Patent ID: 8993946
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A23L,H05B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for popping kernels, comprising: a heating chamber configured to contain kernels; a microwave emitter configured to produce microwave energy within the heating chamber and heat the kernels; a single-mode resonant microwave applicator 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 sufficient to move the kernels within the heating chamber, the air blower being configured to cause airflow within the heating chamber in a vertical direction and to cause the vertical airflow at a rate sufficient to selectively move popped flakes out of the heating chamber when popped as a result of the increased drag of the popped flakes; and wherein the air blower comprises a first air blower and a second air blower, wherein the first air blower is configured to create airflow in a horizontal direction and the second air blower is configured to create airflow in a vertical direction.