Abstract: Chewing gums and methods of making same that have prolonged and enhanced sensory benefits are provided. The chewing gums of the present invention include a hydrophobic sweetener, a sensorally active component or trigeminal stimulant, such as a flavor, in addition to other typical chewing gum ingredients. The hydrophobic sweeteners are composed of sweet organic compounds that have a low water solubility.

Abstract: A chewing gum composition comprises about 5% to about 95% gum base, about 5% to about 96% bulking and sweetening agents, and about 0.1% to about 15% flavor, wherein at least part of the flavor is a flavor encapsulated in a matrix comprising about 30% to about 60% acacia gum, about 30% to about 60% corn syrup solids having a DE of between about 2.4 and about 44, and about 2% to about 20% gelatin, with the acacia gum and corn syrup solids together comprising at least 80% of the matrix.

Abstract: Anti-plaque emulsions and methods of use are provided. The emulsion comprises a surfactant, emulsifier, and triclosan.

Abstract: A continuous coating process for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material are introduced into inclined rotating drums in which heated air is circulated and a coating solution is applied (liquid or powder). The coating material is dried on the pieces of material, and a plurality of thin layers are formed on each of the cores or small pieces of material. A series of rotating drums can be provided to provide the requisite number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating.

Abstract: A chewing gum base essentially free of non-silica fillers, comprising high molecular weight polyisobutylene, optionally amorphous silica and polyvinylacetate and powdered lecithin present in the chewing gum composition and optionally spray-dried flavor in the chewing gum composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chewing gum composition capable of eliminating nicotine component from the body of a person chewing the chewing gum. Such a chewing gum composition functions to convert the nicotine produced in a human body after smoking to cotinine and to discharge the cotinine into urine. Accordingly, by chewing the chewing gum of the present invention, not only nicotine can be eliminated from the body, but also the incidence of cancer due to nicotine can be largely reduced.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of an antimicrobial agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the antimicrobial agent by coating and drying. The antimicrobial agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated antimicrobial agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified antimicrobial agent 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. The preferred antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the active agent, such as a nutraceutical or nutritional supplement, by coating and drying. The active agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated active agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified active agent for use in chewing gum. The active agent may also be used in a coating on a chewing gum product, as part of a rolling compound applied to the chewing gum product, or as a part of the liquid in a liquid-center chewing gum product.

Abstract: A continuous coating process 30 for chewing gum and bubble gum materials. Small cores or pieces of gum material 20 are introduced into inclined rotating drums 34, 34? in which heated air 52 is circulated and a coating solution 50 is applied (liquid or powder). The coating material is dried on the pieces of material, and a plurality of thin layers are formed on each of the cores or small pieces of material. A series of rotating drums can be provided to provide the requisite number or thickness of coating layers. In an alternate embodiment, initial coatings of material can be provided on the cores by a batch-type process before the materials are introduced into the continuous coating drums. The formulas for the coating solution can also be adjusted at different stages of the coating process in order to provide a more consistent and uniform coating.

Abstract: An edible chewing gum having a gum base consisting essentially of agar and one or more soluble ingredients as well as a process for its preparation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets, wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.

Abstract: A method is provided for the total manufacture of chewing gum on a continuous basis. The method uses a continuous high efficiency mixer which includes at least one conveyor element that is not located under a feed port.

Abstract: Gums and methods of producing gums are provided. The present invention includes a gum that has a coating layer composed of a bulk sweetener which has been formed by heating and/or searing the gum. The bulk sweetener on the surface of the gum becomes caramelized and subsequently cooled over time at desirable temperatures. The resultant coating layer includes a hardened and caramelized bulk sweetener that can enhance the flavor, the appearance, the mouthfeel and the overall recreational enjoyment of the gum during use.

Abstract: Method and system for continuously producing pieces of liquid-filled gum material. An extruded rope of liquid-filed gum is sized and separated into individual pieces of gum. A rotating drum mechanism having a die ring and cutter ring with mating die members separate the rope of gum material into individual pieces. Pairs of cam-operated plunger members compress and form the pieces of gum material in the die cavities. Angled grooves in the die members prevent portions of the gum pieces from being chipped-off during formation. Guide pin members are positioned between rider members on the plunger members. A feed chute with air assist transfers the gum rope from a sizing table to the rotating drum mechanism. A stripper member insures that the formed pieces of gum material are removed from the drum mechanism. Portions of the drum mechanism can be selective heated and cooled, or not cooled at all. The invention provides a more efficient system for continuous, high production operation.

Abstract: A system and method for behavior modification through dynamic identification of behavior patterns, assistance in finding and implementing healthy alternatives to undesirable behavior patterns, preparation of dynamically variable user-specific programs, monitoring of current user activities, and presenting feedback and information to the user. The system and method further support incorporation of professional and other information into a user-specific package from which the user-specific program is determined, and synchronization and data integrity across the platforms of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the hard panning of chewable cores in a pan or drum wherein a syrup of a crystallizable sugar or polyol is intermittently sprayed over a bed of the cores and the cores are dried between sprayings with a flow of air. The speed and efficiency of the panning process is increased by controlling the drying of the cores between sprayings by controlling parameters of the drying air in such a way as to intentionally leave a substantial residual moisture in the drying coating layer at the start of a subsequent spraying phase. The chewable products are preferably xylitol coated chewing gums.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing chewing gum granules. The method comprises at least the steps of feeding a gum composition including at least gum base into an extruder (2), pressurizing the gum composition in the extruder, extruding the gum composition through a die plate (5), and cutting the extruded gum composition in a liquid filled chamber (4). The extruded gum composition comprises at least 71% Wt, gum base and the cut granules are included in compressed gum tablets. The invention further relates to a chewing gum product, and to a chewing gum granulating system.

Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a first coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; providing an aldehyde flavor; providing a second coating syrup separate from the first coating syrup and comprising a dipeptide sweetener; and applying the first and second coating syrups to the cores and drying the syrups to produce a coating on the cores. Calcium carbonate or another antacid may be incorporated in the coating by being mixed into the first coating syrup or applied as a dry charge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use or natural vegetable flavouring components as flavouring agents in chewing gum coating. The addition of a natural vegetable component to a chewing gum coating results in increased flavour sensation. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of a chewing gum wherein the coating comprises a natural vegetable component as flavouring agent. The chewing gum comprises a) an insoluble gum base; b) a water soluble portion; c) a coating comprising a flavouring agent wherein at least 10% by weight of the flavouring agent is a natural vegetable flavouring agent comprising plant cellular material.

Abstract: The invention concerns improved sugar-free products, their production and use, in particular, coated products, their production and use. The products are characterized by their content in enriched mixtures of 1-O-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-D-mannitol (1,1-GPM) and 6-O-&agr;-D-glucopyranosyl-D-sorbitol (1,6-GPS).

Abstract: Ingestible and degradable gum bases and chewing gums including enzymatically hydrolyzed zein are provided. Additionally, methods of producing gum base and chewing gums are provided.

Abstract: A rolled food item (110) is fabricated by rolling a strip of support material (16) and food (14) about its leading end (136) into a roll. Prior to its rolling into the roll, a deposit (144) of water is sprayed onto the food (14) adjacent to the trailing end (138) to increase the tackiness of the food (14) sufficient to be adherable to the support material (16) in the roll to at least temporarily prevent unintentional unrolling of the roll during later fabrication operations. In the preferred form, the trailing end of the deposit (144) is coextensive with the trailing end (138) of the strip of support material (16) and food (14). In one form, the side edges of the deposit (144) are spaced inwardly from the side edges of the food (14) which are spaced inwardly from the side edges of the support material (16).

Abstract: An improved process for continuously producing chewing gum products. A continuous extrusion machine is utilized preferably with a rotating twin-screw mixing mechanism. The timing and location of entry and the apportioned amounts of the flavor and sugar ingredients are adjusted according to preestablished data in order to provide a product with desired flavor and texture profiles. The temperature and pressure of the product are also kept within prespecified ranges.

Abstract: Plasticized prolamine compositions and methods of preparing same are provided. The compositions can be used for making chewing gum bases, especially as biodegradable chewing gum bases. The inventive plasticizers are selected from a group of N-acyl derivatives of amino acids. The compositions are also useful for making other edible products as well as eco-friendly packaging films, coatings, adhesives, and encapsulation vehicles for medicament delivery and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable portable oral care confectionery compositions which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits. Compositions of the present invention can optionally have one or more additional oral care benefits. The confectionery compositions comprise: (i) greater than about 10 ppm of a first metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a second metal cation different from the first metal cation and selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) less than about 10% water; and (iv) a confectionery carrier wherein the ratio of the first metal cation to the second metal cation is in the range of from about 50:1 to about 1:50.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable portable oral care confectionery compositions which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits combined with enhanced anti-calculus benefits, wherein the confectionery compositions comprise: (i) a polyphosphate material with an average anion chain length of greater than or equal to 3; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) less than about 10% water; and (iv) a suitable confectionery carrier material wherein the ratio of polyphosphate anion to metal cation is in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable, portable, oral care confectionery wherein the confectionery composition has a crunchy texture which acts to reinforce for the consumer the oral care benefit of the product. A crunchy, non-cariogenic oral care confectionery composition comprises: (i) from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, of an oral care active selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; anti-plaque agents; desensitising agents; oral malodour control agents; H2 antagonists; and mixtures thereof; (ii) from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight of the composition, of a solid particulate wherein the solid particulate has a particle size such that is passes through a 2000 &mgr;m mesh and is retained by a 100 &mgr;m mesh and has an aqueous solubility of at least 1 g per 100 ml at 25° C.

Abstract: A polyamide-based sausage casing suitable for use with uncooked meats such as chorizo is disclosed. A polyamide resin is blended with a silicon-based barrier control agent, preferably a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, to increase the permeability of the sausage casing. The resultant blend can be biaxially stretch-oriented to produce a single-layered polyamide-based sausage casing suitable for use with uncooked sausage meats such as chorizo, and specifically suitable for the gas and moisture permeability needed during the curing process for uncooked sausage meats. Such polyamide-based casings can also be employed for cooked sausages by choosing a silicon-based barrier control agent that increases gas and moisture barrier, thereby increasing shelf-life for unpeeled sausages. A method for improving the peelability of cooked sausage casings by injecting a thin coating of a releasing agent, without the addition of a surfactant, into the sausage casing during the shirring process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reclosable package for storing elongated items, such as one or more sticks of chewing gum, includes a container having an opening for accessing an interior region of the container. The container has sidewalls that surround the interior region of the container and that extend from the opening toward a bottom wall of the container. The reclosable package also has one or more dividers disposed in the interior region of the container and extending between the container opening and the bottom wall. The one or more dividers define elongated slots adapted for receiving the elongated items in an upright orientation. A cap is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls of the container. The cap is movable between a closed position in which the cap covers the elongated items stored in the container and an open position wherein the elongated items are accessible through the opening of the container.

Abstract: According to this method, the products are produced by continuously co-extruding a bead (B) coated with a starting base comprising hydrocolloids so as to form a skin by calcium gelation when the sausage passes into the elongated gelation bath (2), said bead then being shared out into portions (P) placed in trays (C)

Abstract: Gums and methods of producing gums are provided. The present invention includes a gum that has a coating layer composed of a bulk sweetener which has been formed by heating and/or searing the gum. The bulk sweetener on the surface of the gum becomes caramelized and subsequently cooled over time at desirable temperatures. The resultant coating layer includes a hardened and caramelized bulk sweetener that can enhance the flavor, the appearance, the mouthfeel and the overall recreational enjoyment of the gum during use.

Abstract: An oral care composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a antibacterial seed or pulp extract from the Citrus plant family; the Vitis plant family; and mixtures thereof; (ii) an oral care active selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; anti-plaque agents; fluoride ion source; desensitizing agents; oral malodor control agents; H2 antagonists; and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed are stable oral care compositions, preferably confectionery compositions, which provide enhanced oral malodour benefits combined with one or more additional oral care benefits, wherein the compositions comprise: (i) a polyphosphate material with an average anion chain length of 3 or greater; (ii) greater than about 10 ppm of a first metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; (iii) greater than about 10 ppm of a second metal cation selected from the metals of groups 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16 of the periodic table; and (iv) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the molar ratio of polyphosphate anion to the total level of first and second metal cation combined is in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:1 and wherein the molar ratio of the first metal cation to the second metal cation is in the range of from about 50:1 to about 1:50.

Abstract: A confectionery composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a natural plant extract selected from tea, gold thread, honeysuckle, magnolia extracts and mixtures thereof; (ii) an oral care active selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; anti-plaque agents; fluoride ion source; desensitising agents; oral malodour control agents; H2 antagonists; and mixtures thereof; (iii) less than about 10% water; and (iv) a suitable confectionery carrier material.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a chewing gum composition or a confectionery composition containing stain removing agent selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants and methods of preparing and using the same to remove stains from dental material including teeth.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel teeth whitening chewing gum formulation comprising bivalent metal peroxide(s) and anhydrous organic acids. Upon mastication in the oral environment, the acids react with the peroxide to form hydrogen peroxide in situ, in an environment stimulating the decomposition of such peroxide to form water and radical oxygen. The system is characterized by its efficacy and convenience. The teeth whitening composition of the preferred embodiment is also virtually insensitive to storage conditions, allowing for an extended shelf life.

Abstract: Improved coatings and methods for manufacturing coated confectionary or chewing gum products are provided. Polyol coatings can be formed while polyols are in a molten state. Trehalose can also be used to form coatings on a confection or chewing gum by applying the trehalose while in a molten state.

Abstract: A composition for removing stains from dental surfaces comprising a stain removing effective amount of at least two active components selected from a peroxide compound, a polyphosphate, and an anionic surfactant, in combination with an orally acceptable carrier. The present invention is further directed to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention involves a novel chewing gum formulation and a method of making the same. The chewing gum formulation is used to form a final chewing gum composition which contains an active ingredient which is released from the chewing gum as the gum is masticated in the mouth of the user. The chewing gum made from the chewing gum composition of the present invention is initially a compressed body, such as a tablet, which quickly dissociates into a multiplicity of small pieces upon initial chewing followed by a reformation of the pieces into a coherent mass of chewing gum after a few seconds of chewing. Both the chewing gum formulation and the chewing gum composition are in the form of a free-flowing particulate which is capable of being directly compressed at high speed by a standard tableting machine into chewing gum tablets.

Abstract: A method of making antacid coated chewing gum products comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener and a neutralizing antacid suspended in the coating syrup, the coating syrup containing from about 25% to about 50% by weight of the solids in the syrup of a neutralizing antacid, selected from the group consisting of aluminum salts, bismuth salts, magnesium salts, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, sodium potassium tartrate, tricalcium phosphate and mixtures thereof, and applying the coating syrup to the cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores. Methods of use of the product to provide relief in the gastrointestinal tract are also included.

Abstract: A chewing gum tablet is prepared by cooling a chewing gum composition to a temperature at which the gum composition is brittle, and grinding the cooled, brittle gum composition to form a chewing gum powder. The gum composition can be cooled by mixing it with a coolant, such as solid carbon dioxide, prior to grinding. The chewing gum powder is mixed with an active composition comprising a nutritional supplement, such as one or more vitamins, minerals, or herbs, to form a nutritional supplement-containing powder. The mixture of gum powder and the nutritional supplement, along with other optional additives, is then granulated to form nutritional supplement-containing granules. These granules are then compressed to form chewing gum tablets.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coated product with increased stiffness to reduce the chipping after manufacturing and several days of storage, and before wrapping. A coated product such as confectioneries such as chewing gum, medicines and medicinal tablets wherein the product is coated with a coating composition comprising hydrogenated indigestible starch syrup as a binding agent.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum, as well as the chewing gum so produced, incorporates a physiological cooling agent, such as acyclic carboxamide, or combinations of physiological cooling agents. In another embodiment a combination of physiological cooling agents is made in a modified release structure. The modified release/cooling agents combination is preferably obtained by physically modifying the properties of the combination of cooling agents by coating and drying. When incorporated into gum, these particles are adapted to enhance the shelf stability of the flavor and/or produce a modified release when the gum is chewed. In other embodiments, the physiological cooling agent is present with menthol and menthone and coated chewing gum has a coating that comprises a physiological cooling agent.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with an improved release of active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by adding an active agent to a chewing gum coating. The active agent is added to the coating in a coating solution or premixed with a flavor or solvent. The coating solution may contain sweetener or other transdermal enhancing agents to obtain increased transmucosal absorption. An active agent may also be used in the gum core.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for processing polyvinylacetate and other similar ingredients of a gum base or chewing gum product are disclosed. The ingredient materials are separated into individual pieces by a lump breaker and conveyed through a pneumatic conveying system to a cyclone receiver and holding bin. A volumetric feeder feeds the material into a side feeder which in turn introduces and feeds the material to the main continuous extruder used for making the final gum base or gum product. A unique adapter connects the side feeder to the main extruder which allows repair and/or modification of the side feeder without separating it from the main extruder.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release of an antimicrobial agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the antimicrobial agent by coating and drying. The antimicrobial agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated antimicrobial agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified antimicrobial agent 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. The preferred antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate.

Abstract: A method for producing a coated chewing gum with a controlled release of an active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying an active agent's properties by coating and drying. An active agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated active agent is then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified active agent. When incorporated into a chewing gum coating, these particles release into the mouth but mask bitter and other off-tastes in the mouth, and are readily ingested.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chewing gum tablet includes cooling a chewing gum composition to a temperature at which the gum composition is brittle, and grinding the cooled, brittle gum composition to form a chewing gum powder. The gum composition can be cooled by mixing it with a coolant, such as solid carbon dioxide, prior to grinding. The chewing gum powder is mixed with an active composition comprising a nutritional supplement, such as one or more vitamins, minerals, or herbs, to form a nutritional supplement-containing powder. The mixture of gum powder and the nutritional supplement, along with other optional additives, is then granulated to form nutritional supplement-containing granules. These granules are then compressed to form chewing gum tablets.

Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products containing an antigas agent comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating comprising a bulk sweetener; providing an antigas agent; and applying the antigas agent and coating syrup to the cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores.

Abstract: A method of making coated chewing gum products comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a first coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; providing a second coating syrup separate from the first coating syrup and comprising a high-intensity sweetener; and applying the first and second coating syrups to the cores and drying the syrups to produce a coating on the cores. Calcium carbonate or another antacid may be incorporated in the coating by being mixed into the first coating syrup.