Patents by Inventor Howard M. Wilkerson

Howard M. Wilkerson 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).

  • Tobacco mass treatment method
    Patent number: 4471790
    Abstract: A method for quickly conditioning a mass of tobacco uniformly throughout the mass with steam for the purpose of moisturizing and heating the tobacco evenly throughout.A probe is provided to be inserted within the mass of tobacco for drawing a vacuum while steam is applied to the tobacco mass.A temperature sensor is mounted on the probe to indicate the temperature of inner mass of tobacco.Steam is applied until a desired temperature is sensed at the sensor. The application of steam is continued at that temperature for a period adequate to moisturize and sterilize the tobacco throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Davis, Jr., Howard M. Wilkerson