Abstract: A method of and apparatus for adjusting and controlling the moisture content of carbonaceous fuel components used in making smoking articles comprises a mass flow accumulator and a dryer through which the fuel components are conveyed. Unheated air is flowed over the fuel components in the accumulator to adjust and maintain the moisture content of the fuel components to a level which permits cutting of the fuel components without chipping or cracking. After the fuel components are cut into individual fuel elements and combined with an aerosol generator or substrate they are conveyed through the dryer where heated air is flowed over them to further reduce the moisture content to a desired level for further processing and manufacture into smoking articles.

Abstract: Cigarettes and methods of making them, in which an insulated fuel element is combined with a substrate assembly comprising a substrate within a tube, combining a roll of tobacco with a plug of tobacco paper, combining the fuel element/substrate assembly with the tobacco/tobacco paper assembly, and combining the resulting combination with a filter element to produce filter cigarettes. Methods of constructing the various and preferred subassemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a smoking article is described wherein an aerosol generating cartridge is inserted into a sleeve, preferably having a tobacco insulating material.Also described are articles of manufacture having an elongate jacket module with a rod segment and an annular segment. The rod segment has a length of rod of fibrous material. Disposed logitudinally on either side of the rod segment is an annular segment of insulating material.Additionally, articles of manufacture useful for making smoking articles are described having an elongate structure with two or more repeating sections wherein each section preferably has a tobacco-containing spacer segment and mouthend segment.

Abstract: Tobacco is reclaimed from filter cigarettes by applying sufficient pressurized air to the filter end of each cigarette to eject the tobacco from the cigarettes. The method for reclaiming the tobacco involves (a) transporting a succession of filter cigarettes along a predetermined path, in a discontinuous, indexing manner, (b) temporarily engaging the filter end of each cigarette with reciprocating mouthpiece means during the pause between indexed movements and (c) applying pressurized air to each engaged cigarette via the mouthpiece means to force the tobacco from the cigarette and into a suitable collection device. Preferred apparatus is disclosed for accomplishing this method.