US3742962A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tobacco-denicotization processes
Assignee: Societe Nationale dExploitation Industrielle des Tabacs et Allumettes SAS
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Filing: 1970-03-03
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Granted: 1973-07-03
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Expires: 1990-03-03
Abstract
Abstract Processes are provided for reducing the amount of nicotine and other desirable agents in tobacco, which processes do not require a final drying stage, and the resulting tobacco products are easy to keep and retain the essence of their physical and gustative qualities. The processes are characterized essentially by successive injections of ammonia gas and steam below atmospheric pressure, which injections are preceded, separated and followed by the drawing of industrial or low vacuums. The tobacco to be treated may be suitable prehumidified, and damp (humid) or dry (non-humid) industrial vacuums may be used at various stages of the processes in order to adjust the humidity of the tobacco as desired.
Inventors
- 👤 C Brochot
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:39
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24B; A24B15/00; A24B15/18; A24B15/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A process for treating tobacco in an enclosed space with the aim of reducing its contact of alkaloids and other undesirable products, particularly free or combined nicotine, the steps comprising: a. drawing an industrial vacuum in the enclosed space in which the tobacco has been placed; b. injecting pure ammonia gas into the enclosed space while maintaining pressure below atmospheric pressure in the enclosed space; c. reducing the pressure in the enclosed space to occasion removal of ammonia gas and released volatile components from the enclosed space; d. injecting steam into the enclosed space while maintaining the pressure below atmospheric pressure; e. reducing the pressure in the enclosed space to extract vapor, alkaloids and the like; and f. breaking the vacuum and re-establishing atmospheric conditions in the enclosed space.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process according to claim 2 wherein the vacuum of step (e) is a humid vacuum.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process according to claim 3 wherein before step (b) the tobacco is prehumidified by injecting steam into the enclosed space followed by drawing a humid vacuum in the enclosed space.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 4 wherein the prehumidification step is repeated at least once.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process according to claim 3 wherein the vacuum of step (c) is a humid vacuum.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process according to claim 4 wherein the vacuum of step (c) iS a humid vacuum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 3 wherein before step (f), steps (b) through (e) are repeated at least once.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 8 wherein during the first time step (c) is performed the vacuum of step (c) is a humid vacuum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process according to claim 9 wherein before step (b) the tobacco is prehumidified by injecting steam into the enclosed space followed by drawing a humid vacuum in the enclosed space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process according to claim 10 wherein the prehumidification step is repeated at least once.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-02 | 1977-01-01 | 1977-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-02 | 1981-01-01 | 1981-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-02 | 1985-01-01 | 1985-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |