The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 26, 1977
Filed:
Nov. 17, 1975
Richard P Newton, Louisville, KY (US);
Vernon L Geiss, Floyd Knobs, IN (US);
John N Jewell, Louisville, KY (US);
Lawrence E Gravely, Louisville, KY (US);
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, Louisville, KY (US);
Abstract
A process for the reduction of the nicotine content of tobacco by microbial treatment is disclosed. Tobacco is subjected, under controlled conditions, to the action of a microorganism effective to degrade nicotine through a biochemical reaction in which, inter alia, 3-succinoylpyridine is formed. Prior to subjecting the tobacco to the action of the microorganism, the tobacco is steamed to increase its moisture content. Tobaccos with lowered nicotine content but no mass loss result from this process following short treatment periods. Also, tobacco treated in accordance with this process, when incorporated into a tobacco smoking product, produces a mild smoke, having reduced nicotine content. However, there is no loss of desirable flavor, taste and smoking properties.