for mounting a bolt having a head portion and a shank portion to a bottom wall of a kettle includes a pair of spaced apart side walls, a bottom wall extending between the pair of side walls and a notch formed in the bottom wall. The pair of spaced apart side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity that is configured to receive the head portion of the bolt therein with the shank portion of the bolt extending through the notch in a direction away from the bottom wall of the kettle.

Abstract: Methods to control power to a cooking appliance are provided. The methods include monitoring a power signal to the portion of the cooking appliance, including monitoring a current and/or voltage of the power signal. The methods also include selectively interrupting power to the portion of the cooking appliance in response to: determining that the current fails to exceed a current threshold within a time threshold, determining that the voltage fails to exceed a voltage threshold within a time threshold, deter mining that the current exceeds a current threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the current threshold for a second time threshold, and determining that the voltage exceeds a voltage threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the voltage threshold for a second time threshold. The methods also include temperature sensing and controlling the power signal based thereupon.

Abstract: A popcorn kettle is provided with a heater plate mounting one or more heater elements in an annular configuration about a thermostat. Two semicircular disposed slots in said heater plate isolate the thermostat from heat directly conducted through the plate to the thermostat except in defined areas between ends of the slots. This prevents a high rate of heat rise which could be witnessed by the thermostat causing premature cessation of a popping cycle.

Abstract: A locking system for a cotton candy machine includes a pair of rotatable cam members that are selectively engagable and disengagable from a motor mount of the machine to alternatively lock and unlock the machine. A rotatable handle or a pair of rotatable levers are operatively connected to the cam members to selectively rotate the cam members to the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A locking system for a cotton candy machine includes a pair of rotatable cam members that are selectively engagable and disengagable from a motor mount of the machine to alternatively lock and unlock the machine. A rotatable handle or a pair of rotatable levers are operatively connected to the cam members to selectively rotate the cam members to the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A heater control for a cotton candy machine automatically controls a heater within the spinner head of the machine to readily accommodate for fluctuations in input line frequency and input line voltage. The control is configured to measure the input line frequency and apply a predetermined voltage to the heater that varies as a function of the measured input line frequency. The control is further configured to measure the input line voltage and apply a generally constant predetermined voltage to the heater for a particular measured input line frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system Is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: A cotton candy machine includes a tubular heater and a slotted spinning band. The spinning band is disposed proximate the heater for receiving sufficient heat therefrom to melt sugar on the band. The slots are configured to effectively prevent unmelted sugar from passing through the slots when the band is heated. The slots may be laser cut into the spinning band.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cotton candy comprises a bowl and a motor with a spinner head mounted in the bowl and coupled to the motor for rotation about an axis. The spinner head comprises a perforated band which extends generally circumferentially around the spinner head to rotate with the spinner head for delivering molten sugar from the spinner head and into the bowl to make cotton candy. A film heater includes a film which is operable for generating heat when an electrical current is delivered thereto. The film heater is applied against a surface of the perforated band for heating the band and melting sugar proximate the perforated band to make cotton candy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system Is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cotton candy comprises a bowl and a motor with a spinner head mounted in the bowl and coupled to the motor for rotation about an axis. The spinner head comprises a perforated band which extends generally circumferentially around the spinner head to rotate with the spinner head for delivering molten sugar from the spinner head and into the bowl to make cotton candy. A film heater includes a film which is operable for generating heat when an electrical current is delivered thereto. The film heater is applied against a surface of the perforated band for heating the band and melting sugar proximate the perforated band to make cotton candy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for popping popcorn comprise a heated kettle which is controlled and monitored according to the temperature of the kettle. The kettle is initially heated to a start cook temperature and a buzzer and light alert an operator to add uncooked popcorn and oil to the kettle which lowers the temperature of the kettle below a predetermined start temperature and initiates a cooking cycle. An oil pump system is enabled at the initiation of the cooking cycle for adding oil to the kettle. As the popcorn and oil cook, the kettle temperature increases and passes through a predetermined dump temperature and the kettle automatically tilts and dumps the cooked popcorn. After the dump, the kettle temperature increases to the start cook temperature again and the buzzer and light are activated to alert the operator to add another batch of ingredients for consecutive batches of popcorn.