Patents by Inventor Shuzhong Zhuang

Shuzhong Zhuang 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: 20230371575
    Abstract: Immobilized diluents in a smoking article are provided, wherein diluents can be immobilized through absorption and/or adsorption of the diluents into immobilizing materials, such as sorbents like silica gels. By immobilizing diluents, the diluents can be available for vaporization, while still being protected from migration and/or loss of the diluents in a smoking article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shuzhong ZHUANG, Georgios D. KARLES
  • Publication number: 20230346767
    Abstract: A nicotine lozenge includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. A nicotine lozenge may include at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber in a nicotine lozenge may include maltodextrin. The nicotine lozenge is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making nicotine lozenges includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, nicotine, and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 150° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of nicotine lozenges. The ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Diane L. GEE, Phillip M. HULAN, Shuzhong ZHUANG, William J. BURKE
  • Publication number: 20230337718
    Abstract: Encapsulated tobacco beads and processes of making the encapsulated tobacco beads are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a process of making encapsulated tobacco beads comprises mixing tobacco particles and menthol in an aqueous solution to form a wet mass; extruding the wet mass to form extrudates; spheronizing the extrudates to form tobacco beads; drying the tobacco beads; contacting the beads with a solution comprising a cation; and introducing the contacted tobacco beads into a solution of coating material in a concentration effective to induce ionic gelation of the coating material around the beads, to form encapsulated tobacco beads having gel coatings. According to another embodiment, an encapsulated tobacco bead comprises a core comprising tobacco particles and encapsulated menthol, an inner coating layer comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or pectin, and an outer coating layer comprising an ionically-crosslinked gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. KARLES, Shuzhong ZHUANG, Yi ZENG
  • Patent number: 11779045
    Abstract: A exhausted-tobacco tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and exhausted-tobacco is dispersed in the solid solution, and one or more additives dispersed in the solid solution such that at least one additive is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an adult tobacco consumer's oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Shuzhong Zhuang, Phillip M. Hulan, William J. Burke
  • Patent number: 11771128
    Abstract: Immobilized diluents in a smoking article are provided, wherein diluents can be immobilized through absorption and/or adsorption of the diluents into immobilizing materials, such as sorbents like silica gels. By immobilizing diluents, the diluents can be available for vaporization, while still being protected from migration and/or loss of the diluents in a smoking article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shuzhong Zhuang, Georgios D. Karles
  • Patent number: 11771127
    Abstract: A nicotine tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the solid solution such that the nicotine or derivative thereof is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Shuzhong Zhuang, Phillip M. Hulan, William J. Burke
  • Patent number: 11723904
    Abstract: A nicotine lozenge includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. A nicotine lozenge may include at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber in a nicotine lozenge may include maltodextrin. The nicotine lozenge is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making nicotine lozenges includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, nicotine, and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 150° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of nicotine lozenges. The ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Phillip M. Hulan, Shuzhong Zhuang, William J. Burke
  • Patent number: 11723395
    Abstract: Encapsulated tobacco beads and processes of making the encapsulated tobacco beads are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a process of making encapsulated tobacco beads comprises mixing tobacco particles and menthol in an aqueous solution to form a wet mass; extruding the wet mass to form extrudates; spheronizing the extrudates to form tobacco beads; drying the tobacco beads; contacting the beads with a solution comprising a cation; and introducing the contacted tobacco beads into a solution of coating material in a concentration effective to induce ionic gelation of the coating material around the beads, to form encapsulated tobacco beads having gel coatings. According to another embodiment, an encapsulated tobacco bead comprises a core comprising tobacco particles and encapsulated menthol, an inner coating layer comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or pectin, and an outer coating layer comprising an ionically-crosslinked gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Shuzhong Zhuang, Yi Zeng
  • Publication number: 20230240359
    Abstract: An oral pouch product includes a wrapper and a filling material. The wrapper defines a cavity. The filling material is in the cavity. The filling material includes a dry mixture and a liquid mixture. The dry mixture includes a cellulosic material and a water-soluble filler. The liquid mixture includes an oil and liquid nicotine. The oil includes a triglyceride, a diglyceride, a monoglyceride, or any combination thereof. The liquid nicotine is dissolved in the oil. The filling material is free of water or includes water in an amount less than or equal to 5 weight percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Baiwei CHEN, Feng GAO, Shannon M. BLACK, Shaoyong YU, Shuzhong ZHUANG, Benjamin L. RAGLAND, Rebecca M. GRAY, Fadi ALDEEK
  • Publication number: 20230121049
    Abstract: A soluble fiber lozenge in includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and one or more additives in the soluble-fiber matrix. A soluble fiber lozenge provided herein includes at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber in soluble fiber lozenge can include maltodextrin. The soluble fiber lozenge is adapted to release one or more additives from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of a consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making soluble fiber lozenges includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, one or more additives, and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 200° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of soluble fiber lozenges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Diane L. GEE, Shuzhong ZHUANG, Phillip M. HULAN, William J. BURKE, Gerd KOBAL
  • Publication number: 20230097809
    Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and a mouth-soluble binder dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Frank Scott ATCHLEY, Gregory James GRISCIK, Christopher Joseph DINOVI, Phillip M. HULAN, Diane L. GEE, Jason FLORA, Shuzhong ZHUANG
  • Patent number: 11554099
    Abstract: A soluble fiber lozenge provided herein includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and one or more additives dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. In some cases, a soluble fiber lozenge provided herein includes at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. In some cases, soluble fiber in soluble fiber lozenge provided herein can include maltodextrin. The soluble fiber lozenge is adapted to release one or more additives from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of a consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making soluble fiber lozenges provided herein includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, one or more additives, and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 200° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of soluble fiber lozenges. In some cases, the ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Shuzhong Zhuang, Phillip M. Hulan, William J. Burke, Gerd Kobal
  • Patent number: 11517566
    Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and a mouth-soluble binder dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Frank Scott Atchley, Gregory James Griscik, Christopher Joseph Dinovi, Phillip M. Hulan, Diane L. Gee, Jason Flora, Shuzhong Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20220313678
    Abstract: A method for preparing the nicotine-containing powder includes dissolving a carrier in a solvent to form a first solution, where the carrier includes a biopolymer, a natural polymer, a synthetic polymer, a bulk sweetener, or any combination thereof; contacting the first solution with nicotine, a nicotine complex, a nicotine salt, or any combination thereof to form a second mixture; and spray drying the second mixture to form a plurality of particles that define the nicotine-containing powder. The method may further include adding at least one of a pH modifier and an antioxidant to the second mixture. When the solvent includes water, an inlet temperature ranges from 120° C. to 210° C. and an initial product temperature ranges from 25° C. to 100° C. When the solvent includes ethanol, the inlet temperature ranges from 65° C. to 180° C. and an initial product temperature ranges from 25° C. to 79° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: David J. PHILLIPS, Rebecca M. GRAY, Munmaya MISHRA, Shuzhong ZHUANG
  • Publication number: 20220312830
    Abstract: A method for preparing nicotine-containing agglomerates includes introducing a solid particulate into a fluid bed granulator, and introducing a binder solution into the fluid bed granulator such that the binder solution contacts the solid particulate. The solid particulate and/or binder solution may be introduced into the fluid bed granulator in parts, concurrently or in series. The binder solution includes a binder material and a solvent, which may include water. Introducing the binder solution into the fluid bed granulator may include spraying the binder solution into a fluid bed of the fluid bed granulator during circulation of the fluid bed and materials therein, such as the solid particulate. The fluid bed may further include a filler material and/or an additive. The filler material and/or the additive may be introduced into the fluid bed granulator prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to the addition of the solid particulate and/or binder solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Shuzhong ZHUANG, Valerie L. TRAN, Shaoyong YU
  • Publication number: 20220279834
    Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Frank Scott ATCHLEY, Gregory James GRISCIK, Christopher Joseph DINOVI, Phillip M. HULAN, Diane L. GEE, Jason FLORA, Shuzhong ZHUANG
  • Patent number: 11369129
    Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Frank Scott Atchley, Gregory Griscik, Christopher Joseph Dinovi, Phillip M. Hulan, Diane L. Gee, Jason Flora, Shuzhong Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20210379048
    Abstract: A nicotine lozenge includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. A nicotine lozenge may include at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber in a nicotine lozenge may include maltodextrin. The nicotine lozenge is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making nicotine lozenges includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, nicotine, and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 150° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of nicotine lozenges. The ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Diane L. GEE, Phillip M. HULAN, Shuzhong ZHUANG, William J. BURKE
  • Publication number: 20210345657
    Abstract: This document provides methods and systems for stabilizing nicotine and incorporating nicotine into one or more oral products. This document also provides oral products. Nicotine can be stabilized by mixing liquid nicotine with cellulosic fiber such that the liquid nicotine absorbs into pores of the cellulosic fiber to form a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture. In some cases, a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture can be combined with one or more binders and molded into an oral product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Shuzhong ZHUANG, Diane L. GEE
  • Patent number: 11116758
    Abstract: A nicotine lozenge provided herein includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. In some cases, a nicotine lozenge provided herein includes at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. In some cases, soluble fiber in a nicotine lozenge provided herein can include maltodextrin. The nicotine lozenge is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making nicotine lozenges provided herein includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, nicotine, and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 150° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of nicotine lozenges. In some cases, the ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Phillip M. Hulan, Shuzhong Zhuang, William J. Burke