Abstract: A system may include a conveyor system that transports objects on a transport path from a first end to a second end by rotating about a first axis in a transporting direction. A system may include an inlet adjacent to the first end to group the objects for transportation on the conveyor system. A system may include an outlet adjacent to the second end to sort the objects by separating incomplete objects from whole objects. A system may include a laser system configured to interact with the objects while the objects are on the transport path between the first end and the second end. The laser system may produce a plurality of beam segments such that each beam segment is configured to laser-etch an outer surface of an object.

Abstract: A system may include a conveyor system with a transport path that transports the plurality of objects from a first end to a second end, the conveyor system rotating about a first axis in a transporting direction. A system may include a laser system configured to interact with the plurality of objects while the plurality of objects are on the transport path between the first end and the second end, the laser system including a laser source that emits a laser beam, one or more beam splitters configured to split the laser beam into a plurality of beam segments, and one or more beam deflectors configured to direct each beam segment of the plurality of beam segments onto an outer surface of the plurality of objects such that each beam segment is configured to laser-etch the outer surface of the plurality of objects.

Abstract: A system may include a conveyor system that rotates about a first axis in a transporting direction and has a transport path that transports objects from a first end to a second end. A system may include one or more carrier bars, each carrier bar including a timing sensor, attached to the conveyor system that have a plurality of cavities, each cavity including a thru-hole, such that an object is able to at least partially fit within one cavity of the plurality of cavities. A system may include a laser system configured to interact with the objects while the objects are within the cavities on the transport path between the first end and the second end and the laser system produces a plurality of beam segments that are calibrated by the timing sensors and configured to laser-etch an outer surface of an object.

Abstract: A vibratory media mill may be used to perform simultaneous grinding and intimate mixing of edible fat-based slurries or emulsions. The invention has particular applicability in the field of chocolate manufacture, where the vibratory media mill can eliminate use of traditional five-roll refiners and/or conches. The vibratory media mill is cheaper and simpler to operate and maintain than traditional grinding and mixing equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a forming apparatus comprising (a) first and second forming rolls with forming pockets in corresponding alignment, wherein at least one roll has one or more continuous grooves extending around the circumference of the roll in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roll and which intersects the forming pockets in the plane, wherein the first and second forming rolls rotate in directions counter to one another, and (b) one or more forming pins positioned between the counter rotating rolls and within the continuous groove of the roll.