CONTINUOUS FORMATION OF CENTER FILLED GUM

摘要

Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material (50). An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum (25) is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum (50). A rotating drum mechanism (40) having a die ring (83) and cutter ring (90) with mating die members separate the rope of gum material (25) into individual pieces (50). Pairs of cam-operated plunger members (80, 82) compress and form the pieces of gum material (50) 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 (260) are positioned between rider members (250) on the plunger members. A feed chute (60) with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table (36) to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member (160) insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism (40). Portions of the drum mechanism can be selectively heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.