Abstract: A method and system for processing a chewing gum composition. The system comprises segment forming apparatus to form the gum into a multitude of segments, and a conveyor to receive the gum segments from the segment forming apparatus and to move those gum segments along a path. The system further comprises a plurality of extruders located along the conveyor to receive the gum segments therefrom and to extrude those gum segments into ropes of gum; and a plurality of wrapping units to receive those ropes of gum, to cut each rope into a multitude of pieces and to wrap those pieces.

Abstract: A system for processing a chewing gum composition. The system comprises segment forming apparatus to form the gum into a multitude of segments, and a conveyor to receive the gum segments from the segment forming apparatus and to move those gum segments along a path. The system further comprises a plurality of extruders located along the conveyor to receive the gum segments therefrom and to extrude those gum segments into ropes of gum; and a plurality of wrapping units to receive those ropes of gum, to cut each rope into a multitude of pieces and to wrap those pieces.

Abstract: An extruder having an extruder head that forms a tubular passageway, an extruder screw rotatably disposed in the tubular passageway, and a first motor connected to the extruder screw for rotating that screw to force an extrudable material through the tubular passageway. The extruder further has a feed hopper for holding the extrudable material, and having an outlet in communication with an inlet of the extruder head for conducting the material thereinto. The feed hopper defines a supplemental opening adjacent the inlet of the extruder head, and a feed assist roller is rotatably supported on the extruder and extends partly through this supplemental opening to a location adjacent the inlet of the extruder head. A second motor is connected to the feed assist roller for rotating that roller to facilitate moving the extrudable material from the feed hopper and into the tubular passageway of the extruder head.