Patent · US Expired

Automatic popcorn popper with thermal controller

US6000318A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
77References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 16, 1998
Grant dateDec 14, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 16, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07F17/0078
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.