Patents by Inventor Eric J. Whitacre

Eric J. Whitacre 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).

  • Patent number: 8541045
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7968140
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7678407
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20090117072
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of periodontal disease comprising administering to a subject in need thereof epicatechin and/or catechin and/or a polymeric compound of formula An. Also disclosed and claimed is an article of manufacture comprising the above compounds packaged within a container with instructions for use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, JR., Hans M. Geyer, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20090069414
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising epicatechin and method of use of such compositions for inducing vasodilation of blood vessels in humans and veterinary animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, JR., Hans M. Geyet, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20080268133
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M. Gever, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20080213456
    Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing ready-to-eat health bars such as chocolate granola bars and chocolate confectioneries such as dark or milk chocolate chews. The bars and confectioneries contain sterol ester(s) and/or stanol esters and cocoa solids having a high cocoa procyanidin content. The cocoa solids are pretreated with the sterol/stanol ester(s) or other edible oils or fats during the preparation of the products to prevent the loss of cocoa procyanidins. Other particulate antioxidants can be pretreated with food grade fats and/or oils or emulsifiers such as lecithin to conserve their effectiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark J. Chimel, John F. Hammerstone, J. Christopher Johnson, Mary E. Myers, Rodney M. Snyder, Eric J. Whitacre
  • Publication number: 20080188550
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods of treating inflammation comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising the inventive compounds described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M. Geyet, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 7329429
    Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing ready-to-eat health bars such as chocolate granola bars and chocolate confectioneries such as dark or milk chocolate chews. The bars and confectioneries contain sterol ester(s) and/or stanol esters and cocoa solids having a high cocoa procyanidin content. The cocoa solids are pretreated with the sterol/stanol ester(s) or other edible oils or fats during the preparation of the products to prevent the loss of cocoa procyanidins. Other particulate antioxidants can be pretreated with food grade fats and/or oils or emulsifiers such as lecithin to conserve their effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventors: Mark J. Chimel, John F. Hammerstone, Jr., J. Christopher Johnson, Mary E. Myers, Rodney M. Snyder, Eric J. Whitacre
  • Publication number: 20030215558
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M. Gever, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6599553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 6582747
    Abstract: The invention provides food products, including confectioneries and chocolates, having conserved concentrations of polyphenols, and in particular cocoa polyphenols. The method of this invention avoids the significant and detrimental losses of polyphenols that occur during conventional manufacture by controlling the handling of ingredients in batching processing to provide a product having a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenol concentration present in the raw materials conserved in the finished product. Additionally, the production steps of milling/refining and conching may also be controlled and modified to provide the confectioneries of the present invention having conserved concentrations of cocoa polyphenols relative to the concentration of the polyphenols present in the starting ingredients. The cocoa polyphenol ingredient may be a cocoa ingredient, an extract of a cocoa ingredient (beans, liquor, or powder, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary E. Myers, Chigozie V. Nwosu, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6558713
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20020136819
    Abstract: The invention provides food products, including confectioneries and chocolates, having conserved concentrations of polyphenols, and in particular cocoa polyphenols. The method of this invention avoids the significant and detrimental losses of polyphenols that occur during conventional manufacture by controlling the handling of ingredients in batching processing to provide a product having a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenol concentration present in the raw materials conserved in the finished product. Additionally, the production steps of milling/refining and conching may also be controlled and modified to provide the confectioneries of the present invention having conserved concentrations of cocoa polyphenols relative to the concentration of the polyphenols present in the starting ingredients. The cocoa polyphenol ingredient may be a cocoa ingredient, an extract of a cocoa ingredient (beans, liquor, or powder, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary E. Myers, Chigozie V. Nwosu, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone
  • Patent number: 6399139
    Abstract: The invention provides food products, including confectioneries and chocolates, having conserved concentrations of polyphenols, and in particular cocoa polyphenols. The method of this invention avoids the significant and detrimental losses of polyphenols that occur during conventional manufacture by controlling the handling of ingredients in batching processing to provide a product having a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenol concentration present in the raw materials conserved in the finished product. Additionally, the production steps of milling/refining and conching may also be controlled and modified to provide the confectioneries of the present invention having conserved concentrations of cocoa polyphenols relative to the concentration of the polyphenols present in the starting ingredients. The cocoa polyphenol ingredient may be a cocoa ingredient, an extract of a cocoa ingredient (beans, liquor, or powder, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary E. Myers, Chigozie V. Nwosu, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020064584
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M. Geyer, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20020045002
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M Geyer, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Harold H. Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6312753
    Abstract: Cocoa components having enhanced levels of cocoa polyphenols, processes for producing the cocoa components while conserving a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenols, compositions containing the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols, and methods of using the cocoa components or the cocoa polyphenols for improving the health of a mammal are described. The cocoa components include partially and fully defatted cocoa solids, cocoa nibs and fractions derived therefrom, cocoa polyphenol extracts, cocoa butter, chocolate liquors, and mixtures thereof. The invention provides processes for extracting fat from cocoa beans and for otherwise processing cocoa beans to yield a cocoa component having conserved concentrations of polyphenols relative to the starting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20010007693
    Abstract: The invention provides food products, including confectioneries and chocolates, having conserved concentrations of polyphenols, and in particular cocoa polyphenols. The method of this invention avoids the significant and detrimental losses of polyphenols that occur during conventional manufacture by controlling the handling of ingredients in batching processing to provide a product having a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenol concentration present in the raw materials conserved in the finished product. Additionally, the production steps of milling/refining and conching may also be controlled and modified to provide the confectioneries of the present invention having conserved concentrations of cocoa polyphenols relative to the concentration of the polyphenols present in the starting ingredients. The cocoa polyphenol ingredient may be a cocoa ingredient, an extract of a cocoa ingredient (beans, liquor, or powder, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary E. Myers, Chigozie V. Nwosu, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone
  • Patent number: 6194020
    Abstract: The invention provides food products, including confectioneries and chocolates, having conserved concentrations of polyphenols, and in particular cocoa polyphenols. The method of this invention avoids the significant and detrimental losses of polyphenols that occur during conventional manufacture by controlling the handling of ingredients in batching processing to provide a product having a significant amount of the cocoa polyphenol concentration present in the raw materials conserved in the finished product. Additionally, the production steps of milling/refining and conching may also be controlled and modified to provide the confectioneries of the present invention having conserved concentrations of cocoa polyphenols relative to the concentration of the polyphenols present in the starting ingredients. The cocoa polyphenol ingredient may be a cocoa ingredient, an extract of a cocoa ingredient (beans, liquor, or powder, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary E. Myers, Chigozie V. Nwosu, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Jr.