Abstract: A hygienic pallet suitable for use in food manufacturing is formed of a food-grade material. The pallet comprises a load supporting surface extending between pallet edges. The pallet also comprises support lips that extend upward and away from the load supporting surface and in a direction away from a pallet edge. At least two support lips can be separated to form a channel between chamfered edges of the support lips. The support lips support molds or other objects on the load supporting surface during movement of the pallet, while the channels facilitate removal of debris and liquid during use or cleaning of the pallet. The pallet further comprises a section divider that divides stacking sections of the load supporting surface. Stackable molds for food manufacturing can be placed within the stacking areas to transport the mold stacks.

Abstract: A ground vehicle for transporting loads comprises a load stabilizer to provide additional stability of the load during transport. The load stabilizer includes a securing arm coupled to a support frame that is coupled to a pad. The securing arm is also configured to movably mate with the ground vehicle. When a load is placed onto the ground vehicle, the load stabilizer is positioned so that the pad contacts the load to provide stability. The load stabilizer is positioned by actuating a motor, such as a stepper motor. The motor stops when it reaches a torque threshold placed on the motor through contact of the load stabilizer with the load. This mechanism allows for a lightweight load stabilizer that minimally affects the center of mass of the ground vehicle, while at the same time, provides a consistent load-stabilizing force that reduces the likelihood of damage to the load.

Abstract: A hygienic pallet suitable for use in food manufacturing is formed of a food-grade material. The pallet comprises a load supporting surface extending between pallet edges. The pallet also comprises support lips that extend upward and away from the load supporting surface and in a direction away from a pallet edge. At least two support lips can be separated to form a channel between chamfered edges of the support lips. The support lips support molds or other objects on the load supporting surface during movement of the pallet, while the channels facilitate removal of debris and liquid during use or cleaning of the pallet. The pallet further comprises a section divider that divides stacking sections of the load supporting surface. Stackable molds for food manufacturing can be placed within the stacking areas to transport the mold stacks.

Abstract: A confection mold conveying system and methods for manufacturing of confection products, the system including a first conveyor segment and a second conveyor segment. The first conveyor segment has a first pusher bar and a series of spaced apart first pusher fingers extending therefrom. The first pusher fingers are oriented to engage confection mold trays while the first pusher bar is translated in a first direction. The first pusher fingers are re-oriented to avoid engagement with the confection mold trays while the first pusher bar is translated in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second conveyor segment receives the confection mold trays from the first conveyor segment and can include a first rotatable shaft with a first helical channel to receive a first tab of one of the confection mold trays. Rotation of the rotatable shaft thereby continuously advances the respective confection mold tray in the first direction.

Abstract: A hygienic pallet suitable for use in food manufacturing is formed of a food-grade material. The pallet comprises a load supporting surface extending between pallet edges. The pallet also comprises support lips that extend upward and away from the load supporting surface and in a direction away from a pallet edge. At least two support lips can be separated to form a channel between chamfered edges of the support lips. The support lips support molds or other objects on the load supporting surface during movement of the pallet, while the channels facilitate removal of debris and liquid during use or cleaning of the pallet. The pallet further comprises a section divider that divides stacking sections of the load supporting surface. Stackable molds for food manufacturing can be placed within the stacking areas to transport the mold stacks. A method of manufacturing the hygienic pallet comprises rotational molding.

Abstract: A hygienic pallet suitable for use in food manufacturing is formed of a food-grade material. The pallet comprises a load supporting surface extending between pallet edges. The pallet also comprises support lips that extend upward and away from the load supporting surface and in a direction away from a pallet edge. At least two support lips can be separated to form a channel between chamfered edges of the support lips. The support lips support molds or other objects on the load supporting surface during movement of the pallet, while the channels facilitate removal of debris and liquid during use or cleaning of the pallet. The pallet further comprises a section divider that divides stacking sections of the load supporting surface. Stackable molds for food manufacturing can be placed within the stacking areas to transport the mold stacks. A method of manufacturing the hygienic pallet comprises rotational molding.

Abstract: A ground vehicle for transporting loads comprises a load stabilizer to provide additional stability of the load during transport. The load stabilizer includes a securing arm coupled to a support frame that is coupled to a pad. The securing arm is also configured to movably mate with the ground vehicle. When a load is placed onto the ground vehicle, the load stabilizer is positioned so that the pad contacts the load to provide stability. The load stabilizer is positioned by actuating a motor, such as a stepper motor. The motor stops when it reaches a torque threshold placed on the motor through contact of the load stabilizer with the load. This mechanism allows for a lightweight load stabilizer that minimally affects the center of mass of the ground vehicle, while at the same time, provides a consistent load-stabilizing force that reduces the likelihood of damage to the load.