Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition that contains bleached tobacco material and guar gum.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a produce tray with agricultural produce includes a tray loading station with a fill hopper for receiving the agricultural produce, a produce compression station including at least one tuck finger platen, and a conveyer including a plurality of tray carriers for moving the produce tray from the tray loading station to the produce compression station. Some embodiments of the invention also include a split chute for transferring the agricultural produce from the fill hopper to the produce tray and a trolley for selectively positioning the split chute under the fill hopper or tuck finger platen. Another embodiment of the invention includes a tuck finger platen for compressing agricultural produce near the center of the tray less than agricultural produce near the interior walls of the produce tray. Yet another embodiment of the invention includes steps in a method for loading agricultural produce into a produce tray.

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 bag for enclosing a cushion is disclosed. The bag comprises a tubular sleeve having first and second end pieces coupled to first and second longitudinal ends thereof, a plurality of reinforcing straps encircling a circumference of the tubular sleeve, and at least one handle extending between the plurality of reinforcing straps. The at least one handle is configured to lay flush against the tubular sleeve during shipping. Methods for packaging and shipping a cushion in the bag include roll packing a cushion into a cylindrical shape, disposing the cushion in a compressed form into the bag, and shipping the bag to a customer without inserting the bag in any other container. Methods of unpacking the cushion from the bag includes uncoupling the first end piece from the tubular sleeve, opening the tubular sleeve along a longitudinal length thereof, and unrolling the compressed cushion to an expanded form.

Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing of portion packets of a product for oral use, includes a forming arrangement configured to form portion packets of a bulk material. The arrangement includes a device for placing the portion packets into a container, wherein the device includes a portion packet transporting unit and a portion packet positioning unit. The transporting unit is configured to transport individual portion packets to the positioning unit, and the positioning unit is configured to position the portion packets in a certain pattern during operation of the device. The transporting unit includes a product channel for transporting the portion packets, the product channel having an inlet and an outlet, the transporting unit further including a gas channel for connection to a source of pressurized gas, the gas channel arranged to, when connected to the source, guide pressurized gas into the product channel in a direction towards the product channel outlet.

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: An oral pouch product includes a dual layer pouch wrapper and an inner botanical filling material contained within the pouch wrapper. The pouch wrapper includes an inner web, an outer web and a coating, such as a water soluble flavorant containing coating therebetween.

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: 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: A machine for forming, continuously, distinct portions of particulate matter such as smokeless tobacco, i.e., snuff, in a pouch or pocket form, and continuously forming individual pouches or pockets containing the distinct portions of the particulate matter.

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: Easier handling during packing and reduced pouch spotting is seen when a moist smokeless tobacco product is at a sub-refrigeration temperature during formation and sealing of portioned product.

Abstract: An oral tobacco raw material is easily handled during the manufacturing of oral tobacco, does not stain a packaging material when packaged as a pouch, and does not cause a feeling of a lump to a user and rapidly emits flavor when the user uses the pouch by placing it in the oral cavity. A method for manufacturing such an oral tobacco raw material, and a method for stably obtaining oral tobacco at low cost using the oral tobacco raw material are disclosed. A raw material chip for oral tobacco, includes a tobacco raw material composition including tobacco particles, water, and an additive, and a water-soluble edible film, the tobacco raw material composition and the water-soluble edible film being laminated, wherein outer surfaces of the raw material chip for oral tobacco are composed of a surface composed of the tobacco raw material composition, and a surface composed of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station.

Abstract: Easier handling during packing and reduced pouch spotting is seen when a moist smokeless tobacco product is at a sub-refrigeration temperature during formation and sealing of portioned product.

Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a lid, a bottom and a compactor. The compactor is contained within the container and serves to collect, accumulate or compact any loose products within the container. The compactor and lid can mate such that rotation of the lid can transfer torque to the compactor to adjust a storage portion of the cavity of the container to collect, accumulate or compact the loose product.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco system includes a container including a plurality of preformed smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape and integrity. One or more of the preformed smokeless tobacco products are compressed between a lid and a base of the container to hinder movement of the one or more preformed smokeless tobacco products within the container. Each preformed smokeless tobacco product can include a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a selected binder such that the final product is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile. A method of forming and packaging the preformed smokeless tobacco products includes depositing shaped smokeless tobacco bodies into the container and closing the container prior to a relaxation of the shaped smokeless tobacco bodies into preformed smokeless tobacco products.

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: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured by conveying portions of the tobacco initially on a dispensing disc (5a) with cavities (7) from a delivery station (8) to a transfer station (9), where each portion of tobacco is then removed forcibly from the relative cavity by an ejection system (14) and directed into a duct (12) connecting with a wrapping station (10) at which the pouches (2) are formed, filled and sealed; the removal and transfer of each portion from the cavity (7) of the disc (5a) into the duct (12) is controlled in such a way as to displace the material by degrees and ensure its smooth passage toward the wrapping station.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of a smokeless tobacco product are manufactured on a machine comprising an intermittently rotatable dispensing disc (3) with peripheral cavities (4), a station (5) at which each cavity (4) is filled with a given quantity of tobacco equivalent to a single portion, a push rod mechanism (12) by which the portions of tobacco are ejected from each cavity (4) of the disc (3) at a transfer station (6), and a connecting duct (8) through which the portion of tobacco ejected by the push rod from each cavity passes directly to a wrapping station (7) where the pouches (2) are formed, filled with the tobacco product and sealed.

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

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.

Abstract: Provided is an oral pouch product including a pouch having a plurality of pores. At least one portion of soluble dietary fibers is contained in the pores of the pouch and/or coated thereon. The oral pouch product is filled with a botanical material. The oral pouch product is placed in the mouth to release the soluble dietary fibers directly into the user's mouth.

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 apparatus for metering oral tobacco into portions suitable for consumption including a delivery device to hold and deliver the tobacco and a metering device to receive the tobacco from the delivery device. The metering device includes a shaping component operative to shape and press the tobacco into at least one endless tobacco rod and a slicing component operative to slice the endless tobacco rod into pre-defined tobacco portions with respect to shape and weight and to discharge the tobacco portions for subsequent processing. Further, a method for metering oral tobacco in portions suitable for consumption, includes the steps of delivering the tobacco, continuous shaping and pressing the tobacco into at least one endless tobacco rod, slicing the endless tobacco rod into pre-defined tobacco portions with respect to shape and weight, and conveying the tobacco portions to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling, closing, folding and transporting away tobacco bags (10) or pouches, using a turret (24) that rotates about a horizontal axis and has preferably six mounts (28), each for one bag (10), arranged along the circumference in the region of planar wall portions (29). The bags are conveyed through a plurality of processing stations, in particular through a filling station, suction-extraction station, closing station and wrapping station, by the turret (24) with cyclic rotary movement. A plurality of sub-turrets, each with corresponding mounts (28), can be arranged one beside the other in the axial direction.

Abstract: Easier handling during packing and reduced pouch spotting is seen when a moist smokeless tobacco product is at a sub-refrigeration temperature during formation and sealing of portioned product.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured by conveying portions of the tobacco initially on a dispensing disc (5a) with cavities (7) from a delivery station (8) to a transfer station (9), where each portion of tobacco is then removed forcibly from the relative cavity by an ejection system (14) and directed into a duct (12) connecting with a wrapping station (10) at which the pouches (2) are formed, filled and sealed; the removal and transfer of each portion from the cavity (7) of the disc (5a) into the duct (12) is controlled in such a way as to displace the material by degrees and ensure its smooth passage toward the wrapping station.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of a smokeless tobacco product are manufactured on a machine comprising an intermittently rotatable dispensing disc (3) with peripheral cavities (4), a station (5) at which each cavity (4) is filled with a given quantity of tobacco equivalent to a single portion, a push rod mechanism (12) by which the portions of tobacco are ejected from each cavity (4) of the disc (3) at a transfer station (6), and a connecting duct (8) through which the portion of tobacco ejected by the push rod from each cavity passes directly to a wrapping station (7) where the pouches (2) are formed, filled with the tobacco product and sealed.

Abstract: An improved pouching machine is provided. The improved pouching machine comprises a feed hopper with a first and a second end and a feed screw with a plurality of pins extending from the circumference. The feed screw is connected to a first shaft and the first shaft is connected to a motor to rotate the first shaft. An agitator screw is positioned adjacent to the feed screw and has a plurality of pins extending from the circumference. The agitator screw is connected to a second shaft.

Abstract: Provided is an oral pouch flavor product with a fibrous flavored wrapper that encloses an inner filling material. Preferably, the fibrous flavored wrapper includes embedded flavorants. The fibrous flavored wrapper may also include a softening agent, colorants, and/or browning inhibitors. The inner material may include non-tobacco, plant material fibers and preferably has a low moisture content so as to prevent the need for preservatives or refrigeration.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is provided. A water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation and configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of that product is provided. The tobacco formulation includes granular tobacco and a buffer comprised of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. An outer packaging material enveloping the pouch is provided and is sealed so as to allow a controlled environment to be maintained within.

Abstract: A device (1) for packaging finely divided, moistened tobacco material in individual portion packages, comprising a means (2) for feeding the material into pockets (4) formed in a rotary portioning wheel (3) for portioning the material into portions. The device further comprises at least one compression means (10, 11, 12) for compressing these portions, a unit (23, 27) for advancing a packaging material (17) in synchrony with the compressed portions, at least one means (14, 15, 16) for discharging the portions from the pockets and advancing them the packaging material, and a unit (28, 29, 30, 31, 33) for forming individual portion packages from the discharged portions and the packaging material. At the intended point of discharge of the portions to the packaging material, said material has the form of a tape (17), the compression means (10, 11, 12) being arranged to compress the portions in a direction which differs from the discharging and the feeding directions.

Abstract: A flat base anchored to any hard, smooth surface by two suction cups. Upon this flat base, two shafts rise perpendicular. The base supports a housing which fits over the base shafts. The housing has an opening which accommodates a standard pack of cigarettes, which are placed in the opening top or filter first. Two springs are located above the housing on the base shafts to create tension. Rubber caps at the top of the base shafts, aided with epoxy, contains the springs and housing to the base of the invention so that once the housing is pulled upward by one's hand the housing then is forced down toward the base from the tension of the springs and consequently "packing" the cigarettes.

Abstract: A container for transporting a compressed block of tobacco (18) comprises rectangular bottom top front rear and two side walls (2,4,1,3,5,6) which are formed of pliable sheets of non-shape sustaining fabric, such as woven polypropylene. The top wall (4) is connectable by a sliding clasp fastener (9,10,11,12) along three of its edges to the adjacent upper edges of adjacent walls.

Abstract: It has not been possible hitherto to equip outer wrappings (10) for (tobacco) bagpacks of the twistbag type (11) with a tear-open thread or strip (15). The present wrapping (10) is provided with a tear-open strip (15) extending transversely relative to the longitudinal extension of the twisting (11). A longitudinal edge strip (17) with a longitudinal welding seam (18) is folded round against a wrapping wall (19,20) and fixed at the ends by transverse welding seams (21,22). A process and apparatus for producing such a twistbag.

Abstract: A machine for forming, continuously, distinct portions of smokeless tobacco in a pouch or pocket form, and continuously forming a chain of individual pouches containing the distinct portions of smokeless tobacco, cutting each pouch from a string of pouches, counting out a pre-set number of pouches for filling a container with the pre-set number of pouches with a set moisture content; further indexing each container relative to its production cycle, including means for rejecting improperly filled containers based on improperly filled individual or a plurality of pouches, closing each container with a lid, and pneumatic and other control means for controlling the production cycle of the machine.