EP1267650B1 - Traitement du tabac - Google Patents

Traitement du tabac Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1267650B1
EP1267650B1 EP01908002A EP01908002A EP1267650B1 EP 1267650 B1 EP1267650 B1 EP 1267650B1 EP 01908002 A EP01908002 A EP 01908002A EP 01908002 A EP01908002 A EP 01908002A EP 1267650 B1 EP1267650 B1 EP 1267650B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
process according
tobacco
acid
supercritical fluid
nitrosamines
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP01908002A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1267650A1 (fr
Inventor
Kevin Gerard Mcadam
David O'reilly
Andrew John Manson
Ian Geoffrey Marchmont Anderson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Original Assignee
British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
British American Tobacco Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=26243823&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1267650(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from GB0005665A external-priority patent/GB0005665D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0012111A external-priority patent/GB0012111D0/en
Application filed by British American Tobacco Investments Ltd, British American Tobacco Co Ltd filed Critical British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Publication of EP1267650A1 publication Critical patent/EP1267650A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1267650B1 publication Critical patent/EP1267650B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Revoked legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/24—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by extraction; Tobacco extracts
    • A24B15/26—Use of organic solvents for extraction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/24—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by extraction; Tobacco extracts
    • A24B15/241—Extraction of specific substances
    • A24B15/245—Nitrosamines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/18—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/24—Treatment of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes by extraction; Tobacco extracts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of treating tobacco to reduce or eliminate the content of nitrosamines therein, particularly tobacco specific nitrosamines.
  • Tobacco specific nitrosamines include N'-nitrosonornicotine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, N'-nitrosoanatabine and N'-nitrosoanabasine.
  • An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved method for reducing nitrosamines in tobacco.
  • a further aim of the present invention is to provide an improved method for selectively reducing nitrosamines in tobacco.
  • the present invention provides a tobacco treatment process in accordance with claim 1.
  • nitrosamines are separated from the supercritical fluid extraction medium by subjecting the extraction medium to a nitrosamine removal process.
  • the nitrosamine removal process may comprise a chemisorption step.
  • the chemisorption step may comprise the use of an ion exchanger.
  • the nitrosamine removal process may comprise an adsorbent step.
  • a suitable adsorbent may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of glass beads, activated charcoal, aluminium silicate and zeolites. Other suitable adsorbents known to those persons skilled in the art may also be used.
  • the nitrosamine removal process may comprise treatment of the extraction medium with ultraviolet (UV) light, resulting in the breakdown of nitrosamines in the extraction medium.
  • UV ultraviolet
  • Yet further alternatives include the removal of nitrosamines by precipitating the nitrosamines from the extraction medium; by subjecting the extraction medium to nitrosamine specific enzyme breakdown; or by chromatographic or other methods of separation known to those persons skilled in the art.
  • the process for nitrosamine removal from the extraction medium may comprise more than one of the above outlined nitrosamine removal processes.
  • a plurality of removal processes (together comprising a multi-process) will result in an enhanced specificity of removal of nitrosamines.
  • the nitrosamine removal process may be a multi-process comprising a chemisorption step in combination with or followed by treatment with UV light.
  • a washing step may be required to remove the nitrosamines from the chemisorption medium, the UV light then being applied to the washings. Water, an acid, a salt solution or an alcohol may suitably be used in the washing step.
  • the extraction medium having had some, if not all, of the nitrosamines removed therefrom may be brought into contact with tobacco, such that extract(s) other than nitrosamines in the medium may be incorporated or re-incorporated with the tobacco.
  • extract(s) may, for example, comprise nicotine and/or flavour substances.
  • the supercritical fluid used is supercritical carbon dioxide, although other supercritical fluids known to the skilled person may be suitable.
  • an acid preferably an organic acid
  • the acid may be added to the tobacco prior to treatment of the tobacco with supercritical fluid.
  • the acid may be incorporated with the supercritical fluid.
  • an ion exchanger or adsorbent material is present, the acid may be incorporated with the ion exchanger or adsorbent.
  • a suitable acid may be an organic acid selected from one or more of the group consisting of malonic acid, ascorbic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, mucic acid and citric acid, or a salt derivative(s) thereof.
  • the organic acid is a citric acid salt, potassium citrate for example.
  • Suitable acids may be mineral acids, for example sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid.
  • the acid when the acid is applied to the tobacco the acid is in solution. Such solution may be applied by spraying.
  • the application of the acid to the tobacco may take place in a casing cylinder conventionally used within the tobacco industry for applying casings to tobacco.
  • modifiers such as organic solvents or alcohols, for example, may alternatively or additionally be used.
  • the extraction treatment of the tobacco with the supercritical fluid takes place at an elevated pressure and temperature.
  • the supercritical fluid is carbon dioxide
  • a pressure in the range of 100 to 350 bar may be used, preferably the pressure being about 200 to 300 bar and more preferably being about 240 to 260 bar.
  • the temperature used is greater than about 35° Celsius, more preferably in a range of about 35 to about 140° Celsius, and even more preferably in a range of about 35 to about 90° Celsius.
  • the tobacco is placed in a closable chamber or bomb during the extraction treatment thereof with the supercritical fluid.
  • Heating may be effected by heat transfer or by electromagnetic radiation (i.e. microwave or radiofrequency heating).
  • electromagnetic radiation i.e. microwave or radiofrequency heating
  • the closed chamber or bomb will, of course, have to be made of a non-electromagnetic absorbing material, e.g. non-metallic material, capable of withstanding the operating pressure.
  • a suitable such material may be comprised of a polyfluorohydrocarbon material, such as Teflon (Trademark) for instance.
  • the ratio of the percentage reduction in nitrosamines to the percentage reduction in nicotine in tobacco, which tobacco has been subjected to the process of the present invention is in the range of about 1.1:1 to about 18:1, more preferably about 1.3:1 to about 10:1, and even more preferably about 2:1 to about 6:1.
  • a suitable mass flow rate of the supercritical fluid extraction medium per kg of tobacco is in the range of about 1kg/h to about 55kg/h, and is dependent on the process conditions, such as the tobacco packing density in the chamber and the size of the chamber.
  • the mass flow rate of the supercritical fluid extraction medium per kg of tobacco is in the range of 10 to 40kg/h, more advantageously is in the range of 15 to 35kg/h and is even more advantageously about 30kg/h, although these figures do depend on what the desired product characteristics are.
  • the tobacco treated in accordance with the process of the present invention is cut tobacco, being cut lamina and/or cut stem tobacco.
  • the tobacco may be one or more of whole leaf tobacco, tobacco dust and reconstituted tobacco.
  • the tobacco treated in accordance with the process of the present invention may be subjected to a conditioning step, whereby the moisture content of the tobacco, post-treatment, is brought to less than about 15%, preferably less than 13%.
  • the nitrosamines are separated from the supercritical fluid extraction medium by subjecting the medium to a nitrosamine removal process, preferably the medium flows around a closed system.
  • the closed system may comprise a first chamber, for the treatment of the tobacco with supercritical fluid, and a second chamber in which the nitrosamine removal process takes place, wherein the first and second chambers are interconnected by interconnecting means, pipe(s) for example.
  • Such system further comprises fluid transfer means operable to cause the extraction medium to flow around the closed system.
  • a nitrosamine removal material such as an ion-exchange resin or adsorbent may reside in the second chamber, such that supercritical fluid extraction medium, following treatment of the tobacco therewith, is transferred via the interconnecting means to the second chamber, wherein nitrosamines are totally or substantially removed.
  • the supercritical fluid extraction medium, minus nitrosamines may then be returned to the tobacco in the first chamber.
  • a plurality of interconnected chambers may be provided for the treatment of the tobacco with supercritical fluid and/or a plurality of interconnected chambers may be provided for the nitrosamine removal process.
  • the supercritical fluid may flow sequentially through the chambers.
  • the closed system may comprise a first or single chamber having inlet and outlet means wherein interconnecting means interconnect the inlet with the outlet means of the chamber.
  • the interconnecting means may serve for the transfer of supercritical fluid extraction medium, under the action of fluid transfer means, from the outlet means of the chamber to and through a nitrosamine removal process station to the inlet means of the chamber.
  • the amount of fluid in the interconnecting means is kept to a minimum.
  • a nitrosamine removal material such as an ion exchanger or an adsorbent, may be contained within any suitable permeable container so as to provide a means by which fluid may pass through the container and a means by which the tobacco is prevented from contact with the nitrosamine removal material.
  • the nitrosamine removal process may, for instance, be constituted by the transfer of the medium through a UV light source.
  • the interconnecting means must be pervious to UV light.
  • a plurality of interconnected chambers may be provided for the treatment of the tobacco with supercritical fluid.
  • the tobacco may be subjected to a microbial deactivation process.
  • microbes including Enterobacter agglomerans, Bacillus spp, Fusariurn equisetti, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Altenaria alternata and Acremonium arxii are thought to be responsible for or contribute to the production of nitrosamines during curing of the tobacco. In fact, it is thought that microbes may also be a contributory factor in the production of nitrosamines in tobacco during storage of cured tobacco.
  • a reduction in microbial activity in the tobacco by way of the microbial deactivation process reduces the likelihood of reformation of nitrosamines in the tobacco post-extraction thereof.
  • the microbial deactivation process may be carried out before or after subjecting the tobacco to the treatment with the supercritical fluid.
  • a further alternative is to subject the tobacco to treatment with the supercritical fluid under microbial deactivating conditions, such that microbial deactivation and extraction occur simultaneously.
  • the microbial deactivation process may comprise a pasteurisation process, wherein the tobacco is heated to a specified temperature and maintained at that temperature for a set period of time.
  • the tobacco may be heated to a temperature in the range of about 70° to about 150° Celsius for a period of between about 30 seconds to about 2 minutes.
  • the heating may be effected by, for example, convection heating by way of contacting the tobacco with a gaseous heating medium, microwave heating or radio frequency heating.
  • the moisture content of the tobacco being subjected to the sterilisation process is adjustable by way of either a pre- or a post-conditioning step.
  • the treatment of tobacco with, for example, ionising radiation, UV radiation, freeze drying or an electron beam to kill microbes may be used as the microbial deactivation process.
  • the tobacco may also be subjected to a nitrite/nitrate removal process.
  • Nitrites are important precursors of nitrosamines, whereas nitrates are precursors of nitrites. It is thought that following nitrosamine removal residual nitrites in the tobacco may be free to react with alkaloids also present in the tobacco thus to re-form nitrosamines.
  • the nitrite/nitrate removal process may suitably comprise the steps of solvent extraction to remove the nitrites/nitrates from the tobacco, followed by ion exchange to bind the nitrites/nitrates.
  • the nitrites may be removed by way of an oxidation step.
  • removal of nitrites/nitrates using micro-organisms as disclosed in any one of GB 1 440 171, GB 1 585 024, US 4709,710 or GB 2 014 031 may be used.
  • the nitrite/nitrate removal process may be carried out before, after or during the treatment of the tobacco with the supercritical fluid.
  • the process may in order to remove nitrites from the tobacco comprise, for example, the step of either applying ascorbic acid to the tobacco prior to treatment of the tobacco with the supercritical fluid; incorporating ascorbic acid with the supercritical fluid; or, when an ion exchanger or adsorbent material is present, incorporating ascorbic acid with the ion exchanger or adsorbent.
  • the ascorbic acid has the effect of scavenging nitrites from the tobacco.
  • the nitrite/nitrate removal process may be carried out as an alternative to or in addition to the microbial deactivation process.
  • the inventive process provides a Burley tobacco having an initial nitrosamine content after curing in the range of about 0.3 ppm - about 30 ppm, which after processing has a nitrosamine content that is at least 45% lower. If the tobacco is a Burley tobacco having a nitrosamine content of 5-6 ppm, after processing the content is preferably 3.6 ppm or less.
  • the inventive process also provides a Virginia tobacco having an initial moisture content after curing of less than 8.5 ppm, which after processing has a nitrosamine content that is at least 45% lower.
  • the Burley or Virginia processed tobacco have a nitrosamine content of at least 60% lower than its original content.
  • the inventive process also provides a US blended tobacco having an original nicotine content in the range of 0.10 - 2.0% and a nitrosamine content in the range of 0.10 - 1.2 ⁇ g/g which after processing has a percentage decrease in nitrosamines to percentage decrease in nicotine in the range of 1:1 to 10:1.
  • the inventive process also provides a Virginia blended tobacco having an original nicotine content in the range of 0.30 - 2.15% and a nitrosamine content in the range of 0.10 - 1.5 ⁇ g/g, which after processing has a percentage decrease in nitrosamines to percentage decrease in nicotine in the range of 1:1 to 10:1.
  • the ratio is in the range of 5:1 or more, and more preferably 8:1 or more.
  • the apparatus as shown in Figure 1 is a closed system comprising a first chamber 1 and a second chamber 2 wherein the first and second chambers 1, 2 are interconnected by interconnecting pipes 3.
  • the closed system further comprises fluid transfer means, namely a pump 4.
  • the apparatus further comprises a reservoir tank 5 interconnected with the first chamber 1 via a duct 6.
  • Valve 7 is located in duct 6 which valve 7 is operable to close the tank 5.
  • the reservoir tank 5 is charged with carbon dioxide, which carbon dioxide is then pressurised by pump means (not shown) and is transferred by the pump means from the reservoir tank 5 to the first and second chambers 1, 2 and the interconnecting pipes 3 until the requisite extraction conditions are achieved, namely a pressure of about 250 bar and a temperature of about 70° Celsius. At this point the carbon dioxide reservoir tank is closed by closing valve 7.
  • the supercritical carbon dioxide is then circulated, under the action of the pump 4, through the first chamber 1 (and, therefore, through the tobacco contained therein) and through the second chamber 2 (and, therefore, through the ion exchange resin therein) via the interconnecting pipes 3.
  • the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction medium is circulated about the closed system for a period of either 1.5 hours or 3 hours. Then the first and second chambers 1, 2 are decompressed by opening vent means (not shown) and the chambers are opened.
  • the nicotine and nitrosamine contents of the thus treated tobacco are then evaluated using suitable standard laboratory tests.
  • Table 1 discloses percentage reductions in the tobacco of both nicotine and nitrosamines following treatment of the tobacco as outlined above. The total amount of CO 2 used for these examples was 2190kg. Run No. Tobacco m.c. Extraction Period (h) Nicotine Reduction (%) Nitrosamines Reduction (%) 1 14% 1.5 67 90 2 14% 3.0 78.5 94 3 25% 1.5 65.5 93.5 4 25% 3.0 77 95
  • Treatment for 1.5 hours results in a greater difference between the percentage amount of nitrosamines and the percentage amount of nicotine extracted, as compared with treatment for 3 hours.
  • the extraction period outlined above could be reduced further without substantially affecting the percentage reduction of nitrosamines, whilst further reducing the percentage reduction of nicotine.
  • the extraction period may be between about 15 minutes to about 1.5 hours, preferably between about 20 minutes to about 1 hour, more preferably between about 25 minutes to about 40 minutes and even more preferably about 30 minutes.
  • the conditions of extraction are preferably further biased towards the extraction in the supercritical fluid of nitrosamines, as compared with other tobacco specific compounds, such as nicotine.
  • nitrosamines such as nicotine.
  • Several other methods of biasing the extraction towards nitrosamine removal, as compared with other tobacco specific compounds, may be.used in addition to or separately from adjustment of the extraction period.
  • the pH of the tobacco may be maintained at less than about 6.5, preferably about 5.5.
  • the supercritical fluid extraction medium may be saturated, or substantially saturated, with tobacco specific compounds, or commercially available chemical analogues thereof, other than nitrosamines before contacting the extraction medium with the tobacco treatment.
  • the supercritical fluid when the supercritical fluid is carbon dioxide, may be to cool the tobacco to a temperature below about 35°C, such that when the supercritical carbon dioxide is pumped into the chamber containing the tobacco the general effectiveness of the extraction process is reduced with preferential bias against the removal of tobacco specific compounds other than nitrosamines. Biasing towards the extraction of nitrosamines may also be effected by altering (i.e. increasing) the packing density of the tobacco in the extraction chamber.
  • biasing may be effected by altering, i.e. lowering the mass flow rate of the supercritical fluid extraction medium per unit mass of tobacco. For example, reducing the flow rate of the supercritical fluid per kg of tobacco to less than 30 kg/h.
  • altering i.e. lowering the mass flow rate of the supercritical fluid extraction medium per unit mass of tobacco. For example, reducing the flow rate of the supercritical fluid per kg of tobacco to less than 30 kg/h.
  • the ion exchange resin situate in the second chamber 2 following decompression of the closed system, is flushed or washed with water.
  • the washings are then treated with UV light from a UV light source (not shown). Exposure of the washings to UV light results in the degradation of nitrosamines in the washings. Extract(s) other than nitrosamines in the washings is then re-incorporated with the tobacco.
  • Other extract(s) may include, for example, nicotine and/or flavour substances. In this way, the end result is that nitrosamines are selectively removed from the tobacco, without adversely affecting the taste of the tobacco.
  • the apparatus shown in Figure 2 is also a closed system, which apparatus comprises a chamber 1 provided with an inlet 8 and an outlet 9, interconnecting pipe 10, wherein the pipe 10 interconnects the inlet 8 with the outlet 9 of the chamber 1, and fluid transfer means, i.e. a pump 4.
  • This apparatus further comprises a reservoir tank 5 interconnected with the chamber 1 via a duct 6.
  • Valve 7 located in duct 6 allows for tank 5 to be closed. Adjacent a position of the pipe 10 is located a UV light source.
  • Degradation products thereof may then be removed, for instance by passing the supercritical carbon dioxide through a metal mesh (not shown).
  • the pipe 10 is comprised of, at least in the region of the UV light source 11, material which is pervious to UV light, e.g. a high pressure quartz window.
  • the amount of supercritical carbon dioxide in the interconnecting pipe 10 is kept to a minimum by use of a pipe 10 having a bore of a small diameter (i.e. a diameter of about 1cm).
  • the supercritical carbon dioxide is, following exposure to the UV light, returned to the chamber 1 and again into contact with the tobacco therein.
  • the supercritical carbon dioxide is circulated for a period of 30 minutes.
  • the chamber 1 and the pipe 10 are decompressed by opening vent means (not shown).
  • the tobacco treated in this way is free, or substantially free, of nitrosamines, whilst the nicotine content of the tobacco remained substantially the same pre- and post-treatment.
  • a further alternative apparatus comprises substantially the apparatus shown in Figure 2 with a nitrosamine removal material held within a fluid permeable container in the chamber 1.
  • the fluid may be re-circulated through the system for a number of times before removal and optional subsequent removal of nitrosamines therefrom.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de traitement du tabac destiné à réduire ou à éliminer les nitrosamines qu'il contient. Le procédé consiste à utiliser un milieu d'extraction de fluide supercritique à pression et température élevées afin d'extraire sélectivement les nitrosamines par rapport à l'extraction de nicotine. Il est possible de réduire la teneur en nitrosamines de tous les types de tabac.

Claims (47)

  1. Procédé de traitement du tabac, dans lequel du tabac ayant un pH inférieur à 6,5 est soumis à un traitement avec un milieu d'extraction par fluide supercritique afin d'extraire les nitrosamines dudit tabac, ledit tabac étant un ou plusieurs parmi du tabac coupé, du tabac en feuilles entières, de la poussière de tabac et du tabac reconstitué.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdites nitrosamines sont séparées dudit milieu d'extraction par fluide supercritique en soumettant ledit milieu d'extraction à un procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines.
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines comprend une étape.de chimisorption.
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite étape de chimisorption comprend l'utilisation d'un échangeur d'ions.
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 2. dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines comprend une étape d'adsorption.
  6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel un adsorbant de ladite étape d'adsorption est choisi parmi un ou plusieurs de ceux du groupe constitué par des billes de verre, du charbon de bois activé, du silicate d'aluminium et des zéolithes.
  7. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines comprend le traitement dudit milieu d'extraction avec de la lumière ultraviolette (UV).
  8. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines comprend la précipitation desdites nitrosamines à partir dudit milieu d'extraction ou bien la soumission dudit milieu d'extraction à une dégradation enzymatique spécifique aux nitrosamines ou bien une séparation chromatographique desdites nitrosamines à partir dudit milieu d'extraction.
  9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 8, dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines comprend une pluralité de procédés d'enlèvement.
  10. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 9, dans lequel, après ledit procédé d'enlèvement de nitrosamines, ledit milieu d'extraction complètement ou pratiquement exempt desdites nitrosamines est mis en contact avec le tabac de façon à pouvoir incorporer ou réincorporer dans ledit tabac un ou des extraits autres que les nitrosamines présentes dans ledit milieu d'extraction.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le ou lesdits extraits comprennent de la nicotine et/ou des substances aromatisantes.
  12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit milieu d'extraction par fluide supercritique est le dioxyde de carbone supercritique.
  13. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un acide est ajouté audit tabac avant le traitement dudit tabac avec ledit fluide supercritique ; ou audit fluide supercritique avant le traitement dudit tabac avec ledit fluide supercritique.
  14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 ou 5 en liaison avec la revendication 3, dans lequel un acide est ajouté à l'échangeur d'ions ou à l'adsorbant.
  15. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, dans lequel un ou plusieurs parmi un solvant organique ou un alcool sont ajoutés en plus ou en variante dudit acide.
  16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit acide est un acide organique.
  17. Procédé selon la revendication 16, dans lequel ledit acide est un acide organique choisi parmi un ou plusieurs de ceux du groupe constitué par l'acide malonique, l'acide ascorbique, l'acide succinique, l'acide glutarique, l'acide adipique, l'acide malique, l'acide tartrique, l'acide mucique et l'acide citrique, ou un sel dérivé de ceux-ci.
  18. Procédé selon la revendication 17, dans lequel ledit acide organique est un sel de l'acide citrique.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 18, dans lequel ledit sel de l'acide citrique est le citrate de potassium.
  20. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite extraction desdites nitrosamines provenant dudit tabac avec ledit fluide supercritique se fait sous une pression et à une température élevées.
  21. Procédé selon la revendication 20. dans lequel, lorsque le fluide supercritique est le dioxyde de carbone supercritique, ladite pression se situe dans la plage de 100 à 350 bars.
  22. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel ladite pression se situe dans la plage de 200 à 300 bars environ.
  23. Procédé selon la revendication 22, dans lequel ladite pression se situe dans la plage de 240 à 260 bars environ.
  24. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 20 à 23, dans lequel ladite température est supérieure à 35° Celsius environ.
  25. Procédé selon la revendication 24, dans lequel ladite température se situe dans une plage de 35° environ à 140° Celsius environ.
  26. Procédé selon la revendication 25, dans lequel ladite température se situe dans une plage de 35° environ à 90° Celsius environ.
  27. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit tabac est placé dans une chambre ou bombe fermable lors dudit traitement d'extraction de celui-ci avec le fluide supercritique.
  28. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 20 à 27, dans lequel ladite température élevée est obtenue par un transfert de chaleur ou par un rayonnement électromagnétique.
  29. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel très peu ou pas de nicotine est enlevée dudit tabac dans ledit milieu d'extraction.
  30. Procédé selon la revendication 1. dans lequel ledit pH dudit acide est inférieur à 5,5 environ.
  31. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le ratio de la réduction en pourcentage des nitrosamines sur la réduction en pourcentage de la nicotine se situe dans la plage de 1,1:1 environ à 18:1 environ.
  32. Procédé selon la revendication 31, dans lequel ledit ratio se situe dans la plage de 1,3:1 environ à 10:1 environ.
  33. Procédé selon la revendication 32. dans lequel ledit ratio se situe dans la plage de 2:1 environ à 6:1 environ.
  34. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un débit massique approprié dudit milieu d'extraction par fluide supercritique par kg de tabac est de 1 à 55 kg/h environ.
  35. Procédé selon la revendication 34, dans lequel ledit débit massique se situe dans la plage de 10 à 40 kg/h.
  36. Procédé selon la revendication 35, dans lequel ledit débit massique se situe dans la plage de 15 à 35 kg/h.
  37. Procédé selon la revendication 36, dans lequel ledit débit massique est de 30 kg/h environ.
  38. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit tabac est soumis à un procédé de désactivation microbienne.
  39. Procédé selon la revendication 38. dans lequel ledit procédé de désactivation microbienne comprend un procédé de pasteurisation.
  40. Procédé selon la revendication 39, dans lequel ledit tabac est chauffé à une température dans la plage de 70°C environ à 150°C environ pendant une durée allant de 30 secondes à 2 minutes.
  41. Procédé selon la revendication 39, dans lequel ledit procédé de pasteurisation s'effectue en chauffant ledit tabac par chauffage par convection, en mettant le tabac en contact avec un milieu chauffant gazeux, par chauffage à micro-ondes ou par chauffage à haute fréquence.
  42. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 38 à 41, dans lequel la teneur en humidité dudit tabac soumis audit procédé de désactivation microbienne peut être ajustée au moyen d'une étape de pré-conditionnement ou de post-conditionnement.
  43. Procédé selon la revendication 38, dans lequel ledit procédé de désactivation microbienne comprend l'utilisation d'un rayonnement ionisant, d'un rayonnement UV, d'une cryodessiccation ou d'un faisceau d'électrons.
  44. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 43, dans lequel ledit tabac est soumis à un procédé d'enlèvement des nitrites/nitrates avant, pendant ou après le traitement dudit tabac avec ledit fluide supercritique.
  45. Procédé selon la revendication 44, dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement des nitrites/nitrates comprend les étapes d'extraction par solvant pour enlever les nitrites/ nitrates dudit tabac, suivie d'un échange d'ions pour lier lesdits nitrites/nitrates.
  46. Procédé selon la revendication 44, dans lequel ledit procédé d'enlèvement des nitrites comprend une étape d'oxydation ou l'utilisation de micro-organismes.
  47. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 44 à 46, dans lequel de l'acide ascorbique est appliqué sur ledit tabac, incorporé audit fluide supercritique ou incorporé à un milieu de chimisorption.
EP01908002A 2000-03-10 2001-03-06 Traitement du tabac Revoked EP1267650B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0005665A GB0005665D0 (en) 2000-03-10 2000-03-10 Tobacco treatment
GB0005665 2000-03-10
GB0012111 2000-05-20
GB0012111A GB0012111D0 (en) 2000-05-20 2000-05-20 Tobacco treatment
PCT/GB2001/000945 WO2001065954A1 (fr) 2000-03-10 2001-03-06 Traitement du tabac

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1267650A1 EP1267650A1 (fr) 2003-01-02
EP1267650B1 true EP1267650B1 (fr) 2005-12-28

Family

ID=26243823

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01908002A Revoked EP1267650B1 (fr) 2000-03-10 2001-03-06 Traitement du tabac

Country Status (19)

Country Link
US (1) US20040025891A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1267650B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP3931084B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR100864552B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN100430001C (fr)
AR (1) AR028238A1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE313968T1 (fr)
AU (2) AU2001235863B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR0109264B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2400408C (fr)
DE (1) DE60116273T2 (fr)
DK (1) DK1267650T3 (fr)
EG (1) EG22308A (fr)
ES (1) ES2251464T3 (fr)
MY (1) MY136703A (fr)
NZ (1) NZ521065A (fr)
PT (1) PT1267650E (fr)
RU (1) RU2259797C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001065954A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105686069A (zh) * 2016-03-25 2016-06-22 广东省金叶科技开发有限公司 一种烟草提取物及其制备方法与它的用途
WO2016147001A1 (fr) * 2015-03-18 2016-09-22 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Améliorations de procédés de traitement de tabac
US11766067B2 (en) 2017-05-15 2023-09-26 Nicoventures Trading Limited Ground tobacco composition

Families Citing this family (51)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100879193B1 (ko) 2000-10-05 2009-01-16 니꼴라스 바스케비치 담배 및 담배 제품 중의 니트로사민의 감소 방법
EP1408780A2 (fr) 2000-11-10 2004-04-21 Vector Tobacco Ltd. Procede et produit servant a extraire des substances cancerogenes de la fumee du tabac
AU2003261187B2 (en) * 2002-07-18 2009-10-22 Phasex Corporation Reduction of constituents in tobacco
KR100730631B1 (ko) 2003-05-06 2007-06-20 니뽄 다바코 산교 가부시키가이샤 재생 담배재의 제조방법
KR101556872B1 (ko) * 2004-05-24 2015-10-01 브리티쉬 아메리칸 토바코 (인베스트먼츠) 리미티드 니트로스아민 선택성인 분자 각인 중합체 및 이의 사용 방법
JP4708337B2 (ja) * 2004-05-25 2011-06-22 学校法人 東洋大学 二酸化炭素の分解方法と炭素粒子構造体の形成方法
US20050263161A1 (en) * 2004-05-27 2005-12-01 Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation Tobacco filler of low nitrogen content
DE602005027581D1 (de) * 2004-06-16 2011-06-01 Japan Tobacco Inc Verfahren zur herstellung von regeneriertem tabakmaterial
CN100540104C (zh) * 2004-10-28 2009-09-16 日本烟草产业株式会社 从被处理材料中抽提成分的方法以及该方法中使用的装置
WO2007032433A1 (fr) * 2005-09-15 2007-03-22 Japan Tobacco Inc. Procédé destiné à la production d’un matériau recyclé à base de tabac
WO2007053096A1 (fr) * 2005-11-07 2007-05-10 Njette Ab Produit du tabac a teneur reduite en nitrosamines
EP1951074B1 (fr) * 2005-11-07 2014-07-02 Swedish Match North Europe AB Procede pour la fabrication de nicotine a teneur reduite en nitrosamines
US20070137663A1 (en) * 2005-12-01 2007-06-21 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Method of extracting sucrose esters from oriental tobacco
JP4766709B2 (ja) * 2006-04-25 2011-09-07 日本たばこ産業株式会社 タバコ刻およびタバコ処理方法
JP2008125498A (ja) * 2006-11-27 2008-06-05 Tetsuro Asao タバコ葉の製造方法
AR063873A1 (es) 2006-12-07 2009-02-25 British American Tobacco Co Polimeros impresos molecularmente selectivos para nitrosaminas especificas del tabaco y metodos para usarlos
GB201200878D0 (en) 2012-01-19 2012-02-29 British American Tobacco Co Polymer compositions
US9049886B2 (en) * 2007-01-26 2015-06-09 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Methods and apparatus for the selective removal of constituents from aqueous tobacco extracts
WO2009019514A2 (fr) * 2007-08-03 2009-02-12 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Procédés de modification d'une matière végétale
US7975877B2 (en) 2007-08-10 2011-07-12 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Bead feeder
CN101427846B (zh) * 2007-11-07 2010-08-18 武汉烟草(集团)有限公司 用复合酶提高薄片原料萃取效率和薄片烟气质量的方法
CN101216403B (zh) * 2008-01-21 2010-06-16 河南农业大学 烤烟烟叶中总细胞壁物质含量的测定方法
GB0810850D0 (en) * 2008-06-13 2008-07-23 British American Tobacco Co Tobacco treatment
CN101571521B (zh) * 2009-06-12 2012-04-25 中国烟草总公司郑州烟草研究院 一种评价添加剂对烟草特有亚硝胺抑制作用的方法
US8360072B2 (en) * 2009-10-09 2013-01-29 Philip Morris Usa Inc. Combination treatment of tobacco extract using antioxidants and antioxidant scavengers
GB201003887D0 (en) 2010-03-09 2010-05-12 British American Tobacco Co Methods for extracting and isolating constituents of cellulosic material
US20120199145A1 (en) * 2010-11-18 2012-08-09 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Method for treating an extracted tobacco pulp and tobacco products made therefrom
EP2481466A1 (fr) * 2011-01-31 2012-08-01 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif et procédé de nettoyage d'un produit d'une installation de processus contaminé par de la nitrosamine
RU2452339C1 (ru) * 2011-02-10 2012-06-10 Олег Иванович Квасенков Способ получения некурительного изделия из махорки
US9066538B2 (en) * 2011-03-15 2015-06-30 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Cured tobacco and method therefor
EP2526787A1 (fr) 2011-05-26 2012-11-28 Philip Morris Products S.A. Procédés de réduction des informations de nitrosamines spécifiques du tabac pour homogénats de tabac
UA115782C2 (uk) 2012-03-28 2017-12-26 Філіп Морріс Продактс С.А. Рідкі тютюнові композиції
CN102640985A (zh) * 2012-04-28 2012-08-22 河南中烟工业有限责任公司 一种卷烟减害降焦处理工艺及用于烟丝或烟叶超临界萃取的装置
CN102894469B (zh) * 2012-10-31 2014-12-24 河南中烟工业有限责任公司 烟草减害降焦的co2流动萃取工艺
CA2905232A1 (fr) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Philip Morris Products S.A. Procedes de reduction d'une ou plusieurs nitrosamines specifiques du tabac dans une matiere de tabac
WO2014141201A2 (fr) 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Fall Safall Procédé de réduction des nitrosamines spécifiques du tabac
WO2015029977A1 (fr) 2013-08-27 2015-03-05 日本たばこ産業株式会社 Matière première de tabac, son procédé de fabrication et produit à base de tabac
KR102329410B1 (ko) * 2013-12-18 2021-11-23 필립모리스 프로덕츠 에스.에이. 담배 식물 재료 내 매트릭스-결합 니코틴-유래된 니트로사민 케톤을 감소시키는 방법
US10111458B1 (en) 2014-05-16 2018-10-30 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Process for inhibiting formation of nitrosamines
KR102486705B1 (ko) * 2014-08-20 2023-01-10 필립모리스 프로덕츠 에스.에이. 감소된 양의 담배 특이적 니트로사민을 갖는 에어로졸 발생 기재를 형성하기 위한 방법
CN104351943B (zh) * 2014-09-09 2016-02-10 安徽中烟工业有限责任公司 一种利用电渗析法降低再造烟叶浓缩液中tsna和硝酸盐含量的方法
CN104371826A (zh) * 2014-10-31 2015-02-25 湖北中烟工业有限责任公司 一种具有防腐作用的天然烟用辛香香料
CN106418660B (zh) * 2015-08-13 2020-03-24 上海烟草集团有限责任公司 一种电子烟烟液的制备方法及其应用
ES2670473T3 (es) 2015-12-04 2018-05-30 Evonik Degussa Gmbh Procedimiento mejorado para la extracción de sustancias aromatizantes a partir de fases líquidas grasas y/o acuosas
CN106867665A (zh) * 2015-12-10 2017-06-20 澳华达香料科技(广州)有限公司 一种少含烟碱烟草精油及其制备方法和应用
CN106723312B (zh) * 2016-12-26 2018-08-10 福建中烟工业有限责任公司 一种组合物及使用该组合物制备烟草提取物的方法
CN106723293A (zh) * 2016-12-26 2017-05-31 河南农业大学 降低烟草贮藏过程中亚硝胺含量的方法
CN107080282A (zh) * 2017-05-19 2017-08-22 上海烟草集团有限责任公司 一种废弃烟末提取物的制备方法、废弃烟末提取物及用途
US11278050B2 (en) * 2017-10-20 2022-03-22 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Methods for treating tobacco and tobacco-derived materials to reduce nitrosamines
CN109275944B (zh) * 2018-10-08 2021-09-03 浙江中烟工业有限责任公司 一种适用于加热不燃烧状态下烟丝的静态萃取处理方法
CN115381124B (zh) * 2022-09-27 2023-10-27 江苏中烟工业有限责任公司 一种提升白肋烟在烤烟型卷烟中适配性的方法

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4153063A (en) * 1970-09-02 1979-05-08 Studiengesellschaft Kohle Mbh Process for the extraction of nicotine from tobacco
US5497792A (en) * 1987-11-19 1996-03-12 Philip Morris Incorporated Process and apparatus for the semicontinuous extraction of nicotine from tobacco
US5269930A (en) * 1990-07-13 1993-12-14 Isco, Inc. Apparatus and method for supercritical fluid extraction
US5810020A (en) * 1993-09-07 1998-09-22 Osmotek, Inc. Process for removing nitrogen-containing anions and tobacco-specific nitrosamines from tobacco products
US6135121A (en) * 1996-06-28 2000-10-24 Regent Court Technologies Tobacco products having reduced nitrosamine content
US5765802A (en) * 1996-08-02 1998-06-16 H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. Low profile seat suspension

Non-Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
KATZ: "Decaffeination of Coffee", TECHNOLOGY ELSEVIER APPLIED SCIENCE, vol. 2, 1987, pages 59 - 71 *
PROKOPCZYK ET AL: "Improved Methodology for the Quantitative Assessment of Tobacco-Specific N-Nitrosamines in Tobacco by Supercritical Fluid Extraction", JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY, vol. 43, no. 4, 1995, pages 916 - 922, XP002989905, DOI: doi:10.1021/jf00052a013 *
PROKOPCZYK ET AL: "Supercritical Fluid Extraction in the Determiation of Tobacco-Specific-N-Nitrosamines in Smokeless Tobacco", CHEMICAL RESEARCH TOXICOLOGY, vol. 5, no. 3, 1992, pages 336 - 340 *
SONG ET AL: "Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines in Cigarettes", ANALYTICAL CHEMSITRY, vol. 71, no. 7, 1999, pages 1303 - 1308, XP002989906, DOI: doi:10.1021/ac9810821 *
ZOSEL: "Separation with Supercritical Gases", 1980, VERLAG CHEMIE *

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016147001A1 (fr) * 2015-03-18 2016-09-22 British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited Améliorations de procédés de traitement de tabac
CN105686069A (zh) * 2016-03-25 2016-06-22 广东省金叶科技开发有限公司 一种烟草提取物及其制备方法与它的用途
US11766067B2 (en) 2017-05-15 2023-09-26 Nicoventures Trading Limited Ground tobacco composition

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60116273D1 (de) 2006-02-02
EG22308A (en) 2002-12-31
AU3586301A (en) 2001-09-17
ES2251464T3 (es) 2006-05-01
CA2400408A1 (fr) 2001-09-13
JP2003526345A (ja) 2003-09-09
KR20020075808A (ko) 2002-10-05
EP1267650A1 (fr) 2003-01-02
WO2001065954A1 (fr) 2001-09-13
CN1438843A (zh) 2003-08-27
DE60116273T2 (de) 2006-07-13
RU2259797C2 (ru) 2005-09-10
KR100864552B1 (ko) 2008-10-20
RU2002125119A (ru) 2004-03-27
DK1267650T3 (da) 2006-05-08
PT1267650E (pt) 2006-05-31
US20040025891A1 (en) 2004-02-12
CA2400408C (fr) 2008-12-30
NZ521065A (en) 2005-02-25
ATE313968T1 (de) 2006-01-15
BR0109264A (pt) 2003-12-30
MY136703A (en) 2008-11-28
AU2001235863B2 (en) 2005-06-23
BR0109264B1 (pt) 2011-09-06
JP3931084B2 (ja) 2007-06-13
AR028238A1 (es) 2003-04-30
CN100430001C (zh) 2008-11-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1267650B1 (fr) Traitement du tabac
AU2001235863A1 (en) Tobacco treatment
EP1542555B1 (fr) Reduction d'ingredients dans le tabac
EP1915064B1 (fr) Extraction et stockage de constituants du tabac
EP1623634B1 (fr) Procédé de production de tabac régénéré
BG62029B1 (bg) Метод и апаратура за импрегниране и раздуване натютюна
JPS5941377B2 (ja) コ−ヒ−の脱カフエイン法
WO2000015056A1 (fr) Procede ameliore de traitement du tabac servant a limiter sa teneur en nitrosamines et produits obtenus au moyen de ce procede
EP1317191B1 (fr) Procede pour ameliorer le pouvoir de remplissage du tabac
WO2016147001A1 (fr) Améliorations de procédés de traitement de tabac
CN114376057A (zh) 一种花香型绿茶的加工方法
KR100987861B1 (ko) 담배의 충전 능력을 증강시키는 방법

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20021010

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030303

TPAC Observations filed by third parties

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNTIPA

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: KIRKER & CIE SA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60116273

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060202

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: TRGR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2251464

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20060400904

Country of ref document: GR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Effective date: 20060313

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH

Effective date: 20060928

Opponent name: JAPAN TOBACCO, INC.

Effective date: 20060925

NLR1 Nl: opposition has been filed with the epo

Opponent name: REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH

Opponent name: JAPAN TOBACCO, INC.

PLAF Information modified related to communication of a notice of opposition and request to file observations + time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCOBS2

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH

Effective date: 20060928

Opponent name: JAPAN TOBACCO, INC.

Effective date: 20060925

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R064

Ref document number: 60116273

Country of ref document: DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R103

Ref document number: 60116273

Country of ref document: DE

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Payment date: 20140325

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20140328

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20140326

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20140312

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: MC

Payment date: 20140313

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

RDAF Communication despatched that patent is revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20140227

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20140326

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20140320

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20140314

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20140312

Year of fee payment: 14

RDAG Patent revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PLX

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20140304

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

27W Patent revoked

Effective date: 20140225

GBPR Gb: patent revoked under art. 102 of the ep convention designating the uk as contracting state

Effective date: 20140225

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MP4A

Effective date: 20140702

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF THE APPLICANT RENOUNCES

Effective date: 20051228

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF THE APPLICANT RENOUNCES

Effective date: 20051228

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20140319

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R107

Ref document number: 60116273

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140814

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Payment date: 20140227

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MA03

Ref document number: 313968

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20140225

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: ECNC

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SE

Ref legal event code: ECNC

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PK

Free format text: LA DATE DE LA REVOCATION PAR L'OEB EST INCORRECTE