Patents by Inventor Leo J. Romanczyk
Leo J. Romanczyk 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).
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Publication number: 20080268133Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M. Gever, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, John F. Hammerstone, Harold H. Schmitz
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Publication number: 20080269320Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, as well as uses for them, especially as antineoplastic agents and antioxidants. Disclosed and claimed are antineoplastic compositions containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins and methods for treating patients employing the compositions. Additionally disclosed and claimed is a kit for treating a patient in need of treatment with an antineoplastic agent containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins as well as a lyophilized antineoplastic composition containing cocoa polyphenols or procyanidins. Further, disclosed and claimed is the use of the invention in antioxidant, preservative and topiosomerase-inhibiting compositions and methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, John F. Hammerstone, Margaret M. Buck
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Publication number: 20080188550Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Hans M. Geyet, Mary E. Myers, Eric J. Whitacre, Harold H. Schmitz
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Publication number: 20080131565Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, John F. Hammerstone, Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 7371776Abstract: This invention relates to methods of inducing dephosphorylation of a hyperphosphorylated cell cycle regulatory protein in a tumor cell in which hyperphosphorylation of said protein contributed to cell transformation, the method comprising contacting the tumor cell with a procyanidin oligomer of five monomeric units connected via a C-4?C-8 linkage. Examples of such compounds are [EC-(4??8)]4-EC, and [EC-(4??8)]3-EC-(4??8)-C, wherein EC is epicatcchin and C is catechin.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Danica Ramljak, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Robert B. Dickson
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Patent number: 7282598Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the production of linear and branched procyanidin oligomers having “n” procyanidin monomeric units where n is 2 to 18. The processes include coupling protected, activated monomers with an unprotected monomer to produce a partially protected (4?8) dimer. The dimer is optionally blocked, coupled with an activated protected monomer to produce a partially protected, optionally blocked trimer, and deprotected. The steps can be repeated to produce higher oligomers. Processes are also provided for producing (8?8), (8?6), and (6?6) dimers and doubly branched oligomers. Crystalline 8-bromo tetra-O-benzyl (?)-epicatechin is produced under certain conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Inventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Amit Basak, Craig A. Townsend
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Patent number: 7268240Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of polyphenol oligomers having n polyphenol monomeric units, n being an integer from 2-18. The process includes coupling of a protected polyphenol, having protected phenolic hydroxyl groups, with a C-4 functionalized polyphenol monomer. The protected polyphenol may be a protected polyphenol monomer or a protected polyphenol oligomer having 2-17 monomeric units. Advantageously, polyphenol monomeric units forming the polyphenol oligomers may be the same or different flavanoid compounds.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tueckmantel, Marc E. Lippman
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Patent number: 7244855Abstract: Various processes are disclosed for preparing procyanidin oligomers having (4,8)-interflavan linkages. In an improved process, a tetra-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer or oligomer is coupled with a protected, C-4 alkoxy-activated-epicatechin or -catechin monomer in the presence of an acidic clay instead of a Lewis acid. In a second process, a 5,7,3?,4?-tetra-O-protected or preferably penta-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer or oligomer is reacted with a tetra-O-protected or preferably penta-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer having a thio activating group at the C-4 position; the coupling is carried out in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate. In third process, two molecules of a penta-O-protected-epicatechin or -catechin monomer activated with a 2-(benzothiazolyl)thio group at the C-4 position are self-condensed in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventors: Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tückmantel, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Xingquan Ma
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Patent number: 7126014Abstract: Oligomeric procyanidins containing 4?-linked epicatechin units are rare in nature and have hitherto not been accessible through stereoselective synthesis. Provided herein is the preparation of the prototypical dimer, epicatechin-4?,8-epicatechin, by reaction of the protected 4-ketones with aryllithium reagents derived by halogen/metal exchange from the aryl bromides. Removal of the 4-hydroxyl group from the resulting tertiary benzylic alcohols is effected by tri-n-butyltin hydride and trifluoroacetic acid in a completely stereoselective manner, resulting in hydride delivery exclusively from the ? face.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventors: Alan P. Kozikowski, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Werner Tückmantel
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Patent number: 7122574Abstract: Polyphenol-containing compositions, for example procyanidins and derivatives thereof, and their use for treating hypertension are disclosed. Compositions may be used for human and veterinary use, and may be, for example, in a form of a food, a dietary supplement or a pharmaceutical.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 7115656Abstract: This invention discloses methods of anti-platelet therapy or prophylaxis comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising an effective amount of a procyanidin oligomer or a derivative thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 7067679Abstract: Various processes are disclosed for preparing protected epicatechin oligomers having (4?,8)-interflavan linkages. In one process, a tetra-O-protected epicatechin monomer or oligomer is coupled with a protected, C-4 activated epicatechin monomer in the presence of an acidic clay such as a mortmorillonite clay. In another process, a 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected or a 3-acetyl-, 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected epicatechin or catechin monomer or oligomer is reacted with 3-O-acetyl-4-[(2-benzothiazolyl)thio]-5,7,3?,4?-tetra-O-benzylepicatechin in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate. In another process, two 5,7,3?,4?-benzyl protected epicatechin monomers activated with 2-(benzothiazolyl)thio groups at the C-4 positions are cross-coupled in the presence of silver tetrofluoroborate. A process is also disclosed for reacting an unprotected epicatechin or catechin monomer with 4-(benzylthio)epicatechin or catechin.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventors: Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tückmantel, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6998417Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R is 3-(?)—OH, 3-(?)—OH, 3-(?)—O-sugar, or 3-(?)—O-sugar; bonding between adjacent monomers takes place at positions 4, 6 or 8; a bond of an additional monomeric unit in position 4 has alpha or beta stereochemistry; X, Y and Z are selected from the group consisting of monomeric unit A, hydrogen, and a sugar, with the provisos that as to the at least one terminal monomeric unit, bonding of the additional monomeric unit thereto (the bonding of the additional monomeric unit adjacent to the terminal monomeric unit) is at position 4 andType: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6905715Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive methods also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 6900241Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are cocoa extracts, compounds, combinations thereof and compositions containing the same, such as polyphenols or procyanidins, methods for preparing such extracts, compounds and compositions, as well as uses for them, especially a polymeric compound of the formula An, wherein A is a monomer of the formula: wherein n is an integer from 2 to 18, such that there is at least one terminal monomeric unit A, and one or a plurality of additional monomeric units; R, X, Y and Z are as defined in the specification.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Harold H. Schmitz
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Patent number: 6887501Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of processing a fat-containing bean, e.g., cocoa beans, for producing solids comprising active polyphenols and/or fat-containing products, comprising extracting the fat to produce solids and fat-containing products. Additionally, the inventive method also provides cocoa compositions comprising at least one active polyphenol, wherein the concentration of the polyphenol(s) with respect to the nonfat solids is conserved with respect to the concentration of the active polyphenol(s) in the bean from which the compositions are derived.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Kirk S. Kealey, Rodney M. Snyder, Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., John F. Hammerstone, Jr., Margaret M. Buck, Giovanni G. Cipolla
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Patent number: 6864377Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the production of linear and branched procyanidin oligomers having “n” procyanidin monomeric units where n is 2 to 18. The processes include coupling protected, activated monomers with an unprotected monomer to produce a partially protected (4?8) dimer. The dimer is optionally blocked, coupled with an activated protected monomer to produce a partially protected, optionally blocked trimer, and deprotected. The steps can be repeated to produce higher oligomers. Processes are also provided for producing (8?8), (8?6), and (6?6) dimers and doubly branched oligomers. Crystalline 8-bromo tetra-O-benzyl (?)-epicatechin is produced under certain conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventors: Leo J Romanczyk, Jr., Amit Basak, Craig A Townsend
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Patent number: 6849746Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of polyphenol oligomers having n polyphenol monomeric units, n being an integer from 2-18. The process includes coupling of a protected polyphenol, having protected phenolic hydroxyl groups, with a C-4 functionalized polyphenol monomer. The protected polyphenol may be a protected polyphenol monomer or a protected polyphenol oligomer having 2-17 monomeric units. Advantageously, polyphenol monomeric units forming the polyphenol oligomers may be the same or different flavanoid compounds.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Mars, Inc.Inventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Jr., Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tueckmantel, Marc E. Lippman
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Publication number: 20040235941Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of polyphenol oligomers having n polyphenol monomeric units, n being an integer from 2-18. The process includes coupling of a protected polyphenol, having protected phenolic hydroxyl groups, with a C-4 functionalized polyphenol monomer. The protected polyphenol may be a protected polyphenol monomer or a protected polyphenol oligomer having 2-17 monomeric units. Advantageously, polyphenol monomeric units forming the polyphenol oligomers may be the same or different flavanoid compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Mars, IncorporatedInventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Marc E. Lippman
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Publication number: 20040236123Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of polyphenol oligomers having n polyphenol monomeric units, n being an integer from 2-18. The process includes coupling of a protected polyphenol, having protected phenolic hydroxyl groups, with a C-4 functionalized polyphenol monomer. The protected polyphenol may be a protected polyphenol monomer or a protected polyphenol oligomer having 2-17 monomeric units. Advantageously, polyphenol monomeric units forming the polyphenol oligomers may be the same or different flavanoid compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: M&M/Mars Inc.Inventors: Leo J. Romanczyk, Alan P. Kozikowski, Werner Tueckmantel, Marc E. Lippman