Other

Mars, Incorporated

George L Graham

Thomas M Collins

James M Suttle

Alfred V Camporini

Keith A Chisholm

Jennifer Tomasso

Thomas DeMare

Stephen E Beavers

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.

Methods and apparatus for forming contoured edible pieces

Methods and apparatus for forming shaped edible pieces

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.

Methods and apparatus for molding chocolate

An insect capture device which comprises a transparent, dish-shaped retaining member attached to an elongate handle and having a concavity that removably receives and holds a disposable, transparent insert element. The insert element is provided with an exposed hollow surface, the surface of which is coated with a clear, tacky, non-drying adhesive that captures insects coming into contact therewith. The retaining member and retaining element may be constructed so that they are substantially identical in size and shape so that either one may be nested in the other. So constructed the insect capture device can be sold in component form as a kit which would include an attachment for affixing one end of the handle to the retaining member during assembly of the device by the user. If desired, a cover is provided to removably cover the adhesive-coated surface of the insert element when not in use.

Adhesive-lined insect capture device and kit

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

George L Graham