Popcorn machines having gas-fired radiant burners and associated systems and methods
AssigneeC. Cretors & Company
InventorNenad Vidojevic
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
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.
Claims22
A popcorn machine, comprising:
- a kettle assembly including—
- an upper portion to receive popcorn kernels;
- a mixer positioned within the upper portion to mix the popcorn kernels;
- a lower portion;
- and
- a heating plate separating the upper portion from the lower portion, the heating plate having a coated lower surface to absorb radiant heat;
- and
- a base supporting the kettle assembly, the base including—
- a gas-fired radiant burner having a heating element positioned to direct radiant heat toward the lower surface of the heating plate, wherein the heating element includes an opening extending therethrough;
- a drive motor;
- and
- a coupler extending through the opening to operably couple the drive motor to the mixer, wherein operation of the motor rotates the mixer within the upper portion of the kettle assembly.
A popcorn machine, comprising:
- a kettle configured to contain popcorn kernels;
- and
- a gas-fired radiant burner positioned beneath the kettle and configured to heat the kettle and pop the popcorn kernels therein.
A popcorn machine for popping popcorn via radiant heat, the popcorn machine comprising:
- a gas-fired radiant burner having a heating element, wherein the heating element includes a gas burning ceramic material;
- and
- a kettle assembly having a kettle bottom with a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is positioned to receive radiant heat from the heating element.
A method for popping popcorn, the method comprising:
- directing gas to a radiant burner, wherein the radiant burner includes a ceramic material;
- combusting the gas at the radiant burner;
- and
- positioning a kettle to receive radiant heat emitted by the radiant burner;
- and
- positioning popcorn in the kettle to be heated and popped.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.