By Organic Solvent Patents (Class 131/298)
  • Patent number: 11026452
    Abstract: A vaporizer is provided, including a body, a concentrate chamber provided within the body and including at least one chamber aperture, a concentrate pusher configured to push material through the concentrate chamber, a heating element having at least one element aperture, the heating element positioned proximate the at least one chamber aperture and configured to heat material pushed through the concentrate chamber, and a power source configured to apply power to the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Banana Bros, LLC
    Inventors: David Richmond, Howard Richmond, Manuel A. Montano, Jeffery Kunkler
  • Patent number: 10639439
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and administration apparatus includes a portable powered vaporizer with a mouthpiece, smokeless vaporizing element, and a removable chamber. The chamber contains a composition comprising tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), FCC grade ethanol, flavoring, pharmaceutical grade nicotine, USP grade aqueous glycerine, USP/EP grade propylene glycol, and USP grade vegetable glycerine. In various formulas the THC may be at concentrations of 1-30%, 30-60% and 60-99%, while CBD concentrations may be 0-15% including other cannabinoids derived from extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: MIDWEST PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Louis Larson
  • Patent number: 10357054
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco pastille configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco pastille can include (i) a tobacco material present in an amount of less than about 40 dry weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the pastille; (ii) at least one natural gum binder present in an amount of at least about 25 dry weight percent; and (iii) a plurality of sugar alcohols present in a total amount of at least about 40 dry weight percent, the predominant component of the plurality of sugar alcohols being isomalt or erythritol, wherein the shape of the smokeless tobacco pastille is moldable in the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Marshall, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Serban C. Moldoveanu
  • Patent number: 10039311
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and vaporizing a tobacco extract for use in a non-combustible smoking device are described. These methods include a solution having a volume of a liquid tobacco extract suspended in a hygroscopic liquid glycerol solvent. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the method is substantially free of water and results in an improved tobacco flavor extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Securience, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Muehlbauer, Ryan Jenson, S. Anthony Pace
  • Patent number: 9497993
    Abstract: Process for refilling an electronic cigarette with refillable reservoir, implemented by means of a container (10) of a single dose of a concentrated aroma, in liquid state, for producing a liquid refill of said electronic cigarette, wherein said container (10) comprises at least a liquid reservoir (14) and a closed mouth (15), in liquid-tight communication with said reservoir (14), comprising the following steps: extracting said single dose of a concentrated aroma from said container (10), after opening said mouth (15); mixing said single dose of a concentrated aroma with a solvent medium, or diluent, obtaining a solution, or a heterogeneous compound, for producing at least one refill for said electronic cigarette; inserting, into the reservoir of said electronic cigarette, an amount of solution, or heterogeneous compound, corresponding to the amount required to produce this refill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Ramon Manolo Vallar, Alessio Cipullo, Filippo Riccio, Alessandro Riccio
  • Patent number: 9097668
    Abstract: A method for detecting mentholated tobacco, comprising irradiating tobacco containing menthol and a fluorescent taggant with radiation and observing the tobacco for fluorescence from the taggant. A system and method for detecting and separating mentholated tobacco from non-mentholated tobacco within a product stream is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES INC.
    Inventor: Edmond J. Cadieux, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150122272
    Abstract: Methods for creating concentrated plant material solution, including combining ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material with ethanol to define mixtures and reducing the amount of ethanol in the mixtures until the mixtures have viscosities compatible for use with electronic cigarettes. Some examples include combining ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material, hydrocarbon bases, and liquid solutions containing ethanol to define mixtures, removing the hydrocarbon bases from the mixtures, and reducing the ethanol content of the mixtures until the mixtures define viscosities compatible for use with electronic cigarettes. Some examples include extracting solute from source materials and including the extracted solute in the ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jason Wasserman, Jess Ordower, Samual Decker
  • Patent number: 9004074
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of nicotine extraction from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb. The proposed method for extraction of nicotine from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb implies continuous extraction from raw material with low-boiling solvents at vapor phase followed by solvent stripper and recurrence for further reuse in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
    Inventors: Michail Kassymovich Nauryzbaev, Dmitri Yurievich Korulkin, Serikbol Tleulessovich Shalghymbaev, Timur Michailovich Nauryzbaev
  • Patent number: 8955523
    Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that includes an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. The additive can be a flower of the Nicotiana species or a portion thereof in particulate form or in the form of flower isolate derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. In certain embodiments, the flower isolate is in the form of an extract from a flower of the Nicotiana species or in the form of a chemically transformed flower isolate, the chemical transformation being selected from acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment, and enzymatic treatment. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the flower additives described herein, and methods for preparing an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: William Monroe Coleman, III, Michael Francis Dube, Darlene Madeline Lawson
  • Patent number: 8887737
    Abstract: A method of forming a liquor comprising tobacco solutes, the method comprising extracting tobacco solutes from tobacco by flowing an extraction solvent through tobacco to form a tobacco solutes-rich extraction solvent and a tobacco solutes-poor tobacco, and forming tobacco solutes-rich liquor by flowing the tobacco solutes-rich extraction solvent through an entrapment solvent, wherein the tobacco solutes comprise nicotine and at least one tobacco flavor compound and/or tobacco aroma compound and the liquor comprises the tobacco solutes dissolved in the entrapment solvent. A preferred extraction solvent comprises a supercritical fluid. Also provided are cigarettes and cigarette components comprising extracted tobacco solutes such as flavor compounds, aroma compounds and nicotine. Further, tobacco from which aroma compounds and/or nicotine have been extracted can be used in cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tony M. Howell, Gregory J. Griscik
  • Publication number: 20140261483
    Abstract: A kit is disclosed for supplying a cartridge of an inhaler article with liquid tobacco extract, the kit comprising an apparatus having means for extracting a liquid tobacco extract from a tobacco derived solid. The apparatus is adapted to deliver liquid tobacco extract to a cartridge and a cartridge adapted to receive liquid tobacco extract from the apparatus. An apparatus for supplying a liquid tobacco extract to a cartridge of an inhaler article is further disclosed. The apparatus has a housing, means for extracting a liquid tobacco extract from a tobacco derived solid and said housing is adapted to deliver liquid tobacco extract to a cartridge of an inhaler article. A related method of supplying a cartridge of an inhaler article with a liquid tobacco extract is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: JT International SA
    Inventor: Jason Hopps
  • Publication number: 20140251354
    Abstract: The present application is related to an electronic cigarette liquid and a method of producing pulp for use in the electronic cigarette liquid, the method includes: using a stainless steel bathing can with a 500 Liter capacity that can endure heating and pressurizing; placing the pulp and original liquid used for bathing inside the can at a pre-determined ratio. After heating, pressurizing and bathing, the absorption of the pulp is fully attained. Then, opening a ball valve and releasing and collecting only the liquid from the bathing can and taking out the viscous pulp for packaging. The hookah pulp product is obtained with a solid extract of the hookah pulp product being 90% or above of the hookah pulp product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Zhixuan Zheng
  • Patent number: 8807142
    Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to nitrosamines members of which class are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of nitrosamines from biological fluids. Such molecularly imprinted polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Sumita Bhattacharyya, Kevin McAdam, Anthony Rees, Börje Sellergren, Christine Widstrand
  • Publication number: 20140190500
    Abstract: Disclosed are a process and an apparatus for improving tobacco raw material. The process mainly comprises performing an extraction from at least one of tobacco leafs, tobacco flakes, tobacco powder, stalks and cut stems by mixed solvents, conducting a solid-liquid separation for the tobacco raw material, applying the extract liquor of tobacco leaves, flakes and cuts for manufacturing tobacco extract and that of stalks and cut stems for manufacturing fertilizer, diluting and mixing a given amount of tobacco aqueous extract and ethanol extract and removing harmful components so as to get feed liquid, backfilling the feed liquid to the tobacco raw material, and drying the tobacco raw material to a certain dryness to obtain the products. The apparatus is a system composed of a plurality of interconnected independent devices such as extractor, solid-liquid separator, a feed liquid backfiller, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Shanghai Juhua Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huang Duan, Xuesong Pan, Bin Liu, Jian Chen, Hongming Wang
  • Publication number: 20140130815
    Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Robert Krauss
  • Publication number: 20140041675
    Abstract: Methods of selectively reducing constituents in tobacco as well as the tobacco obtained by such methods are disclosed. Subcritical fluids, e.g., liquid carbon dioxide, serve as the reduction media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicants: Phasex Corporation, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC
    Inventors: Val KRUKONIS, Hans SCHONEMANN, Anthony GUDINAS, Paula M. WETMORE, Kara WILLIAMS, Carl H. MIDGETT, Clifford Brown BENNETT, Harry Yizhou ZHENG, Kathleen S. JOHNSTON
  • Patent number: 8555895
    Abstract: Methods of selectively reducing constituents in tobacco as well as the tobacco obtained by such methods are disclosed. Subcritical fluids, e.g., liquid carbon dioxide, serve as the reduction media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC, Phasex Corporation
    Inventors: Val Krukonis, Hans Schonemann, Anthony Gudinas, Paula M. Wetmore, Kara Williams, Carl H. Midgett, Clifford Brown Bennett, Harry Y. Zheng, Kathleen S. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20130139835
    Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials. Also disclosed are selectively adsorbent non-molecularly imprinted polymer of a non-acidic monomer and a cross-linker having polar functionality, one of which is hydrophilic, the other of which is hydrophobic, and the use of such polymers in the treatment of materials containing nicotine and nitrosamine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Ola John Ivar Karlsson, Johan Fredrik Billing, Ecevit Yilmaz, Jan Robert Christian Svensson Stark
  • Publication number: 20130133674
    Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventor: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
  • Publication number: 20130014771
    Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that includes an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. The additive can be a flower isolate derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. In certain embodiments, the flower isolate is in the form of an extract from a flower of the Nicotiana species or in the form of a chemically transformed flower isolate, the chemical transformation being selected from acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment, and enzymatic treatment, the chemical transformation releasing at least a portion of a glycosidically bound compound in the flower of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the flower additives described herein, and methods for preparing an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: William Monroe Coleman, III, Michael Francis Dube, Darlene Madeline Lawson
  • Publication number: 20120199145
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a tobacco composition for use in a tobacco product, the method including treating a tobacco pulp with supercritical carbon dioxide. The treated tobacco pulp may exhibit a benzo[a]pyrene concentration lower than the initial benzo[a]pyrene concentration and/or a TSNA concentration lower than the initial TSNA concentration. The treated pulp can be introduced into tobacco products including smoking articles, smokeless tobacco products, and aerosol-generating devices configured for non-combustion of plant materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, Yan Pu, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Charles Bradford Rhoades, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120145170
    Abstract: A method and a system for preparing a tobacco extract for use in an electronic smoking device are provided. A tobacco extract and an electronic smoking device are also provided. The method includes grinding tobacco into granulated particles, and heating purified water. The method further includes injecting the heated purified water through the granulated particles of the tobacco for a predetermined period of time to produce an aqueous solution, and adding purified water to the aqueous solution. Further, the method includes heating the aqueous solution, and injecting the heated aqueous solution through ground tobacco for the predetermined period of time to produce a tobacco extract for use in the electronic smoking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBAL VAPOR TRADEMARKS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8011373
    Abstract: A method of treating a tobacco extract solution includes bringing an extract solution, which is obtained by extracting a natural tobacco material with an aqueous extracting solvent, into contact with a polymer containing, in its side chain, a functional group which traps metal ions including at least magnesium, thereby obtaining an extract solution with an amount of at least magnesium reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Torikai, Hiromichi Muto
  • Publication number: 20110174323
    Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that includes an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. The additive can be a flower of the Nicotiana species or a portion thereof in particulate form or in the form of flower isolate derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. In certain embodiments, the flower isolate is in the form of an extract from a flower of the Nicotiana species or in the form of a chemically transformed flower isolate, the chemical transformation being selected from acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment, and enzymatic treatment. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the flower additives described herein, and methods for preparing an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: William Monroe Coleman, III, Michael Francis Dube, Darlene Madeline Lawson
  • Publication number: 20110155152
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for removing undesirable constituents from tobacco which includes extracting tobacco material in an aqueous or organic solvent and filtering the product of the extraction using a horizontal belt filter. The extract and insoluble tobacco residue may be further treated enzymically, chemically or otherwise to remove a complement of undesirable constituents. The extract and insoluble tobacco residue are recombined to form a regenerated tobacco material that is less harmful when combusted than the original material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Harris, Steve Hemsley
  • Publication number: 20110159160
    Abstract: A method for extracting a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon from a material such as tobacco or tobacco extracts or other materials comprises treating the material with a molecularly imprinted polymer selective for the hydrocarbon in the presence of a low polarity medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Stig Jonsson, Staffan Bergstrom, Johan Billing
  • Patent number: 7934509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco initial material is heated and placed under pressure and once heated and placed under pressure, the material is fed through a shearing gap and expanded and defibrated. It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material with a pressure chamber, which has a tobacco material inlet at the low-pressure end and a tobacco material outlet at the pressure end and a conveyor system for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the tobacco material outlet has a gap through which the material passes and expands, and the gap has walls which can be moved towards one another. It further relates to a smoking article containing such a cut, defibrated tobacco material product and the use of a plug screw feeder-extruder with a shearing gap outlet for defibrating tobacco material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Werner Ehling, Gerald Schmekel, Dietmar Franke, Matthias Link
  • Publication number: 20110067715
    Abstract: Methods of selectively reducing constituents in tobacco as well as the tobacco obtained by such methods are disclosed. Subcritical fluids, e.g., liquid carbon dioxide, serve as the reduction media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicants: US Smokeless Tobacco Co., Phasex Corporation
    Inventors: Val Krukonis, Hans Schonemann, Anthony Gudinas, Paula M. Wetmore, Kara Williams, Carl H. Midgett, Clifford Brown Bennett, Harry Y. Zheng, Kathleen S. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110041859
    Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to TSNAs are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of TSNAs from biological fluids. Such polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony Rees, Johan Billing, Ecevit Yilmaz
  • Patent number: 7798151
    Abstract: Methods of selectively reducing constituents in tobacco as well as the tobacco obtained by such methods are disclosed. Subcritical fluids, e.g., liquid carbon dioxide, serve as the reduction media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: US Smokeless Tobacco Co., Phasex Corporation
    Inventors: Val Krukonis, Hans Schonemann, Anthony Gudinas, Paula M. Wetmore, Kara Williams, Carl H. Midgett, Clifford Brown Bennett, Harry Y. Zheng, Kathleen S. Johnston
  • Patent number: 7677253
    Abstract: A regenerated tobacco material is manufactured through extracting a natural tobacco material with an extracting solvent to obtain an extracted solution containing components of the natural tobacco material and an extraction residue. A regenerated tobacco web is prepared by using the extraction residue. On the other hand, the extracted solution is subjected to a fractionating treatment by means of ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis filtration, or reversed-phase partition chromatography to obtain a first fraction enriched in desired components and depleted in undesired components, and a second fraction enriched in the undesired components and depleted in the desired components. The first fraction is added, optionally together with the second fraction decreased in amount, to the regenerated tobacco web to prepare a regenerated tobacco material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yamada, Yukiko Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20080302377
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of nicotine extraction from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb. The proposed method for extraction of nicotine from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb implies continuous extraction from raw material with low-boiling solvents at vapor phase followed by solvent stripper and recurrence for further reuse in the process. The technological advantages are the opportunity to use both primary raw material and production wastes, shorter time required for extraction, cost reduction and process simplification for extraction of nicotine, reduction of concomitant substances in the target product, and no need in using acids. These advantages are achieved by the proposed extraction method with low-boiling organic solvents what results in lower consumption of chemicals, lower temperature, shorter time required for the process and additional purification of the target product and eliminates needs for high pressure to be used in technological process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Michail Kassymovich Nauryzbaev, Dmitri Yurievich Korulkin, Serikbol Tleulessovich Shalghymbaev, Timur Michailovich Nauryzbaev
  • Publication number: 20080178894
    Abstract: Methods for the selective removal of specific constituents of tobacco extract include contacting an extract with a nitrosamine selective adsorption agent, a metal selective adsorption agent and/or a nitrate selective adsorption agent. Preferred characteristics of such agents are identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen G. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7387128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous method for pressure-conditioning material for food and/or semi-luxury consumables, wherein said material (12) is introduced through an entrance (4) into a hyperbarically pressurized conditioning chamber (2), where it is treated with a conditioning agent, and extracted again from said conditioning chamber (2) at an exit (8), wherein the material (12) is conveyed continuously from said entrance (4) to said exit (8) in a conditioning chamber (2) inclined obliquely upwards, by means of a mixing conveyor, in particular a conveying screw (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Werner Ehling, Gerald Schmekel, Frank Plückhahn, Hans-Werner Fuchs, Matthias Link
  • Patent number: 7380554
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous method for pressure-conditioning material for food and/or semi-luxury consumables, wherein said material (12) is introduced through an entrance (4) into a hyperbarically pressurized conditioning chamber (2), where it is treated with a conditioning agent, and extracted again from said conditioning chamber (2) at an exit (8), wherein the material (12) is conveyed continuously from said entrance (4) to said exit (8) in a conditioning chamber (2) inclined obliquely upwards, by means of a mixing conveyor, in particular a conveying screw (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Germany) GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Werner Ehling, Gerald Schmekel, Frank Plückhahn, Hans-Werner Fuchs, Matthias Link
  • Patent number: 7337782
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing proteins and other undesirable biomolecules from tobacco extract or slurry via foam fractionation, thereby concentrating the tobacco extract or slurry. The tobacco extract or slurry is treated and modified prior to being subjected to the foam fractionation to enhance the extent and efficiency of protein removal. After foam fractionation, the concentrated extract, sans proteins and other Hoffman analyte precursors, is applied to a tobacco sheet material, and the collected foam can be recirculated through foam fractionation for enhanced concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Bruce T. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6786221
    Abstract: A process and system for continuous assay and removal of toxins from tobacco. Products such as tobacco contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, and benzpyrene and its precursors, are subjected to treatment, generally in a solvent medium, to decontaminate the tobacco of the toxin. Continuous monitoring of all harmful toxins eluted from the cleaning solvent is performed by immunoantibody ultraviolet fluorescence, for example. A quality-control process ensures removal of harmful toxins from tobacco before further processing. Decontamination of extracted solvent streams and re-additives ensures safe reuse or disposal of the solvents and re-additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kerry Scott Lane
  • Publication number: 20040134504
    Abstract: A process and system for continuous assay and removal of toxins from tobacco. Products such as tobacco contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, and benzpyrene and its precursors, are subjected to treatment, generally in a solvent medium, to decontaminate the tobacco of the toxin. Continuous monitoring of all harmful toxins eluted from the cleaning solvent is performed by immunoantibody ultraviolet fluorescence, for example. A quality-control process ensures removal of harmful toxins from tobacco before further processing. Decontamination of extracted solvent streams and re-additives ensures safe reuse or disposal of the solvents and re-additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Kerry Scott Lane
  • Patent number: 6679270
    Abstract: A method for reducing the content of nitrosamines (e.g., N′-Nitrosonornicotine, 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, N′-Nitrosoanatabine, and N′-Nitrosoanabasine) in tobacco is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes combining tobacco with a solvent (e.g., water and/or other compounds) to form a soluble portion. The soluble portion contains an initial total level of tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of the soluble portion. The soluble portion is contacted with a nitrosamine-reducing material such that the resulting weight percentage of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of said soluble portion is at least about 20% less than the initial total level of the tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of the soluble portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Nicolas Baskevitch, Lanig Le Bec, Diane Raverdy-Lambert
  • Patent number: 6224847
    Abstract: A process for extracting a compound or composition of matter from a raw material containing that compound or composition as a constituent part is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of (1) contacting a sample of the raw material with an extraction solvent comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and a co-solvent selected from an alkane and a hydrocarbon ether, (2) forming a solvent liquor comprising the extraction solvent and an extract from the raw material, and (3) separating the solvent liquor containing the extract from the raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
    Inventors: Richard Llewellyn Powell, Timothy James Noakes, Peter Frederick Wilde
  • Patent number: 6058940
    Abstract: A process and system for continuous assay and removal of toxins from tobacco. Products such as tobacco contaminated with mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxins, and benzpyrene and its precursors, are subjected to treatment, generally in a solvent medium, to decontaminate the tobacco of the toxin. Continuous monitoring of all harmful toxins eluted from the cleaning solvent is performed by immunoantibody ultraviolet fluorescence, for example. A quality-control process ensures removal of harmful toxins from tobacco before further processing. Decontamination of extracted solvent streams and re-additives ensures safe reuse or disposal of the solvents and re-additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Kerry Scott Lane
  • Patent number: 5947128
    Abstract: A process to improve the smoke quality and mechanical properties of reconstituted tobacco is accomplished by adding tobacco materials to an aqueous solution containing ammonium salts and urea. The resulting first tobacco slurry is then pressurized under steam pressure to at least 60 psi for a period of from 1 to 5 minutes then depressurized rapidly to ambient. The depressurized tobacco is then formed into a second tobacco slurry wherein the soluble components within the tobacco is removed. The resulting tobacco residue is then prepared into a reconstituted tobacco sheet and the extract is then concentrated to a solids level of at least 30 percent by weight of solids which is added back to the reconstituted tobacco sheet for further processing into smoking articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventor: Jide Adedeji
  • Patent number: 5908034
    Abstract: A process for improving smoke quality and mechanical properties of a cast reconstituted tobacco sheet is accomplished by adding tobacco materials to an aqueous solution containing ammonium salts and ammonium hydroxide. The resulting first tobacco slurry is then pressurized under steam pressure to at least 60 psi for a period of from about 1 to 5 minutes then depressurized rapidly to ambient. The depressurized tobacco is then formed into a second tobacco slurry. The resulting tobacco residue is then cast into a reconstituted tobacco sheet for further processing into smoking articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventor: Jide Adedeji
  • Patent number: 5829449
    Abstract: A composition for inclusion within a cigarette, cigar or pipe. The composition can be included within the tobacco itself, a filter for filtering tobacco smoke once burned or even within the paper or wrapper surrounding the tobacco product. The composition is capable of reducing free radical damage to the oro-pharyngeal cavity, respiratory tract and lungs resulting from tobacco smoke. The composition includes L-glutathione and a source of selenium such as selenomethionine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Thione International, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Hersh, Rebecca Hersh
  • Patent number: 5810020
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for denitrifying tobacco materials and removing barium from tobacco materials, comprising mixing an aqueous-immiscible organic solvent containing a crown ether with an aqueous solution containing soluble components from tobacco materials, agitating this mixture, and separating the organic phase containing a crown ether-cation-nitrate (or nitrite) complex from the aqueous phase containing the denitrified tobacco materials, wherein the cation consists essentially of barium and potassium. There is further disclosed a process for eliminating tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) from cured, denitrified tobacco material, comprising contacting the denitrified tobacco material with a trapping sink, wherein the trapping sink comprises a select transition metal complex which is readily nitrosated to form a nitrosyl complex with little kinetic or thermodynamic hindrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Osmotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Northway, Robert Salter
  • Patent number: 5791353
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of denitrating tobacco stem material in which the tobacco stem material is input at a first point in a housing, guided through a solvent and output at a second point from the housing, the complete method being implemented at an overpressure, and to an apparatus for implementing the method with an elongated, approximately cylindrical housing and at least one rotatable feeder screw, said housing being configured pressure-tight and comprising locks or nozzles or inputting and/or outputting process flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobaccco Corporation
    Inventors: Gitta Junemann, Gerald Schmekel, Arno Weiss, Wilfried Stiller
  • Patent number: 5601097
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing the protein content of tobacco material which includes either: (1) extracting the tobacco material with an anionic surfactant; (2) treating the tobacco material with a proteolytic enzyme followed by extraction with a surfactant; (3) applying a surfactant solution to the tobacco material, separating the solution from the tobacco material, removing the surfactant and polypeptides from the tobacco material, optionally with the use of an insoluble adsorbent, and combining the tobacco material with the remaining solution; or (4) first extracting the tobacco material with an aqueous solvent and then with a surfactant. The invention further provides a tobacco material of reduced protein content produced by extraction with an anionic surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Imasco Limited
    Inventors: Yves D. De Grandpre, Minoo H. Bilimoria, Andrew R. Porter
  • Patent number: 5501237
    Abstract: Reconstituted tobacco having good wet strength is provided. Tobacco material is extracted with water to yield an insoluble portion and an aqueous portion containing water soluble tobacco components. The insoluble portion is formed into a sheet-like shape and contacted with a pectin release agent. Alternatively, the insoluble portion is contacted with pectin release agent and then formed into a sheet-like shape. The extract then is applied to the insoluble portion which has been formed into a sheet-like shape. The resulting tobacco composition is dried to yield a reconstituted tobacco material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Harvey J. Young, Edward J. S. Sohn
  • Patent number: 5497792
    Abstract: A process is provided for the improved removal of nicotine from tobacco. An essentially nicotine-free solvent in the supercritical or liquid state is fed into a first end of an extraction flow system containing tobacco and a nicotine-rich solvent is discharged from a second end of the extraction flow system. Periodically a portion of extracted tobacco is discharged from the first end of the extraction system while simultaneously a portion of an unextracted tobacco is charged to the second end of the extraction system. Nicotine is then entrapped in an entrapment material or otherwise removed from the solvent and solvent is recycled through the extraction flow system. Various materials are provided as entrapment materials. Among the entrapment materials provided are aqueous solutions containing absorbent selected from various acids and salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Ravi Prasad, Harvey J. Grubbs
  • Patent number: 5445169
    Abstract: Tobacco extracts are provided within a polyhydric alcohol carrier. Tobacco strip is extracted with ammonia and steam to provide a mixture of water, tobacco extract and ammonia. The mixture is contacted with a polyhydric alcohol to provide a resulting mixture. The water then is evaporated from the resulting mixture to provide a mixture of 30 weight parts tobacco extract, 65 weight parts polyhydric alcohol and 5 weight parts water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Brinkley, Jack G. Flinchum, Jr., James S. Thomasson