Oncle Sam popcorn machine pops one piece at a time
November 26, 2012
The Oncle Sam popcorn machine (Photo: ECAL/Nicolas Genta)
Image Gallery (5 images)Oncle Sam is a popcorn machine art installation which focuses on popping corn one kernel at a time, allowing the user to partake of a tasty snack without consuming too many calories.
The leisurely popcorn machine utilizes a tea-light candle to heat a single grain of corn. Once duly popped, salt is also added for flavor. Each step of the process is performed with low-tech levers and pulleys, and produces just one finished popcorn at a time, perhaps increasing the appreciation of flavor as a result.
Oncle Sam was created by Ecole cantonale d'art de Lausanne (ECAL) students Laurent Beirnaert, Pierre Bouvier, and Paul Tubiana for ECAL’s Low-Tech Factory exposition – the same project which was home to the Rocking-Knit Chair.
This short promo video demonstrates Oncle Sam popping corn.
Source: ECAL, via designboom
Adam is a tech and music writer based in North Wales. When not working, you’ll usually find Adam tinkering with old Macintosh computers, reading history books, or exploring the countryside with his dog Finley. All articles by Adam Williams
Humm?
Is it me? Or does this sound like another stupid dieting gimmick? I have always, and my family & friends eat pop corn bye the 'hand's' full,
The only time I/we eat them one at a time is when your at the bottom of the cup, and that's to sort out the uncooked corn pieces that can break your teeth
PS;; how would this work when where at the movie theatres ?
Again:: who out there eats one piece at a time????
Richard Handel26th November, 2012 @ 04:48 pm PST
Love it, these students are really creative.
With the advent of electronic control systems I feel that we are losing some of the pure mechanical skills which were so strong in the 19th Century.
Riaanh27th November, 2012 @ 03:13 am PST
one corn at a time, when i'll be able to eat a bowl full of pop corn?
in 2022?
Amanullah Rana27th November, 2012 @ 08:30 am PST
It would be more interesting, at least, if it was automated by a sterling engine. both could be run of the same candle, and it consumes no fuel except heat.
With a band spring, a few cogs and levers, you could have a machine that would deliver one piece at a time, at a steady pace, without needing further input.
kellory27th November, 2012 @ 07:48 pm PST
Reminds me of Val Kilmer in "Real Genius".
Gregg Eshelman27th November, 2012 @ 08:40 pm PST
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It solves the 'I have to finish off the bowl' problem.
Slowburn26th November, 2012 @ 02:33 pm PST