Patents Assigned to R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
  • Patent number: 11957163
    Abstract: The invention provides an article, such as an aerosol-generating smoking article that does not combust tobacco, that includes a tobacco rod and a filter element connected to the tobacco rod, the filter element having an end proximal to the tobacco rod and an end distal from the tobacco rod, wherein the filter element includes a first section of filter material and a second section of filter material, and further includes a smoke-altering flavorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Steven Lee Alderman, Leigh Ann Blevins Joyce, Stephen Benson Sears, Kenneth Allen Beard, Timothy Brian Nestor
  • Patent number: 11944119
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Patent number: 11932471
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Ryan Bailey, John Anthony Gelardi
  • Patent number: 11918036
    Abstract: A biodegradable bi-component fiber may include a polyhydroxyalkanoate and/or polylactic acid with cellulose acetate and/or plasticized cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for use in a filter of a smoking article. The bi-component fiber may have a sheath-core construction where one component of the bi-component forms the core, and the other component forms the sheath of each fiber. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Alan B. Norman, Leigh Ann Joyce, Huamin Gan
  • Patent number: 11918027
    Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes a sugar material containing an entrapped gaseous component, such that release of the entrapped gaseous component occurs upon dissolution of the sugar material in the oral cavity. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves mixing a tobacco material with an effervescent material, the mixing step including either admixing a granulated composition comprising a tobacco material with a gasified sugar material in particulate form, or forming a gasified sugar material in situ by mixing a water source with a molten composition comprising a tobacco material and a sugar alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Eric Taylor Hunt
  • Patent number: 11896030
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of one or more of ash, metal salts, alkaloids, particulates, heavy metals, and other impurities and/or contaminants from extracts, as well as modifying the sensory characteristics (e.g., odor, color, and/or taste characteristics) of extracts. The methods generally include diafiltration, treatment with functionalized resins, and supercritical extraction. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the Nicotiana species, wherein the protein composition is characterized by one or more of: an ash content of less than about 15% by weight; a nicotine content of less than about 10 ?g/g, and a heavy metal content of less than about 60 ?g/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, Thaddeus Jude Jackson, Chelsea Allison Cooke, John-Paul Mua, Kyle Ford
  • Patent number: 11891364
    Abstract: Methods of selectively forming substituted pyrazines are provided. Methods of the present invention can include receiving a reaction solution including at least one carbon source and at least one nitrogen source, and heating the reaction solution to a reaction temperature and holding the reaction solution at the reaction temperature for a time sufficient to produce a reaction product comprising at least one substituted pyrazine. The carbon source can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ketone(s), sugar(s) treated with at least one buffer, and combinations thereof. Tobacco products incorporating substituted pyrazines are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, William Monroe Coleman, III
  • Patent number: 11873607
    Abstract: Provided herein is a tobacco packaging material, comprising a paper material coated with at least one polymer layer. The polymer layer comprises at least one repulpable polymer, and wherein the tobacco packaging material has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) that is at least 90% lower than the paper material. Further provided is a tobacco package comprising the tobacco packaging material, wherein the tobacco package is substantially free of any foil inner liner or polypropylene film. Further described is a method for making the tobacco packaging material, comprising extrusion coating at least one repulpable polymer onto a paper material to form a polymer layer, and optionally further depositing at least one atomic layer deposition (ALD) layer that comprises a metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries Don Sebastian, Pankaj Patel, Bruce Bengtsson, Stephanie A. Whittington, Erkki Mikael Salo, Tero Tapani Malm
  • Patent number: 11832640
    Abstract: A pouched product adapted for release of a releasable component therefrom is provided herein. The pouched product can include a water-permeable fabric pouch formed so as to define a cavity therein, and a composition contained within the cavity of the water-permeable fabric pouch, the composition including one or more releasable components that are released from the composition under mouth conditions and that are capable of movement through the water-permeable fabric pouch. The composition includes nicotine and at least one particulate non-tobacco material. The pouched product also includes at least one capsule contained within the cavity of the water-permeable fabric pouch, the capsule having a capsule wall surrounding an inner payload comprising at least one botanical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Paul Stuart Chapman, David Troy Turfler
  • Patent number: 11832643
    Abstract: Smoking articles are disclosed herein. The present disclosure is directed to a smoking article that comprises a heat source configured to generate heat upon ignition thereof, a substrate material having opposed first and second ends, the heat source being disposed proximate the first end of the substrate material and the substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition associated therewith, a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being disposed proximate the second end of the substrate material, and a heat transfer component. In one implementation, the heat transfer component comprises a hollow structure and opposing first and second flanges located on respective ends thereof, wherein the hollow structure extends through the heat source such that the heat source is located between the first and second opposing flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Vahid Hejazi, Billy T. Conner, Paul E. Braxton, Andries D. Sebastian
  • Patent number: 11825872
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an aerosol delivery device and a holder for use with a removable substrate cartridge. In one implementation, the holder includes a main body defining a proximal end and a distal end, and an outer sleeve configured to slide relative to the main body, the outer sleeve also defining a proximal end and a distal end. The outer sleeve is configured to slide to a use position, in which the proximal end of the main body extends beyond the proximal end of the outer sleeve and the distal end of the outer sleeve extends beyond the distal end of the main body, and a storage position, in which the distal end of the main body extends beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve and the proximal end of the outer sleeve substantially covers the proximal end of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus Jackson, Jared Aller, Billy T. Conner, Bill Webb, Chris Harsacky
  • Patent number: 11812790
    Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes a user interface including a pushbutton and a display. A control component contained coupled to the user interface controls operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device. The control component controls the display to present a menu including a plurality of menu items selectable using only the pushbutton. Each menu item of the plurality of menu items is associated with a respective functional element of the aerosol delivery device, and the control component is configured to navigate the plurality of menu items, and select a currently-presented menu item of the plurality of menu items for control of the respective functional element, in response to respective first and second types of presses of the pushbutton, the first and second types of presses being of different durations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Raymond Charles Henry, Jr., Glen Joseph Kimsey, Frederic Philippe Ampolini, James William Rogers
  • Patent number: 11805805
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of nicotine and may have other benefits, e.g., lightening the color of the protein-enriched extracts. The methods generally include treatment with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide and filtrations. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the Nicotiana species, wherein the protein composition is characterized by relatively low nicotine content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Kyle Ford, John-Paul Mua, Nicholas Partain, Joshua D. Morton, Barry Bratcher
  • Patent number: 11793235
    Abstract: A pouched product adapted for release of a water-soluble component therefrom is provided herein. The pouched product can include an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition that includes a water-soluble component capable of being released through the water-permeable pouch and has a surface area, wherein the outer water-permeable pouch can include a nonwoven web including a plurality of heat sealable binder fibers blended with a second plurality of dissimilar fibers. The nonwoven web can be carded, hydroentangled and point bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries Don Sebastian, Alton Busbee, Jeremy Barrett Mabe, Yan Pu, Eric Taylor Hunt, Bruce Alan Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 11773401
    Abstract: A method of decreasing conversion of nicotine to nornicotine is provided herein. The methods includes administering at least one basic region/leucine zipper (bZIP) type transcription factor inhibitor to an organism in need thereof. Also provided herein is a method of decreasing conversion of nicotine to nornicotine including mutating a bZIP type transcription factor binding site on a promoter of a nicotine N-demethylase (NND). Further provided herein is a method of decreasing conversion of nicotine to nornicotine including mutating a plant genome to knockout at least one bZIP type transcription factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignees: University of Kentucky Research Foundation, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Ling Yuan, Sanjay K. Singh, Sitakanta Pattanaik, Darlene Madeline Lawson
  • Patent number: 11771130
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering tobacco material from tobacco rod sections is provided, each tobacco rod section including a wrapping paper wrapped about the tobacco material. The apparatus includes a centrifugal object-orienting device including a disc disposed at an incline within a cylindrical container, the cylindrical container and the disc being rotatable about a rotation axis such that the rotating cylindrical container and disc impart centrifugal force to the tobacco rod sections, the tobacco rod sections being responsive to the centrifugal force to orient lengthwise. A first conveyor device is configured to receive and convey in a conveyor direction the tobacco rod sections, with the tobacco rod sections being oriented lengthwise relative to the conveyor direction. A slitting device is operably engaged with the first conveyor device and configured to lengthwise slit the wrapping paper wrapped about the tobacco material of each of the tobacco rod sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Balager Ademe
  • Patent number: 11753750
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aerosol source member, a substrate portion, and a method of creating a substrate portion for use in an aerosol source member. In an example implementation, a substrate portion of the present disclosure may comprise a series of overlapping layers of a composite substrate sheet, wherein the composite substrate sheet may comprise a non-woven web at least partially formed from regenerated cellulose fibers, a plurality of conductive threads integrated into the non-woven web, and a coating that includes a fibrous material and an aerosol precursor composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Stephen B. Sears, Billy T. Conner, Justin William Gage, Luis Monsalud
  • Patent number: 11744278
    Abstract: An apparatus arranged to form a continuous tobacco rod of a smoking article, comprises a conveyor conveying a tobacco material stream in a conveyance direction, and a wrapping material supply arrangement advancing a web of wrapping material in the conveyance direction adjacent to the tobacco material stream. A constriction member receives the tobacco material stream at an inlet end and reduces a cross-sectional area of the tobacco material stream. The reduced-area tobacco material stream exits the constriction member at an exit end, and the wrapping material web wraps about the reduced-area tobacco material stream exiting the exit end. An additive source supplies an additive material to the reduced-area tobacco material stream through a dispensing port disposed about the exit end of the constriction member, prior to the reduced-area tobacco material stream being wrapped by the wrapping material web to form the continuous tobacco rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Balager Ademe, Richard L. Sizemore
  • Patent number: 11744296
    Abstract: A smoking article is provided and has opposed lighting and mouth ends. A mouth end portion is disposed at the mouth end and a heat generation portion is disposed about the lighting end. An outer wrapping material is wrapped at least about the heat generation portion and extends toward the mouth end portion, to define a cylindrical rod. An aerosol-generating portion is disposed within the outer wrapping material and between the heat generation and mouth end portions. The aerosol-generating portion is configured to generate an aerosol in response to heat received from the heat generation portion. Heat from the heat generation portion for aerosol formation is provided by igniting a combustible fuel element (e.g., a plurality of parts or pieces of clean burning carbonaceous material) located within an enclosed heat generation cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Balager Ademe
  • Patent number: 11723399
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a smoking article that comprises a holder that includes a receiving end and a mouth end, a removable cartridge configured to be received at the receiving end of the holder, the removable cartridge comprising a heat source configured to generate heat upon ignition thereof, and a substrate portion having opposed first and second ends, the heat source being disposed proximate the first end of the substrate portion, and the substrate portion including a substrate material having an aerosol precursor composition associated therewith, and an ejection mechanism configured to move the cartridge relative to the holder between a received position and an ejected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Billy T. Conner, Paul E. Braxton, Stephen B. Sears, Karen H. Cleckley, Justin William Gage, Jason M. Short