Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Bernatz

Kevin J. Bernatz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Process and apparatus for producing miniature gum ball centers using an underwater pelletizer
    Patent number: 6551643
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming confectionery products into desired shapes. In an embodiment, the ingredients of a confectionery product, such as a bubble gum, are blended together. The ingredients are mixed, cooled and then formed into traditional center pieces. Next, the center pieces are fed into an underwater pelletizer. The underwater pelletizer cuts the extruded confectionery pieces into miniature products. A recirculating supply of water immediately sweeps away the miniature products from the pelletizer, cools the products and transport the products to a centrifugal dryer. The centrifugal dryer separates the miniature products from the circulating water. The separated miniature products are immediately dusted with an anti-agglomerating compound. Finally, the product is coated or otherwise packaged for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Bernatz, Enrique M. Valdez, Lindell C. Richey
  • Process and apparatus for producing miniature gum ball centers using an underwater pelletizer
    Publication number: 20030021871
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming confectionery products into desired shapes. In an embodiment, the ingredients of a confectionery product, such as a bubble gum, are blended together. The ingredients are mixed, cooled and then formed into traditional center pieces. Next, the center pieces are fed into an underwater pelletizer. The underwater pelletizer cuts the extruded confectionery pieces into miniature products. A recirculating supply of water immediately sweeps away the miniature products from the pelletizer, cools the products and transport the products to a centrifugal dryer. The centrifugal dryer separates the miniature products from the circulating water. The separated miniature products are immediately dusted with an anti-agglomerating compound. Finally, the product is coated or otherwise packaged for consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin J. Bernatz, Enrique M. Valdez, Lindell C. Richey
  • Hexagonal confectionary tablet
    Patent number: D510173
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: WM. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Lindell C. Richey, Kevin J. Bernatz, Henry M. Valdez, Joseph D. Rancich, Michael M. Shulski
  • Flat hexagonal confectionary tablet
    Patent number: D510174
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Lindell C. Richey, Kevin J. Bernatz, Henry M. Valdez, Joseph D. Rancich, Michael M. Shulski