Tobacco flavor applicator

Abstract

A system of applying liquid flavor to cut tobacco material includes a first tank of concentrated liquid flavor and a second tank of water. A venturi device is constructed and arranged to receive and meter concentrated liquid flavor and water from the first and second tanks and to discharge mixed flavor and water from an outlet end. A first line is connected between the first tank and a suction port on the venturi device, and a second line is connected between the second tank and an intake port on the venturi device. A spray assembly is in fluid communication with the discharge outlet of the venturi device for applying mixed flavor and water to cut tobacco.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A system of applying liquid flavor to cut tobacco comprising: 
 a first tank of concentrated liquid flavor;    a second tank of water;    a venturi device constructed and arranged to receive and meter concentrated liquid flavor and water from the first and second tanks and to discharge mixed flavor and water from an outlet end;    a first line connected between the first tank and a suction port on the venturi device;    a second line connected between the second tank and an intake port on the venturi device; and    a spray assembly in fluid communication with the discharge outlet end of the venturi device for applying mixed flavor and water to cut tobacco.    
     
     
         2 . A system as in  claim 1  including a tobacco transport with cut tobacco thereon adjacent the spray assembly whereby the cut tobacco on the transport is sprayed with mixed flavor and water as the cut tobacco travels past the spray assembly.  
     
     
         3 . A system as in  claim 2  wherein the spray assembly includes a spray manifold with a plurality of spray heads connected thereto.  
     
     
         4 . A system as in  claim 3  including: 
 a first pump and first metering valve in the first line interconnecting the first tank with the venturi device; and  
 a second pump and second metering valve in the second line interconnecting the second tank with the venturi device.  
 
     
     
         5 . A method of applying liquid flavor to cut tobacco comprising the steps of: 
 providing a venturi device having intake, suction and outlet ports;    supplying concentrated liquid flavor to the suction port of the venturi device;    delivering water to the intake port of the venturi device;    discharging mixed flavor and water from the outlet port of the venturi device; and    spraying mixed flavor and water from the outlet port of the venturi device onto cut tobacco.    
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 5  including the step of continuously transporting cut tobacco for spraying with the mixed flavor and water.