Abstract: In one embodiment, a processing device receives a first digital fingerprint of a media item along with a first content management rule. The processing device separately receives a second digital fingerprint of the media item along with a second content management rule. The processing device determines that the received digital fingerprints are for the same media item based upon a match between the first digital fingerprint and the second digital fingerprint. The processing device determines that all rights to the media item have been accounted for, and then determines a set of actions to be performed for hosted media items comprising the media item based at least in part upon the first content management rule and the second content management rule. Processing logic may also perform a conflict resolution process for conflicting rights claims to the media item.

Abstract: Concentrated tobacco extracts or essences are provided by first extracting water soluble components from tobacco. The aqueous extract then is contacted with supercritical carbon dioxide, and certain tobacco components in turn are extracted from the aqueous extract. Alternatively, the aqueous extract is subjected to a spray drying step, and the spray dried extract is contacted with supercritical carbon dioxide in order that certain tobacco components are extracted from the spray dried extract. The resulting extracted components are separated from the supercritical fluid in order to yield a tobacco essence. The essence has a homogeneous, viscous character and exhibits a tobacco aroma. The essence is useful as a flavoring agent for cigarettes and other smoking articles.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure. Tobacco is impregnanted with a low boiling impregnant and thereafter subjected to a pre-expansion treatment. The pre-expansion treatment includes a pre-expansion temperature which is above the atmospheric boiling point of the impregnant and which is at least ten degrees below the critical temperature of the impregnant; and a pressure which is at least five atmospheres above the boiling point pressure of the impregnant at the pre-expansion temperature. Under these conditions, the impregnant is maintained primarily in the liquid phase throughout the pre-expansion treatment. Following the pre-expansion treatment, the pressure of the treated tobacco is rapidly reduced to a pressure below the boiling point pressure of the impregnant to thereby effect tobacco expansion without the need for a separate heating step.