A method of manufacturing confectionery shells using cold-stamping is provided. The method can also be used to manufacture multi-layered confectionery shells and/or confectionery shells comprising inclusions. Scraping means are passed outwardly over the boundary of the mould cavity in two or more different outward directions.

This invention relates to a gel-like composition in which ubiquinol is dispersed and stabilized in a gel and which contains 0.2 to 5% by weight of ubiquinol, 5 to 15% by weight of gelatin, 55 to 80% by weight of carbohydrate and/or water-soluble dietary fiber, and 9 to 18% by weight of water, and further contains ascorbic acid and/or gallate type catechin.

This invention relates to a gel-like composition in which ubiquinol is dispersed and stabilized in a gel and which contains 0.2 to 5% by weight of ubiquinol, 5 to 15% by weight of gelatin, 55 to 80% by weight of carbohydrate and/or water-soluble dietary fiber, and 9 to 18% by weight of water, and further contains ascorbic acid and/or gallate type catechin.

The present invention is directed to a confectionery capable of imparting tooth-whitening benefits to an end-user, the confectionery containing: sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), one or more sweeteners; and optionally a food-grade acid, such as citric acid. The present invention is also directed to a method of imparting tooth-whitening benefits to a consumer involving inserting the above-described confectionery into a consumer's mouth and allowing the confectionery to dissolve in the consumer's mouth, and repeating over a prolonged period of time.

The present invention is directed to a confectionery capable of imparting tooth-whitening benefits to an end-user, the confectionery containing: sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), one or more sweeteners; and optionally a food-grade acid, such as citric acid. The present invention is also directed to a method of imparting tooth-whitening benefits to a consumer involving inserting the above-described confectionery into a consumer's mouth and allowing the confectionery to dissolve in the consumer's mouth, and repeating over a prolonged period of time.

The present disclosure relates to low-sugar, and preferably sugar-free, edible and/or biodegradable materials, and to edible and/or biodegradable vessels for holding foods and liquids for consumption. Specifically, the disclosure relates to sugar-free edible and/or biodegradable cups, straws, and other vessels, capable of holding hot and/or cold liquids for extended periods of time. The present disclosure and its embodiments further relates to a sugar free edible and/or biodegradable vessel made from natural ingredients. The vessel may have an extended shelf life, and is sturdy enough to be used for a variety of applications.

Embodiments of a method and system for applying patterns on the surfaces of articles and inspecting the patterns are disclosed. A laser irradiation system has a laser transmission element, irradiation zone and irradiation inspection element. A set of articles is positioned within the irradiation zone and irradiated with laser energy from the transmission element during an irradiation period. The irradiation causes interactions between a beam and the article surfaces which transiently generate localized illuminations at the article surfaces during the interactions. The interactions also collectively form post-irradiation patterns in the article surfaces that persist after the interactions. An irradiation inspection image of the irradiation zone is captured during the irradiation period by the irradiation inspection element. The irradiation inspection image includes illumination patterns defined by the localized illuminations. If an illumination pattern fails to match the corresponding target pattern to which it is compared, the respective article is rejected.

Embodiments of a method and system for applying patterns on the surfaces of articles and inspecting the patterns are disclosed. A laser irradiation system has a laser transmission element, irradiation zone and irradiation inspection element. A set of articles is positioned within the irradiation zone and irradiated with laser energy from the transmission element during an irradiation period. The irradiation causes interactions between a beam and the article surfaces which transiently generate localized illuminations at the article surfaces during the interactions. The interactions also collectively form post-irradiation patterns in the article surfaces that persist after the interactions. An irradiation inspection image of the irradiation zone is captured during the irradiation period by the irradiation inspection element. The irradiation inspection image includes illumination patterns defined by the localized illuminations. If an illumination pattern fails to match the corresponding target pattern to which it is compared, the respective article is rejected.

An edible mouthpiece system for use with a smokable item (e.g., a cigar, a cigarette, a pre-roll cone, an empty cone, a pre-rolled or hand-rolled cigarette, etc.) is provided. The edible mouthpiece may generally comprise candy (e.g., hard candy, chewing gum, etc.), or other types of edible materials. During use, the edible mouthpiece is coupled with the mouth end of a smokable item, comes into physical contact with the user's mouth, and provides flavoring thereto to enhance the smoking experience. Smoke from the smokable item also may be enhanced with flavor while passing through an inner passageway within the mouthpiece to the user's mouth.

An edible mouthpiece system for use with a smokable item (e.g., a cigar, a cigarette, a pre-roll cone, an empty cone, a pre-rolled or hand-rolled cigarette, etc.) is provided. The edible mouthpiece may generally comprise candy (e.g., hard candy, chewing gum, etc.), or other types of edible materials. During use, the edible mouthpiece is coupled with the mouth end of a smokable item, comes into physical contact with the user's mouth, and provides flavoring thereto to enhance the smoking experience. Smoke from the smokable item also may be enhanced with flavor while passing through an inner passageway within the mouthpiece to the user's mouth.