Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: High resolution ink-jet printing on edible substrates is disclosed in which fat or wax-based edible inks, which contain a colorant, a fat or wax dispersible carrier, and a fat or wax base, are used to produce high resolution images on edibles. The methods utilize a piezoelectric printhead; and the edible products include confectionery pieces having non-planar, hydrophobic surfaces, such as wax-polished sugar shell surfaces, with a printed image thereon having a resolution greater than 100 dpi, preferably greater than 300 dpi.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing an edible substrate such as a chocolate tablet having pellet shaped candy pieces arranged on the surface thereof in a predetermined defined pattern. Also disclosed is a novel chocolate confectionery prepared by the disclosed method and an apparatus for practicing the method.

Abstract: Multicolor registered images, formed from at least two component images, are printed on the surfaces of shaped edible pieces. Registration of the component images is maintained by applying the component images to a single image transfer surface from plural image application surfaces. The registered image is applied to a shaped edible piece from the image transfer surface in a single contact step.

Abstract: A chocolate confectionery is disclosed having on a surface thereof a chocolate base layer, a non-delaminating integral substantially white or light colored edible image-substrate coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the chocolate base layer and a high resolution edible black and/or colored print image disposed on at least a portion of the edible image-substrate coating. A method is also disclosed for preparing the confectionery.

Abstract: Methods for continuously molding finished chocolate tablets, pieces and the like are disclosed. Apparatus for use with the method, comprise a chilled rotating mold having at least one recess into which liquid chocolate is deposited. Liquid chocolate, is held in place by a retaining/casting belt as the rotating mold turns. The liquid chocolate cools and partially sets while in contact with the rotating mold and retaining/casting belt, and a molded chocolate is removed from the recess. Novel finished chocolate molded products made by the methods and with the apparatus, having detailed surface design and surface gloss are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for continuously molding finished chocolate tablets, pieces and the like are disclosed. Apparatus for use with the method, comprise a chilled rotating mold having at least one recess into which liquid chocolate is deposited. Liquid chocolate, is held in place by a retaining/casting belt as the rotating mold turns. The liquid chocolate cools and partially sets while in contact with the rotating mold and retaining/casting belt, and a molded chocolate is removed from the recess. Novel finished chocolate molded products made by the methods and with the apparatus, having detailed surface design and surface gloss are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for continuously molding finished chocolate tablets, pieces and the like are disclosed. Apparatus for use with the method, comprise a chilled rotating mold having at least one recess into which liquid chocolate is deposited. Liquid chocolate, is held in place by a retaining/casting belt as the rotating mold turns. The liquid chocolate cools and partially sets while in contact with the rotating mold and retaining/casting belt, and a molded chocolate is removed from the recess. Novel finished chocolate molded products made by the methods and with the apparatus, having detailed surface design and surface gloss are also disclosed.

Abstract: Sheet metal convenience store shelving utilizes shelf-supporting frame-modules, each of which comprises a prefabricated frame rigidly connectable to a pair of shoes to provide free-standing units. Shelves are supportable on both sides of the frames, and the rear edges of the shelves are notched to receive the frame uprights. Each frame holds a removable backing panel, and additional backing panels extend between adjacent frames, being held in side channels of the frame uprights.The shelves are mounted on the uprights by the engagement of generally horizontally sheet metal shelf tabs with T-shaped slots in the uprights. The tabs extend laterally almost the full interior width of the uprights for optimum strength. As the shelves extend beyond the frame uprights, provision is made to prevent accidental disengagement due to excess weight on an overhanging part of a shelf.

Abstract: In a bagmaker, two pairs of opposed jaws to draw a web of material about a former and seal the web to form separate bags, each set of jaws are cantilevered on a support and have electromagnetic assist to provide pressure during sealing.

Abstract: In a sheet metal shelving unit with adjustable telescoping slotted uprights, the upper part of each upright has its slots in a recessed surface so that the upper part does not interfere with shelf bracket tabs projecting rearwardly through slots in the lower part of the upright.

Abstract: Sheet metal base panels in merchandising display stands are connected to sheet metal posts by the insertion of tabs into spaces between planar post sections and return flanges through slots. Projections on the tabs are engaged by oblique edges which exert a wedging action, tightening the engagement between the panels and the posts. In one version, the oblique edge is an edge of the return flange itself, and as the tab is inserted, it spreads the return flange away from the planar section of the post until the projection on the tab clears the oblique edge of the return flange, whereupon the flange snaps into place. A downward force exerted through the post by the weight of articles supported on the display stand effects a tightening action. In another version of the invention, a separate locking element having two wedges is vertically slidable in the post, and is moved into engagement with locking projections on tabs of the base panels of a merchandising unit.

Abstract: In a shelving unit having a two-piece upright with a sloping slotted lower part and a vertical slotted upper part telescoping into the lower part, the slots in the upper part are recessed behind the upper end of the slotted portion of the lower part to allow room for shelf tabs projecting through the slots in the lower part near the upper end thereof. A shelf bracket may be mounted at the transition between the lower and upper parts of the support with its upper tab in a slot in the upper part and with one or more of its lower tabs projecting through slots in the lower part. The slots of the two parts are positioned relative to each other so that the lower tabs project through their slots in the lower part of the support and abut the recessed slotted surface of the upper part, which extends downwardly behind the slotted surface of the lower part. In this way a shelf spanning the transition is situated at the same angle as a shelf supported entirely on the upper part.

Abstract: A fastener-free merchandising display stand, which is rigid when initially assembled, and which remains rigid during use, comprises interconnected perpendicular base panels which meet at a sheet metal upright. One of the panels is rigidly welded to the upright, while the other panel is connectable to the first panel and the upright by sliding it vertically downwardly into a pocket formed by a section of the post and a section of the first panel extending perpendicularly from the face thereof and having an oblique, flanged edge. The second panel has a flange with an oblique edge which fits into the pocket. The second panel is tightened against the upright as it slides downwardly by a wedging action, so that the weight of the second panel tends to cause the interconnection to remain tight even if a slight bending of sheet metal parts takes place as a result of abuse.

Abstract: In a gravity-operated, forward feed bottle merchandiser, bottles are supported by their necks on tracks consisting of parallel track elements which are removable and reversible to accommodate bottles of different neck widths. Each track element is secured between front and rear support rails. The track elements are held against rotation in slots in the rear support rail, and must be twisted in order to be disengaged from the front support rails.Each track element comprises a web having flanges extending in opposite directions respectively from its upper and lower edges. Ramps extending forwardly from the flanges cross each other and each ramp has a projection overlying the other ramp so that the ramps reinforce each other.

Abstract: A merchandising device for bottles having integrally formed externally projecting neck rings comprising track means providing a pair of substantially parallel supporting surfaces having opposed edges spaced from each other to form a slot of substantially uniform width adapted to receive the necks of said bottles underneath said neck rings, and means for supporting said track means in a fixed position, is characterized by the fact that said track means comprises at least one elongated element having a web having parallel edges extending in the direction of its length, a first flange extending in one direction substantially perpendicularly from one of said parallel edges, and a second flange extending in the opposite direction substantially perpendicularly from the other of said parallel edges, the flanges being of different width transverse to the direction of elongation, and by the fact that said supporting means and said track means include means for supporting said elongated element in a first position in w

Abstract: In a gravity-operated, forward feed bottle merchandiser, bottles are supported by their necks on tracks consisting of parallel track elements which are removable and reversible to accommodate bottles of different neck widths. Each track element is secured between front and rear support rails. The track elements are held against rotation in slots in the rear support rail, and must be twisted in order to be disengaged from the front support rails.Each track element comprises a web having flanges extending in opposite directions respectively from its upper and lower edges. Ramps extending forwardly from the flanges cross each other and each ramp has a projection overlying the other ramp so that the ramps reinforce each other.