Patents by Inventor Neil Willcocks

Neil Willcocks 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: 20230413847
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to an co-fruit pulp based edible composition in winch an agricultural fruit byproduct base material, in conjunction with a hydrocolloid, is treated with pressure and/or heat to form an edible composition that is dimen-mortally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors and/or artificial colors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis or exhibits syneresis. Alternatively, the base material contains an edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct alone or in combination with the co-fruit pulp. Also provided is a method for preparation of the edible composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Emine UNLU, Neil WILLCOCKS, Yang GAO
  • Patent number: 11793212
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to an co-fruit pulp based edible composition in which an agricultural fruit byproduct base material, in conjunction with a hydrocolloid, is treated with pressure and/or heat to form an edible composition that is dimensionally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors and/or artificial colors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis or exhibits syneresis. Alternatively, the base material contains an edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct alone or in combination with the co-fruit pulp. Also provided is a method for preparation of the edible composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
    Inventors: Emine Unlu, Neil Willcocks, Yang Gao
  • Publication number: 20220279809
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel method of preparing fat-based confectionery products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Armando J. CASTRO, Barry David GLAZIER, Eyal M. BEN-YOSEPH, Chia-Hua HSU, Sara KELLEY, Emine UNLU, Neil A. WILLCOCKS, Thomas M. COLLINS
  • Publication number: 20220279807
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel food ingredient, namely spray dried cacao pulp and spray dried cacao pulp on a carrier and methods of preparing and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Armando J. CASTRO, Barry David GLAZIER, Eyal M. BEN-YOSEPH, Chia-Hua HSU, Sara KELLEY, Emine UNLU, Neil A. WILLCOCKS, Thomas M. COLLINS
  • Publication number: 20210386097
    Abstract: Cat food products are provided. The cat food product may comprise a single sealed container comprising 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food, or may comprise a plurality of such sealed containers. Methods of providing a cat food are also provided and comprise filling a container with from 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food and sealing the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerry K. Franks, Tiffany L. Bierer, Francis S. Shields, Alessandra Collier, Neil A. Willcocks
  • Patent number: 11185094
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing multiple extruded products having different characteristics from the extruded stream of a single main extruder are provided. A satellite extruder assembly is removably attached to a main extruder allowing for the production of a plurality of different extrusion products from a single stream from one main extruder that is divided into multiple streams channeled to a plurality of satellite extruders. Each of the extruders may be operated at different temperature, pressure, moisture and shear conditions. Additional components may be selectively added to one or more of the material streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil Willcocks, Bruce Keen, Keith Chisholm, James Suttle
  • Publication number: 20190269154
    Abstract: Cat food products are provided. The cat food product may comprise a single sealed container comprising 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food, or may comprise a plurality of such sealed containers. Methods of providing a cat food are also provided and comprise filling a container with from 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food and sealing the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jerry K. Franks, Tiffany L. Bierer, Francis S. Shields, Alessandra Collier, Neil A. Willcocks
  • Publication number: 20190059330
    Abstract: An edible pet chew is disclosed that is comprised of fibrous protein, water absorbing polymer, plasticizer and water. The pet chew provides excellent textural properties and improved solubility in the stomach and intestinal environment for improved pet safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Allan A. Torney, Emine Unlu, Neil Willcocks, Kasim Zubair, Tiffany Bierer
  • Publication number: 20180325145
    Abstract: An edible pet chew is disclosed that is comprised of fibrous protein, water absorbing polymer, plasticizer, water, and a combination of anthocyanins and turmeric. The pet chew provides excellent textural properties and improved solubility in the stomach and intestinal environment for improved pet safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Allan A. Torney, Emine Unlu, Neil Willcocks, Kasim Zubair, Tiffany Bierer, Bradley Quest, Alex Camire, Ralf Bela Reiser, Francis S. Shields
  • Publication number: 20180325139
    Abstract: Chewing gums and chewing gum bases having at least one natural elastomer or natural elastomer system and at least one edible additive are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: David R. PHILLIPS, Yang GAO, Steven P. SYNOSKY, April J. TACKETT, Neil A. WILLCOCKS
  • Publication number: 20180289048
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to an co-fruit pulp based edible composition in which an agricultural fruit byproduct base material, in conjunction with a hydrocolloid, is treated with pressure and/or heat to form an edible composition that is dimensionally stable, ambient stable for at least 9 months, has a moisture content greater than 50 wt. %, has a pH less than 4.5, has a water activity greater than 0.5, is commercially sterile, is free of artificial flavors and/or artificial colors, has a solids content greater than 10 wt. %, and does not exhibit syneresis or exhibits syneresis. Alternatively, the base material contains an edible fruit and/or vegetable and/or nut byproduct alone or in combination with the co-fruit pulp. Also provided is a method for preparation of the edible composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Emine UNLU, Neil WILLCOCKS, Yang GAO
  • Publication number: 20170181450
    Abstract: Cat food products are provided. The cat food product may comprise a single sealed container comprising 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food, or may comprise a plurality of such sealed containers. Methods of providing a cat food are also provided and comprise filling a container with from 10 g to 40 g of a complete and balanced semi-moist or wet cat food and sealing the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jerry Franks, Tiffany Bierer, Francis S. Shields, Alessandra Collier, Neil Willcocks
  • Patent number: 9357800
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil A. Willcocks, Arun V. Shastry, Thomas M. Collins, Alfred V. Camporini, James M. Suttle
  • Publication number: 20160037802
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing multiple extruded products having different characteristics from the extruded stream of a single main extruder are provided. A satellite extruder assembly is removably attached to a main extruder allowing for the production of a plurality of different extrusion products from a single stream from one main extruder that is divided into multiple streams channeled to a plurality of satellite extruders. Each of the extruders may be operated at different temperature, pressure, moisture and shear conditions. Additional components may be selectively added to one or more of the material streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Neil Willcocks, Bruce Keen, Keith Chisholm, James Suttle
  • Patent number: 8548817
    Abstract: Methods are provided for designing an oral dog product that is safe and functionally effective for a class of dogs. A product is formulated and/or shaped based on biometric analysis of the capabilities of the class of dogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Allan A. Torney, Emine Unlu, Neil Willcocks, Kasim Zubair, Tiffany Bierer
  • Patent number: 8414697
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil A. Willcocks, Arun Shastry, Thomas M. Collins, Alfred V. Camporini, James M. Suttle
  • Publication number: 20120141636
    Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: MARS INCORPORATED, ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
  • Publication number: 20110244089
    Abstract: A color coat is formed on a hard-panned, sugar shelled, pellet-shaped confectionery by placing at least one hard-panned, sugar shelled, pellet-shaped confectionery, preferably having an uncolored sugar surface, in functional association with an ink-jet head, applying at least a portion of a color coat to the hard-panned, sugar shelled, pellet-shaped confectionery by ink-jet printing at least one edible ink onto the surface of the hard-panned, sugar shelled, pellet-shaped confectionery, and drying the color coat. The hard-panned, sugar shelled, pellet-shaped confectionery may be transported and/or stored prior to the application of the color coat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: ARUN SHASTRY, EYAL M. BEN-YOSEPH, NEIL A. WILLCOCKS, THOMAS M. COLLINS, DAVID L. PRYBYLOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20110097451
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil A. Willcocks, Arun Shastry, Thomas M. Collins, Alfred V. Camporini, James M. Suttle
  • Patent number: 7884953
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of printing high resolution images on edible substrates with dispersed pigmented inks using a drop-on-demand ink-jet printer. Dispersed pigmented white inks useful with the inventive methods are also disclosed. White images having a resolution greater than 200 dpi can be printed on chocolate using the methods and inks disclosed herein. The inventive methods and inks may also be integrated with a consumer-driven site vending or e-commerce application in which the consumer provides the image to be printed and edibles bearing the printed image are prepared for rapid turnaround.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Neil A. Willcocks, Arun Shastry, Thomas M. Collins, Alfred V. Camporini, James M. Suttle