US2657627A - Corn popping machine - Google Patents
Corn popping machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US2657627A US2657627A US786190A US78619047A US2657627A US 2657627 A US2657627 A US 2657627A US 786190 A US786190 A US 786190A US 78619047 A US78619047 A US 78619047A US 2657627 A US2657627 A US 2657627A
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- Prior art keywords
- corn
- popping
- basket
- oil
- cup
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
- G07F17/0078—Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a hot or cooked condition, e.g. popcorn, nuts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
- G07F9/10—Casings or parts thereof, e.g. with means for heating or cooling
- G07F9/105—Heating or cooling means, for temperature and humidity control, for the conditioning of articles and their storage
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to improvements in the construction and mode of operation of corn popping machines, and. more particularly, of coin-operated automatic corn popping machines, which, on the insertion of a coin with the machine in its normal operating condition, will pass through a cycle of operations beginning with the loading of a corn cup with raw corn, the movement of the loaded cup into a dumping position relative to a perforated popping basket reciprocating in a bath of hot cooking oil, the return of the cup to its loading position, the popping of the raw corn for a predetermined time, and the lifting of the reciprocating popping basket out of the bath to a position where the popped corn is discharged through a chute into a bag, such as disclosed in Case U. S. Patent No. 2,216,805.
- the general object of. the present invention is the provision of a corn popping machine of the character described which is further characterized by its ease and relatively low cost of manufacture, simplicity of operation, and facility for cleaning and repair.
- a more specific object is the provision of a machine of the character described having a minimum number of parts and in which substantially all of the parts are made of stampin s, and die castings.
- Another specific object is the provision of a raw corn tank for such machines having an improved bottom construction facilitating the discharge of raw corn.
- Another pecific object is the provision of a raw corn cup for such machines having a combined bottom support and counterbalance capable of adjustment for varying the volumetric capacity of the cup.
- Another specific object is the provision of a popping basket for such machines having a special door construction for preventing dripping of cooking oil therefrom.
- Another specific object is the provision of an improved cooking oil pan construction requiring only a relatively low volume of cooking oil while providing a relatively high rate of heat transmission.
- Another specific object is the provision of an improved float control mechanism providing an accurate control of the cooking oil level in the pan at all times and actuating the coin rejecting mechanism whenever the oil level falls below a predetermined value.
- Another specific object is the provision of a process of and control mechanism for maintaining the corn popping period and oil temperature within a critical time and temperature range respectively.
- Another specific object is the provision of electrically operated control mechanism for actuating the coin mecha- 2 nism to reject all coins during the initial period of heating the cooking oil and to prevent the float control mechanism from being actuated during that period.
- Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a corn popping machine constructed in accordance with the invention, the front door being open to show the internal arrangement;
- Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the op /rating mechanism taken on the line 2-2" of Fig. 3';
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the pan filler block
- Fig. 3 is a rear view of the operating mechanism
- Fig. 4 is a perspective of a portion of the operating mechanism
- Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the drive mechanism taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 6;
- Figs. 6 and 'I' are plan and side views respectively of the drive mechanism shown in Fig. 5
- Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are elevations of the loading, agitator, and dumping cams respectively;
- Figs. 11, 11 and 12 are side, fragmentary bottom plan, and bottom views respectively of the raw corn tank;
- Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation of the corn cup
- Figs. 14, 1'5 and 16 are plan, elevation and front views respectively of the popping basket
- Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the popping basket door
- Fig. 17 is an elevation, partly in section, of the cooking oil tank assembly
- Figs. 18, 19 and 2 0 are elevation, plan and end views respectively of the float control mechanism
- Fig. 21 is a sectional elevation of the motor switch assembly
- Fig. 22 is a schematic wiring diagram of the machine
- Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view showing the sequence of the timing relays.
- Fig. 24 is an end view of the corn chute.
- the automatic corn-operated corn popping machine illustrated in the draw ngs is ccntained by a cabinet 30 of substantially rectangular hori zontal and vertical cross-section having a front door 3
- a door slot 35 provides access to a bag dispenser 36 on the chassis 34.
- a tapering corn chute 3'! opens through the top of the compartment 33.
- the upper part of the cabinet contains a raw corn tank 38 and a cooking 0r seasoning oil tank 39.
- the tanks 38 and 39 are adjustable mounted on the side walls of the cabinet and chassis to facilitate the proper positioning of the tanks relative to the operating mechanism.
- the corn tank 38 for example, has an upper angle bracket 48 on its outer side arranged to fit over an oppositely arranged angle bracket 4
- the lower end of the tank carries a pair of flattened U-shaped brackets 42 secured in position by nuts 45 on threaded studs 43 on the cabinet projecting through vertical bracket slots 44. Adjusting screws 46 on flanges 41 projecting from the cabinet wall abut the lower flanges of the brackets 42 to position the tank at the desired level.
- a vertically adjustable standard 48 mounted on the chassis has its upper end shaped to form a shelf on which the lower inner edge of the tank 38 rests. A similar supporting arrangement is used for the cooking oil tank 39.
- the tanks 38 and 39 have removable tops, to which access is had through the hinged top 49 of the cabinet.
- the corn tank as shown in Figs. 11, l1 and 12, has a special bottom construction for facilitating the discharge of the corn kernels.
- the tank bottom 58 is flat with an ovate corn discharge opening 5
- An inclined baffle 52 extends downwardly from the outer wall of the tank to form a tapering false bottom and is bent and cut away to contact with the bottom plate around the opening 5
- is controlled by the position of a shut-off slide 56 mounted in guide plates 51 on the tank bottom and spring loaded by a pair of tension spring; 58 extending between the outer flanged end of the slide 56 and the inner flanged ends of the plates 51, as shown in Fig. 12.
- the inner end of the slide carries a plate 59 on its underside having a depending curved lip 60 adapted to contact with a corn cup 88 hereinafter described.
- An agitator finger 62 detachably mounted on the inner end of the slide extends upwardly through the tank opening 5
- the inward movement of the slide is limited by contact of the outer flanged end of the slide with the outer ends of the guide plates 51, as shown in Fig. 12.
- a depending flange 63 on the slide is contacted to move the slide outwardly against the springs 58 as the corn cup is moved into its loading position.
- the finger 62 fits into the smaller end of the opening 5
- the driving mechanism of the machine comprises a constant speed capacitor type electric motor 65 driving a shaft 66 carrying a worm 81 meshing with a worm. wheel 68 on a shaft 69.
- the shaft 88 carries a worm l0 meshing with a worm wheel H on a shaft 12.
- a popping basket reciprocating or agitator cam 14, shown in Fig. 9, is mounted on the shaft 69.
- the shaft 12 has a loading cam 15, shown in Fig. 8, and a dumping cam 16, shown in Fig. 10, mounted on the rear and front ends thereof respectively.
- the loading cam I5 is of the internal type and has a cam groove TI in its rear face in which rides a cam roller 18 carried by a plate 19 pivoted on a pivot shaft 88.
- the cam groove is shaped with a single peak or lobe 8
- the arm passes through a slot in a guide plate 83.
- a horizontally arranged finger 84 is secured on the upper end of the arm 82, with its outer section B4 curved upwardly as shown in Fig.
- the arm 82 also carries an L-shaped bracket 86, the flexible vertical leg of which is slightly spaced from the arm and terminates in a yoke 81, in which the corn cup 88 is pivotally mounted.
- the corn cup 88 as shown in Fig. 13, is formed by a cylindrical open-ended shell having openings 89 for the yoke pivot pins.
- the slide 56 is retracted and the cup in its loading position shown in Fig. 3 where it fills by gravity through the corn tank hole 5
- the loading cam actuates the cup arm 82 to move the loaded cup from under the tank, the shut-off slide follows to cover the bottom of the hole 5
- is not completely closed in the inner position of the slide.
- the corn cup is constructed so that its center of gravity when fully loaded will be in vertical alignment with its pivot axis, and when empty will be outwardly offset, so that the cup will be tilted with its upper end towards the corn tank during its return movement.
- a false cup bottom 90 is stepped and adjustably supported by a bracket 9
- the bracket and stud provide the necessary counterbalance to tilt the cup when empty.
- the tilt of the cup facilitates its passage below the corn tank lower inner edge when returning to its loading position, which is desirable as the clearance between the tank and cup to enable free travel of the cup is normally only g g".
- the normal position of the corn cup relative to the tank is adjustable by loosening the bolts 82 holding the arm 82 on the plate 19 and shifting the location of the lower bolt in an arcuate slot 82 in the plate.
- the corn popping basket 84 as shown in Figs. 14-16, is of substantially rectangular cross-section with imperforate side and rear walls, a perforate stepped bottom 95, a front discharge door 96 hinged at its lower end, and a top 9? closed except for a hinged cover 85.
- a hinge spring 93 maintains the cover closed until the finger 84 rides on the tongue 85 to raise the cover to allow the corn cup to dump. Dumping is effected by the corn cup engaging a snubbing post I88 which is vertically adjustable on the outer side of the basket midway of its length and formed by a plate bent as shown in Fig.
- the basket discharge door 96 as shown in Fig. l c has a 'two-part-construction to eliminate any dripping of oil therefrom when in the corn discharging position, consisting of a solid outer plate Hi2 hing-ed at its lower edge on a hinge pin Hi3 on the basket and a-rcuate side wings 4'84 to confine the popped corn when discharging.
- the side edges of the plate forwardly of the wings are bent inwardly to provi'de guide flanges N for a perforated inner plate I5 5 which is also hinged on the pin int and ex tends in Slightly spaced relation to the plate m2.
- the spacing is maintained and the upper of the interplate space closed by bending over the discharge edge :of the plate I35 to contact with the plate I92. along its bent edge is left solid to form in effect a shallow closed pocket along the discharge edge of the door.
- the popping basket is reciprocably supported as hereinafter described in a rectangular pan 1.10 for holding the cooking oil, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4.
- a forwardly curved leaf spring I39 removably mounted on the front side of the pan continuously presses against the basket door 95 and holds the door in its closed position while the basket is reciprocated within the pan.
- the spring curvature permits the basket to be returned to its normal position in the pan without interference.
- the rear section of the pan is formed as a control float chamber IN by a vertical transverse baffle H2 having openings l I3 therein for the passage of the oil.
- the amount of oil required for a predetermined oil level in the pan I II ⁇ is substantially reduced by the position- .ing of a solid filler block I I5 of high thermal conductivity metal, such as aluminum, in the basket compartment.
- the lock has a longitudinal recess lit in which a thermal bulb Ill is removably secured by suitable clips.
- the block is cut away "along its bottom and rear sides to permit the flow of cooking oil to and from the float chamber Hi and to facilitate removal of the block.
- the thermal conductivity and heat storage capacity of the filler block is substantially equivalent to that of a similar volume of cooking oil, whereby the volume of oil in the pan is sub stantially reduced without affecting the level of oil in the popping basket, but correspondingly reducing the cleaning and odor eliminating problems encountered in operation.
- the cooking oil pan is heated by a radiation type electric heater I29 consisting of a plurality of serially connected heating coils I2I having in sulated supports from a surrounding rectangular frame I22 below the pan and mounted on a base plate I23 formed of artificial stone, which serves to reflect most of the heat radiated by the heating coils, thus substantially minimizing the rate of crystallization of the heating coils.
- the pen I In, heater I20, andbase plate I23 are supported The portion Hit of the plate I'i ii 6 in a rectangular metal oven I25.
- the electric current supply to the heater is provided through terminals I26 and leads Ill.
- the popping basket is continuously horizontally reciprocated throughout the operating cycle. This movement is effected by a lever 130 having a fixed pivoot 129 at its lower end and carrying a cam roller is! adjacent thereto positioned in a groove I32 in the outer face of the agitator cam :4 which is formed as shown in Fig. 9 with symmetrically spaced points I33, over which as the cam rotates at a constant speed, the roller on the lever is moved forwardly rearwardly.
- This motion is transmitted to the basket by a linkage consisting of a horizontal link I34 connecting the lever I'M to a yoke I235 pivoted on a pair of arms I35 projecting from the sides of the oven I25 and with the upper ends of the yoke pivotally connected to a pair of projecting horizontal support arms I3 nowadays secured to the sides of the basket and holding the basket at the desired level in the pan 1.10.
- the popping basket is lifted out of the pan H5 order to dump the finished corn into the delivery chute 52!.
- the dumping cam 16 shown in Fig. 1 0 is synchronized with the loading cam 15 so that the cam 3'5 depresses a cam roller I41 carried by a lever I 52 pivoted on the shaft at the end of the desired popping period.
- the free end of the lever is connected to a yoke I 43 pivotally connected to the front ends of the basket arms it? through an adjustable link M4 having a ball and socket joint I45.
- the yoke arms I35 and I43 are detachably mounted on pivot pins on the basket arms :I3I to facilitate the removal of the basket for cleaning.
- the dumping height of the basket can be raised or lowered by this screw adjustment on the ball and socket joint.
- the loading and dumping cams are timed to allow a delay of several seconds between the dumping of the popped corn and the loading of fresh corn into the basket, to compensate for possible override of the motor after the current supply is out off.
- the cooking or seasoning oil reservoir tank 39 is designed to use any standard type of cooking compound of the liquid, solid or hydrogenated type, a cocoanut base oil being preferred however having a melting temperature of approximately 76 F.
- an electrically operated immersion heater I50 is installed in the bottom of the tank. This heater maintains the temperature of any solid cooking compound above its liquifying point.
- a screened standpipe I5I in the tank maintains a minimum level of oil above the heater I 50 to protect the heater from overheating. The oil flows by gravity from the standpipe I5I, the bottom of which is closed by a cleanout plug I52, to
- a spring loaded solenoid operated control valve I53 and discharge pipe I54 The lower end of the pipe I54 is flattened, as shown in Fig. 1'7, and positioned within and along one side of the pan float chamber III.
- the oil level in the float chamber II I and thereby also in the basket section of the pan is controlled by a pancake type elongated float I55 carried on a bracket I56, the outer end of which is pivotally mounted on an external standard I51.
- the bracket carries one end of a flat spring switch contact I 58 which is moved by the rise and fall of the float away and towards respectively a stationary spring contact I59.
- the ratio of oil rise to switch movement is approximately 2:1.
- Closing of the contacts I58, I59 is arranged to energize the solenoid valve I53 and allow a gravity flow of oil to the pan H0.
- the rate of flow of oil through the valve is made approximately the same as the oil consumption during the popping cycle.
- the spring contacts I58, I59 are carried on a bracket I69 which is vertically adjustable on the standard I51 by an adjusting screw IBI movable in a vertical slot I62 on the standard.
- the standard carries a zero marking, while the bracket I60 has scale graduations thereon to standardize the adjustment thereof effected. Lowering of the switch bracket in the standard will lower the cooking oil level maintained and vice versa. Too high an oil level is a 1 waste of cooking oil, while too low a level will result in unpopped or incompletely popped corn.
- the desired level is initially determined when the oil is at approximately operating temperature.
- the solenoid is in the same circuit as the coin mechanism and float switch.
- the corn chute 31 extends through the upper side of the shell 33 forming the bag receiver compartment with its upper part supported from the oven I25.
- the lower end of the chute has a rounded front edge I40 and its opposite sides I40 indented in a curved cross-section and an upwardly flaring formation to facilitate the mounting of satchel bottom type bags thereon by the customer.
- rounded leading edge tends to flatten the sides of the bag, while the indented side portions of the chute accommodate the folds in the bag sides and gradually flare the bag sides as the bag is pushed on the chute end and then left resting on the bottom of the shell 33.
- the motor switch assembly I shown in Fig. 21 is a limit switch to start the machine on the insertion of a coin and shut ofi the machine at the completion of the operating cycle.
- An adjustable operating bar I'II is pivotally connected to one side of the yoke I43 and is moved downwardly as the popping basket is raised to its dumping position.
- the bar carries a springpressed pawl I12 pivoted thereon which moves past a second spring-pressed locking pawl I13 pivoted on the switch box.
- the pawl I13 when in its locking position holds a flange I14 on a lever I15 pivoted on a bracket IISI from moving upwardly under the action of a spring I16.
- the lever I15 also has an insulated support I82 carrying one end of a spring contact I11 which is movable between upper and lower spring contacts I19 and I19.
- the lever I15 is pulled downwardly by the closing of a snap switch in the coin control mechanism momentarily exciting a solenoid I30, allowing the locking pawl I13 to engage the flange I14 and hold the contacts I11, I19 closed.
- the bar I19 is raised, causing the pawl I12 to engage and turn the pawl I13, as indicated in Fig. 21, to release the flange I14 and lever I15, which under the action of the spring I16, will move upwardly to open the contacts I11, I19 and close the contacts I11, I18, cutting off the power to the motor 05 and stopping the cycle.
- the hollow thermal bulb H1 is immersed in the cooking oil pan and positioned close to the surface of the oil, so as to transmit the temperature of the oil in which the corn is popped as accurately as is possible.
- the normal oil level is approximately one inch above the top surface of the filler block H5, and the popping basket positioned to normally have a depth of approxi- The Cir
- the thermal bulb and the flexible tube I connected thereto are filled with an expansion fluid and arranged to operate an on and off switch I86 controlling the power supply to the heater I20.
- the thermostat system and motor speed are set to maintain a predetermined popping temperature and period.
- a high grade hybrid type pop corn having a moisture content not less than 12% should be used.
- a hydrogenated vegetable compound such as cocoanut or cottonseed oil
- the thermostat control is arranged to maintain the cooking oil temperature within this 5 F. range. A lesser popping period with this temperature range would not pop all the corn in the charge. Too high a popping temperature prevents the corn from exploding to its maximum volume, causing it to be hard and tough, while a popping temperature below this range results in a rate of heat input to the corn too slow to secure the maximum popped volume.
- the control switch box assembly I90 diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 22 consists of a keyoperated main on-and-ofi control switch I9I, a terminal block I92, a single pole single throw relay I93, and a double single pole single throw relay I94.
- a delay of 25-30 minutes is necessary before the oil is heated to the desired popping temperature range.
- the coin mechanism does not accept any coins. Since the required heating-up period will vary with the ambient temperature, a definite period cannot be set, and the thermostatic control of the heater I20 through the switch assembly I90 is advantageously used for this purpose.
- Fig. 22 consists of a keyoperated main on-and-ofi control switch I9I, a terminal block I92, a single pole single throw relay I93, and a double single pole single throw relay I94.
- the relay I94v permits the coin mechanism to operate normally.
- the relays. I93 and I94 thus function to insure that no coin. will be accepted until the machine i in condition; to deliver popped corn to the customer.
- a secondary function of the relays I93, I94. is to keep inactive the. float control switch during the heating-up period. This prevents the solenoid valve I53 from opening and allowing cooking oil to enter thepan before the oil in the pan has expanded to its maximum volume. This prevents the accumulation of excess oil in the pan during; the heating-up period, and also prohibits the solenoid valve. from overheating. If for any reason the relay I94 is thrown out during a popping cycle. the described sequence of operation will take. place. The machine will stop until the thermostat has cut out, and thereupon the relay I94 will automatically reset, allowing the machine to complete the cycle.
- the coin control mechanism 200 is of any suitable gravitational selector type in which a predetermined coin will actuate a spring arm to close the electrical circuit through the main motor switch relay solenoid I80 for a sufficient time interval to permit the locking pawl I13 to swing into position to hold the contacts I11, I19 closed.
- the electrical system includes a fluorescent lamp MI in the top of the cabinet and knife switches 202 at convenient locations.
- the preferred popping period insures the popping of substantially every kernel. of corn, so that when the dumping cam is actuated to raise and tilt the oscillating popping basket, all of the corn will be discharged in a popped condition.
- the shut-off slide 56 insures that no raw corn is discharged while the corn cup is moving away from and returning to its loading position.
- the popping of the corn in the cooking oil results in the absorption of approximately three-fourths of an ounce of oil in each charge popped.
- the loss of oil is automatically replaced by the float control 'activating the solenoid valve I53. As the basket lifts to dump the popped com, the liquid level will drop still farther due to the loss of the basket displacement, which will be restored to raise the oil level when the basket returns.
- the float control system is set to compensate for the displacement effect when the basket is returned.
- the popped corn cascades out of the popping basket through 10 the chute 31 into. the. bag inserted by the cus tomer in the compartment 33.
- the operating cycle continues until the popping. basket returnsv to its normal horizontal position in the pan I I0.
- themotor switch is actuated to shut off the current supply to the motor and complete the cycle.
- the complete cycle requires seventyflve seconds with a popping period of sixty secends. the cycle to be repeated.
- an electrically operated coincontrolmechanism comprising a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature of said chamber for controlling, said heating; means, means. comprising a relay arranged to be momentarily energized on the closing of said thermostatic switch, and a second relay having one pair of contacts in series with said thermostatic switch arranged to be closed on energization of said first named relay and a second pair of contacts in series with said coin control mechanism arranged to be opened on energization of said first named relay.
- a corn popping machine means forming a popping chamber adapted to receive a supply of cooking oil and raw corn, electrical means for heating said chamber, an electrically operated coin control mechanism, and an electrical control system comprising a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature of said chamber for controlling said heating means, means comprising a single pole single throw relay arranged to be momentarily energized on the closing of said thermostatic switch, a double single pole single throw relay having One pair of contacts in series with said thermostatic switch arranged to be closed on energization of said first named relay and a second pair of contacts in series with said coin control mechanism arranged to be opened on energization of said first named relay, and means for opening said first pair of contacts and closing said second pair of contacts on the opening of said thermostatic switch.
- a corn popping machine means forming a popping chamber adapted to receive a supply of cooking oil and raw corn, means for supplying raw corn to said popping chamber, valve controlled means for supplying cooking oil to said popping chamber, electrical means for supplying heat to said popping chamber, an electrically operated coin control mechanism arranged to initiate a popping cycle on the insertion of a coin therein, and an electrical control system comprising a normally closed thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature in said popping chamber and set to open when a predetermined operating temperature is reached, means for rendering said coin control mechanism operative when said predetermined operating temperature is reached, means for maintaining said cooking oil supply means in a closed position until said The insertion of another coin will causepredetermined operating temperature is reached, and mechanical means for ending said popping cycle after a predetermined time interval.
- a corn popping machine means forming a popping chamber adapted to receive a supply of cooking oil and raw corn, means for supplying raw corn to said popping chamber, valve controlled means for supplying cooking oil to said popping chamber, electrical means for supplying heat to said popping chamber, an electrically operated coin control mechanism arranged to initiate a popping cycle on the insertion of a coin therein, and an electrical control system comprising a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature in said popping chamber and arranged to render said heat supplying means in0perative when a predetermined operatin temper ature is reached, means for rendering said coin control mechanism operative when said predetermined operating temperature is reached, means for maintaining said cooking oil supply means in a closed position until said predetermined operating temperature is reached, and mechanical means for ending said popping cycle after a predetermined time interval.
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Description
1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL ,6
CORN POFPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet l INYENTORS Jo/m Zmaszram & BIY Burgess C. Case ATTORNEY 1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed NOV. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 .fligi 2 INVENTORS John Linda from & BY Burg/es: C Case NW ATTO RNEY Nov. 3, 1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 BY Burgess C Case ATTORNEY 1953 J. LINDSTROM ETAL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig 24 BY Burgess C Case M. ATTORNEY Nov. 3, 1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS John L in dszfrom&' B Burgess C Case ATTORN EY Nov. 3, 1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,557,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS John Zizms from & BY Burgess C Case ATTORNEY 1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 SheetsSheet 7 INVENTO R 5 .93 Jofinlinaszfrom 4 BY Burgess C Case @9 g. 13
ATTORN EY Nov. 3, 1953 Filed Nov. 15, 1947 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 O Q x g 1;
a s l\ Bl Q .J K s 2 0 g") INVENTORS Jo/m Zindsirom 45 BY Burgess C Case ATTORN EY Nov. 3, 1953 J. LINDSTROM ET AL 2,657,627
CORN POPPING MACHINE Filed Nov. 15, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 FZUURESCENT [AMP LAMP 54.41.1457
THEE/M05 771 7 omv Hl-ATER E9: INVENTORS J29}??? Lindsirom 4 svfiurg ess C Case WWATTORNEY Patented Nov. 3, 1953 CORN POPPING MACHINE John Lindstrom, Montclair, and Burgess C. Case, Plainfield, N. J.
Application November 15, 1947, Serial No. '7 86,190
4 Claims.
This invention relates in general to improvements in the construction and mode of operation of corn popping machines, and. more particularly, of coin-operated automatic corn popping machines, which, on the insertion of a coin with the machine in its normal operating condition, will pass through a cycle of operations beginning with the loading of a corn cup with raw corn, the movement of the loaded cup into a dumping position relative to a perforated popping basket reciprocating in a bath of hot cooking oil, the return of the cup to its loading position, the popping of the raw corn for a predetermined time, and the lifting of the reciprocating popping basket out of the bath to a position where the popped corn is discharged through a chute into a bag, such as disclosed in Case U. S. Patent No. 2,216,805.
The general object of. the present invention is the provision of a corn popping machine of the character described which is further characterized by its ease and relatively low cost of manufacture, simplicity of operation, and facility for cleaning and repair. A more specific object is the provision of a machine of the character described having a minimum number of parts and in which substantially all of the parts are made of stampin s, and die castings. Another specific object is the provision of a raw corn tank for such machines having an improved bottom construction facilitating the discharge of raw corn. Another pecific object is the provision of a raw corn cup for such machines having a combined bottom support and counterbalance capable of adjustment for varying the volumetric capacity of the cup. Another specific object is the provision of a popping basket for such machines having a special door construction for preventing dripping of cooking oil therefrom. Another specific object is the provision of an improved cooking oil pan construction requiring only a relatively low volume of cooking oil while providing a relatively high rate of heat transmission. Another specific object is the provision of an improved float control mechanism providing an accurate control of the cooking oil level in the pan at all times and actuating the coin rejecting mechanism whenever the oil level falls below a predetermined value. Another specific object is the provision of a process of and control mechanism for maintaining the corn popping period and oil temperature within a critical time and temperature range respectively. Another specific object is the provision of electrically operated control mechanism for actuating the coin mecha- 2 nism to reject all coins during the initial period of heating the cooking oil and to prevent the float control mechanism from being actuated during that period.
The various features of novelty which charwcterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects obtained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Of the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a corn popping machine constructed in accordance with the invention, the front door being open to show the internal arrangement;
Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the op /rating mechanism taken on the line 2-2" of Fig. 3';
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the pan filler block;
Fig. 3 is a rear view of the operating mechanism;
Fig. 4 is a perspective of a portion of the operating mechanism;
Fig. 5 is a vertical section of the drive mechanism taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 6;
Figs. 6 and 'I' are plan and side views respectively of the drive mechanism shown in Fig. 5
Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are elevations of the loading, agitator, and dumping cams respectively;
Figs. 11, 11 and 12 are side, fragmentary bottom plan, and bottom views respectively of the raw corn tank;
Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation of the corn cup;
Figs. 14, 1'5 and 16 are plan, elevation and front views respectively of the popping basket;
Fig; 16 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the popping basket door;
Fig. 17 is an elevation, partly in section, of the cooking oil tank assembly;
Figs. 18, 19 and 2 0 are elevation, plan and end views respectively of the float control mechanism;
Fig. 21 is a sectional elevation of the motor switch assembly;
Fig. 22 is a schematic wiring diagram of the machine;
Fig. 23 is a diagrammatic view showing the sequence of the timing relays; and
Fig. 24 is an end view of the corn chute.
The automatic corn-operated corn popping machine illustrated in the draw ngs is ccntained by a cabinet 30 of substantially rectangular hori zontal and vertical cross-section having a front door 3| containing an opening 32 for the insertion of a bag by the customer into an open-faced shell forming a bag receiver compartment 33 and supported on a chassis 34 removably mounted on brackets secured to the side walls of the cabinet. A door slot 35 provides access to a bag dispenser 36 on the chassis 34. A tapering corn chute 3'! opens through the top of the compartment 33. The upper part of the cabinet contains a raw corn tank 38 and a cooking 0r seasoning oil tank 39.
As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, in accordance with the invention the tanks 38 and 39 are adjustable mounted on the side walls of the cabinet and chassis to facilitate the proper positioning of the tanks relative to the operating mechanism. The corn tank 38, for example, has an upper angle bracket 48 on its outer side arranged to fit over an oppositely arranged angle bracket 4| A on the cabinet side wall. The lower end of the tank carries a pair of flattened U-shaped brackets 42 secured in position by nuts 45 on threaded studs 43 on the cabinet projecting through vertical bracket slots 44. Adjusting screws 46 on flanges 41 projecting from the cabinet wall abut the lower flanges of the brackets 42 to position the tank at the desired level. A vertically adjustable standard 48 mounted on the chassis has its upper end shaped to form a shelf on which the lower inner edge of the tank 38 rests. A similar supporting arrangement is used for the cooking oil tank 39.
The tanks 38 and 39 have removable tops, to which access is had through the hinged top 49 of the cabinet. The corn tank, as shown in Figs. 11, l1 and 12, has a special bottom construction for facilitating the discharge of the corn kernels. The tank bottom 58 is flat with an ovate corn discharge opening 5| adjacent its inner end. An inclined baffle 52 extends downwardly from the outer wall of the tank to form a tapering false bottom and is bent and cut away to contact with the bottom plate around the opening 5|, the edges of the cut out portion 53 being slightly spaced from the opening to form a narrow ledge 54, as shown in Fig. 11 which causes the kernels to tumble in passing to the discharge opening.
The discharge of corn through the opening 5| is controlled by the position of a shut-off slide 56 mounted in guide plates 51 on the tank bottom and spring loaded by a pair of tension spring; 58 extending between the outer flanged end of the slide 56 and the inner flanged ends of the plates 51, as shown in Fig. 12. The inner end of the slide carries a plate 59 on its underside having a depending curved lip 60 adapted to contact with a corn cup 88 hereinafter described. An agitator finger 62 detachably mounted on the inner end of the slide extends upwardly through the tank opening 5| to prevent the corn in the tank from bridging adjacent the discharge opening. The inward movement of the slide is limited by contact of the outer flanged end of the slide with the outer ends of the guide plates 51, as shown in Fig. 12. A depending flange 63 on the slide is contacted to move the slide outwardly against the springs 58 as the corn cup is moved into its loading position. The finger 62 fits into the smaller end of the opening 5| in the retracted position of the slide.
The driving mechanism of the machine comprises a constant speed capacitor type electric motor 65 driving a shaft 66 carrying a worm 81 meshing with a worm. wheel 68 on a shaft 69.
The shaft 88 carries a worm l0 meshing with a worm wheel H on a shaft 12. A popping basket reciprocating or agitator cam 14, shown in Fig. 9, is mounted on the shaft 69. The shaft 12 has a loading cam 15, shown in Fig. 8, and a dumping cam 16, shown in Fig. 10, mounted on the rear and front ends thereof respectively.
The loading cam I5 is of the internal type and has a cam groove TI in its rear face in which rides a cam roller 18 carried by a plate 19 pivoted on a pivot shaft 88. The cam groove is shaped with a single peak or lobe 8| which causes the roller 18 and plate to oscillate about the axis of shaft to move a vertical arm 82, bolted to the outer edge portion of the plate 19, between corn loading and dumping positions. The arm passes through a slot in a guide plate 83. A horizontally arranged finger 84 is secured on the upper end of the arm 82, with its outer section B4 curved upwardly as shown in Fig. 3 to abut the inner face of the flange 63 and its inner section 84 rearwardly offset and arranged to abut an upwardly curved tongue 85 on the cover 85 of a popping basket 94. The arm 82 also carries an L-shaped bracket 86, the flexible vertical leg of which is slightly spaced from the arm and terminates in a yoke 81, in which the corn cup 88 is pivotally mounted.
The corn cup 88, as shown in Fig. 13, is formed by a cylindrical open-ended shell having openings 89 for the yoke pivot pins. At the start of the operating cycle, the slide 56 is retracted and the cup in its loading position shown in Fig. 3 where it fills by gravity through the corn tank hole 5|. As the loading cam actuates the cup arm 82 to move the loaded cup from under the tank, the shut-off slide follows to cover the bottom of the hole 5| and prevent any corn from spilling through the hole. As shown in Figs. 3 and 11, the hole 5| is not completely closed in the inner position of the slide. The corn cup is constructed so that its center of gravity when fully loaded will be in vertical alignment with its pivot axis, and when empty will be outwardly offset, so that the cup will be tilted with its upper end towards the corn tank during its return movement. For this purpose and to provide a volumetric capacity adjustment, a false cup bottom 90 is stepped and adjustably supported by a bracket 9| held in position by a stud 92 extending through a vertical slot 93 in the shell. The bracket and stud provide the necessary counterbalance to tilt the cup when empty. The tilt of the cup facilitates its passage below the corn tank lower inner edge when returning to its loading position, which is desirable as the clearance between the tank and cup to enable free travel of the cup is normally only g g". The normal position of the corn cup relative to the tank is adjustable by loosening the bolts 82 holding the arm 82 on the plate 19 and shifting the location of the lower bolt in an arcuate slot 82 in the plate.
The corn popping basket 84, as shown in Figs. 14-16, is of substantially rectangular cross-section with imperforate side and rear walls, a perforate stepped bottom 95, a front discharge door 96 hinged at its lower end, and a top 9? closed except for a hinged cover 85. A hinge spring 93 maintains the cover closed until the finger 84 rides on the tongue 85 to raise the cover to allow the corn cup to dump. Dumping is effected by the corn cup engaging a snubbing post I88 which is vertically adjustable on the outer side of the basket midway of its length and formed by a plate bent as shown in Fig. 16 to have an outwardly acsacz r inclined section {00' an inwardly inclined section MG, and 'a downwardly and inwardly extending sect-ion -IIHI As shown, the section IDS is inclined approximately '15", section is 27, and section I5?! is from the vertical. The loaded corn cup is moved laterally until its lower edge contacts with the post section Icil causing the cup to tilt about the pivot axis, and the continued movement of the arm J82 flips the pivoted cup over the top of the post sufliciently to discharge all of the corn therein down the surface of the post section 1 58 into the popping basket.
'The stepped perforated popping basket bottom 95 facilitates the entrance and drainage of cooking oil during operation. The basket discharge door 96, as shown in Fig. l c has a 'two-part-construction to eliminate any dripping of oil therefrom when in the corn discharging position, consisting of a solid outer plate Hi2 hing-ed at its lower edge on a hinge pin Hi3 on the basket and a-rcuate side wings 4'84 to confine the popped corn when discharging. The side edges of the plate forwardly of the wings are bent inwardly to provi'de guide flanges N for a perforated inner plate I5 5 which is also hinged on the pin int and ex tends in Slightly spaced relation to the plate m2. The spacing is maintained and the upper of the interplate space closed by bending over the discharge edge :of the plate I35 to contact with the plate I92. along its bent edge is left solid to form in effect a shallow closed pocket along the discharge edge of the door.
The popping basket is reciprocably supported as hereinafter described in a rectangular pan 1.10 for holding the cooking oil, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. A forwardly curved leaf spring I39 removably mounted on the front side of the pan continuously presses against the basket door 95 and holds the door in its closed position while the basket is reciprocated within the pan. The spring curvature permits the basket to be returned to its normal position in the pan without interference. The rear section of the pan is formed as a control float chamber IN by a vertical transverse baffle H2 having openings l I3 therein for the passage of the oil. The amount of oil required for a predetermined oil level in the pan I II} is substantially reduced by the position- .ing of a solid filler block I I5 of high thermal conductivity metal, such as aluminum, in the basket compartment. The lock has a longitudinal recess lit in which a thermal bulb Ill is removably secured by suitable clips. The block is cut away "along its bottom and rear sides to permit the flow of cooking oil to and from the float chamber Hi and to facilitate removal of the block. The thermal conductivity and heat storage capacity of the filler block is substantially equivalent to that of a similar volume of cooking oil, whereby the volume of oil in the pan is sub stantially reduced without affecting the level of oil in the popping basket, but correspondingly reducing the cleaning and odor eliminating problems encountered in operation.
The cooking oil pan is heated by a radiation type electric heater I29 consisting of a plurality of serially connected heating coils I2I having in sulated supports from a surrounding rectangular frame I22 below the pan and mounted on a base plate I23 formed of artificial stone, which serves to reflect most of the heat radiated by the heating coils, thus substantially minimizing the rate of crystallization of the heating coils. The pen I In, heater I20, andbase plate I23 are supported The portion Hit of the plate I'i ii 6 in a rectangular metal oven I25. The electric current supply to the heater is provided through terminals I26 and leads Ill.
The popping basket is continuously horizontally reciprocated throughout the operating cycle. This movement is effected by a lever 130 having a fixed pivoot 129 at its lower end and carrying a cam roller is! adjacent thereto positioned in a groove I32 in the outer face of the agitator cam :4 which is formed as shown in Fig. 9 with symmetrically spaced points I33, over which as the cam rotates at a constant speed, the roller on the lever is moved forwardly rearwardly. This motion is transmitted to the basket by a linkage consisting of a horizontal link I34 connecting the lever I'M to a yoke I235 pivoted on a pair of arms I35 projecting from the sides of the oven I25 and with the upper ends of the yoke pivotally connected to a pair of projecting horizontal support arms I3?! secured to the sides of the basket and holding the basket at the desired level in the pan 1.10.
Near the end of the operating cycle the popping basket is lifted out of the pan H5 order to dump the finished corn into the delivery chute 52!. For this purpose the dumping cam 16 shown in Fig. 1 0 is synchronized with the loading cam 15 so that the cam 3'5 depresses a cam roller I41 carried by a lever I 52 pivoted on the shaft at the end of the desired popping period. The free end of the lever is connected to a yoke I 43 pivotally connected to the front ends of the basket arms it? through an adjustable link M4 having a ball and socket joint I45. The yoke arms I35 and I43 are detachably mounted on pivot pins on the basket arms :I3I to facilitate the removal of the basket for cleaning. The dumping height of the basket can be raised or lowered by this screw adjustment on the ball and socket joint. The loading and dumping cams are timed to allow a delay of several seconds between the dumping of the popped corn and the loading of fresh corn into the basket, to compensate for possible override of the motor after the current supply is out off.
The cooking or seasoning oil reservoir tank 39 is designed to use any standard type of cooking compound of the liquid, solid or hydrogenated type, a cocoanut base oil being preferred however having a melting temperature of approximately 76 F. To insure an adequate supply of liquified oil, an electrically operated immersion heater I50 is installed in the bottom of the tank. This heater maintains the temperature of any solid cooking compound above its liquifying point. A screened standpipe I5I in the tank maintains a minimum level of oil above the heater I 50 to protect the heater from overheating. The oil flows by gravity from the standpipe I5I, the bottom of which is closed by a cleanout plug I52, to
a spring loaded solenoid operated control valve I53 and discharge pipe I54. The lower end of the pipe I54 is flattened, as shown in Fig. 1'7, and positioned within and along one side of the pan float chamber III.
The oil level in the float chamber II I and thereby also in the basket section of the pan is controlled by a pancake type elongated float I55 carried on a bracket I56, the outer end of which is pivotally mounted on an external standard I51. The bracket carries one end of a flat spring switch contact I 58 which is moved by the rise and fall of the float away and towards respectively a stationary spring contact I59. The ratio of oil rise to switch movement is approximately 2:1.
7 Closing of the contacts I58, I59 is arranged to energize the solenoid valve I53 and allow a gravity flow of oil to the pan H0. The rate of flow of oil through the valve is made approximately the same as the oil consumption during the popping cycle. The spring contacts I58, I59 are carried on a bracket I69 which is vertically adjustable on the standard I51 by an adjusting screw IBI movable in a vertical slot I62 on the standard. The standard carries a zero marking, while the bracket I60 has scale graduations thereon to standardize the adjustment thereof effected. Lowering of the switch bracket in the standard will lower the cooking oil level maintained and vice versa. Too high an oil level is a 1 waste of cooking oil, while too low a level will result in unpopped or incompletely popped corn. The desired level is initially determined when the oil is at approximately operating temperature.
As indicated in Fig. 22, the solenoid is in the same circuit as the coin mechanism and float switch.
The corn chute 31 extends through the upper side of the shell 33 forming the bag receiver compartment with its upper part supported from the oven I25. As shown in Figs. 2 and 24, the lower end of the chute has a rounded front edge I40 and its opposite sides I40 indented in a curved cross-section and an upwardly flaring formation to facilitate the mounting of satchel bottom type bags thereon by the customer. rounded leading edge tends to flatten the sides of the bag, while the indented side portions of the chute accommodate the folds in the bag sides and gradually flare the bag sides as the bag is pushed on the chute end and then left resting on the bottom of the shell 33.
The motor switch assembly I shown in Fig. 21 is a limit switch to start the machine on the insertion of a coin and shut ofi the machine at the completion of the operating cycle. An adjustable operating bar I'II is pivotally connected to one side of the yoke I43 and is moved downwardly as the popping basket is raised to its dumping position. The bar carries a springpressed pawl I12 pivoted thereon which moves past a second spring-pressed locking pawl I13 pivoted on the switch box. The pawl I13 when in its locking position holds a flange I14 on a lever I15 pivoted on a bracket IISI from moving upwardly under the action of a spring I16. The lever I15 also has an insulated support I82 carrying one end of a spring contact I11 which is movable between upper and lower spring contacts I19 and I19. The lever I15 is pulled downwardly by the closing of a snap switch in the coin control mechanism momentarily exciting a solenoid I30, allowing the locking pawl I13 to engage the flange I14 and hold the contacts I11, I19 closed. As the basket is returned to its initial position at the end of the operating cycle, the bar I19 is raised, causing the pawl I12 to engage and turn the pawl I13, as indicated in Fig. 21, to release the flange I14 and lever I15, which under the action of the spring I16, will move upwardly to open the contacts I11, I19 and close the contacts I11, I18, cutting off the power to the motor 05 and stopping the cycle.
The hollow thermal bulb H1 is immersed in the cooking oil pan and positioned close to the surface of the oil, so as to transmit the temperature of the oil in which the corn is popped as accurately as is possible. The normal oil level is approximately one inch above the top surface of the filler block H5, and the popping basket positioned to normally have a depth of approxi- The Cir
mately one-quarter inch of oil therein in the lower bottom section in operation. The thermal bulb and the flexible tube I connected thereto are filled with an expansion fluid and arranged to operate an on and off switch I86 controlling the power supply to the heater I20.
In accordance with the invention, the thermostat system and motor speed are set to maintain a predetermined popping temperature and period. For best results a high grade hybrid type pop corn having a moisture content not less than 12% should be used. When a hydrogenated vegetable compound, such as cocoanut or cottonseed oil, is used as the cooking oil, with the corn immersed therein, it has been discovered that a popping period of 55-65 seconds, and preferably approximately 60 seconds, coupled with a cooking oil temperature in the range of 400-415 F., and preferably 407-411 R, will give the maximum popping efficiency. The thermostat control is arranged to maintain the cooking oil temperature within this 5 F. range. A lesser popping period with this temperature range would not pop all the corn in the charge. Too high a popping temperature prevents the corn from exploding to its maximum volume, causing it to be hard and tough, while a popping temperature below this range results in a rate of heat input to the corn too slow to secure the maximum popped volume.
The control switch box assembly I90, diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 22 consists of a keyoperated main on-and-ofi control switch I9I, a terminal block I92, a single pole single throw relay I93, and a double single pole single throw relay I94. When the machine is started at room temperature, a delay of 25-30 minutes is necessary before the oil is heated to the desired popping temperature range. During this heating-up period, it is essential that the coin mechanism does not accept any coins. Since the required heating-up period will vary with the ambient temperature, a definite period cannot be set, and the thermostatic control of the heater I20 through the switch assembly I90 is advantageously used for this purpose. As diagrammatically shown in Fig. 23, when the machine is in the 01f position, the contacts I93 of the relay I93 are closed and the relay I94 has one pair of contacts I94 in the thermostat circuit open and the other pair I94 in the coin control circuit closed. When the machine is started, the thermostat controlled contacts are closed. Operation of the key switch I9I causes current to flow through the coil of the relay I93 and break the contacts, I93 controlled thereby. However, before this circuit is broken, current flows through the switch to the coil of the relay I94, causing the contacts I94 to close and the contacts I94 to open. This coil is then kept energized by the thermostat switch being in series therewith. Thus the momentary energizing of the double S. P. S. T. coil I94 by the S. P. S. T. relay I93 puts the coil of the double S. P. S. T. re-
, lay in series with the thermostat. The relay I94 remains energized until the thermostat switch I86 opens when the oil is heated to the desired temperature, at which time the relay I94 returns to its normal position. If the thermostat switch I86 should again close while the oil is at the proper temperature, the coil of the relay I94 will not be energized since the contacts I93 of the relay I93 are open, as well as the pair of contacts I94 of the relay I94 which are in series with the thermostat switch. This method of timing con- 9. trols exactly the heating-up. period of the, machine. during which time no current will be; subplied to the coin mechanism which is therefore inoperative, and, will reject all coins. When the machine is up to its normal temperature range and the thermostat shuts off the flow of current to: the. heater, the relay I94v permits the coin mechanism to operate normally. The relays. I93 and I94 thus function to insure that no coin. will be accepted until the machine i in condition; to deliver popped corn to the customer. A secondary function of the relays I93, I94. is to keep inactive the. float control switch during the heating-up period. This prevents the solenoid valve I53 from opening and allowing cooking oil to enter thepan before the oil in the pan has expanded to its maximum volume. This prevents the accumulation of excess oil in the pan during; the heating-up period, and also prohibits the solenoid valve. from overheating. If for any reason the relay I94 is thrown out during a popping cycle. the described sequence of operation will take. place. The machine will stop until the thermostat has cut out, and thereupon the relay I94 will automatically reset, allowing the machine to complete the cycle.
The coin control mechanism 200, diagram.- matically indicated in Fig. 22, is of any suitable gravitational selector type in which a predetermined coin will actuate a spring arm to close the electrical circuit through the main motor switch relay solenoid I80 for a sufficient time interval to permit the locking pawl I13 to swing into position to hold the contacts I11, I19 closed. The electrical system includes a fluorescent lamp MI in the top of the cabinet and knife switches 202 at convenient locations.
The operation of the machine will be apparent from the foregoing description of the operating parts and their functioning. With the machine in its normal operating condition, the insertion of a predetermined coin in the coin control mechanism starts the operating cycle. The drive mechanism moves the loaded corn cup 88 in an are about the pivot shaft 80, in the course of which movement the finger 8 opens the door 85 in the oscillating popping basket. The continued movement of the basket causes the corn cup to engage the snubbing post I and dump its load of corn into the oscillating basket. The cup then return-s to its loading position and the basket door closes automatically. The dumped corn is distributed over the lower basket bottom perforated section and substantially covered by the layer of hot coo-king oil therein maintained in the temperature range of 407-411 F. The preferred popping period insures the popping of substantially every kernel. of corn, so that when the dumping cam is actuated to raise and tilt the oscillating popping basket, all of the corn will be discharged in a popped condition. The shut-off slide 56 insures that no raw corn is discharged while the corn cup is moving away from and returning to its loading position. The popping of the corn in the cooking oil results in the absorption of approximately three-fourths of an ounce of oil in each charge popped. The loss of oil is automatically replaced by the float control 'activating the solenoid valve I53. As the basket lifts to dump the popped com, the liquid level will drop still farther due to the loss of the basket displacement, which will be restored to raise the oil level when the basket returns. The float control system is set to compensate for the displacement effect when the basket is returned. The popped corn cascades out of the popping basket through 10 the chute 31 into. the. bag inserted by the cus tomer in the compartment 33. The operating cycle continues until the popping. basket returnsv to its normal horizontal position in the pan I I0. Atv this point themotor switch is actuated to shut off the current supply to the motor and complete the cycle. The complete cycle requires seventyflve seconds with a popping period of sixty secends. the cycle to be repeated.
While. in accordance with the provisions of theheating said chamber, an electrically operated coincontrolmechanism, and an electrical control system. comprising a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature of said chamber for controlling, said heating; means, means. comprising a relay arranged to be momentarily energized on the closing of said thermostatic switch, and a second relay having one pair of contacts in series with said thermostatic switch arranged to be closed on energization of said first named relay and a second pair of contacts in series with said coin control mechanism arranged to be opened on energization of said first named relay.
2. In a corn popping machine, means forming a popping chamber adapted to receive a supply of cooking oil and raw corn, electrical means for heating said chamber, an electrically operated coin control mechanism, and an electrical control system comprising a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature of said chamber for controlling said heating means, means comprising a single pole single throw relay arranged to be momentarily energized on the closing of said thermostatic switch, a double single pole single throw relay having One pair of contacts in series with said thermostatic switch arranged to be closed on energization of said first named relay and a second pair of contacts in series with said coin control mechanism arranged to be opened on energization of said first named relay, and means for opening said first pair of contacts and closing said second pair of contacts on the opening of said thermostatic switch.
3. In a corn popping machine, means forming a popping chamber adapted to receive a supply of cooking oil and raw corn, means for supplying raw corn to said popping chamber, valve controlled means for supplying cooking oil to said popping chamber, electrical means for supplying heat to said popping chamber, an electrically operated coin control mechanism arranged to initiate a popping cycle on the insertion of a coin therein, and an electrical control system comprising a normally closed thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature in said popping chamber and set to open when a predetermined operating temperature is reached, means for rendering said coin control mechanism operative when said predetermined operating temperature is reached, means for maintaining said cooking oil supply means in a closed position until said The insertion of another coin will causepredetermined operating temperature is reached, and mechanical means for ending said popping cycle after a predetermined time interval.
4. In a corn popping machine, means forming a popping chamber adapted to receive a supply of cooking oil and raw corn, means for supplying raw corn to said popping chamber, valve controlled means for supplying cooking oil to said popping chamber, electrical means for supplying heat to said popping chamber, an electrically operated coin control mechanism arranged to initiate a popping cycle on the insertion of a coin therein, and an electrical control system comprising a thermostatic switch responsive to the temperature in said popping chamber and arranged to render said heat supplying means in0perative when a predetermined operatin temper ature is reached, means for rendering said coin control mechanism operative when said predetermined operating temperature is reached, means for maintaining said cooking oil supply means in a closed position until said predetermined operating temperature is reached, and mechanical means for ending said popping cycle after a predetermined time interval.
JOHN LINDSTROM. BURGESS C. CASE.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 226,373 Turner Apr. 6, 1880 Number 12 Name Date Dula May 24, 1881 Detrick Mar. 7, 1893 Eckstein Nov. 17, 1908 Welsh Dec. 12, 1911 Gronberg et a1. Apr. 9, 1912 Kohn Apr. 15, 1913 Simmons et al Feb. 24, 1914 Saunders May 26, 1914 Harding -1 July 28, 1914 Le Claire Aug. 24, 1926 Smith May 31, 1927 Howe Feb. 7, 1928 Taylor June 10,1930 Smith Dec. 12, 1933 Blinn et a1 Jan. 2, 1934 Shroyer Feb. 5, 1935 Parks Jan. 14, 1936 Pagendarm Mar. 17, 1936 Ehrgott Feb. 22, 1938 Obdyke Oct. 25, 1938 Tuoyman Dec. 20, 1938 Delf Nov. 7, 1939 Coltman Mar. 12, 1940 Case Oct. 8, 1940 Husk Nov. 19, 1940 Roth June 23, 1942 Stevenson Feb. 2, 1943 Scott 1- Apr. 20, 1943
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US786190A US2657627A (en) | 1947-11-15 | 1947-11-15 | Corn popping machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US786190A US2657627A (en) | 1947-11-15 | 1947-11-15 | Corn popping machine |
Publications (1)
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US2657627A true US2657627A (en) | 1953-11-03 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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US786190A Expired - Lifetime US2657627A (en) | 1947-11-15 | 1947-11-15 | Corn popping machine |
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Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2760426A (en) * | 1952-08-15 | 1956-08-28 | Coma F Norris | Dispensing device |
US3294546A (en) * | 1962-03-27 | 1966-12-27 | Gen Foods Corp | Method and apparatus for popping corn |
US4152974A (en) * | 1978-06-16 | 1979-05-08 | National Presto Industries, Inc. | Hot air corn popper |
USD379479S (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-05-27 | U S West, Inc. | Kiosk |
US20140102313A1 (en) * | 2012-10-17 | 2014-04-17 | Mikhail Korin | Popcorn Making Machine with Various Configurations of Roaster |
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US1104990A (en) * | 1912-11-23 | 1914-07-28 | Charles Knox Harding | Process for popping corn. |
US1097882A (en) * | 1913-04-21 | 1914-05-26 | William W Saunders | Cereal process and product. |
US1088633A (en) * | 1913-07-28 | 1914-02-24 | James B Simmons | Bag holding and filling device. |
US1596883A (en) * | 1926-03-04 | 1926-08-24 | Charles J Mullan | Method for treating pop corn |
US1763487A (en) * | 1926-05-26 | 1930-06-10 | Taylor Cyrus | Valve or control mechanism for machines for filling materials into containers |
US1658486A (en) * | 1926-07-26 | 1928-02-07 | William G Howe | Corn-popping machine |
US1630676A (en) * | 1927-01-17 | 1927-05-31 | Smith Frederick Hobson | Cooking device |
US1942132A (en) * | 1929-06-13 | 1934-01-02 | Doughnut Machine Corp | Fluid flow control |
US1938981A (en) * | 1932-09-26 | 1933-12-12 | American Pop Corn Company | Method of preparing corn for popping |
US1990351A (en) * | 1932-12-29 | 1935-02-05 | Edison General Elec Appliance | Frying apparatus |
US2027698A (en) * | 1933-05-22 | 1936-01-14 | John P Kavanaugh | Automatic corn popping machine |
US2034484A (en) * | 1935-02-23 | 1936-03-17 | John F Pagendarm | Corn popping and vending machine |
US2109212A (en) * | 1936-05-29 | 1938-02-22 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Two-compartment fry kettle |
US2134088A (en) * | 1937-12-29 | 1938-10-25 | Louis K Obdyke | Machine for popping popcorn and vending the same |
US2179468A (en) * | 1938-01-21 | 1939-11-07 | Atlas Tool & Mfg Company | Heating system for corn popping machines |
US2140888A (en) * | 1938-03-10 | 1938-12-20 | William G Twyman | Corn popper |
US2222314A (en) * | 1938-03-10 | 1940-11-19 | Electricooker Inc | Cooking machine |
US2193392A (en) * | 1938-05-18 | 1940-03-12 | Louis K Obdyke | Popcorn vending machine |
US2216805A (en) * | 1939-05-03 | 1940-10-08 | Burgess C Case | Popcorn machine |
US2310044A (en) * | 1941-03-15 | 1943-02-02 | Proctor & Schwartz Inc | Thermostatically controlled cooking apparatus |
US2287396A (en) * | 1941-05-09 | 1942-06-23 | Joe Lowe Corp | Fat leveling system |
US2316989A (en) * | 1941-10-17 | 1943-04-20 | Ray W Scott | Popcorn machine |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2760426A (en) * | 1952-08-15 | 1956-08-28 | Coma F Norris | Dispensing device |
US3294546A (en) * | 1962-03-27 | 1966-12-27 | Gen Foods Corp | Method and apparatus for popping corn |
US4152974A (en) * | 1978-06-16 | 1979-05-08 | National Presto Industries, Inc. | Hot air corn popper |
USD379479S (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-05-27 | U S West, Inc. | Kiosk |
US20140102313A1 (en) * | 2012-10-17 | 2014-04-17 | Mikhail Korin | Popcorn Making Machine with Various Configurations of Roaster |
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