Nicotine removal process and product produced thereby
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for removing nicotine from tobacco comprising the steps of:
- (a) mixing a tobacco having a moisture level of about 25% to about 53% by weight with an alkalinizing agent to obtain a mixture having a pH of about 8 to about 11; and
(b) maintaining the mixture in an aerobic environment at a temperature of about 40°
F. to about 120°
F., at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere for a period of about 4 to about 14 weeks thereby removing nicotine from the tobacco.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process for removing nicotine from tobacco which does not adversely affect the flavor and aroma of the product tobacco is disclosed. The process entails mixing a tobacco having a moisture content of 25% to 53% with an alkalinizing agent to obtain a pH of 8 to 11 and maintaining the tobacco in an aerobic environment at a temperature of 40° F. to 120° F. at a pressure of 1 atmosphere for a period of 4 to 14 weeks. The product so produced is also disclosed.
173 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for removing nicotine from tobacco comprising the steps of:
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(a) mixing a tobacco having a moisture level of about 25% to about 53% by weight with an alkalinizing agent to obtain a mixture having a pH of about 8 to about 11; and (b) maintaining the mixture in an aerobic environment at a temperature of about 40°
F. to about 120°
F., at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere for a period of about 4 to about 14 weeks thereby removing nicotine from the tobacco. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for reducing nicotine content in tobacco without deleteriously affecting the flavor and aroma in the tobacco comprising the steps:
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(a) drying tobacco obtained from a bulk fermentation process having a pH of about 7 and below, down to a moisture level between about 25% to about 53% by weight; (b) mixing the dried tobacco with an alkalinizing agent to obtain a mixture having a pH between about 8 to about 11; and (c) maintaining the mixture in an aerobic environment at a temperature between about 40°
F. to about 120°
F. at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere for a period of about 4 to about 14 weeks whereby the nicotine content of the tobacco is reduced. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for removing nicotine from tobacco comprising the steps:
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(a) obtaining a tobacco from a bulk fermentation process having a pH of about 7 and below, and a moisture content between about 56% to about 82% by weight; (b) drying said tobacco to a moisture level of about 25% to about 53% by weight; (c) mixing the dried tobacco with about 1% to about 6% sodium carbonate by weight to obtain a mixture having a pH of about 8 to about 11; and (d) maintaining the mixture in an aerobic environment, at a temperature of about 40°
F. to about 120°
F. at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere for a period of about 4 to about 14 weeks thereby removing nicotine from the tobacco without deleteriously affecting the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.
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Specification