Patents by Inventor Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr.
Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr. 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).
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Patent number: 7115656Abstract: This invention discloses methods of anti-platelet therapy or prophylaxis comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of a procyanidin oligomer or a derivative thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 7067679Abstract: Various processes are disclosed for preparing protected epicatechin oligomers having (4?,8)-interflavan linkages. In one process, a tetra-O-protected epicatechin monomer or oligomer is coupled with a protected, C-4 activated epicatechin monomer in the presence of an acidic clay such as a mortmorillonite clay. In another process, a 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected or a 3-acetyl-, 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected epicatechin or catechin monomer or oligomer is reacted with 3-O-acetyl-4-[(2-benzothiazolyl)thio]-5,7,3?,4?-tetra-O-benzylepicatechin in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate. In another process, two 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected epicatechin monomers activated with 2-(benzothiazolyl)thio groups at the C-4 positions are cross-coupled in the presence of silver tetrofluoroborate. A process is also disclosed for reacting an unprotected epicatechin or catechin monomer with 4-(benzylthio)epicatechin or catechin.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventors: Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tückmantel, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6998417Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R is 3-(?)—OH, 3-(?)—OH, 3-(?)—O-sugar, or 3-(?)—O-sugar; bonding between adjacent monomers takes place at positions 4, 6 or 8; a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4 has alpha or beta stereochemistry; X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of monomeric unit A, hydrogen, and a sugar, with the provisos that as to the at least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the additional monomeric unit thereto (the bonding of the additional monomeric unit adjacent to the terminal monomeric unit) is at position 4 andType: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6905715Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive methods also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 6900241Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R, X, Y and Z are as defined in the specification.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6887501Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 6864377Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the production of linear and branched procyanidin oligomers having “n” procyanidin monomeric units where n is 2 to 18. The processes include coupling protected, activated monomers with an unprotected monomer to produce a partially protected (4?8) dimer. The dimer is optionally blocked, coupled with an activated protected monomer to produce a partially protected, optionally blocked trimer, and deprotected. The steps can be repeated to produce higher oligomers. Processes are also provided for producing (8?8), (8?6), and (6?6) dimers and doubly branched oligomers. Crystalline 8-bromo tetra-O-benzyl (?)-epicatechin is produced under certain conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Leo J Romanczyk, Jr., Amit Basak, Craig A Townsend
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Patent number: 6849746Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of polyphenol oligomers having n polyphenol monomeric units, n being an integer from 2-18. The process includes coupling of a protected polyphenol, having protected phenolic hydroxyl groups, with a C-4 functionalized polyphenol monomer. The protected polyphenol may be a protected polyphenol monomer or a protected polyphenol oligomer having 2-17 monomeric units. Advantageously, polyphenol monomeric units forming the polyphenol oligomers may be the same or different flavanoid compounds.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Mars, Inc.Inventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tueckmantel, Marc E. Lippman
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Patent number: 6805883Abstract: Foods and pharmaceuticals which contain cocoa and/or nut procyanidin(s) in combination with L-arginine are effective to induce a physiological increase in nitric oxide production in a mammal having ingested the product. A preferred food product is a confection, particularly a dark or milk chocolate containing nuts. The procyanidins may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as chocolate liquor and/or cocoa solids prepared from underfermented beans and nut skins. The L-arginine may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as nut meats, nut pastes, and/or nut flours, seeds, seed pastes, and/or seed flours, or gelatin. The beneficial health effects may include, for example, reduced blood pressure, resistance to cardiovascular disease, and anticancer activity.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kati A. Chevaux, Harold H. Schmitz, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6790966Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topiosomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck
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Patent number: 6777005Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topiosomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck
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Patent number: 6747059Abstract: Cocoa extracts which include procyanidin monomers and their oligomers are useful in the modulation of inflammatory pathways, in the maintenance of the vascular health of a mammal and as an antibacterial treatment. The liquid or dry cocoa extracts can be included in foods, food supplements and pharmaceuticals for the inhibition of COX activity, the inhibition of LOX activity, the enhancement of nitric oxide production, the modulation of eicosanoids and endothelin, and the modulation of platelet activity.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6743450Abstract: Cocoa oils containing phytosterols and tocols are prepared by extracting the cocoa hulls from dried unfermented or fermented cocoa beans, micronized cocoa beans, or roasted beans with a solvent such as petroleum ether and then removing the solvent. The cocoa oils are useful in foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Craig McClelland
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Patent number: 6737088Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 6720432Abstract: Oligomeric procyanidins containing 4&agr;-linked epicatechin units are rare in nature and have hitherto not been accessible through stereoselective synthesis. Provided herein is the preparation of the prototypical dimer, epicatechin-4&agr;,8-epicatechin, by reaction of the protected 4-ketones with aryllithium reagents derived by halogen/metal exchange from the aryl bromides. Removal of the 4-hydroxyl group from the resulting tertiary benzylic alcohols is effected by tri-n-butyltin hydride and trifluoroacetic acid in a completely stereoselective manner, resulting in hydride delivery exclusively from the &bgr; face.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Alan P. Kozikowski, Leo J. Romanczyk Jr., Werner Tückmantel
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Patent number: 6696485Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising a cyclo-oxygenase modulator in combination with cocoa procyanidin monomers and/or oligomers, wherein the cyclo-oxygenase modulator is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin. Such compositions may be used for the treatment of cardiovascular related disorders.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6673379Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Mars Inc.Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 6670390Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R is 3-(&agr;)-OH, 3-(&bgr;)-OH, 3-(&agr;)-O-sugar, or 3-(&bgr;)-O-sugar.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Laurie S. Post, Giovanni G. Cipolla, Craig A. McClelland, Jeff A. Mundt, Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6638971Abstract: Polyphenol-containing compositions, for example cocoa procyanidin monomer and/or oligomer-containing compositions, and their use inhibiting bacterial growth are disclosed. Compositions may be used for human and veterinary animal administration and may be, for example, in a form of a food, a dietary supplement, or a pharmaceutical.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Laurie S. Post, Giovanni G. Cipolla, Craig A. McClelland, Jeff A. Mundt, Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6599553Abstract: A dry drink mix which is rich in cocoa polyphenols such as catechin, epicatechin, and cocoa procyanidins contains a cocoa polyphenol rich cocoa powder, an alkalized cocoa powder, and a sweetener. The dry mix contains other conventional ingredients such as vanillin an emulsifier. A chocolate flavored drink can be prepared from the dry drink mix by adding milk, for example a low fat milk. The cocoa polyphenol rich cocoa powder is prepared from non-roasted cocoa beans or blends thereof having a fermentation factor of 275 less, i.e., slaty and/or purple cocoa beans. The alkalized cocoa powder is prepared from roasted cocoa beans.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Hans M. Geyer, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz