Induction kettles for cooking food, such as corn kernels to make popcorn, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an induction kettle can include (i) a kettle bottom, (ii) an induction assembly including an induction coil, and (iii) a spacer coupling the kettle bottom to the induction assembly. A power supply can supply power to the induction coil for inductively heating the kettle bottom. During heating, the spacer can maintain a fixed separation distance between the kettle bottom and the induction assembly when the kettle bottom deflects (e.g., dishes upward or downward) due to thermal expansion. For example, the spacer can press against and deflect the induction assembly to deflect the induction coil to match the deflection of the kettle bottom.
Induction kettles for cooking food, such as corn kernels to make popcorn, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an induction kettle can include (i) a kettle bottom, (ii) an induction assembly including an induction coil, and (iii) a spacer coupling the kettle bottom to the induction assembly. A power supply can supply power to the induction coil for inductively heating the kettle bottom. During heating, the spacer can maintain a fixed separation distance between the kettle bottom and the induction assembly when the kettle bottom deflects (e.g., dishes upward or downward) due to thermal expansion. For example, the spacer can press against and deflect the induction assembly to deflect the induction coil to match the deflection of the kettle bottom.
Food heaters with front-facing lift-out rollers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a food heater can pivot between a first position (e.g., a cooking position) and a second position (e.g., a cleaning position) with the use of a lift system. In some embodiments, the food heater can include rollers that are supported by an integrated support structure of a drip tray when in the first position. In some embodiments, the rollers extend toward a user and can be removed in a direction toward the user when in the second position.
Systems and methods for sterilizing items, such as respirators, masks, and other personal protection equipment, using UV-C light are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, counter-top systems for providing 360-degree germicidal irradiation of respirators and other items are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include one or more UV-C lamps positioned inside of a rotatable structure that supports items for sterilization, and one or more UV-C lamps positioned outside of the rotatable support structure.
A61L 2/10 - Procédés ou appareils de désinfection ou de stérilisation de matériaux ou d'objets autres que les denrées alimentaires ou les lentilles de contactAccessoires à cet effet utilisant des phénomènes physiques des radiations des ultraviolets
Systems and methods for sterilizing items, such as respirators, masks, and other personal protection equipment, using UV-C light are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, counter-top systems for providing 360-degree germicidal irradiation of respirators and other items are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include one or more UV-C lamps positioned inside of a rotatable structure that supports items for sterilization, and one or more UV-C lamps positioned outside of the rotatable support structure.
A61L 2/10 - Procédés ou appareils de désinfection ou de stérilisation de matériaux ou d'objets autres que les denrées alimentaires ou les lentilles de contactAccessoires à cet effet utilisant des phénomènes physiques des radiations des ultraviolets
Popcorn machines having easily removable popping kettle assemblies are described herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine configured accordance with the present technology includes a cabinet and a pair of kettle supports mounted within the cabinet. A kettle assembly is configured to be positioned on the kettle supports and to pop popcorn placed in a kettle of the kettle assembly when the kettle assembly is in a popping position, and to discharge the popcorn when the kettle assembly is moved from the popping position to a dumping position. The kettle assembly can be lifted off the kettle supports in the popping position to facilitate removal of the kettle assembly from the cabinet for maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly can be stopped in the dumping position.
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
A47J 27/14 - Récipients de cuisson pour hôtels, restaurants ou cantines
A47J 37/10 - Poêles à frire, p. ex. poêles à frire avec couvercles ou dispositifs d'arrosage intégrés
A23L 5/10 - Procédés généraux de cuisson des aliments, p. ex. par rôtissage ou friture
Popcorn machines having easily removable popping kettle assemblies are described herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine configured accordance with the present technology includes a cabinet and a pair of kettle supports mounted within the cabinet. A kettle assembly is configured to be positioned on the kettle supports and to pop popcorn placed in a kettle of the kettle assembly when the kettle assembly is in a popping position, and to discharge the popcorn when the kettle assembly is moved from the popping position to a dumping position. The kettle assembly can be lifted off the kettle supports in the popping position to facilitate removal of the kettle assembly from the cabinet for maintenance, cleaning, repair, replacement, etc. In some embodiments, the kettle assembly can be stopped in the dumping position.
A23L 5/20 - Élimination de constituants indésirables, p. ex. désodorisation ou détoxication
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
Food heaters for heating food such as hot dogs, sausage links, bratwurst, and the like, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a food heater can include a roller assembly pivotally coupled to a base. The roller assembly can include a drive unit, a plurality of elongate heaters extending outwardly therefrom and generally parallel to one another, and a plurality of rollers removably positioned over corresponding ones of the heaters. The drive unit can include a drive system configured to rotate the rollers to rotate food placed thereon, while the heaters heat the rollers to heat the food. The roller assembly can be rotated away from the base to facilitate removal and cleaning of the rollers.
Systems and methods for preventing dumping of a popping kettle in a popcorn machine above a preset temperature to facilitate fire containment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a popcorn machine can include one or more temperature control systems to prevent the popping kettle from exceeding a normal operating temperature range. In the event such systems fail, however, embodiments of the present technology include lock systems that will lock the popping kettle in an upright position before the kettle reaches a temperature that will ignite the popping oil. Locking the popping kettle in this manner prevents an operator from inadvertently dumping burning oil onto popcorn piled in the bottom of the cabinet, igniting the popcorn and causing the fire to spread. Locking the kettle can also provide additional time for a fire suppression system to extinguish the fire while it is contained in the kettle.
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
A47J 27/62 - Prévention du débordement par ébullition, p. ex. du lait par des dispositifs de commande automatique de l'apport de chaleur par arrêt du chauffage, ou de soulèvement automatique des récipients de cuisson
G07F 17/00 - Appareils déclenchés par pièces de monnaie pour la location d'articlesInstallations ou services déclenchés par pièces de monnaie
A23L 7/183 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression
A23L 7/161 - Céréales soufflées, p. ex. maïs soufflé [pop-corn] ou riz soufflé
Popcorn machines having fan assemblies and heat sources are described herein. The fan assemblies and the heat sources can be configured to provide heat to unpopped corn kernels to produce popcorn without the use of cooking oil. The popcorn machines can be configured for commercial use and can be mounted onto support structures that allow operators to rotate the popcorn machines. In some embodiments, the operator rotates the popcorn machine about an axis that extends parallel to the rotational axis of the fan assembly. In these embodiments, rotating the popcorn machine while the fan is rotating does not induce substantial stress on the fan assembly due to the rotational inertia of the fan.
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
A23L 7/161 - Céréales soufflées, p. ex. maïs soufflé [pop-corn] ou riz soufflé
A23L 7/174 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte
12.
Popcorn machines having process chambers of increasing volume, and associated systems and methods
Popcorn machines having process chambers of increasing volume, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube, a heating element positioned to heat the tube, and an auger positioned at least partially within the tube. The auger can include a central portion extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. The central portion decreases in diameter from the first end to the second end, and the central portion and the tube at least partially define an annular popping chamber that increases in volume from the first end toward the second end. A flight extends around the central portion in a helical pattern between the central portion and an inner wall of the tube. In operation, the auger rotates about the longitudinal axis to move ingredients through the heated tube via the flight.
A23L 7/161 - Céréales soufflées, p. ex. maïs soufflé [pop-corn] ou riz soufflé
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
A23L 5/10 - Procédés généraux de cuisson des aliments, p. ex. par rôtissage ou friture
13.
Continuous popcorn machines having variable heating profiles and associated systems and methods
Popcorn machines having process chambers with variable heating profiles, and associated systems and methods of operation are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a tube having an upper tube portion and a lower tube portion. The upper tube portion and the lower tube portion form a circumferential boundary of a tubular process chamber for popping popcorn. A first heating element can be positioned to heat a first heating zone, and a second heating element can be positioned to heat a second heating zone. A first thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature at a transition point between the first heating zone and the second heating zone, and a second thermocouple can be positioned to measure a temperature in the second heating zone. A rotatable auger can be positioned at least partially within the tube to move ingredients through the process chamber.
A23L 7/161 - Céréales soufflées, p. ex. maïs soufflé [pop-corn] ou riz soufflé
A23L 5/10 - Procédés généraux de cuisson des aliments, p. ex. par rôtissage ou friture
A23L 7/183 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression
Complete production lines, installations, and machines for processing, cooking, heating, expanding, toasting, and roasting food products and coating expanded food products with liquid and dry flavorings in the nature of oil popping production systems and air popping production systems consisting of tumblers, conveyors, separators, bucket elevators, sifters, discharging hoppers, vibratory discharge trays, spiral feeders, vibratory feeders, surge bins, blowers, salters, cooling fans, cooling tables, dry flavoring coating equipment, industrial cooking ovens, industrial rotary ovens, kettles, electric popcorn poppers, gas-fired popcorn poppers, toasters, heaters, roasters, heat exchangers, evaporators, and temperature-controlled liquid flavoring coating equipment sold together as a customizable unit; structural replacement parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods Complete production lines, installations, and machines for processing, cooking, heating, expanding, toasting, and roasting food products and coating expanded food products with liquid and dry flavorings in the nature of oil popping production systems and air popping production systems consisting of industrial cooking ovens, industrial rotary ovens, kettles, tumblers, electric popcorn poppers, gas-fired popcorn poppers, toasters, heaters, roasters, heat exchangers, evaporators, temperature-controlled liquid flavoring coating equipment, dry flavoring coating equipment, conveyors, separators, bucket elevators, sifters, discharging hoppers, vibratory discharge trays, spiral feeders, vibratory feeders, surge bins, blowers, salters, cooling fans, and cooling tables sold together as a customizable unit; popcorn popping machines for commercial use; structural replacement parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods
Popcorn machines having radiant burners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes a kettle assembly having a heating plate that separates an upper portion from a lower portion. The heating plate can include a coated lower surface to absorb radiant heat, and the kettle assembly can be supported by a base having a gas-fired radiant burner. The radiant burner can include a heating element positioned to direct radiant heat toward the heating plate. In several embodiments, the heating element includes an opening extending therethrough, and a coupler can extend through the opening to connect a motor in the base with a mixer in the upper portion of the kettle assembly.
A47J 36/00 - Éléments, détails ou accessoires des récipients de cuisson
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
Electric warming cabinets for preparing, storing and serving popcorn; cabinets used to control temperature and humidity for heating and proofing food goods; heated display cabinets; heated display cabinets for creating a customized concession stand; temperature controlled concession dispensing equipment; temperature-controlled concession dispensing equipment, namely, stationary and portable popcorn dispensers that dispense popcorn with integrated butter toppers that dispense toppings; temperature controlled, refrigerated or heated mobile units for the storage and delivery of food products
An apparatus for popping corn, cooking candy, and mixing candy and popcorn is disclosed herein. A multi-purpose kettle can include one or more rotatable stir assemblies that can be positioned at the bottom of the kettle to mix the popcorn and/or the popcorn and candy. The kettle can be heated to a first temperature to pop corn kernels and produce popcorn, and heated to a second temperature to cook the candy. In some embodiments, the kettle can be positioned at an angle to mix the popcorn and the candy.
A23P 20/13 - Appareils ou procédés pour appliquer des poudres ou des particules sur les produits alimentaires, p. ex. pour panerRevêtement avec des produits de revêtement comestibles, p. ex. avec des huiles ou des graisses de tels appareils combinés avec des moyens de pré-humidification du produit alimentaire ou de friture comportant l’agitation du produit alimentaire à l’intérieur d’un appareil rotatif, p. ex. dans un tambour
Heated air roller cookers and methods for cooking hot dogs are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a roller cooker configured in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plurality of rollers and a heating element positioned to heat air. A blower can be positioned to direct the heated air through the rollers.
30 - Aliments de base, thé, café, pâtisseries et confiseries
Produits et services
Electric popcorn poppers; hot air electric popcorn poppers; electric popcorn popping cabinet, consisting of kettle and removable warmer bin; removable popcorn warmer bin for commercial popcorn machines; popcorn machines with built-in topping dispenser; Temperature-controlled concession dispensing equipment, namely, heated butter and butter flavored liquid dispensing pump for use on popcorn; temperature-controlled concession dispensing equipment; cotton candy machines; temperature controlled, refrigerated or heated mobile units for the storage and delivery of food products; foodservice equipment, namely, electric food warmers; hot air popper and puffer that will heat expanded starch based food products and coat expanded starch based food products with liquid and dry flavoring popcorn; seasonings for popped popcorn; flavored coating for popcorn; food starch that causes expansion of a variety of food products under heat
30 - Aliments de base, thé, café, pâtisseries et confiseries
Produits et services
Electric popcorn poppers; hot air electric popcorn poppers; electric popcorn popping cabinet, consisting of kettle and removable warmer bin; removable popcorn warmer bin for commercial popcorn machines; popcorn machines with built-in topping dispenser; Temperature-controlled concession dispensing equipment, namely, heated butter and butter flavored liquid dispensing pump for use on popcorn; temperature-controlled concession dispensing equipment; cotton candy machines; temperature controlled, refrigerated or heated mobile units for the storage and delivery of food products; foodservice equipment, namely, electric food warmers; hot air popper and puffer that will heat expanded starch based food products and coat expanded starch based food products with liquid and dry flavoring seasonings for popped popcorn; flavored coating for popcorn; food starch that causes expansion of a variety of food products under heat
Popcorn machines having fan assemblies and heat sources are described herein. The fan assemblies and the heat sources can be configured to provide heat to unpopped corn kernels to produce popcorn without the use of cooking oil. The popcorn machines can be configured for commercial use and can be mounted onto support structures that allow operators to rotate the popcorn machines.
Popcorn machines having popping kettles in direct fluid communication with exhaust ducts are described herein. The effluent produced as a byproduct of corn popping travels directly from the kettle into an exhaust system of the popcorn machine via an exhaust duct that extends through a kettle cover or lid. The exhaust systems can include one or more filters configured to remove smoke, odors, and/or other particulate matter before venting the effluent into the surrounding area as filtered exhaust.
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
Popcorn machines having fan assemblies and heat sources are described herein. The fan assemblies and the heat sources can be configured to provide heat to unpopped corn kernels to produce popcorn without the use of cooking oil. The popcorn machines can be configured for commercial use and can be mounted onto support structures that allow operators to rotate the popcorn machines.
A23L 7/187 - Préparation de céréales soufflées à partir de grains entiers ou de morceaux de grains sans préparation de farine ou de pâte par chauffage sans utilisation d'un dispositif de décompression avec un appareil à fonctionnement discontinu
A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill can include a plate having a heating surface. A grill assembly can be positioned proximate to the plate and can be moveable relative to the plate. A cam can be operably coupled to a motor and a first end portion of a connecting rod can be movably received within a groove in the cam. A second end portion of the connecting rod can be operably coupled to the grill assembly. Operation of the motor can rotate the cam and drive the connecting rod to move the grill assembly back and forth along the heating surface.
Systems, methods and machines for producing popcorn and other types or expanded food are disclosed herein. A machine in accordance with one embodiment includes a flow through cooking deck and a plurality of heating elements that extend along the length of the cooking deck. An agitating assembly having a plurality of paddles can be positioned above the cooking deck. A corn hopper can dispense corn kernels onto the cooking deck and the paddles of the agitating assembly can transport and agitate the corn kernels on the cooking deck. The paddles can be positioned at an angle to their direction of travel and can move the corn kernels from side to side as they move the corn kernels along the length of the cooking deck.
Systems, methods and machines for producing popcorn and other types or expanded food are disclosed herein. A machine in accordance with one embodiment includes a flow through cooking deck and a plurality of heating elements that extend along the length of the cooking deck. An agitating assembly having a plurality of paddles can be positioned above the cooking deck. A corn hopper can dispense corn kernels onto the cooking deck and the paddles of the agitating assembly can transport and agitate the corn kernels on the cooking deck. The paddles can be positioned at an angle to their direction of travel and can move the corn kernels from side to side as they move the corn kernels along the length of the cooking deck.
Machines having reversible food moving devices for making popcorn and other types of expanded food products are described herein. In one embodiment, a popcorn machine includes an auger that moves a mixture of raw corn kernels and cooking oil along a trough-shaped cooking surface. In this embodiment, the auger can cyclically reverse direction for a predetermined period of time before resuming rotation in the forward direction to facilitate favorable popping of the popcorn. In one aspect of this embodiment, the auger can rotate through a greater angle of rotation in the forward direction than in the reverse direction in each cycle, so that the auger progressively moves the unpopped corn kernels along the entire cooking surface until they ultimately pop and/or are dispensed into a suitable receptacle. In one embodiment, the popcorn machine can also include two or more heating zones to provide favorable popping characteristics.
Machines for popping corn and producing puffed snacks and other expanded foods are described herein. In one embodiment, a flow-through popper circulates unpopped corn kernels through a popping chamber by use of a plurality of vanes that directionally control a flow of high velocity, high temperature and high pressure air. In this embodiment, the air in the popping chamber causes the unpopped corn kernels to circulate as they move through the length of the popping chamber without the need for an auger or other moving apparatus.
30 - Aliments de base, thé, café, pâtisseries et confiseries
Produits et services
Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs; machinery for the food industry; machines for producing and processing foodstuffs, and parts and fittings included in Class 7 for all the aforesaid goods. Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes; cooking apparatus and installations; heated cabinets and containers, all for food-stuffs; apparatus, installations and machines, all for popping popcorn; heating apparatus and installations for foodstuffs or oil; caramelising apparatus; apparatus for the production of popcorn; popcorn machines; apparatus for the roasting of peanuts and grains; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice; popped popcorn and popcorn with toppings; coatings, flavorings and seasonings, all being in this class, for food, including popcorn seasonings and popcorn salt.
Food heating devices and methods of removing one or more rollers from food heating devices are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a food heating device configured in accordance with the present disclosure includes a base structure, a food rotating system, a food heating system, and a plurality of rollers. One end of a roller can be left unsupported, either by separating a sidewall of the base structure or by separating an insert from the sidewall. In turn, an opposite end of the roller can be disconnected from the food rotating system, and the roller can be displaced axially with respect to the food heating system, which remains fixed relative to base structure. Accordingly, the roller(s) can be removed, cleaned separately, and subsequently reinstalled or replaced with respect to the base structure.
A fire containment system and method is disclosed. The fire containment system is designed to assist in temporarily containing a fire within a semi-enclosed space having an open side for operator access. An exhaust air blower exhausts air from the semi-enclosed space through an exhaust vent. An inlet air blower provides air to the semi-enclosed space through an inlet vent. In the case of a fire in the semi-enclosed space, the fire will be drawn away from the open side and toward the inlet vent due to the air supplied by the inlet air blower. The fire is thus encouraged to remain within the semi-enclosed space, allowing additional time for a fire suppression mechanism to be activated.
F24D 3/16 - Aménagements de tubes et panneaux pour le chauffage par plafond, mur ou sol fixés sur ou attenant à un plafond, un mur ou un plancher
F24F 3/14 - Systèmes de conditionnement d'air dans lesquels l'air conditionné primaire est fourni par une ou plusieurs stations centrales aux blocs de distribution situés dans les pièces ou enceintes, blocs dans lesquels il peut subir un traitement secondaireAppareillage spécialement conçu pour de tels systèmes caractérisés par le traitement de l'air autrement que par chauffage et refroidissement par humidificationSystèmes de conditionnement d'air dans lesquels l'air conditionné primaire est fourni par une ou plusieurs stations centrales aux blocs de distribution situés dans les pièces ou enceintes, blocs dans lesquels il peut subir un traitement secondaireAppareillage spécialement conçu pour de tels systèmes caractérisés par le traitement de l'air autrement que par chauffage et refroidissement par déshumidification
F25B 29/00 - Systèmes de chauffage et de refroidissement combinés, p. ex. fonctionnant alternativement ou simultanément
Popcorn popping machines and associated methods of manufacture and use are disclosed herein. A popcorn popping machine configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a housing having an interior portion and a first side portion opposite a second side portion. The popcorn popping machine also includes a corn mover, a heat source, and an air mover positioned in the interior portion. The air mover is positioned on a support shaft extending from the first side portion to the second side portion of the housing. In operation, the air mover is configured to direct heated air from the heat source to corn kernels moved through the interior portion by the corn mover.
Machines having multiple heat zone cooking surfaces for producing popcorn and other types of expanded foods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a kettle assembly for popping corn includes a popping surface having a first heat zone adjacent to a second heat zone. In this embodiment, the first heat zone is configured to receive a plurality of unpopped corn kernels, and heat the unpopped corn kernels to a first level. The second heat zone is configured to receive the unpopped corn kernels from the first heat zone, and heat the unpopped corn kernels to a second level, higher than the first level. In one aspect of this embodiment, the kettle assembly can include a first heating element positioned at least proximate to the first heat zone, and a second heating element positioned at least proximate to the second heat zone. The first heating element operates at a first temperature, and the second heating element operates at a second temperature, higher than the first temperature.
A23L 3/00 - Conservation des aliments ou produits alimentaires, en général, p.ex. pasteurisation ou stérilisation, spécialement adaptée aux aliments ou produits alimentaires
Popcorn machines having topping dispensing systems are disclosed herein. A popcorn machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a popping kettle or other popping apparatus positioned in a cabinet. The popping apparatus is configured to heat un-popped corn kernels and pop the corn kernels. After popping, the corn is held in the cabinet. The popcorn machine of this embodiment further includes a topping outlet positioned in the cabinet and a topping pump. The topping outlet is operably connectable to a topping container, and the topping pump is configured to move topping from the topping container through the topping outlet and onto a serving portion of popcorn in response to operator activation of the pump.
A device and method for continuous production of cotton candy and automated handling of the cotton candy in a way that collects and condenses the cotton candy into a continuous strand.
A fire containment system and method is disclosed. The fire containment system is designed to assist in temporarily containing a fire within a semi-enclosed space. The system is designed for use with a semi-enclosed space defined by at least a back panel, a top panel and a bottom panel, and having an open side for an operator to access the semi-enclosed space. An exhaust vent is installed in the top panel in communication with the semi-enclosed space and a blower exhausts air through the exhaust vent. An inlet air vent is installed in the top panel and is in communication with the semi-enclosed space and is located proximate the back panel. An inlet air blower provides air through the inlet air vent. In the case of a fire in the semi-enclosed space, the fire will be drawn away from the open side and toward the inlet air vent due to the source of air supplied by the inlet air blower. The fire is thus encouraged to remain within the semi-enclosed space, allowing additional time for a fire suppression mechanism to be activated.
A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill has an inclined heating surface defined on a sloping top plate. A grill assembly having a top cross member is placed over and in proximity to the heating surface. The grill assembly is moveable between two positions relative to the inclined heating surface. The grill assembly has a pair of sides which support rails. The rails are interlocked with sockets on the sides of the sloping top plate to guide the movement of the grill assembly. Lateral rods are installed between the sides of the grill assembly. Hot dogs and similar foods are cooked on the heating surface and rest on the lateral rods. A motor has a rotating shaft extending from the inclined heating surface. The rotating shaft is mechanically coupled to the top cross member of the grill assembly via a pivot block and pin. The motor propels the grill between the two positions relative to the inclined heating surface causing the lateral rods to push the hot dogs and rotate them.
