Patents by Inventor John Larkin Nelson
John Larkin Nelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8522515Abstract: An apparatus for customizing a cigarette package is provided, wherein the cigarette package is configured to receive a plurality of as-formed cigarettes therein. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed one of a plurality of cigarette packages to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the cigarette package in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Brent Walker Carter, John Larkin Nelson, Rebecca Anne Rogers
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Publication number: 20120302416Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Publication number: 20120298120Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Publication number: 20120285271Abstract: An apparatus is provided for simulating smoking of a smokable rod member. A receiver is configured to receive one end of the smokable rod member. An analyzer is in communication with the receiver and is configured to receive smoke from the smokable rod member upon combustion of the other end thereof. An air source is in communication with the receiver and is configured to mix air with the smoke from the smokable rod member. A container device is in communication with the receiver and the air source, and is configured to receive a smoke and air mixture. The container device is further configured to have an adjustable volume to vary an amount of the smoke and air mixture received thereby, and to be in communication with the analyzer, with the container device also being configured to expel the smoke and air mixture therefrom to the analyzer for the smoke and air mixture to be analyzed thereby.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Balager Ademe, John Larkin Nelson
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Patent number: 8308623Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material. A rod-forming unit is 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 along the longitudinal axis. A dispensing device is configured to selectively dispense a liquid substance into the filter material, substantially commensurately with the introduction of the plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member, wherein the liquid substance is configured to affect an attribute associated with the objects. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes at least one object and a portion of the liquid substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard, Vernon Brent Barnes
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Patent number: 8262550Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Patent number: 8186359Abstract: A system and associated method for analyzing a filter element of at least one of a filter rod and a smoking article is provided. At least one sensor element is adapted to interact with the filter element so as to determine an object insertion status with respect thereto and to generate an output signal in response. The object insertion status includes at least one of an object presence within the filter element, an object absence from the filter element, a proper insertion of an object into the filter element, a defective insertion of an object into the filter element, a proper object within the filter element, and a defective object within the filter element. An analysis unit is in communication with the at least one sensor element and responsive to the output signal therefrom to generate an indicia corresponding to the object insertion status.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Balager Ademe, Vernon Brent Barnes, Travis Eugene Howard, Robert William Benford, Franklin Forrest Brantley, Brent Walker Carter, William Robert Collett, Darrell Thomas Dixon, Larry Dean McCann, John Larkin Nelson, Gregory J. Roberts, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Calvin Wayne Henderson
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Patent number: 8171941Abstract: An apparatus for customizing an as-formed cigarette is provided, wherein the as-formed cigarette has a cylindrical rod configuration defining a longitudinal axis, and includes a filter rod portion and a contiguous tobacco rod portion. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed an as-formed cigarette, from a plurality of as-formed cigarettes, to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the as-formed cigarette in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Brent Walker Carter, John Larkin Nelson, Rebecca Anne Rogers
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Publication number: 20110230320Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
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Patent number: 7972254Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. 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 method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
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Patent number: 7967018Abstract: A cigarette-making method is provided, comprising forming an elongate tobacco rod having a non-circular cross-sectional shape and opposed ends, by circumscribing a tobacco charge with a wrapping material. A filter element is formed having opposed ends and a non-circular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco rod, by circumscribing a filter material with a plug wrap material. One end of the tobacco rod is axially aligned and abutted with one end of the filter element, and a tipping material is applied about the tobacco rod and the filter element, wherein the tipping material extends across the abutting ends thereof, so as to join the tobacco rod with the filter element and form a cigarette having a non-circular cross-sectional shape along a length thereof. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: John Larkin Nelson, Gary Lee Wood, Vernon Brent Barnes
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Publication number: 20100236561Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Publication number: 20100192962Abstract: Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Louis John Read, JR., Brent Walker Carter
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Publication number: 20100186351Abstract: An apparatus for customizing a cigarette package is provided, wherein the cigarette package is configured to receive a plurality of as-formed cigarettes therein. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed one of a plurality of cigarette packages to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the cigarette package in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Brent Walker Carter, John Larkin Nelson, Rebecca Anne Rogers
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Patent number: 7740019Abstract: Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Inc.Inventors: John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Louis John Read, Jr., Brent Walker Carter
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Publication number: 20100101589Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material. A rod-forming unit is 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 along the longitudinal axis. A dispensing device is configured to selectively dispense a liquid substance into the filter material, substantially commensurately with the introduction of the plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member, wherein the liquid substance is configured to affect an attribute associated with the objects. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes at least one object and a portion of the liquid substance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard, Vernon Brent Barnes
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Patent number: 7623011Abstract: A device for remotely operating a circuit breaker apparatus is provided. Such a circuit breaker apparatus includes a trip device and a reset device that are externally accessible with respect to an enclosure enclosing the circuit breaker apparatus. The device comprises at least one actuator capable of being operably engaged with the circuit breaker apparatus, externally to the enclosure, and in physical engagement with at least one of the trip and reset devices. A remotely disposed controller device is in communication with the at least one actuator and is capable of selectively actuating the at least one actuator, from a remote location with respect to the circuit breaker apparatus, so as to at least one of actuate the trip device to trip the circuit breaker apparatus and actuate the reset device to reset the circuit breaker apparatus. An associated assembly and method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Ronald Lee Rowe, John Larkin Nelson
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Patent number: 7597105Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing small quantities of cigarettes in a substantially simultaneous fashion while maintaining consistent quality between the cigarettes. The apparatus provides for arranging loose tobacco into tobacco charges and simultaneously inserting the charges into pre-formed tubular cigarette wrappers.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.Inventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, John Larkin Nelson, Timothy Frederick Thomas
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Publication number: 20090194118Abstract: A system and associated method for analyzing a filter element of at least one of a filter rod and a smoking article is provided. At least one sensor element is adapted to interact with the filter element so as to determine an object insertion status with respect thereto and to generate an output signal in response. The object insertion status includes at least one of an object presence within the filter element, an object absence from the filter element, a proper insertion of an object into the filter element, a defective insertion of an object into the filter element, a proper object within the filter element, and a defective object within the filter element. An analysis unit is in communication with the at least one sensor element and responsive to the output signal therefrom to generate an indicia corresponding to the object insertion status.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Balager Ademe, Vernon Brent Barnes, Travis Eugene Howard, Robert William Benford, Franklim Forrest Brantley, Brent Walker Carter, William Robert Collett, Darrell Thomas Dixon, Larry Dean McCann, John Larkin Nelson, Gregory J. Roberts, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Calvin Wayne Henderson
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Patent number: 7565818Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing small quantities of cigarettes in a substantially simultaneous fashion while maintaining consistent quality between the cigarettes. The invention provides an apparatus and method for simultaneously inserting charges of tobacco into pre-formed tubular cigarette wrappers.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Vernon Brent Barnes, John Larkin Nelson, August Joseph Borschke