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: 6136350
    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: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, S. Kristine O'Konski, Donald C. Hassler, Jeffery C. Mormann, Nicholas Partipilo, Rocco A. Pawlowski, Ralph R. Burin
  • Patent number: 6024988
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved chewing gum composition that includes caffeine. The chewing gum composition includes a specific particle size distribution for the caffeine such that the perceived bitterness of traditional caffeine gums is reduced. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of mixing a caffeine chewing gum composition that likewise reduces bitterness by selecting specific processing times and sequences for the mixing of the various ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Thomas M. Tongue, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5733587
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming miniature size confectionery products. A mass of a confectionery product, such as bubble gum, is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The flat sheet is then cooled and formed into a webbed mat having a plurality of desired configurations thereon. Next, the webbed mat is tumbled to break apart the webbed mat and form a plurality of miniature size confectionery products in the form of the desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine Corriveau, Michael McHale, Sharon Van Horn
  • Patent number: 5667824
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming miniature size confectionery products. A mass of a confectionery product, such as bubble gum, is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The flat sheet is then cooled and formed into a webbed mat having a plurality of desired configurations thereon. Next, the webbed mat is tumbled to break apart the webbed mat and form a plurality of miniature size confectionery products in the form of the desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine Corriveau, Michael McHale, Sharon Van Horn
  • Patent number: 5334397
    Abstract: An improved fruit flavored chewing gum having more intense and longer lasting sweetness and flavor is prepared, by including within the chewing gum, a) a spray dried fruit flavor ingredient having a high loading of active fruit flavor, b) encapsulated acesulfame-K, and c) separately encapsulated aspartame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Amurol Products Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, William J. Wokas
  • Patent number: 5318784
    Abstract: A chewing gum and confection composition is disclosed which is pourable and includes between about 30 and about 90 percent particles of chewing gun having an average particle size of between about 0.5 and 6 mm. The pourable composition also includes between about 10 and about 70 percent dry, flee-flowing, sweet confection. Preferably, the chewing gum particles are bits of bubble gum and the sweet confection is powdered dextrose. A method of making this pourable composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Amurol Products Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, Victoria L. Schlecht
  • Patent number: 5133980
    Abstract: There is disclosed a package and dispenser for a rolled, tape-like confectionery product. This dispenser includes a housing means which has top, bottom and side wall means. There is an opening in the side wall means adapted to allow an end of the confectionery product to pass through. The dispenser also includes a hinged means with a hinged end located on one side of the opening. Cutting means are provided on the other side of the opening for contacting and cutting the confectionery product. Locking means are also provided for locking the hinged means in a closed position covering the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Ralph R. Burin
  • Patent number: 4902519
    Abstract: A lollipop-type confection is described which is molded and packaged in an elastic mold together with the method of making such a confection. After the molten candy product is poured through the opening of an elastic mold, the opening is sealed with a layer of chewing gum product. A handle in the form of a stick is also provided which stick passes through the layer of chewing gum product and into the candy product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, David M. Moore
  • Patent number: 4882175
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a confectionary product into a rolled tape. A mass of a confectionary product, such as bubble gum, is formed into a thin, flat, generally rectangular sheet. The flat sheet is then rolled about the leading edge of the sheet. The rolled flat sheet is cut in planes generally perpendicular to the leading edge. Consequently, individual pieces of the confectionary product are produced in the predetermined width and in the form of a rolled tape. Preferably, the sheet of confectionary product is scored along lines perpendicular to the leading edge before the sheet is rolled up to thereby facilitate separation of the individual pieces of confectionary product after the sheet is rolled up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Robert D. Riedy, Michael McHale
  • Patent number: 4614654
    Abstract: A substantially homogeneous and non-crystalline taffy-like chewing gum confection having extended flavor and sweetness release characteristics comprises chewable gum base dispersed in a pliable taffy composition. The taffy composition comprises dry sugar in a weight ratio of sugar to syrup not exceeding about 2:1 and preferably a humectant such as sorbitol in an amount constituting from about 1.5% to about 5% by weight of the taffy composition. The product has an initial soft, chewy and taffy-like consistency. The taffy-like chewing gum confection, is prepared by heating a carbohydrate syrup having a moisture level within the range of from about 7% to 15% by weight of the syrup and dispersing gum base in the heated syrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, David M. Moore, Christine L. Corriveau
  • Patent number: 4400372
    Abstract: An improved chewing gum capable of cleaning and imparting a high degree of polish to the teeth comprises a chewing gum base, at least one non-toxic source of acid, and calcined kaolin particles, the median diameter of which is about 2 micrometers or less, substantially all of the particles being less than about 20 micrometers in diameter. Such a chewing gum cleans and imparts a high degree of polish to the teeth without unduly abrading or scratching them. When regularly chewed, such a gum, in addition to cleaning and polishing the dental enamel, also inhibits the reformation of dental plaque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Indiana University Foundation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Muhler, Carl J. Kleber, Ronald L. Ream, David M. Moore
  • Patent number: 4151270
    Abstract: Novel chewing gum composition for use by athletes and other persons to stimulate salivation while exercising, comprising the combination of at least three per cent by weight of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of adipic, ascorbic, citric, fumaric, lactic, malic and tartaric acids, and fructose. The organic acid and fructose combination provides a synergistic saliva stimulating effect greater than that of either ingredient alone. Sodium and potassium salts are included to help replenish those salts lost in perspiration, and high levels of dextrose or fructose provide a quick energy source and a hygroscopic agent for improved shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, David M. Moore
  • Patent number: 4088788
    Abstract: Chewing gum composition for use by persons to stimulate salivation while exercising, comprising the combination of at least three per cent by weight of an organic acid selected from the group consisting of adipic, ascorbic, citric, fumaric, lactic, malic and tartaric acids, and saccharin. The organic acid and saccharin combination provides a synergistic saliva stimulating effect. A further synergistic effect is provided by combining a high level of dextrose with the organic acid to improve the hygroscopicity and shelf life. Sodium and potassium salts are included to help replenish those salts lost in perspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, David M. Moore
  • Patent number: D379906
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ralph Burin, Ronald L. Ream