US3894544A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for producing tobacco structures
Assignee: Tamag Basel AG
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Filing: 1973-12-03
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Granted: 1975-07-15
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Expires: 1993-12-03
Abstract
Abstract A process and device for the production of coherent tobacco structures of coarse comminuted tobacco materials, in particular ribs and wastes, wherein the starting tobacco material is comminuted in a coarse grinding device to a particulate size of approximately 150-200 Mu m; moistened with a liquid, consisting of an alkali and/or silicic acid sol, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1.1 to 1:1.5 tobacco to liquid; kneaded in a mixing device to form a dough-like mass which is then shaped to form leaf-like structures; and applied in dosed amounts to a plastic transport belt whereupon the separate portions are spread under pressures up to a maximum of approximately 20 kg/cm2 (approx. 284.4 psi) to form individual flakes by means of a plastic spreading belt which runs in the same direction as the transport belt, but at a somewhat slower speed.
Inventors
- 👤 Laszlo Egri
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 04:45
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24B; A24B3/00; A24B3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A process for the production of coherent tobacco structures of coarsely comminuted tobaccO materials, in particular ribs and wastes, which are moistened and kneaded to form a dough-like mass which is then shaped to form leaflike structures, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of: a. comminuting the starting tobacco material to a particulate size of approximately 150 to 200 Mu m; b. moistening the comminuted tobacco by mixing with a liquid in a weight ratio of 1:1.1 to 1:1.5 tobacco to liquid; c. kneading the moistened tobacco material to form a dough-like mass; d. directly applying the dough-like mass to a transport belt in individual, separate portions to form spaced pieces; and e. then spreading the portions on the transport belt under relatively low compression pressures up to a maximum of approximately 20 kg/cm2 to form individual flakes by means of a spreading belt which runs in the same direction as the transport belt and at a speed slightly slower than the transport belt.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A process for the production of coherent tobacco structures of coarsely comminuted tobaccO materials, in particular ribs and wastes, which are moistened and kneaded to form a dough-like mass which is then shaped to form leaflike structures, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of: a. comminuting the starting tobacco material to a particulate size of approximately 150 to 200 Mu m; b. moistening the comminuted tobacco by mixing with a liquid in a weight ratio of 1:1.1 to 1:1.5 tobacco to liquid; c. kneading the moistened tobacco material to form a dough-like mass; d. directly applying the dough-like mass to a transport belt in individual, separate portions to form spaced pieces; and e. then spreading the portions on the transport belt under relatively low compression pressures up to a maximum of approximately 20 kg/cm2 to form individual flakes by means of a spreading belt which runs in the same direction as the transport belt and at a speed slightly slower than the transport belt.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the moistening liquid comprises a liquid which softens the tobacco material and which is selected from the group consisting of an alkali, and a silicic acid sol.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the spreading belt is of plastic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A process according to claim 3, wherein the transport belt and/or the spreading belt is driven by several small rollers driven by the same motor and whose mutual spaced relation can be adjusted.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco flakes are separated from the belt by external heating and/or treatment with a lubricant.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 5 wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol, glycerin, silicon oil and combinations thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the tobacco flakes are transferred from the transport belt to a plastic conveyor belt and then dried thereupon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the size of the portions is selected such that tobacco flakes are formed which can be directly used as a cigar filler without subsequent comminution.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the size of the portions is selected such that tobacco flakes are produced which can be mixed to form cigarette tobacco without subsequent comminution and can be fed into a conventional cutting machine for cigarette tobacco.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the kneaded mass is extruded through a perforated plate and is subsequently reduced in size to form pieces approximately 3 mm in diameter and approximately 5 mm in length.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the size of the portions is selected such that tobacco flakes are produced which have an area of about 1 cm2.
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) | 1978-07-14 | 1979-01-13 | 1979-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-14 | 1983-01-13 | 1983-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-14 | 1987-01-13 | 1987-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |