Lester E Groves

US Patent:

7650892, Jan 26, 2010

Filed:

Dec 2, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/326466

Inventors:

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

Assignee:

Rosswil LLC Ltd. - Memphis TN

International Classification:

A24B 15/18

US Classification:

131302, 131308, 131309

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.

US Patent:

7650891, Jan 26, 2010

Filed:

Sep 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/934576

Inventors:

Lester E. Groves - Charlotte TN, US
Harold J. Doss - Springfield TN, US
Robert H. Krauch - Memphis TN, US
Charles L. Vaught - Collierville TN, US
John E. Bunch - Collierville TN, US

Assignee:

Rosswil LLC Ltd. - Memphis TN

International Classification:

A24B 15/24

US Classification:

131297

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.