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US 2011/0027440 A1Published application
Methods for molding chocolate and removing flash from chocolate products
AssigneeMars, Incorporated
InventorsJames M. Suttle, George Graham, Keith A. Chisholm, Thomas DeMare, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
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Abstract
Improved methods and apparatus for continuously molding chocolate are disclosed, including a method and apparatus for removing flash from chocolate pieces and products (both molded and otherwise); and a manifold for continuously providing liquid chocolate to a continuous mold and directing excess liquid chocolate away.
Claims10
A method for removing flash from a chocolate product, comprising the steps of:
- providing a chocolate product having flash that has been cooled to a temperature less than that at which the chocolate sets;
- conveying a chocolate product having flash on a first surface of a conveyor belt, such that at least a portion of the flash contacts the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt having a second surface opposite the first surface;
- exposing the bottom of the chocolate product and the flash on the first surface of the conveyor belt at a first section to a temperature for a time sufficient to melt at least a portion of the flash without melting or detempering the bottom of the chocolate product, such that at least a portion of the flash adheres to the first surface of the conveyor belt;
- and
- passing the conveyor belt around a bull nose, thereby releasing the chocolate product from the conveyor belt, while retaining at least a portion of the flash on the conveyor belt.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.