Abstract: A disposable shield designed to sheath a patient control device prevents contaminants from contacting or entering the device. The shield has a bi-directional opening through which the hand-operated device is inserted and removed from the shield. A removable sealing device is used to preserve the integrity of the shield when the sealing device is removed. The shield can therefore be changed each time the device is handled by a different person, minimizing the chances of cross-contamination. The shield also extends the life of the device by preventing biological contaminants from contacting the device.

Abstract: A disposable shield designed to sheath a patient control device prevents contaminants from contacting or entering the device. The shield has a bi-directional opening through which the hand-operated device is inserted and removed from the shield. A removable sealing device is used to preserve the integrity of the shield when the sealing device is removed. The shield can therefore be changed each time the device is handled by a different person, minimizing the chances of cross-contamination. The shield also extends the life of the device by preventing biological contaminants from contacting the device.

Abstract: A rinse water additive dispenser for use in an automatic washing machine is disclosed. The dispenser includes a top, a valve assembly and a base releasably connected to the top. The valve assembly is retained within a valve housing located in the top and is able to move within the housing. The valve assembly includes a resilient disk valve and counterweight that are interconnected by a valve post. The resilient valve is located, enclosed, or compressed between the top and base portions when the top and base are connected. The top and base can be connected with threads, tongue and groove structures etc. When subjected to the centrifugal force of a spin cycle, the movement of the counterweight within the device causes the resilient disk to unseat from between the top and base allowing fluid communication between the dispenser and the tub of the washing machine. Optionally, the dispenser can have an elliptical cross section to promote proper orientation of the dispenser during the spin and rinse cycles.

Abstract: A disposable shield designed to sheath a patient control unit prevents contaminants from contacting or entering the patient control unit. Bubbles or soft elevations may be formed in the shield over buttons and/or dials on the control unit so that they can be operated through the shield. The shield can therefore be changed each time the control unit is handled by a different person, minimizing the chances of cross-contamination. The shield also extends the life of the control unit by preventing contaminants from entering the control unit and damaging the control unit circuitry.

Abstract: A rinse water additive dispenser for use in an automatic washing machine is disclosed. The dispenser includes a top, a valve assembly and a base releasably connected to the top. The valve assembly is retained within a valve housing located in the top and is able to move within the housing. The valve assembly includes a resilient disk valve and counterweight that are interconnected by a valve post. The resilient valve is located, enclosed, or compressed between the top and base portions when the top and base are connected. The top and base can be connected with threads, tongue and groove structures etc. When subjected to the centrifugal force of a spin cycle, the movement of the counterweight within the device causes the resilient disk to unseat from between the top and base allowing fluid communication between the dispenser and the tub of the washing machine. Optionally, the dispenser can have an elliptical cross section to promote proper orientation of the dispenser during the spin and rinse cycles.

Abstract: An improved deposited chewable antacid tablet containing solid antacid particles which includes solid antacid particles having a primary particle size of less than 100 millimicrons, which particles are thoroughly coated with a mixture composed of a fatty material or oil, a surfactant, and a flavorant selected from the group consisting of chocolate, mint-chocolate, butter, vanilla, butter fat and mint flavors. The fat or oil is present in an amount of from about 25% to about 45% of the mixture. As a result of the mixture coated on the antacid particles a non-chalky, non-gritty, antacid tablet is provided which readily disintegrates upon exposure to saliva as such way as to function as a liquid antacid.

Abstract: An improved deposited chewable antacid tablet containing solid antacid particles which includes solid antacid particles having a primary particle size of less than 100 millimicrons, which particles are thoroughly coated with a mixture composed of a fatty material or oil, a surfactant, and a flavorant selected from the group consisting of chocolate, mint-chocolate, butter, vanilla, butter fat and mint flavors. The fat or oil is present in an amount of from about 25% to about 45% of the mixture. As a result of the mixture coated on the antacid particles a non-chalky, non-gritty, antacid tablet is provided which readily disintegrates upon exposure to saliva as such way as to function as a liquid antacid.

Abstract: An improved deposited chewable antacid tablet containing solid antacid particles which includes solid antacid particles having a primary particle size of less than 100 millimicrons, which particles are thoroughly coated with a mixture composed of a fatty material or oil, a surfactant, and a flavorant selected from the group consisting of chocolate, mint-chocolate, butter, vanilla, butter fat and mint flavors. The fat or oil is present in an amount of from about 25% to about 45% of the mixture. As a result of the mixture coated on the antacid particles a non-chalky, non-gritty, antacid tablet is provided which readily disintegrates upon exposure to saliva as such way as to function as a liquid antacid.

Abstract: A reduced-shrink chewing gum composition having good film-forming characteristics which is prepared with a relatively high amount of inert inorganic filler and a non-styrene butadiene gum base. The filler material is included as a component of the gum base and as a component added after formation of the gum base.

Abstract: A chewing gum is provided which contains gum base and a non-aqueous solid fatty or gelatinous sweetener or flavorant, such as butter, marshmallow or caramel, solubilized in the gum base. The subject chewing gum has the appearance and mouth feel of chewing gum as opposed to candy and a delayed but prolonged sweetness or flavor impact. The chewing gum is laminated with a slab of chewing gum which will supply initial sweetness or flavor impact.A method for producing the above chewing gum is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid-filled chewing gum is provided which releases relatively large amounts of liquid sweetener and/or flavor into the oral cavity. The liquid-filled chewing gum includes a solid phase and a liquid phase, the solid phase includes a gum base matrix including a network of voids or pockets laced throughout the matrix, and the liquid phase includes a liquid sweetener and/or flavor composition, such as a sweetener-flavor solution, retained in the voids or pockets, and surrounded by gum base. Upon chewing, the liquid sweetener and flavor are released into the oral cavity.A method is also provided for forming the liquid-filled chewing gum.

Abstract: A chewing gum is provided which is capable of releasing into the oral cavity relatively large amounts of finely-divided water-insoluble therapeutic materials, which chewing gum includes a water-soluble phase formed of aqueous softener, and the finely divided therapeutic component to be released, said therapeutic component being coated with a water-soluble coating agent for preventing resorption of therapeutic component back into the gum base and, optionally, a first sweetener, dispersed throughout the aqueous softener, and a relatively water-insoluble phase formed of a plurality of separate and distinct masses suspended in and dispersed throughout the water-soluble phase, each of said masses formed of particles of gum base and, optionally, particles of a second sweetener, suchas mannitol and/or sorbitol or sugar, enveloped by particles of gum base. Upon chewing the above gum, the therapeutic component is, in fact, released in the oral cavity in relatively large quantities, together with the aqueous softener.

Abstract: A chewing gum is provided which has long-lasting sweetness and good sweat resistance and includes a water-soluble phase formed of aqueous softener, such as sorbitol syrup, and a first sweetener, such as sorbitol or sugar, in particulate form dispersed throughout the aqueous softener, and a relatively water-insoluble phase formed of a plurality of separate and distinct masses suspended in and dispersed throughout the water-soluble phase, each of said masses formed of particles of gum base and particles of a second sweetener, such as mannitol and/or sorbitol or sugar, enveloped by particles of gum base. The first sweetener and aqueous softener provide the initial impact of sweetness while the gum base provides an envelope or protective vehicle for the second sweetener to control and slow down release of the second sweetener, thereby providing extended sweetness after the initial sweetness impact has subsided.A method for preparing the above chewing gum is also provided.

Abstract: A chewing gum which includes a water-soluble phase formed of aqueous softener, such as sorbitol syrup, and a first sweetener, such as sorbitol or sugar, in particulate form dispersed throughout the aqueous softener, and a relatively water-insoluble phase formed of a plurality of separate and distinct masses suspended in and dispersed throughout the water-soluble phase, each of the masses being formed of particles of gum base and particles of a second sweetener, such as mannitol and/or sorbitol or sugar, enveloped by particles of gum base.The relatively water-insoluble phase including gum base particles and/or the water-soluble phase further includes hydrogenated starch hydrolysate.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving flexibility retention of chewing gum which contains gum base, aqueous softener such as corn syrup, sucrose, and a humectant such as sorbitol includes separating the aqueous softener from the humectant by incorporating the aqueous softener in the gum base so as to provide a water-in-oil phase, admixing the sucrose with the water-in-oil phase, and admixing the humectant with the sucrose-water-in-oil phase combination to form a chewing gum. The resulting chewing gum includes the humectant in a water-soluble phase which is substantially isolated from the aqueous softener in the water-in-oil phase.

Abstract: An effervescent tablet, preferably in the form of a pressed tablet, useful in inhibiting or reducing dental plaque is provided, the tablet including a core portion containing an effervescent couple, and an outer portion which coats or surrounds the core portion, the outer portion containing a sugar alcohol, such as sorbitol. The effervescent tablet will preferably include a source of calcium ion to fortify teeth against demineralization. In addition, a method of inhibiting or reducing dental caries by use of the above described tablet as well as a method for protecting an effervescent couple from moisture absorption are also provided.

Abstract: A flavored chewing gum is provided which contains a water-insoluble chalk-free gum base, a slowly or poorly extractable or poorly water-soluble sweetener in particulate form, such as the free acid form of saccharin or free cyclamic acid, and optionally, a slowly or poorly extractable or poorly water-soluble food acid in particulate form, for example, fumaric acid, dispersed in the gum base. The particulate sweetener and food acid (where present) undergo controlled release from the gum base for relatively long periods during which time the chewing gum delivers a sweet taste unaccompanied by a metallic or bitter after-taste.