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:
Jan. 26, 2010
Filed:
Dec. 02, 2008
Lester E. Groves, Charlotte, TN (US);
Robert H. Krauch, Memphis, TN (US);
Harold J. Doss, Springfield, TN (US);
Charles L. Vaught, Collierville, TN (US);
John E. Bunch, Collierville, TN (US);
Lester E. Groves, Charlotte, TN (US);
Robert H. Krauch, Memphis, TN (US);
Harold J. Doss, Springfield, TN (US);
Charles L. Vaught, Collierville, TN (US);
John E. Bunch, Collierville, TN (US);
Rosswil LLC Ltd., Memphis, TN (US);
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods for hindering formation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines during processing of dark fire tobacco, as well as a facility in which at least portions of these methods may be conducted. According to the present invention, dark fire tobacco that has been harvested and that is generally green and/or yellow is exposed to an uncontrolled, yet active, ambient airflow so as to provide a substantially aerobic environment about the tobacco. This exposure of the dark fire tobacco to the ambient airflow may be done until the tobacco is substantially brown and/or substantially free of enzymatic activity. Subsequently, the tobacco is exposed to gaseous emissions (e.g., smoke) from combusting sawdust/wood. This step may be conducted at least until the tobacco exhibits a moisture content of no more than about 16% and/or until the tobacco exhibits a gloss or shine on a surface of the tobacco.