Abstract: A filter for a smoking article comprises a mouth end filter segment and a rod end filter segment. The rod end filter segment has a passage extending longitudinally therethrough. The passage has a diameter of about 1.0 mm or greater. In one embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of an infinite pressure drop material. In another embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of a low pressure drop material having a hollow tubular element disposed within to define the passage with an inner diameter greater than about 1.55 mm. Air dilution means are disposed in one of said filter segments to admit ventilating air into the filter.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article comprises a mouth end filter segment and a rod end filter segment. The rod end filter segment has a passage extending longitudinally therethrough. The passage has a diameter of about 1.0 mm or greater. In one embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of an infinite pressure drop material. In another embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of a low pressure drop material having a hollow tubular element disposed within to define the passage with an inner diameter greater than about 1.55 mm. Air dilution means are disposed in one of said filter segments to admit ventilating air into the filter.

Abstract: Method of applying phase transition substance to impart reduced ignition propensity to a smoking article comprising a tobacco column and a wrapper surrounding the tobacco column and having a porous structure with a base permeability. The method comprising forming a pattern of phase transition material on the wrapper such that, when subjected to the heat of the tobacco column burning firecone, the phase transition material at least partially fills the wrapper porous structure in the vicinity of the burning firecone to form an area on the wrapper having reduced permeability lower than that of the wrapper base permeability. The reduced permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the burning firecone imparts reduced ignition propensity such that there is insufficient air flow to sustain combustion of the firecone or insufficient air flow to sustain an intensity of the burning firecone necessary to ignite the substrate.

Abstract: A method for imparting reduced ignition propensity properties to a smoking article by treating the smoking article wrapper with a phase transition substance which, upon being subjected to the heat of the smoking article burning firecone, physically transforms and at least partially fills the pores of the smoking article wrapper to reduce the permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the burning firecone. The reduced permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the firecone will permit sufficient air flow to sustain free burn, but, when the smoking article is placed on a substrate, the reduced permeability of the wrapper imparts reduced ignition propensity such that there is insufficient air flow to sustain combustion of the firecone or insufficient air flow to sustain an intensity of the burning firecone necessary to ignite the substrate.

Abstract: Method of applying phase transition substance to impart reduced ignition propensity to a smoking article comprising a tobacco column and a wrapper surrounding the tobacco column and having a porous structure with a base permeability. The method comprising forming a pattern of phase transition material on the wrapper such that, when subjected to the heat of the tobacco column burning firecone, the phase transition material at least partially fills the wrapper porous structure in the vicinity of the burning firecone to form an area on the wrapper having reduced permeability lower than that of the wrapper base permeability. The reduced permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the burning firecone imparts reduced ignition propensity such that there is insufficient air flow to sustain combustion of the firecone or insufficient air flow to sustain an intensity of the burning firecone necessary to ignite the substrate.

Abstract: A composition for imparting reduced ignition propensity properties to a smoking article by treating the smoking article wrapper. The composition comprising at least one phase transition substance which, upon being subjected to the heat of the smoking article burning firecone, physically transforms and at least partially fills the pores of the smoking article wrapper to reduce the permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the burning firecone. The reduced permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the firecone will permit sufficient air flow to sustain free burn, but, when the smoking article is placed on a substrate, the reduced permeability of the wrapper imparts reduced ignition propensity such that there is insufficient air flow to sustain combustion of the firecone or insufficient air flow to sustain an intensity of the burning firecone necessary to ignite the substrate.

Abstract: A cigarette comprises a hollow rod for directing smoke and air from the lit end of the cigarette to a filter located at the mouth end of the cigarette. The rod is formed of tobacco material and/or other carbonaceous material, together with a binder and preferably an organic or inorganic salt. In one embodiment, the rod is a low density rod, which when lit burns in an inverted fire cone. In a second embodiment, a thin-walled rod is surrounded by a column of leaf tobacco. The thin-walled rod includes a salt, preferably calcium carbonate, in an amount preferably between 25% and 45%, which increases the combustion temperature. It also preferably is perforated to allow smoke generated in the tobacco column to be drawn into the hollow center passage. In either embodiment, the amount of wet particulate matter is reduced due to the improved combustion characteristics.

Abstract: In a machine having rotating components, in which a substance is processed in continuous form, a sensor generates signals representative of the instantaneous supply rate of the substance at one or more selected locations in the machine. A processor performs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis on such signals, to determine the amplitude harmonic value at each frequency over a spectrum of frequencies. The measured FFT values are compared to reference values at the corresponding frequencies in order to identify out-of-spec values and generate an error signal. Preferably also, the processor matches the frequency corresponding to the out-of-spec amplitude to a corresponding harmonic frequency value of one of the rotating machine components.

Abstract: An economically advantageous method is disclosed for the preparation without added solvent of a carbocyclic ether having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms in the ring of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is a straight or branched (C.sub.3 -C.sub.6) chain alkyl group or a benzyl group and n is from 5-11 carbon atoms, which method comprises: (1) reacting under an inert atmosphere a mixture consisting essentially of a carbocyclic alcohol of the formula ##STR2## wherein n is from 5-11 carbon atoms, about 1.5-10 molar equivalents of a straight or branch (C.sub.3 -C.sub.6) chain alkyl halide or benzyl halide and a metal hydride.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, which are utilized in cigarette making machinery, for applying starch paste for sealing the edges of cigarette paper includes a pencil paster nozzle, means for supplying starch paste under pressure, and a high precision metering pump for regulating the flow of paste to the nozzle. The metering pump operates as a function of line speed.

Abstract: A sortation system for separating products such as returned cigarette packs. A conveyor system moves the products in a predetermined orientation and minimum spacing past a bar code reader. A turnstile device contains a plurality of diverting bars which are selectively rotatable across the conveyor path in either direction to eject selected products either to the right or left as desired. A processor controls the turnstile device based upon bar code information to separate selected products and to allow the remaining products to remain on the conveyor.

Abstract: A disinfestation system for agricultural products, for example recovered tobacco, comprises a disinfestation unit which is releasably connected to plural containers. The disinfestation unit supplies a disinfestation gas (CO.sub.2) through the conduit means to the container, and periodically withdraws sample gas from said container. A thermal conductivity detector produces an electrical signal representation of the level of CO.sub.2 in the container, which is supplied, along with a temperature dependent signal, to a computer. The processor controls the introduction of additional CO.sub.2 throughout the process. Preferably, the system also includes heater elements, and the processor generates control signals for controlling temperature in the container. The computer controls the disinfestation process of multiple containers such multiple disinfestation processes can be carried out simultaneously.

Abstract: This invention is a novel synthesis of 4-and 5-ketocarboxylic acids which includes the reaction of the appropriate delta- or gamma-lactone with a chromosulfuric acid solution and separating the 4- or 5-ketocarboxylic acid product from the reduced solution.

Abstract: A device for detecting loose ends in tobacco articles such as cigarettes comprises a stationary cam for positioning the articles prior to reaching a flat sensor surface. A pair of concentric electrodes are arranged on the sensor surface for generating an electric field. Cigarettes are moved through the field so as to create a field disturbance. Deviations from a predetermined field disturbance indicate that a cigarette is defective. A piece of thin glass, of about 5.5 mils, covers the sensor surface and is adhered thereto to protect against wear. Compared to surface protecting members previously used, the glass member significantly extends the wear life of the sensor, improves the sensitivity of the device, improves detection accuracy, and eliminates the need for daily readjustment of the field.