Transport thereof and for other Purposes.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Sept., 1887.
Specification Accepted, 14th Oct., 1887.
0133
Transport thereof and for other Purposes.
We HEINRICH STOLLWERCK and LUDWIG STOLLWERCK, of the firm of Gebr
Stollwerck Cologne-on-the-Rhine, in the Empire of Germany Manufacturers to
the Court do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
Our invention relates to an improved method of preparing cocoa and its object
is to prepare the cocoa in the shape of solid but easily soluble pieces which are handy
to carry for travelling and numerous other purposes.
Heretofore cocoa in the trade could only be had in the powdered state which
rendered it very inconvenient for carrying, when travelling for any length of time, as it
always requires a certain amount of space which could be otherwise utilized in order
that it may be taken in sufficient quantities to be kept fresh and not to lose its
flavour.
The present invention therefore consists in first treating the powdered cocoa with
alcohol and then pressing it into solid pieces of any desired shape in suitable moulds,
and at the same time reducing its volume, the said moulds being previously heated or
becoming heated through the pressure.
In carrying our said invention into practice powdered cocoa, preferably such as is
known in the trade as cocoa freed of oil, but which may or may not contain an
admixture of sugar or other materials, is first impregnated with alcohol. It is then
put into suitable moulds, and there by means of a hydraulic press, or other suitable
means, pressed into any desired shape, the said mould having been previously heated
or becoming heated in consequence of and in accordance with the amount of pressure
put on for the purpose.
The
The pressure thus exerted, in conjunction with the alcohol with which the powdered
cocoa is impregnated, causes the cocoa-butter in the mass to be forced out.
alcohol very quickly evaporates under the influence of the heat in the moulds and the
cocoa-butter hardens again at a temperature of 25° C. consequently the cocoa-butter
thus forced out of the powdered mass will form a thin layer around the outer surfaces

page_text: of the solid pieces of cocoa formed in the moulds. After being taken out of the moulds
the solid pieces are left to cool. The pieces of cocoa thus obtained will be found
much more convenient for all purposes than powder, being cleaner in use and taking
up much less space, it is readily soluble in hot water and does not leave any residue.
The said pieces being surrounded by an air-tight coating of hard cocoa-butter they
will most effectually resist the damaging influences of the atmosphere, dampness,
maggots and similar detrimental effects and their flavour will be retained even if kept for
a considerable time. Another advantage in using cocoa in this shape is that one may
always be sure of taking the same quantity for each cup and thus securing a well
prepared and equally palatable drink each time.
Instead of impregnating the powdered cocoa with alcohol, ether may be used for
the same purpose, as cocoa-butter will thoroughly dissolve in ether and may thus be
readily forced out by pressure. The ether then quickly evaporating in consequence
of the prevailing heat the cocoa-butter will soon be transformed again into its
undissolved state so as to surround the cocoa with a hard coating.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said invention
and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is ;
The method of preparing cocoa in the shape of solid plates or pieces readily
soluble in boiling water, by impregnating with alcohol the so called powdered
cocoa freed of oil and subsequently pressing it in suitable moulds by means of a
press and ram, in order to surround the cocoa with a hard thin coating of fatty
matter and thus cause the pieces to retain the shape given them as above described.
Dated this 13th day of September 1887.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London,
Agents for the Applicants.