Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Ream

Ronald L. Ream 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: 6558692
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Publication number: 20030049208
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a center comprising a gum base. By chewing the product, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the product creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Patent number: 6531114
    Abstract: Methods and chewing gum formulations for delivering a medicament, namely sildenafil citrate, to an individual are provided. Further, an improved dosage form and method of treating erectile dysfunction are provided. Methods of treating esophageal spasms, dysphagia, and gastroparesis utilizing chewing gum formulations containing sildenafil citrate are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Charlean B. Gmunder, Weisheng Li, Ronald L Ream
  • Publication number: 20030003152
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided as well as methods for producing the product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a tableted center. The tableted center is defined by compressible excipients. By chewing the product, the medicament or agent is released from the product within the buccal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Leonard Matulewicz, William J. Wokas
  • Publication number: 20020159956
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Patent number: 6465003
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Publication number: 20020142081
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing a compressible confection comprises: at least one metering pump having an intake port and a discharge port; at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle; at least one product line interconnecting the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle; and a control mechanism for cyclically operating the at least one metering pump and operating the at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle in synchronization with the metering pump such that generally constant pressure is maintained between the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Gregory J. Milosch, Timothy J. Guydan, Michael P. McHale, George M. Nichtula
  • Patent number: 6444241
    Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of caffeine, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying caffeine's properties by coating and drying. Caffeine is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated caffeine is then preferably co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified caffeine 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. Also disclosed is a chewing gum pellet having a coating including caffeine or a caffeine salt compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Henry T. Tyrpin, Michael P. Russell, David L. Witkewitz, Sonya S. Johnson, Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Publication number: 20020114863
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, S. Kristine Cahill, Donald C. Hassler, Jeffery C. Mormann, Nicholas Partipilo, Rocco A. Pawlowski, Ralph R. Burin, E. Michael Ackley Jr., Samuel J. Louden
  • Publication number: 20020110581
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided as well as methods for producing the product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a consumable center. By chewing the product, the medicament or agent is released from the product within the buccal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Leonard Matulewicz, William J. Wokas
  • Patent number: 6426090
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided as well as methods for producing the product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a tableted center. The tableted center is defined by compressible excipients. By chewing the product, the medicament or agent is released from the product within the buccal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Leonard Matulewicz, William J. Wokas
  • Publication number: 20020039560
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Patent number: 6355265
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Publication number: 20020012633
    Abstract: Methods and chewing gum formulations for delivering a medicament, namely sildenafil citrate, to an individual are provided. Further, an improved dosage form and method of treating erectile dysfunction are provided. Methods of treating esophageal spasms, dysphagia, and gastroparesis utilizing chewing gum formulations containing sildenafil citrate are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Charlean B. Gmunder, Weisheng Li, Ronald L. Ream
  • Patent number: 6322806
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided as well as methods for producing the product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a tableted gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Gwendolyn Graff, Leonard Matulewicz
  • Publication number: 20010024642
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Michael J. Greenberg, William J. Wokas, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Patent number: 6290985
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided as well as methods for producing the product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a tableted gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Gwendolyn Graff, Leonard Matulewicz
  • Patent number: 6267997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, S. Kristine Cahill, Donald C. Hassler, Jeffery C. Mormann, Nicholas Partipilo, Rocco A. Pawlowski, Ralph R. Burin, E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Samuel J. Louden
  • Publication number: 20010002998
    Abstract: Methods and products for delivering a medicament or agent to an individual are provided as well as methods for producing the product. The product includes a coating having a medicament or agent. The medicament or agent is present within the coating that surrounds a tableted gum center (the water soluble portion and a water insoluble base portion). By chewing the gum, the medicament or agent is released from the product. Continuing to chew the chewing gum creates a pressure within the buccal cavity forcing the agent or medicament directly into the systemic system of the individual through the oral mucosa contained in the buccal cavity. This greatly enhances the absorption of the drug into the systemic system as well as the bioavailability of the drug within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Gwendolyn Graff, Leonard Matulewicz
  • Patent number: 6193105
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing a compressible confection comprises: at least one metering pump having an intake port and a discharge port; at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle; at least one product line interconnecting the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle; and a control mechanism for cyclically operating the at least one metering pump and operating the at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle in synchronization with the metering pump such that generally constant pressure is maintained between the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Gregory J. Milosch, Timothy J. Guydan, Michael P. McHale, George M. Nichtula