The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 28, 2008
Filed:
Aug. 23, 2004
Michael M. Shulski, Glenview, IL (US);
Dennis Rybolt, Beecher, IL (US);
Lindell Richey, Palatine, IL (US);
Richard Flowers, Willow Springs, IL (US);
Kevin Bernatz, Palos Heights, IL (US);
Joseph Rancich, Park Ridge, IL (US);
Michael M. Shulski, Glenview, IL (US);
Dennis Rybolt, Beecher, IL (US);
Lindell Richey, Palatine, IL (US);
Richard Flowers, Willow Springs, IL (US);
Kevin Bernatz, Palos Heights, IL (US);
Joseph Rancich, Park Ridge, IL (US);
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for improving the quality, diversity and productivity of confectionery product forming. The process includes using a set of rollers to define three-dimensional shapes in a sheet of confectionery product. The rollers each define a series of pockets that impart a force on the sheet and push the sheet inward at a multitude of points to form at least a portion of the final shape of the products. The confectionary sheet exiting the rollers includes an array of products separated by a thin web of confectionery material. The pockets and other apparatus are provided to help prevent the products from sticking to the pockets. The rollers also cut the sheet so that the sheet is of a size suitable to be placed in a separator or tumbler.