Stephen Keith Cole

Title: **Innovative Contributions of Stephen Keith Cole in Tobacco Curing**

Introduction

Stephen Keith Cole is an accomplished inventor based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With a unique focus on the tobacco industry, he has made significant strides in developing methods to enhance the curing process of tobacco materials. His dedication to innovation is evident in his patent that addresses both quality and efficiency in tobacco production.

Latest Patents

Stephen Keith Cole holds a patent titled "Method for chemically modifying tobacco during curing." This inventive process involves treating tobacco material within a specialized curing enclosure at a controlled temperature and duration to produce high-quality cured tobacco. The innovation permits the introduction of a chemical reagent to the tobacco material either before or during the curing timeline, facilitating an interaction that alters the chemical properties of the cured tobacco. Specifically, an exemplary chemical reagent identified is an ammonia source, which can be applied through various methods, such as spraying an aqueous ammonia solution or introducing gaseous ammonia into the curing environment.

Career Highlights

Cole's career is closely tied to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, where he has contributed to advancing tobacco processing techniques. His significant patent highlights his commitment to improving product quality in an industry that continually seeks innovation, underlining his role as a forward-thinking inventor within his field.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Stephen Keith Cole has worked alongside talented individuals such as Thomas A. Perfetti and Watson Minyard Dufour. These collaborations within R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company have fostered a creative environment, leading to breakthroughs that enhance the efficiency and quality of tobacco curing processes.

Conclusion

Stephen Keith Cole exemplifies the spirit of innovation within the tobacco industry. His patented method for chemically modifying tobacco during curing not only showcases his ingenuity but also represents a significant advancement in the production techniques used by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. As the industry continues to evolve, the contributions of inventors like Cole remain vital in driving improvements and maintaining competitiveness.