A nonaqueous, extrudable composition includes at least one thermoplastic polymer in an amount of more than 20 wt % of the whole composition and tobacco. A smokeless tobacco product in the form of a sheet can be made by extruding or hot melt shaping a nonaqueous composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and tobacco, the sheet being soluble in a user's mouth and resulting in sustained release of nicotine to the user. The sheet can be in a form that may be placed in the buccal cavity of, on the palate of or sublingually in the user, and have an average dissolution time of 5 to 50 minutes for delivering super bioavailable nicotine to the user.

A nonaqueous, extrudable composition includes at least one thermoplastic polymer in an amount of more than 20 wt % of the whole composition and tobacco. A smokeless tobacco product in the form of a sheet can be made by extruding or hot melt shaping a nonaqueous composition comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer and tobacco, the sheet being soluble in a user's mouth and resulting in sustained release of nicotine to the user. The sheet can be in a form that may be placed in the buccal cavity of, on the palate of or sublingually in the user, and have an average dissolution time of 5 to 50 minutes for delivering super bioavailable nicotine to the user.

A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of above 55 C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m.sup.3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The treated tobacco may have desirable organoleptic properties.

A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of above 55 C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m.sup.3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The treated tobacco may have desirable organoleptic properties.

Certain embodiments include a screen assembly of a vessel, where the screen assembly includes a plurality of fixed elements and a retainer, and the retainer includes a ring, a plurality of wedges disposed about the ring, and a plurality of keyholes at spaced locations about the ring.

Each keyhole includes a bore and a slot extending from the bore into an adjacent wedge of the plurality of wedges, the slots have a width less than the bores, and the retainer may receive the fixed elements through the bores and may be rotated in a relation with the plurality of fixed elements to bring the plurality of fixed elements into simultaneous engagement with the wedges.

A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of above 55 C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The treated tobacco may have desirable organoleptic properties.

A process is provided for the treatment of tobacco. The process comprises securing the tobacco within a moisture-retaining material and exposing the tobacco material to an ambient processing temperature of above 55 C., with the tobacco having a packing density of at least 200 kg/m3 on a dry matter weight base at the start of the process and a moisture content of between about 10% and 23%. The treated tobacco may have desirable organoleptic properties.

The disclosed technology pertains to a customizable smokable whole leaf wrap and its multi-step manufacturing process that includes size screening, curing, pasteurization, adhesive application, sheet formation, cutting, and drying. The process is adaptable, offering various alternative methods and embodiments, enabling a wide array of wrap properties, flavors, and functionalities. This flexibility extends to the use of different strains, plant materials, infusions, adhesives, treatments, and manufacturing techniques. Certain embodiments can incorporate flavor-enhancing compounds, essential oils, herbal extracts, heat-resistant coatings, odor-absorbing treatments, built-in filters, or ventilation systems for an optimized smoking experience. The technology also emphasizes environmental sustainability with possibilities such as biodegradable adhesives, closed-loop manufacturing, and natural insect repellents, delivering a safe, quality, and environmentally responsible product tailored to consumer needs and preferences.

The disclosed technology pertains to a customizable smokable whole leaf wrap and its multi-step manufacturing process that includes size screening, curing, pasteurization, adhesive application, sheet formation, cutting, and drying. The process is adaptable, offering various alternative methods and embodiments, enabling a wide array of wrap properties, flavors, and functionalities. This flexibility extends to the use of different strains, plant materials, infusions, adhesives, treatments, and manufacturing techniques. Certain embodiments can incorporate flavor-enhancing compounds, essential oils, herbal extracts, heat-resistant coatings, odor-absorbing treatments, built-in filters, or ventilation systems for an optimized smoking experience. The technology also emphasizes environmental sustainability with possibilities such as biodegradable adhesives, closed-loop manufacturing, and natural insect repellents, delivering a safe, quality, and environmentally responsible product tailored to consumer needs and preferences.

Certain embodiments include a screen assembly of a vessel, where the screen assembly includes a plurality of fixed elements and a retainer, and the retainer includes a ring, a plurality of wedges disposed about the ring, and a plurality of keyholes at spaced locations about the ring. Each keyhole includes a bore and a slot extending from the bore into an adjacent wedge of the plurality of wedges, the slots have a width less than the bores, and the retainer may receive the fixed elements through the bores and may be rotated in a relation with the plurality of fixed elements to bring the plurality of fixed elements into simultaneous engagement with the wedges.