Patent US3812774A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3812774A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Automatic popcorn popping machine
Assignee: WESTERN ICEE Corp A CORP OF CALIFORNIA
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Filing: 1972-08-25
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Granted: 1974-05-28
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Expires: 1992-08-25
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for automatically popping corn in heated seasoning oil. Raw corn is fed by an air conveyor to a hopper above the popping pot, and an air current is used for injecting a charge of corn and salt into the pot. Seasoning oil is metered into the pot by an adjustable valve providing precise volume measurement. The oil supply is delivered to the metering valve by a pump in an oil vat and with a heater adapted to melt the seasoning adjacent the pump intake, and melt along a telescoping feed tube to prevent pump cavitation. Electronic sensors in the corn and oil supply signal a control circuit for supplies refill as required. A rotary valve disc in the pot is mechanically interlocked with switching circuits of the control system to correlate corn and salt input into the pot, cooking, steam discharge to a condenser, and air discharge of popped corn to a display area. A deflector plate in the air stream into the pot directs the air into a path for optimum corn evacuation through a discharge tube opening downwardly inside the pot. The pot remains closed throughout a series of popping cycles for cleanliness, convenience, and safety. An agitator in the pot is formed in a configuration drawing the popped corn radially inwardly for evacuation into the discharge opening. A self-cleaning condenser is adapted to condense steam and waste oil exiting from the pot and a steam condensate trap is provided in a modified form. A venturi formed at the condenser outlet and communicating with a blower is adapted to create a vacuum in the pot during the popping cycle to prevent effluent from discharging into the display case and to draw it into the condenser. A spring-load agitator drive shaft releasably interlocks with a corresponding socket in the agitator base affording easy opening and closing of the pot by pivotal movement of the agitator and hot plate. ''''Old maids'''' in the discharge of popped corn from the pot are trapped and separated therefrom for removal through a chute in one form, or through a screen in the bottom of the display case in another form.
Inventors
- 👤 A Day
- 👤 G Browning
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:09
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23L; A23L7/00; A23L7/10; A23L7/161; A23L7/174; A23L7/183; A23L7/187
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 46
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for popping corn in heated seasoning oil, including the combination of: a pot for containing the corn and oil during popping, said pot defining an interior volume which is substantially closed throughout operation of the apparatus; first metering means to charge a predetermined amount of the corn into the pot; second metering means to charge a predetermined amount of oil into the pot; means for heating and cooking the oil and corn in the pot; means for removing steam and waste oil effluent from the pot during cooking; and, evacuator means for directing a stream of air to convey the popcorn from inside the pot outwardly to a display area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for popping corn in heated seasoning oil, including the combination of: a pot for containing the corn and oil during popping, said pot defining an interior volume which is substantially closed throughout operation of the apparatus; first metering means to charge a predetermined amount of the corn into the pot; second metering means to charge a predetermined amount of oil into the pot; means for heating and cooking the oil and corn in the pot; means for removing steam and waste oil effluent from the pot during cooking; and, evacuator means for directing a stream of air to convey the popcorn from inside the pot outwardly to a display area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for popping corn in heated seasoning oil, including the combination of: a pot for containing the corn and oil during popping; first metering means including a corn hopper disposed above the pot to charge a predetermined amount of the corn into the pot; valve means for opening the closing communication between the hopper and pot; second metering means to charge a predetermined amount of oil into the pot; means for heating and cooking the oil and corn in the pot; means for removing steam and waste oil effluent from the pot during cooking; and, evacuator means for conveying the popped corn from inside the pot outwardly to a display area, the evacuator means including a conduit opening outside the pot, and air conveyor means directing a stream of air downwardly through said hopper when the valve is in open position to carry the corn into the pot, and provide a positive pressure in the hopper when the valve means is closed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for popping corn in heated seasoning oil, including the combination of: a pot for containing the corn and oil during popping; first metering means including a corn hopper disposed above the pot to charge a predetermined amount of the corn into the pot; valve means for opening the closing communication between the hopper and pot; second metering means to charge a predetermined amount of oil into the pot; means for heating and cooking the oil and corn in the pot; means for removing steam and waste oil effluent from the pot during cooking; and, evacuator means for conveying the popped corn from inside the pot outwardly to a display area, the evacuator means including a conduit opening outside the pot, and air conveyor means directing a stream of air downwardly through said hopper when the valve is in open position to carry the corn into the pot, and provide a positive pressure in the hopper when the valve means is closed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
96 words
The invention of claim 1 and further including a main corn supply bin located below the pot and corn hopper for convenient resupply and for a cool storage location relative to the upper hopper; and, said air conveyor means includes an air conduit extending from the corn bin upwardly for discharge into the corn hopper, means directing a stream of air into said air conduit and hopper, and third metering means opening and closing communication between the corn bin and air conduit for metering corn thereinto for delivery through the conduit and resupply of the bin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention of claim 3 and further including control means operating said third metering means, said control means sensing the corn level in said hopper for opening said communication responsive to a corn level below a predetermined level, and closing said communication responsive to corn filling the hopper to said level.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
The invention of claim 4 and further characterized in that the control means sensing corn level comprises at least two capacitor plates spaced apart laterally within the hopper at said predetermined level, and said control means includes circuit means for generating a control signal for opening and closing of said communication between the bin and air conduit responsive to variation in capacitence between said plates during presence or absence of corn therebetween.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
112 words
The invention of claim 1 and further including means for injecting salt into the pot comprising a salt bin mounted above the pot, the salt bin having a salt discharge spout, and a charging valve positioned below the salt bin and adapted for movement to and from a charging position in the air stream through the corn hopper, said valve having a salt retaining cavity in salt receiving communication with the spout when the valve is moved from the air stream, and the cavity moving into the air stream for depositing salt therein for charging the pot; and, control means for operating the charging valve to and from the hopper air stream.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
72 words
The invention of claim 6 wherein the charging valve comprises a housing below the salt bin and a spool valve movable laterally within the housing into and from the corn hopper along an axis extending across the hopper, said spool valve including at least two lands defining therebetween said salt retaining cavity, the housing having an opening positioned between the salt spout and spool cavity with the valve moved from the hopper.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
The invention of claim 6 and further including an air shield mounted within the air stream of the corn hopper extending over, and upstream of, the charging position of the spool valve, said shield having an opening downstream of the valve cavity permitting salt therein to enter and be carried by the air stream.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 6 and including means sensing an insufficient supply of salt for the following pop cycle to terminate the popping operation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
57 words
The invention of claim 9 and further characterized in that the means sensing salt supply includes a salt containing bin movable to a first position with said insufficient supply therein, and to a second position with a sufficient salt supply for the following pop, and circuit means terminating the popping operation responsive to the bin first position.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
78 words
Apparatus for popping corn in heated seasoning oil in a pot, comprising the combination of: means for supplying oil to the pot including an oil supply vat positioned in the apparatus below the pot for convenient insertion and removal; an oil pump disposed in the vat and adapted to move on the level of solidified oil; reservoir means positioned above the pot; and, conduit means directing the oil under pressure from the pump upwardly to the reservoir means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
78 words
Apparatus for popping corn in heated seasoning oil in a pot, comprising the combination of: means for supplying oil to the pot including an oil supply vat positioned in the apparatus below the pot for convenient insertion and removal; an oil pump disposed in the vat and adapted to move on the level of solidified oil; reservoir means positioned above the pot; and, conduit means directing the oil under pressure from the pump upwardly to the reservoir means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
54 words
The invention of claim 11 and further characterized in that the conduit means includes an upstanding tubular member having an intake section adjacent the pump and mounted for vertical movement therewith, and an outlet section telescoping with the inlet section and fixedly mOunted on the apparatus, the outlet section communication with the reservoir means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
62 words
The invention of claim 11 and further characterized in that the pump includes an upstanding bracket extending above the pump to a position clearing oil level in the vat with the pump at its lowermost position therein, means for driving the pump mounted at the upper end of the bracket and in driving connection with the pump throughout vertical floating movement thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention of claim 11 and further including heater means carried with the pump for heating and melting the oil adjacent the pump inlet, said heater means further operating to melt a path in the oil coextensive with the plan profile of the pump for movement thereof downwardly into the solidified oil.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention of claim 11 and further characterized in that a pair of telescoping support members slideably support the pump for vertical floating movement in the oil, at least one of said telescoping members comprising said conduit means for directing the pumped oil into the reservoir means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 15 and further including heater means adjacent said one telescoping member to heat and melt solidified oil therein, and to heat and melt solidified oil adjacent the heater for rapid start-up pump operation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
114 words
Apparatus for metering seasoning oil into the pot of an automatic popcorn popping machine, including the combination of: an oil reservoir mounted above the pot and having a discharge opening in communication therewith; means supplying oil under pressure into the reservoir for filling the same with a charge of oil; control means terminating operating of the filling means responsive to reservoir filling above a first predetermined level; means for draining oil from the reservoir down to a second predetermined level below said first level and defining a preselected oil volume in the reservoir for charging into the pot; and, means opening communication through the discharge opening for directing the oil charge to the pot.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
114 words
Apparatus for metering seasoning oil into the pot of an automatic popcorn popping machine, including the combination of: an oil reservoir mounted above the pot and having a discharge opening in communication therewith; means supplying oil under pressure into the reservoir for filling the same with a charge of oil; control means terminating operating of the filling means responsive to reservoir filling above a first predetermined level; means for draining oil from the reservoir down to a second predetermined level below said first level and defining a preselected oil volume in the reservoir for charging into the pot; and, means opening communication through the discharge opening for directing the oil charge to the pot.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention of claim 17 wherein the means for draining the oil comprises a vertically movable drain opening disposed within the reservoir, an oil drain communicating with the drain opening for draining excess oil above the second predetermined level; and, means to selectively adjust the vertical position of the drain opening.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
111 words
The invention of claim 17 wherein the means for draining the oil includes an upstanding drain member positioned for vertical movement within the reservoir, the drain member having a drain opening at one end communicating with the oil in the reservoir, and an opening at its lower end communicating with the means delivering oil into the reservoir whereby oil under pressure enters the reservoir through the drain opening, and the excess oil drains back through the drain opening upon termination of reservoir filling; means draining the back-draining oil from the oil delivery means; and, means to selectively adjust the vertical position of the drain member for varying the second predetermined level.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
74 words
The invention of claim 17 and further including a valve member communicating with the bottom of the reservoir and adapted in its open position to drain oil from the reservoir during shutdown of the popping machine to prevent oil solidification in the reservoir, and adapted in its closed position to retain the oil charge within the reservoir; and, means holding the valve in its open position responsive to continued popping cycles of the machine.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention of claim 17 and further including control means sensing oil level within the reservoir to terminate supply of the oil under pressure responsive to reservoir oil exceeding the second predetermined level whereby the excess oil above the draining level remaining after termination of oil delivery drains down to said draining level whereby the remaining oil in the reservoir is the preselected charge of oil.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 21 wherein the control means further inclUdes means sensing oil level in the reservoir above the first predetermined level for initiating a popping function of the machine.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
78 words
The invention of claim 17 wherein the oil reservoir includes a second discharge opening positioned in the upper margin of the reservoir and adapted to direct overflow oil from the reservoir where the control means terminating the filling means operation malfunctions or otherwise operates to continue to fill the reservoir above the first predetermined level, said control means adapted to terminate the filling means operation after a predetermined time sufficient to fill the reservoir above the first level.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for popping corn in an automatic popcorn popping machine including the combination of: a popping pot adapted to be substantially closed throughout a cooking cycle; a popcorn evacuation conduit having a generally downwardly disposed inlet opening with the pot, extending through a side wall of the pot, and terminating in a discharge opening; an air current source; valve means operable to open and close communication between the source of air and the pot; and, control means operating the valve means to open said communication following termination of the cooking cycle whereby a stream of air entering from the source of air sweeps the popped corn into the conduit inlet and carries the corn through the conduit outside of the pot for discharge through said opening.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for popping corn in an automatic popcorn popping machine including the combination of: a popping pot adapted to be substantially closed throughout a cooking cycle; a popcorn evacuation conduit having a generally downwardly disposed inlet opening with the pot, extending through a side wall of the pot, and terminating in a discharge opening; an air current source; valve means operable to open and close communication between the source of air and the pot; and, control means operating the valve means to open said communication following termination of the cooking cycle whereby a stream of air entering from the source of air sweeps the popped corn into the conduit inlet and carries the corn through the conduit outside of the pot for discharge through said opening.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
108 words
The invention of claim 24 wherein the pot includes a bottom popping plate, and an agitator mounted on the popping plate and adapted to agitate corn and oil thereon during a cooking cycle of the machine said agitator having a central hub portion defining an outwardly inclined plane for directing the corn and unpopped kernels into the evacuation conduit; the evacuative conduit having its inlet opening spaced above the agitator for allowing popped corn to move therebetween for entry into the conduit, the conduit inclining upwardly from said inlet to said pot side wall and having a discharge opening directed downwardly for discharging popcorn into a display area.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
73 words
The invention of claim 24 wherein the air current source includes an air blower having an outlet connected with the valve means and an inlet; and, further including a cone member surrounding said conduit discharge, said cone having a lower discharge opening for directing popcorn received from the conduit into a display area, and an upper opening connected with the blower inlet for recirculating the air stream from the conduit to the blower.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
151 words
Apparatus for popping corn in the pot of an automatic popcorn popping machine comprising the combination of: a steam and waste oil effluent condenser including an inlet and an outlet, a gas path connected between the inlet and outlet for condensing said steam and waster oil effluent, means for draining the steam and oil condensate from the path, and, means for directing a cooling medium in heat exchange relationship with the gas path for cooling said steam and waste oil effluent; valve means connecting the condenser inlet with the interior of the pot and adapted to open and close communication therebetween; control means operating the valve means to open said communication to the condenser for discharging the steam and effluent during a cooking cycle, and to close said communication throughout filling and evacuation cycles; and, means conveying the steam and effluent from the pot into the condenser during the cooking cycle.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
151 words
Apparatus for popping corn in the pot of an automatic popcorn popping machine comprising the combination of: a steam and waste oil effluent condenser including an inlet and an outlet, a gas path connected between the inlet and outlet for condensing said steam and waster oil effluent, means for draining the steam and oil condensate from the path, and, means for directing a cooling medium in heat exchange relationship with the gas path for cooling said steam and waste oil effluent; valve means connecting the condenser inlet with the interior of the pot and adapted to open and close communication therebetween; control means operating the valve means to open said communication to the condenser for discharging the steam and effluent during a cooking cycle, and to close said communication throughout filling and evacuation cycles; and, means conveying the steam and effluent from the pot into the condenser during the cooking cycle.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
114 words
The invention of claim 27 wherein the condenser gas path comprises heat exchange tube means defining a closed path between said condenser inlet and outlet; a cooling chamber enclosing said tubes, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet, said chamber outlet defining a narrowed throat section adjacent the discharge of the tube means, and, means forcing said cooling medium into the chamber inlet and in heat exchange relationship along the tubes to the chamber throat section creating a vacuum at the said tube means discharge; saiD means forcing the steam and effluent from the pot comprising atmospheric pressure within the pot moving the steam and effluent towards said vacuum in the throat section.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
96 words
The invention of claim 27 and further characterized in that the valve means includes a discharge outlet provided in the upper section of the pot for removing steam and waste oil effluent therethrough; and, said inlet to the condenser comprises a steam condensing conduit, said conduit including a condensing surface above said pot outlet, a closed downwardly directed conduit portion leading from the condensing surface to the condenser inlet, and, a condensate trap below the condensing surface for directing condensate into the conduit portion for drainage into the condenser and preventing drainage back into the pot.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
72 words
The invention of claim 29 wherein the condenser surface includes a dome-shaped member positioned above the pot outlet, and including a screen positioned between said outlet and dome for preventing escape of corn kernels and popped corn from the pot during a cooking cycle and to condense vapors thereon, and said trap includes a gutter member at the base of the screen for collecting the condensate forming on the dome and screen.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for popping corn in an automatic popcorn machine, including the combination of: a popping pot; means for introducing an evacuation air stream into the pot; an outlet conduit including an inlet within the pot for receiving the air stream and popped corn during an evacuation cycle, and an outlet communicating outside of the pot; and, a trap apparatus for separating unpopped kernels from the popped corn, the trap apparatus including an upwardly directed channel having an inlet at its lower end communicating with the pot outlet, and an outlet at its upper end, the wall of said channel defining an upwardly angled surface deflecting the popped corn upwardly whereby the unpopped kernels move downwardly to the lower end of said plate by gravity, means for collecting the downwardly moving kernels for removal thereof, and, means for receiving the popped corn from the upper end of the channel and directing the same downwardly into a display area.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
157 words
Apparatus for popping corn in an automatic popcorn machine, including the combination of: a popping pot; means for introducing an evacuation air stream into the pot; an outlet conduit including an inlet within the pot for receiving the air stream and popped corn during an evacuation cycle, and an outlet communicating outside of the pot; and, a trap apparatus for separating unpopped kernels from the popped corn, the trap apparatus including an upwardly directed channel having an inlet at its lower end communicating with the pot outlet, and an outlet at its upper end, the wall of said channel defining an upwardly angled surface deflecting the popped corn upwardly whereby the unpopped kernels move downwardly to the lower end of said plate by gravity, means for collecting the downwardly moving kernels for removal thereof, and, means for receiving the popped corn from the upper end of the channel and directing the same downwardly into a display area.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
74 words
The invention of claim 31 and further characterized in that an upstanding tube is provided adjacent the pot outlet enclosing said channel, and including a dome portion closing te upper end of the tube for directing the popped corn downwardly from the channel outlet, said channel defining a longitudinal section of a cone vertically axised, said cone section being disposed with its large radius as the outlet and its small radius as the inlet.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for popping corn in a popcorn popping machine having a pot closed at its lower end by a substantially flat hot plate, including the combination of: an agitator mounted for rotation within the pot on the surface of the hot plate, said agitator including a plurality of radially extending blades in sliding contact with said surface, each of said blades having a forward edge inclined outwardly in a given direction with respect to a radius from the agitator axis of rotation; evacuator conduit means having an inlet spaced above the agitator and centered substantially on the agitator axis of rotation, the conduit means adapted to direct a stream of air and popped corn to a discharge outlet outside of the pot; and means to rotate the agitator in said given direction whereby popped corn is swept radially inwardly for removal through said inlet.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for popping corn in a popcorn popping machine having a pot closed at its lower end by a substantially flat hot plate, including the combination of: an agitator mounted for rotation within the pot on the surface of the hot plate, said agitator including a plurality of radially extending blades in sliding contact with said surface, each of said blades having a forward edge inclined outwardly in a given direction with respect to a radius from the agitator axis of rotation; evacuator conduit means having an inlet spaced above the agitator and centered substantially on the agitator axis of rotation, the conduit means adapted to direct a stream of air and popped corn to a discharge outlet outside of the pot; and means to rotate the agitator in said given direction whereby popped corn is swept radially inwardly for removal through said inlet.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention of claim 33 wherein the agitator further includes a central hub portion flaring radially outwardly and downwardly toward the hot plate, whereby the air stream entrains the popped corn and unpopped kernels for movement along the hub portion into the conduit means inlet.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
151 words
Apparatus for popping corn in the pot of an automatic popcorn popping machine adapted for cycling through start, supplies fill, cook, and product evacuation cycles, including the combination of: a popping pot, a fill opening abovE the pot for injecting corn and salt charges thereinto during the fill cycle; an effluent outlet opening above the pot for removing steam and waste oil effluent during the cook cycle; an evacuation air inlet opening above the pot for receiving a stream of air during the evacuation cycle; a valve disc mounted for rotation with respect to the pot and to open and close communication between the openings and pot interior, said disc having a valving hole adapted to serially rotate into registry with said fill opening, effluent outlet, and evacuation inlet; and, means to rotate said valve disc for opening communication between the pot and respective openings in accordance with a predetermined program.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
151 words
Apparatus for popping corn in the pot of an automatic popcorn popping machine adapted for cycling through start, supplies fill, cook, and product evacuation cycles, including the combination of: a popping pot, a fill opening abovE the pot for injecting corn and salt charges thereinto during the fill cycle; an effluent outlet opening above the pot for removing steam and waste oil effluent during the cook cycle; an evacuation air inlet opening above the pot for receiving a stream of air during the evacuation cycle; a valve disc mounted for rotation with respect to the pot and to open and close communication between the openings and pot interior, said disc having a valving hole adapted to serially rotate into registry with said fill opening, effluent outlet, and evacuation inlet; and, means to rotate said valve disc for opening communication between the pot and respective openings in accordance with a predetermined program.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
132 words
The invention of claim 35 and further including control means adapted to correlate functions of the popping machine control circuit with valve disc rotation, said control means including first switch means for conditioning the control circuit to start machine operation, second switch means for operating said control circuit through the fill cycle, third switch means for operating the control circuit through the cook cycle, and fourth switch means for operating the control circuit through the evacuation cycle, each of said switch means having a predetermined angular relationship with respect to the fill opening, effluent outlet, and evacuation inlet; and, switch operating means mounted for rotation with the valve disc and adapted to operate respective switch means responsive to the rotation of the disc hole to respective start, fill, cook, and evacuation positions.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
96 words
The invention of claim 36 wherein the first switch means is positioned on a radial line bisecting the included angle between the fill opening and evacuation inlet, said second switch means positioned on a radial line through the fill opening, said third switch means positioned on a radial line through the effluent outlet, and said fourth switch means positioned on a radial line through the evacuation inlet; and, said switch operating means comprises a switch operating cam mounted for rotation with the valve disc and aligned on a radial line substantially centered on the disc hole.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-05-27 | 1977-11-26 | 1978-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-27 | 1981-11-26 | 1982-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-27 | 1985-11-26 | 1986-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |