Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing ratiometric data, e.g., ratiometric image data such as fluorescent image data, may generate a correlation matrix for the ratiometric data, generate a plurality of eigenvalues and a plurality of eigenvectors based on the correlation matrix, select a set of eigenvectors from the plurality of eigenvectors, and reconstruct a set of enhanced ratiometric data for use in analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing ratiometric data, e.g., ratiometric image data such as fluorescent image data.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tobacco smoke filter of filamentous material with at least one end thereof having a preselected fused area embedded in and over at least a portion of the cross-sectional area thereof having a preselected fused area extending over at least a portion of the cross-sectional area thereof to provide a flow directing baffle to direct smoke through the unfused end portion. The method includes forming a longitudinally extending porous rod of fusible material, cutting the rod into filter unit lengths and conveying the filter units in a longitudinal path normal to the longitudinal axis of the filter units past a fusing station located to one side of the conveying path. The fusing station forms an indented and fused area in one end of each filter unit as the filter units are conveyed there past. The fusing station can be a rotating wheel with conical teeth corresponding to the configuration of the indented area which teeth are embedded into the filter units.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke mouthpiece and method of manufacture therefor, the mouthpiece including a formed rod having spaced, opposed, axially aligned, open-ended tobacco smoke inlet and outlet chambers and at least one apertured mixing chamber therebetween, the rod being surrounded by apertured tipping material to allow passage of smoke diluting air into the mixing chamber and through at least one of the opposed communicably connected chambers.

Abstract: A compound cigarette filter, the filter having the ability to deliver substantially constant tar and nicotine as the cigarette is smoked. The compound filter comprises a barrier positioned upstream and in abutting relationship with at least one filter segment, the barrier containing passageways permitting the passage of smoke from a tobacco column to the filter segment, the total cross-sectional passageway area being from 0.5 to 3 square millimeters, the compound filter having an initial totally encapsulated pressure drop of at least 90 mm. H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound cigarette filter, the filter having the ability to deliver substantially constant tar and nicotine as the cigarette is smoked. The compound filter comprises a barrier positioned upstream and in abutting relationship with at least one filter segment, the barrier containing passageways permitting the passage of smoke from a tobacco column to the filter segment, the total cross-sectional passageway area being from 0.5 to 3 square millimeters, the compound filter having an initial totally encapsulated pressure drop of at least 90 mm. H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of highly pigmented fibrets, the product produced thereby and paper products containing the highly pigmented fibret. The fibret has a surface area of from 15 to 30 square meters per gram and comprises a polymeric host having an index of refraction of not more than 1.5 containing from 40 to 75 percent by weight of an inorganic light scattering pigment having an index of refraction of from 1.5 to 3.0. The fibrets are found to impart paper opacification to the same degree as wholly inorganic opacified paper products without many of the problems commonly associated with such prior art products.

Abstract: Smoking compositions having improved taste and odor are prepared by incorporation into the composition of minor amounts of proteins and protein hydrolysates, at least 80% of the weight of which is derived from aliphatic and heterocyclic amino acids.

Abstract: A non-woven cellulose ester fibrous filter sheet material comprising cellulose ester staple fibers and cellulose ester fibrets which exhibits improved filtration properties and the method of its preparation.

Abstract: A non-woven cellulose ester fibrous filter sheet material comprising cellulose ester staple fibers and cellulose ester fibrets which exhibits improved filtration properties and the method of its preparation.

Abstract: Tobacco substitutes exhibiting improved particulate matter delivery and pressure drop characteristics are prepared by producing a film containing a blowing agent and heating the film to a temperature sufficient to cause gasification of the blowing agent.

Abstract: An improved synthetic material adapted for use in smoking products is prepared by intimately mixing a suitable matrix material with a combustion modifier and a minor amount of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of an organic acid.

Abstract: A non-woven cellulose ester fibrous filter sheet material comprising cellulose ester staple fibers and cellulose ester fibrets which exhibits improved filtration properties and the method of its preparation.

Abstract: Improved tobacco smoke filters, particularly cigarette filters, are prepared from a web of synthetic polymeric fibers having applied to at least one surface thereof a film-forming derivative of cellulose. Continuous processes and apparatus for the production of the web and filter are also described.

Abstract: A synthetic material adapted for use in smoking products which, upon combustion, yields a lower amount of smokestream components which may be deleterious to the smoker than does tobacco, while having an acceptable smouldering rate and taste is prepared by the combination of a combustible material, such as carboxymethyl cellulose with a portion of a filler material.