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 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A gas-permeable substrate, particularly adapted for the selective removal of aldehydes from gases, comprising a granular carrier containing concentrated hydrogen peroxide, water and a hydrophilic stabilizer for said hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: This invention provides carboxylic acid flavorant-release oligomeric and polymeric derivatives corresponding to the structural formula: ##STR1## WHEREIN R is a member selected from aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals and n is an integer. The oligomeric and polymeric derivatives are stable when used in smoking products and on pyrolysis release the carboxylic acid flavorants to enhance the flavor and aroma of the smoke.

Abstract: In a pressure vessel having domed ends concave to the pressure, in certain situations, the space within the domes is undesirable. One or both ends may be equipped with space-filling inserts comprising multiple plates of aluminum or other light metal secured in slightly spaced parallel relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to 2-alkyl nicotinoids and improved methods for producing them.

Abstract: A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco which comprises the steps of: (1) contacting tobacco which contains relatively high quantities of desirable flavorants, and which may also contain relatively high quantities of materials which may produce tar and nicotine in the tobacco smoke, for example, a flavorful bright tobacco, with a stream of non-reactive gas, under conditions whereby the tobacco is heated in a temperature range from about 140.degree. to about 180.degree. C., and preferably from about 160.degree. to about 170.degree. C., for a period of time sufficient to result in a weight loss of the tobacco of from about 3 to about 10% in excess of the weight loss represented by oven volatiles as defined herein, (2) condensing volatile constituents of the resulting gaseous stream, for example, by passing the gaseous stream in contact with a surface, maintained at a temperature of from about -78.degree. C. or lower to about 30.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to brown cigarette paper having reduced gas phase constituents during pyrolysis wherein the paper which has been stained with humic acid or salts thereof is further treated by washing with water in an amount effective to reduce the amount of water-soluble alkali metal salts present in the paper.

Abstract: A cigarette perforating mechanism which operates to perforate a cigarette after the filter final assembly in a cigarette making machine. Perforating points of V design are mounted adjustably so that the points may be set to different heights to make perforations of different size thereby to obtain better control of the depth and width of point penetration. The points are arranged on an arc and are made integral in a thin strip of sheet metal which is fixed in a rolling shoe. A rolling drum rolls the cigarettes over the shoe and the height-adjusted points to perforate the cigarette with holes to a preselected depth and width assembly depending on the preselected depth to which the V-shaped perforating points are driven into the cigarette.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for selectively removing and recovering potassium nitrate in a relatively pure state from tobacco, and especially from Burley tobacco stems. The process comprises the steps of (1) contacting tobacco plant parts with water to obtain an aqueous extract and a fibrous tobacco residue, (2) concentrating the extract, (3) cooling the extract, and (4) separating and recovering the potassium nitrate crystals formed therein. The denitrated aqueous extract is recombined with the fibrous tobacco residue as in making reconstituted tobacco and the like. The purified potassium nitrate is suitable without further purification to use as a fertilizer, thus eliminating costly disposal problems.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for selectively removing and recovering potassium nitrate in a relatively pure state from tobacco, and especially from Burley tobacco stems. The process comprises the steps of (1) contacting tobacco plant parts with water to obtain an aqueous extract and a fibrous tobacco residue, (2) concentrating the extract, (3) cooling the extract, and (4) separating and recovering the potassium nitrate crystals formed therein. The denitrated aqueous extract is recombined with the fibrous tobacco residue as in making reconstituted tobacco and the like. The purified potassium nitrate is suitable without further purification to use as a fertilizer, thus eliminating costly disposal problems.