Back to results
US 7,837,457 B2Granted
Apparatus for molding chocolate
AssigneeMars, Incorporated
InventorsJames M. Suttle, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims8
An apparatus for removing flash from chocolate products, comprising:
- a conveyor belt, a heater, and a bull nose,
- wherein the conveyer belt is adapted to move along a belt path, the belt path comprising:
- a first section in which the conveyor belt is in thermal contact with the heater;
- and
- a second section in which the conveyor belt is in contact with the bull nose;
- such that
- a chocolate product having flash moving on the conveyor belt in the first section has the bottom of the chocolate product and flash exposed 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 before reaching the bull nose;
- and wherein
- the chocolate product is released from the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt passes over the bull nose, while at least a portion of the flash is retained on the conveyor belt.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.