Abstract: A method and system for effecting sensory evaluations of smoking products are disclosed wherein a plurality of spaced points or segments are designated along an elongated body of smokable material and sensory evaluation panelists are requested to assign an intensity rating for one or more selected attributes as the fire cone reaches each of the spaced points or segments. In a preferred embodiment programmable computer means are employed to lead the sensory evaluation panelists through the evaluation procedure and to receive the assigned intensity ratings and other responses from the panelists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoking article which has the appearance of a conventional pipe. The pipe of the present invention is capable of producing substantial quantities of aerosol, preferably without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products.These and other advantages are obtained by providing a pipe which includes a disposable cartridge containing a short, i.e., less than about 30 mm long, preferably carbonaceous, fuel element, a physically separate aerosol generating means including an aerosol forming substance, and means for retaining the cartridge within the pipe bowl.

Abstract: Whole leaf tobacco can be processed to yield a sheet-like product which can be used to cut filler for the manufacture of cigarettes. Whole leaf tobacco including stem is shredded and contacted with a binding agent in dry form. The essentially dry mixture is shear agitated in the presence of moisture less than about 30 percent, based on the total weight of moisture, binding agent and tobacco. The divided tobacco is subjected to the high shear agitation in the presence of sufficient moisture to provide for activation of the binding agent. The sheared mixture is passed through a roller system to provide compressive treatment to the mixture. The processed mixture is further formed into a sheet-like shape. Tobacco material can be provided using low amounts of binding agent, using energy efficient processing steps, and without waste of tobacco material.

Abstract: Cigarette rods include four segments of smokable material. First and second segments are positioned at the extreme ends of the rod. The first segment is positioned at the end of the rod to be lit. A third segment is positioned adjacent the first segments, and a fourth segment is positioned adjacent the second segment. The density of the third segment is greater than the fourth segment. The first and second segments can be "dense ends" or "loose ends" relative to the respective adjacent segments.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes exhibiting a low amount of visible staining have a tobacco rod, an axially aligned filter element having a barrier region positioned on the back face thereof such that air and smoke traveling through the filter element exits the filter element towards the periphery thereof, and an axially aligned tubular mouthpiece element positioned in a spaced apart relationship with the filter element such that air and smoke exiting the filter element travels through the path of least resistance provided by the spaced apart region and the hollow region of the tube.

Abstract: A tax stamping machine for applying heat activated tax decals to the bottom of packs of cigarettes in cartons utilizes an adjustable carton guide channel having an offset section and a heated stamp bar having a plurality of selectable patterns of heated platens. The cigarette carton guide channel is adjustable in both width and depth so that various sizes of cigarette packs in cartons can be handled. A carton stop bar and reset latch assembly are used to halt the travel of hand fed cartons along the guide channel while tax stamps or decals are applied to the packs within the cartons.

Abstract: A dry pre-mix is provided whereby a moist snuff can be prepared by addition of water. The pre-mix consists of a mixture of snuff-type tobaccos, cut to a predetermined size and having a moisture level between 6% and 16%.

Abstract: A smoking article in the form of a filter cigarette can have adjustable air dilution provided by alignment of perforations in the paper wrap of the tobacco rod, a band circumscribing the rod, and the tipping paper. The band is attached to the rod and the tipping is movable relative thereto. Perforations extending about a portion of the circumferential distance around the smoking article allow the user to adjust the setting to low or high air dilution.

Abstract: A device for delivering flavor utilizing a flavor carrier in powdered form. A preferred embodiment of the system may resemble a conventional cigarette, and includes an overwrap defining a path of airflow through the device, a chamber containing particulate matter, and a means for entraining the particulate matter in the airflow. The overwrap may be a tube, resembling a conventional cigarette in appearance, feel, and draft. A means for entraining the particulate matter may be an intake flow limiter having a passage therein which causes a thin stream of high-velocity air to impinge upon the particulate matter, entraining it in the airflow. Alternately, the entraining means may be a series of baffles or similar components which produce a turbulent airflow, thus entraining the particulate matter. Output means are also provided for eliminating stoppages and for delivering the airflow, with particulate matter entrained therein, to the user.

Abstract: A smoking article such as a filter cigarette can have an adjustable delivery air dilution while exhibiting a reduced pressure drop decrease during air dilution thereof. The pressure drop decrease is controlled during various stages of air dilution by providing a mouthpiece which exhibits greater effective length at a low or non-air dilution setting than at a high air dilution setting. Filter cigarettes of this invention are capable of exhibiting a somewhat constant smoking character at various air dilution levels.

Abstract: A smoking article such as a filter cigarette can have an adjustable delivery air dilution while exhibiting a reduced pressure drop decrease during air dilution thereof. The pressure drop decrease is controlled during various stages of air dilution by positioning the structure for greatest air dilution on the cigarette a greater distance from the extreme mouthend of the cigarette relative to the structure for least air dilution. Filter cigarettes of this invention are capable of exhibiting a somewhat constant smoking character at various air dilution levels.

Abstract: A process for reclaiming tobacco comprises providing tobacco material including relatively large fibrous forming tobacco leaf stem material, passing the tobacco through a pressurized roller system, and forming a reclaimed tobacco material under pressure. Tobacco stems, fines, dust and waste can be reconstituted in strand form or sheet-like form using a process which utilizes relatively low amounts of moisture.

Abstract: A smoking product having an improved flavor is prepared by applying a naturally occurring terpenoid glycoside sweetener to the portion of the product that is intended to be contacted by the smoker's lips.

Abstract: A smoking article which delivers to a smoker during each puff a flowstream having a higher concentration of smoke during the first portion of the puff and a lower concentration of smoke during the remainder of the puff.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is proposed according to which a tobacco mass is proportioned for primary processing. The system and method provide for a controlled selection handling and proportioning of the tobacco mass, and for conditioning of the tobacco mass before further primary processing. The apparatus provides for conditioning an entire tobacco mass or for selected proportioning of the tobacco mass into smaller predetermined portions prior to conditioning. The system and method allow for blending different types of tobacco masses while utilizing the proportioning apparatus on selected tobacco masses.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed which employs an air washer for treating variable volumes of air moving through the air washer per unit of time. The air washer includes a moisture eliminator that is provided with means for changing its effective face area in response to changes in the volume of air moving through the air washer per unit of time.

Abstract: A carton flap folding assembly, particularly intended for use with single tuck flap cigarette cartons, uses a hinged upper plate provided with vacuum ports to elevate a major carton face. A lower tucker blade raises the flap face of the single carton flap and an upper tucker blade, which is carried at the end of a rotatable upper tucker arm, folds or tucks a flap edge portion of the single flap into the space between the surface of the upper cigarette pack row and the elevated major carton face. The upper tucker blade and arm are rotated out of the space in the carton while the upper hinge plate lowers the major carton face and releases it. The flap edge of the single tuck face is thereby held between the pack surface and the carton wall to close the carton.

Abstract: An adjustable shelf assembly intended primarily for use with a rack having a plurality of spaced, slotted generally vertical uprights is disclosed. The adjustable shelf assembly includes a generally planar rectangular shelf pan to which are secured front and rear shelf support tabs. The tabs at the rear of the shelf are fixed while those at the front are slideable forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the shelf pan. An actuator button is provided for each of the slideable shelf support tabs which are biased forwardly by coil springs. Rearward force applied to the actuator buttons causes the slideable forward shelf tabs to move to the rear so that the shelf can be disconnected from the rack frame.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to delaminate farmer's bales of tobacco. The apparatus includes a bed and a delamination chamber and is carried on wheels for portability. Within the delamination chamber, a farmer's bale is gripped by structure which feeds the bale at a uniform, controlled, and selected rate. The structure may include combinations of rollers, belts, or the like. Delamination is accomplished by engaging the bale with a delamination knife in a direction parallel to the lamina and slicing the bale into portions of suitable size for further processing.

Abstract: A composition for use in smoking products is prepared from thermally degraded tobacco plant materials and a water-soluble polysaccharide gum.