# US 10,993,457 B2 · Systems and methods for distributing and dispensing chocolate

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- Number: US 10,993,457 B2
- Document ID: US10993457B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/923,980
- Filed: 2018-03-16
- Published: 2018-10-25
- Granted: 2021-05-04
- Earliest claimed: 2014-10-09
- Applicants: Trade Secret Chocolates
- Inventors: Matthew J. Rubin; Adam D. Ambrecht
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10993457B2

## CPC

- A23G 1/202: {Apparatus in which the material is shaped at least partially by a die; Extrusion of cross-sections or plates, optionally with an associated cutting device}
- A23G 1/0013: {Weighing or portioning processes}
- A23G 1/0036: {Conching}
- A23G 1/0046: {Processes for conditioning chocolate masses for moulding}
- A23G 1/0056: {Processes in which the material is shaped at least partially by a die; Extrusion of cross-sections or plates, optionally with associated cutting}
- A23G 7/0043: {Other processes specially adapted for the chocolate or confectionery industry (A23G7/0006 - A23G7/02)}
- B67D 1/0001: {by squeezing collapsible or flexible storage containers (B67D1/0462 takes precedence)}
- B67D 1/0431: {power-operated}
- B67D 1/045: {using elastic bags and pistons actuated by air or other gas}
- B67D 1/0462: {Squeezing collapsible or flexible beverage containers, e.g. bag-in-box containers}
- B67D 1/0804: {Shape or materials}
- B67D 1/0895: {Heating arrangements}
- B67D 3/0012: {provided with mixing devices}
- B67D 3/0022: {provided with heating arrangements}
- B67D 3/045: {with a closing element having a linear movement, in a direction parallel to the seat}
- B67D 7/82: Heating only
- B67D 7/0216: {by squeezing collapsible or flexible storage containers (B67D7/0255 takes precedence; for dispensing beverages on draught B67D1/0001)}
- B67D 2210/00102: Heating only
- B67D 2210/00144: Magnets, e.g. used in valves or for stirring
- A23G: COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- B67D: DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes B08B9/02; emptying or filling of bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels, or similar containers, not otherwise provided for B67C; water supply E03; pipe systems F17D; domestic hot-water supply systems F24D; measuring volume, volume flow, mass flow or liquid level, metering by volume G01F; coin-freed or like apparatus G07F)

## Abstract

Apparatus and systems for melting and liquefying chocolate. In one aspect, a system includes a generally fluid-tight exterior housing defining a first volume; a bulkhead positioned within the housing and dividing the first volume into separate second and third volumes; at least one vertical support member operationally connected to the exterior housing; a base support member operationally connected to the vertical support member; a dispenser guiding member disposed within the first volume and operationally connected to the exterior housing; and a heating element in thermal communication with the first volume, wherein energization heats the first volume to 37 to 46 degrees Celsius. Other aspects include where the liquid chocolate contains less than 3% water; where the liquid chocolate is solid at room temperature; a multiple pivot hinge; and a noninterfering interdigitating hinge.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A content melting apparatus, comprising:
an exterior housing defining a first volume;
a bulkhead positioned within the housing and dividing the first volume into separate second and third volumes;
a heating element in thermal communication with the first volume, wherein energization heats the first volume to 37 to 46 degrees Celsius, and
a hinge axis member offset from the vertical by an angle of between 10 and 30 degrees;
a hinge assembly further comprising:
a first hinge finger set pivotable about the hinge axis member; and
a second hinge finger set pivotable about the hinge axis member and noninterferingly mated with the first hinge finger set;
wherein the exterior housing further comprises:
a first warmer door member operationally connected to the first hinge finger set; and
a second warmer door member operationally connected to the second hinge finger set;
wherein pivoting the first and the second door members pivots the first and second hinge finger sets respectively in opposite directions about the hinge axis member.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The content melting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a first deformable pouch positioned in the second volume, wherein the first deformable pouch further comprises:
a generally elongated fluid-tight enclosure;
liquid chocolate substantially filling the fluid-tight enclosure;
a fluidic conduit extending through the fluid-tight enclosure; and
a fluidic valve operationally connected to the fluidic conduit.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The content melting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the liquid chocolate contains less than 3% water.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The content melting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the liquid chocolate is solid at room temperature.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The content melting apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
a second deformable pouch positioned in the third volume, wherein the second deformable pouch is substantially identical to the first deformable pouch.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The content melting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a digital identifier system operationally connected to the housing;
at least one digital identifier in electric communication with the digital identifier system; and
at least one data interface in electric communication with the digital identifier system.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The content melting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a display receiver operationally connected to the housing;
a display in electric communication with the display receiver.

### Claim 8

A dual-chamber content liquefying system, comprising:
a housing defining a first chamber;
a heater connected in thermal communication with the first chamber;
an inner wall positioned in the housing and bifurcating the first chamber into separate second and third chambers;
a first deformable pouch positioned in the second chamber, wherein the first deformable pouch further comprises:
a fluid-tight enclosure;
a dispensable content substantially filling the fluid-tight enclosure;
a fluidic conduit extending through the fluid-tight enclosure; and
a fluidic valve operationally connected to the fluidic conduit; and
wherein the dual-chamber content liquifying system further comprises:
a lid member operationally connected to the housing, wherein engagement of the lid member with the housing substantially isolates the first chamber from an outside environment, and wherein disengagement of the lid member from the housing allows the deformable pouches to be moved into and out of the second and third chambers.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The content liquefying system of claim 8, further comprising:
a digital identifier system operationally connected to the housing;
at least one digital identifier in electric communication with the digital identifier system; and
at least one data interface in electric communication with the digital identifier system.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The content liquefying system of claim 9, further comprising:
a display receiver operationally connected to the housing;
a display in electric communication with the display receiver.