High molecular weight elastomer processing system for chewing gum

A system for introducing a liquified elastomeric material into a continuous gum base manufacturing process, said process including an extruder with a plurality of ports, said system comprising:

• an apparatus for converting solid elastomeric material to a liquid, said apparatus having a heated housing, a heated storage section, and a plurality of heated plate members positioned in said housing for melting said material, said plate members being arranged in at least one fan-shape grouping;
• removal means for removing heated liquid elastomeric material from said apparatus;
• and
• conveyance means for transporting said liquid elastomeric material to one of said ports in said extruder.

An apparatus for melting and processing a high molecular weight elastomeric material, such apparatus comprising:

• a housing;
• a conveyance section attached to said housing for conveying melted elastomeric material from said housing;
• a storage section attached to said conveyance section for storing melted elastomeric material received from said conveyor section;
• a plurality of heated plate members positioned in said housing;
• at least one diverter member positioned in said housing immediately adjacent said heated plate members for directing melted elastomeric material from said heated plate member to said conveyance section;
• and
• at least one load cell supporting said apparatus.

An apparatus for melting a high molecular weight elastomeric material, said apparatus comprising:

• a housing;
• a plurality of heated plate members positioned in said housing, said plate members being arranged in at least one fan-shape grouping;
• and
• a heated storage container for storing melted elastomeric material from said housing.