Patents Examined by Katherine Will
  • Patent number: 10609951
    Abstract: A method for producing a flavor source that supports an inhaling flavor component contained in a tobacco raw material, comprises: step A of performing an alkali treatment on the tobacco raw material; and step B of arranging an alkali-treated tobacco raw material and a flavor base material configured by non-tobacco material within a same space in such a way that the alkali-treated tobacco raw material and the flavor base material are maintained in a non-contacting state, thereby inducing the flavor base material to support the inhaling flavor component emitted as a vapor phase from the tobacco raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Takuma Nakano, Keiko Fujii, Kimitaka Uchii, Manabu Yamada
  • Patent number: 10595554
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of extracting and isolating certain compounds from tobacco. The resulting isolate can include more than 90% by weight of a given compound and can be used as a flavor component for tobacco material used in smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions. Exemplary compounds that may be present in the isolate according to the invention include, but are not limited to, solanone, neophytadiene, megastigmatrienone, ?-damascenone, norsolanadione, cis-abienol, ?-cembratrienediol, ?-cembratrienediol, sucrose esters, and lutein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Michael Francis Dube
  • Patent number: 10575551
    Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of machine-made tobacco rods for use in the production of smoking articles, such as cigars, from tobacco comprising a tacky material. The apparatus includes a pair of transfer and compression belts for receiving and compressing the stream of tobacco, the transfer and compression; a pair of squeeze bars for compressing the tobacco in a direction perpendicular to the pair of transfer and compression belts, the pair of squeeze bars produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); a tongue for receiving the compressed tobacco, the tongue produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); and a folder for folding a wrapper material around the compressed tobacco so as to form a continuous rod of tobacco, the wrapper material provided from a source of wrapper material, the folder produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Dwight D. Williams, Mark A. Derigo, Gerald M. Dale, Charles David Howe
  • Patent number: 10563253
    Abstract: A cartridge interface module (CIM), configured to engage with a removable microfluidic cartridge in a nucleic acid analyzer system can include a fluidics component, which is configured to initiate and support a liquid extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample contained in the removable microfluidic cartridge. The CIM also includes a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assembly component which can be configured to initiate and support amplification of the extracted nucleic acids. The CIM may also include a high voltage electrodes component that is configured to initiate and support separation of the amplified nucleic acids into nucleic acid fragments in a separation channel of the removable microfluidic cartridge. The CIM also includes a detection optics component that can be configured to collect, detect, and direct label nucleic acid fragments. The CIM is configured to integrate with a microfluidic chip architecture of an inserted removable microfluidic cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Edward Egan, Orion N. Scott, James Landers, Douglas J. South, Brian E. Root
  • Patent number: 10555554
    Abstract: A simulated cigarette having a generally cylindrical cigarette like housing with a main axis, the housing containing a reservoir of a pressurised inhalable composition. The reservoir has a reservoir outlet at one end which is selectively closed by an outlet valve. The simulated cigarette further comprises a tube with a through bore extending along a substantial portion of the reservoir from the vicinity of the reservoir outlet such that composition flows into a tube bore inlet and along the tube bore to the reservoir outlet. The tube inlet end is retained such that the axis passes through the inlet end and so that the tube bore inlet is positioned in the axial sense in the central 50% of the volume of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: KIND CONSUMER LIMITED
    Inventors: Alex Hearn, Ritika Gupta, Rene Mauricio Gonzalez Campos, Khine Zaw Nyein
  • Patent number: 10537140
    Abstract: A recharging case for a vaporization device includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end. A first channel in the body has an opening at the proximal end, and a terminal end near to the distal end. At the terminal end a charging component is configured to connect to a charging connector of a vaporization device inserted in the first channel and charge the vaporization device from an integrated power source in the body. A second channel in the body may store additional cartridges for use with a vaporization device inserted in the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Refuul, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Seidenfeld, Cole Connolly
  • Patent number: 10524499
    Abstract: A backing with corrugations on a first surface. The corrugations are parallel and each has an airspace along an entire longitudinal length. A second surface of the backing includes perforations or scores oriented perpendicularly or parallel to the corrugations. The corrugations or scores are fold lines or frangible tear lines. The airspaces may also include a filter material. The second surface of the backing may be adhered to a corner of a rolling paper on the surface but opposite edge as a gum strip. The corrugations are parallel to the gum strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph M Wander
  • Patent number: 10501354
    Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous solution (A) derived from a method of producing a compound with the formula (I): (I) wherein R1 and R2 are identical or different and are chosen from among hydrogen and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein R1 and R2 together form a methylene group, and wherein R3, R4, R5 and R6, which are independently identical or different, are chosen from among: a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group (—OH), an alkoxy group (—OR), an alcohol group (—ROH), an aldehyde group (—CHO), a ketone group (—C(?O)R), an acid group (—COOH), a nitrile group (—CN), a C1-C6 alkyl chain, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, potentially comprising one or a plurality of substitutes in a terminal or lateral position or one or more functions in said alkyl chain, R being a C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the aqueous solution (A) comprises at least one sulfate salt SO42? (S) rendered soluble and at least one aromatic organic compound (O) formed during the method for producing the compound (I), and wherein the process comprises at least
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Laurent Garel, Bertrand Satier
  • Patent number: 10494523
    Abstract: Powder blends are described comprising blends of particulate water soluble high molecular weight polymer flocculants. The polymer flocculants can include polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, copolymers thereof and combinations thereof. The powder blends allows the use of fine powders while reducing potential air quality and safety issues. The powder blends can be used for waste water purification, fiber dewatering, and the like. The powder blends can be diluted by a water dilution flow prior to entering a waste water stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: PSMG, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Holt
  • Patent number: 10485263
    Abstract: A tobacco hopper that may be used with commercially available tobacco rolling machines. More specifically, this disclosure relates to tobacco hoppers that can be made from precut assembly kits, paper kits, cardboard kits, or other elements or material. The tobacco hopper may be position on or to the side of commercially available tobacco rolling machine. In some embodiments the tobacco hopper may be easily disposed after multiple uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Cordell E. Ebeling
  • Patent number: 10470493
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a self-extinguishing smoke device. In embodiments, the self-extinguishing smoke device may include an upper portion and a lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Gary Trainer
  • Patent number: 10455858
    Abstract: There is provided a heated aerosol-generating article for producing an inhalable aerosol, the article including an aerosol-forming substrate that is a homogenized tobacco material including tobacco and a wax having a melting point between 50° C. and 150° C., a total content of wax in the homogenized tobacco material being between 5 weight percent and 15 weight percent on a dry weight basis, and the wax being evenly distributed within the homogenized tobacco material. A homogenized tobacco material and a method of making a homogenized tobacco material are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Corinne Deforel, Marine Jarriault
  • Patent number: 10448668
    Abstract: A portable smoking instrument comprising a cigarette bar internally provided with an inner cavity allowing a cigarette to be inserted therein and an ash storage part separately connected with the cigarette bar, wherein both ends of the inner cavity are communicated with the outside, and a through hole communicated with the inner cavity is formed in the surface of the cigarette bar; the ash storage part is provided with an ash storage inner cavity communicated with the inner cavity of the cigarette bar. The portable smoking instrument is convenient to use and operate and can be applied and promoted easily, thereby preventing negative influences of smoking on environmental sanitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Li Gao Xiong
  • Patent number: 10440984
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a plurality of uniform cigarettes that uses air current and a vacuum to move and pack plant matter into pre-rolled cigarette papers is provided. Such an apparatus includes an air current generator with an air outlet portion and an air intake portion, a channel configured to channel air current from the air outlet portion of the air current generator, means for holding at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel so that air current generated by the air current generator passes through all pre-rolled papers, and an opening configured to receive organic leafy material and introduce the organic leafy material received into the channel. Airflow from the air current generator provides organic leafy material to the opening, the channel, and the at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Banana Bros, LLC
    Inventors: David Richmond, Howard Richmond, Manuel A. Montano, Jeffery Kunkler
  • Patent number: 10448456
    Abstract: A compact electronic vaporizer is provided herein with a concealable articulating vaporizer pen for vaporization of liquids that articulates between a closed position inside a protective case and an open position outside of the protective case. The protective case contains a deployable power adaptor configured to charge a battery. The battery may be activated by a battery switch within the protective case. A push button on the exterior of the protective case simultaneously articulates the concealable articulating vaporizer pen and activates the battery switch on the battery to turn on the vaporizer. The vaporizer includes a variable voltage controller configured to select a variable voltage of the battery, providing an improved vaporization experience as the user can select an optimum voltage at which to vaporize. The vaporizer is configured for right-handed users and contains a mouthpiece with round-tip opening to provide for more convenient and ergonomic vaporization by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DES PRODUCTS LTD
    Inventor: Dana E. Shoched
  • Patent number: 10433578
    Abstract: There is provided a filter (103) for a smoking article (100). The filter (103) comprises a filter segment (201) comprising filter material, and the filter segment (201) has a cross sectional area measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter (103). The filter further comprises a flavor delivery member (205) embedded in the filter segment (201) and surrounded on all sides by the filter material (203). The flavor delivery member (205) comprises structural material enclosing liquid flavorant for flavoring smoke during smoking of a smoking article provided with the filter (103), and the flavor delivery member (205) releases at least a portion of the liquid flavorant when the filter (103) is subjected to external force. The cross sectional area of the flavor delivery member (205) measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the filter (103) is about 30% of the cross sectional area of the filter segment (201) or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Yves Jordil
  • Patent number: 10421678
    Abstract: Embodiments described methods, systems and apparatuses to utilize a plurality of membrane cartridges and a housing frame comprising a lightweight corrosion resistant material (e.g., non-corrosive metals, non-corrosive composites such as PVC, HDPE and FRP). The anti-corrosive properties of said frame allow of it to be re-used (e.g., with replaced MBR filters). Said MBR frame may be used in a single function or multi-function wastewater treatment container. Said container may also include a corrosion resistant liner coupled to interior portions of each of the base and side walls of the basin, an inlet to receive wastewater treatment influent into the basin, and an outlet to output wastewater treatment process material from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Liberty Evans, LLC
    Inventors: James Philip Reilly, Victoria Ann Jelderks
  • Patent number: 10420372
    Abstract: A non-combustion-type flavor inhaler is provided with: a heat source which has a plate-like shape having a pair of main surfaces; a flavor generation source having a plate-like shape having a pair of main surfaces; and a holder for receiving both the heat source and the flavor generation source. The heat source and the flavor generation source are stacked on each other within the holder in such a manner that one of the main surfaces of the heat source and one of the main surfaces of the flavor generation source face each other. The flavor generation source has: an introduction region for introducing air into the flavor generation source; and a delivery region for delivering air from the inside of the flavor generation source. The introduction region and the delivery region are provided on the surfaces of the flavor generation source, which are other than the main surface which faces the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Akihiko Suzuki, Kimitaka Uchii, Takashi Hasegawa, Manabu Yamada
  • Patent number: 10412990
    Abstract: A smoking article and method of manufacture provides a sheet of smokable material having a plurality of edges. One or more score or cuts are made in the sheet that each extend a partial distance from a first said edge toward a second said edge, the score or cut separating large and small sections of the sheet. A hinge is defined by a portion of the sheet of smokable material that is next to a score or cut, said hinge joining the large section to the small section. A conically shaped form is provided for shaping the sheet. The form has an outer surface, a large diameter end, a small diameter end, and a cavity that extends to said small diameter end. Corrugations on the small section of the sheet enable the small section to be fitted into the cavity via the small diameter end. The hinge enables the sheet to fold when the small section occupies the cavity in an assembled position wherein the large section is wrapped around the form outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr., Charles Bachmann, Pedro Almonte
  • Patent number: 10412993
    Abstract: A cigar holder assembly includes a filter holder that includes: a first filter holder piece having a first end to connect to a smoking machine and a second end, and a second filter holder piece having a first end and a second end, a first opening extending axially into the first end and a second opening extending axially into the second end, and the second end of the first filter holder piece and the first end of the second filter holder piece fit together. The assembly includes a cigar holder having a first end and a second end to receive a cigar, and the second end of the second filter holder piece and the first end of the cigar holder fit together; and a seal has an opening that extends through its entire thickness, the seal configured to fit in the opening in the first end of the cigar holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Matthew S. Melvin, Karl A. Wagner, Dariusz Masiarz