Patents by Inventor Robert J. Yatka

Robert J. Yatka 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: 8114421
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as confectioneries such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: WM Wrigley Jr. Company, Matsutani Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Julius W. Zuehlke, Gordon N. McGrew, Robert J. Yatka, Isao Matsuda, Yasuo Katta
  • Publication number: 20090142379
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as confectioneries such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicants: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, Matsutani Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Julius W. Zuehlke, Gordon N. McGrew, Robert J. Yatka, Isao Matsuda, Yasuo Katta
  • Patent number: 7504122
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as confectioneries such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignees: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, Matsutani Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Julius W. Zuehlke, Gordon N. McGrew, Robert J. Yatka, Isao Matsuda, Yasuo Katta
  • Patent number: 7416751
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Yatka, Donald J. Townsend, Sonya S. Johnson, Michael J. Greenberg, Daniel J. Sitler
  • Publication number: 20080199565
    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. In another embodiment, coated chewing gum has a coating that comprises a physiological cooling agent. The preferred inventive chewing gum provides a high flavor impact in which the harsh notes normally associated with such a high flavor impact have been reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Fred R. Wolf, Gordon N. McGrew, Jeffrey S. Hook, Lindell C. Richey, Mansukh M. Patel, Robert J. Yatka, David L. Witkewitz, Michael J. Greenberg, Henry T. Tyrpin, Kathryn T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7115288
    Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a first coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; providing an aldehyde flavor; providing a second coating syrup separate from the first coating syrup and comprising a dipeptide sweetener; and applying the first and second coating syrups to the cores and drying the syrups to produce a coating on the cores. Calcium carbonate or another antacid may be incorporated in the coating by being mixed into the first coating syrup or applied as a dry charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: David L. Witkewitz, David G. Barkalow, Jonathan J. Knutsen, Chungsea A. Shen, Julius W. Zuehlke, Robert J. Yatka
  • Patent number: 7078066
    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. In another embodiment, coated chewing gum has a coating that comprises a physiological cooling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Fred R. Wolf, Gordon N. McGrew, Jeffrey S. Hook, Lindell C. Richey, Mansukh M. Patel, Robert J. Yatka, David L. Witkewitz, Michael J. Greenberg, Henry T. Tyrpin, Kathryn T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6949264
    Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the active agent, such as a nutraceutical or nutritional supplement, by coating and drying. The active agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated active agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified active agent for use in chewing gum. The active agent may also be used in a coating on a chewing gum product, as part of a rolling compound applied to the chewing gum product, or as a part of the liquid in a liquid-center chewing gum product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Gordon N. McGrew, David G. Barkalow, Sonya S. Johnson, David W. Record, Mansukh M. Patel, Jack D. Nimz, Steven E. Zibell, Robert J. Yatka, Michael J. Greenberg, Rebecca A. Aumann, Daniel J. Zyck, Daniel J. Sitler, Jeffrey S. Hook, James R. Maxwell, Michael A. Reed, Victor V. Gudas, Philip G. Schnell, Henry T. Tyrpin, Michael P. Russell, David L. Witkewitz, Joo H. Song, Donald J. Townsend, Donald A. Seielstad, Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, William J. Wokas, Thomas M. Tongue
  • Patent number: 6866876
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets, wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignees: WM. Wrighley Jr. Company, Matsutani Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Julius W. Zuehlke, Gordon N. McGrew, Robert J. Yatka, Isao Matsuda, Yasuo Katta
  • Publication number: 20040247743
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company
    Inventors: Fred R. Wolf, Gordon N. McGrew, Jeffrey S. Hook, Lindell C. Richey, Mansukh M. Patel, Robert J. Yatka, David L. Witkewitz, Michael J. Greenberg, Henry T. Tyrpin, Kathryn T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040185144
    Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a first coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; providing an aldehyde flavor; providing a second coating syrup separate from the first coating syrup and comprising a dipeptide sweetener; and applying the first and second coating syrups to the cores and drying the syrups to produce a coating on the cores. Calcium carbonate or another antacid may be incorporated in the coating by being mixed into the first coating syrup or applied as a dry charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: David L. Witkewitz, David G. Barkalow, Jonathan J. Knutsen, Chungsea A. Shen, Julius W. Zuehlke, Robert J. Yatka
  • Publication number: 20040170720
    Abstract: Improved chewing gum formulations and bases, as well as methods of producing chewing gum and bases are provided. The chewing gum includes salatrim. Salatrim can be used in the base and/or gum as a plasticizer, softener, compatibilizer, and emulsifier. In an embodiment, salatrim is added to sucrose-type gum formulations replacing a small or large quantity of other fats, oils, and emulsifiers. A variety of base and chewing gum formulations including salatrim can be created and/or utilized pursuant to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Yatka, Michael Bunczek, Philip Urnezis, Philip Mazzone, Pamela Mazurek, Gordon N. McGrew, Joo H. Song, Fred R. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6759066
    Abstract: Chewing gum formulations including sodium pyrophosphate and encapsulated aspartame are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing chewing gum are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: William D. Savage, Philip G. Schnell, Rebecca A. Aumann, Robert J. Yatka
  • Publication number: 20040096544
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Comapny.
    Inventors: Robert J. Yatka, Donald J. Townsend, Sonya S. Johnson, Michael J. Greenberg, Daniel J. Sitler
  • Publication number: 20040067277
    Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of an antimicrobial agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the antimicrobial agent by coating and drying. The antimicrobial agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated antimicrobial agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified antimicrobial agent for use in chewing gum. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adapted to produce a fast release or a delayed release when the gum is chewed. The preferred antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Roman M. Barabolak, Steven E. Zibell, David L. Witkewitz, Michael J. Greenberg, Robert J. Yatka
  • Publication number: 20040052898
    Abstract: Improved chewing gum formulations and bases, as well as methods of producing chewing gum and bases are provided. The chewing gum includes salatrim. Salatrim can be used in the base and/or gum as a plasticizer, softener, compatibilizer, and emulsifier. In an embodiment, salatrim is added to sucrose-type gum formulations replacing a small or large quantity of other fats, oils, and emulsifiers. A variety of base and chewing gum formulations including salatrim can be created and/or utilized pursuant to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Yatka, Michael Bunczek, Philip Urnezis, Philip Mazzone, Pamela Mazurek, Gordon N. McGrew, Joo H. Song, Fred R. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6692778
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: WM. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Yatka, Donald J. Townsend, Sonya S. Johnson, Michael J. Greenberg, Daniel J. Sitler
  • Publication number: 20030190387
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as confectioneries such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
    Inventors: Julius W. Zuehlke, Gordon N. McGrew, Robert J. Yatka, Isao Matsuda, Yasuo Katta
  • Patent number: 6627234
    Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with an improved release of active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by adding an active agent to a chewing gum coating. The active agent is added to the coating in a coating solution or premixed with a flavor or solvent. The coating solution may contain sweetener or other transdermal enhancing agents to obtain increased transmucosal absorption. An active agent may also be used in the gum core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Sonya S. Johnson, David W. Record, Michael J. Greenberg, Michael A. Reed, Victor V. Gudas, Philip G. Schnell, Donald A. Seielstad, Henry T. Tyrpin, Michael P. Russell, David L. Witkewitz, Joo H. Song, Donald J. Townsend, Robert J. Yatka, Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, William J. Wokas
  • Patent number: 6592912
    Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of an antimicrobial agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the antimicrobial agent by coating and drying. The antimicrobial agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated antimicrobial agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified antimicrobial agent for use in chewing gum. When incorporated into the chewing gum, these particles are adapted to produce a fast release or a delayed release when the gum is chewed. The preferred antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Roman M. Barabolak, Steven E. Zibell, David L. Witkewitz, Michael J. Greenberg, Robert J. Yatka