US152649A - Improvement in preparing tobacco - Google Patents

Description

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM S. KIMBALL, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO WILLIAM S. KIMBALL 86 00.,

OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN PREPARING TOBACCO.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 152,649, dated June 30, 1874; application filed May 27, 1874.

To all whom. "it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM S. KIMBALL, of the city of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Preparing and Manufacturing Tobacco,

known as Vanity Fair, and I do hereby declare that the following is full, clear, and exact description of the same.

My invention consists of an improved process of treating tobacco, by which, when the same is run through an ordinary cutting-machine, it comes out in thin flakes, or in a flaky condition, which serves as a particular and distinguishing mark to the brand of tobacco. It also consists, as an improved article, in the material thus formed in flakes, or in a flaky condition, by the process named.

In carrying out my invention, I free the leaves of the stems, and spread them upon the floor in the ordinary manner. I then treat them with a solution of gum-arabic, or equivalent adhesive material, by sprinkling or otherwise, and when properly dried the leaves are passed through an ordinay cutting-machine, and cut in the ordinary manner. In passing through the machine the tobacco is compressed, and the leaves, adhering by reason of the gum applied thereto, are formed into a compact mass, which, when out, leaves the cuttings in flakes, or in a flaky condition, as before described. Enough of the gum only is applied to produce the necessary adhesion, and but a small quantity is required in practical use, since the leaves readily attach to each other, and in the compressing action become embedded firmly together, and in the cutting action the flakes which are produced retain the same adhesion of their particles.

In this process of treatment the tobacco is used in its dried state, the only dampening being by the application of the solution of gum before cutting. It is subjected to no pressure before passing to the cutting-machine, but the pressure is done instantaneously in the cutting-machine, and just before reach ing the knives. is held in a firmly-compressed state at the time of cutting, and, when the cutting is performed, the flakes come out in a perfect state, and in the best condition for use.

This peculiar article is manufactured from the raw leaf at less expense, and in a more perfect manner, than has heretofore been done. It is specially adapted to making cigarettes, as, by reason of the flakes, the tobacco can be laid more in lengths, thereby keeping in position in the papers better than when tine, or in a powdered or snarled condition, in which case the material is liable to fall out of the papers in burning. In my case the flakes have sufficient length to retain position under all circumstances, and approximate, in this respect, to the rolls forming ordinary cigars. In cigarettes, also, the flakes allow a better draft in smoking, and, when closely rolled, obviate undue burning of the paper envelope. In chewing-tobacco this treatment presents the tobacco in the best form for use, and it obviates, in a great degree, the biting or pungent qualities of other tobacco, which renders it particularly adapted to meerschaum smoking.

Having thus fully described my invention. what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. The processherein described of preparing tobacco, by first treating it with gum-water, or other equivalent, to produce adhesion, and then passing it througha cutting machine, to cut it into flakes, or into a flaky condition, as specified.

2. As a new and improved article of manufacture, tobacco pressed and cut into flakes, or into a flaky condition, in the manner and by the means hereinbefore specified.

In witness whereof I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM S. .KIMBALL.

lNitnesses E. B. Soo'rr, w R. F. Oscoon.

In this manner the tobacco,