Adapter member for connecting extruders

US6168306A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• WARNER-LAMBERT COMPANY LLC · US

Inventors

• Marc Degady · Morristown, US
• Kevin R. Tebrinke · Winterset, US
• James A. Duggan · Temperance, US
• Susan B. Filardo · Ramapo, US
• Tony R. Puri · Sparta, US
• Arthur W. Upmann · Rockton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 4, 1998
• Grant date: Jan 2, 2001
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S209/925
• WIPO field: Food chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process and apparatus for processing polyvinylacetate and other similar ingredients of a gum base or chewing gum product are disclosed. The ingredient materials are separated into individual pieces by a lump breaker and conveyed through a pneumatic conveying system to a cyclone receiver and holding bin. A volumetric feeder feeds the material into a side feeder which in turn introduces and feeds the material to the main continuous extruder used for making the final gum base or gum product. A unique adapter with a curved outer end shape connects the side feeder to the main extruder internal bone which allows repair and/or modification of the side feeder without separating it from the main extruder.