Patents by Inventor Stephen E. Beavers

Stephen E. Beavers 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).

  • METHODS FOR MOLDING CHOCOLATE AND REMOVING FLASH FROM CHOCOLATE PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20110027440
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, George Graham, Keith A. Chisholm, Thomas DeMare, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
  • Apparatus for molding chocolate
    Patent number: 7837457
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
  • Mixing and grinding edible fat-based slurries and emulsions using a vibratory drum
    Patent number: 7681818
    Abstract: A system, which may be used to perform simultaneous grinding and intimate mixing of edible fat-based slurries or emulsions, may include a cylindrical drum having a central longitudinal axis and a curved inner surface and mounted on springs, and a motor and tuned mass coupled to the cylindrical drum to vibrate the cylindrical drum about a center of vibration that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum. The system includes at least one pair of partition plates disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum to divide the cylindrical drum into at least two process zones, the partition plates of the at least one pair having matching apertures and moveable relative to each other between alignment and misalignment. The system may be used, for example, in chocolate manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Peterson, Stephen E. Beavers, Jonathan Hipps, Peter T. Kashulines, Jr., Michael Hill, Barry D. Glazier, Kenneth G. Weaber, Jr., Ronald P. Layton, Jr., David J. Pontzer
  • APPARATUS FOR MOLDING CHOCOLATE
    Publication number: 20090246308
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, George Graham, Keith A. Chisholm, Thomas DeMare, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
  • Methods and apparatus for molding chocolate
    Patent number: 7556493
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Suttle, George Graham, Keith A. Chisholm, Thomas DeMare, Stephen E. Beavers, Thomas M. Collins
  • Grinding and mixing edible fat-based slurries and emulsions using a vibratory media mill
    Publication number: 20040161511
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Roy Peterson, Stephen E. Beavers, Jonathan Hipps, Peter T. Kashulines, Michael Hill, Barry D. Glazier, Kenneth G. Weaber, Ronald P. Layton, David J. Pontzer