Abstract: Tobacco is treated before or during curing to lower or eliminate bacterial populations and/or activity, fungal growth, and/or tobacco-specific nitrosamine or bacterial endotoxin levels in the cured tobacco, wherein the tobacco is treated with an effective amount of a wash solution. Air-cured tobacco may be cured in four weeks or less when treated with a wash solution of bicarbonate salts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed, as well as to a device for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), comprising a means by which the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed.

Abstract: The filler of a cigarette rod has a tubular portion made of shredded tobacco and surrounding at least one row of spherical inserts made of aromatic material or aerosol. The tubular portion is made by feeding tobacco shreds against the underside of the horizontal lower reach of a foraminous conveyor belt advancing beneath a suction chamber to accumulate a first layer of shreds. The inserts are delivered to the underside of the first layer and are attracted thereto by suction. A second layer of shredded tobacco is assembled by showering shreds against the underside of the first layer where the second layer underlies the spherical inserts. The thus obtained filler is draped into a web of wrapping material to form a cigarette rod ready to be subdivided into sections of unit or multiple unit length. The spherical inserts are expelled from a revolving receptacle under the action of centrifugal force to form a row which is conveyed toward the underside of and advances with the first layer.

Abstract: In a process for the treatment of tobacco, in particular Burley tobacco, the tobacco, which is preferably in the form of leaf tobacco, is treated with a casing, which preferably contains sugar. A thermal treatment of the casing-treated tobacco with saturated steam follows, wherein, before the steam treatment, the tobacco moisture content is in the range from 15% to 25% and wherein, after the steam treatment, the tobacco moisture content is in the range from 15% to 25% and the tobacco temperature is in the range from 80° C. to 115° C.

Abstract: A method for improving the flavor and aroma characters of a smoking article is provided. A mixture consisting essentially of a reducing sugar and optionally a hydroxide of an alkali metal is subjected to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce a flavorful composition. The flavorful composition is then applied to tobacco leaves or cut filler made thereof, and smoking articles are prepared from the tobacco leaves or cut filler.

Abstract: A process for lowering toxic substance including nicotine in tobacco is disclosed. The process of the present invention comprises treating tobacco leaves with water, alcoholic drink, or a mixture thereof. It is also possible to lower the nicotine contents of tobacco by using licorice vinegar. Loess water, licorice, black beans, other vinegar than licorice vinegar, or salt can be added or as a mixture thereof in order to maintain the unique flavor and taste of tobacco.

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.

Abstract: What is new in this invention pertains to the use of only citric acid, with or without water, in treating tobacco, to reduce and/or eliminate nicotine and nitrosaminies in the tobacco.

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.

Abstract: Processes for producing flavorful and aromatic compounds from tobacco material are provided. The processes involve providing a tobacco suspension comprising finely ground tobacco material, and subjecting the tobacco suspension to heat treatment in an enclosed, pressure controlled, and generally inert environment at a temperature of at least 140° C.

Abstract: A process for exapanding tobacco employs gaseous impregnant at elevated pressure. Tobacco is passed through a gaseous impregnant atmosphere using mechanical devices (e.g., pressure locks, pocket feeders). Tobacco gets impregnated with pressurized gaseous impregnant during the “pass-through”. Uniformity of impregnation is obtained by passing small batches of tobacco having uniform bulk density, and uniform gas properties at or near the tobacco exit point of the “Pass-through”. Natural buoyancy of the impregnant gas assures that gas temperature uniformity is achieved quickly and without any elaborate control system, and in a simplified, self controlling and self regulating process. Significant equipment cost and size reduction results. An apparatus that uses the improved process is also provided. For carbon dioxide impregnated tobacco, expansion occurs when the impregnated tobacco is subjected to conditions that cause rapid release of the impregnated gas.

Abstract: In a process to reduce fines and objectionable stem from tobacco in a smoking article, a humectant, particularly glycerin, is added to whole leaf tobacco prior de-stemming. After de-stemming, stems are separated from lamina and the stems and lamina are further processed for use in smoking articles, particularly cigarettes.

Abstract: Tobacco is treated with an effective amount of one or more bactericidal gases before or during curing to reduce or eliminate bacteria, bacterial activity and/or fungal activity from tobacco leaves, and/or to reduce or eliminate the amount of tobacco-specific nitrosamine or bacterial endotoxin in cured tobacco leaves. Cured tobacco is treated with an effective amount of one or more bactericidal gases before or during storage to reduce or eliminate bacteria, bacterial activity and/or fungal activity from the cured tobacco.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture is provided that includes tobacco and at least one inorganic particulate material. The at least one inorganic particulate material is effective to reduce the temperature of a burning portion of the tobacco smoking mixture upon combustion/pyrolysis thereof. The at least one inorganic particulate material can be an inorganic carbonate, an inorganic hydrate, an inorganic oxide, an inorganic phosphate, a carbon material or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cigarettes containing gold or silver particles and manufacturing methods of cigarette filters. The tobacco leaves, added with ion particles of gold, are prepared through blending them with peach leaves or bellflower leaves, which contains tartaric acid and malic acid as major components; the cigarette pouches comprise 20% of peach leaves or bellflower leaves and the gold or silver particles prepared in 0.005˜0.015 micron m of their size; and the filters are prepared by soaking them in a liquid mixture of pulverized peach leaves, bellflower leaves, and charcoals in more than 800 meshes. Therefore, in smoking, the cigarettes and their filters in this invention produce beneficial effects such as detoxification, blood-refining, and cell-cleaning with their major components such as gold particles, tartaric acid, and malic acid being absorbed into one's lung.

Abstract: The filler of a cigarette rod has a tubular portion made of shredded tobacco and surrounding at least one row of spherical inserts made of aromatic material or aerosol. The tubular portion is made by feeding tobacco shreds against the underside of the horizontal lower reach of a foraminous conveyor belt advancing beneath a suction chamber to accumulate a first layer of shreds. The inserts are delivered to the underside of the first layer and are attracted thereto by suction. A second layer of shredded tobacco is assembled by showering shreds against the underside of the first layer where the second layer underlies the spherical inserts. The thus obtained filler is draped into a web of wrapping material to form a cigarette rod ready to be subdivided into sections of unit or multiple unit length. The spherical inserts are expelled from a revolving receptacle under the action of centrifugal force to form a row which is conveyed toward the underside of and advances with the first layer.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reconstituted tobacco with reduced nitrogenous content by submitting cured tobacco material, including whole leaf, stems, scraps, fines and lamina, as well as burley leaf and stem, to an extraction with a solution containing sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or mixtures thereof. The extraction process, in addition to denitrifying the tobacco material, also produces reconstituted tobacco paper with characteristics similar to flue cured tobacco leaf.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method and a manufacturing system for cut tobacco, a first additive mainly containing a humectant is added to laminar tobacco, the laminar tobacco provided with the first additive is shredded to form cut tobacco, a second additive containing a perfume is added to the cut tobacco, the cut tobacco is dried thereafter, and a top flavoring as a third additive is added to the dried cut tobacco.

Abstract: Processes for producing flavorful and aromatic compounds from flue-cured tobacco material are provided. The processes involve providing a tobacco suspension comprising finely ground flue-cured tobacco material in intimate contact with ammonia, and subjecting the tobacco suspension to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to generate a flavorful and aromatic composition. The composition can be applied to smoking articles such as cigarettes to improve the flavor and aroma character thereof.

Abstract: A method for providing flavorful and aromatic substances for use in a smoking article is disclosed. In the method, a mixture is provided including a reducing sugar source and a base catalyst. The mixture has a selectively enriched content of at least one free amino acid selected from the group consisting of serine, threonine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine. The mixture is then subjected to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to provide a flavorful and aromatic composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing tobacco, which process comprises the steps of treating a tobacco material with a phenol oxidising enzyme, such as by extracting tobacco with a solvent to provide an extract and a residue; and treating the extract with a phenol oxidising enzyme such as a laccase. An improved tobacco product having a reduced amount of phenolic compounds. This is an alternative or a supplement to a process in which the phenolic compounds are adsorbed onto the insoluble carrier polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP). In preferred embodiments, the process includes further steps of removing the oxidised phenolic compound, adding adsorbents such as bentonite; removing and/or inactivating the enzyme; and concentrating the extract. Preferred phenol oxidising enzymes are peroxidases and laccases. The thus treated extract is advantageously re-combined with the tobacco residue and further processed to provide a tobacco article for smoking.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, incorporating particulate smoke-modifying agent in a smoking material rod, wherein said agent is introduced into a flow of filamentary smoking material to the suction band of a rod making machine, the location of introduction being in the vicinity of the suction band of said machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product are disclosed. One embodiment is a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product, the process having a multi-step depressurization sequence including at least first and second depressurization steps for depressurizing an impregnation vessel, which includes the following steps: withdrawing substantially all of an amount of an expansion agent in the impregnation vessel at about the end of the second depressurization step during the multi-step depressurization sequence; and transmitting at least a portion of said amount of expansion agent to a low-pressure gas tank. In one embodiment, the expansion agent is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product are disclosed. One embodiment is a method for recovering additional expansion agent in a process for the expansion of tobacco or another agricultural product, the process having a multi-step depressurization sequence including at least first and second depressurization steps for depressurizing an impregnation vessel, which includes the following steps: withdrawing substantially all of an amount of an expansion agent in the impregnation vessel at about the end of the second depressurization step during the multi-step depressurization sequence; and transmitting at least a portion of said amount of expansion agent to a low-pressure gas tank. In one embodiment, the expansion agent is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided for processing tobacco for expansion thereof including process and apparatus for forming a batch of tobacco for delivery to a tobacco impregnation apparatus and processes and apparatus for unloading the expanded tobacco and purging expansion agent from the expanded tobacco. The tobacco batch forming and feeding system forms and feeds tobacco batches of predetermined weight which can be readily changed to accommodate different types of tobacco. Expanded tobacco is unloaded directly into an unloading chamber wherein expansion agent is purged from the expanded tobacco. The tobacco unloading chamber includes a purge gas circulation system for circulating the purge gas through the expanded tobacco in the lower portion of the unloading chamber and removing the released expansion agent from an upper portion of the unloading chamber.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of exploding tobacco stems to improve smoke quality, and more particularly to a process of exploding the cells of tobacco stems with high pressure saturated steam, followed by rapid depressurization and quenching, in order to reduce negative contributors to smoke quality and to form favorable flavor compounds.

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.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing the protein content of tobacco material which includes extracting the tobacco material with a solution containing a surfactant. The tobacco material may be first extracted with an aqueous solvent to produce an aqueous extract before being treated with the solution containing a surfactant. This invention also provides a method for removing polypeptides from an aqueous extract of tobacco material which includes treating the extract with an insoluble adsorbent selected from the group comprising hydroxyapatite and a fuller's earth mineral such as bentonite. Treatment of the aqueous extract with bentonite will produce an extract having a reduced pigment and polypeptide content.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for improving the taste and aroma of tobacco by finely dispersing over it an emulsion comprising an emulsifier, an aqueous phase and an oil phase containing at least 10% by weight of a non-volatile oil. The non-volatile oil comprises hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, fatty alcohols and vegetable waxes, all having between 10 and 40 carbon atoms. The emulsifier is preferably water-soluble or water dispersible. The emulsions may be used as vehicles for applying other water-soluble and/or oil-soluble additives such as flavors, casing, humectants etc.

Abstract: Reconstituted tobacco material is provided by forming a slurry of tobacco dust in water and providing the slurry at a near neutral pH. The slurry is contacted with diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate, and the slurry is maintained at about 140.degree. F. for about 1 hour. The pH of the slurry then is increased to about 8, and the slurry is maintained at about 180.degree. F. for about 5 minutes. The slurry then is subjected to shear treatment, cast as a sheet, and dried. The resulting reconstituted tobacco material is useful as cut filler for cigarette manufacture.

Abstract: Flavorful tobacco extracts are provided by subjecting a moist spray dried tobacco extract to heat treatment. The moist extract is contacted with a sugar and an amino acid, and exposed to a temperature above about 100.degree. C. in a pressure controlled vessel. Resulting flavorful extracts are useful as forms of tobacco in cigarettes and other smoking articles.

Abstract: The chewing tobacco composition contains 25 to 40% by weight cut tobacco, 0.1 to 10% by weight powdered cellulose pulp and 60 to 75% by weight casing solids. The use of powdered cellulose pulp in the composition provides for an increase in the amount of casing solids in the composition. The method entails dipping the cut tobacco into a casing solution composition containing 40% by weight water and 0.5 to 4.0% by weight powdered cellulose pulp.

Abstract: Flavorful tobacco substances are provided by extracting tobacco with water, spray drying the resulting liquid tobacco extract, contacting the spray dried extract with a glycerine carrier, and subjecting the extract and carrier to a temperature above 150.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to eliminate the harsh or "green" taste provided by the extract. The flavorful tobacco substances are useful as forms of tobacco in smoking product manufacture.

Abstract: A tobacco smoking article including smoking tobacco held in a container and an alcohol supported by the container. The alcohol has two or more carbon atoms and is capable when the vapor thereof is inhaled by the smoker of inhibiting the selective localization of nitrosamines and metabolites thereof in the smoker's tissues, such as those of the bronchial epithelium. The alcohol is associated with the smoking tobacco such that, when the tobacco is smoked, the vapors of the alcohol are inhaled in the tobacco smoke stream. The alcohol is present in an amount sufficient to inhibit the selective localization but not to produce any toxic side effects in the smoker.

Abstract: Reconstituted Tobacco has ammonia incorporated therein. Tobacco is extracted with water to yield an insoluble portion and an aqueous portion containing water soluble tobacco components. The aqueous portion is contacted with ammonia to yield an ammoniated extract. The extract 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 treated with ammonia.

Abstract: A miniature plug of chewing tobacco made from 25 to 80% by weight tobacco on a dry basis and 75 to 20% casing solids and having a tensile strength of greater than 150 g/cm is disclosed. The high tensile strength allows for the miniature plug to be satisfactorily processed. Such a plug can be made with the use of gelatin in the casing solution. The casing includes as an essential element gelatin.

Abstract: The invention is for a multi-fold improvement for tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking and other smoking devices by decreasing the health hazards thereof by:1. Replacing and/or reducing substantially all of the nitrate in cigarette paper by use of an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate.2. Improving the completeness of burning of the relatively poisonous and undesirable components of tar and smoke of cigarette smoke through addition of an oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate to the cigarette.Using an oxidizing agent to render non-poisonous certain toxic components in smoking devices and materials including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and other plant derived ingredients useful and used for smoking.

Abstract: A process for removing nicotine from tobacco which does not adversely affect the flavor and aroma of the product tobacco is disclosed. The process entails mixing a tobacco having a moisture content of 25% to 53% with an alkalinizing agent to obtain a pH of 8 to 11 and maintaining the tobacco in an aerobic environment at a temperature of 40.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. at a pressure of 1 atmosphere for a period of 4 to 14 weeks. The product so produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tobacco treating process for forming favorable flavor compounds in a moisturized tobacco including the steps of contacting the tobacco with citrus pectin, invert sugar, or diammonium phosphate, or a combination resulting in a tobacco having a pectin level and diammonium phosphate level of predetermined percentages, thereof, introducing the moistened tobacco into a containing zone; introducing an ammonia source into the containing zone; heating the contained zone when substantially closed to bring the tobacco to a preselected temperature to improve flavor compounds through reaction of the ammonia source, citrus pectin, and reducing sugars, and/or other tobacco components; and cooling and removing the tobacco from the closed zone.

Abstract: A process is provided for the dry treatment of agricultural products such as corn, leafy plant material, animal feed, silage material and tobacco to remove fertilizer-derived nitrate. The process involves a short duration contact of the agricultural product with HC1 gas under conditions which minimize generation of non-volatile chlorocarbons that could form by interaction of the agricultural product with the gaseous products of the reaction of the HC1 with the nitrate. The gaseous products are swept quickly away from the treated agricultural product by a carrier gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, helium, and HC1.

Abstract: Process for the aromatization of tobacco leaves or tobacco particles, powder or sheets of natural or artificial origin by means of a volatile, water immiscible active flavor, which process is characterized in that the said flavor is put into intimate contact with the tobacco leaves, particles, powder or sheets by directly spraying onto their exposed surface an emulsion consisting of the said flavor, an aqueous solution of a hydrosoluble carrier and an emulsifier.

Abstract: A tobacco treating process for forming favorable flavor compounds in a moisturized tobacco including the steps of introducing the moistened tobacco into a containing zone; introducing an ammonia source into the containing zone; heating the contained zone when substantially closed to bring the tobacco to a preselected temperature to improve flavor compounds through reaction of the ammonia source and reducing sugars, and/or other tobacco components; and cooling and removing the tobacco from the closed zone.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating particulate material with a liquid additive in a rotatable cylinder involves the use of a pressurized fluid such as steam directed obliquely against the inner wall of the cylinder to effect a cleaning action on the inner wall as the cylinder is rotated and to augment agitation action produced by the rotational movement of the cylinder and gravitational forces acting on the particulate material. Strategically located spray nozzles apply controlled amounts of liquid additive to the particulate material as it is undergoing agitation by the combined effects of the applied forces. The method and apparatus disclosed are particularly suited to the treatment of tobacco with casing materials.

Abstract: An improved process for removing insoluble nitrogen-containing compounds from cured tobacco uses alkali or a combination of protease and nonprotease depolymerase, rather than simple protease extraction.The method of the invention is more efficient and results in a more effective extraction of protein.

Abstract: Cigarettes having reduced loose end propensity and a process for preparing same are disclosed. The cigarettes are prepared from shredded smoking material having been uniformly treated with a free-flowing non-deliquescent, hygroscopic powder and aged prior to introduction into a cigarette-making machine. The powder preferably has a size between about 50 and 200 microns, and becomes tacky upon absorption of moisture.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco with a strong acid to inhibit alkaloid loss during drying. The tobacco is then treated with weak base to neutralize the acid. The preferred strong acid is phosphoric. The preferred weak base is ammonium hydroxide. An added benefit of this treatment is burn retardation by ammonium phosphates resulting in cigarette puff number increase.

Abstract: An improved tobacco treating process for smoking articles including the steps of introducing tobacco to be dryed into a restricted pressure and flow controllable system to be entrained by pressurized stream for preselected residence time before disentrainment therefrom, the steam being held at preselected minimum pressure and velocity to improve fill value and smoking quality of the tobacco.

Abstract: In order to pest control tobacco there is provided in a gas tight tobacco storage room an inert O.sub.2 lacking atmosphere with O.sub.2 between 0 and 5%, CO.sub.2 between 1 and 20% and the balance N.sub.2. This atmosphere is maintained until mortality of the pest. The system for providing this atmosphere includes essentially a generator, which can be a combustion chamber (1) associated with a catalytic chamber (2) (in the case of an open circuit system in which air is drawn from the atmosphere) or a catalytic chamber alone (in the case of a closed circuit system in which air is drawn from the tobacco storage room itself) and a cooling tower (3).The system is generally provided also with an evaporator (5) and a condenser (6) to control the humidity of the inert atmosphere, and a heat exchanger (7) in which the combustion heat is utilized to heat the inert atmosphere at a temperature which speeds up the mortality of the pest.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for applying foamed material to tobacco, particularly in connection with the making of cigarettes. The foamed material may be added to the tobacco, for example, in the paper guide section of a cigarette maker at the garniture mouth (21) or through the short tongue (30) or through both, or at the chimney (10). Addition of a foamed material to the tobacco, during the cigarette making process, results in a cigarette in which the material added is more uniformly distributed.