Abstract: A method is provided for the total manufacture of chewing gum on a continuous basis. The method uses a continuous high efficiency mixer which is configured for the total manufacture of a wide variety of chewing gum products. Pursuant to the method, glycerin is added at an early point in the mixer.

Abstract: A method of continuously manufacturing chewing gum with improved flavor perception comprises the steps of adding at least an elastomer and filler into a high-efficiency continuous mixer, and mixing the elastomer and filler together in the continuous mixer; adding a least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of fats, oils, waxes and elastomer plasticizers into the continuous mixer, and mixing said ingredient with the elastomer and filler in the continuous mixer; and adding at least one sweetener and-at least one flavor into the continuous mixer, and mixing said sweetener and flavor with the remaining ingredients to form a chewing gum composition. These steps are performed using a single high-efficiency continuous mixer and wherein the flavor is added at a level lower than that used to make the same chewing gum composition in a batch mixer but the flavor intensity in the chewing gum product is comparable to that of said same chewing gum composition made in a batch mixer.

Abstract: A method of continuously making chewing gum base employs low pressure, adequate residence time, and the flexibility of selectively feeding different ingredients at different locations on the mixer. The method involves the use of a paddle mixer, characterized by a plurality of paddles mounted on a longitudinal rotating shaft, preferably mounted on two parallel co-rotating shafts. The paddles cover at least about 40 percent of the active length of the shafts. This configuration provides for significant residence time in the mixer and low pressure gum base manufacture.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the steps of continuously adding an elastomer, a filler and a plasticizer into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and plasticizer to a highly distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress.

Abstract: A stabilized gum base and chewing gum are prepared using techniques that significantly reduce the amount of antioxidant lost during manufacture. As a result, the gum base and chewing gum include at least about two-thirds, and preferably three-fourths, of the amount of antioxidant initially added during manufacture of the gum base. The improved antioxidant retention is accomplished primarily using mixing techniques which significantly reduce the average mixing time needed to prepare a homogeneous gum base, and further by integrating the manufacture of gum base and chewing gum into a single continuous mixer.

Abstract: A method is provided for the total manufacture of chewing gum on a continuous basis without requiring the separate manufacture of chewing gum base. The method uses a continuous high efficiency mixer which is configured for the total manufacture of a wide variety of chewing gum products. By integrating the manufacture of chewing gum into a single operation, the method of the invention can save time and labor, and improve product consistency.

Abstract: A continuous method of making chewing gum base is provided wherein two continuous mixers are arranged in series. A higher viscosity portion including elastomer, filler, and elastomer plasticizer is continuously added and mixed in the first continuous mixer to form a blend. The blend is ventilated after leaving the first continuous mixer. The blend from the first continuous mixer is continuously added to the second continuous mixer. A lower viscosity portion including softener/emulsifier and, optionally, wax and additional elastomer plasticizer, is also continuously fed to the second continuous mixer and mixed therein with the blend from the first continuous mixer to form chewing gum base.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the steps of continuously adding an elastomer, a filler and a plasticizer into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and plasticizer to a highly distributive mixing operation followed by a restriction element and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating materials are provided. The apparatus includes a first member located above a rotating member and including a top opening and a bottom opening. A second member is located at least partly within the first member including a bottom opening and a closed top portion. A feeder for feeding the first material through the top opening of the first member is provided. A second feeder for feeding the second material.

Abstract: A method of continuously making chewing gum base employs low pressure, adequate residence time, and the flexibility of selectively feeding different ingredients at different locations on the mixer. The method involves the use of a paddle mixer, characterized by a plurality of paddles mounted on a longitudinal rotating shaft, preferably mounted on two parallel co-rotating shafts. The paddles cover at least about 40 percent of the active length of the shafts. This configuration provides for significant residence time in the mixer and low pressure gum base manufacture.

Abstract: A continuous method of making chewing gum base is provided wherein two continuous mixers are arranged in series. A higher viscosity portion including elastomer, filler, and elastomer plasticizer is continuously added and mixed in the first continuous mixer to form a blend. The blend is ventilated after leaving the first continuous mixer. The blend from the first continuous mixer is continuously added to the second continuous mixer. A lower viscosity portion including softener/emulsifier and, optionally, wax and additional elastomer plasticizer, is also continuously fed to the second continuous mixer and mixed therein with the blend from the first continuous mixer to form chewing gum base.