Abstract: An apparatus for the automated filling of cartridges of e-vapor devices may include a filling drum configured to receive at least one cartridge of an e-vapor device. The apparatus may additionally include a needle assembly including at least one hypodermic needle. The needle assembly is configured to transition between a lowered state and a raised state. The lowered state is where the hypodermic needle is moved down into the cartridge, while the raised state is where the hypodermic needle is lifted up and away from the cartridge. The apparatus may further include a pump assembly configured to pump a pre-vapor formulation into the cartridge when the needle assembly is in the lowered state. The pump assembly may include a variable amplitude cam system configured to adjust an amount of the pre-vapor formulation for pumping to the cartridge without changing start and stop times for the pumping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking a wrapping paper for smoking articles, comprising the following steps: (A) providing a wrapping paper for smoking articles, and (B) producing register marks on the wrapping paper by treating the surface of the wrapping paper with laser radiation having an energy density y in J-m-2, to which the following applies: y=k·x, whereby x is the enthalpy of combustion per volume of the wrapping paper in J·m?2·?m?1, and k is at least ?8 ?m and at most ?1 ?m.

Abstract: A pipette tip supply mechanism includes: a pipette tip storage unit for storing a plurality of tapered shaped pipette tips; a belt for transporting a pipette tip supplied from an opening of the pipette tip storage unit; and a belt drive unit that drives the belt in a transport direction. The belt is inclined upwards toward the transport direction so that the pipette tip is rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the pipette tip on a surface of the belt and the pipette tip is rolled to orient the longitudinal axis of the pipette tip along the transport direction in conjunction with the drive of the belt in the transport direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrode plate processing device. The electrode plate processing device includes: an electrode plate cutting mechanism having a cutting position; and an electrode plate rolling mechanism, through which an electrode plate passes. The electrode plate rolling mechanism includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller has a vacuum adsorption zone for adsorbing a waste edge of the electrode plate. The cutting position is provided in upstream of the vacuum adsorption zone along a conveying direction of the electrode plate processing device.

Abstract: A smoking article includes identification information encoded on the smoking article. The smoking article can be used with an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information. A cleaning article includes identification information encoded on the cleaning article. The cleaning article cleans an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the cleaning article and distinguishing the cleaning article from other articles based on the identification information.

Abstract: Systems and methods of de-stemming produce are provided. An apparatus can process an item of produce having a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion. The apparatus can include at least one first conveyor unit that can convey the first portion of the item of produce in a first direction. The apparatus can include at least one second conveyor unit that can convey the second portion of the item of produce in a second direction that differs from the first linear direction by between zero and 90 degrees to generate a separation force between the first portion of the item of produce and the second portion of the item of produce that separates the first portion from the second portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes at least one storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume. At least one inserter wheel receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into at least one band of filter material. Each of the at least one inserter wheels has an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: Method and system for arranging rod-like elements, in particular cigarettes, on a longitudinal aligning conveyor (11) along the direction of movement of the conveyor, comprising a container (5) for unordered rod-like elements (6), a feeding conveyor (1), a chute (8) and the aligning conveyor (11), wherein the rod-like elements (6) fed from the container (5) are transported by the feeding conveyor (1) to the chute (8), the rod-like elements (6) being arranged on the feeding conveyor (1) transversally to the direction of movement, the bottom of the chute (8) being downwardly slanted at an angle (?) to the horizontal, the intake end of the longitudinally grooved aligning conveyor (11) being located downstream the outlet end (8C) of the chute (8), the aligning conveyor (11) being upwardly slanted at an angle (?) to the horizontal and being adapted to convey the rod-like elements (6) from the outlet end (8C) of the chute (8) upward the aligning conveyor (11) with a speed enabling passing the rod-like elements (6)

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material such as tobacco and a tubular support in which the rod is slidably received. The tubular support is formed from a blank of sheet material that is wound in a spiral. Machinery for making the spiral blank is described.

Abstract: A finished tobacco product is formed by an inner shell and attached outer pre-rolled sheet where the inner shell has a means to open an interior volume to add selected tobacco filler material.

Abstract: A processing machine for rod-shaped articles includes a base frame including a back plate extending upward from the base frame; and a plurality of function modules each adapted to perform a manufacturing function on a rod-shaped article. Each function module includes a mounting plate adapted to removably attach the function module to the back plate as a unit, and a dedicated drive motor supported on the mounting plate and adapted to move at least a portion of the function module. The plurality of function modules includes at least one of a rod infeed module, a hopper module, a drum module, a knife module, and a gluing module. A method of configuring a modular processing machine for rod-shaped articles is also described.

Abstract: A smoking article provides a purchased, as-built cigar that can be disassembled to form multiple cigars, enabling a consumer to make his or her own cigars using custom tobacco filler. The as-built cigar is capped as part of its construction, preferably at one end or at both ends. A smoker removes the cap or caps to enable smoking of the as-built cigar or disassembly into layers. Each layer can then be rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco. The inner layer contains tobacco filler. Upon disassembly, the inner layer and tobacco filler can be smoked. Alternatively, the inner layer can be pulled apart at a provided serration to discard the tobacco filler and then filled and rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco filler material.

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a first part and a second part movable relative to the first part. A control mechanism comprises a first control surface on one of the first part or second part; and a second control surface on the other of the first and second parts. The second control surface is configured to engage with the first control surface to control relative rotation between the first part and second part.

Abstract: A method for opening cigarettes constituting cigarette waste in a device comprising a rotational drum (1) the inner wall of which is provided with at least one scraping away element (2, 2?, 2?) extending generally along the drum, and at least one rotational beater (4, 4?, 4?) located inside the drum (1) striking against the cigarettes, wherein the cigarettes fed into the rotating drum (1) and being lifted by means of at the least one scraping away element (2, 2?, 2?) and falling by gravity, are struck against by means of the at least one rotational beater (4, 4?, 4?) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes of the cigarettes with a force enabling their opening. A device for realisation of the method of the invention.

Abstract: A filter cigarillo comprises a bunch, which includes tobacco surrounded by a binder. A first section, different from a general bunch and providing some strengthening effect, is arranged at one end of the bunch. A natural-leaf wrapper surrounds the general bunch and the first section. A second section, which comprises filter material, is arranged downstream of the first section. The second section is connected to the natural-leaf wrapper by an outer tipping.

Abstract: A smoking article provides a purchased, as-built cigar that can be disassembled to form multiple cigars, enabling a consumer to make his or her own cigars using custom tobacco filler. The as-built cigar is capped as part of its construction, preferably at one end or at both ends. A smoker removes the cap or caps to enable smoking of the as-built cigar or disassembly into layers. Each layer can then be rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco. The inner layer contains tobacco filler. Upon disassembly, the inner layer and tobacco filler can be smoked. Alternatively, the inner layer can be pulled apart at a provided serration to discard the tobacco filler and then filled and rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco filler material.

Abstract: The invention relates to cigarette paper (1) providing self-extinguishing properties to a cigarette made therefrom, wherein the cigarette paper comprises at least one discrete region (2) that is perforated and comprises a permeability to air that is greater than the permeability to air outside of the perforated region. The perforated region is preferably present in a finished filter cigarette in the vicinity of the filter (5).

Abstract: A smoking article provides a purchased, as-built cigar that can be disassembled to form multiple cigars, enabling a consumer to make his or her own cigars using custom tobacco filler. The as-built cigar is capped as part of its construction, preferably at one end or at both ends. A smoker removes the cap or caps to enable smoking of the as-built cigar or disassembly into layers. Each layer can then be rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco. The inner layer contains tobacco filler. Upon disassembly, the inner layer and tobacco filler can be smoked. Alternatively, the inner layer can be pulled apart at a provided serration to discard the tobacco filler and then filled and rolled with a smoker's custom tobacco filler material.

Abstract: A cigar has a length of at least 8 inches and may be severed in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis without deleteriously affecting its structural integrity or its smokability. The cigar has a non-rotatable collar consisting of a smokable tobacco product which surrounds and grips the cigar at its midpoint. Overlapping portions of the spirally wound wrapper are glued together by a smokable adhesive, from one end of the cigar to the other.

Abstract: A cutting element (1) rotatably mountable in a cigarette manufacturing machine, or filter combining machine for cutting filter rods is disclosed. The cutting element comprises a circular blade (2) having apertures (4) therein configured so as to reduce the contact area between the blade and the ends of a filter rod during cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for filling cigarette tubes with tobacco comprises a base (10), a magazine chamber (2) adapted to receive a supply of tobacco (T), a lid (20) adapted to close a top of the magazine chamber (2), a filling chamber (4) adapted to receive the tobacco to be filled into a cigarette tube, a stamp (30) adapted to shape the tobacco of the filling chamber (4), and a slider arranged in the filling chamber (4) which transfers the tobacco of the filling chamber (4) into a cigarette tube supported in front of the filling chamber (4). A press-down lever (6) is connected to the stamp (30) and to a coupling mechanism in order to move the slider after actuation of the stamp (30). A pusher for forwarding the tobacco in the magazine chamber can also be coupled to the press-down lever.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a user interface associated with a tobacco product stamping machine. In one embodiment, the user interface includes a visual representation of a batch of tobacco product containers. The visual representation includes an indication of a plurality of tobacco product types included in the batch. The visual representation includes an indication of a number of containers of a first tobacco product type included in the batch.

Abstract: A hookah perforating accessory for perforating hookah foil and perforating/aerating tobacco below the foil, preferably simultaneously, having a hollow housing, plurality of spikes on a spike platform, guide plate having a plurality of spike receiving apertures, and at least one and preferably a plurality of springs, disposed between the guide plate and spike platform.

Abstract: An apparatus to make ventilated cigars is disclosed. The apparatus includes a perforating means along a first wrapper paper section and arranged before the first wrapper paper section and the second wrapper paper section are joined together. A roller member rotates the first wrapper paper section. In one embodiment, the roller member includes a set of pins that cooperate with the roller member to perforate the first wrapper paper section proximal to an outer edge surface of the first wrapper paper section.

Abstract: An apparatus to make ventilated cigars is disclosed. The apparatus includes a perforating means along a first wrapper paper section and arranged before the first wrapper paper section and the second wrapper paper section are joined together. A roller member rotates the first wrapper paper section. In one embodiment, the roller member includes a set of pins that cooperate with the roller member to perforate the first wrapper paper section proximal to an outer edge surface of the first wrapper paper section.

Abstract: A system for self-assembly of cigarettes includes a stuffing device (50) and a tobacco package (1). The tobacco package (1) has a first end side (2) and a second end side (3), and comprises on both end sides (2, 3) a cover that protrudes for the distance. The tobacco package (1) is filled with tobacco (6). The stuffing device (50) comprises a pressing chamber (54) having a longitudinal direction, into which the tobacco (6) can be filled via a longitudinal filling opening (56), the tobacco being able to be formed into a tobacco strand by means of a pressing bar (58) that can be moved laterally to the longitudinal direction of the pressing chamber (54), and a pushing device (62) that can be transferred from the pressing chamber (54) into a cigarette paper wrap disposed in front of the pressing chamber (54) by means of a sliding device (62) that can be moved in a longitudinal direction of the pressing chamber (54).

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a machine for opening cigarette packs and inspecting cigarettes (1), used to recover cigarettes contained in soft cup type packs (72), comprising: cigarette pack accumulator (2); transfer channel (3); first drum (4); cigarette pack holding pouches (27); device for opening the flaps of the aluminum foil lining (28); guide means (42); flap pressing and label housing displacing device (29); unopened packs rejection device (52); second drum (5); guide means; cigarette storage bin (6); counter-rotating roll (54); inspection drum (9); cigarette inspection device (57); cigarette rejection device; storage bins for label housings (12), aluminum foil linings (13), and cigarettes (11); rejected packs storage bin (22); selected cigarettes collector belt (10); and frame (71).

Abstract: Assembly for perforating rod-shaped elements, particularly cigarettes, which comprises a driving shaft along which a number of rotary perforating cutters are arranged and the cutters are separated by distance rings, wherein each rotary cutter is positioned between two pushing elements and it protrudes from between those pushing elements.

Abstract: In an automatic machine for processing tobacco articles, and having a supporting frame having a vertical front wall, at which are located a number of operating devices located along a production line for processing a succession of articles, an inner first casing is provided which can be opened and covers at least some of the operating devices, and an outer second casing is provided which can be opened, is independent of the inner first casing, and covers at least part of the inner first casing in the form of a shell; the outer second casing has a front panel facing the vertical front wall of the frame and movable, with respect to the frame, between a closed or bottom limit position, in which the front panel contacts the floor supporting the frame and is separated from the inner first casing by a distance defining the depth of a soundproofing air chamber, and an open or top limit position, in which the front panel exposes and permits access to the vertical front wall of the frame and the inner first casing.

Abstract: An additive material is applied to a substrate, such as a paper web used as a wrapping material for cigarette manufacture. A predetermined pattern of additive material is applied to the outer surface of the wrapping material of a formed cigarette, and most preferably of a formed filtered cigarette. In particular, an application system for applying additive material of a controlled type, in a controlled manner and in a controlled location on the wrapping material of a formed two-up filtered cigarette rod is located within a tipping machine. During controlled rotation of each such formed rod (e.g., due to cooperation of a transfer drum and a laser cam), additive material is applied to the outer surface of a desired location of the wrapping material of each such rod.

Abstract: A cigarette made from cigarette paper comprising a base web and at least one banded region comprising iron oxide nanoparticles. The at least one banded region has a porosity less than a porosity of the base web such that the at least one banded region exhibits a slower burn rate compared to adjacent non-banded regions.

Abstract: An automatic cigarette maker and/or packer incorporates a welding or sealing head with an electrically conductive heating foil mounted to an electrically insulating backing element; the foil is retained on the backing element by an overlay of ceramic material, which is covered in turn by a further overlay of smooth silicone that can be offered in direct contact to a weldable or sealable wrapping material.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a cigarette tipping paper perforation process includes supplying the paper in the form of a flexible web from a supply spindle that is mounted for powered angular rotation to a take-up spindle that receives a portion of the flexible web, and the take-up spindle also being mounted for powered angular rotation. A laser beam generator provides at least one laser beam through a series of optics that can include a laser beam expander or contractor, a rotating multi-faceted mirror, collimating lenses and downstream focusing lenses that focus the plurality of laser output beams received from the rotating multi-faceted mirror to burn a plurality of holes in the flexible web of cigarette paper. A control device controls the angular rotation of the supply spindle, the angular rotation of the take-up spindle, tension of the web, laser power and rotation of the multi-faceted mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing cut tobacco material, whereby a tobacco initial material is heated and placed under pressure and once heated and placed under pressure, the material is fed through a shearing gap and expanded and defibrated. It further relates to a device for producing cut tobacco material with a pressure chamber, which has a tobacco material inlet at the low-pressure end and a tobacco material outlet at the pressure end and a conveyor system for conveying the tobacco material from the inlet to the outlet, and the tobacco material outlet has a gap through which the material passes and expands, and the gap has walls which can be moved towards one another. It further relates to a smoking article containing such a cut, defibrated tobacco material product and the use of a plug screw feeder-extruder with a shearing gap outlet for defibrating tobacco material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and to an apparatus for perforating the tubular wrappers of plain or filter cigarettes and other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry. The articles are advanced sideways at the periphery of a rotary drum-shaped carrier which cooperates with a device serving to roll them about their longitudinal axes while the wrappers are being perforated by one or more pulsating beams issuing from one or more lasers and passing through a stationary cylinder lens on their way to the facets of a rotating cylindrical mirror which directs the beam(s) across the axis of the carrier and pivots the beam(s) about such axis on its or their way radially outwardly of the carrier toward a first set of stationary deflecting mirrors.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a cigarette tipping paper perforation process includes supplying the paper in the form of a flexible web from a supply spindle that is mounted for powered angular rotation to a take-up spindle that receives a portion of the flexible web, and the take-up spindle also being mounted for powered angular rotation. A laser beam generator provides at least one laser beam through a series of optics that can include a laser beam expander or contractor, a rotating multi-faceted mirror, collimating lenses and downstream focusing lenses that focus the plurality of laser output beams received from the rotating multi-faceted mirror to burn a plurality of holes in the flexible web of cigarette paper. A control device controls the angular rotation of the supply spindle, the angular rotation of the take-up spindle, tension of the web, laser power and rotation of the multi-faceted mirror.

Abstract: An method for increasing the permeability of tubular wrappers of a succession of cigarettes by at least one pulsed beam of coherent radiation issuing from a laser has a hollow drum-shaped conveyor cooperating with a rolling member to define an arcuate channel wherein successive cigarettes roll while advancing sideways past a perforating station. Each beam of coherent radiation is generated in or is caused to enter the interior of the conveyor prior to being influenced by one or more deflecting and/or focussing elements to be propagated substantially radially and through an opening of the hollow conveyor and to impinge upon the wrapper of a cigarette rolling at the perforating station.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing zones of desired air permeability in the enveloping material of rod-shaped articles, particularly in the tobacco-processing industry. The device includes a beam-guiding device for focusing an energy-rich beam, generated by a radiation source, onto the enveloping material in order to form perforation zones, as well as a multiple beam-generating device that generates a multiple beam from the single beam. The multiple beam-generating device is provided with at least one optical element that is fixed in its operating position relative to the beam.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes of unit or multiple unit length are produced in a tipping machine wherein successive groups of coaxial plain cigarettes and filter rod sections are caused to roll within a channel bounded by surfaces at least one of which moves relative to the other(s). This results in the conversion of uniting bands, which are carried by successive groups into the inlet of the channel, into tubular sleeves connecting the tubular wrapper(s) of the filter rod section(s) to the plain cigarette(s) of the respective group. The wrappers, and normally also the uniting bands, are perforated in the channel subsequent to, or in part simultaneously with, the conversion of uniting bands into the respective sleeves. Each filter cigarette can be provided with one or more arrays, such as annuli, of perforations, e.g., by mutually inclined laser beams.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the preferabilities of central portions of tubular wrappers which form part of successive filter cigarettes of double unit length being turned out by a tipping machine. The central portions of the wrappers include adhesive-coated uniting bands which are convoluted around filter mouthpieces in a first portion of a rolling channel for successive filter cigarettes. A perforating unit which employs laser beams is set up to simultaneously perforate the central portions of the wrappers of several successive cigarettes in a second portion which immediately follows or partially overlaps the first portion of the channel. Each wrapper can be provided with two or more annular arrays of perforations.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the permeabilities of central portions of tubular wrappers which form part of successive filter cigarettes of double unit length being turned out by a tipping machine. The central portions of the wrappers include adhesive-coated uniting bands which are convoluted around filter mouthpieces in a first portion of a rolling channel for successive filter cigarettes. A perforating unit which employs laser beams is set up to simultaneously perforate the central portions of the wrappers of several successive cigarettes in a second portion which immediately follows or partially overlaps the first portion of the channel. Each wrapper can be provided with two or more annular arrays of perforations.

Abstract: A vertical cigarette air hole puncher composed of a cage (2) and cutting tooth bracket (8). The cage (2) contains a through hole (6) and push button cutout (4).

Abstract: Tubular envelopes of successive rod-shaped products, such as cigarettes and/or filter rod sections, are caused to turn about their longitudinal axes and to simultaneously move sideways during advancement through a perforating station. At least one laser or another source of high-energy radiation directs at least one beam of radiation against a radiation-reflecting body which is caused to turn about its axis and has one or more curved, such as helical, surfaces serving to cause migration of and to simultaneously reflect the beam or beams upon one or more selected portions of the envelope of the rod-shaped product then moving through the perforating station. The thus refected beam(s) perforates or perforate the envelope being advanced through the station.

Abstract: Successive cigarettes of a series of cigarettes, such as filter cigarettes, are transported sideways in the axially parallel peripheral flutes of a rotary drum-shaped conveyor to the inlet(s) of a straight or V-shaped rolling channel or of two successive straight channels defined by the rolling surface(s) of one or two stationary block-shaped rolling members and the external surface of an endless belt trained over several rollers and being at least partially confined in a recess or groove of the conveyor in such a way that the surface(s) of the rolling member(s) cooperate with the surface of the belt to roll successive cigarettes in the channel or channels about their longitudinal axes while one or more beams issuing from one or more lasers or other radiation source(s) impinge upon the wrappers of the cigarettes rolling in the channel or channels.

Abstract: An method for increasing the permeability of tubular wrappers of a succession of cigarettes by at least one pulsed beam of coherent radiation issuing from a laser has a hollow drum-shaped conveyor cooperating with a rolling member to define an arcuate channel wherein successive cigarettes roll while advancing sideways past a perforating station. Each beam of coherent radiation is generated in or is caused to enter the interior of the conveyor prior to being influenced by one or more deflecting and/or focussing elements to be propagated substantially radially and through an opening of the hollow conveyor and to impinge upon the wrapper of a cigarette rolling at the perforating station.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the permeability of tubular wrappers of a succession of cigarettes by at least one pulsed beam of coherent radiation issuing from a laser has a hollow drum-shaped conveyor cooperating with a rolling member to define an arcuate channel wherein successive cigarettes roll while advancing sideways past a perforating station. Each beam of coherent radiation is generated in or is caused to enter the interior of the conveyor prior to being influenced by one or more deflecting and/or focussing elements to be propagated substantially radially and through an opening of the hollow conveyor and to impinge upon the wrapper of a cigarette rolling at the perforating station.

Abstract: Successive cigarettes of a series of cigarettes, such as filter cigarettes, are transported sideways in the axially parallel peripheral flutes of a rotary drum-shaped conveyor to the inlet(s) of a straight or V-shaped rolling channel or of two successive straight channels defined by the rolling surface(s) of one or two stationary block-shaped rolling members and the external surface of an endless belt trained over several rollers and being at least partially confined in a recess or groove of the conveyor in such a way that the surface(s) of the rolling member(s) cooperate with the surface of the belt to roll successive cigarettes in the channel or channels about their longitudinal axes while one or more beams issuing from one or more lasers or other radiation source(s) impinge upon the wrappers of the cigarettes rolling in the channel or channels.

Abstract: A method of making wet rolls includes providing a web of material, applying a wetting solution to the web to produce a wet web, and winding the wet web into a roll. The wetting solution may be applied at an add-on greater than 25%, and the web may travel at a speed of at least 60 meters per minute.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for processing an enveloping material for a tobacco product. An enveloping material is supplied to an operative range of at least one radiation source. A marking is created in at least one section of the enveloping material by subjecting the enveloping material to radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source. The marking has a geometric form with an outline having at least one of (a) a discontinuous slope in some sections and (b) convex or concave regions.