PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF CHEWING GUM

摘要

A system (301) and method are provided for automatically and continuously producing chewing gum and/or chewing gum base. A system controller (316) receives inputs of parameters necessary for production. Ingredients are automatically and continuously fed and mixed to form a desired end product. During production of chewing gum, the g um is automatically and continuously discharged from the mixer (324) and can be automatically dusted, rolled, scored and wrapped. The system is continuously monitored with the appropriate sensing devices (344, 352, 358, 362, 342, 331, 335). Signals indicative of t he sensed conditions are sent to the controller (316), and the system (301) automatically adjusts to produce a consistent end product. An alarm (336) is activated upon sensing of a predetermined condition.