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US 8,769,857 B2Granted
Apparatus for vacuum forming contoured edible pieces
AssigneeMars, Incorporated
InventorRichard D. Ornelaz, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The described apparatus and method enable the production of thin edible products having complex contoured shapes that cannot be made using conventional molding technology. In particular, chocolates having detailed surface topology can be made utilizing a pliable substrate and a vacuum mold. The process may be made substantially continuous.
Claims14
A vacuum molding apparatus comprising:
- A continuous webbing of pliable substrate;
- A continuous supply of a mask operably disposed relative to the pliable substrate and having a cutout in a cross sectional area thereof permitting a deposit of edible starting material onto the pliable substrate;
- An edible starting material depositer operably disposed relative to the pliable substrate and;
- A first, depositing mold for forming an edible blank from the edible starting material supported on the pliable substrate;
- A second, forming mold for forming the edible blank into a finished edible piece;
- and
- At least one adjustable source of pressure operably disposed relative to the first and second molds;
- wherein at least a portion of the pliable substrate webbing is conveyed from the first depositing mold to the second, forming mold.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.