Process for expanding tobacco
US3982550A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1975 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA24B3/18
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a process for expanding tobacco which comprises the steps of (1) subjecting tobacco, preferably in cut or particulate form, to a vacuum, (2) contacting the tobacco, while under vacuum, with water, preferably as a mist or spray, to impregnate the tobacco with water, (3) freezing the water-impregnated tobacco while it is maintained under vacuum, and (4) rapidly heating the frozen water-impregnated tobacco, preferably by direct contact with superheated steam. The first three steps may be, and preferably are, conducted in the same chamber. The fourth step may be conducted in a heating or drying chamber or tower, in a cyclone dryer or in similar equipment which will provide good gas-particle contact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.