Control methods for popping popcorn
US6352731B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2019 |
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.