Apparatus and system for popping kernels

摘要

The present invention relates to improved devices and methods for popping popcorn, comprising moving popcorn kernels within a heating chamber with airflow and subjecting the popcorn kernels to focused microwave energy sufficient to cause the popcorn kernels to pop. In some embodiments, the devices and methods utilize a single-mode resonant microwave applicator to generate a standing microwave energy field comprising an array of one or more anti-node high intensity microwave regions and subjecting popcorn kernels to the microwave energy in the one or more high intensity microwave regions.

主权项

1. An apparatus for popping kernels, comprising:
a heating chamber for containing kernels; a microwave emitter configured to produce microwave energy within the heating chamber and heat the kernels; a microwave energy focusing device configured to generate a stable focused high intensity microwave region within the heating chamber; and an air blower configured to create airflow within the heating chamber in a horizontal direction sufficient to move kernels in a generally horizontal and generally circular path in the heating chamber.