Patents by Inventor Neil Willcocks

Neil Willcocks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Apparatus for continuously molding chocolate products
    Publication number: 20010041205
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, John M. Martin, Neil A. Willcocks, Alfred V. Camporini, Thomas M. Collins
  • Apparatus for continuously molding chocolate products
    Patent number: 6302677
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, John M. Martin, Neil A. Willcocks, Alfred V. Camporini, Thomas M. Collins
  • Methods for continuously molding chocolate and products made thereby
    Patent number: 6217927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, John M. Martin, Neil A. Willcocks, Alfred V. Camporini, Thomas M. Collins
  • Molding process
    Patent number: 6165531
    Abstract: This invention provides improved methods for producing molded chocolate products, fat-based confection products, particularly using substrates such as molds which have a low surface energy contacting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Harding, Neil A. Willcocks, Christopher Abbott, Thomas M. Collins, Tracey D. B. Ziener