Kraft files patent for flexible chocolate depositor

By Oliver Nieburg

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Patent Patent cooperation treaty

Kraft files patent for flexible chocolate depositor
Cadbury UK and Kraft Foods R&D in the US have filed a patent application for an improved chocolate depositor that the companies claim allows manufacturers to better meet output demands and cope with new formulations.

Kraft has developed a machine with two or more separate compartments for the hopper (see picture), when only one was previously possible.

“Consequently, a more flexible confectionery processing machine is provided because all the plurality of piston and nozzles are not provided from the same compartment,”​ said Kraft in its application.

This allows manufacturers to process different edible materials in one machine, when two processes were previously required.

It also allows processors to reduce or increase output in line with demands.

Kraft new processing method with diving plates to allow multiple products
Kraft new processing method with dividing plates (166) in the hopper (120) to allow multiple materials

Moveable dividing plates

Kraft has done this by adding moveable dividing plates in the hopper, making the machine more adaptable.

“For instance, the capacity of the confectionery processing machine can be adapted to match the output demand of the processing plant by reducing or increasing the number of compartments that are filled with edible material,”​ said Kraft.

A conventional depositor without diving plates in the hopper
A conventional depositor without diving plates in the hopper (20)

Another advantage is that a different edible material can be placed in the same machine, allowing multiple cycles.

The inventors of the development are Kraft Foods research scientists Emma McLeod and Bernard Rocklage.

Patent application

The patent was filed under The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), an international patent law treaty that allows a uniform patent to be considered by signatory national or regional authorities.

National and regional authorities that are signatories to the PCT will now decide whether or not to grant the patent.

For more detailed information on the Kraft’s invention, see its patent application here​.

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