Patents by Inventor Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr.

Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9629392
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco material in the form of a tobacco extract, a particulate tobacco material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is substantially translucent. Methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product are also provided. The smokeless tobacco product can include isomalt, maltitol syrup, particulate tobacco, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170071247
    Abstract: The invention provides an smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes an acid component and a base component, wherein the acid component includes a triprotic acid such as citric acid and at least one additional acid. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves first forming a granulation mixture, granulating the granulation mixture, and then blending the resulting granules with further blending components. Thereafter, the material can be formed into a predetermined shape, such as by compression or extrusion. The acid component of the effervescent material is divided into two portions, the first portion added to the granulation mixture and the remaining portion added during the blending step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Taylor Hunt, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Frank Kelley St. Carles
  • Publication number: 20160100625
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Luis Rosete Monsalud, JR., Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., James Neil Figlar
  • Patent number: 9237769
    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: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Luis Rosete Monsalud, Jr., Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., James Neil Figlar
  • Publication number: 20150274401
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a tobacco-related product is provided, including a tubular member having a dispensing end, and a heterogeneous tobacco-related product received within the tubular member. A dispensing mechanism is operably engaged with the tubular member, and is configured to direct an amount of the heterogeneous tobacco-related product outwardly of the tubular member through the dispensing end for consumption by a user. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy Barrett Mabe, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Barry Smith Fagg
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8944072
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 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, Serban C. Moldoveanu, Paul Andrew Brinkley
  • Publication number: 20140190497
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar
  • Patent number: 8695609
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar
  • Publication number: 20130312774
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco material in the form of a tobacco extract, a particulate tobacco material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is substantially translucent. Methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product are also provided. The smokeless tobacco product can include isomalt, maltitol syrup, particulate tobacco, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventor: Darrell Eugene Holton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130209540
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layered pharmaceutical composition comprising two or more formulations with varying properties. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provide combinations of different organoleptic properties within the same product. In certain embodiment, these combinations allow for a modified release profile of active ingredients as the user enjoys the pharmaceutical composition. The invention further provides methods for making and using the pharmaceutical composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Donna Walker Duggins, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Daniel Verdin Cantrell
  • Publication number: 20130206150
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layered smokeless tobacco product comprising two or more formulations with varying properties. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco products provide combinations of different organoleptic properties within the same product. In certain embodiment, these combinations allow for a modified release profile of active ingredients as the user enjoys the smokeless tobacco product. The invention further provides methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Donna Walker Duggins, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Daniel Verdin Cantrell
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120125354
    Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco product including a flavorful tobacco composition in the form of an extract of a fire-cured tobacco material. Exemplary tobacco products include smoking articles, smokeless tobacco compositions, and aerosol-generating devices that do not burn tobacco. The invention also provides a process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition, the method including: mixing a fire-cured tobacco material having a first benzo[a]pyrene concentration with water to produce an aqueous slurry; maintaining the slurry for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form a fire-cured tobacco extract, the aqueous fire-cured tobacco extract exhibiting a second benzo[a]pyrene concentration lower than the first benzo[a]pyrene concentration; separating the aqueous fire-cured tobacco extract from a residual pulp material, and mixing the aqueous fire-cured tobacco extract with a tobacco or non-tobacco plant material to form a smokeless tobacco composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, William Monroe Coleman, III, Michael Francis Dube, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Eric Taylor Hunt, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Charles Bradford Rhoades, JR., Jack Gray Flinchum, JR., Dwayne William Beeson, Jeremy Barrett Mabe
  • Publication number: 20120060854
    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: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    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: 20120055494
    Abstract: The invention provides an smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes an acid component and a base component, wherein the acid component includes a triprotic acid such as citric acid and at least one additional acid. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves first forming a granulation mixture, granulating the granulation mixture, and then blending the resulting granules with further blending components. Thereafter, the material can be formed into a predetermined shape, such as by compression or extrusion. The acid component of the effervescent material is divided into two portions, the first portion added to the granulation mixture and the remaining portion added during the blending step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Taylor Hunt, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Frank Kelley St.Charles
  • Publication number: 20110315154
    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: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Luis Rosete Monsalud, JR., Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., James Neil Figlar
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110061666
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar