Method for manufacturing chewing gum with scoring

A method for separating a comestible structure into a plurality of comestible structures includes providing at least one comestible structure including at least one score line to a clamping device, clamping a portion of said at least one comestible structure in said clamping device, and separating said portion from a remainder of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line via said clamping device.

FIELD

The present invention relates to comestible manufacturing methods and systems and more particularly, to a method and system for separating a comestible after forming and sizing a comestible.

BACKGROUND

Traditional systems used to manufacture gum can require multiple process steps, including removing scored sheets from the production line for off-line conditioning, separation, and cutting. As a result, gum pieces manufactured by these systems can sometimes include deformations and other inconsistencies due to removal and transportation to off-line areas. In addition, conventional systems typically require manual operator activities that can result in inefficiency of time, space, and cost. These manual operator activities may also be a source of contamination for the gum product being produced.

Accordingly, a manufacturing system capable of streamlining and simplifying a gum separation process while reducing deformation is desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a method for separating a comestible structure into a plurality of comestible structures includes providing at least one comestible structure including at least one score line to a clamping device, clamping a portion of said at least one comestible structure in said clamping device, and separating said portion from a remainder of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line via said clamping device.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments separating said portion of the at least one comestible structure from said remainder of the at least one comestible structure further comprises rotating said portion of the at least one comestible structure away from said remainder of the at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said at least one score line is a line of weakness formed in the at least one comestible structure, the at least one score line having a thickness less than a thickness of the at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising clamping another portion of the at least one comestible structure via said clamping device, wherein said another portion is part of said remainder of said at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said clamping device includes a first clamping assembly for clamping said portion of said at least one comestible structure and a second clamping assembly for clamping said another portion of said at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said first clamping assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and said clamping said portion of said at least one comestible structure includes applying a first clamping force to said portion of said at least one comestible structure by moving said upper portion of said first clamping assembly relative to said lower portion of said first clamping assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said second clamping assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and said clamping said another portion of said at least one comestible structure includes applying a second clamping force to said another portion of said at least one comestible structure by moving said upper portion of said second clamping assembly relative to said lower portion of said second clamping assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments separating said portion of said at least one comestible structure from a remainder of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line via said clamping device further comprises rotating said first clamping assembly about an axis away from said second clamping assembly.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising transporting said separated portion of at least one comestible structure to a downstream processing system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said downstream processing system is a packaging system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said transporting said separated portion of at least one comestible structure to said downstream processing system occurs automatically via a transport mechanism in response to said separating said portion of said at least one comestible structure from said remainder of said at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said transporting said separated portion of said at least one comestible structure to said downstream processing system is performed by a collaborative robot.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of said clamping said portion of said at least one comestible structure in said clamping device and said separating said portion from a remainder of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line via said clamping device is performed by a collaborative robot.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said at least one comestible structure is a sheet.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said at least one comestible structure includes a plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments each of the plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures has at least one score line, and said at least one score line of each comestible structure is generally vertically aligned.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments separating said portion from said remainder of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line further comprises applying a force to said portion, said force being greater than a tensile strength of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said comestible includes a chewing gum.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said comestible includes a confection.

According to another embodiment, a method for separating a comestible structure into a plurality of comestible structures includes providing at least one comestible structure including at least one score line, said score line defining a first portion and a second portion of said at least one comestible structure and rotating said first portion of said at least one comestible structure about an axis of rotation away from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure to separate said first portion of said at least one comestible structure from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said rotating said first portion of said at least one comestible structure about said axis of rotation away from said second portion applies a tension to said comestible structure at said at least one score line.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said axis of rotation is offset from said at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said axis of rotation is offset from said at least one score line.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said rotating said first portion of said at least one comestible structure about an axis of rotation away from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure is controlled automatically by an actuation mechanism.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments further comprising applying a clamping force to said first portion of said at least one comestible structure prior to rotating said first portion of said at least one comestible structure about an axis of rotation away from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one comestible structure is a chewing gum sheet.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the at least one comestible structure includes a plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments each of the plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures has at least one score line, and the at least one score line of each comestible structure is generally vertically aligned.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments rotating said first portion of said at least one comestible structure about an axis of rotation away from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure further comprises rotating said first portion of each of said plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures away from said second portion of each of said plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments rotating said first portion of each of said plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures away from said second portion of each of said plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures causes said first portion of each of said plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures to separate from said second portion of each of said plurality of vertically stacked comestible structures sequentially.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments comprising transporting said separated first portion of said at least one comestible structure to a downstream processing system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said downstream processing system is a packaging system.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said transporting said separated first portion of said at least one comestible structure to said downstream processing system occurs automatically via a transport mechanism in response to said separating said separated first portion of said at least one comestible structure from said second portion of separated first portion of said at least one comestible structure.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said transporting said separated portion of said at least one comestible structure to said downstream processing system is performed by a collaborative robot.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments rotating said first portion of said at least one comestible structure about said axis of rotation away from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure to separate said first portion of said at least one comestible structure from said second portion of said at least one comestible structure at said at least one score line is performed by a collaborative robot.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said comestible includes a chewing gum.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments said comestible includes a confection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure will detail particular embodiments which provide improvements for separating a comestible into individual strips suitable for use by a downstream processing system. The separating system disclosed herein can eliminate the need for manual positioning or stacking and/or separation of scored sheets required in conventional manufacturing systems. By eliminating these manual operating activities, the system can operate much more efficiently than the conventional lines, for example by reducing the required space, time, equipment, and manpower necessary to operate the system. Further, the system and method described herein reduces, and in some instances, eliminates manual handling of the comestible, thereby limiting contamination of the comestible.

The comestible discussed herein may include any type of edible product, including but not limited to chewing gum (at any stage including elastomer, partially finished base, finished chewing gum base, and finished chewing gum), confection (which may be synonymous with chewing gum, candy, or a combination of chewing gum and candy), sweet and savory biscuits and cakes, nuts, and grains for example. For ease of description, the comestible will be referred to as chewing gum for the remainder of the description. It should be understood that certain compositions of chewing gum may have a non-uniform texture and/or a multi-layered composition.

Referring now to the FIGS., a separating system20for separating a chewing gum provided thereto into one or more portions is illustrated. The chewing gum22, as discussed herein, may refer to any gum composition having one or more scores or score lines24formed therein. The chewing gum22to be separated 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. Although the chewing gum22illustrated and described herein is provided to the separating system20in the form of cut sheets, in other embodiments, embodiments where the chewing gum22is fed to the separating system20as one or more continuous sheets of chewing gum22, or another suitable configuration are also within the scope of the disclosure.

The separating system20may be used to separate the chewing gum22into strips or pieces26after forming and scoring have occurred. In some embodiments, the separating system20is applied after cooling and other processing steps have also been performed. In one embodiment, the separating system20is a portion of a gum manufacturing system (not shown) such that the chewing gum22supplied to the separating system20is provided from another component of the manufacturing system, such as from an upstream forming station for example. Further, the separating system20may be located upstream from one or more other processing components of a gum manufacturing system, such as a processing component operable to cool and/or condition the separated pieces of gum for example. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the sheets of chewing gum22may enter the separating system20with a temperature ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius. Further, the chewing gum22provided to the separating system20may have a substantially uniform thickness measured perpendicular to the flow of the chewing gum22through the separating system20. The sheets of chewing gum22, such as used in the formation of slab gum for example, may include a single layer, or alternatively, multi-layer (2, 3, etc.) compositions. In an embodiment, single layer compositions provided to the separating system20have a thickness between about 2 mm and 6 mm, and multi-layer compositions provided to the separating system20may, but need not have an increased thickness. For example, a multi-layer composition having three layers may be provided to the separating system20with a thickness also between about 2 and 6 mm.

As previously described, the chewing gum22provided to the separating system20is scored in at least a first direction. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the chewing gum22includes a plurality of scores24that extend generally perpendicular to the direction of flow of the chewing gum22through the separating system20, indicated by arrow F inFIG.1, and are formed at predetermined intervals or spacing. The scores24may be formed via any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to one or more rollers including a plurality of lateral knives. It should be appreciated that the depth of each of the scores24may be any depth less than the entire thickness of the chewing gum. Accordingly, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term “scoring” as achieved via any suitable device, may be defined as cutting to a depth less than the entire thickness of the chewing gum22such that a web remains between adjacent strips26defined by the scores24. As a result, separate strips or portions26of chewing gum22are defined but are not created via the scores24. Specifically, when the chewing gum22is scored to a depth less than the entire thickness of the chewing gum22, the scored chewing gum22is provided to the separating system20as a single body. It should be understood that the separate strips or portions26of the chewing gum defined by the scores24may have a length measured parallel to the direction of flow less than the width of the gum sheet22, as shown. However, it should be understood that the scores24may be used to define distinct strips or portions of the gum22having any suitable configuration, such as sheets for example.

As shown in the FIGS., the separating system20includes a support surface30and a clamping device40arranged adjacent a downstream end32of the support surface30. The support surface30is configured to receive a plurality of stacked sheets of chewing gum22thereon to facilitate movement of the chewing gum22toward the clamping device40. In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the support surface30is a fixed surface, and therefore does not actively move the chewing gum22located thereon. In an embodiment, a force is applied to the chewing gum22disposed on the support surface30via a drive mechanism34, such as a translatable plunger for example. In an embodiment, the support surface30has a reduced friction or is frictionless such that the chewing gum22may be easily moved thereon from the upstream end36toward the downstream end32.

Although a single sheet of scored chewing gum22may be provided to the separating system20and moved via the drive mechanism34, in other embodiments, a plurality of sheets of chewing gum22arranged in a stacked configuration may be provided to the separating system20simultaneously. With reference toFIG.2, the drive mechanism34may be configured to apply a force to all of the sheets of chewing gum22, or alternatively, to only a portion of the stacked sheets of chewing gum22. In embodiments where only a portion of the stacked sheets of chewing gum22are moved via a single operation of drive mechanism34, the portion of the stacked sheets of chewing gum22that are moved may, but need not be disposed in contact with the support surface30. Rather, these sheets may be arranged at the uppermost surface of the stack separated from the support surface30.

In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment ofFIG.3, the plurality of chewing gum sheets22are stacked to define a group28containing a predetermined number of sheets. Further, multiple groups28may be stacked vertically on top of one another on the support surface30. The plurality of sheets, and more specifically, the plurality of scores24formed in the sheets of chewing gum22within a single group28are generally vertically aligned. As a result, the portions or strips26arranged at a first, downstream end23of each sheet22, defined by the foremost score24ain each sheet of chewing gum22of the group28, are arranged in a vertically overlapping configuration. However, as best shown inFIG.5, it should be understood that the plurality of sheets22need not be perfectly aligned. On the contrary, as shown, the foremost scores24amay be offset from one another. Any offset between the foremost scores24ais acceptable if none of the foremost scores24aare positioned within the first and second clamping assemblies42,44as described in more detail below.

The clamping device40arranged adjacent the downstream end32of the support surface30includes a first clamping assembly42and a second clamping assembly44. The first and second clamping assemblies42,44are independently operable. The first clamping assembly42includes an upper portion46and a lower portion48. An upper surface50of the lower portion48is substantially aligned with an upper surface of the support surface30. As used herein the term “substantially aligned” is intended to include embodiments where the upper surfaces are flush and embodiments where the upper surfaces are offset from one another by a distance of up to 25% of a thickness of either the support surface30or the lower portion48. In an embodiment, the first clamping assembly42of the clamping device40may be integrated into, or integrally formed with the support surface30. Alternatively, the first clamping assembly42may be arranged separate from and directly adjacent to the downstream end32of the support surface30.

The upper portion46of the first clamping assembly42is movable between a first unclamped position (FIG.5) and a second clamped position (FIG.6) relative to the lower portion48of the first clamping assembly42. In the unclamped position, the clearance52between the upper portion46and the lower portion48is greater than the total thickness of the plurality of sheets of chewing gum22provided to the clamping assembly42. In the clamped position, the clearance52between the upper portion46and the lower portion48is less than the clearance52when the clamping assembly is in the unclamped position. As a result, the upper and lower portions46,48of the first clamping assembly42cooperate to apply a clamping force to the adjacent portion of the sheets of chewing gum22, thereby preventing movement of the sheets of chewing gum22relative to the first clamping assembly42.

The second clamping assembly44similarly includes an upper portion54and a lower portion56. The second clamping assembly44is arranged downstream from the first clamping assembly42relative to the direction of movement of the chewing gum22. An upper surface58of the lower portion56is substantially aligned with the upper surface50of the lower portion48of the first clamping assembly42. Accordingly, the one or more sheets of chewing gum22may be easily moved, such as translated via the drive mechanism34for example, from the first clamping assembly42to the second clamping assembly44. In an embodiment, the chewing gum22is provided to the clamping device40such that a foremost strip26aof at least the one or more scored sheet of chewing gum22is arranged within the second clamping assembly44and an adjacent upstream strip26bof the scored sheets of chewing gum22is arranged within the first clamping assembly42. In this configuration, the first and second clamping assemblies42,44are disposed on opposing sides of a score line24, such as the foremost score line24a, formed in the one or more stacked sheets22.

The upper portion54of the second clamping assembly44is also movable relative to the lower portion56of the second clamping assembly44between a first unclamped position (FIGS.5and6) and a second clamped position (FIG.7). The clearance60between the upper portion54and the lower portion56is greater than the total thickness of the plurality of sheets22being provided to the clamping assembly44when in the unclamped position, and when in the clamped position is less than the clearance in the unclamped position. Because the total height or thickness of the clearance60of the second clamping assembly44in the clamped position is less than the thickness of the one or more sheets22positioned therein, the upper and lower portions54,56of the second clamping assembly44cooperate to apply a clamping force to the adjacent portion of the sheets22, such as to the first strip26aof each of the plurality of stacked sheets22. Accordingly, application of the clamping force via the second clamping assembly44prevents movement of the clamped portion of the chewing gum sheets22relative to the second clamping assembly46.

Transformation of the first and second clamping assemblies42,44between the unclamped position and the clamped position may occur in any suitable manner, including but not limited to via a pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or electromechanical actuator. In an embodiment, a solenoid contained within the lower portion48,56of the clamping assemblies42,44may be selectively operated to move the upper portions46,54, thereby reducing the clearance52,60. Further, it should be understood that the first clamping assembly42and the second clamping assembly44may be operated by separate mechanisms, or alternatively, by a single mechanism.

In an embodiment, the clearance52,60of the first clamping assembly42and the second clamping assembly44, respectively when in the clamped position is generally equal. The clamping force applied by the first clamping assembly42to the one or more stacked sheets of chewing gum22is similar or equal to the clamping force applied by the second clamping assembly44to the one or more stacked sheets of chewing gum22. However, embodiments where the clearance50,60and/or the clamping force applied by the first and second clamping assemblies42,44are different are also within the scope of the disclosure. More specifically, any clearance and corresponding clamping force applied by the clamping assemblies42,44to one or more sheets of chewing gum22received therein is suitable if the portions26of chewing gum22are prevented from moving relative to the clamping assembly40. Further, it should be understood that the clamping force applied by both the first and second clamping assemblies42,44is limited so as not to damage or permanently deform the chewing gum sheets22.

The second clamping assembly44is additionally configured to rotate relative to the first clamping assembly42about an axis of rotation X (seeFIG.3). In an embodiment, the axis of rotation X is located at the intersection of a projection line extending from the first and second clamping assemblies42,44, respectively. As shown, the axis of rotation X extends generally parallel to the width of the chewing gum22and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the chewing gum22relative to the support surface30driven by the drive mechanism34. An actuation mechanism, illustrated schematically at70, is coupled to the second clamping assembly44and is selectively operable to rotate the second clamping assembly44about the axis X between a first position (FIG.6) and a second position (FIG.8). The second clamping assembly44is typically rotated via application of a single torque when in the clamped position. As a result, the upper portion54, the lower portion56, and the portion26aof the one or more gum sheets22being clamped by the upper and lower portions54,56of the second clamping assembly44rotate about the axis X in unison to apply tension to the one or more sheets of chewing gum22.

Through application of this rotational force to the second clamping assembly44, in a clockwise or downward direction away from the first clamping assembly42as illustrated by arrow F inFIG.9, each of the one or more stacked sheets of chewing gum22disposed within the clamping device40is separated into multiple portions26along a corresponding score line24positioned generally between the first clamping assembly42and the second clamping assembly44. The rotational force applied to the second clamping assembly, and the resulting force or torque applied to the sheets22is greater than the tensile strength of the chewing gum22at a score line, and specifically of the tensile strength at the score line24disposed between the first and second clamping assemblies42,44. In embodiments where a plurality of stacked sheets22are installed within the clamping device40, the foremost portion or strip26aof each of the stacked sheets22clamped by the second clamping assembly44is separated from a remainder of the stacked sheet22. Because the strips26aare separated from the remainder of the sheets22via a torque or rotational force, the strips26abeing clamped by the second clamping device44break sequentially. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the strip26aof the gum sheet22positioned furthest from the axis of rotation X is configured to break or separate first, and the strip26of the sheet22positioned closes to the axis of rotation X is configured to break or separate last. As shown inFIG.7, when the second clamping assembly44is in transition from the first position to the second position, only some of the strips26aclamped by the second clamping assembly44have been separated from the remainder of the sheets22along a respective score line24. Further, at least one of the strips26aremains connected to a corresponding chewing gum sheet22, while a strip26aassociated with another sheet22within the group28is separated therefrom. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, when the second clamping assembly44is in the rotated second position, the distance between the upper portion54of the second clamping assembly44and the upper portion46of the first clamping assembly42is greater than the distance between the lower portion56of the second clamping assembly42and the lower portion48of the first clamping assembly42. The difference in these distances, however, will depend on the location of the axis of rotation X.

After separation of the one or more strips26aclamped by the second clamping assembly44from the one or more sheets of chewing gum22being clamped by the first clamping assembly42, the second clamping assembly44may be rotated in an opposite direction about the axis of rotation, toward the first clamping assembly42and its first or original position. In an embodiment, the upper portion54of the second clamping assembly44will transform to the unclamped position as the second clamping assembly44pivots about axis X toward the first clamping assembly42. However, in other embodiments, the second clamping assembly44may be unclamped either prior to rotating about axis X or after returning to its original position.

With specific reference toFIGS.3,10, and11, the separating system20additionally includes a transport mechanism72arranged downstream from the clamping system40. This transport mechanism72may be operable to transfer the one or more separated strips26arranged within the clearance60of the second clamping assembly44to a downstream component74(FIG.11) of the gum manufacturing system, such as to a packaging apparatus for example. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment the transport mechanism72includes a robotic arm76having a movable claw or other attachment78operable to selectively grasp the one or more strips26disposed within the clearance60of the second clamping assembly44after being separated from the remainder of the chewing gum sheets22. However, it should be understood that any suitable mechanism for delivering the separated strips26ato a downstream component74of the manufacturing system is within the scope of the disclosure.

All a portion of the separating system20may be workable via a collaborative robot, also referred to as a “cobot” or a “co-robot.” For example, in an embodiment, the transport mechanism72configured to remove the separated portions26of chewing gum22from the clamping device40and provide them to a portion74of a packing system is a cobot. The cobot may be designed such that a maximum force that can be exerted by the cobot is limited, such as to less than or equal to 50 N for example, to prevent injury to a human who may interfere with operation thereof. However, it should be understood that the separating system20as a whole may be considered a cobot, or alternatively, other portions of the separating system, such as the drive mechanism34and the clamping device40may also be considered cobots.

Upon removal of the separated strips26from the second clamping assembly44, the upper portion48of the first clamping assembly42may be transformed from the clamped position to the unclamped position. However, it should be understood that this transformation of the first clamping assembly42may occur at any time after the second clamping assembly44has rotated away from the first clamping assembly42.

Through separation of the foremost strips26a, the strips that were previously considered upstream strips26bbecome the foremost strip26a. With both the first clamping assembly42and the second clamping assembly44in an unclamped position, the foremost end27of the one or more sheets of chewing gum22are moved forward relative to the clamping device40such that the foremost strip26aof the one or more chewing gum sheets22is aligned with the second clamping device44and the adjacent upstream strip26bof the chewing gum sheets22is aligned with the first clamping device42. This movement of the chewing gum sheets may occur via the transport mechanism30, or alternatively, via a drive mechanism34associated with the transport mechanism30. This process of separating the foremost strip26aor portion of the gum from the chewing gum sheets22may be repeated until the sheets22are divided at each of the scores24formed therein.

The separating system20disclosed herein may be an “in-line” system such that chewing gum22may be continuously transported between the plurality of components, such as support surface30, the clamping device40, and the downstream component of the manufacturing system without need for removal from the system20. In an embodiment, the chewing gum22does not need to be removed from the system for any necessary processing, such as conditioning or temperature control. This allows for greater production speed, volume, and efficiency relative to a conventional scoring process. However, embodiments where one or more components of the system are not “in-line” are also within the scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that the separating system20illustrated and described herein may be part of a continuous and/or in-line comestible manufacturing system.

Inclusion of the separating system20allows for continuous and expedited gum production. Because the separating system20eliminates manual portions of the packaging process, such as separating sheets into strips and manually feeding the strips to a packaging system for example, high speeds and continuous operation of the separating system and downstream packaging system can be achieved while eliminating the potential for contamination of the chewing gum. Additionally, through the design of the separation system20, deformation of the chewing gum formed in the system20is limited.