By Assembling Dissimilar Filter Materials (e.g., Fiber And Powdered Charcoal, Etc.) Patents (Class 493/47)
  • Patent number: 11896048
    Abstract: A filter part (1) for use in an aerosol generating article and a method of manufacturing the filter part (1). The filter part (1) includes an aerosol permeable core (11) surrounded by a sleeve (12). The sleeve (12) is formed of linear, axially oriented fibres and the core (11) is formed of expanded, randomly oriented fibres. The method includes forming two or more strips (2a, 2b) into segments surrounding a conveying path, bringing the segments together into a sleeve former (7) to form the sleeve (12) and introducing loose fibres (52) between the segments upstream of the sleeve former (7) such that they are drawn therein in a random orientation and compressed between the segments as they are brought together to form a filter rod (8) with an aerosol permeable core (11) within the sleeve (12). The filter rod (8) is then cut to form the filter part (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Rui Nuno Batista, Eva Ferrari, Yves Jordil, Poh Yoke Tritz
  • Patent number: 11134713
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a filter includes a filamentary material delivery apparatus, a support structure for supporting a continuous stream of filamentary material, and a particle distribution apparatus. The particle distribution apparatus includes an apertured distribution belt positioned above the support structure and in communication with an outlet of a particle storing hopper. The belt defines a plurality of spaced openings through which particles are distributed onto the continuous stream of filamentary material to form a particle-bearing stream of filamentary material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventor: Dwight David Williams
  • Patent number: 10299507
    Abstract: An apparatus and processes for producing compound cigarette filters by horizontally assembling multiple filter segments onto the horizontally oriented transverse flutes of a continuous belt. Spaced apart hoppers are serially arranged above the belt, and each hopper contains at least one of the multiple segments of the compound filter being assembled. A transfer structure between each hopper and the belt serially delivers the filter segments to the flutes on the belt, and after such assembly the various filter segments are removed as a group from each flute of the continuous belt. The filter segments are then combined as a group with wrapped tobacco rods to thereby produce filtered cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Braunshteyn, Raquel M. Olegario
  • Patent number: 10182594
    Abstract: There is provided a smoking article (100) incorporating an additive delivery system. The additive delivery system comprises a frangible capsule (110) comprising a breakable shell containing a liquid core. The shell can be broken by means of a pressure to release a single burst of the liquid core. Further, the additive delivery system comprises a sustained-release liquid delivery material (111) comprising a liquid composition. The liquid composition is releasable in discrete amounts from the liquid delivery material upon compression of the liquid delivery material so as to selectively combine the first and second additive. The frangible capsule and the sustained-release liquid delivery material are spaced apart, such that a consumer can separately and selectively activate the release of additive from either component of the delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Laurent Lavanant
  • Patent number: 10045558
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for inserting objects into a filter rod. The apparatus can include: a first conduit adapted to convey a plurality of the objects in series; a first escapement having a first inlet and a first outlet connected by a first channel, wherein the first inlet is connected to the first conduit; a first singulation drum having an outer periphery defining a first row of first pockets adapted to hold the objects, wherein the first singulation drum is adapted to rotate about a first axis to successively move the first pockets into registry with the first outlet; and at least one first source of air that conveys the objects from the first inlet to the first outlet, and successively into the first pockets of the first singulation drum. Other details and methods of inserting objects into a filter rod are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Shawn Henley, Scott Karpen, David Alan Pitt, Erik P. Blix
  • Patent number: 9221614
    Abstract: Device for transferring cylindrical segments from a hopper onto a grouping belt is provided with a guiding drum, having flutes on its periphery and a circumferentially closed conveyor which delivers segments to a rotary element with pushers. Conveyor with seats with a catching element for catching segments, and transferring the segments from the conveyor to the element is effected by means of a spiral drum. The device has a push-down element constituted by a cam with a groove of a height corresponding to the diameter of the segment. The catching element has the form of a depression in the body of the seat shaped as a half of a cylinder, corresponding to the diameter of the segment, with locks on edges, whereas the axis of the depression is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Jacek Figarski, Radoslaw Figarski, Kazimierz Makosa, Ryszard Dominiak, Bartosz Cieslikowski
  • Patent number: 9198461
    Abstract: A method of compensation of momentary lack of filter segments in a manufacturing line of multi-segment filters used in tobacco industry, when an occurrence of a gap on a path feeding out sets of filter segments of a flute of a cutting drum, caused by the lack of a filter rod in the flute of the drum, the operation of units before the gap is slowed down, with simultaneous acceleration of the operation of units behind the gap, until the moment of elimination of the gap. A delivery unit having the form of a gripper holding a set of filter segments after taking it over from a out-feeding unit, a sensor detecting the lack of a filter rod in the flute of the drum is situated, in the zone of the out-feeding path for sets of filter segments at least one second sensor confirming readings of the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: INT'L TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP. Z O.O
    Inventor: Hans-Reiner Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9179708
    Abstract: A system for producing porous masses may include a mold cavity disposed along the material path, at least one hopper before at least a portion of the mold cavity for feeding a matrix material to the material path, a heat source in thermal communication with at least a first portion of the material path, and a cutter disposed along the material path after the first portion of the material path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Celanese Acetate LLC
    Inventors: Thomas S. Garrett, Zeming Gou, Lawton E. Kizer, Raymond M. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20150148207
    Abstract: A method and device for forming a cigarette filter rod. The method is as follows: in a process of continuously conveying forward cigarette filter materials that tend to converge to have a rod shape, multiple granular additives are continuously output in accordance with a certain time interval, and are sprayed into the cigarette filter materials that converge forwards under the action of continuous transporting flows, so that after the cigarette filter materials converge to form a continuous filter rod, multiple groups of additive unit combinations formed of different granular additive units are embedded in an axial direction of the filter rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Xu Wang, Ming Hou, Yigang Tong, Yong Si
  • Publication number: 20150136159
    Abstract: The filter using technology for reducing the smell of tobacco smoke on hands, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a filter unit for filtering tobacco smoke, the filter unit being coupled to a tobacco shred; and filter-wrapping paper for wrapping the filter unit. The filter unit or the filter-wrapping paper may contain a material for reducing the smell of tobacco smoke. According to the embodiment of the present invention, green tea extracts containing catechin or other materials for reducing the smell of tobacco smoke, e.g. citric acids, glycerols, tannic acids and the like can be added to a tobacco filter to remove the smell from tobacco smoke generated during smoking, thus significantly lowering the strength of the smell of tobacco smoke on the hands of a smoker as compared to conventional tobacco filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: KT&G Corporation
    Inventors: Man Seok Seo, Hyun Suk Cho, In Hyeog Oh, Burm Ho Yang, Han Jae Shin, Mi Jang, Jong Yeol Kim
  • Publication number: 20150090283
    Abstract: Filters and cigarettes include an activated carbon sorbent capable of selectively removing nitric oxide from mainstream tobacco smoke. Methods for making cigarette filters and cigarettes using the activated carbon sorbent and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke produced by smoking a cigarette comprising the sorbent are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Wei-Jun Zhang, Mark Zhuang, Shahryar Rabiei, Firooz Rasouli
  • Patent number: 8992400
    Abstract: In a machine and a method for manufacturing composite filters (F1, F2) for cigarettes or the like, a feed conveyor (S) supplies filter groups (G1, G2) in pairs to two respective feed lines (L1, L2) of a station (16) for forming two continuous filter rods (B1, B2); the machine (100) comprises at least one transfer device (DT) by which the filter groups (G1, G2) are taken up from the feed conveyor (S) and directed along the feed lines (L1, L2), and at least one release device (R), operating along the two feed lines (L1, L2), by which the two filter groups (G1, G2) are taken up from the transfer device (DT) and released in phase one with another along the selfsame feed lines (L1, L2); the rate at which the filter groups (G1, G2) are released by the release device (R) is governed according to the phase value of at least one of the continuous filter rods (B1, B2) relative to the cyclic cutting operation whereby the two filter rods (B1, B2) are cut transversally to make the composite filters (F1, F2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Righetti, Alberto Stagni, Massimo Sartoni
  • Patent number: 8925708
    Abstract: Beads are transferred in the form of a flow along supply channels into first holding pockets; the beads from the holding pockets of the bead feeding unit are fed to receiving pockets of a bead transfer unit by means of movable feeding means, then in the bead transfer unit the beads are inserted into a guiding chamber formed at the intersection of a guiding groove of a first guiding plate and a guiding groove of a second guiding plate of the bead transfer unit, at least one guiding plate is rotated relative to the second guiding plate, which forces the movement of the guiding chamber so that the distance of the guiding chamber to the axis of rotation of the guiding plates changes, and the beads from the guiding chamber or the guiding channel are conveyed to a outfeeding pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o.
    Inventors: Bartosz Cieślikowski, Jacek Figarski, Radosaw Figarski, Kazimierz Mkosa
  • Publication number: 20140311507
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for capturing carbonylic or phenolic toxicants, or converting these toxicants into less volatile compounds. The toxicants, which may be a component of cigarette smoke, may be captured by physical or chemical adsorption, absorption, or entrapment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Lev E. Bromberg, Trevor A. Hatton
  • Publication number: 20140166031
    Abstract: A filter (11) for a smoking article (10) comprises a first flowpath (13) through the filter, a second flowpath (14) through the filter, the second flowpath being disposed around the first flowpath, and a selector (16) for allowing flow selectively through the first and second flowpaths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Bailey, Karl Kaljura, Paul Farenden, David Russell, Wilbert Schoenmakers, Darren Seymour, David Spendlove
  • Publication number: 20140096783
    Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for forming a biodegradable filter material for a filter element of a smoking article, wherein the method involves combining cellulose acetate fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers, drawing the combined cellulose acetate fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers to form drawn combined fibers, and crimping the drawn combined fibers to form a mixed fiber tow. An associated filter material for the filter element of a smoking article is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Evon Llewellyn Crooks, Jason Kobisky, Cortney R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8671951
    Abstract: A cigarette filter subassembly is manufactured from a filter member having absorbent material encased within an outer cover. A plunger is passed axially through the absorbent material such that a pointed leading end of the plunger displaces the absorbent material radially outwardly against the cover to form a liner of compressed absorbent material along the cover's inside surface. An inner surface of the liner surrounds a hollow axial opening which is to receive absorbent members and capsules inserted axially therein. The capsules are adapted to be broken by a smoker to release an additive material which modifies characteristics of tobacco smoke. An outer cylindrical surface of the plunger optionally carries a transferable binder material that becomes smeared onto the inner surface of the liner to form thereon a coating which is impermeable to the additive material released from the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmet Ercelebi, Martin T. Garthaffner, Dwight D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8652020
    Abstract: A guide nozzle (112) for use with an apparatus (110) for the manufacture of filter rods for smoking articles. The guide nozzle comprises a support member (130) configured to be fixed relative to said apparatus for the manufacture of filter rods, a funnel (120) through which loose filter material is propelled, mounted to the support member and, an adjuster (140) mounted between the support member and the funnel to enable the relative position of the funnel and the support member to be adjusted to control the direction of flow of loose filter material propelled through the funnel. An apparatus for the manufacture of filter rods for smoking articles having such a guide nozzle, and a method of manufacturing a filter rod using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: British Amercian Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Andy Davis, William David Lewis
  • Patent number: 8622882
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of capsules into cigarette filter tows is disclosed. The apparatus may include a tow processing unit, a capsule insertion unit and a filter rod making unit. The capsule insertion unit may include a hopper, a capsule presorter, an inlet pipe, a capsule feeder wheel, a capsule insertion wheel, and a tow gathering funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Aiger Group AG
    Inventors: Bogdan Nikolov, Dimitar Yanchev
  • Patent number: 8591390
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Spiers
  • Patent number: 8574141
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
  • Patent number: 8534294
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for making a cigarette filter assembly for potentially reducing particle breakthrough. The method includes forming a lofty porous network of charge retaining polymer fibers by mechanical, chemical or thermal bonding of the fibers, wrapping the lofty porous network in a cylindrical or tubular shape with optional mediating filter fibers in a filter paper to form a filter plug while maintaining the lofty structure. The charge retaining fibers can be charged to attract and hold particles from such sources as particulate matter from sorbents (preventing break-through), and smoke constituents while having a suitable pressure drop. The apparatus handles the lofty media with minimal crushing, for example, by spacing apart delivery rolls equipped with protrusions to punch, push, and/or pull the lofty media ahead for high speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Sung Yang, Lixin L. Xue, Jing C. Chang
  • Patent number: 8512213
    Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Philip Andrew Deal
  • Publication number: 20130102445
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod. The apparatus includes: a storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects; an inserter wheel that inserts the objects into a band of filter material; and an acceleration chamber that transfers the objects from the storage apparatus to the inserter wheel. The acceleration chamber includes: a vortex chamber defining a periphery and an opening in the periphery; a source of air that accelerates the objects around the periphery of the vortex chamber; and a metering drum that rotates around the vortex chamber, the metering drum having metering holes movable into alignment with the opening in the periphery of the vortex chamber. The metering holes receive the objects through the opening in the periphery of the vortex chamber, and transfer the objects to the inserter wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventor: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
  • Publication number: 20130029822
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of capsules into cigarette filter tows is disclosed. The apparatus may include a tow processing unit, a capsule insertion unit and a filter rod making unit. The capsule insertion unit may include a hopper, a belt, an inlet pipe, a capsule feeder wheel and a capsule insertion wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Plamen ILIEV, Bogdan NIKOLOV, Atanas KARAATANASOV, Valentin ILIEV, Dimitar YANCHEV
  • Patent number: 8353811
    Abstract: A large variety of electroprocessed capsules can be produced to encapsulate a variety of additives within the subcompartments or substructures of the manufactured capsule. Furthermore, the manufactured capsules can be arranged within a filter of a smoking article during the manufacturing process. By modifying the various parameters that control the electrospraying or electrospinning processes, capsules can be manufactured that vary in composition, in substructural organization, and in dimension. A capsule produced by electrospraying comprises at least one polymeric material that encapsulates or supports the retention of at least one flavorant and/or non-flavorant within the capsule. A polymeric material provides a supporting structure for encapsulating at least one flavorant and/or non-flavorant additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Phillip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zhihao Shen, Manuel Marquez, Samuel I. Ogle, William D. Thweatt, Jon A. Regrut
  • Patent number: 8308624
    Abstract: A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Celanese Acetate Limited
    Inventors: John Travers, Craig Day, Andrew Banks
  • Patent number: 8308623
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 8303474
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of capsules into cigarette filter tows is disclosed. The apparatus may include a tow processing unit, a capsule insertion unit and a filter rod making unit. The capsule insertion unit may include a hopper, a belt, an inlet pipe, a capsule feeder wheel and a capsule insertion wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aiger Group AG
    Inventors: Plamen Iliev, Bogdan Nikolov, Atanas Karaatanasov, Valentin Iliev, Dimitar Yanchev
  • Patent number: 8172739
    Abstract: A device for combining groups of at least two different types of filter segments for producing multi-segment filters in the tobacco industry in a continuous process includes a plurality of independent functional units that are each designed as a module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: HAUNI Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Sönke Horn, Thorsten Scherbarth, Stephan Wolff, Gerd Strohecker, Steffen Rocktäschel, Wolfgang Steiniger, Heinz-Christen Lorenzen, Uwe Heitmann, Nikolaos Georgitsis
  • Patent number: 8142339
    Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tabacco Company
    Inventor: Philip Andrew Deal
  • Publication number: 20120055496
    Abstract: Filter for a smoking product (1), comprising a first filter segment (2) and a second filter segment (3), wherein the first filter segment (2) comprises a component that is given off into a smoke stream passing through a filter outlet opening (4), and the second filter segment (3) comprises a sorption means (6) that absorbs a component from a smoke stream passing through the filter inlet opening (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Horst Grzonka, Markus Schosnig, Eduard Nica, Paulo Oliveira, John Richardson, Martin Graham Duke, Maya Nikolaeva
  • Patent number: 8113211
    Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Evans, G. Robert Scott, Steven F. Spiers
  • Patent number: 8114002
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
  • Publication number: 20120028774
    Abstract: An apparatus for serially delivering filling media to spaced apart cavities of an endless filter rod, which includes a conveyor which conveys a strip of plug wrap along a feed path, a transfer wheel arrangement which serially delivers filter segments to the plug wrap as it moves along the feed path such that the filter segments are arranged in plug-space-plug relation with cavities separated by the filter segments, and a filling wheel which rotates about a horizontal axis and includes pockets or cleats which receive filling media at the loading zone and deliver the filling media to the cavities at a discharge station along the feed path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmet Ercelebi, Martin T. Garthaffner, Barry S. Smith, Georgios D. Karles, Jose Nepomuceno
  • Publication number: 20120015788
    Abstract: A machine (100) for making composite filters (FA, FB), that is, filters consisting of at least two filter segments (S1, S2, S3, S4), comprises: a plurality of feed lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) supplying filter plugs (S1, S2, S3, S4; S1A, S1B, S2A, S2B) made of different materials and/or having different filtration properties; a conveying system (6) by which the plugs (S1, S2, S3, S4; S1A, S1B, S2A, S2B) are combined in such a way as to form and release a first succession and a second succession of filter groups (GA, GB) made of different materials and/or having different filtration properties, alternated one with another, each group (GA, GB) comprising a predetermined combination of filter plugs (S1, S2, S3, S4; S1A, S1B, S2A, S2B); a garniture tongue (2) with two channels (CA, CB) along which a first filter rod (BA) and a second filter rod (BB) are formed, the first rod (BA) and the second rod (BB) respectively comprising the first succession and the second succession of filter groups (GA, GB); cutting means (3) b
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: G.D S.p.A
    Inventors: Marco RIGHETTI, Giampaolo GIANESE, Massimo SARTONI
  • Publication number: 20120010059
    Abstract: In a machine and a method for manufacturing composite filters (F1, F2) for cigarettes or the like, a feed conveyor (S) supplies filter groups (G1, G2) in pairs to two respective feed lines (L1, L2) of a station (16) for forming two continuous filter rods (B1, B2); the machine (100) comprises at least one transfer device (DT) by which the filter groups (G1, G2) are taken up from the feed conveyor (S) and directed along the feed lines (L1, L2), and at least one release device (R), operating along the two feed lines (L1, L2), by which the two filter groups (G1, G2) are taken up from the transfer device (DT) and released in phase one with another along the selfsame feed lines (L1, L2); the rate at which the filter groups (G1, G2) are released by the release device (R) is governed according to the phase value of at least one of the continuous filter rods (B1, B2) relative to the cyclic cutting operation whereby the two filter rods (B1, B2) are cut transversally to make the composite filters (F1, F2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco RIGHETTI, Alberto STAGNI, Massimo SARTONI
  • Publication number: 20110290263
    Abstract: An apparatus and processes for producing compound cigarette filters by horizontally assembling multiple filter segments onto the horizontally oriented transverse flutes of a continuous belt. Spaced apart hoppers are serially arranged above the belt, and each hopper contains at least one of the multiple segments of the compound filter being assembled. A transfer structure between each hopper and the belt serially delivers the filter segments to the flutes on the belt, and after such assembly the various filter segments are removed as a group from each flute of the continuous belt. The filter segments are then combined as a group with wrapped tobacco rods to thereby produce filtered cigarettes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: MICHAEL S. BRAUNSHTEYN, Raquel M. Olegario
  • Patent number: 8047977
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter (10) for tobacco products with a first terminal filter element (12), a second terminal filter element (14), a middle filter element (16) which is located between first and second terminal filter element and contains a granular filter material, and a casing (20), one part of one of the terminal filter elements (12) being displaceable vis-à-vis the casing (20). The invention furthermore relates to smoking articles with such filters, filter strands with two or more of the filters, and processes and devices for the production of such filters and tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lauenstein, Dante M. Boido, Reynald M. Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 8047208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming two filters in a two-up configuration. The apparatus includes a feed wheel 18, an assembly wheel 20, a take-off wheel 22, and a flipping wheel 24. According to the method of the invention, tubes 10 are loaded from the feed wheel 18 to the assembly wheel 20 where one hollow end of the tubes is filled. The half-filled tubes 10? are then transferred to take-off wheel 22 and then to a flipping wheel 24 where the tubes are flipped. The half-filled and flipped tubes 10? are returned to vacant positions on the feed wheel and transferred back to the assembly wheel so that the remaining hollow ends can be filled. The filled tube 10?? is transferred to a take-off wheel 22, where it is then removed from the take off wheel 22 using a stripper and/or additional wheels for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, G. Robert Scott, Travis Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 7972254
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Publication number: 20110053745
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of capsules into cigarette filter tows is disclosed. The apparatus may include a tow processing unit, a capsule insertion unit and a filter rod making unit. The capsule insertion unit may include a hopper, a belt, an inlet pipe, a capsule feeder wheel and a capsule insertion wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Plamen Iliev, Bogdan Nikolov, Atanas Karaatanasov, Valentin Iliev, Dimitar Yanchev
  • Patent number: 7878962
    Abstract: Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the fluid within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Jeffrey Allen, Jose Nepomuceno
  • Patent number: 7878963
    Abstract: A smoking article filter includes a flow restrictor and a cavity downstream of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes an orifice or flow channel for directing smoke into the cavity. The filter is attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper and includes an air-admissible ventilating zone at a location downstream of the restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: San Li, Raquel Olegario, Mike Braunshteyn, Rowland W. Dwyer, Martin Garthaffner, Dwight Williams, Richard Jupe
  • Patent number: 7833146
    Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Philip Andrew Deal
  • Patent number: 7806817
    Abstract: A process for making a crimped tow of filaments suitable for forming a bale of crimped tow for conversion to cigarette filter rods comprising, presenting an uncrimped tow of filaments in a banded condition, adhesively bonding to the filaments of the banded tow (3), porous particles having absorbent surfaces imparting filtration capacity for tobacco smoke constituents, and crimping the banded tow, wherein the process comprises the steps, of: (i) pre-treating the particles to load them with a material capable of generating a gaseous emission from the particles thus forming pre-treated particles; (ii) applying to the filaments of the banded tow, the pre-treated particles and an adhesive for bonding the particles to the filaments; and subsequently (iii) treating the tow to generate the gaseous emission from the pre-treated particles so as to limit deactivation of the absorbent particle surfaces by the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Acetate Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig Day, John Travers
  • Patent number: 7793665
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Patent number: 7713184
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
  • Patent number: 7654945
    Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Philip Andrew Deal
  • Patent number: 7625328
    Abstract: A filter for a cigarette has an organic filtering portion defined by granules or fibres of active carbon and housed inside a cylindrical shell of plastic material; the shell is located between a portion of cellulose acetate, which is engaged orally by a user, and a cigarette portion, and has a bottom, contacting the portion of cellulose acetate and hermetically supporting a particulate trap for retaining fine particulate, and an end contacting the cigarette portion and closed by a plug of cellulose acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: G.D. Societa' per Azioni
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Draghetti, Ivan Eusepi, Armando Turrini, Vittorio Sgrignuoli, Leonardo Balletti