Abstract: Suppressed-pop popcorn is made by soaking popcorn kernels in a room temperature aqueous enzyme solution. The enzyme solution degrades the pericarp structure of the popcorn kernels and increases the moisture content within the popcorn kernels. As a result, the popcorn kernels partially pop when exposed to heat, yielding a crunchy, orally satisfying snack.

Abstract: A bearingless motor/generator comprises a rotatable part and a stationary part. The rotatable part is adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation with respect to the stationary part. The stationary part has one or more windings for producing a drive field and a control field. The drive field is adapted to exert a torque on the rotatable part to transfer energy between the rotatable part and the stationary part. The control field is adapted to exert a force on the rotatable part to levitate the rotatable part. The force is adapted to be directed at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic suspension and rotary drive system comprises at least one conical bearingless motor/generator. Each conical bearingless motor/generator comprises a rotatable part and a stationary part. The rotatable part has an axis of rotation with respect to the stationary part. The stationary part has one or more windings for producing a drive field and a control field. The drive field is provided for exerting a torque on the rotatable part to transfer energy between the rotatable part and the stationary part. The control field is provided for exerting a force on the rotatable part to levitate the rotatable part. The force exerted by the conical bearingless motor/generator is adapted to be directed at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.

Abstract: A bearingless motor/generator comprises a rotatable part and a stationary part. The rotatable part is adapted to be rotated about an axis of rotation with respect to the stationary part. The stationary part has one or more windings for producing a drive field and a control field. The drive field is adapted to exert a torque on the rotatable part to transfer energy between the rotatable part and the stationary part. The control field is adapted to exert a force on the rotatable part to levitate the rotatable part. The force is adapted to be directed at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable part.