Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a multiple phase confectionery article is provided. The apparatus includes a rotary valve that is adapted to dispense a second confectionery material into a first confectionery material as the first confectionery material passes through the rotary valve. The apparatus may include a passageway that extends into the rotary valve, and the first confectionery material travels through the passageway. The rotary valve is rotatable to introduce the second confectionery material into the first confectionery material in a variety of ways to form an extrudate with a variety of multiple phase patterns.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for the continuous production of center-filled confectionery products. The apparatus may include an extruder for forming a continuous extrudate having a plurality of adjoined center-filled confectionery ropes. The apparatus may also include a forming device for forming individual confectionery pieces, and sealed center-filled confectionery pieces in particular. The apparatus provides improved coordination and control of extrudate formation and extrudate feed into the forming device. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure increases product output and reduces the amount of unacceptable product.

Abstract: The present disclosure set forth a multiple phase confectionery article and methods and apparatus for producing the article. The confectionery article includes at least two strands of confectionery material, each confectionery material having a visually different property. Each strand extends across the width and through the thickness of the confectionery article. Precise delineation exists between the visually distinct strands. The apparatus and methods disclosed produce multiple phase intermediate confectionery products that may be sheeted and scored for preparation of the final multiple phase confectionery article.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for the continuous production of center-filled confectionery products. The apparatus may include an extruder for forming a continuous extrudate having a plurality of center-filled confectionery ropes. The apparatus may also include a forming device for forming individual confectionery pieces, and sealed center-filled confectionery pieces in particular. The forming device provides improved coordination and control of extrudate formation and extrudate feed into the forming device. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure increases product output and reduces the amount of unacceptable product.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a center-filled confectionery product and a method for making the same. The center-filled confectionery product includes a fill portion which may be a liquid and an outer portion composed of a confectionery material. The fill portion is within the outer confectionery portion. The confectionery product further includes a flange composed of the confectionery material that surrounds the periphery of the confectionery product. The center-filled confectionery product may be coated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing a multiple component confectionery product. The apparatus includes an outer passageway concentrically disposed about an inner passageway, the passageways having a common exit port. The outer passageway has an outer diameter, the apparatus further including an outlet member surrounding the outer passageway, the outlet member being moveable about the outer passageway to vary the outer diameter. The apparatus may be used to produce a coextruded multiple component confectionery article having an inner confectionery material surrounded by an outer confectionery material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a confectionery article that includes a passageway for accommodating a flow of fluid confectionery delivered from a fluid confectionery source. A rotary valve rotatable about the passageway dispenses the fluid confectionery from the apparatus. A piston and cylinder assembly in fluid communication with the rotary valve draws fluid confectionery from the passageway when the rotary is in a first position and dispenses the drawn fluid confectionery from the apparatus when the rotary valve is in a second position. The apparatus provides a closed system and eliminates evaporation of the fluid confectionery and volatile components therein such as flavors and fragrances during the depositing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a confectionery depositing apparatus that deposits a layer or multiple layers of a flowable confectionery product with a high degree of accuracy. The apparatus includes a source of a flowable confectionery, a cylinder, and a rotary valve in fluid communication with the source of flowable confectionery, and the cylinder. Placement of the rotary valve in a first position permits the flowable confectionery into the cylinder and placement of the rotary valve in a second position permits dispensing of the flowable confectionery from the cylinder out of the apparatus. A piston in close operative engagement with the cylinder enables the apparatus to deposit precise amounts of confectionery product to produce thin uniform layers of confectionery product.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a confectionery article that includes a rotary valve in fluid communication with a fluid confectionery source and a dispensing outlet. A conveyor moves a tray under the dispensing outlet. Rotation of the rotary valve to a dispensing position dispenses an amount of fluid confectionery from the dispensing outlet and into the tray. Rotation of the rotary valve and movement of the tray may be coordinated to provide an orderly and smooth confectionery depositing process.