Abstract: The present invention is a chewing gum base composition which includes an elastomer and a resin prepared in the absence of rosin esters and terpene components which includes an elastomer component raised to a compatibilization temperature for addition of a compatibilization component. The composition includes a high melting point wax compatibilization component added under low shear mixing conditions at a temperature sufficient to masticate the elastomer for forming a substantially homogeneous mass with the resin component. The compatibilization component is capable of effectuating dissociation of the elastomer under the conditions of temperature and mixing for forming the substantially homogeneous mass. Finally, a resin component is added also under low shear mixing conditions and mildly elevated temperatures until a substantially homogenous gum base mass is formed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprising:(a) a destructurized starch, and either(b) an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the following: (1) a polymer which contains at least two different types of functional groups, one of said types of these groups being hydroxyl groups; (2) at least one polymer which does not contain hydroxyl groups and is selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain at least two types of functional groups bound to the same molecule one type of these groups being carboxylate groups; (3) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers which contain tertiary amino groups and/or salts thereof and/or quaternary ammonium groups; (4) at least one polymer selected from the group of polysaccharides which have been chemically modified to contain added hydroxyalkyl groups and/or contain alkyl ether groups, and/or contain ester groups; (5) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone; (6) at

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a confectionery coated chewing gum composition having a center portion and a confectionery coating over the center portion wherein the center portion comprises a reduced-calorie gum base which comprises in percentages by weight of the gum base (a) an elastomer present in an amount from about 0.5% to about 20%, (b) a medium molecular weight polyvinyl acetate polymer having a molecular weight from about 35,000 to about 55,000 present in an amount from about 10% to about 25%, (c) an acetylated monoglyceride present in an amount from about 4.5% to about 10%, (d) a wax having a melting point below about 60.degree. C. present in an amount from about 6% to about 10%, and (e) a component selected from the group consisting of elastomer solvents, emulsifiers, plasticizers, fillers, and mixtures thereof, present in an amount to bring the total amount of gum base to 100%. The confectionery coated chewing gum compositions may be used with a wide variety of confectionery coatings.

Abstract: An automatic capsule filling apparatus includes a body holding ring and a superposed cap holding ring mounted on a ring carrier. The body holding ring includes rows of body cavities for holding a body portion of a capsule. A vacuum line is connected to an orifice in the bottom of each body cavity for retaining capsule body portions. The cap holding ring is superposed thereover and has corresponding cap cavities for receiving preassembled capsules. The cap holding ring includes a lip for engaging the cap portion when the cap holding ring is lifted from the vacuum-retained body holding ring, thereby removing the cap. The preassembled capsules are properly oriented and inserted into the rings row-by-row by a capsule rectifier. Once the rings are filled with capsules, the body holding ring vacuum is utilized to retain the capsule body portions, and the cap holding ring is lifted from the body holding ring to remove the caps from all of the preassembled empty capsules.

Abstract: A candy tempering apparatus for tempering a mass of hard candy material to a desired consistency comprises an inverted, truncated cone having an open top, an open bottom, and an inner surface having an upper rim portion. The cone is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and a feeder deposits molten candy material onto the upper rim. Fixedly positioned coaxially in the cone is a stator having adjustable arms carrying plows and rollers for advancing the candy material from the upper rim down the inner surface of the rotating cone and out through the open bottom. Also included are means for adjusting the speed of rotation, and the lateral positioning of the adjustable rollers and plows with respect to the inner surface of the cone, for kneading the candy material to a desired consistency. The cone may have a variable angle of inclination to accommodate the change in consistency of the candy as it cools, so that the cone is steeper toward the bottom of the cone.

Abstract: A razor unit and a method of forming the same having a skin-engaging portion and a sequentially molded shaving aid on the shaving unit wherein at least four anchoring openings are disposed substantially equidistant from each other.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for preparing pulverized Polydextrose having a particle size of under about 125 microns in diameter from Polydextrose which is substantially free of low molecular weight organic acids which comprises the steps of (a) admixing Polydextrose which is substantially free of low molecular weight organic acids with an anti-caking agent to form a mixture, and (b) pulverizing the mixture to form the pulverized Polydextrose. The pulverized Polydextrose composition may be used in a variety of chewing gum products and edible products. The present invention also pertains to methods for preparing the chewing gum and edible products in which the novel composition may be used.

Abstract: A device for shaving hair has a housing which is formed with a handle and which supports a razor blade and a heating means. More specifically, the heating means, which may be either a linearly-scanned laser beam or a ceramic or metallic heating element, is mounted in the housing to pre-heat the hair to be cut. Accordingly, the heating means softens the hair that is near the cutting edge of the blade, so that a blade which is less sharp than conventional blades may be used to cut the hair without unduly irritating the skin. Appropriate power supplies for the heating means may be contained within the housing, if desired.

Abstract: A new delivery system for zinc compounds and the process for its preparation is disclosed, which has use in a variety of products including comestibles such as chewing gum compositions, confections, pharmaceuticals, food products such as vitamin preparations, dentifrice compositions and throat lozenges. More particularly, this invention relates to a process for preparing a zinc compound delivery system comprised of a zinc core material coated with a first hydrophilic coating comprising a hydrocolloid material and a second hydrophobic coating selected from the group consisting of fats, waxes and mixtures thereof. The delivery system provides enhanced masking of the bitter flavor characteristic of zinc compounds, as well as reduced grittiness with retained stability at the elevated temperatures of product formulation.

Abstract: A sucralose-sweetened chewing gum composition having a moisture content below about 2% by weight, wherein the sucralose is released from said composition at a rate of 15 to 50 sucrose equivalents within the initial 30 seconds of chewing.

Abstract: A cardboard stick gum dispenser comprises a rectangular-shaped container which has a slot formed on the lower part of its front panel. A paper sling extends from the upper part of the container's rear panel through the inside of the container to the slot. A free end of the sling extends from the slot and a stack of stick gum is supported on the sling inside the container. An individually wrapped stick of gum is drawn through the slot whenever the free end of the sling is pulled away from the container.

Abstract: An improved food acid delivery system that effects a controlled release of the acid provides prolonged sourness, flavor and juiciness duration in chewing gums, pharmaceuticals and other confections. The food acid is encapsulated in a matrix comprised of an emulsifier and a polyvinyl acetate, the type of which is selected according to the water solubility of said food acid. A chewing gum composition employing the delivery system and a method for the preparation of both the delivery system and the gum composition are disclosed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibody to Treponema denticola JD-1 and Treponema species 10A and a continuous cell line for its production is disclosed. These antibodies are particularly useful in immunoassays for detecting the presence of these microorganisms in the oral cavity.

Abstract: According to this invention a disposable, moldable plastic razor is made by a single multi stage molding process. This is accomplished by molding a blade support around a single narrow blade and using the combination of blade support and blade as the basis for subsequently molding the other moldable plastic razor elements.In another aspect of this invention, a subassembly comprising blade support and blade is provided having certain defined spatial characteristics which provides the first "building block" for the assembled disposable razor.

Abstract: A non-staling, reduced density bubble gum composition is provided by a method wherein a bubble gum composition having a preselected bubble gum base composition is aerated with an inert gas in a pressurized environment. In a preferred embodiment, aeration of the bubble gum composition is achieved by the injection of nitrogen gas into the bubble gum composition during a pressurized extrusion of the gum.

Abstract: A razor mechanism particularly suited for use with a flexible cartridge having at least one attachment member freely moveable in a direction substantially toward the longitudinal axis of the razor mechanism in response to the flexing of the razor cartridge during shaving.

Abstract: A pivoting safety razor assembly for holding a blade device has a handle and a flexible member which interconnects the handle with the blade device. The blade device defines a cutting edge and the flexible member bends in response to shaving forces to move the handle in a rotational motion about the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a center-filled confectionary rope having a soft candy center. The apparatus of the invention includes a forming nose over which a rectangular sheet of candy is passed to form a continuous, hollow, substantially cylindrical outer layer of candy. A frustoconical extruder attached to the lower surface of the forming nose is provided for extruding a soft candy into the hollow portion of the cylindrical outer layer of candy as it is being formed by the forming nose. The combination of candy exterior and soft candy center is then passed through a forming chute which imparts to the confectionary a desired cross-sectional geometry.