Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprising the steps of compounding the ingredients in a single extruder. In an embodiment, the method includes 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 process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the step of compounding all of the ingredients in a single extruder. In an embodiment, the method includes 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 process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the steps of continuously adding a hard elastomer, a filler and lubricating agents into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and lubricating agents to a dispersive mixing operation followed by a distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress. The lubricating agents are introduced into the continuous mixer at a plurality of spatially separated feed inlets. Preferably part of the lubricating agents are introduced into the mixer with the hard elastomer and the filler prior to the dispersive mixing zone, and a portion of the lubricating agents are introduced into the mixer downstream of the dispersive mixing zone but prior to the distributive mixing zone. The lubricating agents may include elastomer solvents, soft elastomers, plastic polymers and softening agents such as fats, oils and waxes.

Abstract: A method of producing chewing gum with a controlled flavor release comprises the steps of continuously adding chewing gum ingredients to a continuous mixer, the chewing gum ingredients comprising one or more flavoring agents, the continuous mixer comprising a plurality of spatially separated feed inlets through which the chewing gum ingredients are added to the mixer, and the one or more flavoring agents being added to the mixer simultaneously at two or more feed inlets; subjecting the chewing gum ingredients to a continuous mixing operation within the mixer, thereby forming a chewing gum composition; and continuously discharging the chewing gum composition from the mixer while chewing gum ingredients continue to be introduced and mixed within the mixer. The locations at which the flavor components are added controls the flavor characteristics of the chewing gum composition.

Abstract: A continuous process of making a chewing gum base which provides a method for cooling at least certain sections of the mixer (extruder) in a cost effective and energy efficient manner. To this end, in an embodiment, a method of continuously compounding chewing gum base in an extruder comprising the steps of: feeding into the extruder the necessary components to create a desired gum base; and adding to the extruder, at a desired location, a gum base component, at ambient temperature, that has a sufficient thermal capacity to cool at least a portion of the contents of the extruder to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing a chewing gum base having the steps of continuously adding a hard elastomer, a filler and lubricating agents into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and lubricating agents to a dispersive mixing operation followed by a distributive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress. The filler is introduced into the continuous mixer at a plurality of spatially separated feed inlets. Preferably part of the filler is introduced into the mixer prior to the dispersive mixing zone, and a portion of the filler is introduced into the mixer downstream of the dispersive mixing zone but prior to the distributive mixing zone.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing a chewing gum composition comprises the steps of continuously adding fresh chewing gum ingredients into a continuous mixer; subjecting the fresh chewing gum ingredients to a continuous mixing operating within the mixer, thereby forming a chewing gum composition; continuously discharging the chewing gum composition from the continuous mixer while fresh chewing gum ingredients continue to be introduced and mixed within the mixer; and adding a portion of a previously produced chewing gum composition to the mixer and mixing the portion of previously produced chewing gum with the fresh chewing gum ingredients being continuously added to the mixer and mixed to form the chewing gum composition.

Abstract: A method of making chewing gum includes the steps of a) preparing a gum base concentrate having a composition useful for preparing a variety of finished gum bases and chewing gums, and b) combining the gum base concentrate with remaining gum base ingredients, and other chewing gum ingredients, in a single efficient 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 configure for the total manufacture of a wide variety of chewing gum products. By intergrating 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 process for continuously producing a chewing gum base comprises the steps of continuously adding a hard elastomer, a filler and lubricating agents comprising a softening agent into a continuous mixer, subjecting the elastomer, filler and lubricating agents to a dispersive mixing operation and continuously discharging the resulting chewing gum base from the mixer while the adding and mixing steps are in progress. The softening agent is introduced into the continuous mixer at a plurality of spatially separated feed inlets. The softening agent is selected from the group consisting of fats, oils, waxes, emulsifiers and mixtures thereof.

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 sugar-sweetened chewing gum is provided having enhanced long-term sweetness intensity during chewing, which is provided by the sugar. The sugar included in the chewing gum is at least 60% as sweet as sucrose. Water is provided in a sufficient quantity to dissolve and/or mix with at least some of the sugar. A mildly hydrophilic polymer attractor is provided which attracts the water mixed with sugar and temporarily delays the release of the water mixed with sugar during chewing. Surprisingly, the gum of the invention has enhanced long term flavor release provided by the sugar, without compromising the pleasing initial burst of sweetness, which is also provided by the sugar.

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.