US20240000100A1 - System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum - Google Patents
System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240000100A1 US20240000100A1 US18/448,306 US202318448306A US2024000100A1 US 20240000100 A1 US20240000100 A1 US 20240000100A1 US 202318448306 A US202318448306 A US 202318448306A US 2024000100 A1 US2024000100 A1 US 2024000100A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- chewing gum
- cutting
- cutting device
- gum sheet
- roller including
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 217
- 229940112822 chewing gum Drugs 0.000 title claims abstract description 156
- 235000015218 chewing gum Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 156
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 41
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 46
- 235000019198 oils Nutrition 0.000 description 46
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 8
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009966 trimming Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004594 Masterbatch (MB) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000006679 Mentha X verticillata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002899 Mentha suaveolens Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000001636 Mentha x rotundifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013329 compounding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011143 downstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010410 dusting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002480 mineral oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000010446 mineral oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015112 vegetable and seed oil Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008158 vegetable oil Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G4/00—Chewing gum
- A23G4/02—Apparatus specially adapted for manufacture or treatment of chewing gum
- A23G4/04—Apparatus specially adapted for manufacture or treatment of chewing gum for moulding or shaping
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G3/00—Sweetmeats; Confectionery; Marzipan; Coated or filled products
- A23G3/0002—Processes of manufacture not relating to composition and compounding ingredients
- A23G3/0004—Processes specially adapted for manufacture or treatment of sweetmeats or confectionery
- A23G3/0019—Shaping of liquid, paste, powder; Manufacture of moulded articles, e.g. modelling, moulding, calendering
- A23G3/0021—Processes in which the material is shaped at least partially by a die; Extrusion of cross-sections or plates, optionally the associated cutting
- A23G3/0023—Processes for cutting, modelling of sections or plates; Embossing, punching
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G3/00—Sweetmeats; Confectionery; Marzipan; Coated or filled products
- A23G3/02—Apparatus specially adapted for manufacture or treatment of sweetmeats or confectionery; Accessories therefor
- A23G3/0236—Shaping of liquid, paste, powder; Manufacture of moulded articles, e.g. modelling, moulding, calendering
- A23G3/0242—Apparatus in which the material is shaped at least partially by a die; Extrusion of cross-sections or plates, optionally the associated cutting device
- A23G3/0247—Devices for cutting, modelling of sections or plates; Embossing, punching, e.g. stamping tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G7/00—Other apparatus or process specially adapted for the chocolate or confectionery industry
- A23G7/0018—Apparatus for cutting or dividing chocolate or candies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D3/00—Cutting work characterised by the nature of the cut made; Apparatus therefor
- B26D3/08—Making a superficial cut in the surface of the work without removal of material, e.g. scoring, incising
- B26D3/085—On sheet material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/08—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting
- B26D7/088—Means for treating work or cutting member to facilitate cutting by cleaning or lubricating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D7/00—Details of apparatus for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
- B26D7/18—Means for removing cut-out material or waste
- B26D7/1845—Means for removing cut-out material or waste by non mechanical means
- B26D7/1854—Means for removing cut-out material or waste by non mechanical means by air under pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
- B26D—CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING, CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING
- B26D2210/00—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials
- B26D2210/02—Machines or methods used for cutting special materials for cutting food products, e.g. food slicers
Definitions
- the disclosure relates generally to a system and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum, and more particularly to a system and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum without the use of powder.
- Disclosed is a method for cutting chewing gum including providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; applying oil to said at least one cutting device; and cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device.
- a method for cutting chewing gum including providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device; and separating chewing gum from said at least one cutting device via a directing of compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
- a system for cutting chewing gum including a conveyor configured to provide a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; said at least one cutting device configured to cut said chewing gum sheet; and an oiling system configured to apply oil to said at least one cutting device.
- a system for cutting chewing gum including a conveyor configured to provide a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; said at least one cutting device configured to cut said chewing gum sheet; and a compressed air delivery system configured to direct a compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting system with the housing removed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 1 A is a partial side elevation view of a cutting system shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cutting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a cutting system in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
- the chewing gum 3 to be scored or cut by the cutting system 2 is referred to as “chewing gum” or “gum” and includes, but is not limited to, compositions ranging from and inclusive of compounded elastomer to finished gum, which may include compounded elastomer in addition to some compounding aids, master batch gum base, compounded elastomer in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients, compounded elastomer in addition to some gum base ingredients and some subsequent gum ingredients, gum base, gum base in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients, master batch finished gum, and finished gum.
- the chewing gum 3 may be formed into and processed as a plurality of sheets of chewing gum 3 or fed as a continuous sheet of chewing gum 3 .
- Incoming sheet(s) of chewing gum 3 may enter cutting system 2 with a temperature ranging from 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius, while preferably ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius.
- incoming sheet(s) of chewing gum 3 may have varying thicknesses.
- Sheet(s) of chewing gum 3 used for slab gum may include single layer and multi-layer (2, 3, etc.) compositions.
- Single layer sheet(s) of chewing gum 3 used for slab gum may range in thickness from 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters.
- Multi-layer sheet(s) of chewing gum 3 , particularly 3 layer sheet(s) may range from 4 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters.
- Sheet(s) of chewing gum 3 used for pellet gum may range in thickness from 4.5 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters.
- Pellet gum as known in the art, may have a generally arcuate or pillow shape after scoring/cutting, with a varying thickness along the length of the pellet gum body.
- the cutting system 2 includes cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 .
- these cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 may be a combination of rollers including a plurality of ring knives and rollers including a plurality of lateral knives, 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 used to score and/or cut chewing gum 3 .
- the cutting system 2 also includes an oiling system 10 and/or a compressed air delivery units 20 (as shown in FIG. 1 A ) to facilitate the release of chewing gum 3 from the cutting devices. Chewing gum 3 that has been cut and/or scored via the system 2 may later be conveyed from cutting system 2 for packaging or further processing.
- the cutting system 2 is used to score or cut the chewing gum 3 after forming, cooling, or other processing steps without applying powder to chewing gum 3 (directly or via system elements) in order to release the chewing gum 3 from the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , and 9 .
- the cutting system 2 includes a conveyor 4 , upper and lower parallel cutting device 6 , 7 , upper and lower perpendicular cutting device 8 , 9 , the oiling system 10 , and the compressed air delivery units 20 .
- the upper and lower parallel cutting devices 6 , 7 may be rollers including a plurality of ring knives that score and/or cut the chewing gum 3 parallel to the direction of the chewing gum flow 24 .
- the upper and lower perpendicular cutting devices 8 , 9 may be rollers including a plurality of lateral knives that may score and/or cut the chewing gum 3 perpendicular to the direction of the chewing gum flow 24 .
- the oiling system 10 may include oil rollers 12 , 16 that apply oil directly to the chewing gum 3 (and therefore indirectly to the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ) and oil sprayers 14 to apply oil directly to chewing gum 3 and/or to the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 .
- the compressed air delivery units 20 may operate in conjunction with or independently from oiling system 10 to assist in separating and releasing chewing gum 3 from the cutting devices by applying compressed air to the cutting surfaces of the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 .
- the chewing gum 3 is transported to cutting system 2 by conveyor 4 from a cooling device, forming device, or any other process device.
- the conveyor 4 includes belts, rollers, cutting devices, other suitable conveying devices, or any combination thereof.
- the system 2 may include dead plates or plates (not shown), that allow chewing gum 3 to slide between elements of cutting system 2 .
- these plates may include a non-stick surface.
- Dead plates and other elements may be spaced apart to support the gum 3 within the system (downstream of the conveyor 4 ), while allowing elements located between these plates, such as the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , oiling system 10 , and compressed air delivery units 20 , to interact with chewing gum 3 at upper and lower sides thereof.
- Actuation of chewing gum movement through the cutting system 2 from an entry point 26 of the cutting system 2 to an exit point 28 of the cutting system 2 is achieved via an exit conveyor 5 (which will be discussed in greater detail below) that pulls the chewing gum 3 through the system 2 .
- chewing gum 3 may be conveyed at a line speed of 3 to 40 meters per minute, particularly, 15 meters per minute or 30 meters per minute.
- oiling system 10 may impart medium chain trigylceride oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil or any other suitable oil for maintaining separation and preventing adherence between chewing gum 3 and the cutting devices.
- Suitable oils may have a viscosity between 1 to 100 centipoise at 20 to 40 degrees Celsius, particularly 25 degrees Celsius.
- the total weight of oil applied to chewing gum 3 may be between 0.1% to 3.0% of the total weight of chewing gum 3 .
- oil may be applied by oiling system 10 to the chewing gum 3 before chewing gum 3 is conveyed or provided to the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 via rollers 12 .
- Oil may be applied externally to oil rollers 12 (via a sprayer, etc.) or oil may be fed internally and flow outward to surface of oil rollers 12 .
- oil rollers 12 may be disposed above and/or below chewing gum 3 . Further, chewing gum 3 may be conveyed by the rolling motion of oil rollers 12 .
- the oil rollers 12 may be made of rubber or any other suitable material. Of course, oil sprayers (such as ultrasonic or high pressure sprayers) may also be used.
- First cutting devices 6 , 7 are shown to be disposed both above and below chewing gum 3 . However in alternative embodiments, first cutting devices 6 , 7 may be disposed only above or only below chewing gum 3 as first upper cutting device 6 or as first lower cutting device 7 . In further alternative embodiments, a single first cutting device 6 , 7 may be used in conjunction with a cutting surface to support and limit deflection of chewing gum 3 disposed opposite the single first cutting device 6 , 7 on the opposite surface (e.g. bottom surface) of chewing gum 3 . Cutting surfaces may include cylindrical rollers with smooth knifeless walls or flat plates or anvils.
- first cutting devices 6 , 7 may be configured to make one or more cuts in a parallel direction relative to chewing gum flow direction 24 at a predetermined spacing.
- first cutting devices 6 , 7 may be rollers including a plurality of ring knives spaced apart at a predetermined spacing in order to make one or more cuts in a parallel direction relative to the chewing gum flow direction 24 .
- the upper roller 6 may rotate in a generally counter clockwise direction while the lower roller 7 may rotate in a generally clockwise direction. These rollers may also oscillate to reduce wear.
- the cutting depth of the first cutting devices 6 , 7 may vary.
- Second cutting devices 8 , 9 are shown to be disposed both above and below chewing gum 3 . However in alternative embodiments, second cutting devices 8 , 9 may be disposed only above or only below chewing gum 3 as second upper cutting device 8 or as second lower cutting device 9 . In further alternative embodiments, a single second cutting device 8 , 9 may be used in conjunction with a cutting surface to support and limit deflection of chewing gum 3 disposed opposite the single second cutting device 8 , 9 on the opposite surface (e.g. bottom surface) of chewing gum 3 . Cutting surfaces may include cylindrical rollers with smooth knifeless walls or flat plates or anvils.
- second cutting devices 8 , 9 may be configured to make cuts in a perpendicular direction relative to chewing gum flow direction 24 at predetermined intervals or spacing. Further, second cutting devices 8 , 9 may be rollers including a plurality of lateral knives. The upper roller 8 may rotate in a generally counter clockwise direction while the lower roller 9 may rotate in a generally clockwise direction. Hereagain, these rollers may also oscillate to reduce wear. As will be discussed below, the cutting depth of the second cutting devices 8 , 9 may vary.
- oil may be applied to cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 by oil sprayers 14 .
- Oil sprayers 14 may be desirable for oil application in that they evenly distribute oil onto the cutting devices and may be disposed above and/or below the cutting devices.
- Oil sprayers may be ultrasonic sprayers and/or high pressure sprayers. Ultrasonic sprayers utilize a low pressure oil delivery system with a corresponding low velocity spray to control oil application. Similarly, atomized oil delivered by high pressure sprayers is also delivered with a low velocity spray to control oil application.
- Oil may be applied directly to the interface or cutting surfaces (e.g. cutting blades) of the cutting devices.
- rotary type cutting devices such as rollers including a plurality of ring knives 6 , 7 , and rollers including a plurality of lateral knives 8 , 9 may receive oil directly from oil rollers 16 disposed to be in rotational contact with the cutting or gum interface surfaces of cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 .
- oil applied to the chewing gum 3 itself will ultimately be indirectly applied to the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 .
- the cutting depth may be the entire height of the chewing gum 3 , or any depth less than the entire height of the chewing gum 3 .
- the cutting depth or combined cutting depth of cutting devices 6 , 7 and cutting devices 8 , 9 may be less than an entire height of the gum 3 .
- the term “cutting” as achieved via the above or other cutting devices may be defined as cutting through the entire height of the sheet of chewing gum 3 , wherein separate portions of chewing gum 3 that are independently conveyable are created, or as a scoring the chewing gum 3 to a depth less than the entire height of the chewing gum 3 , wherein separate portions of chewing gum 3 are not created.
- the forward motion of the gum web of chewing gum 3 may still convey the remainder of chewing gum 3 as the entire (continuous or non-continuous) sheet of chewing gum 3 .
- chewing gum 3 may move as a single unit and not be considered separate portions, though the unit may easily be separated into portions (along the scores) later.
- cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 in addition to cutting and/or scoring chewing gum 3 may perform a trimming operation. Trimming as achieved via the above or other cutting devices may be defined as cutting through the entire height of the sheet of chewing gum 3 along the edges of the sheet of chewing gum 3 . Portions removed by trimming may fall below conveyor 4 to a separate trim conveyor. The trim conveyor may move in the same direction as conveyor 4 and gum flow 24 .
- compressed air may be applied by compressed air delivery units 20 .
- compressed air delivery units 20 may be positioned proximate each of the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 . Though these units 20 are shown to be used in conjunction with the oiling system 10 in FIG. 1 , it should of course be appreciated that these units 20 may operate with or without the oiling system 10 or components thereof. That is, compressed air may be applied to cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 without being oiled.
- the compressed air may be applied to the cutting devices in a direction that is generally opposite rotation of the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , perhaps in a direction opposite of flow of the gum 3 .
- the compressed air is employed to sufficiently separate or at least assist to separate the chewing gum 3 from the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , with this separation being optionally assisted by including non-stick surfaces on the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 (via a non-stick coating applied to the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ).
- Separation of the chewing gum may include removing residual chewing gum 3 from the cutting device 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , reducing or eliminating the adherence between the chewing gum 3 sheet(s) and the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , and/or reducing or eliminating the adherence between trimmed portions of chewing gum 3 and the trim cutting devices (which are often ring knives at the end of cutting devices 6 , 7 that cut completely through the gum sheet 3 along trim end(s) thereof) and directing the trimmed portions from the remainder of the sheet 3 onto a trim conveyor.
- scrapers 18 may be disposed to remove excess oil and residual chewing gum 3 from the cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 .
- Scrapers 18 may be in interference contact with the ring knives 8 , 9 to be scraped, wherein a blade portion of scraper 18 is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the motion of the ring knives 8 , 9 to be scraped in order to remove any residual chewing gum 3 or excess oil.
- the chewing gum 3 may be conveyed from conveyor 4 to exit conveyor 5 , which transports the chewing gum 3 from the system 2 .
- Exit conveyor 5 may transport the chewing gum 3 to downstream processes such as cooling, packaging or any other suitable process.
- exit conveyor 5 may receive residual chewing gum 3 and excess oil from cutting and separation processes.
- a scraper 19 may be disposed on the return side of the exit conveyor 5 to scrape chewing gum 3 and excess oil.
- the chewing gum 3 may be sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
- the cutting devices may be disposed in a housing 30 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the relative humidity within the housing may be between 10% to 40% to eliminate condensation on cutting devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , and rollers 16 .
- the temperature within the housing 30 may be maintained between 18 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius.
- FIG. 3 an alternative embodiment of the system 2 is illustrated, wherein the second cutting devices 8 , 9 are replaced with a reciprocating cutting system 21 .
- the chewing gum 3 is cut into pellet shaped gum.
- the reciprocating cutting system 21 shown in FIG. 3 includes a reciprocating knife 22 and cutting surface 23 .
- This system 21 is configured to cut the chewing gum 3 in a direction perpendicular to flow 24 .
- Reciprocating knife 22 reciprocates in a vertical cutting motion, and may additionally move horizontally to compensate for speed of gum flow 24 while cutting chewing gum 3 .
- Cutting surface 23 is a relatively fixed surface configured to facilitate the cutting operation of reciprocating knife 22 by limiting the downward travel of gum 3 as reciprocating knife 22 moves downward.
- the cutting depth of reciprocating knife 22 may be the entire height of chewing gum 3 to create separate portions in a perpendicular direction relative to gum flow direction 24 or may alternatively cut to a depth less than the entire height of chewing gum 3 to allow for a score that allows chewing gum 3 to be conveyed as a single unit.
- oil may be applied to one or both of the reciprocating knife 22 and cutting surface 23 by oil sprayers 14 .
- oil sprayers may be ultrasonic sprayers and/or high pressure sprayers.
- Oil sprayers 14 may be desirable for oil application in that they evenly distribute oil onto the reciprocating knife 22 and cutting surface 23 .
- oil applied to the chewing gum 3 itself at roller 12 will ultimately be indirectly applied to the reciprocating knife 22 and cutting surface 23 .
- non-powdered chewing gum compositions may be cut without the adhering to cutting elements. This desirably reduces the need for preventative maintenance associated with powder use, increases equipment uptime, increases air quality by removing airborne particulates, removes the need for dust collection, and eliminates the need to change-over between fruit and mint dusting systems.
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for cutting chewing gum, the method including providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; applying oil to said at least one cutting device; and cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device. Further disclosed is a method for cutting chewing gum, the method including providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device; and separating chewing gum from said at least one cutting device via a directing of compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
Description
- This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/102,049, filed Jun. 6, 2016, which is a National Stage application of PCT/US2014/068766, filed Dec. 5, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/913,061, filed Dec. 6, 2013, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
- The disclosure relates generally to a system and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum, and more particularly to a system and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum without the use of powder.
- Conventional scoring and cutting systems and methods used for scoring and cutting chewing gum often require the application of powder to the chewing gum in order to sufficiently release the chewing gum from the cutting devices. Such application of powder to the chewing gum may cause a buildup of excess powder on process equipment, leading to greater maintenance requirements and lower operating efficiencies.
- Accordingly, a system and method for efficiently and effectively scoring and/or cutting chewing gum without the application of powder would be desirable.
- Disclosed is a method for cutting chewing gum, the method including providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; applying oil to said at least one cutting device; and cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device.
- Further disclosed is a method for cutting chewing gum, the method including providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device; and separating chewing gum from said at least one cutting device via a directing of compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
- Further disclosed is a system for cutting chewing gum, the system including a conveyor configured to provide a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; said at least one cutting device configured to cut said chewing gum sheet; and an oiling system configured to apply oil to said at least one cutting device.
- Further disclosed is a system for cutting chewing gum, the system including a conveyor configured to provide a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device; said at least one cutting device configured to cut said chewing gum sheet; and a compressed air delivery system configured to direct a compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
- The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting system with the housing removed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 1A is a partial side elevation view of a cutting system shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cutting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and -
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a cutting system in accordance with an alternative embodiment. - The following disclosure will detail particular embodiments according to the present invention, which provides systems and methods for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum, particularly systems and methods for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum without the use of powder. Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the disclosure.
- Referring first to
FIG. 1 , acutting system 2 forchewing gum 3 is illustrated. Thechewing gum 3 to be scored or cut by thecutting system 2 is referred to as “chewing gum” or “gum” and includes, but is not limited to, compositions ranging from and inclusive of compounded elastomer to finished gum, which may include compounded elastomer in addition to some compounding aids, master batch gum base, compounded elastomer in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients, compounded elastomer in addition to some gum base ingredients and some subsequent gum ingredients, gum base, gum base in addition to some subsequent gum ingredients, master batch finished gum, and finished gum. Thechewing gum 3 may be formed into and processed as a plurality of sheets ofchewing gum 3 or fed as a continuous sheet ofchewing gum 3. - Incoming sheet(s) of
chewing gum 3 may entercutting system 2 with a temperature ranging from 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius, while preferably ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. - Further, incoming sheet(s) of
chewing gum 3 may have varying thicknesses. Sheet(s) ofchewing gum 3 used for slab gum may include single layer and multi-layer (2, 3, etc.) compositions. Single layer sheet(s) ofchewing gum 3 used for slab gum may range in thickness from 3 millimeters to 4 millimeters. Multi-layer sheet(s) ofchewing gum 3, particularly 3 layer sheet(s) may range from 4 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters. Sheet(s) ofchewing gum 3 used for pellet gum may range in thickness from 4.5 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters. Pellet gum, as known in the art, may have a generally arcuate or pillow shape after scoring/cutting, with a varying thickness along the length of the pellet gum body. - As shown in the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 1 , thecutting system 2 includescutting devices cutting devices chewing gum 3. Thecutting system 2 also includes anoiling system 10 and/or a compressed air delivery units 20 (as shown inFIG. 1A ) to facilitate the release ofchewing gum 3 from the cutting devices. Chewinggum 3 that has been cut and/or scored via thesystem 2 may later be conveyed from cuttingsystem 2 for packaging or further processing. As will be discussed in conjunction with the system elements hereinbelow, thecutting system 2 is used to score or cut thechewing gum 3 after forming, cooling, or other processing steps without applying powder to chewing gum 3 (directly or via system elements) in order to release thechewing gum 3 from thecutting devices - As shown schematically in the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 1 and briefly mentioned above, thecutting system 2 includes a conveyor 4, upper and lowerparallel cutting device perpendicular cutting device oiling system 10, and the compressedair delivery units 20. The upper and lowerparallel cutting devices chewing gum 3 parallel to the direction of thechewing gum flow 24. Alternatively, the upper and lowerperpendicular cutting devices chewing gum 3 perpendicular to the direction of thechewing gum flow 24. Theoiling system 10 may includeoil rollers cutting devices oil sprayers 14 to apply oil directly to chewinggum 3 and/or to thecutting devices air delivery units 20 may operate in conjunction with or independently fromoiling system 10 to assist in separating and releasingchewing gum 3 from the cutting devices by applying compressed air to the cutting surfaces of thecutting devices - When the
system 2 is in use, thechewing gum 3 is transported to cuttingsystem 2 by conveyor 4 from a cooling device, forming device, or any other process device. - In an exemplary embodiment, the conveyor 4 includes belts, rollers, cutting devices, other suitable conveying devices, or any combination thereof. Further, downstream of a conveyor termination point the
system 2 may include dead plates or plates (not shown), that allowchewing gum 3 to slide between elements ofcutting system 2. In an exemplary embodiment, these plates may include a non-stick surface. Dead plates and other elements may be spaced apart to support thegum 3 within the system (downstream of the conveyor 4), while allowing elements located between these plates, such as thecutting devices oiling system 10, and compressedair delivery units 20, to interact withchewing gum 3 at upper and lower sides thereof. Actuation of chewing gum movement through thecutting system 2 from anentry point 26 of thecutting system 2 to anexit point 28 of thecutting system 2 is achieved via an exit conveyor 5 (which will be discussed in greater detail below) that pulls thechewing gum 3 through thesystem 2. A “pushing” by the conveyor 4 and the rotation of thecutting devices system 2,chewing gum 3 may be conveyed at a line speed of 3 to 40 meters per minute, particularly, 15 meters per minute or 30 meters per minute. - Various types of oil may be applied within the
system 2. For example, the various components ofoiling system 10 may impart medium chain trigylceride oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil or any other suitable oil for maintaining separation and preventing adherence betweenchewing gum 3 and the cutting devices. Suitable oils may have a viscosity between 1 to 100 centipoise at 20 to 40 degrees Celsius, particularly 25 degrees Celsius. The total weight of oil applied to chewinggum 3 may be between 0.1% to 3.0% of the total weight ofchewing gum 3. - In at least one embodiment, oil may be applied by
oiling system 10 to thechewing gum 3 before chewinggum 3 is conveyed or provided to thecutting devices rollers 12. Oil may be applied externally to oil rollers 12 (via a sprayer, etc.) or oil may be fed internally and flow outward to surface ofoil rollers 12. In at least one embodiment,oil rollers 12 may be disposed above and/or belowchewing gum 3. Further,chewing gum 3 may be conveyed by the rolling motion ofoil rollers 12. Theoil rollers 12 may be made of rubber or any other suitable material. Of course, oil sprayers (such as ultrasonic or high pressure sprayers) may also be used. - Downstream of the
rollers 12, thechewing gum 3 is conveyed to thecutting devices First cutting devices gum 3. However in alternative embodiments,first cutting devices gum 3 as firstupper cutting device 6 or as firstlower cutting device 7. In further alternative embodiments, a singlefirst cutting device gum 3 disposed opposite the singlefirst cutting device gum 3. Cutting surfaces may include cylindrical rollers with smooth knifeless walls or flat plates or anvils. - In at least one embodiment,
first cutting devices gum flow direction 24 at a predetermined spacing. Further,first cutting devices gum flow direction 24. Theupper roller 6 may rotate in a generally counter clockwise direction while thelower roller 7 may rotate in a generally clockwise direction. These rollers may also oscillate to reduce wear. As will be discussed below, the cutting depth of thefirst cutting devices - Downstream of the
first cutting devices gum 3 is conveyed tosecond cutting devices Second cutting devices gum 3. However in alternative embodiments,second cutting devices gum 3 as secondupper cutting device 8 or as secondlower cutting device 9. In further alternative embodiments, a singlesecond cutting device gum 3 disposed opposite the singlesecond cutting device gum 3. Cutting surfaces may include cylindrical rollers with smooth knifeless walls or flat plates or anvils. - In at least one embodiment,
second cutting devices gum flow direction 24 at predetermined intervals or spacing. Further,second cutting devices upper roller 8 may rotate in a generally counter clockwise direction while thelower roller 9 may rotate in a generally clockwise direction. Hereagain, these rollers may also oscillate to reduce wear. As will be discussed below, the cutting depth of thesecond cutting devices - In order to effectively reduce presence of
residual chewing gum 3 and promote separation of chewinggum 3 from the cutting devices oil may be applied to cuttingdevices oil sprayers 14.Oil sprayers 14 may be desirable for oil application in that they evenly distribute oil onto the cutting devices and may be disposed above and/or below the cutting devices. Oil sprayers may be ultrasonic sprayers and/or high pressure sprayers. Ultrasonic sprayers utilize a low pressure oil delivery system with a corresponding low velocity spray to control oil application. Similarly, atomized oil delivered by high pressure sprayers is also delivered with a low velocity spray to control oil application. - Oil may be applied directly to the interface or cutting surfaces (e.g. cutting blades) of the cutting devices. Further, rotary type cutting devices, such as rollers including a plurality of
ring knives lateral knives oil rollers 16 disposed to be in rotational contact with the cutting or gum interface surfaces of cuttingdevices chewing gum 3 itself will ultimately be indirectly applied to thecutting devices - In embodiments with a single
first cutting device second cutting device gum 3, or any depth less than the entire height of the chewinggum 3. In embodiments with an upperfirst cutting device 6 and a lowerfirst cutting device 7 and/or an uppersecond cutting device 8 and a lowersecond cutting device 9, the cutting depth or combined cutting depth of cuttingdevices cutting devices gum 3. - In accordance with the above and for the purposes of this disclosure, the term “cutting” as achieved via the above or other cutting devices may be defined as cutting through the entire height of the sheet of chewing
gum 3, wherein separate portions of chewinggum 3 that are independently conveyable are created, or as a scoring thechewing gum 3 to a depth less than the entire height of the chewinggum 3, wherein separate portions of chewinggum 3 are not created. Specifically, when the chewinggum 3 is cut or scored through to a depth less than the entire height of the chewinggum 3, the forward motion of the gum web of chewinggum 3 may still convey the remainder of chewinggum 3 as the entire (continuous or non-continuous) sheet of chewinggum 3. Accordingly, chewinggum 3 may move as a single unit and not be considered separate portions, though the unit may easily be separated into portions (along the scores) later. - Further, cutting
devices scoring chewing gum 3 may perform a trimming operation. Trimming as achieved via the above or other cutting devices may be defined as cutting through the entire height of the sheet of chewinggum 3 along the edges of the sheet of chewinggum 3. Portions removed by trimming may fall below conveyor 4 to a separate trim conveyor. The trim conveyor may move in the same direction as conveyor 4 andgum flow 24. - As the
chewing gum 3 passes through thecutting devices gum 3 from cuttingdevices air delivery units 20. As shown inFIG. 1 , compressedair delivery units 20 may be positioned proximate each of thecutting devices units 20 are shown to be used in conjunction with theoiling system 10 inFIG. 1 , it should of course be appreciated that theseunits 20 may operate with or without the oilingsystem 10 or components thereof. That is, compressed air may be applied to cuttingdevices - The compressed air may be applied to the cutting devices in a direction that is generally opposite rotation of the
cutting devices gum 3. The compressed air is employed to sufficiently separate or at least assist to separate thechewing gum 3 from thecutting devices cutting devices cutting devices residual chewing gum 3 from thecutting device gum 3 sheet(s) and thecutting devices gum 3 and the trim cutting devices (which are often ring knives at the end of cuttingdevices gum sheet 3 along trim end(s) thereof) and directing the trimmed portions from the remainder of thesheet 3 onto a trim conveyor. - In addition, excess oil that may have accumulated on the cutting devices and chewing
gum 3, which may be undesirably transferred to other portions of cuttingsystem 2 and to other processes downstream of cuttingsystem 2, may be addressed viascrapers 18.Scrapers 18 may be disposed to remove excess oil andresidual chewing gum 3 from thecutting devices ring knives scrapers 18 may be in interference contact with thering knives scraper 18 is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the motion of thering knives residual chewing gum 3 or excess oil. - After all cutting and separation operations, the chewing
gum 3 may be conveyed from conveyor 4 to exit conveyor 5, which transports the chewinggum 3 from thesystem 2. Exit conveyor 5 may transport the chewinggum 3 to downstream processes such as cooling, packaging or any other suitable process. Further, exit conveyor 5 may receiveresidual chewing gum 3 and excess oil from cutting and separation processes. Ascraper 19 may be disposed on the return side of the exit conveyor 5 to scrapechewing gum 3 and excess oil. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , it should be noted that the chewinggum 3 may be sensitive to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. In order to control such environmental factors, the cutting devices may be disposed in ahousing 30 as shown inFIG. 2 . Withinhousing 30, dehumidified and cooled air may be forced and circulated. The relative humidity within the housing may be between 10% to 40% to eliminate condensation on cuttingdevices rollers 16. Further, the temperature within thehousing 30 may be maintained between 18 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , an alternative embodiment of thesystem 2 is illustrated, wherein thesecond cutting devices gum 3 is cut into pellet shaped gum. - The reciprocating cutting system 21 shown in
FIG. 3 includes a reciprocatingknife 22 and cuttingsurface 23. This system 21 is configured to cut the chewinggum 3 in a direction perpendicular to flow 24. Reciprocatingknife 22 reciprocates in a vertical cutting motion, and may additionally move horizontally to compensate for speed ofgum flow 24 while cuttingchewing gum 3. Cuttingsurface 23 is a relatively fixed surface configured to facilitate the cutting operation of reciprocatingknife 22 by limiting the downward travel ofgum 3 as reciprocatingknife 22 moves downward. Similarly and accordingly, the cutting depth of reciprocatingknife 22 may be the entire height of chewinggum 3 to create separate portions in a perpendicular direction relative togum flow direction 24 or may alternatively cut to a depth less than the entire height of chewinggum 3 to allow for a score that allows chewinggum 3 to be conveyed as a single unit. - Similarly to that which was discussed with regards to cutting
devices residual chewing gum 3 and promote separation of chewinggum 3 from the reciprocatingknife 22 and cuttingsurface 23 oil may be applied to one or both of the reciprocatingknife 22 and cuttingsurface 23 byoil sprayers 14. Hereagain, oil sprayers may be ultrasonic sprayers and/or high pressure sprayers.Oil sprayers 14 may be desirable for oil application in that they evenly distribute oil onto the reciprocatingknife 22 and cuttingsurface 23. Of course, oil applied to thechewing gum 3 itself atroller 12 will ultimately be indirectly applied to the reciprocatingknife 22 and cuttingsurface 23. - Via the above discussed system embodiments, non-powdered chewing gum compositions may be cut without the adhering to cutting elements. This desirably reduces the need for preventative maintenance associated with powder use, increases equipment uptime, increases air quality by removing airborne particulates, removes the need for dust collection, and eliminates the need to change-over between fruit and mint dusting systems.
- All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
- The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
- Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims (20)
1. A method for cutting chewing gum, the method comprising:
providing a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device;
cutting said chewing gum sheet via said at least one cutting device; and
separating chewing gum from said at least one cutting device via a directing of compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device has non-stick properties.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device is at least one upper cutting device disposed at a relatively upper surface of said gum sheet and at least one lower cutting device disposed at a relatively second surface of said gum sheet, said compressed air being directed onto both of said upper cutting device and said lower cutting device.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device is at least one roller including a plurality of ring knives configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction parallel to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device is at least one roller including a plurality of lateral knives configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction perpendicular to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device is at least one roller including a plurality of ring knives configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction parallel to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device and at least one roller including a plurality of lateral knives configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction perpendicular to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device, said compressed air being directed onto both of said at least one roller including said plurality of ring knives and said at least one roller including said plurality of lateral knives.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein said at least one roller including said plurality of ring knives is at least one upper roller including a plurality of ring knives disposed at a relatively upper surface of said chewing gum sheet and at least one lower roller including a plurality of ring knives disposed at a relatively lower surface of said chewing gum sheet, said compressed air being directed onto both of said upper roller including said plurality of ring knives and said lower roller including said plurality of ring knives.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said at least one roller including said plurality of lateral knives is at least one upper roller including a plurality of lateral knives disposed at a relatively upper surface of said chewing gum sheet and at least one lower roller including a plurality of lateral knives disposed at a relatively lower surface of said chewing gum sheet, said compressed air being directed onto both of said upper roller including said plurality of lateral knives and said lower roller including said plurality of lateral knives.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device is an at least one reciprocating cutting device including a reciprocating knife and a cutting surface, wherein said reciprocating device is configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction perpendicular to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one cutting device is at least one roller including a plurality of ring knives configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction parallel to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device and an at least one reciprocating cutting device including a reciprocating knife and a cutting surface, wherein said reciprocating device is configured for said cutting of said gum sheet in a direction perpendicular to a direction of gum flow towards said at least one cutting device, said compressed air being directed onto both of said least one roller including said plurality of ring knives and said at least one reciprocating cutting device.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein said at least one roller including said plurality of ring knives is at least one upper roller including a plurality of ring knives disposed at a relatively upper surface of said chewing gum sheet and at least one lower roller including a plurality of ring knives disposed at a relatively lower surface of said chewing gum sheet, said compressed air being directed onto both of said upper roller including said plurality of ring knives and said lower roller including said plurality of ring knives.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein said chewing gum sheet has a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein said chewing gum sheet is a pellet gum sheet with a thickness of 4.5 millimeters to 5.5 millimeters.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising cooling the chewing gum at least one of before said cutting and after said cutting.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein said cutting of said chewing gum sheet is a scoring through an incomplete height of said gum sheet.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein said scoring occurs at an upper and lower surface of said gum sheet via a first and second cutting device, wherein said scoring occurs at a combined upper and lower depth that is less than said height of said chewing gum sheet.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein said cutting of said chewing gum sheet is a cut through a complete height of said chewing gum sheet, separating said chewing gum sheet into chewing gum sections or pieces.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein said cutting of said chewing gum sheet is a cut through a complete height of said chewing gum sheet along at least one edge of chewing gum sheet, and said separating is a reducing of adherence between said chewing gum sheet and said at least one cutting device while said chewing gum sheet moves across said at least one cutting device at said edge of said chewing gum sheet.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein said separating is a reducing of adherence between said chewing gum sheet and said at least one cutting device while said chewing gum sheet moves across said at least one cutting device.
20. A system for cutting chewing gum, the system comprising:
a conveyor configured to provide a chewing gum sheet to at least one cutting device;
said at least one cutting device configured to cut said chewing gum sheet; and
a compressed air delivery system configured to direct a compressed air onto said at least one cutting device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/448,306 US20240000100A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2023-08-11 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361913061P | 2013-12-06 | 2013-12-06 | |
PCT/US2014/068766 WO2015085159A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-12-05 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
US201615102049A | 2016-06-06 | 2016-06-06 | |
US18/448,306 US20240000100A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2023-08-11 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2014/068766 Continuation WO2015085159A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-12-05 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
US15/102,049 Continuation US11800880B2 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-12-05 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240000100A1 true US20240000100A1 (en) | 2024-01-04 |
Family
ID=52278773
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/102,049 Active 2035-11-17 US11800880B2 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-12-05 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
US18/448,306 Pending US20240000100A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2023-08-11 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/102,049 Active 2035-11-17 US11800880B2 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-12-05 | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US11800880B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP3076798B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP6825906B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN117581936A (en) |
ES (1) | ES2940236T3 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3076798T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015085159A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3076798B1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2023-02-01 | Intercontinental Great Brands LLC | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
CN107414951A (en) * | 2017-09-29 | 2017-12-01 | 云南省昌宁恒盛糖业有限责任公司 | A kind of piece candy stripping and slicing device |
AT521636B1 (en) * | 2018-09-11 | 2020-12-15 | Koenig Maschinen Gmbh | Dough sheet forming organ with cutting device |
EP3863414A1 (en) * | 2018-10-08 | 2021-08-18 | Intercontinental Great Brands LLC | Method for manufacturing chewing gum with scoring |
CN109455338A (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2019-03-12 | 成都三可实业有限公司 | A kind of sugar-tablet transmission device |
CN111844190A (en) * | 2020-07-30 | 2020-10-30 | 湖南芳维食品有限公司 | Candy processing is with slitting device of being convenient for fix candy |
CN112092089B (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2022-04-15 | 苏州天立达精密科技股份有限公司 | Automatic die cutting device for adhesive products |
EP4342303A1 (en) | 2022-09-21 | 2024-03-27 | Perfetti Van Melle S.p.A. | Apparatus for making confectionery products |
Family Cites Families (104)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1072316A (en) * | 1911-01-05 | 1913-09-02 | Cottrell C B & Sons Co | Web cutting and folding machine. |
US1771506A (en) | 1926-11-10 | 1930-07-29 | Gilbert B Mustin | Method of making chewing-gum sandwiches |
US1771981A (en) | 1928-09-10 | 1930-07-29 | Gilbert B Mustin | Chewing gum and method of making same |
US2076112A (en) | 1930-01-30 | 1937-04-06 | Sweets Lab Inc | Masticable material |
GB359458A (en) | 1930-07-17 | 1931-10-19 | Gilbert Barklay Mustin | Improvements in chewing gum and the methods of making the same |
US1944577A (en) | 1930-07-30 | 1934-01-23 | Rose Brothers Ltd | Machine or apparatus for cutting plastic toffee or like material |
US1945755A (en) * | 1932-10-21 | 1934-02-06 | Jr Oscar De Witt Seruggs | Dough handling machine |
US2187801A (en) * | 1938-01-05 | 1940-01-23 | Brustowsky Morris | Device for scraping the knives of slicing machines |
US2319140A (en) * | 1941-05-28 | 1943-05-11 | Bettendorf Co | Lubricating device for bread slicers |
GB674294A (en) | 1949-08-01 | 1952-06-18 | Baker Perkins Ltd | Improvements relating to confection cutting machines |
US2913342A (en) | 1956-07-27 | 1959-11-17 | Gen Foods Corp | Powdered fat composition and process |
US3291614A (en) | 1958-03-03 | 1966-12-13 | Nat Dairy Prod Corp | Soluble dry milk product and a method of producing the same |
US2970915A (en) | 1958-06-27 | 1961-02-07 | Short Milling Co J | Method of preparing bread |
US3174428A (en) * | 1960-05-12 | 1965-03-23 | William F Huck | Rotary web processing apparatus |
US3052560A (en) | 1961-04-07 | 1962-09-04 | Kadison Lab Inc | Dry, free-flowing meat curing compositions |
US3176554A (en) * | 1962-11-28 | 1965-04-06 | Jacob E Dietrich | Loaf splitter |
US3188983A (en) * | 1963-01-09 | 1965-06-15 | Topps Chewing Gum Co Inc | Apparatus for continuously conveying and cooling extruded substances |
US3200685A (en) * | 1963-02-04 | 1965-08-17 | Topps Chewing Gum Inc | Device to cut edges of sheets and remove scrap |
US3455755A (en) * | 1963-12-31 | 1969-07-15 | L A Drevfus Co | Method and apparatus for producing laminated slabs |
US3293043A (en) | 1964-01-08 | 1966-12-20 | Borden Co | Unbaked bakery products for refrigerator storage coated with acetylated monoglycerides |
US3285750A (en) | 1964-03-09 | 1966-11-15 | Daiwa Chemical Ind Ltd | Chewing gum compositions having low adherence when discarded and methods of preparation thereof |
US3338154A (en) * | 1965-10-01 | 1967-08-29 | Products Fiesta S A | Machine for the production of churros and similar fritters |
US3570417A (en) * | 1969-07-22 | 1971-03-16 | Topps Chewing Gum Inc | Method of making decorative confectionery product |
US3734748A (en) | 1970-12-18 | 1973-05-22 | Ueno Fine Chemical Ind | Method of preventing the spoilage of bread |
US3698271A (en) * | 1971-05-03 | 1972-10-17 | Preston Engravers Inc | Adjustable air eject die-cutting assembly |
US3872752A (en) * | 1973-04-27 | 1975-03-25 | Gen Mills Inc | Snack cutter |
US3952647A (en) * | 1973-09-19 | 1976-04-27 | Brown International Corporation | Roll for extracting oil from shaved flavedo |
US3984574A (en) | 1975-04-11 | 1976-10-05 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Non-tack chewing gum composition |
US3974293A (en) | 1975-11-26 | 1976-08-10 | Life Savers, Inc. | Non-adhesive chewing gum composition |
JPS545063A (en) | 1977-06-13 | 1979-01-16 | Kanebo Ltd | Powdery mold releasing agent for confectionery |
US4288280A (en) * | 1979-10-19 | 1981-09-08 | Boston Machine Works Company | Tape applying machine |
US4357862A (en) * | 1980-03-04 | 1982-11-09 | Jeno's, Inc. | Apparatus for the continuous production of fried dough crusts |
US4318323A (en) * | 1980-05-19 | 1982-03-09 | Hobart Corporation | Slave blade scrapers for a band saw |
US4475426A (en) | 1982-04-29 | 1984-10-09 | "Loesch"-Verpackungstechnik Gmbh & Co Kg | Apparatus for supplying chewing gum to a packaging machine |
SE442964B (en) * | 1982-12-01 | 1986-02-10 | Tetra Pak Int | VIEW TO REMOVE GAMING MATERIAL AT CUTTING CONTROL WITH CONNECTING ROLLS |
JPS59187498A (en) * | 1983-04-05 | 1984-10-24 | 日本たばこ産業株式会社 | Cleaning device for cork knife |
JPS6062948A (en) * | 1983-09-13 | 1985-04-11 | Meiji Chiyuuingamu Kk | Forming of chewing gum |
US4555407A (en) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-11-26 | General Foods Corporation | Continuous chewing gum method |
US4882175A (en) * | 1988-05-05 | 1989-11-21 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Method for forming a confectionary product into a rolled tape |
US4954353A (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1990-09-04 | Warner-Lambert Company | Anhydrous chewing gum with improved stability |
US5031497A (en) * | 1989-06-29 | 1991-07-16 | Continental Baking Company | Bread slicing machine cleaner |
US4993211A (en) | 1989-11-13 | 1991-02-19 | Warner-Lambert Company | Soft chewing gum wrapping machine and method |
US5235885A (en) * | 1991-10-23 | 1993-08-17 | Kraft General Foods, Inc. | Food slicing with continuous cleaning of endless band slicing blades |
US5304055A (en) | 1991-11-27 | 1994-04-19 | Nabisco, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for the production of three-dimensional food products |
US5286502A (en) | 1992-04-21 | 1994-02-15 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Use of edible film to prolong chewing gum shelf life |
US7112345B1 (en) * | 1993-04-07 | 2006-09-26 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Multi-Phase sheeted chewing gum and method and apparatus for making |
US5405623A (en) | 1993-09-22 | 1995-04-11 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Chewing gum compositions and methods for manufacturing same |
US5562936A (en) * | 1993-09-24 | 1996-10-08 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Continuous chewing gum base manufacturing process using highly distribute mixing |
US5626892A (en) * | 1993-11-24 | 1997-05-06 | Nabisco, Inc. | Method for production of multi-flavored and multi-colored chewing gum |
JP2983455B2 (en) * | 1995-08-30 | 1999-11-29 | 鐘紡株式会社 | Method for producing chewing gum chips and apparatus used for the same |
US5789002A (en) * | 1996-10-03 | 1998-08-04 | Warner-Lambert Company | Gum sweetener/acid processing system |
US5792495A (en) * | 1996-10-03 | 1998-08-11 | Warner-Lambert Company | Elastomer processing system for chewing gum |
US5756133A (en) * | 1996-10-03 | 1998-05-26 | Warner-Lambert Company | Continuous gum base processing with cooling towers |
US5971739A (en) | 1996-12-31 | 1999-10-26 | Hoffman; Earl Roger | Gum processing and packaging system |
NL1005537C2 (en) * | 1997-03-14 | 1998-09-15 | Rompa Patent Beheer B V | Apparatus for slicing bread and the like bakery products. |
US5972392A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1999-10-26 | Wrico Packaging | Embossed chewing gum product and method for manufacturing same |
US6153233A (en) * | 1998-08-12 | 2000-11-28 | General Mills, Inc. | Food item and its fabricating methods |
US6284291B1 (en) * | 1999-08-09 | 2001-09-04 | Warner-Lambert Company | Method and apparatus for continuously forming center-filled gum |
US6626660B1 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2003-09-30 | Baptista's Bakery, Inc. | Apparatus for production of twisted baked goods |
US6838098B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2005-01-04 | Cadbury Adams Usa, Llc | Continuous formation of center filled gum |
US6472001B1 (en) * | 2000-09-07 | 2002-10-29 | Joseph M. Bunkers | System for continuously forming center filled gum |
ATE385700T1 (en) * | 2000-09-12 | 2008-03-15 | Wrigley W M Jun Co | CHEWING GUM FORMULATIONS CONTAINING ENCAPSULATED ASPARTAME AND SODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE |
US6623266B2 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2003-09-23 | Cadbury Adams Usa Llc | Apparatus for making a center-filled gum lollipop with hard candy shell |
US6558725B2 (en) * | 2001-08-15 | 2003-05-06 | Recot, Inc. | Method and apparatus for preparing sliced plantains |
DE10147617B4 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2016-05-25 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg | slicing |
US6962128B2 (en) * | 2002-11-01 | 2005-11-08 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Seasoning recovery and recycle |
DE10311169A1 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2004-09-23 | Sms Eumuco Gmbh | Arrangement for extruding curved extruded profiles has rotary table arranged in press output to receive curved profiles, shape in mold arranged, bent by external forces and cut into sub-lengths |
DE60327169D1 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2009-05-28 | Gumlinck As | Method of making chewing gum products and compressed chewing gum tablets |
DE60323055D1 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2008-10-02 | Gumlinck As | Method for producing chewing gum granules and compressed chewing gum products, and a chewing gum granulating system |
EP1627573A1 (en) * | 2004-08-20 | 2006-02-22 | Firmenich Sa | A process for the incorporation of a flavor or fragrance ingredient or composition into a carbohydrate matrix |
US7442026B2 (en) * | 2004-08-23 | 2008-10-28 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Apparatuses for producing alternatively shaped confectionary products |
EP1830802B1 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2012-07-04 | Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC | Effervescent pressed chewing gum tablet compositions |
CA2628584C (en) * | 2005-11-04 | 2011-10-18 | Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company | Apparatus for producing a center-filled confectionery and method |
US20090044671A1 (en) * | 2006-06-09 | 2009-02-19 | Greenleaf Richard J | Punch press shedder pin knockout arrangement |
BRPI0713879A2 (en) * | 2006-06-29 | 2012-11-06 | Cadbury Adams Usa Llc | streamlined chain cutter for forming gum-filled pieces in the center |
US20080057154A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-06 | Dandy Sakiz Ve Sekerleme Sanayi A.S. | Apparatus and Method for Making Chewing Gum Pieces |
US7807946B2 (en) * | 2007-04-03 | 2010-10-05 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Workpiece cutting and free body scrap collection system |
ATE546263T1 (en) * | 2007-08-06 | 2012-03-15 | John Bean Technologies Corp | COMPLEX HOLD-OWN CONVEYOR FOR A CUTTING MACHINE |
CA2699806A1 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2009-03-26 | Niconovum Ab | Stable chewing gum compositions comprising maltitol and providing rapid release of nicotine |
US20090162475A1 (en) * | 2007-12-21 | 2009-06-25 | Cadbury Adams Usa Llc | Gum Structure Mixing Systems And Methods |
RU2512168C2 (en) * | 2008-04-18 | 2014-04-10 | Вм. Ригли Дж. Компани | Method, device and system for chewing gum sheet and product production |
US9185924B2 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2015-11-17 | Intercontinental Great Brands Llc | Sugar free mannitol confectionery and methods of making same |
EP2303042B1 (en) * | 2008-05-26 | 2012-02-08 | Gumlink A/S | Continuous formation of center-filled chewing gum |
ES2666202T3 (en) * | 2008-11-28 | 2018-05-03 | Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc | Article, method and equipment for confectionery composition |
US8226401B2 (en) * | 2009-01-12 | 2012-07-24 | Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc | Gum manufacturing system with loafing and conditioning features |
FR2949296B1 (en) | 2009-09-01 | 2011-11-18 | Roquette Freres | PROCESS FOR TOTAL OR PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF TALC IN CHEWING-GUMS |
EP2485601A4 (en) * | 2009-10-08 | 2014-08-13 | Intercontinental Great Brands Llc | Co-extruded layered candy and gum apparatus and methods |
ES2441738T3 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-02-06 | Intercontinental Great Brands Llc | Sugar-free sweets, methods for their preparation and use in the preparation of multilayer confectionery products |
CN201544533U (en) * | 2009-10-30 | 2010-08-11 | 上海亚华印刷机械有限公司 | Blowing stripping device of automatic hot stamping die-cutting machine |
MX342223B (en) * | 2009-12-21 | 2016-09-21 | Kent Gida Maddeleri Sanayii Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi * | Coated multi-region confectionery and methods of making the same. |
BR112012018075A2 (en) | 2010-01-21 | 2019-09-24 | Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc | "chewing gum formation and sizing system and method and / or chewing gum temperature change". |
JP2012029639A (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-16 | Lotte Co Ltd | Method for producing chewing gum surface-coated with flavor substance |
GB2487944B (en) | 2011-02-09 | 2018-02-21 | Spice Application Systems Ltd | A comestible product coating delivery method and apparatus |
US10973238B2 (en) * | 2011-03-11 | 2021-04-13 | Intercontinental Great Brands Llc | System and method of forming multilayer confectionery |
SG186510A1 (en) * | 2011-06-23 | 2013-01-30 | Systems Automation S Pte Ltd Fa | Cutting machine and method of cutting |
US20140302195A1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2014-10-09 | Intercontinental Great Brands Llc | Method for forming chewing gum |
EP2734054A2 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2014-05-28 | Intercontinental Great Brands LLC | Advanced gum forming and cooling |
DE102011117315A1 (en) * | 2011-10-28 | 2013-05-02 | Weber Maschinenbau Gmbh Breidenbach | Self-cleaning device for processing food products |
PL2594138T3 (en) * | 2011-11-17 | 2016-07-29 | Wrigley W M Jun Co | Extruded crunchy confectionary |
DE102012001831B4 (en) * | 2012-02-01 | 2015-03-19 | Hochland Se | Method and device for separating and stacking food slices |
TWM446502U (en) * | 2012-10-02 | 2013-02-11 | Jia-Yu Lin | Rolling cutting device |
ES2684411T3 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2018-10-02 | Mars, Incorporated | Cutter with angle of inclination of the varied cavity |
EP3076798B1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2023-02-01 | Intercontinental Great Brands LLC | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum |
US20150360381A1 (en) * | 2014-06-17 | 2015-12-17 | Key Technology, Inc. | Cutting Apparatus |
-
2014
- 2014-12-05 EP EP14821951.2A patent/EP3076798B1/en active Active
- 2014-12-05 EP EP22210176.8A patent/EP4179877A1/en active Pending
- 2014-12-05 PL PL14821951.2T patent/PL3076798T3/en unknown
- 2014-12-05 US US15/102,049 patent/US11800880B2/en active Active
- 2014-12-05 ES ES14821951T patent/ES2940236T3/en active Active
- 2014-12-05 CN CN202311563154.7A patent/CN117581936A/en active Pending
- 2014-12-05 JP JP2016528828A patent/JP6825906B2/en active Active
- 2014-12-05 WO PCT/US2014/068766 patent/WO2015085159A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-12-05 CN CN201480065441.8A patent/CN105792661A/en active Pending
-
2019
- 2019-02-04 JP JP2019017750A patent/JP2019062926A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2023
- 2023-08-11 US US18/448,306 patent/US20240000100A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US11800880B2 (en) | 2023-10-31 |
EP4179877A1 (en) | 2023-05-17 |
CN105792661A (en) | 2016-07-20 |
JP6825906B2 (en) | 2021-02-03 |
ES2940236T3 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
EP3076798A1 (en) | 2016-10-12 |
WO2015085159A1 (en) | 2015-06-11 |
EP3076798B1 (en) | 2023-02-01 |
US20160309737A1 (en) | 2016-10-27 |
JP2019062926A (en) | 2019-04-25 |
JP2016535599A (en) | 2016-11-17 |
PL3076798T3 (en) | 2023-03-27 |
CN117581936A (en) | 2024-02-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20240000100A1 (en) | System and method for scoring and/or cutting chewing gum | |
US20170165858A1 (en) | Slicing device comprising rapid-manufacturing components | |
KR101967960B1 (en) | Apparatus for coating and method for coating | |
RU2657021C2 (en) | Method of producing food product | |
US9237738B2 (en) | Cutting of a soft food mass | |
CN106455672B (en) | High-efficiency spraying coating method for improving process and packaging | |
CN101712225A (en) | Automatic gluing production line | |
US10919174B2 (en) | Device for cutting food using a liquid jet | |
US20220039399A1 (en) | Dough Strip Shaping Member Having A Cutting Device | |
JP5080684B1 (en) | Ear drop device | |
US20220287322A1 (en) | System and method for efficient pellet manufacturing | |
JP4895243B1 (en) | Bread slicer | |
EP4169393B1 (en) | Apparatus for making a sheet of material comprising vegetable and/or alkaloid substances | |
WO2016064723A1 (en) | Gum strip cutting and handling system for slab wrapping machine | |
CN206776726U (en) | Ripe potato chips tablet press machine | |
JP5180681B2 (en) | Continuous production method and apparatus for strip or dice food |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC, NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WYMORE, ANN E.;JANI, BHARAT;VAN NIEKERK, MILES J.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20140226 TO 20140310;REEL/FRAME:064562/0446 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PERFETTI VAN MELLE BENELUX B.V., NETHERLANDS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:066370/0767 Effective date: 20231001 |