US4700722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for retaining alkaloids by treating with strong acids before drying
Assignee: RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co
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Filing: 1986-05-12
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Granted: 1987-10-20
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Expires: 2006-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A method of treating tobacco with a strong acid to inhibit alkaloid loss during drying. The tobacco is then treated with weak base to neutralize the acid. The preferred strong acid is phosphoric. The preferred weak base is ammonium hydroxide. An added benefit of this treatment is burn retardation by ammonium phosphates resulting in cigarette puff number increase.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin R. Korte
- 👤 Elmer Litzinger
- 👤 Dan T. Wu
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:14
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24B; A24B15/00; A24B15/18; A24B15/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
A process of treating tobacco to inhibit alkaloid loss comprising the steps of: adding a selected quantity of an aqueous solution of a strong acid to a selected quantity of tobacco; drying the tobacco until the moisture content is less than 16 percent by weight of the tobacco; and adding an aqueous solution of a weak base in a sufficient amount to neutralize the added acid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
A process of treating tobacco to inhibit alkaloid loss comprising the steps of: adding a selected quantity of an aqueous solution of a strong acid to a selected quantity of tobacco; drying the tobacco until the moisture content is less than 16 percent by weight of the tobacco; and adding an aqueous solution of a weak base in a sufficient amount to neutralize the added acid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the quantity of strong acid is in the range of about 4% to about 16% by weight of the tobacco on a dry weight basis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the strong acid is phosphoric acid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the strong acid is citric acid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 1 wherein the strong acid is added to said tobacco as an aqueous solution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said drying is accomplished by contacting said treated tobacco with heated air in a moving gas stream.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The process of claim 6 wherein said air stream has a wet bulb temperature of 210° F.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said aqueous basic solution is aqueous ammonia.
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) | 1990-10-19 | 1991-04-20 | 1991-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-10-19 | 1995-04-20 | 1995-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-04-20 | 1999-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |