Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing multiple extruded products having different characteristics from the extruded stream of a single main extruder are provided. A satellite extruder assembly is removably attached to a main extruder allowing for the production of a plurality of different extrusion products from a single stream from one main extruder that is divided into multiple streams channeled to a plurality of satellite extruders. Each of the extruders may be operated at different temperature, pressure, moisture and shear conditions. Additional components may be selectively added to one or more of the material streams.

Abstract: A product storage column for a dispensing machine includes a first member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The first member includes a first side wall opposing a second side wall, and both side walls extend from a back wall toward a front plane opposite the back wall. The side walls, the back wall, and the front plane cooperate to define a product space therewithin. The product storage column also includes a second member rotatably coupled to the first side wall and selectively positionable relative to the first member between an opened position and a closed position. The first member is sized to receive a product through the front plane into the product space when the second member is in the opened position, and the second member is sized to prevent movement of the product through the front plane when the second member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A product storage column for a dispensing machine includes a first member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The first member includes a first side wall opposing a second side wall, and both side walls extend from a back wall toward a front plane opposite the back wall. The side walls, the back wall, and the front plane cooperate to define a product space therewithin. The product storage column also includes a second member rotatably coupled to the first side wall and selectively positionable relative to the first member between an opened position and a closed position. The first member is sized to receive a product through the front plane into the product space when the second member is in the opened position, and the second member is sized to prevent movement of the product through the front plane when the second member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A product storage column for a dispensing machine includes a first member having a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The first member includes a first side wall opposing a second side wall, and both side walls extend from a back wall toward a front plane opposite the back wall. The side walls, the back wall, and the front plane cooperate to define a product space therewithin. The product storage column also includes a second member rotatably coupled to the first side wall and selectively positionable relative to the first member between an opened position and a closed position. The first member is sized to receive a product through the front plane into the product space when the second member is in the opened position, and the second member is sized to prevent movement of the product through the front plane when the second member is in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing multiple extruded products having different characteristics from the extruded stream of a single main extruder are provided. A satellite extruder assembly is removably attached to a main extruder allowing for the production of a plurality of different extrusion products from a single stream from one main extruder that is divided into multiple streams channeled to a plurality of satellite extruders. Each of the extruders may be operated at different temperature, pressure, moisture and shear conditions. Additional components may be selectively added to one or more of the material streams.

Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveying and marking apparatus is disclosed that can convey discrete pieces at high speeds, and in preferred embodiments permits marking on opposite sides of the pieces while the pieces remain in the same position on the conveyor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A split-pan for a panning apparatus, a panning apparatus incorporating a split-pan, and a method of coating two distinct masses of centers simultaneously with the split-pan are described. The split-pan is formed as a hollow drum, having first and second ends, an interior volume, and at least one partition, positioned between the first and second ends. The partition divides the interior volume into a plurality of coating vessels that allow the simultaneous coating of a plurality of masses of centers in the respective coating vessels.

Abstract: A split-pan for a panning apparatus, a panning apparatus incorporating a split-pan, and a method of coating two distinct masses of centers simultaneously with the split-pan are described. The split-pan is formed as a hollow drum, having first and second ends, an interior volume, and at least one partition, positioned between the first and second ends. The partition divides the interior volume into a plurality of coating vessels that allow the simultaneous coating of a plurality of masses of centers in the respective coating vessels.

Abstract: A process injection apparatus, a method for supplying a process ingredient to a process apparatus, and a processing system using the process injection apparatus. The apparatus of the invention includes a process ingredient source and a process ingredient supply line. The process ingredient supply line has a first end and a second end, where the first end is in fluid communication with the process ingredient source, and the second end is configured and adapted for insertion into a process solution supply line of a process apparatus at a point upstream of a process vessel of the process apparatus, thereby providing an injection point in the process solution supply line.