Abstract: A web transport apparatus having an active support structure defining an active web transport path and a storage support structure defining a web storage path parallel to the active path. In use, the apparatus is juxtaposed with a treatment device so that the active path extends through the active zone of the treatment device. A sequence of semi-continuous webs may be treated by feeding each web along the active path while the next web is being threaded along the storage path, and shifting the next web laterally from the storage path to the active path upon exhaustion of the web being fed along the active path. The treatment device can remain operative while the storage path is being threaded.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing chiral nicotine and nicotine analogues of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are hydrogen or alkyl and R.sub.4 is alkyl. Also disclosed are novel intermediate compounds and a novel method for preparing 1-methylprolinol from prolinol, which compounds and method are useful for the preparation of these nicotinoids.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco and non-tobacco smoking compositions which contain a pyrazine-containing polyheterocyclic compound as a flavorant additive.In one embodiment, this invention provides tobacco compositions which contain a polyheterocyclic flavorant additive such as 1,2-bis(3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyrazyl)ethane: ##STR1## Under smoking conditions the above illustrated polyheterocyclic additive flavors the mainstream and sidestream smoke.In another embodiment, this invention provides foodstuffs which contain a polyheterocyclic flavorant additive such as 1-(3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyrazyl)-2-(2-pyridyl)ethane.

Abstract: A ridge remover for smoothing and shaping rod surfaces where jointure marks occur in fibrous rod manufacture when made using a porous belt garniture device.

Abstract: In a pressure vessel of the type used for processing a product with a liquid cryogen such as the impregnation of tobacco with liquid carbon dioxide for expansion thereof, a withdrawal door, pivotally hinged to open to permit gravitational discharge of the processed product, includes a grating to support the product in the vessel when the door is closed. A wire screen mesh is disposed on the grating to permit gaseous and liquid cryogen to pass therethrough while substantially preventing product from passing therethrough. A holding apparatus includes means for securely holding the screen fixed relative to the grating at the periphery and interior surface portions of the screen, the apparatus preferably including a gridded structure for minimizing stretching and tearing of the screen during discharge of the processed product from the vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco and non-tobacco smoking compositions which contain a quaternary ammonium compound as a flavorant additive.In one of its embodiments this invention provides tobacco compositions which contain a quaternary ammonium flavorant additive such as ##STR1## Under smoking conditions the above illustrated pyridinium additive and its pyrolysis products flavor the mainstream smoke.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco and non-tobacco smoking compositions which contain a heterocyclic-hydroxy-substituted carboxylate compound as a flavorant additive.In one of its embodiments, this invention provides tobacco compositions which contain a heterocyclic-hydroxy-substituted alkanoate flavorant additive such as ethyl 2-(2-butyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-3-(3-pyridyl)propionate: ##STR1## Under smoking conditions the above illustrated heterocyclic-hydroxy-substituted alkanoate additive and its pyrolysis products flavor the mainstream and sidestream smoke.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the treatment of tobacco materials. More particularly, the invention relates to a process that comprises contacting tobacco with an aqueous enzyme solution exhibiting cellulase activity, incubating the tobacco-enzyme mixture, and thereafter expanding the tobacco material. Tobacco materials treated in this manner exhibit an enhanced capability for expansion, thereby resulting in a significant increase in filling capacity when compared to untreated expanded tobacco.

Abstract: A substantially horizontal grating having a plurality of substantially parallel bars extends within an enclosure that is adapted to gravitationally receive a mass of tobacco containing a cryogen and discharge smaller tobacco particles therefrom. A plurality of rotatable shafts having a plurality of blades equally separated by spacers are disposed orthogonally over the parallel bars such that the blades are located between the parallel bars. The spacers on the shafts and the parallel bars cooperate to define a plurality of sized apertures through the grating. The blades are formed to separate portions of the mass upon rotation and to urge the portions through the sized apertures for discharge from the apparatus.

Abstract: Reaction flavors for smoking compositions are disclosed. The flavors are prepared by reacting reducing sugars and selected amino acids in the presence of ammonium hydroxide and optionally in the presence of an aldehyde in an essentially solvent-free system. The thus prepared flavors may be incorporated in tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, non-tobacco substitutes or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for denitrating tobacco with minimal losses of desirable tobacco solubles employing electrodialysis is disclosed. The process comprises subjecting an aqueous tobacco extract to membrane electrodialysis such that nitrate salts are extracted, without substantial loss of desirable tobacco solubles, while minimizing conflicting reactions in the electrodialysis unit and prolonging membrane life. Conflicting reactions are reduced and membrane life is enhanced by isolation of the electrodes to prevent electrolysis in the extract and brine by use of an anion permeable membrane adjacent the cathode and by use of a catholyte, the anion of which forms soluble salts with polyvalent cations. The denitrated extract when combined with denitrated insoluble fibrous tobacco materials may be employed to produce tobacco products having reduced nitrogen oxide delivery.

Abstract: A method for utilizing waste cellulosic material by conversion to sugars suitable for use in tobacco manufacturing is disclosed. The method comprises comminuting waste cellulose products, which are generated during tobacco product manufacturing, deesterifying any waste cellulose acetate present in the waste products, enzymatically saccharifying the deesterified and comminuted products to simple sugars and recovering the sugars produced. The recovered sugars may be utilized in tobacco treatment processes. Enzymatic saccharification is preferably effected with Trichoderma viride cellulases.

Abstract: Compressors are utilized in an apparatus for treating a product such as tobacco with a liquid cryogen, such as carbon dioxide for removing vapor from a processing chamber and recompressing the vapor to facilitate its return to the cryogen system. When the compressors do not receive a supply of cool vapor from the processing chamber, the compressor temperature rises and the pressure drops. When the pressure reaches a predetermined minimum setpoint, the compressors are interconnected by means of a remotely controlled valve to a vessel containing cryogen vapor at a pressure greater than the pressure at the compressors. A supply of cool cryogen vapor thus flows to the compressors to reduce the temperature, thereby allowing continuous operation of the compressors during periods in which cryogen vapor flow from the processing chamber is interrupted or delayed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filter cigarette having inlet vents in the filter mouthpiece divided into two groups. The distance between the two groups of inlet vents is selected to give an increased resistance to draw without appreciably decreasing dilution or total particulate matter.

Abstract: Reaction products useful for enhancing the organoleptic response of smoking materials are disclosed. The reaction of a reducing sugar, ammonia and carboxylic acid, whether saturated or unsaturated, and having from about 6 to 26 carbon atoms, results in flavorant products, which may be incorporated into smoking filler materials without additional processing, such as refining or isolating individual components of the mixture.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco and non-tobacco smoking compositions which contain a substituted-heterocyclic compound as a flavorant additive.In one of its embodiments this invention provides tobacco compositions which contain a substituted-pyrazine flavorant additive such as 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-1,4-bis(3,5,6-trimethyl-2-pyrazinyl)butane: ##STR1## Under smoking conditions the above illustrated substituted-pyrazine additive and its pyrolysis products flavor the mainstream and sidestream smoke.

Abstract: Inert gas-permeable granular support materials impregnated with alkali ferrates wherein the ferrates are iron compounds having an oxidation state of +4, +5, or +6 are disclosed. When they are used as a granular filter material in combination with a tobacco product, hydrogen cyanide can be significantly reduced in the smoke obtained from the tobacco product. Activated carbon or alumina impregnated with sodium permanganate and a basic sodium compound may also be combined with the granular filter material.

Abstract: Humic acid-dyed paper suitable for use as wrappers for smoking articles is post treated with magnesium sulfate to fix or render the humic acid insoluble. Paper treated in this manner provides a product of acceptable brown color. Smoking articles wrapped in the treated paper evolve a reduced amount of carbon monoxide on smoking under normal conditions in comparison to currently available brown papers stained with humic acid.

Abstract: A holder for a flat circular filter attached to a smoking machine is provided with a rotatable support for the filter pad. The smoke inlet and suction outlet for the filter holder are offset from the center of the pad and holder and are in matching positions at opposite faces of the pad. At the initiation of each puff, a rotator is synchronized to turn the support and pad through a predetermined arc so that the smoke particulates are spread along said arc of the filter pad. The products of an individual puff are thus positioned for the study of puff fractions. Multiple puffs may be handled on one pad.

Abstract: A process for shredding tobacco stems into fibrillar stem fragments by striking stem shards protreptically against the inertia thereof while in dynamic suspension.