How do you mix several flavors of popcorn into many buckets?
By Monty Siekerman, Ada Icon
How do you mix several flavors into many buckets of popcorn?
You ask ONU mechanical engineering students to invent a process that will save time and money and results in less waste.
As a senior capstone project, four students took on the challenge last fall at the request of Pete Suter, the owner of Shirley's Popcorn in Bluffton.
They designed and built a system for measuring and dispensing the ingredients into small packages which are sealed for use on demand.
Previously, an employee had to scoop a small amount of each ingredient, weigh it, then put it in a package and seal it, all by hand.
The system the students developed can mix several ingredients in varying amounts to make different flavors. It takes only 30 seconds to create a finished package of seasoning.
The system is controlled by a microprocessor which the students programmed for this particular purpose.
With the student's invention, a correct amount of each ingredient is dispensed from a hopper onto a scale that measures the correct amount. The ingredients are sealed between two sheets of packaging material, which are heat-sealed and then cut to form a package for a storage or shipping.
The cooperative effort was a good learning experience for the students, and their end product was helpful to a small business owner.
Photo ID:
From left are Ryan Cooperrider, Eric Holodnak, Corey North and Andy Starr. Dr. David Sawyers, Jr. Is faculty advisor to the team.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025
- Bluffton University names Dr. J. Alexander Sider as next President
- GLP-1s and weight loss: Impact on muscles
- Check out August 2025 at Bluffton Public Library
- Discovery Days prize drawing results, check your tickets
- Wesley “Wes” Allen Leightner worked for Phillips
- How floundering Cards should deal at deadline
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
- Letter: BOHS work night at the Depot, July 30
- County park district considers name change, invites feedback
- Teen vaccine clinic at Bluffton Middle School, August 18
- State of Ohio expands commercial truck parking at US 30 rest areas
- National Night Out celebration is August 5
- Bluffton council hears neighbor concerns about proposed school practice field
- GROB Systems to host 5-AXIS LIVE! with 21 industry partners on Aug. 5