Abstract: To quickly and accurately quantify four types of TSNAs contained in a tobacco raw material by using fluorescence fingerprint information, a tobacco raw material containing known quantities of four types of TSNAs is prepared, and fluorescence fingerprint information thereof is acquired. The fluorescence fingerprint information is pre-processed, as needed, and an estimation model (calibration curve) for estimating the total quantity of the four types of TSNAs from the fluorescence fingerprint information is created. After verifying the calibration curve, the total quantity of the four types of TSNAs contained in an unknown tobacco raw material is estimated by applying the calibration curve to the unknown tobacco raw material. On the basis of the estimated value of the total quantity of the four types of TSNAs and the known abundance ratios of the individual TSNAs, the contained quantities of the four types of TSNAs are estimated.

Abstract: A method for preparing a tar extract with aroma characteristics from a discarded cigarette butt includes: (1) adding the discarded cigarette butt to an extraction solvent, and carrying out subcritical fluid extraction to obtain an extraction solution; (2) carrying out vacuum filtration on the extraction solution, and carrying out vacuum distillation on the filtrate to obtain a concentrated extractum; and (3) carrying out molecular distillation on the concentrated extractum, and collecting a light fraction of the molecular distillation to obtain the tar extract with aroma characteristics. Through the subcritical fluid extraction and separation by the molecular distillation to prepare the tar extract, harmful substances in the tar are removed, and the aroma components are retained. The tar extract is applied to a cigarette to improve the aroma, smoke and taste characteristics of the cigarette.

Abstract: Immobilized diluents in a smoking article are provided, wherein diluents can be immobilized through absorption and/or adsorption of the diluents into immobilizing materials, such as sorbents like silica gels. By immobilizing diluents, the diluents can be available for vaporization, while still being protected from migration and/or loss of the diluents in a smoking article.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided that includes an aerogel, which can be optionally impregnated with a catalytic metal compound or can optionally be coated with at least one aerosol-forming material and a flavoring agent. The smoking article comprises various segments such as a heat generation segment, an aerosol-generation segment, and a mouth end. The aerogel can be placed near or within any of these segments. The presence of the aerogel can reduce the concentration of certain gaseous components of mainstream smoke generated during use of a smoking article incorporating a heat generation segment containing a fuel element.

Abstract: A system for portioning a beaded substrate in a rod. The system includes a suction conveyor belt. The suction conveyor belt includes a belt suction chamber, a first belt end, and a second belt end, the second belt end opposite and downstream of the first belt end. The system also includes a metering device configured to provide the beaded substrate to the suction conveyor belt, and more specifically to the first belt end. The metering device includes a reach and a hopper. The metering device may provide the beaded substrate to the first belt end prior to the suction conveyor belt biasing a filler material onto the first belt end. The system may further includes a cutting mechanism that cooperates with the metering device to position the beaded substrate a first distance away from a first cut end.

Abstract: To provide method for manufacturing interdental cleaner configured to suppress leakage of elastomer from space for forming slip resistance portion in mold to outside of space in step of filling elastomer into mold. Method for manufacturing interdental cleaner includes first step of molding base portion having handle portion and shaft portion (40) by filling composite material into first mold, and second step of forming cleaning portion and slip resistance portion by filling elastomer into second mold (200) with the base portion situated in second mold (200). In first step, what is molded has handle portion including base (24), recessed portion (26), and bulge portion (28) bulging from surface of the recessed portion (26). In second step, cleaning portion and slip resistance portion are formed by filling elastomer into second space from portion of base portion distant from bulge portion (28) toward shaft portion (40).

Abstract: To provide method for manufacturing interdental cleaner for suppressing elastomer from insufficiently filling into space around shaft portion in filling the elastomer into mold. Method for manufacturing interdental cleaner includes first step of molding base portion having handle portion and shaft portion (40) by filling composite material into first mold, and second step of forming cleaning portion, slip resistance portion and coupling portion by filling elastomer into second mold (200) from distal end portion side of shaft portion (40) with base portion situated in second mold (200), second mold (200) having second space for forming cleaning portion, slip resistance portion and coupling portion. What is used as second mold (200) in second step has ratio no less than 40% of a flow path area in second space for elastomer around distal end portion of handle portion to flow path area in second space for elastomer around proximal end portion of shaft portion (40).

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in filters, for use in smoking articles, comprising randomly oriented discrete fibres, wherein a loss of particulate additives can be reduced by adding a liquid with a viscosity of at least 2000 m Pa*s at 20° C. and normal pressure.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture including an ammonia-release compound adapted to be formed into a lit-end cigarette is provided. The ammonia-release compound is incorporated in or on tobacco cut filler in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity, and/or selective smoke constituents of cigarette smoke. Exemplary ammonia-release compounds include ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, hexammine cobalt (III) chloride, hexammine cobalt (III) acetate, and combinations thereof. The ammonia-release compounds can release ammonia at temperatures between about 60° C. and about 400° C. Ammonia-release compounds can be combined with additives, such as glycerine, cobalt acetate, copper (II) acetate, zinc acetate, other metal salts or combinations thereof, to further reduce the cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.

Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain bacteria in uncured tobacco material is provided, the method including contacting an uncured tobacco material with a treatment solution, wherein the treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a solution comprising salt, sugar, or a combination thereof; (ii) a solution comprising one or more enzymes; and (iii) a solution comprising one or more probiotics, wherein said contacting provides a treated tobacco material having a reduced total bacterial content following harvest. Also provided is a method of reducing TSNA content, the method including growing a tobacco plant in soil treated with a chloride source; harvesting the tobacco plant; and curing the harvested tobacco plant to give a cured tobacco material, providing a treated, cured tobacco material having a TSNA content that is reduced as compared to a cured tobacco material that has been grown in soil not treated with a chloride source.

Abstract: Cured tobacco having a lower concentration of tobacco specific nitrosamines, can be produced from a transgenic tobacco plant having a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide that catalyzes production of active oxygen species. The heterologous nucleotide sequence is operably coupled to a regulatory nucleotide sequence that directs expression of the polypeptide. The regulatory nucleotide sequence can include constitutive and/or inducible promoter elements.

Abstract: A liquid tobacco composition comprises tobacco dissolved in an ionic liquid. Removal of selected tobacco constituents is aided by dissolving the tobacco in the ionic liquid. The tobacco, having selected constituents removed, may be regenerated from the liquid tobacco composition by separating the tobacco from the ionic liquid.

Abstract: A method of curing tobacco. The method comprises the steps of contacting a tobacco material with a curing additive comprising one or more salts and curing the tobacco material under conditions and temperature for a time sufficient to produce cured tobacco wherein the amount of the one or more salts contacted with the tobacco is at least 5 percent of the dry weight of the cured tobacco.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to simulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.

Abstract: A method and device influences the flavor and smell of a cigarette while smoking by injecting additives into the cigarette, at the filter side or the tobacco side, using a device specially configured for this purpose. The user controls the cigarette taste, intensity of taste, and the smell by choosing the liquid material and quantity to be injected into the cigarette before or while smoking. The device and method improve the experience of smoking of any desired cigarette.

Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.

Abstract: Methods for producing dissolving grade pulp and microcrystalline cellulose from tobacco are provided. The methods include chemical pulping a tobacco input to form a tobacco pulp. Chemical pulping the tobacco input includes combining the tobacco input with a strong base defining a weight from about 5% to about 50% of the tobacco input, and heating the tobacco input and the strong base with an H-factor from about 500 to about 3,300. Further, the methods include bleaching the tobacco pulp to produce a dissolving grade pulp. Bleaching the tobacco pulp may include chlorination of the tobacco pulp with a chlorine dioxide solution, and caustic extraction of the tobacco pulp with a second strong base. A related tobacco-derived microcrystalline cellulose product is also provided, which can be used as a binder, a filler, and/or a texturizer in a tobacco product, such as a smokeless tobacco product.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to simulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.

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.

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).

Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.

Abstract: A method of providing a comestible plant material taken orally by coating a micronized plant material with a first layer of polysaccharides or proteins, then a second layer of polysaccharides or proteins is disclosed. A bi-encapsulated plant material produced by this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to stimulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.

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.

Abstract: A solid oral sensorial product includes at least one botanical material and at least one phosphate containing stain inhibitor. The botanical material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco, tea, coffee, cocoa, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Nanoscale particles are formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter materials by physical vapor deposition. The nanoscale particles are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to the influencing of “flavour/smell” of cigarette while smoking, by injecting additives to the cigarette, at the filter side or the tobacco side, using a device specially designed for this purpose. The user controls the cigarette taste, intensity of taste, and the smell by choosing the liquid material and quantity to be injected into the cigarette before or while smoking. The invention is intended to improve the experience of smoking of any desired cigarette.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing levels of tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA) in tobacco during barn curing. The method includes contacting tobacco with chlorate, sulfur, ozone or combinations thereof in amounts effective for controlling or reducing bacterial an/or fungal populations on or in tobacco.

Abstract: Nanoscale particles are formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter materials by physical vapor deposition. The nanoscale particles are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method of treating a tobacco extract solution includes bringing an extract solution, which is obtained by extracting a natural tobacco material with an aqueous extracting solvent, into contact with a polymer containing, in its side chain, a functional group which traps metal ions including at least magnesium, thereby obtaining an extract solution with an amount of at least magnesium reduced.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco material is provided which includes: preparing a heated mixture of water and sugar; providing a liquid flavorant such as menthol; mixing tobacco particles, water and a gum binder with the mixture of water and sugar and with the flavorant to form a reconstituted tobacco mixture; and forming the reconstituted tobacco mixture, such as by casting or extruding the reconstituted tobacco mixture, into a reconstituted tobacco material. Exemplary menthol reconstituted tobacco products provided herein enable high levels of menthol to be retained in a tobacco product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the process of applying palladium salts to tobacco cut filler and other smokable products so that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be reduced in both mainstream (MS) and sidestream (SS) cigarette smoke. The reduction in PAHs is observed in the total particulate matter (TPM) of the mainstream (MS) and sidestream (SS) smoke. Additionally, substantial reductions in heavy metals and Ames biological activity can be achieved when the palladium salt solution is applied and processed in accordance with the present invention. The present invention provides these improvements by using a preferred ratio of palladium (Pd) salt to Chloride (Cl) that is specifically designed to allow for high palladium solubility. Further, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for applying the palladium salt solution while minimizing the number of processing steps required.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for hindering formation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines during processing of dark fire tobacco, as well as a facility in which at least portions of these methods may be conducted. According to the present invention, dark fire tobacco that has been harvested and that is generally green and/or yellow is exposed to an uncontrolled, yet active, ambient airflow so as to provide a substantially aerobic environment about the tobacco. This exposure of the dark fire tobacco to the ambient airflow may be done until the tobacco is substantially brown and/or substantially free of enzymatic activity. Subsequently, the tobacco is exposed to gaseous emissions (e.g., smoke) from combusting sawdust/wood. This step may be conducted at least until the tobacco exhibits a moisture content of no more than about 16% and/or until the tobacco exhibits a gloss or shine on a surface of the tobacco.

Abstract: A pre-portioned moist product comprising a portion of plant material and a coating is disclosed. Preferably, the plant material comprises tobacco. The coating includes a soluble, non-cross-linkable component and an cross-linkable component which becomes substantially water-insoluble upon crosslinking. The soluble component of the coating dissolves upon placement in the mouth, while the insoluble component disintegrates and/or loses structural integrity once the soluble component has dissolved to release and disperse the plant material in the user's mouth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foamed tobacco composition which includes tobacco particles, water and a foam stabilizer which is a hydrophobically modified hydroxyalkylated carbohydrate. In another form of the invention, the foam stabilizer is a hydrophobically modified cellulose ether. The foam stabilizer enables foaming to take place at significantly higher temperatures than are required when conventional foam stabilizers are used, thereby improving the efficiency of the foaming process. A tobacco product and a method of making a tobacco product also are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to stimulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing proteins and other undesirable biomolecules from tobacco extract or slurry via foam fractionation, thereby concentrating the tobacco extract or slurry. The tobacco extract or slurry is treated and modified prior to being subjected to the foam fractionation to enhance the extent and efficiency of protein removal. After foam fractionation, the concentrated extract, sans proteins and other Hoffman analyte precursors, is applied to a tobacco sheet material, and the collected foam can be recirculated through foam fractionation for enhanced concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco rod of a smoking product, wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the tobacco rod is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the process of applying palladium salts to tobacco cut filler and other smokable products so that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be reduced in both mainstream (MS) and sidestream (SS) cigarette smoke. The reduction in PAHs is observed in the total particulate matter (TPM) of the mainstream (MS) and sidestream (SS) smoke. Additionally, substantial reductions in heavy metals and Ames biological activity can be achieved when the palladium salt solution is applied and processed in accordance with the present invention. The present invention provides these improvements by using a preferred ratio of palladium (Pd) salt to Chloride (Cl) that is specifically designed to allow for high palladium solubility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco rod of a smoking product, wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the tobacco rod is formed.

Abstract: A process and system for continuous assay and removal of toxins from tobacco. Products such as tobacco contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, and benzpyrene and its precursors, are subjected to treatment, generally in a solvent medium, to decontaminate the tobacco of the toxin. Continuous monitoring of all harmful toxins eluted from the cleaning solvent is performed by immunoantibody ultraviolet fluorescence, for example. A quality-control process ensures removal of harmful toxins from tobacco before further processing. Decontamination of extracted solvent streams and re-additives ensures safe reuse or disposal of the solvents and re-additives.

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.

Abstract: A process for reducing lignin and nitrogenous content in tobacco lamina and tobacco fiber material, including whole leaf, stems, scraps, fines and lamina, as well as burley leaf and stem, in an extraction with a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and an alkali metal hydroxide. The treated tobacco may then be further processed for use in cigarettes and other smoking articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cigarettes containing gold or silver particles and manufacturing methods of cigarette filters. The tobacco leaves, added with ion particles of gold, are prepared through blending them with peach leaves or bellflower leaves, which contains tartaric acid and malic acid as major components; the cigarette pouches comprise 20% of peach leaves or bellflower leaves and the gold or silver particles prepared in 0.005˜0.015 micron m of their size; and the filters are prepared by soaking them in a liquid mixture of pulverized peach leaves, bellflower leaves, and charcoals in more than 800 meshes. Therefore, in smoking, the cigarettes and their filters in this invention produce beneficial effects such as detoxification, blood-refining, and cell-cleaning with their major components such as gold particles, tartaric acid, and malic acid being absorbed into one's lung.

Abstract: Tobacco is treated before or during curing to lower or eliminate bacterial populations and/or activity, fungal growth, and/or tobacco-specific nitrosamine or bacterial endotoxin levels in the cured tobacco, wherein the tobacco is treated with an effective amount of a wash solution. Air-cured tobacco may be cured in four weeks or less when treated with a wash solution of bicarbonate salts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed, as well as to a device for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), comprising a means by which the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed.