Patent ID: 8651014
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: A62C

Abstract:
1. A popcorn machine comprising: a popcorn case having a semi-enclosed cooking space defined by at least two side panels, a back panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel; a popcorn kettle positioned within the semi-enclosed cooking space, wherein the popcorn kettle includes a cooking surface having at least one heating element associated therewith; a first vent positioned above and in communication with the semi-enclosed cooking space; a first blower operably coupled to the first vent to remove air from within the semi-enclosed cooking space through the first vent; a second vent positioned in communication with the semi-enclosed cooking space; a second blower operably coupled to the second vent to flow fresh air from outside the popcorn case into the semi-enclosed cooking space through the second vent; a temperature sensor configured to detect a presence of a fire within the semi-enclosed cooking space; and a power circuit operably connected to the temperature sensor, the heating element, the first blower, and the second blower, wherein the power circuit interrupts power to the heating element and maintains power to the first and second blowers in response to detecting the presence of the fire by the temperature sensor, whereby the first blower continues to remove air from within the semi-enclosed cooking space through the first vent in the presence of the fire and the second blower continues to flow fresh air into the semi-enclosed cooking space through the second vent in the presence of the fire.