US4068671A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nicotine removal process
Assignee: AMF Inc
•
Filing: 1975-07-25
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Granted: 1978-01-17
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Expires: 1995-07-25
Abstract
Abstract This invention concerns a method of removing nicotine from tobacco by rapid drying of an alkaline aqueous dispersion of tobacco. Preferably, the dried tobacco is remoistened with water and subsequently rapidly re-dried to realize higher efficiency of nicotine removal.
Inventors
- 👤 William J. Casey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:13
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24B; A24B15/00; A24B15/18; A24B15/24; A24B15/241; A24B15/243; A24B15/10; A24B15/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A process for removing nicotine from tobacco without substantially removing solubles other than nicotine which comprises forming an aqueous dispersion of particulate nicotine-containing tobacco at a pH of at least about 8.5, and rapidly air convection drying said dispersion at an elevated temperature and at air flow rates such that material temperature does not exceed about 200° F and at least 90% of the initial water content is removed within 2 minutes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A process for removing nicotine from tobacco without substantially removing solubles other than nicotine which comprises forming an aqueous dispersion of particulate nicotine-containing tobacco at a pH of at least about 8.5, and rapidly air convection drying said dispersion at an elevated temperature and at air flow rates such that material temperature does not exceed about 200° F and at least 90% of the initial water content is removed within 2 minutes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the initial pH of said dispersion is from about 8.5 to about 9.5.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the dried tobacco is re-slurried in water and subjected to further rapid drying to further reduce the nicotine content thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said further drying comprises belt drying the re-slurried tobacco.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said drying comprises spray drying said aqueous dispersion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said drying comprises belt drying said aqueous dispersion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said dispersion comprises particulate tobacco having a nicotine content of up to about 7 percent by weight, said dispersion comprises from about 10 to about 50% solids, and said dispersion is formed into a thin film for rapid drying.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The process of claim 7 wherein said tobacco comprises at least 0.5 up to 2 percent by weight nicotine, said dispersion comprises from about 10 to about 30 percent solids, said film is deposited upon a belt, and said drying is effected at air temperatures up to 600° F for a period of a few seconds up to one minute.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The process of claim 1, further comprising rewetting the dried tobacco product with water, and repeating the dispersion and rapid drying steps to further reduce the nicotine content.
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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) | 1981-01-16 | 1981-07-18 | 1982-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-01-16 | 1985-07-18 | 1986-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-01-16 | 1989-07-18 | 1990-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |