Abstract: The present invention provides various apparatuses and methods that allow point of purchase products to be automatically dispensed. In an embodiment, the present invention operates with a self-scanning checkout and enables products to be dispensed with other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the collected and transported retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the collected and transported retail items. In another embodiment, the present invention is modular and operates in a quick service restaurant environment. The present invention requires little counter/floor space, adds little to the cost of labor, can be mounted in a variety of locations, dispenses in any direction and integrates with virtually any existing system.

Abstract: A refillable container is provided for dispensing a plurality of consumable products. The container may comprise a reclosable container and a refill package. The reclosable container may comprise a lid connected to a body defining a container interior. The refill package may comprise a tray and a removable closure. The tray may be configured to fit and lock inside the container interior. There may be at least one gripping portion defined along an interior of the tray. The gripping portion may be so constructed and arranged to enable a user to disengage the tray from the container body.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for producing a chewing gum with a modified release sweetener selected from the group of N-substituted derivatives of aspartame, particularly neotame, as well as the chewing gum so produced. The modified release neotame or other N-substituted derivative of aspartame sweetener is obtained by physically modifying the sweetener properties by coating and drying. Neotame or another N-substituted derivative of aspartame sweetener is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption or extrusion, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, absorption, or extrusion. The coated sweetener is then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified high-intensity sweetener. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adapted to enhance the shelf stability of the sweetener and/or produce a modified release when the gum is chewed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for packaging a non-contact printed edible substrate as well as the resultant packaged product. The packaging apparatus may include a non-contact printer, a carrier, and a package located at a discharge position. The carrier may be constructed and arranged to transport the edible substrate from the print position to the package and orient same in the package so that the printed ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of a panel of the package. At a print position, the non-contact printer is constructed and arranged to apply an edible ink indicia to an edible substrate. The packaging apparatus may form a packaged product having a plurality of compartments where at least one compartment at least partially defined by a panel. The interior of the compartment contains at least one edible substrate comprising a surface and a printed edible ink indicia on the surface so that the ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of the panel.

Abstract: Improved coatings and methods for manufacturing coated confectionary or chewing gum products are provided. Polyol coatings can be formed while polyols are in a molten state. Trehalose can also be used to form coatings on a confection or chewing gum by applying the trehalose while in a molten state.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides center-filled confectionery products and apparatuses and methods for producing the center-filled confectionery products. The apparatuses include a forming device with cooperatively engaging first and second forming members. The center-filled confectionery products may be released from the forming device with or without the use of an ejection device. The ejection device may comprise plunger members that contact the center-filled confectionery or may comprise a non-contact ejection device. The apparatuses further include an extruder having a housing. The housing has an inlet for receiving a material, at least one extrusion screw within the interior of the housing, and at least device in cooperative communication with the inlet and the extrusion screw. The extruder provides a process that allows for improved blending of chewing gum ingredients and improved processability of the chewing gum product.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum, as well as the chewing gum so produced, incorporates a physiological cooling agent, such as acyclic carboxamide, or combinations of physiological cooling agents. In another embodiment a combination of physiological cooling agents is made in a modified release structure. The modified release/cooling agents combination is preferably obtained by physically modifying the properties of the combination of cooling agents by coating and drying. When incorporated into gum, these particles are adapted to enhance the shelf stability of the flavor and/or produce a modified release when the gum is chewed. In another embodiment, the physiological cooling agent is present with menthol and menthone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a multiple phase confectionery article is provided. The apparatus includes a rotary valve that is adapted to dispense a second confectionery material into a first confectionery material as the first confectionery material passes through the rotary valve. The apparatus may include a passageway that extends into the rotary valve, and the first confectionery material travels through the passageway. The rotary valve is rotatable to introduce the second confectionery material into the first confectionery material in a variety of ways to form an extrudate with a variety of multiple phase patterns.

Abstract: A pullulan-free edible film composition for oral cleansing, breath freshening, and anti-microbial benefits includes a film forming agent and Magnolia Bark Extract. In a treatment process, an effective amount of Magnolia Bark Extract is delivered to the oral cavity by the edible film for convenient oral cleansing and breath freshening benefits. A method of making the pullulan-free edible film composition includes forming an aqueous solution of film forming agents and Magnolia Bark Extract and drying the aqueous solution to form a dry edible film.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing coated confectionary or chewing gum products are provided. The method of manufacturing a confectionary product comprises the steps of providing a confectionary center, heating at least one polyol to the polyol's melting point to produce a molten polyol, spraying the molten polyol through at least one atomizing spray nozzle, and applying a plurality of layers to the confectionary center to form a final coating. The plurality of layers includes at least one layer of the molten polyol.

Abstract: Confectionery products comprising tea and methods regarding the same are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a confectionery product comprising a hard candy base having a brewed tea, a tea concentrate, a tea component and combinations thereof. The hard candy base can also be coated with a powder comprising a tea or tea component.

Abstract: A method of reducing inflammation is provided. The method includes administering a chewing gum to an individual having an inflammatory condition such as heart disease. The chewing gum may further be administered to a subject lacking proper oral care.

Abstract: A method of reducing infection is provided. The method includes administering a chewing gum to a subject having an infection. The infection may include a nosocomial infection. The chewing gum may be administered to a subject lacking proper oral care.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, methods, and products, directed to confectionery products containing a melted gum base composition. A dispensing device sprays particles of a molten gum base composition onto an edible substrate. The molten gum base composition solidifies to form the melted gum base composition. The melted gum base composition may contain one or more organoleptic components and may be in layer form, in the shape of an object, or in the shape of a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides non-contact printed comestible products and methods for making these products. The comestible products include an edible substrate and an edible ink-indicia on the substrate. An organoleptic component which corresponds to a feature of the edible ink-indicia and/or a feature of the edible substrate is present on the edible substrate. The edible ink-indicia and the organoleptic component increase the consumer appeal for the product.