Abstract: A cigarette comprises a hollow rod for directing smoke and air from the lit end of the cigarette to a filter located at the mouth end of the cigarette. The rod is formed of tobacco material and/or other carbonaceous material, together with a binder and preferably an organic or inorganic salt. In one embodiment, the rod is a low density rod, which when lit burns in an inverted fire cone. In a second embodiment, a thin-walled rod is surrounded by a column of leaf tobacco. The thin-walled rod includes a salt, preferably calcium carbonate, in an amount preferably between 25% and 45%, which increases the combustion temperature. It also preferably is perforated to allow smoke generated in the tobacco column to be drawn into the hollow center passage. In either embodiment, the amount of wet particulate matter is reduced due to the improved combustion characteristics.

Abstract: A device for detecting loose ends in tobacco articles such as cigarettes comprises a stationary cam for positioning the articles prior to reaching a flat sensor surface. A pair of concentric electrodes are arranged on the sensor surface for generating an electric field. Cigarettes are moved through the field so as to create a field disturbance. Deviations from a predetermined field disturbance indicate that a cigarette is defective. A piece of thin glass, of about 5.5 mils, covers the sensor surface and is adhered thereto to protect against wear. Compared to surface protecting members previously used, the glass member significantly extends the wear life of the sensor, improves the sensitivity of the device, improves detection accuracy, and eliminates the need for daily readjustment of the field.