Patents by Inventor Cynthia Stewart Stokes

Cynthia Stewart Stokes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11944119
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Publication number: 20230018692
    Abstract: An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: August Joseph Borschke, Michael Francis Dube, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Jason Eugene Kobisky, Bruce Alan Bengtsson, Dennis L. Potter, Jeffrey S. Taggart, Geoffrey W. Kennard, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20190335804
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Patent number: 10383359
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Publication number: 20190003709
    Abstract: An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: August Joseph Borschke, Michael Francis Dube, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Jason Eugene Kobisky, Bruce Alan Bengtsson, Dennis L. Potter, Jeffrey S. Taggart, Geoffrey W. Kennard, Robert F. Soreo
  • Patent number: 10094562
    Abstract: An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: August Joseph Borschke, Michael Francis Dube, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Jason Eugene Kobisky, Bruce Alan Bengtsson, Dennis L. Potter, Jeffrey S. Taggart, Geoffrey W. Kennard, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20170172200
    Abstract: A method of incorporating a flavor material into combination with a tobacco product is described herein. The method may include accessing a flavor delivery insert of a flavor additive accessory, associating the flavor delivery insert with at least one of the tobacco product and a package containing the tobacco product, and actively or passively releasing the flavor material from the flavor delivery insert such that the flavor material is incorporated with the tobacco product. Also described herein are flavor delivery inserts, tobacco products having flavor delivery inserts, and flavor additive accessories having flavor delivery inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Samantha S. White, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Percy D. Phillips, Karter R. Yutzy, Matthew Lampe, Nicholas Harrison Watson, Karen Womble Wallace, Yan Pu, Michael F. Davis, Craig T. Demarest
  • Publication number: 20150374029
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: CYNTHIA STEWART STOKES, JOHN LARKIN NELSON, VERNON BRENT BARNES, MICHAEL FRANCIS DUBE
  • Patent number: 9210952
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Publication number: 20150226432
    Abstract: An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: August Joseph Borschke, Michael Francis Dube, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Jason Eugene Kobisky, Bruce Alan Bengtsson, Dennis L. Potter, Jeffrey S. Taggart, Geoffrey W. Kennard, Robert F. Soreo
  • Publication number: 20140190497
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar
  • Patent number: 8695609
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar
  • Publication number: 20110230320
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Patent number: 7972254
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Publication number: 20110061666
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar
  • Patent number: 7810507
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Daniel Verdin Cantrell, John-Paul Mua, Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Cynthia Stewart Stokes, James Neil Figlar
  • Publication number: 20100108081
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette includes a smokable rod and a filter element. The smokable rod is secured to the filter element using tipping material. The tipping material includes at least one flavorant providing a sensory characteristic. The cigarette may include more than one layer of tipping material. An outer layer of tipping material can overlie at least a portion of an underlying inner layer of tipping material, and during use by the smoker, the outer layer can be removed from the cigarette. Thus, it is possible for a cigarette manufacturer to provide a cigarette that can be used as such by the smoker, or that can be adapted by the smoker to provide a different sensory experience (e.g., the visual, organoleptic, trigeminal, aromatic, and tactile characteristics of the cigarette can be altered by removal of the outer tipping material, and or by provision of a tipping material layer that is treated with a flavorant and/or provides a desirable diffusivity).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Leigh Ann Blevins Joyce, Andries Don Sebastian, Robert H. Powell, Stephen T. Matthews, Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Kenneth A. Beard, Michael F. Dube, Paul Stuart Chapman
  • Publication number: 20100018540
    Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is provided. A tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of that product comprises a tobacco formulation including a granular tobacco composition enclosed within a water-permeable pouch that has been treated with a substance selected from the group consisting of: an analgesic, a buffer, a coloring, an effervescent, or an organic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: David James Doolittle, Barbara Walker Arzonico, Paul Stuart Chapman, Cynthia Stewart Stokes
  • Publication number: 20080302373
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, John Larkin Nelson, Vernon Brent Barnes, Michael Francis Dube
  • Patent number: 6997190
    Abstract: Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials possess coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band possessing a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Cynthia Stewart Stokes, Robert Henry Powell, Brian Michael Lawrence