Abstract: A method of preparing a tobacco material for use in a smokeless tobacco product is provided, the method including receiving a tobacco material, wherein the tobacco material has not been subjected to a fermentation process, blending the tobacco material with the final moist snuff product ingredients to form a tobacco composition having a moisture content of at least about 50%, packaging the tobacco composition in a final product packaging such that after a fermentation period of 7 to 28 days within the final product packaging the product is ready for direct sale and consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing a product portion can include at least one polymer spray head adapted to create at least one flow of polymeric fibers to produce at least one polymer enrobing zone and a conveyor system adapted to move at least one product portion from at least one position below at least one polymer enrobing zone and to at least one position above at least one polymer enrobing zone to drop each product portion through one or more polymer enrobing zones a plurality times at different orientations to enrobe each product portion with polymeric fibers.

Abstract: A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.

Abstract: Methods of processing tobacco for the production of an oral tobacco product. According to one embodiment the method comprises providing a base blend of tobacco, delivering a pre-determined quantity of said base blend of tobacco to an individual consumer-portion container and introducing an additive to the tobacco directly in the container. Apparatuses for such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A chewable oral tobacco composition (1) including a tobacco raw material for eluting a tobacco component and a gum base comprises: a first gum portion (10) including the tobacco raw material and a first gum base; and a second gum portion (20) including a second gum base. The second gum portion does not include the tobacco raw material or includes the tobacco raw material in an amount less than an amount of the tobacco raw material included in the first gum portion. A weight of the first gum base is 0.3 g or more. Wt. % of the first gum base is 50 wt. % or more when wt. % of the first gum portion is 100 wt. %. Total wt. % of the first gum base and the second gum base is 50 wt. % or less when wt. % of the oral tobacco composition is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flavor-containing sheet for a smoking article, characterized by includes a step of extending a raw material slurry on a substrate, wherein the slurry contains polysaccharide and a flavor, has a moisture content of 70 to 95 wt %, and has a temperature of 60 to 90° C. in a sol state, a step of cooling the extended raw material slurry to a sample temperature of 0 to 40° C. to form a gel, and a heat-drying step includes heating the gelled raw material and drying it at a sample temperature of 70 to 100° C.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flavor-containing sheet for a smoking article, characterized by includes a step of extending a raw material slurry on a substrate, wherein the slurry contains polysaccharide including at least one of carrageenan and gellan gum, a flavor, an emulsifier and 70 to 95 wt % of water, has the flavor content of 100 to 1000 wt % based on the polysaccharide, and has a temperature of 60 to 90° C. in a sol state, a step of cooling the extended raw material slurry to a sample temperature of 0 to 40° C. to form a gel, and a heat-drying step includes heating the gelled raw material and drying it at a sample temperature of 70 to 100° C.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco gel product is providing, including a tobacco material in an amount of at least about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product; at least about 50 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols; a humectant in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent; and water in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent. The tobacco material (e.g., particulate tobacco or a tobacco extract such as tobacco-derived nicotine) can be present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent. The humectant amount can be varied to vary the properties of the gel product, with more paste-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and more syrup-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of less than about 6 weight percent.

Abstract: A method of preparing an orally ingestible hard boiled product, comprising: i) heating a sugar material to a first temperature sufficient to liquefy the sugar material; ii) cooling the liquefied sugar material to provide a cooled sugar material having a solid or semi-solid form; iii) heating the cooled sugar material to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; iv) combining the sugar material with one or more temperature sensitive ingredients before, during, or after said heating step iii), but after said cooling step ii), such that an intimate mixture of the second liquefied sugar material and the one or more temperature sensitive ingredients is provided; and v) cooling the intimate mixture to form an orally ingestible product. Orally ingestible hard boiled products prepared according to this method are also provided.

Abstract: An orally-enjoyable tobacco product includes a portion of smokeless tobacco comprising an active ingredient and either: (1) a collection of tobacco particles at least partially enclosed by a coating comprising a water-soluble non-crosslinked component and a substantially water-insoluble cross-linked component, or (2) a pouch comprising smokeless tobacco enclosed in a water-permeable wrapper. The active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of a mercaptan, camphor, borneol, isoborneol, bornyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, mono-bornyl succinate, mono-isobornyl succinate, mono-bornyl formate, and mono-isobornyl formate. The active ingredient is present in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the sensory irritation arising from the smokeless tobacco. Also disclosed is a method of making such a product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting agents from a tobacco material, wherein the tobacco material is conveyed through a housing to which an extraction agent is fed and from which the extraction agent is again discharge, wherein the extraction occurs in an extruder under increased extrusion pressure by way of contacting the tobacco material with the extraction agent during a tobacco material extrusion process. The invention further relates to an extraction device for tobacco material, having a housing and a conveyor unit in the housing, and having an extraction agent inlet and an extract outlet, wherein the housing is associated with a screw extruder, wherein the extract is separated from the extruder to the outside environment by means of the pressure generated therein across the drop of pressure.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product or medicinal nicotine product includes nicotine and camphor dissolved in a non-flavored oily carrier. Preferably, the camphor is present in a concentration ranging from about 600 ppm to about 1300 ppm. Also disclosed are methods of making such products.

Abstract: A nicotine tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the solid solution such that the nicotine or derivative thereof is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an oral cavity.

Abstract: A tobacco tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and tobacco dispersed in the solid solution such that the tobacco is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an oral cavity.

Abstract: A tobacco lozenge provided herein includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and tobacco plant tissue dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. In some cases, a tobacco lozenge provided herein includes at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. In some cases, soluble fiber in tobacco lozenge provided herein can include maltodextrin. The tobacco lozenge is adapted to release the tobacco plant tissue from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult tobacco consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making tobacco lozenges provided herein includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, tobacco, and less than 15 weight percent water, while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 200° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of tobacco lozenges. In some cases, the ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dosing moist smokeless tobacco includes a dosing assembly and a dosing air source. The dosing assembly defines a loading chamber and a dosing chamber for containing a quantity of moist smokeless tobacco material. The dosing assembly also includes a discharge opening communicating with the dosing chamber. The dosing air source communicates with the dosing chamber and is operable to deliver compressed air to the dosing assembly so as to move moist smokeless tobacco material from the dosing chamber to the discharge opening. A method of pouching moist smokeless tobacco includes placing a predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco in a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume, and ejecting the predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco to pouching apparatus using compressed air.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a polymeric material in intimate contact with the smokeless tobacco and stabilized in conformance to a surface topography of the tobacco's fibrous structures such that the stabilized polymeric material secures the smokeless tobacco together. The smokeless tobacco product has a moisture-permeable porous surface and an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent.

Abstract: This document provides methods and systems for stabilizing nicotine and incorporating nicotine into one or more oral products. This document also provides oral products. Nicotine can be stabilized by mixing liquid nicotine with cellulosic fiber such that the liquid nicotine absorbs into pores of the cellulosic fiber to form a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture. In some cases, a cellulosic fiber-nicotine mixture can be combined with one or more binders and molded into an oral product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting agents from a tobacco material, wherein the tobacco material is conveyed through a housing to which an extraction agent (14, 24) is fed and from which the extraction agent is again discharged, wherein the extraction occurs in an extruder (10, 20) under increased extrusion pressure by way of contacting the tobacco material with the extraction agent during a tobacco material extrusion process. The invention further relates to an extraction device for tobacco material, having a housing (13, 23) and a conveyor unit (5) in the housing, and having an extraction agent inlet (3) and an extract outlet (7), wherein the housing is associated with a screw extruder (10, 20), wherein the extract is separated from the extruder (10, 20) to the outside environment by means of the pressure generated therein across the drop of pressure.

Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and a mouth-soluble binder dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix.

Abstract: A fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a plurality of polymeric fibers surrounding the smokeless tobacco. The polymeric fibers can have a basis weight of 5 gsm or less and a diameter of less than 100 microns. In some cases, the polymeric fibers are melt-blown polymeric fibers. In some cases, the polymeric fibers are centrifugal force spun polymeric fibers. A method of preparing a fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product includes melt-blowing or centrifugal force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers to create an polymer deposition zone and passing a body comprising smokeless tobacco through the polymer deposition zone. In some cases, an electrostatic charge can be applied to the plurality of polymeric fibers, the body, or a combination thereof. In some cases, a spin is applied to the body when passing through the polymer deposition zone.

Abstract: A chewing gum tablet including at least two cohered chewing gum modules, the tableted chewing gum being formed by compression of chewing gum granules, at least one of the chewing gum modules including gum base granules, the gum base granules including an elastomer system, the chewing gum tablet including an elastomer system in an amount of at least 10% by weight of the tablet. A compressed chewing gum tablet has been obtained featuring extremely impressing abilities of incorporating well-defined amounts of chewing gum ingredients combined with acceptable rheological properties of the compete tablet.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding and packaging molded tobacco pieces includes a mold having cavities oriented to allow ejection of molded tobacco pieces into a container. The apparatus also includes a knockout for ejecting the molded tobacco pieces, and a cutter having at least two blades for cutting the molded tobacco pieces into vertically aligned slices by passing one or more blades horizontally through the cavities.

Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.

Abstract: The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.

Abstract: Smokeless tobacco products suitable for oral consumption are provided. The smokeless tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one fibrous structure enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the tobacco composition such that the fibrous structure and the tobacco composition form a cohesive structure capable of maintaining cohesion when placed in an oral cavity, wherein the fibrous structure includes one or more of (i) a warp knitted structure; (ii) a plurality of reinforcing fibers attached to the tobacco composition; (iii) a braided sleeve; and (iv) a spacer fabric. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product adapted for oral consumption is also provided, the process including the step of enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of a tobacco composition with a fibrous structure to form a composite structure.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include one or more silicone smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. In particular embodiments, each silicone smokeless tobacco product can comprise a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a silicone binder such that the final product has tobacco exposed along an exterior surface and is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile.

Abstract: Tobacco products suitable for oral ingestion are provided. The tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one edible film. The edible film can include one or more of (i) a fruit or vegetable puree and (ii) a denatured protein. A multi-layer tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco composition in the form of a compressed sheet layer and at least one edible film adjacent to the tobacco composition layer, wherein the edible film includes a puree of at least one fruit, vegetable, or a combination thereof. A process for preparing a tobacco product is also provided, such as a process that includes receiving a tobacco composition and an edible film; applying the edible film to the tobacco composition; and compressing the edible film and tobacco composition together to form a multi-layer tobacco product.

Abstract: Oral tobacco products having a gel-coating and methods for making are provided. The method includes (a) molding a portion of tobacco material to form a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising moist smokeless tobacco; (b) contacting the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material with a gel-coating solution to form a gel-coating comprising at least one polymer on an outer surface of the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product, said gel-coating comprising an inner surface disposed around the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material and an outer surface; and (c) forming one ore more of perforations, uncoated areas and holes in the gel-coating of the oral tobacco product to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product.

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.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cigarette tobacco compacting mechanism with a compacting member mounted for reciprocal up and down motion between top and bottom plates and a self-cleaning slot extending across one of the plates to engage at least one of the plates during its up and down motion between the plates.

Abstract: A preformed mouldable oral tobacco product is disclosed which does not exhibit any brittleness and has a three-point bending strength of less than 4N, and method of manufacturing the same. Also disclosed is a preformed mouldable oral tobacco product which exhibits a friability value of less than 0.5%.

Abstract: A method of preparing an orally ingestible hard boiled product, comprising: i) heating a sugar material to a first temperature sufficient to liquefy the sugar material; ii) cooling the liquefied sugar material to provide a cooled sugar material having a solid or semi-solid form; iii) heating the cooled sugar material to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; iv) combining the sugar material with one or more temperature sensitive ingredients before, during, or after said heating step iii), but after said cooling step ii), such that an intimate mixture of the second liquefied sugar material and the one or more temperature sensitive ingredients is provided; and v) cooling the intimate mixture to form an orally ingestible product. Orally ingestible hard boiled products prepared according to this method are also provided.

Abstract: Oral tobacco products having a gel-coating and methods for making are provided. The method includes (a) molding a portion of tobacco material to form a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising moist smokeless tobacco; (b) contacting the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material with a gel-coating solution to form a gel-coating comprising at least one polymer on an outer surface of the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product, said gel-coating comprising an inner surface disposed around the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material and an outer surface; and (c) forming one or more of perforations, uncoated areas and holes in the gel-coating of the oral tobacco product to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product.

Abstract: Tobacco articles having tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco articles can provide tobacco to an adult consumer in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to furnish tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. The tobacco can be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.

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.

Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-soluble polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.

Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.

Abstract: An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, exhausted tobacco fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and an additive dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the additive from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva.

Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes a sugar material containing an entrapped gaseous component, such that release of the entrapped gaseous component occurs upon dissolution of the sugar material in the oral cavity. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves mixing a tobacco material with an effervescent material, the mixing step including either admixing a granulated composition comprising a tobacco material with a gasified sugar material in particulate form, or forming a gasified sugar material in situ by mixing a water source with a molten composition comprising a tobacco material and a sugar alcohol.

Abstract: A consumable compressed tobacco product adapted to dissolve in an oral cavity. The compressed tobacco product is formed from a composition that includes at least one tobacco component, at least one flavorant, at least one filler-binder, at least one lubricant, at least one desiccant and at least one glidant. The compressed tobacco products are adapted to dissolve and provide tobacco satisfaction. A method of making a dissolvable compressed tobacco product is also provided.

Abstract: A consumable compressed tobacco product adapted to dissolve in an oral cavity. The compressed tobacco product is formed from a composition that includes at least one tobacco component, at least one flavorant, at least one filler-binder, at least one lubricant, at least one desiccant and at least one glidant. The compressed tobacco products are adapted to dissolve and provide tobacco satisfaction. A method of making a dissolvable compressed tobacco product is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flavoured tobacco product for oral use comprising matrices, wherein at least one matrix comprises tobacco, and essentially all flavourants are comprised in matrices not containing tobacco.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition includes a tobacco material and a polysaccharide filler component such as polydextrose. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition pastille configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is also provided. The process includes mixing a tobacco material with a binder and a polysaccharide filler component to form a smokeless tobacco mixture, injection molding the smokeless tobacco mixture, and cooling the smokeless tobacco mixture to form a solidified smokeless tobacco composition pastille. The mixing step can include forming a dry blend of the tobacco, filler, and binder components, and combining the dry blend with a viscous liquid component. The injection-molded pastille can provide a dissolvable and lightly chewable product.

Abstract: Methods of processing tobacco for the production of an oral tobacco product and apparatuses for carrying out such methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises transporting tobacco though a duct of a tobacco processing machine with a stream of compressed air, introducing liquid mist into the air stream to lubricate the duct walls to prevent the tobacco sticking thereto, and introducing an additive into the air stream to combine with the tobacco as it passes through the duct.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for manufacturing a smokeless tobacco product including tobacco material and at least one object. A forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a pouch material into a continuous tubular member defining a longitudinal axis. A tobacco insertion unit is configured to introduce tobacco material into a pouch member portion of the tubular member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce objects into the tubular member, with at least one of the objects being introduced into the pouch member portion. A closing and dividing unit is configured to close and divide the tubular member at intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, to form the tubular member into a plurality of discrete pouch member portions such that each discrete pouch member portion includes the tobacco material and the at least one of the objects.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a polymeric material in intimate contact with the smokeless tobacco and stabilized in conformance to a surface topography of the tobacco's fibrous structures such that the stabilized polymeric material secures the smokeless tobacco together. The smokeless tobacco product has a moisture-permeable porous surface and an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting agents from a tobacco material, wherein the tobacco material is conveyed through a housing to which an extraction agent (14, 24) is fed and from which the extraction agent is again discharged, wherein the extraction occurs in an extruder (10, 20) under increased extrusion pressure by way of contacting the tobacco material with the extraction agent during a tobacco material extrusion process. The invention further relates to an extraction device for tobacco material, having a housing (13, 23) and a conveyor unit (5) in the housing, and having an extraction agent inlet (3) and an extract outlet (7), wherein the housing is associated with a screw extruder (10, 20), wherein the extract is separated from the extruder (10, 20) to the outside environment by means of the pressure generated therein across the drop of pressure.

Abstract: A discreet packing system for containing and compacting finely chopped tobacco product having a shallow cylindrical body and a lid detachably secured thereto. A flexible wall is secured at a fixed end to the interior surface of the body. The flexible inner wall generally coextends the interior surface of the body and thereby defines a cylindrical volume in which the tobacco is contained. The flexible wall may be selectively locked in place relative to the outer wall of the body. In one embodiment of the present invention, a bottom is slidably connected to a cylindrical outer wall of the body. A distal end of the flexible wall is attached to the bottom and is urged via rotation of the bottom relative to the outer wall. Other embodiments are provided wherein the flexible wall extends through the body and is urged via a grip or slider.