Abstract: A golf swing training device for teaching a golfer the proper swing plane, including an elongated shaft member which is positioned in the ground next to the golfer during the execution of a golf swing, and an obstruction which is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The obstruction interferes with the club as it is swung in the backswing and deflects the club upwardly to the proper position at the top of the backswing. The downswing is made inside the elongated shaft to ensure a proper inside-out swing plane.

Abstract: The play feature of the invention consists of a ball projecting mechanism mounted for rotary motion about an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the playfield. When a ball enters the projecting mechanism, a motor is activated which rotates the projecting mechanism about the axis. The player, by pressing a button, can control when the projecting means is fired thereby to control the direction of travel of the ball. A series of play features can be located at a position on the playfield spaced from the projecting mechanism to provide targets for the player.

Abstract: Flavor-carrying microporous polymer material is incorporated with a cigarette filter to release flavor into the smoke-stream during smoking of the cigarette.

Abstract: Packed tobacco leaves are pretreated by microwave generators with control sensors preliminary to separation.

Abstract: A cigarette has a front tobacco-containing part composed of a tubular member of cigarette paper and a tobacco filler, a rear part extending rearwardly from the front part and having a filter, and a tubular coating extending around at least one fourth of the length of the front part from the rear end of the latter, so as to extinguish the cigarette when the flame reaches this region and prevent smoking of the cigarette in this region. The tubular coating is formed of one piece with a tubular connector which connects the filter with the tobacco-containing part of the cigarette.

Abstract: A cigarette rod making machine wherein the trimming device is movable toward or away from the suction conveyor on which the tobacco stream is formed so as to remove larger or smaller quantities of excess tobacco and to thereby influence the density of the resulting filler. The sidewalls of the tobacco channel which confines the tobacco stream on the suction conveyor have portions which are immediately adjacent to the trimming device and are movable therewith relative to the suction conveyor so that the positions of such portions of the sidewalls relative to the trimming device remain unchanged in all positions of the trimming device. The disc-shaped members establish a boundary between the excess of tobacco and the tobacco which is to form the filler, and the excess is removed by a rotary brush.

Abstract: A cigarette-making machine having a main tobacco supply unit; a descending chimney for shredded tobacco, said descending chimney extending downwards from the main tobacco supply unit; an intermediate lateral aperture in the chimney; an auxiliary tobacco supply unit communicating with the chimney and comprising a shredded tobacco output conveyor having an outlet end arranged at the aperture and movable transversely thereacross to sweep a transverse section of the chimney; and an actuator connected to the output conveyor to move it transversely.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for moistening tobacco leaves (31) by passing bundles of leaves (31) through a space (7) containing atomized water which bundles according to the invention are passed through said space (7) while being suspended from the base thereof with the leaves hanging downwardly which bundles to this end are clamped with the base of the bundle in spaced apart clamping means (8) which are freely rotatably connected to an endless conveyor chain (2) said clamping means (8) during their passage through the said moisture containing space (7) are rotated by frictional engagement with one or more endless belts (11,11') while the nozzles (21,22) which atomize the water create turbulence in said space (7).

Abstract: A cigarette filter includes a porous filter element attached to a cigarette, the element circumscribed by ventilating air ducts with an impermeable barrier therebetween so that smoke travels down the filter element and ventilating air travels down the ducts during use. The size of the ducts, the number of ducts, and the flow rate of ventilating air is so defined that substantially all of the smoke is dispersed immediately upon exiting the filter element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a filter cigarette with a filter unit which is provided with a porous or perforated covering strip. A porous or perforated connecting strip joins the tobacco part to the filter unit. The adhesive for connecting the covering strip to the outside of the filter element on the one hand and the adhesive for connecting the connecting strip to the outsides of the filter unit and of the tobacco part on the other hand is applied on those surfaces on the one hand of the covering strip and on the other hand of the connecting strip which are inwardly oriented on the filter cigarette.

Abstract: Process for improving, enhancing or modifying the organoleptic properties of a tobacco product, which comprises adding thereto about 1 to about 1000 parts per million based on the weight of tobacco of epoxy-.beta.-ionone.

Abstract: A tiered container for use in an autoclave of an apparatus used in a process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco, said process utilizing a compound to impregnate the tobacco and a hot gas to vaporize the impregnating compound.

Abstract: An improved sports racquet is provided having elements placed between the outer edge of the frame and the strings. The elements prevent the strings from touching the outer edge of the frame and rotate in response to a force applied in a direction generally perpendicular to the strings, thereby expanding the sweet spot, providing improved playability of the racquet, and significantly reducing the .[.fibration.]. .Iadd.vibration .Iaddend.that is transferred to the player's arm. The elements are preferably spherical in shape and may be comprised of various materials, including acetal, plastic and metal. The elements preferably rest in receptacles in the racquet frame, which may be integral with the frame or separate pieces, such as sleeves or grommets, that are connected to the frame. The receptacles are preferably designed to have a surface with substantially the same curvature as the bottom surface of the elements.