Patents Assigned to R. I. Reynolds Tobacco Company
  • Method of expanding tobacco
    Patent number: 5012826
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco wherein tobacco is contacted with a mixture of an inert, normally gaseous expansion agent and about 15-35 weight percent of carbon dioxide at a pressure above the critical pressure of the mixture and a temperature above the critical temperature of the mixture, followed by rapid release of pressure to provide expanded tobacco without a subsequent heating step. Advantageously, the expansion agent is propane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: R. I. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Anatoly I. Kramer