Patent ID: 7404406
Filing Date: 2008-07-29
Classification: A24B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing cured Virginia tobacco having a TSNA content below 2 ppm, based on the dry weight of the cured tobacco, comprising the steps of: providing a barn having an air circulation device and a heat exchange unit; putting harvested green Virginia tobacco in the barn; producing heated air and exhaust gases through the act of burning a propane or diesel fuel in the heat exchange unit; preventing substantially all of the exhaust gases, produced through the act of burning a propane or diesel fuel in the heat exchange unit, from contacting the harvested tobacco and from causing a chemical reaction therewith; circulating the heated air with the aid of the air circulation device, produced through the act of burning a propane or diesel fuel in the heat exchange unit, through the barn for at least about 120 hours in the absence of substantially all of the exhaust gases to produce cured tobacco while substantially preventing formation of TSNA in the cured tobacco that would otherwise be formed as a result of the chemical reaction; making a determination that the TSNA content of the cured tobacco is below 2 ppm; and correlating the determination of the TSNA content of the cured tobacco being below 2 ppm with the preparation of the cured tobacco in a barn having a heat exchange unit wherein the heat exchange unit suppresses the exposure of the tobacco to nitric oxide gases.