With Fluid Or Fluent Material Patents (Class 131/300)
  • Patent number: 11678692
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus and composition for enhancing rolled and packed tobacco products. An apparatus of the present invention included a multi-cylinder shipment container to maintain the pack of the tobacco during shipment and an injection needle tip that avoids blockage when injecting the enhancing composition into the cigar. Methods include wrapping and injection methods for enhancing the tobacco product. A composition includes a CBD solution for injection into the cigar at a shipment destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Inventor: Riste Ristevski
  • Patent number: 10966451
    Abstract: A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of above 55° C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The treated tobacco may have desirable organoleptic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Denis Benjak, Pedro Field, Alcindo Glesse, Matthias Link
  • Patent number: 10609951
    Abstract: A method for producing a flavor source that supports an inhaling flavor component contained in a tobacco raw material, comprises: step A of performing an alkali treatment on the tobacco raw material; and step B of arranging an alkali-treated tobacco raw material and a flavor base material configured by non-tobacco material within a same space in such a way that the alkali-treated tobacco raw material and the flavor base material are maintained in a non-contacting state, thereby inducing the flavor base material to support the inhaling flavor component emitted as a vapor phase from the tobacco raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Takuma Nakano, Keiko Fujii, Kimitaka Uchii, Manabu Yamada
  • Patent number: 10412989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to produce a homogenized tobacco material for use in a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating article, comprising the steps of: —selecting a first target value for a first tobacco characteristic, said first tobacco characteristic being reducing sugars and the first target value being comprised between about (8) percent and about (18) percent in dry weight basis of a total amount of tobacco present within the homogenized tobacco material; —selecting a second target value of a second tobacco characteristic, wherein the second tobacco characteristic is one of total ammonia and total alkaloids; —blending graded tobacco types so as to form the tobacco blend, each graded tobacco type comprising a predetermined amount of the first and second tobacco characteristics, so that the first and second target values of said first and second tobacco characteristics are obtained in said blend within a predetermined tolerance range; —grinding said tobacco blend into a blended tobacco powder;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Yorick Klipfel, Johannes Petrus Maria Pijnenburg, Michael Elliott Doyle, Juan David Manzur Bedoya, Pascal Rausis
  • Patent number: 9635881
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco composition comprising at least one type of non-tobacco fibers, wherein the non-tobacco fibers have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 3.5:1 and equal to or lower than 100:1, and a method for manufacturing the smokeless tobacco composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Swedish Match North Europe AB
    Inventors: Martin Sjögren, Thord Hassler, Jörgen Lundin, Bengt Börjesson
  • Patent number: 9435677
    Abstract: A car wash liquid containment and measurement apparatus having a reservoir defining a first interior region configured to hold a liquid therein. The apparatus has a valve with a first position and a second position and the valve is coupled to the reservoir. There is also a measurement apparatus coupled to the valve defining a second interior region and a tube disposed at least partially within the second interior region of the measurement apparatus. The valve fluidly isolates the first interior region from the second interior region when the valve is in the first position and the valve fluidly couples the first interior region with the second interior region when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Diamond Shine, Inc.
    Inventors: David Soble, Scott Soble, Derek Grace, Brian L. Ashinger
  • Patent number: 9427711
    Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Andrew Terry, Noah Mark Minskoff
  • Publication number: 20150122271
    Abstract: A method of preparing a tobacco material for use in a smoking article is provided, including (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof; (ii) heating the mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated mixture into a smoking article as a smokable material. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette is also provided that includes a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide in mainstream smoke. Upon smoking, the smoking article is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Gong Chen, Anthony Richard Gerardi, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Frank Kelley St. Charles, Serban C. Moldoveanu, Paul Andrew Brinkley
  • Patent number: 8991403
    Abstract: A method of thermally processing a tobacco material is provided, the method including the steps of (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof, to form a moist tobacco mixture; (ii) heating the moist tobacco mixture at a temperature of at least about 60° C. to form a heat-treated tobacco mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated tobacco mixture into a tobacco product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Gong Chen, Anthony Richard Gerardi, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Frank Kelley St. Charles, Cheryl Cooper Scott
  • Publication number: 20150075543
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco composition comprising at least one type of non-tobacco fibers, wherein the non-tobacco fibers have an average length-to-width ratio equal to or greater than 3.5:1 and equal to or lower than 100:1, and a method for manufacturing the smokeless tobacco composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: SWEDISH MATCH NORTH EUROPE AB
    Inventors: Martin Sjögren, Thord Hassler, Jörgen Lundin, Bengt Börjesson
  • Publication number: 20150027453
    Abstract: A method of processing tobacco and its by-products, comprising the steps of, preparing a blend of the tobacco and its by-products; charging an extruder with the blend; heating the blend to a temperature comprised between 10° C. and 170° C.; applying a pressure to the blend of between 0 bar and 40 bar; said heating and applying a pressure reducing ammonia content and causing Maillard reactions in the blend; and extruding said blend from the extruder to obtain an extruded product, the extruded product having reduced ammonia content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Walter Szortyka Tessmann
  • Publication number: 20140311501
    Abstract: A method of treating Burley tobacco stems for use in tobacco cut filler comprises the steps of: providing rolled Burley tobacco stems having a rolled thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; conditioning the rolled stems to increase the moisture content; applying a casing solution to the rolled, conditioned stems; heating the rolled stems with the casing solution applied; re-conditioning the stems after heating to increase the moisture content; cutting the tobacco stems from step; and drying the cut rolled stems. The rolled Burley tobacco stems may be combined with tobacco lamina prior to the treatment steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventor: Harald Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140283854
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment device for a smoking article, comprising a smoking article receiving portion shaped and configured to receive at least a portion of a smoking article, and a needle storage portion with a needle holder and a needle connected to the needle holder. The needle is movable between an extended position in which the needle extends at least partially into the smoking article receiving portion and a retracted position in which the needle is fully retracted into the needle storage portion with respect to the extended position, to protect an operator from the needle. The invention further relates to a cartridge for such a treatment device, wherein the cartridge comprises a treatment substance for a smoking article. The cartridge comprises a plunger receiving means which is adapted to receive a plunger to force the treatment substance out of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Magne
  • Patent number: 8839801
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a cigarette having equivalent aroma and flavor even with a reduced amount of burley leaves. The method does not require special processing treatment due to the absence of necessity of an installation space and costs for the treatment. Also, method of manufacturing a cigarette containing the same, and a cigarette. The invention separates raw material for sheet tobacco into fiber and solution, adds a primary casing flavor to the solution, mixes the solution added with the primary casing flavor and the fiber to produce a mixture, and dries the mixture. Burley leaf tobacco is thereafter mixed with the sheet tobacco. The casing flavor is previously added at the time of the molding of sheet tobacco in the sheet-tobacco manufacturing process, which makes enables production of sheet tobacco having the aroma and flavor equivalent of when burley leaf tobacco is used, even without special processing treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Shuichi Miyazawa, Mitsuharu Sugyo, Takanori Yagashira
  • Publication number: 20140230833
    Abstract: A nicotine delivery product comprising the reaction product of a nicotine/cation exchange resin complex and an organic polyol; and a method for preparing it comprising (a) mixing an aqueous suspension of a nicotine/cation exchange resin complex with an organic polyol or an aqueous solution thereof, and (b) removing water from the mixture to produce said nicotine delivery product. The nicotine delivery product has a nicotine release rate of at least 80% over a 10 minute period. It is particularly suited for use in smoking substitution devices delivering nicotine such as chewing gum, patches, lozenges, melting tablets and tablets for chewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Fertin Pharma A/S
    Inventor: Carsten ANDERSEN
  • Patent number: 8807141
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions using steam alone in an open vessel or in combination with pressure and venting to alter organoleptic properties of the smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC
    Inventors: James C. Breslin, Scott A. Williams, Jerry B. Eilliot, Frank Scott Atchley, Vernie A. Due
  • Publication number: 20140224266
    Abstract: A method for modifying a base water matrix, prior to the addition of a super absorbent copolymer in order to create a flavored and combustible gelatinous composition. A distilled water is provided, to which is added a percentage by volume or weight of a glycerin. An emulsifier is added, the water/glycerin/emulsifier matrix being mixed for a determined time interval. A natural flavoring is added mixed again concurrent with applying heat to a combined liquid matrix, along with adding an acrylic based super absorbant copolymer with cross linking agent to the combined liquid matrix to create a final mixture, which is then stored in a temperature controlled environment for a further determined time interval in order to permit the copolymer to completely absorb the combined liquid matrix concurrent with three dimensional expansion into the gelatinous composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Hratch A. Kardachian
  • Publication number: 20140224265
    Abstract: A smoking article formed from a tobacco material that includes tobacco non-isometric precipitated calcium carbonate microparticles is provided. The non-isometric microparticles typically have a mean diameter of from about 50 nanometers to about 3 micrometers, in some embodiments from about 80 nanometers to about 1 micrometer, in some embodiments from about 100 nanometers to about 400 nanometers, and in some embodiments, from about 200 nanometers to about 300 nanometers. Such non-isometric particles may have an elongated morphology so that the length of the microparticles is greater than the diameter. This may be characterized by the “aspect ratio” of the microparticles (length divided by width), which is typically from about 1 to about 15, in some embodiments from about 2 to about 12, and in some embodiments, from about 3 to about 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Stephane Rouillard, Diane M. Raverdy-Lambert, Christophe Rigoulay, Johan Guitton, Cedric Rousseau
  • Patent number: 8758561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellulosic material having one or more smoke diluents within its cellular structure and, optionally, one or more smoke diluents on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: David John Dittrich, Edward Dennis John, Kevin McAdam, Martin Coleman, Robert John Whiffen, Dominic Conrad Woodcock
  • Patent number: 8701680
    Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the device, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Some of the cigar puller devices can be used to infuse flavorants into the cigar to alter the taste and/or aroma of the cigar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Jack B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8555895
    Abstract: Methods of selectively reducing constituents in tobacco as well as the tobacco obtained by such methods are disclosed. Subcritical fluids, e.g., liquid carbon dioxide, serve as the reduction media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC, Phasex Corporation
    Inventors: Val Krukonis, Hans Schonemann, Anthony Gudinas, Paula M. Wetmore, Kara Williams, Carl H. Midgett, Clifford Brown Bennett, Harry Y. Zheng, Kathleen S. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8534297
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing moisture retention of tobacco in which dynamic rules on moisture desorption of the cut tobacco in a dry environment are investigated by using a dynamic vapor sorption system and has found that a dry basis moisture content at an earlier stage of moisture desorption of the cut tobacco has a preferred linear correlation with a square root of time. A linear fitting for t0.5 is made by using values of a dry basis moisture content Mt at a time point t, and a rate constant k is obtained from a slop of the obtained straight line and used as a reference of testing the moisture retention of tobacco. The method can also be used to investigate the moisture retention of tobacco and filter humectants of cigarettes. In comparison with the conventional method, the method is convenient and applicable, and has a short testing period, a high degree of automation, preferred accuracy and preferred reproducibility, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Da Wu, Guoqiang Zong, Chaoying Chen, Baizhan Liu
  • Publication number: 20130220352
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments or implementations are disclosed of methods, apparatus, and systems for operating motors in variable speed situations. In an exemplary implementation, a method of controlling a variable-speed motor includes defining a control duration as a predetermined number of cycles of a multiple-phase power supply. Each speed in a range of speeds is defined by a corresponding number of the cycles of the control duration. Power is provided to the motor from the power supply at a selected one of the speeds, by enabling input from the power supply for the number of the cycles of the control duration corresponding to the selected speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
    Inventors: Ping Shan, Cai Bing Zhang
  • Patent number: 8496012
    Abstract: A method of making composite nanoscale particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the composite nanoscale particles, wherein said composite nanoscale particles comprise a first metal and/or a first metal oxide incorporated in nanoscale particles of an oxide of a second metal, the first metal being different than the second metal. The starting material can comprise first and second metals or compounds of the first and second metals. The composite nanoscale particles can be formed in a reaction chamber wherein a temperature gradient is provided. The atmosphere in the chamber can be an inert atmosphere comprising argon or a reactive atmosphere comprising oxygen. The composite nanoscale particles are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sarojini Deevi, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Yezdi B. Pithawalla
  • Patent number: 8479747
    Abstract: A method and a system for preparing a tobacco extract for use in an electronic smoking device are provided. A tobacco extract and an electronic smoking device are also provided. The method includes grinding tobacco into granulated particles, and heating purified water. The method further includes injecting the heated purified water through the granulated particles of the tobacco for a predetermined period of time to produce an aqueous solution, and adding purified water to the aqueous solution. Further, the method includes heating the aqueous solution, and injecting the heated aqueous solution through ground tobacco for the predetermined period of time to produce a tobacco extract for use in the electronic smoking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Global Vapor Trademarks, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20130152955
    Abstract: An oral pouched product comprising a pouch containing moist botanical beads comprising compacted loose, fibrous moist botanical material and method of manufacture thereof. The loose, fibrous moist botanical material can comprise moist smokeless tobacco. The pouch comprises a porous outer web, and the beads comprise a majority amount of loose, fibrous moist botanical material having a moisture content of at least about 50% OV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventor: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
  • Patent number: 8434496
    Abstract: A method of thermally processing a tobacco material is provided, the method including the steps of (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof, to form a moist tobacco mixture; (ii) heating the moist tobacco mixture at a temperature of at least about 60° C. to form a heat-treated tobacco mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated tobacco mixture into a tobacco product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Gong Chen, Anthony Richard Gerardi, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Patent number: 8418697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco starting material is heated and brought to a first increased pressure in one method stage; whereby the tobacco material is pumped to a second increased pressure in the second method stage which is higher than the first increased pressure; and whereby the tobacco material, heated and placed under pressure, is expanded and fed through a forming tool (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Werner Ehling, Dietmar Franke, Gerald Schmekel
  • Patent number: 8353299
    Abstract: A system of applying liquid flavor to cut tobacco material includes a first tank of concentrated liquid flavor and a second tank of water. A venturi device is constructed and arranged to receive and meter concentrated liquid flavor and water from the first and second tanks and to discharge mixed flavor and water from an outlet end. A first line is connected between the first tank and a suction port on the venturi device, and a second line is connected between the second tank and an intake port on the venturi device. A spray assembly is in fluid communication with the discharge outlet of the venturi device for applying mixed flavor and water to cut tobacco.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Sherron, Ashok Kumar
  • Patent number: 8342185
    Abstract: The present document describes a twin-chamber humidifying tube that permits an even spread of moisture on each side of a cigar for up to six months without drying out thanks to the twin chamber system in the tube. The present invention also allows the recovery of dried cigars. Apart from the humidifying role, the invention provides an advertising opportunity since cigars stored in it can be viewed from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Nelson Alfonso Egued
  • Publication number: 20120234334
    Abstract: A method is provided for curing tobacco. The method includes steps of wilting, bruising, aerating, and drying tobacco, where each of the steps is measured in hours or days rather than months. In some aspects, aeration may take two to twelve hours or less. In some aspects, the entire curing method may be completed in 24 hours or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Gong Chen, Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Jerry Wayne Marshall, Frank Kelley St. Charles, Huamin Gan, Cheryl Cooper Scott, Barry Smith Fagg
  • Publication number: 20120160253
    Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol generating material (8) for a smoking article (5), comprising particulate porous material impregnated with a diluent (3), wherein said particulate porous material has a BET specific surface area of at least 1200 m2/g. The invention also provides an aerosol generating material (8) for a smoking article (5), comprising particulate calcium carbonate (1) carrying and/or impregnated with a diluent (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Coleman, Edward Dennis John, Dominic Woodcock
  • Publication number: 20120125349
    Abstract: Methods of processing tobacco for the production of an oral tobacco product. According to one embodiment the method comprises providing a base blend of tobacco, delivering a pre-determined quantity of said base blend of tobacco to an individual consumer-portion container and introducing an additive to the tobacco directly in the container. Apparatuses for such methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Leif Hansson, Mazlam Orhan, Paul Levenick, Michele Mola
  • Patent number: 8176923
    Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or phenolic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the particulate phase of mainstream smoke. Also provided is a smoking article including tobacco material treated with a bismuth containing compound and optionally glycerin. The method includes forming a suspension of a bismuth containing compound, water, and optionally glycerin. Tobacco material is contacted with the suspension, and then dried to evaporate the water. The tobacco material is used to form smoking articles with potentially reduced TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or targeted constituents in mainstream smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin Xue, W. Geoffrey Chan
  • Publication number: 20120067361
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a plant fiber product for oral use, the product containing a mixture of at least: plant fibers; and at least one added substance intended to be released from the product when the product is used. The product contains an alginate composition, dispersed in the product and comprising at least water, alginate and the added substance, the composition containing an alginate matrix that firmly retains at least a major proportion of the added substance so long as the matrix is intact, and the alginate matrix being formed so as to disintegrate and/or dissolve in the chemical and physical environment that exists in a user's mouth. The disclosure also relates to a method for preparing such a plant fiber product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: X-INTERNATIONAL APS
    Inventors: Lars Björkholm, Fredrik Hübinette
  • Patent number: 8113214
    Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials including an inlet gate, an outlet gate, a conditioning chamber having a set of nozzles for supplying thermodynamic medium, and an immobilizing device. The set of nozzles and the immobilizing device are arranged in relation to each other such that thermodynamic medium flowing through the set of nozzles places organic material in the immobilizing means and flows over conditioned organic material placed in the immobilizing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: International Tabacco Machinery Poland Ltd.
    Inventor: Marek Sieredzinski
  • Patent number: 8061362
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a tobacco composition suitable for use as a smokeless tobacco composition, the process including: providing a slurry comprising water and a tobacco material, the slurry comprising at least about 75% by weight water, based on the total weight of the slurry; heating the slurry to a temperature of at least about 60° C. for a time sufficient to pasteurize the tobacco material; adding an amount of a base to the slurry sufficient to raise the pH of the slurry to at least about 8.5, thereby forming a pH-adjusted slurry; and continuing to heat the pH-adjusted slurry to a temperature of at least about 60° C. for a time sufficient for the pH of the slurry to drop at least about 0.5 pH unit following the adding step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Luis Rosete Monsalud, Jr., Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., James Neil Figlar
  • Patent number: 8051858
    Abstract: Method for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, wherein the conditioned material is exposed to the thermodynamic medium. Further into the stream of the thermodynamic medium flowing in the channel (1, 6, 8, 9, 10), using the adjustable diaphragms (4, 5, 7) there are introduced turbulences increasing relative speed between conditioned material and thermodynamic medium. Invention further relates to the apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, comprising inlet gate and supplying channel, conditioning channel and outlet, supplied from the source of the thermodynamic medium. Further the conditioning channel (6, 8, 9) has a spiral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Tobaco Machinery Poland Ltd.
    Inventor: Arkadiusz Druzdzel
  • Publication number: 20110232657
    Abstract: Encapsulated tobacco beads and processes of making the encapsulated tobacco beads are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a process of making encapsulated tobacco beads comprises mixing tobacco particles and menthol in an aqueous solution to form a wet mass; extruding the wet mass to form extrudates; spheronizing the extrudates to form tobacco beads; drying the tobacco beads; contacting the beads with a solution comprising a cation; and introducing the contacted tobacco beads into a solution of coating material in a concentration effective to induce ionic gelation of the coating material around the beads, to form encapsulated tobacco beads having gel coatings. According to another embodiment, an encapsulated tobacco bead comprises a core comprising tobacco particles and encapsulated menthol, an inner coating layer comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or pectin, and an outer coating layer comprising an ionically-crosslinked gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Shuzhong Zhuang, Yi Zeng
  • Patent number: 8020566
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of liquid into a porous plug includes a casing which has an inlet passage adapted to receive a manually insertable porous plug. A reservoir disposed in the cavity contains the liquid. The reservoir has an outlet which is communicable with the inlet passage. A discharge mechanism disposed in the casing is actuable in response to the insertion of a porous plug into the inlet passage for producing a pressurized air flow which bears against a piston in the reservoir for discharging a metered amount of the liquid from the reservoir into the porous plug. The plug could constitute a filter attached to a tobacco column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Michael Braunshteyn, Kenneth Newman
  • Patent number: 7946295
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a tobacco composition suitable for use as a smokeless tobacco composition, including: providing a moist tobacco material; heating the moist tobacco to a temperature of at least about 85° C. for a time sufficient to pasteurize the tobacco material while maintaining the moisture content at a relatively constant level; adding an amount of a base and water to the moist tobacco material sufficient to raise the pH of the slurry to at least about 8.7 and raise the moisture content to at least about 40% by weight, thereby forming a pH-adjusted moist tobacco material; and continuing to heat the pH-adjusted moist tobacco material to a temperature of at least about 55° C. for a time sufficient for the pH of the moist tobacco material to drop to less than about 8.5 while maintaining the moisture content at a relatively constant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Brinkley, David Neil McClanahan, Jack Gray Flinchum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100326454
    Abstract: A melt spun tobacco composition, e.g., in flake or particle form, for oral use in a mammal made by melt spinning comprising tobacco and/or a tobacco extract and at least one material which is solid at room temperature, which melts at or below 500° F., and carries from 1% to 70% of tobacco when processed through melt spinning, and solidifies again in less than 5 seconds after melt spinning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Richard C. Fuisz
  • Publication number: 20100300463
    Abstract: A method of thermally processing a tobacco material is provided, the method including the steps of (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof, to form a moist tobacco mixture; (ii) heating the moist tobacco mixture at a temperature of at least about 60° C. to form a heat-treated tobacco mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated tobacco mixture into a tobacco product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Gong Chen, Anthony Richard Gerardi, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Patent number: 7762265
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control the distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press. The apparatus includes a housing. A plurality of ducts extend from the housing to the charger. Each duct is configured to direct a portion of the air flow from the housing to the charger. A plurality of nozzles are spaced around the perimeter of the charger. Each nozzle is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of ducts. Each duct may include a flow controller that is selectively openable and closable to direct the portion of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger. A method of controlling distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press includes providing an air flow and selectively directing portions of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E Hicks, Joseph A. Frady, S. Keith Garbett
  • Patent number: 7757697
    Abstract: Nitrosamines are reduced in tobacco by treating a whole tobacco leaf with ferulic acid. Treatment is conducted by applying an aqueous solution of ferulic acid to the whole tobacco leaf immediately before, at, or after harvesting, or fire curing the whole tobacco leaf with wood smoke containing the ferulic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: Swisher International, Inc., University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Terry Thomas, John Brandon, William A. Bailey, Thomas A. Losty
  • Publication number: 20100170522
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes a plurality of orally disintegrable granules. Each granule has a core and at least one layer surrounding the core. The at least one layer includes tobacco particles and a binder. Also disclosed are methods of making tobacco granules that comprise a core and at least one layer having tobacco particles and a binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: U.S. SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Yan Helen Sun, Frank Scott Atchley
  • Publication number: 20100154811
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions using steam alone in an open vessel or in combination with pressure and venting to alter organoleptic properties of the smokeless tobacco and/or snuff compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: U.S. SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Frank S. Atchley, Vernie A. Due, James C. Breslin, Scott A. Williams, Jerry B. Elliot
  • Publication number: 20100059076
    Abstract: A present invention provides a method for reducing harmful substances and carcinogenic substances contained in a tobacco leaf. According to the present invention, the harmful substances and the carcinogenic substances are removed beforehand by washing a shredded leaf with a solvent, so that the tobacco leaf having a small amount of the harmful substances and the carcinogenic substances contained therein is produced. The cigarette produced by such a method of the present invention reduces an amount of the harmful substances and an amount of the carcinogenic substances contained in primary smoke and second-hand smoke in a case of the tobacco smoking, and reduces an amount of the harmful substances and an amount of the carcinogenic substances to be taken into a body compared with a cigarette produced in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Tetsuro Asao
  • Patent number: 7578299
    Abstract: A green tea-based cigarette is made from a blend comprising 60-70 wt % of dry green tea leaves, each being 1-5 mm in width and 5-15 mm in length, as a main component, 25-35 wt % of cut dry tobacco leaves, and 3-7 wt % of tobacco spice; a blend comprising 80-90 wt % of the cut dry green tea leaves, 5-15 wt % of cinnamon powder and 3-7 wt % of tobacco spice; or a blend comprising 93-97 wt % of cinnamon-infused cut dry green tea leaves which are obtained by soaking 80-90 wt % of the cut dry green tea leaves in a cinnamon extract solution, and 3-7 wt % of tobacco spice. The cigarette gives flavor and tastes similar to those of conventional tobacco, catering to conventional smokers' tastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Dream Ciga Tec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-Ha Ra
  • Publication number: 20090165809
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of liquid into a porous plug includes a casing which has an inlet passage adapted to receive a manually insertable porous plug. A reservoir disposed in the cavity contains the liquid. The reservoir has an outlet which is communicable with the inlet passage. A discharge mechanism disposed in the casing is actuable in response to the insertion of a porous plug into the inlet passage for producing a pressurized air flow which bears against a piston in the reservoir for discharging a metered amount of the liquid from the reservoir into the porous plug. The plug could constitute a filter attached to a tobacco column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Michael Braunshteyn, Kenneth Newman