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: 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
  • Patent number: 11076631
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Shuzhong Zhuang, Diane L. Gee
  • Publication number: 20210169127
    Abstract: A tobacco lozenge includes a body configured to be wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a matrix including a soluble fiber in an amount greater than or equal to 60 weight percent of the body, tobacco plant tissue dispersed in the matrix, and an additive dispersed in the matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Diane GEE, Shuzhong ZHUANG, Phillip M. HULAN, William J. BURKE
  • Patent number: 10925309
    Abstract: A tobacco lozenge includes a body configured to be wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a matrix including a soluble fiber in an amount greater than or equal to 60 weight percent of the body, tobacco plant tissue dispersed in the matrix, and an additive dispersed in the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Sendees LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Shuzhong Zhuang, Phillip M. Hulan, William J. Burke
  • Publication number: 20200352929
    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: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    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
  • Publication number: 20200352212
    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 22, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Applicant: 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: 20200297715
    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: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng GAO, Diane L. GEE, Phillip M. HULAN, Shuzhong ZHUANG, William J. BURKE
  • Patent number: 10780085
    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: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    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
  • Patent number: 10744476
    Abstract: Provided is a method for cooling wax after coextrusion to create wax capsules. The method includes immersing a concentric nozzle of a coextruder in a container of heated alcohol. The container of heated alcohol sits in a water-ice bath to create a temperature gradient. A core material having a wax coating is extruded through a concentric nozzle to form a capsule. The capsule enters the container of hot alcohol where the wax coating is solidified. In an embodiment, the method is a continuous method including a capsule and solvent transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Hongwei Liu, Georgios D. Karles, Shuzhong Zhuang
  • Patent number: 10702516
    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: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Diane L. Gee, Phillip M. Hulan, Shuzhong Zhuang, William J. Burke
  • Patent number: 10660359
    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: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    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: 20200138091
    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: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shuzhong ZHUANG, Georgios D. Karles
  • Patent number: 10542772
    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: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shuzhong Zhuang, Georgios D. Karles
  • Publication number: 20190328032
    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 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Shuzhong Zhuang, Diane L. Gee
  • Publication number: 20190246686
    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 nicotine with a silicon oxide-containing porous solid such that the nicotine absorbs into pores of the porous solid to form a porous solid-nicotine mixture. In some cases, a porous solid-nicotine mixture can be combined with one or more binders and molded into an oral product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Shuzhong Zhuang, Diane L. Gee