System and methods for popping corn and producing other types of expanded foods

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A popcorn machine comprising:
a popping chamber extending along a horizontal axis from a first end portion to a second end portion; an air mover that drives air along an air flow path past a heat source and into the popping chamber; and a plurality of vanes positioned in the air flow path, the plurality of vanes including at least three vanes arranged in a row extending parallel to the horizontal axis and adjacent to the popping chamber from the first end portion toward the second end portion, wherein the vanes are positioned at an angle relative to the popping chamber, and wherein the vanes direct heated air into the popping chamber at an angle to move unpopped corn kernels along the horizontal axis in a direction from the first end portion toward the second end portion.