Patents Assigned to Reynolds
  • Patent number: 12089628
    Abstract: A smoking article is provided, having opposed lighting and mouth ends, and including a mouth end portion at the mouth end. A tobacco portion is between the lighting end and the mouth end portion. An aerosol-generation system is between the lighting end and the tobacco portion. The aerosol-generation system includes a heat generation portion, comprising an elongate fluted member actuated by ignition of the lighting end. The fluted member defines grooves extending longitudinally between opposed first and second ends, with the first end being at the lighting end and the grooves being equidistantly spaced apart about the fluted member. Each groove has a maximum depth. The depth maxima of the grooves define a circle having a radius. The maximum depth of each groove is no more than the radius of the circle. A heat generation apparatus for an aerosol-generation system of a smoking article is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Billy Tyrone Conner, Timothy Franklin Tilley
  • Patent number: 12082607
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an aerosol delivery device and a holder for use with a removable substrate cartridge. In one implementation, the holder may include first and second body portions that may be rotatably attached at a hinge feature and that may define respective first and second ends. One or more of the first or second body portions may define a receiving compartment proximate a distal end thereof that is configured to receive the removable cartridge, and one or more of the first or second body portions may define an aerosol passage extending from the receiving compartment through the first end thereof. One or more of the first or second body portions may be configured to rotate relative to the other portion to and from an open position, in which the receiving compartment is accessible, and a closed position, in which the receiving compartment is substantially enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Billy T Conner, Thaddeus Jackson, Edmond Strother Smith, III
  • Patent number: 12077518
    Abstract: The invention provides certain nicotine salts, co-crystals, and salt co-crystals and provides novel polymorphic forms of certain nicotine salts. In particular, nicotine salts with orotic acid are described. The invention further provides methods of preparation and characterization of such nicotine salts. In addition, tobacco products, including smoking articles, smokeless tobacco products, and electronic smoking articles comprising nicotine salts, co-crystals, and/or salt co-crystals are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Gary M. Dull, Andrew Carr, Emma Sharp
  • Patent number: 12075819
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for use with an aerosol delivery device. In some implementations, the aerosol delivery device may comprise a holder, and a cartridge comprising an outer housing, a heat portion comprising a heat source, and a substrate portion comprising a substrate material including an aerosol precursor composition. The outer housing may comprise a heat end and a substrate end, wherein at least one of the ends of the outer housing includes at least one opening, and wherein the cartridge is configured to be removable and replaceable within the holder. Some implementations may include an intermediate housing, wherein the heat portion and the substrate portion are contained within the intermediate housing. Other implementations may include an inner housing, wherein an inner chamber is defined within the inner housing and an outer chamber is defined between the inner and outer housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Keri Meggan Cox, Jason Lee Wood
  • Patent number: 12065681
    Abstract: Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenase (RuBisCO) protein fibers and a method of producing them are disclosed herein. The method of producing one or more RuBisCO protein fibers including obtaining RuBisCO, tbr example from tobacco, combining the RuBisCO with one or more plasticizers, heating the combination of the RuBisCO and the one or more plasticizers up to about 140 degrees C., filtering the heated combination through an about 20 ?m filter, and passing the filtered combination through an orifice to produce one or more RuBisCO protein fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries Don Sebastian, John Paul Mua, David Neil McClanahan, Sammy Eni Eni, Thaddeus J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 12059021
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of nicotine and may have other benefits, e.g., lightening the color of the protein-enriched extracts. The methods generally include treatment with peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide and filtrations. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the Nicotiana species, wherein the protein composition is characterized by relatively low nicotine content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Kyle Ford, John-Paul Mua, Nicholas Partain, Joshua D. Morton, Barry Bratcher
  • Patent number: 12048321
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco pastille configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco pastille can include (i) a tobacco material present in an amount of less than about 40 dry weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the pastille; (ii) at least one natural gum binder present in an amount of at least about 25 dry weight percent; and (iii) a plurality of sugar alcohols present in a total amount of at least about 40 dry weight percent, the predominant component of the plurality of sugar alcohols being isomalt or erythritol, wherein the shape of the smokeless tobacco pastille is moldable in the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Marshall, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, Serban C. Moldoveanu
  • Patent number: 12048325
    Abstract: An aerosol-generation system for a smoking article comprises an aerosol-generating segment and a heat generation segment. The heat generation segment has a length and includes a heat source. The aerosol-generation system for a smoking article also comprises an insulator having at least a portion extending beyond the second end of the heat source, such that the portion is axially arranged in a lengthwise direction proximate to the aerosol-generating segment. Each segment is physically separate and in a heat exchange relationship. The heat source comprises a carbonaceous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Stephen Benson Sears, Joanne Naomi Taylor
  • Patent number: 12022859
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides thermal energy absorbers for use in smoking articles. In an example embodiment, the smoking article may comprise an outer wrap circumscribing at least a portion of the smoking article, wherein the smoking article is defined by an upstream lighting end and a downstream mouth end, a carbon heat source positioned proximate the lighting end, a tobacco material positioned downstream of the carbon heat source and spatially separated from the mouth end of the smoking article, and a thermal energy absorber at least partially positioned between the tobacco material and the carbon heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Vahid Hejazi, Yi-Ping Chang, Luis Monsalud, Darrell Williams, Billy T. Conner, Karen Cleckley
  • Patent number: 12011511
    Abstract: A lighting fixture containing both visible light sources and UV light sources is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the fixture is an overhead fixture. UV light can sanitize/disinfect the surrounding environment over a period of about 30-45 minutes. In this way, viruses, germs, bacteria, mold, and the like can be destroyed to clean the air and/or surfaces (e.g., furniture) of the room exposed to UV light. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a physical input device, such as a wall-mounted button, switch, or wireless device, that can safely and efficiently activate a lighting assembly to produce UV light in a way that protects occupants from unintentional exposure to UV light. This configuration is especially useful in situations where the use of UV light is regulated, such as in a hospital setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: CH Reynolds Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Reynolds, Mark Hiura
  • Patent number: 12006636
    Abstract: A method of making a package including forming a moisture barrier coated paper material that includes a moisture barrier coated paper material including a base substrate, a first polymer coating, a second polymer coating, and a third polymer coating, the first polymer coating, the second polymer coating, and the third polymer coating applied over a first side of the base substrate, the first polymer coating, the second polymer coating, and the third polymer coating providing a barrier for moisture and air exchange through the paper material, the first polymer coating, the second polymer coating, and the third polymer coating providing heat and pressure sealability capabilities to the paper material, cutting a packaging blank from the paper material; folding the packaging blank into the package, and sealing the package by providing heat and pressure to overlapped portions of the paper material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Craig T. Demarest, Percy D. Phillips, Michael F. Davis, Pankaj C. Patel
  • Patent number: 11957163
    Abstract: The invention provides an article, such as an aerosol-generating smoking article that does not combust tobacco, that includes a tobacco rod and a filter element connected to the tobacco rod, the filter element having an end proximal to the tobacco rod and an end distal from the tobacco rod, wherein the filter element includes a first section of filter material and a second section of filter material, and further includes a smoke-altering flavorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Steven Lee Alderman, Leigh Ann Blevins Joyce, Stephen Benson Sears, Kenneth Allen Beard, Timothy Brian Nestor
  • Patent number: 11932471
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Ryan Bailey, John Anthony Gelardi
  • Patent number: 11918027
    Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes a sugar material containing an entrapped gaseous component, such that release of the entrapped gaseous component occurs upon dissolution of the sugar material in the oral cavity. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves mixing a tobacco material with an effervescent material, the mixing step including either admixing a granulated composition comprising a tobacco material with a gasified sugar material in particulate form, or forming a gasified sugar material in situ by mixing a water source with a molten composition comprising a tobacco material and a sugar alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John-Paul Mua, Eric Taylor Hunt
  • Patent number: 11918036
    Abstract: A biodegradable bi-component fiber may include a polyhydroxyalkanoate and/or polylactic acid with cellulose acetate and/or plasticized cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for use in a filter of a smoking article. The bi-component fiber may have a sheath-core construction where one component of the bi-component forms the core, and the other component forms the sheath of each fiber. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Alan B. Norman, Leigh Ann Joyce, Huamin Gan
  • Patent number: 11896030
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of one or more of ash, metal salts, alkaloids, particulates, heavy metals, and other impurities and/or contaminants from extracts, as well as modifying the sensory characteristics (e.g., odor, color, and/or taste characteristics) of extracts. The methods generally include diafiltration, treatment with functionalized resins, and supercritical extraction. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the Nicotiana species, wherein the protein composition is characterized by one or more of: an ash content of less than about 15% by weight; a nicotine content of less than about 10 ?g/g, and a heavy metal content of less than about 60 ?g/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Anthony Richard Gerardi, Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, Thaddeus Jude Jackson, Chelsea Allison Cooke, John-Paul Mua, Kyle Ford
  • Patent number: 11891364
    Abstract: Methods of selectively forming substituted pyrazines are provided. Methods of the present invention can include receiving a reaction solution including at least one carbon source and at least one nitrogen source, and heating the reaction solution to a reaction temperature and holding the reaction solution at the reaction temperature for a time sufficient to produce a reaction product comprising at least one substituted pyrazine. The carbon source can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ketone(s), sugar(s) treated with at least one buffer, and combinations thereof. Tobacco products incorporating substituted pyrazines are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, William Monroe Coleman, III
  • Patent number: 11885091
    Abstract: A connection device for fastening two expanded cellular confinement structures includes: an insertion member; an integral shank extending perpendicular from the insertion member; and an integral handle member extending perpendicular from the shank at an end of the shank remote from the insertion member. One or more barbs may project from the insertion member. The device can have a washer section between the handle member and insertion member. The handle can be curved, or it can be in the shape of a polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Dickey, Bryan Scott Wedin, Cory Scott Schneider, Katie Lynn Bouchard, Joseph Paul George, Jennifer Ann Vander Linden
  • Patent number: 11873607
    Abstract: Provided herein is a tobacco packaging material, comprising a paper material coated with at least one polymer layer. The polymer layer comprises at least one repulpable polymer, and wherein the tobacco packaging material has a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) that is at least 90% lower than the paper material. Further provided is a tobacco package comprising the tobacco packaging material, wherein the tobacco package is substantially free of any foil inner liner or polypropylene film. Further described is a method for making the tobacco packaging material, comprising extrusion coating at least one repulpable polymer onto a paper material to form a polymer layer, and optionally further depositing at least one atomic layer deposition (ALD) layer that comprises a metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries Don Sebastian, Pankaj Patel, Bruce Bengtsson, Stephanie A. Whittington, Erkki Mikael Salo, Tero Tapani Malm
  • Patent number: D1039957
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Dickey, Bryan Scott Wedin, Cory Scott Schneider, Katie Lynn Bouchard, Joseph Paul George, Jennifer Ann Vander Linden