Vending machine for popping kernels
US9179697B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B6/782
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to a popcorn vending machine, comprising a kernel holding chamber configured to store and dispense kernels, a heating chamber comprising an inlet configured to receive kernels from the kernel holding chamber, a microwave emitter configured to produce microwave energy within the heating chamber and heat the kernels, a single-mode resonant microwave applicator configured to generate a stable focused high intensity microwave region within the heating chamber, at least one air blower disposed in communication with the heating chamber, wherein the air blower is configured to blow air into the heating chamber, thereby moving kernels within the heating chamber and selectively removing popped flakes from the high intensity microwave region when popped, and a heating chamber outlet connected to the heating chamber for receiving popped flakes from the heating chamber and dispensing the popped flakes into a container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.