Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing plants with a desired phenotypic trait which comprises subjecting plants to mutagenesis, screening chimeric progeny for plants having the desired phenotypic trait, and propagating the survivors. In an embodiment, the phenotypic trait comprises an altered amino acid content. Preferably, the technique is used to generate Nicotiana tobacum plant lines having an increase in at least one amino acid. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides improved Nicotiana tobacum plant lines producing at least 1.35 nmole of threonine per milligram of dry plant weight. These plants are useful for improving the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses a smokable rod and a filter element. The smokable rod is secured to the filter element using tipping material. The cigarette possesses more than one layer of tipping material. An outer layer of tipping material can overlie at least a portion of an underlying inner layer of tipping material, and during use by the smoker, the outer layer can be removed from the cigarette. Thus, it is possible for a cigarette manufacturer to provide a cigarette that can be used as such by the smoker, or that can be adapted by the smoker to provide a different sensory experience (e.g., the visual, organoleptic, trigeminal, aromatic, and tactile characteristics of the cigarette can be altered by removal of the outer tipping material). Alternatively, the use of the outer layer of tipping material can be used to improve the physical integrity of the cigarette.

Abstract: A tobacco product incorporates at least one anthocyanin compound or derivative thereof. Anthocyanin compounds can be incorporated into the filter element or other components of a mouth end piece of a cigarette. The tobacco product also can have a smokeless form, and can be a smokeless tobacco product characterized as “snus;” and within that smokeless tobacco composition or formulation is incorporated anthocyanin compounds. Tobacco in green or yellow form can be cured by first placing that tobacco in intimate contact with at least one sugar and/or salt, and subjecting that tobacco to curing conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for forming a filter rod member of a smoking article, such as a cigarette, is provided. The apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit is configured to insert an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member. The method comprises forming a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member, and inserting an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member such that the adsorbent material is disposed within the rod member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses a smokable rod and a filter element. The smokable rod is secured to the filter element using tipping material. The cigarette possesses more than one layer of tipping material. An outer layer of tipping material can overlie at least a portion of an underlying inner layer of tipping material, and during use by the smoker, the outer layer can be removed from the cigarette. Thus, it is possible for a cigarette manufacturer to provide a cigarette that can be used as such by the smoker, or that can be adapted by the smoker to provide a different sensory experience (e.g., the visual, organoleptic, trigeminal, aromatic, and tactile characteristics of the cigarette can be altered by removal of the outer tipping material). Alternatively, the use of the outer layer of tipping material can be used to improve the physical integrity of the cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing plants with a desired phenotypic trait which comprises subjecting plants to mutagenesis, screening chimeric progeny for plants having the desired phenotypic trait, and propagating the survivors. In an embodiment, the phenotypic trait comprises an altered amino acid content. Preferably, the technique is used to generate Nicotiana tobacum plant lines having an increase in at least one amino acid. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides improved Nicotiana tobacum plant lines producing at least 1.35 nmole of threonine per milligram of dry plant weight. These plants are useful for improving the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing plants with a desired phenotypic trait which comprises subjecting plants to mutagenesis, screening chimeric progeny for plants having the desired phenotypic trait, and propagating the survivors. In an embodiment, the phenotypic trait comprises an altered amino acid content. Preferably, the technique is used to generate Nicotiana tobacum plant lines having an increase in at least one amino acid. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides improved Nicotiana tobacum plant lines producing at least 1.35 nmole of threonine per milligram of dry plant weight. These plants are useful for improving the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

Abstract: A method for improving the flavor and aroma characters of a smoking article is provided. A mixture consisting essentially of a reducing sugar and optionally a hydroxide of an alkali metal is subjected to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce a flavorful composition. The flavorful composition is then applied to tobacco leaves or cut filler made thereof, and smoking articles are prepared from the tobacco leaves or cut filler.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for improving the flavor and aroma properties in a smoking article. A high fructose corn syrup, ammonium hydroxide and diammonium phosphate are reacted with each other for a time and under conditions sufficient to provide a heat activatable flavorant-generating composition, which comprises 2-deoxy 2-amino glucose. The composition is incorporated into a component of said smoking article without heat treatment. The resultant smoking articles, when smoked, exhibit highly desirable flavor and aroma properties.

Abstract: A method for providing flavorful and aromatic substances for use in a smoking article is disclosed. In the method, a mixture is provided including a reducing sugar source and a base catalyst. The mixture has a selectively enriched content of at least one free amino acid selected from the group consisting of serine, threonine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine.

Abstract: A method for providing flavorful and aromatic substances for use in a smoking article is disclosed. In the method, a mixture is provided including a reducing sugar source and a base catalyst. The mixture has a selectively enriched content of at least one free amino acid selected from the group consisting of serine, threonine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine. The mixture is then subjected to heat treatment for a time and under conditions sufficient to provide a flavorful and aromatic composition.

Abstract: Improved flavorful and aromatic tobacco materials and a method for producing flavorful and aromatic components from all natural tobacco materials are provided. A first tobacco material is contacted with a second tobacco material to form a tobacco blend. The first tobacco material has a higher content of nitrogen source and a lower content of sugar source than the second tobacco material. The moisture content in the first and second materials of the tobacco blend is increased to at least about 20%. The tobacco blend having an increased moisture content is then subjected to heat treatment in a substantially atmospheric environment for a time and under conditions sufficient to generate flavorful and aromatic substances in said first and second tobacco materials.

Abstract: A degradable smoking article comprises a tobacco rod and a filter component made of a gathered web of moisture disintegrative sheet material wrapped with a moisture disintegrative plug wrap bonded along a longitudinal seam with a water soluble adhesive. A moisture disintegrative tipping paper coated on one side with a water soluble adhesive secures the tobacco, rod and filter component together. The combination of moisture and other natural elements such as sunlight, mechanical abrasion, etc., dissociates the components of the smoking article over a relatively short period of time. Other embodiments of the filter component include a hollow degradable tube and a monolithic extruded starch filter rod.