← Back to Patent Explorer
US4846199A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Smoking of regenerated tobacco smoke

Assignee: University of California
•
Filing: 1986-03-17
•
Granted: 1989-07-11
•
Expires: 2006-03-17
📄 Original PDF 🌐 Google Patents 🔄 Sync Now

Abstract

Abstract A method and an apparatus for regenerating tobacco smoke separation of the gaseous constituents from the condensed constituents. The gaseous constituents which contain many of the harmful substances in tobacco smoke are eliminated and the residue of the condensed constituents is collected. For purposes of smoking the condensate, an aerosol is produced from this condensate for inhalation by the smoker. Heating is an effective means to produce the aerosol and since the heating occurs at low temperature, there is no re-combustion of tobacco and the attendant production of harmful constituents.

Inventors

  • 👤 Jed E. Rose

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-26 06:01
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24B; A24B15/00; A24B15/10; A24B15/16; A24B15/165; A24B15/18; A24F; A24F40/00; A24F40/40; A24F40/48; A24F40/485; B; B82; B82Y; B82Y5/00; A24F40/10

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim 83 words
A method for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked, said method comprising: (a) heating tobacco to produce a tobacco smoke comprised of a mixture of fluidized components and gaseous components, (b) separating the gaseous components from the fluidized components, (c) expelling the separated gaseous components, (d) collecting the fluidized components as a condensate when the gaseous components have been expelled so that an aerosol may be formed therefrom, and (e) forming an aerosol with the fluidized components for smoking thereof.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 83 words
A method for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked, said method comprising: (a) heating tobacco to produce a tobacco smoke comprised of a mixture of fluidized components and gaseous components, (b) separating the gaseous components from the fluidized components, (c) expelling the separated gaseous components, (d) collecting the fluidized components as a condensate when the gaseous components have been expelled so that an aerosol may be formed therefrom, and (e) forming an aerosol with the fluidized components for smoking thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 45 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized in that the step of separating the gaseous components comprises passing a substantial portion of the gaseous components through a filter and causing a trapping of the fluidized components and collection thereof as a condensate in a container.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 67 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized in that the step of separating the gaseous components comprises passing the mixture of gaseous components and fluidized components through a tube sized and shaped to cause a substantial increase in velocity and thereafter causing the mixture to change direction at a relatively sharp angle thereby causing the fluidized components to separate out as a precipitate from the gaseous components.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 3 further characterized in that the method comprises passing the mixture of gaseous components and fluidized components through a Pasteur pipette to cause the substantial increase in velocity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 35 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized in that the step of burning tobacco comprises the combustion of tobacco in a cigarette and applying a vacuum to the cigarette to extract the smoke generated thereby.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 31 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized in that said step of burning the tobacco comprises causing combustion of tobacco leaves and drawing smoke generated thereby into a further processing chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 1 further characterized in that the step of heating comprises rapidly burning the tobacco.
Claim 9
Independent Claim 200 words
An apparatus for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked upon generating an aerosol thereof on a production basis, said apparatus comprising: (a) tobacco receiving means for receiving a source of tobacco capable of being rapidly combusted and enabling combustion of the tobacco to produce tobacco smoke, (b) a chamber located in proximate relation to the tobacco receiving means for receiving and temporarily holding the tobacco smoke, (c) separating means operatively connected to said chamber to receive the tobacco smoke and enable a fractionation of certain constituents to thereby separate the gaseous constituents from the condensed constituents in the smoke, said separating means comprising a filter pad formed of a material and having a pore size such that a substantial portion of the condensed constituents will engage the filter pad material which causes a separation of the condensed constituents to enable collection thereof and which gaseous constituents will pass therethrough, (d) exhaust means operatively associated with said separating means to permit discharge of the gaseous constituents, and (e) container means operatively associated with said separating means for collecting the condensed constituents as a somewhat liquid condensate which is capable of being easily aerosolized for smoking upon aerosolization thereof.
Claim 10
Independent Claim 200 words
An apparatus for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked upon generating an aerosol thereof on a production basis, said apparatus comprising: (a) tobacco receiving means for receiving a source of tobacco capable of being rapidly combusted and enabling combustion of the tobacco to produce tobacco smoke, (b) a chamber located in proximate relation to the tobacco receiving means for receiving and temporarily holding the tobacco smoke, (c) separating means operatively connected to said chamber to receive the tobacco smoke and enable a fractionation of certain constituents to thereby separate the gaseous constituents from the condensed constituents in the smoke, said separating means comprising a filter pad formed of a material and having a pore size such that a substantial portion of the condensed constituents will engage the filter pad material which causes a separation of the condensed constituents to enable collection thereof and which gaseous constituents will pass therethrough, (d) exhaust means operatively associated with said separating means to permit discharge of the gaseous constituents, and (e) container means operatively associated with said separating means for collecting the condensed constituents as a somewhat liquid condensate which is capable of being easily aerosolized for smoking upon aerosolization thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 39 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that the exhaust means comprises a vacuum port downstream of the separating means for connection to a source of a vacuum to thereby create a vacuum to remove the gaseous constituents.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 24 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that the tobacco receiving means for receiving the tobacco comprises a tube to hold a cigarette.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 38 words
The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that the tobacco receiving means for receiving the tobacco comprises a tray receiving tobacco for combustion therein and which tray is sized to receive a large charge of the tobacco.
Claim 14
Independent Claim 141 words
A method for smoking an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents to provide the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without many of the harmful gaseous constituents therein, said method comprising: (a) disposing a container of condensed tobacco smoke constituents separated from tobacco smoke and locating the condensed constituents in a position where they may be contacted by a relatively inert gas from a source of a relatively inert gas, (b) contacting the condensed constituents with the relatively inert gas, (c) generating an aerosol of the condensed tobacco smoke constituents in the relatively inert gas and which aerosol will have an appearance and taste similar to that of normal tobacco smoke, and (d) permitting the aerosol of the condensed constituents to pass through a smoke delivery tube upon drawing by a smoker to allow receipt of the aerosol by the smoker.
Claim 15
Independent Claim 141 words
A method for smoking an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents to provide the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without many of the harmful gaseous constituents therein, said method comprising: (a) disposing a container of condensed tobacco smoke constituents separated from tobacco smoke and locating the condensed constituents in a position where they may be contacted by a relatively inert gas from a source of a relatively inert gas, (b) contacting the condensed constituents with the relatively inert gas, (c) generating an aerosol of the condensed tobacco smoke constituents in the relatively inert gas and which aerosol will have an appearance and taste similar to that of normal tobacco smoke, and (d) permitting the aerosol of the condensed constituents to pass through a smoke delivery tube upon drawing by a smoker to allow receipt of the aerosol by the smoker.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 12 further characterized in that the aerosol is generated by heating the condensed constituents.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 41 words
The method of claim 13 further characterized in that the method comprises locating the container in a position where it is heated in the presence of the inert gas to aid in the generation of an aerosol of the condensed constituents.
Claim 18
Independent Claim 42 words
The method of claim -4 further characterized in that the method comprises moving the container or the source of heat so that the source of heat is disposed in heating relationship to the container to aid in the generation of an aerosol.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 29 words
The method of claim 14 further characterized in that the method comprises energizing an electrical heating source adjacent to the container to aid in the generation of an aerosol.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 31 words
The method of claim 14 further characterized in that the method comprises drawing the aerosol through the smoke delivery tube when the smoker creates a suction on the smoke delivery tube.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 34 words
The method of claim 12 further characterized in that the method comprises selectively distilling the aerosolized condensate into a plurality of fractions such that only certain of said fractions are received by the smoker.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 27 words
The method of claim 13 further characterized in that the step of generating an aerosol comprises nebulizing the condensed tobacco smoke with a stream of inert gas.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 114 words
A smoking apparatus to enable smoking of an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents without the harmful gaseous constituents normally carried in tobacco smoke, said apparatus comprising: (a) a housing, (b) a container of condensed tobacco smoke constituents located within said housing, (c) aerosol generating means to generate an aerosol of the condensed constituents which is similar to normal tobacco smoke in taste and appearance and which is capable of being inhaled by a smoker, (d) a tube associated with said housing to receive the generated aerosol, and (e) an outlet end associated with said tube and sized so that a smoker may impart a suction to the tube to receive the generated aerosol.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 114 words
A smoking apparatus to enable smoking of an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents without the harmful gaseous constituents normally carried in tobacco smoke, said apparatus comprising: (a) a housing, (b) a container of condensed tobacco smoke constituents located within said housing, (c) aerosol generating means to generate an aerosol of the condensed constituents which is similar to normal tobacco smoke in taste and appearance and which is capable of being inhaled by a smoker, (d) a tube associated with said housing to receive the generated aerosol, and (e) an outlet end associated with said tube and sized so that a smoker may impart a suction to the tube to receive the generated aerosol.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 37 words
The apparatus of claim 20 further characterized in that the aerosol generating means comprises a heating means to generate a source of heat in relation to the container to thereby cause an aerosol of the condensed constituents.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 22 words
The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that a filter is associated with said air inlet opening to increase draw resistance.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 43 words
The apparatus of claim 20 further characterized in that an air inlet opening is formed in said housing to enable introduction of air to form the aerosol and to enable drawing of the aerosol through the housing upon applying suction to the tube.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 28 words
The apparatus of claim 20 further characterized in that said tube has a length sufficient so that selective distillation of the aerosolized condensed constituents will take place therein.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 100 words
A smoking apparatus to enable smoking of an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents comprising: (a) an elongate tube, (b) a source of tobacco smoke condensate associated with said elongate tube, and (c) means to generate heat adjacent said source of condensate to generate an aerosol of the condensate without any appreciable combustion of the condensate and which does not contain any appreciable amount of the harmful gaseous constituents in normal tobacco smoke but is similar to normal tobacco smoke in taste and appearance and which is capable of being drawn through said elongate tube and inhaled by a smoker.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 100 words
A smoking apparatus to enable smoking of an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents comprising: (a) an elongate tube, (b) a source of tobacco smoke condensate associated with said elongate tube, and (c) means to generate heat adjacent said source of condensate to generate an aerosol of the condensate without any appreciable combustion of the condensate and which does not contain any appreciable amount of the harmful gaseous constituents in normal tobacco smoke but is similar to normal tobacco smoke in taste and appearance and which is capable of being drawn through said elongate tube and inhaled by a smoker.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 67 words
The smoking apparatus of claim 25 further characterized in that said tube is disposed in a conventional cigarette having a roll of tobacco enclosed within an outer burnable material such that the tube is disposed axially within the roll of tobacco, and that the condensate is located in said tube, and the means to generate heat is the burnable tobacco of said roll disposed around said tube.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 36 words
The smoking apparatus of claim 25 further characterized in that said source of tobacco smoke condensate is formed by previously heating tobacco externally of the tube and the condensate is thereafter associated with the elongate tube.
Claim 33
Independent Claim 123 words
A method of enabling smoking of an aerosol of tobacco smoke condensate to receive the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without the harmful gaseous constituents normally present in tobacco smoke, said method comprising: (a) burning tobacco to produce a mixture of condensed constituents and gaseous constituents, (b) separating and collecting the condensed constituents, and (c) generating an aerosol of the condensed constituents in the smoking device without any appreciable combustion of the condensate to provide a smoke stream which does not contain any appreciable amount of the harmful gaseous constituents in normal tobacco smoke but which is similar in appearance and taste to normal tobacco smoke so that the aerosol can be inhaled by a user thereof with substantially reduced health risk.
Claim 34
Independent Claim 123 words
A method of enabling smoking of an aerosol of tobacco smoke condensate to receive the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without the harmful gaseous constituents normally present in tobacco smoke, said method comprising: (a) burning tobacco to produce a mixture of condensed constituents and gaseous constituents, (b) separating and collecting the condensed constituents, and (c) generating an aerosol of the condensed constituents in the smoking device without any appreciable combustion of the condensate to provide a smoke stream which does not contain any appreciable amount of the harmful gaseous constituents in normal tobacco smoke but which is similar in appearance and taste to normal tobacco smoke so that the aerosol can be inhaled by a user thereof with substantially reduced health risk.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 28 further characterized in that the step of separating and collecting the condensed constituents comprises expelling and discarding the gaseous constituents.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 28 further characterized in that the method comprises the drawing of the aerosol into a smoke delivery tube upon a smoker applying a suction to the delivery tube.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 32 words
The method of claim 28 further characterized in that the method comprises generating the aerosol by selectively heating the condensate only when the smoker desires to draw the aerosol which is generated.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 36 words
The method of claim 28 further characterized in that the method comprises selectively fractioning the condensed constituents into a plurality of fractions without combustion such that only certain of said fractions are received by the smoker.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 15 words
The method of claim 32 further characterized in that the selective fractioning comprises selectively distilling.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 31 words
The method of claim 28 further characterized in that said method comprises introducing the collected condensed constituents into a container associated with a smoking device after the separating and collection thereof.
Claim 41
Independent Claim 118 words
A method for smoking an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents to provide the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without many of the harmful gaseous constituents wherein, said method comprising: (a) disposing a container of condensed tobacco smoke constituents separated from tobacco smoke and locating the condensed constituents in a position where they may be contacted by a relatively inert gas from a source of a relatively inert gas, (b) contacting the condensed constituents with the relatively inert gas, (c) generating an aerosol of the condensed tobacco smoke constituents having a size on the average within the range of about 2.5 microns to about 10 microns, and (d) permitting the aerosol to be inhaled by the smoker.
Claim 42
Independent Claim 118 words
A method for smoking an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents to provide the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without many of the harmful gaseous constituents wherein, said method comprising: (a) disposing a container of condensed tobacco smoke constituents separated from tobacco smoke and locating the condensed constituents in a position where they may be contacted by a relatively inert gas from a source of a relatively inert gas, (b) contacting the condensed constituents with the relatively inert gas, (c) generating an aerosol of the condensed tobacco smoke constituents having a size on the average within the range of about 2.5 microns to about 10 microns, and (d) permitting the aerosol to be inhaled by the smoker.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 35 further characterized in that the aerosol is generated by heating the condensed constituents.
Claim 44
Independent Claim 198 words
An apparatus for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked upon generating an aerosol thereof, said apparatus comprising: (a) tobacco receiving means for receiving a source of tobacco capable of being combusted and enabling combustion of the tobacco to produce tobacco smoke, (b) a chamber located in proximate relation to the tobacco receiving means for receiving and temporarily holding the tobacco smoke, (c) separating means operatively connected to said chamber to receive the tobacco smoke and enable a condensation of certain constituents to thereby separate the gaseous constituents from the condensed constituents in the smoke, said separating means comprising a tube having a reduced diameter section to cause an increase in the velocity of the mixture of gaseous constituents and condensed constituents, said tube forming part of a flow path which causes the mixture to change direction at a relatively sharp angle greater than 90 degrees thereby separating the condensed constituents from the gaseous constituents (d) exhaust means operatively associated with said separating means to permit discharge of the gaseous constituents, and (e) container means operatively associated with said separating means for collecting the condensed constituents as a somewhat liquid condensate for smoking upon aerosolization thereof.
Claim 45
Independent Claim 198 words
An apparatus for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked upon generating an aerosol thereof, said apparatus comprising: (a) tobacco receiving means for receiving a source of tobacco capable of being combusted and enabling combustion of the tobacco to produce tobacco smoke, (b) a chamber located in proximate relation to the tobacco receiving means for receiving and temporarily holding the tobacco smoke, (c) separating means operatively connected to said chamber to receive the tobacco smoke and enable a condensation of certain constituents to thereby separate the gaseous constituents from the condensed constituents in the smoke, said separating means comprising a tube having a reduced diameter section to cause an increase in the velocity of the mixture of gaseous constituents and condensed constituents, said tube forming part of a flow path which causes the mixture to change direction at a relatively sharp angle greater than 90 degrees thereby separating the condensed constituents from the gaseous constituents (d) exhaust means operatively associated with said separating means to permit discharge of the gaseous constituents, and (e) container means operatively associated with said separating means for collecting the condensed constituents as a somewhat liquid condensate for smoking upon aerosolization thereof.
Claim 46
Independent Claim 168 words
An apparatus for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked upon generating an aerosol thereof on a production basis, said apparatus comprising: (a) tobacco receiving means for receiving a source of tobacco capable of being rapidly heated to volatilize tobacco constituents and cause a vapor thereof, (b) means for heating the tobacco to a temperature sufficient to volatilize tobacco constituents and cause a vapor thereof, (c) a chamber located in proximate relation to the tobacco receiving means for receiving and temporarily holding the tobacco vapors, (d) separating means operatively associated with said chamber to receive the tobacco vapor and enable a separation of certain of the volatile constituents from the less volatile constituents while in the heated state, (e) exhaust means operatively associated with said separating means to permit discharge of the gaseous constituents, and (f) container means operatively associated with said separating means for collecting the condensed constituents as a somewhat liquid condensate which is capable of being easily aerosolized for smoking upon aerosolization thereof.
Claim 47
Independent Claim 168 words
An apparatus for producing a tobacco smoke condensate capable of being smoked upon generating an aerosol thereof on a production basis, said apparatus comprising: (a) tobacco receiving means for receiving a source of tobacco capable of being rapidly heated to volatilize tobacco constituents and cause a vapor thereof, (b) means for heating the tobacco to a temperature sufficient to volatilize tobacco constituents and cause a vapor thereof, (c) a chamber located in proximate relation to the tobacco receiving means for receiving and temporarily holding the tobacco vapors, (d) separating means operatively associated with said chamber to receive the tobacco vapor and enable a separation of certain of the volatile constituents from the less volatile constituents while in the heated state, (e) exhaust means operatively associated with said separating means to permit discharge of the gaseous constituents, and (f) container means operatively associated with said separating means for collecting the condensed constituents as a somewhat liquid condensate which is capable of being easily aerosolized for smoking upon aerosolization thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 39 words
The apparatus of claim 38 further characterized in that the exahust means comprises a vacuum port downstream of the separating means for connection to a source of a vacuum to thereby create a vacuum to remove the volatile constituents.
Claim 49
Independent Claim 166 words
A method for smoking an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents to provide the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without many of the harmful gaseous constituents therein, said method comprising: (a) disposing a container of condensed tobacco smoke, constituents separated from tobacco smoke in an environment where the smoke constituents may be vaporized, (b) generating a vapor of the condensed tobacco smoke constituents in a realtively inert gas, (c) permitting the vapor of the condensed constituents to pass through a smoke delivery tube upon drawing by a smoker, (d) causing a selective adsorption of certain of the constituents while moving in a smoke delivery tube so that certain of the constituents in the vapor will again adhere to the tube to thereby further eliminate certain of the constituents from the original tobacco smoke, and (e) forming an aerosol of the vapor constituents which did not adhere to the tube and which aerosol will have an appearance and taste similar to that of normal tobacco smoke.
Claim 50
Independent Claim 166 words
A method for smoking an aerosol of condensed tobacco smoke constituents to provide the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without many of the harmful gaseous constituents therein, said method comprising: (a) disposing a container of condensed tobacco smoke, constituents separated from tobacco smoke in an environment where the smoke constituents may be vaporized, (b) generating a vapor of the condensed tobacco smoke constituents in a realtively inert gas, (c) permitting the vapor of the condensed constituents to pass through a smoke delivery tube upon drawing by a smoker, (d) causing a selective adsorption of certain of the constituents while moving in a smoke delivery tube so that certain of the constituents in the vapor will again adhere to the tube to thereby further eliminate certain of the constituents from the original tobacco smoke, and (e) forming an aerosol of the vapor constituents which did not adhere to the tube and which aerosol will have an appearance and taste similar to that of normal tobacco smoke.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 40 further characterized in that the vapor is generated by heating the condensed constituents.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 40 further characterized in that said step of selective absorption is selective distillation.
Claim 53
Independent Claim 102 words
A method of enabling smoking of an aerosol of tobacco smoke condensate to receive the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without the harmful gaseous constituents normally present in tobacco smoke, said method comprising: (a) burning tobacco to produce a mixture of condensed constituents and gaseous constituents, (b) separating and collecting the condensed constituents, and (c) selectively heating and generating an aerosol of the condensed constituents only when the smoker desires to draw an aerosol and thereby to provide a smoke stream similar in appearance and taste to normal tobacco smoke so that the aerosol can be inhaled by a user thereof.
Claim 54
Independent Claim 102 words
A method of enabling smoking of an aerosol of tobacco smoke condensate to receive the sensory effects of normal tobacco smoke without the harmful gaseous constituents normally present in tobacco smoke, said method comprising: (a) burning tobacco to produce a mixture of condensed constituents and gaseous constituents, (b) separating and collecting the condensed constituents, and (c) selectively heating and generating an aerosol of the condensed constituents only when the smoker desires to draw an aerosol and thereby to provide a smoke stream similar in appearance and taste to normal tobacco smoke so that the aerosol can be inhaled by a user thereof.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US1535934A Cited
US3397703A Cited
US4474191A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1992-07-10 1993-01-09 1993-07-11 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1996-07-10 1997-01-09 1997-07-11 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2000-07-10 2001-01-09 2001-07-11 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

Assigned Categories & Tags

No categories assigned to this patent yet.

Assign Category Tag