Methods and apparatus for forming contoured edible pieces
US8037813B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB30B11/14
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for forming thin edible pieces uses two continuous belts that cooperate to form a fill cavity. An edible mass, such as chocolate, is flowed into the fill cavity where it forms an edible blank which is transported on a belt path with the two belts moving in tandem. After the edible blank is released from the first or second continuous belt, a three-dimensional shape may be imparted to the edible blank at a forming station using one or more stamping dies or a forming drum. Using the techniques and apparatus described herein, novel edible products, and particularly novel chocolate products, can be made having shape characteristics that cannot be obtained using known molding or forming techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.