Abstract: A method of manufacturing a delivery system of at least one active component encapsulated in an encapsulating material, which is useful, for example, for providing delayed and/or controlled release of the active is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material, including applying an anti-sticking agent to the rope of liquid-filled gum material before it is individually cut into pieces. The invention further provides for a liquid-filled chewing gum including a liquid-fill composition, and a gum region surrounding the liquid-fill composition, where the gum region includes an anti-sticking agent that reduces the tendency of the gum region to stick to the molds and operating machinery during gum manufacturing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a delivery system of at least one active component encapsulated in an encapsulating material, which is useful, for example, for providing delayed and/or controlled release of the active is described.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for processing the elastomeric component of a gum base or chewing gum product. Bulk blocks or slabs of elastomeric materials are conveyed to a housing with a rotary cutting mechanism. A feeding and metering mechanism controls the introduction of the blocks or slabs to the cutting mechanism. A lubricant feeding mechanism controls the introduction of lubricant to the housing for coating and lubricating the elastomeric materials. A cooling mechanism maintains the temperature of the housing and materials within a prespecified range. A screen or filtering mechanism controls the size of the ground-up pieces of material which are removed from the housing. Vacuum-conveyer systems convey the ground-up pieces of material to a storage hopper where excess lubricant is removed and then to a metering mechanism for selective introduction of the pieces of material to an extruder mechanism and/or gum or gum base manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing the elastomeric component of a gum base or chewing gum product is disclosed. Slabs of elastomeric material are metered into a rotary cutting mechanism together with a powdered lubricant and the elastomer is ground up into small flakes and particles which are coated with the powder. A vacuum-conveyor system transports the elastomeric particles through a cyclone receiver, blender and sifter where excess powder is removed. The elastomeric particles are then transported through another receiver and fed into an extruder by a metered feeding mechanism.