Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparation of a bifidobacteria-nourishing medium by subjecting a saccharide-based feedstock containing fructosyl units to flash flow conditions. The resulting shearform matrix is then treated to provide a medium having fructosyl-containing oligosaccharide. Preferably, the shearform matrix is treated by subjecting it to acid thermolysis conditions. Also provided is a method of nourishing mammalian alimentary tract for preferential growth of bifidobacteria. In addition, there is provided a medium for nourishing bifidobacteria and comestible products made therefrom.

Abstract: Shearform compositions made without added glycerine are disclosed. The compositions are self-binding and exhibit excellent cohesivity when used in tableting compositions. Typically, xylitol is incorporated into a feedstock which is flash-flow processed to form a self-binding shearform matrix.

Abstract: A spinner head provides for the production of high fat content floss. The spinner head includes a base and a cover spaced from the base. A plurality of discrete spaced apart elongate heating elements are positioned between the base and the cover and define a chamber for accommodating feedstock material therein. The chamber is spun and the feedstock material is heated and is expelled through the spaces between the heating elements. Feedstock engagement surfaces are positioned in alignment with each of the spaces between the heating elements so as to engage the expelled feedstock to alter the direction of travel of the expelled product.

Abstract: A child resistant tablet package accommodates low density pharmaceutical tablets. The package includes a blister tray having a planar surface and a plurality of spaced apart open ended tablet accommodating first blister depressions formed therein. A plurality of entry facilitating second blister depressions are provided on the planar surface spaced adjacent each first blister depression. A planar lid is removably sealed over the planar surface of the blister tray and includes portions overlying disposed over the first and second blister depressions. The lid is puncturable through the plane of the lid at a location over the second blister depressions so as to facilitate removal of portions of the lid overlying the first blister depressions so as to expose the tablets for dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention is a new fondant product including spheroidal polycrystallite structures or monodispersed sugar crystallites released from the polycrystallite structures.

Abstract: Discrete entities of a solid suspension are made from a solid fat matrix and a non-fat solid substrate having an active associated with said substrate. These entities are spheroidal in shape, have uniform size and substantially the same active content due to the flash flow process used to make them. They are especially useful as delivery systems for comestibles, pharmaceuticals and personal products.

Abstract: Anti-ulcer compositions are disclosed having therapeutic agents dispersed in a soluble matrix formed by melt spinning the therapeutic agent with a carrier and hydrogel. Methods of treating mucosal ulcer-bearing tissue and preparing the matrix are also disclosed. One embodiment includes use of gastric irritating bio-affecting agents in which case the composition is preventative as well as therapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention is a new method of making a confectionery mass, such as a nougat, by hydrating sufficiently to form the mass without the need for cooking to drive off moisture. The present invention also includes a product prepared by positively hydrating a mixture of confectionery ingredients including a hydrobinding component and shearform product.

Abstract: A material processing apparatus for thermo flow melt spinning having temperature control characteristics. The apparatus includes a spinner head with a chamber that has a continuous perimeter for centrifugal force and a heater element substantially continuous with the perimeter for providing heat to the head. The spinner head includes means for rotating and a power source connected to the heater element. The apparatus includes temperature detecting means integral with the heater element to detect a processing temperature and generate a temperature detection signal accordingly. Also included is a power controller for controlling the power source in accordance with the temperature detection signal. The processing temperature may be controlled such that a substantially constant temperature is maintained.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of alendronate salt for reducing calcium loss and an effective amount of a gastric propulsive agent, preferably cisapride, to prevent gastric reflux caused by the alendronate salt.

Abstract: Solid delivery systems for highly volatile flavor oils which include a stabilized, substantially non-volatile mixture of a highly volatile flavor oil or flavor component and a medium chain triglyceride are disclosed. The stabilized mixtures may be absorbed or adsorbed onto a non-fat solid substrate and incorporated into a saccharide based matrix and flash flow processed. The delivery systems may be added to chewing gum and confectionery products, as well as other pharmaceutical and comestible preparations.

Abstract: A drug delivery system useful in treating individuals having maladies requiring topical, subcutaneous and intra-lesional administration of one or more drugs for a prolonged period of time. A method for treating individuals with noduloulcerative carcinomas using the present invention drug delivery system and intra-lesional administration of interferon to the individual in a controlled, sustained release manner such that long-term therapeutic levels of interferon are provided to the individual. A method of treating an individual having certain skin infections using the present invention drug delivery system including topical and/or subcutaneous administration of one or more drugs to the individual in a controlled, sustained release manner such that long-term therapeutic levels of the drug(s) are provided to the individual.

Abstract: A method and kit for positioning a transdermal drug delivery system useful in treating individuals having maladies requiring topical, subcutaneous, intra-lesional and systemic administration of one or more drugs for a prolonged period of time is disclosed. A method for employing the present invention kit allows a patient to accurately self-administer a prolonged treatment regimen including a transdermal delivery system without the substantial involvement of medical personnel.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and a dosage unit for delivery of a controlled-release system. The dosage unit is a quick dissolve unit which can be prepared by mixing uncured shearform matrix and a controlled-release system, either molding or compacting a unit dosage form and curing the shearform matrix. The controlled-release systems used in the present invention include instantaneous release components, delayed release components, sustained release components, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for forming a low density compression dosage unit to provide increased strength. The process of the present invention includes compacting under bi-level compaction pressure to provide a continuous-volume dosage unit which has a first volume defining an edge portion of the unit and a density which is greater than a density of a second volume defining a non-edge portion of the unit. The present invention also includes the product resulting from the process and apparatus used to make such units.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for manufacturing polydextrose polymerizate by subjecting flowable new polydextrose feedstock to flash shear under conditions which provides instantaneous formation of separate masses of solid polydextrose. The present invention also includes the product resulting therefrom.

Abstract: The invention deals with porous aggregates and a process for making same. The aggregates generally comprise discrete particles which are bound together, the aggregates having intra-aggregate volumes which may contain drug substances or other functional substances.

Abstract: The present invention is a saccharide-based matrix, and the products resulting therefrom, made from a maltodextrin feedstock subjected to conditions which induce flash flow of the maltodextrin so that the matrix possesses a physically or chemically altered structure from the feedstock. The present invention also includes a method of producing the matrix and of making products which take advantage of the unique properties of the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making discrete particles by subjecting an organic feedstock to liquiflash conditions whereby the feedstock is transformed instantaneously from solid to liquiform to solid. Liquiform is a transient condition wherein the feedstock has substantially unimpeded internal flow. Shear force is imparted to the liquiform feedstock in an amount sufficient to separate tiny masses of feedstock. The tiny masses solidify as discretized particles. The present invention also includes unique products resulting from the process, e.g., a monodispersed microsphere product and coated particles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A porous aggregate having a high intraaggregate reticular volume for releasable containment of functional substances is described. The porous aggregates comprise discrete particles, preferably starch granules, bound together at least at their points of contact in the aggregates. The surfaces of the discrete particles cooperate to define an intraaggregate reticulate volume. The porous aggregate composition of this invention finds use as a high capacity carrier of functional substances for a wide variety of applications, in which the functional substance is released from the aggregate composition under the influence of mechanical compression/disintegration, by degradation or dissolution of the binder and/or particulate components, or by diffusion from the porous surface.