Patents by Inventor Christopher Keller

Christopher Keller 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).

  • Publication number: 20240110022
    Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer, at least one clarifying agent, and at least one coloring agent. A method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer and an additive composition and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer and additive composition. The additive composition comprises a clarifying agent and a coloring agent. Another method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer, at least one clarifying agent, and at least one coloring agent and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer, the clarifying agent, and the coloring agent. The thermoplastic polymer exhibits a blue hue factor (?) of 0.93 to 1.1 and/or a normalized brightness value (Y?) of 64.0 to 69.6. An additive composition contains at least one clarifying agent and at least one coloring agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Xinfei Yu, Christopher Kochanowicz, Nathan Mehl, Keith Keller, Brent Johnson, Clifford Bynum
  • Patent number: 11872231
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition configured for oral use, the composition including a filler in an amount of at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and at least one active ingredient including one or more botanical materials, stimulants, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, cannabinoids, pharmaceutical agents, or a combination thereof. The composition further includes a salt and at least one sweetener. The composition has a moisture content of at least about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Keller, Ronald K. Hutchens, Thomas H. Poole, Nicolas von Cosmos, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Chris J. Grimes, Steven Lee Alderman, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240000130
    Abstract: The disclosure provides products configured for oral use, the products including compositions comprising a filler component including negatively charged groups and an active ingredient including positively charged groups. The active ingredient can be retained by the filler component at least in part through bonding between the negatively charged groups and the positively charged groups such that active ingredient may be release from the product when positioned within an oral cavity of a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Dwayne William Beeson, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Andries Don Sebastian, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Patent number: 11826462
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for solid products configured for oral use, the products including a carrier material; a releasable material; and wherein the releasable material is combined with the carrier material such that the releasable material is configured for sustained release from the solid product when the solid product is positioned in an oral cavity for a consumer. In another aspect, the disclosure provides for a method of preparing a solid product for oral use, the method comprising providing a releasable material in sprayable form; providing a pouch formed of a fibrous material; and spraying a flavor component onto a least a portion of the pouch one or both of before and after filling the pouch with the oral composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Dwayne William Beeson, John E. Bunch, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Chris J. Grimes, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Allen Riggins, Frank Kelley St. Charles, Cynthia Stokes
  • Patent number: 11793230
    Abstract: The disclosure provides products configured for oral use, the products including compositions comprising a filler component including negatively charged groups and an active ingredient including positively charged groups. The active ingredient can be retained by the filler component at least in part through bonding between the negatively charged groups and the positively charged groups such that active ingredient may be release from the product when positioned within an oral cavity of a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Dwayne William Beeson, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Andries Don Sebastian, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230270863
    Abstract: The disclosure provides products configured for oral use, the products including one or more agents adapted to or configured to reduce irritation that may be associated with release of a component from the products. Xylitol in particular may be useful as an irritation reducing agent. The disclosure further provides methods of reducing irritation associated with the release of one or more components from an oral composition or product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Dwayne William Beeson, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Andries Don Sebastian, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230210836
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for an oral composition, the oral composition including at least one active agent, at least one filler component, and water in an amount sufficient such that the oral composition has a total moisture content of about 15% to about 30% by weight or greater based on the total weight of the oral composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Dwayne William Beeson, Andinet Amare Gessesse, Philip Richard Hunt, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230200430
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of preparing pouched products which includes the production of an agglomerated composition situated with a cavity of an outer water-permeable pouch. The pouched agglomerate can be dosed with a given amount of moisture, resulting in at least partial degradation and/or expansion of the agglomerated composition into powdered form. Pouched products prepared according to such methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Kasper H. Jensen, Ronald K. Hutchens, Alexandre Mendes Campos, Christopher Keller, Travis O'Neal, Matthew D. Sain, Darrell Vian, Lorenzo Uberti, Jared Aller, Christina Tapp, Vic Pramono
  • Patent number: 11672862
    Abstract: The disclosure provides products configured for oral use, the products including one or more agents adapted to or configured to reduce irritation that may be associated with release of a component from the products. Xylitol in particular may be useful as an irritation reducing agent. The disclosure further provides methods of reducing irritation associated with the release of one or more components from an oral composition or product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Dwayne William Beeson, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Andries Don Sebastian, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230148660
    Abstract: Oral products containing a sensory agent are provided herein, wherein the sensory agent impacts the capsaicin receptors within a consumer's oral cavity, providing a spicy/hot sensation. Some such products are pouched products including an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition comprising a water-soluble component capable of being released through the water-permeable pouch. Other such products include lozenges, meltable products, chewable products, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Keller, Ross Jay Oden, Travis O'Neal, Chris J. Grimes
  • Publication number: 20230148652
    Abstract: Products containing a nicotine-polymer complex are provided herein, which can optionally further include one or more, different nicotine components. Certain such products are pouched products including an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition comprising a water-soluble component capable of being released through the water-permeable pouch. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing such products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Shahin Roohinejad, Christopher Keller, Michael Andrew Zawadzki, Brandon Scott Darrow, Michael S. Daniel, Cortney R. Jackson, Joshua Lee Watts
  • Patent number: 11617744
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for an oral composition, the oral composition including at least one active agent, at least one filler component, and water in an amount sufficient such that the oral composition has a total moisture content of about 15% to about 30% by weight or greater based on the total weight of the oral composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: NICO VENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Dwayne William Beeson, Andinet Amare Gessesse, Philip Richard Hunt, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20230049343
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of modulating release of water-soluble components from a composition situated with a cavity of an outer water-permeable pouch. Such release can be modulated, e.g., by modifying a packing density of the composition and/or by modifying a shape of the outer water-permeable pouch. Pouched products prepared according to such methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher Keller, Robert Kent Saxton, Jared Aller, Christina Tapp, Vic Pramono
  • Publication number: 20220369688
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions configured for oral use, the compositions including at least one filler, water, a basic amine, and an organic acid, an alkali metal salt of an organic acid, or a combination thereof, wherein the organic acid has a log P value of from about 1.4 to about 8.0. At least a portion of the basic amine is associated with at least a portion of the organic acid or the alkali metal salt thereof. The association is in the form of a basic amine-organic acid salt, an ion pair between the basic amine and a conjugate base of the organic acid, or a combination of both. Further provided are methods for stabilizing a composition configured for oral use, for enhancing a predicted buccal absorption of a composition configured for oral use, and for reducing potential throat irritation associated with the use of compositions including a basic amine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew D. SAIN, Alexandre Mendes CAMPOS, Thomas H. POOLE, Christopher KELLER, JR., Shahin ROOHINEJAD
  • Publication number: 20220354155
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions adapted for oral use and, in particular, multi-compartment oral pouched products including such compositions. Some aspects of the disclosure relate to oral pouched products including a composition adapted for oral use within a porous pouch. In particular, the porous pouch may include two or more compartments, each compartment having a content of the composition contained therein. The composition within each compartment can be different such that the composition within each compartment provides a different functional or sensory experience, such as through use of a different flavoring agent, a different active ingredient, or both a different flavoring agent and a different active ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Kasper H. Jensen, Ronald Keith Hutchens, Alexandre Mendes Campos, Christopher Keller, Travis O'Neal, Matthew D. Sain, Darrell Vian, Lorenzo Uberti
  • Publication number: 20220354156
    Abstract: A composition enclosed in a pouch to form a pouched product configured for oral use is provided, the composition including a filler in an amount of at least 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and at least one active ingredient, at least one flavorant, or a combination thereof. The composition is loaded within the pouch at a density of about 0.45 g/cm3 or higher. Further provided are methods of preparing the pouched product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Kasper H. JENSEN, Ronald K. HUTCHENS, Alexandre Mendes CAMPOS, Christopher KELLER, Travis O'NEAL, Matthew D. SAIN, Darrell VIAN, Lorenzo UBERTI
  • Publication number: 20220304363
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for oral compositions that exhibit desired properties associated with moist products while incorporating a relatively low water content. Such compositions may include at least one releasable material, at least one filler/carrier component, and at least one water substitute, such as a polyol. The water substituted may be present in an amount of about 25% by weight or greater based on the total weight of the oral composition, and the compositions and products formed therewith can exhibit a relatively low water activity, such as in the range of about 0.85 or less. The present disclosure further provides methods of forming an oral composition with a mouthfeel corresponding to a moist product while having a relatively low water activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Dwayne William Beeson, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Andries Don Sebastian, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220304366
    Abstract: The disclosure provides products configured for oral use, the products including one or more agents adapted to or configured to reduce irritation that may be associated with release of a component from the products. Xylitol, in particular, may be useful as an irritation reducing agent. The disclosure further provides methods of reducing irritation associated with the release of one or more components from an oral composition or product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Dwayne William Beeson, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Andries Don Sebastian, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20220304362
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and products configured for oral use, the compositions and products including a filler material, an active ingredient, and a salt component. The salt component may be present in an amount of between about 3.0% and about 4.5% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. The compositions and products as described herein may particularly exhibit a desired flavor profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Dwayne William Beeson, Frank Kelley St. Charles, Ronald K. Hutchens, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220295874
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for solid products configured for oral use, the products including a carrier material; a releasable material; and wherein the releasable material is combined with the carrier material such that the releasable material is configured for sustained release from the solid product when the solid product is positioned in an oral cavity for a consumer. In another aspect, the disclosure provides for a method of preparing a solid product for oral use, the method comprising providing a releasable material in sprayable form; providing a pouch formed of a fibrous material; and spraying a flavor component onto a least a portion of the pouch one or both of before and after filling the pouch with the oral composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Dwayne William Beeson, John E. Bunch, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Chris J. Grimes, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Allen Riggins, Frank Kelley St. Charles, Cynthia Stokes