US3837481A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Separation of tobacco fines from sand
Assignee: Brown and Williamson Holdings Inc
•
Filing: 1971-07-27
•
Granted: 1974-09-24
•
Expires: 1991-07-27
Abstract
Abstract Tobacco fines, mixed with sand, are puffed employing microwave energy to a size at least sufficient to be used directly in cigarette manufacture and are then separated from the sand for use in tobacco products. Other botanicals may be similarly treated.
Inventors
- 👤 N Heitkamp
- 👤 G Stungis
- 👤 S Merker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:17
CPC Classifications
B; B03; B03B; B03B13/00; B03B1/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for separating tobacco fines or fines of other botanical materials from non-moisture absorbent material comprising: a. supplying a quantity of said fines and said material mixed together; b. applying moisture to maintain the fines at a moisture level of from 5 to 75 percent by weight of the fines; c. subjecting the mixture to microwave energy to substantially expand the individual fines while said non-absorbent material remains at substantially its original size; and d. mechanically separating the fines subsequent to completion of expansion thereof from the non-moisture absorbent materials.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for separating tobacco fines or fines of other botanical materials from non-moisture absorbent material comprising: a. supplying a quantity of said fines and said material mixed together; b. applying moisture to maintain the fines at a moisture level of from 5 to 75 percent by weight of the fines; c. subjecting the mixture to microwave energy to substantially expand the individual fines while said non-absorbent material remains at substantially its original size; and d. mechanically separating the fines subsequent to completion of expansion thereof from the non-moisture absorbent materials.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the microwave energy is generated at at least 2 kilowatts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a substantial portion of the fines has been expanded to at least 30 mesh in size.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the moisture level of the fines is approximately 40 percent by weight of the fines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The process of claim 3 wherein the expanded fines recovered have a particle size of at least 30 mesh and are mechanically separated by introducing the mixture to a screen at least as small as 30 mesh so that substantially only the non-moisture absorbent material passes therethrough.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-23 | 1978-03-25 | 1978-09-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-23 | 1982-03-25 | 1982-09-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-23 | 1986-03-25 | 1986-09-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |