Abstract: A filter made from a nonwoven spunbond web comprising a plurality of continuous intertwined filaments, each filament having a diameter of about 25 to about 100 microns, predominantly present in the web as loop springs having diameters of about 1 to 3 millimeters. The web is made from a plurality of spunbond filaments laid randomly onto a moving belt. The webs of the present invention find particular utility when formed into cylinders as filters for smoking articles. In the smoking articles, the filters of the invention have a desirable degree of firmness while demonstrating an acceptable pressure drop.

Abstract: A triiodide-phosphoric acid stain when applied to either moist or dry fiber samples produces a range of colors indicative of the fiber species and the degree of refining of the fiber. The stain is made from an aqueous triiodide solution of about 0.6M in potassium iodide and about 0.1M in iodine and is mixed with an acid solution about 77 percent by weight of phosphoric acid in a ratio of about 1 to 100 v/v of triiodide to acid just prior to its application to the fiber samples to be stained.

Abstract: Nonwoven web comprising thermoplastic meltblown fibers or filaments predominantly present as agglomerates or multiple fused fiber areas. Such agglomerates in the web act as columns and impart a desired degree of strength and resistance to compaction. In contrast to prior art webs where such agglomerates have been considered undesirable, the webs of the present invention find particular utility when formed into cylinders as filter plugs for smoking articles. In smoking articles of the invention, the filter plugs have a desired pressure drop while demonstrating an unexpected degree of firmness, all at an economically attractive cost. Preferred embodiments include those where the machine direction strength to cross machine direction grab tensile ratios in the range of from about 1:1 to 4:1 and the fibers or filaments are made from polypropylene. Other embodiments include webs and filter plugs containing additives distributed throughout the web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles having an improved mouthend piece. More specifically, it relates to cigarette-type smoking articles comprising a fuel element, a physically separate aerosol generating means including an aerosol forming material, and means for delivering the aerosol produced by the aerosol generating means to the user in the form of a mouthend piece, the mouthend piece including a nonwoven web segment formed from meltblown thermoplastic fibers or filaments, and a spacer member located between the aerosol generating means and the non woven web segment.

Abstract: Sheet material especially useful in forming wrappers for smokeable articles such as cigarettes that results in reduced sidestream smoke. The sheet is formed by incorporating as a filler in a cellulosic web an amount of high (at least about 20 M.sup.2 /g) superficial surface area filler in the range generally of about 5 to 50 percent by weight in the finished sheet resulting in a web superficial surface area of at least about 80 M.sup.2 per square meter of web. The cellulosic material may be flax fiber or other natural cellulosic fibers conventionally used for such wrappers. Additional fillers may be used up to a total of about 50 percent, and burn modifier salts included. Examples of salts include the sodium or potassium salts of acids such as carbonic, formic, acetic, propionic, malic, lactic, glycolic, citric, tartaric, fumaric, oxalic, malonic, succinic, nitric, and phosphoric. The sheet can be formed by any conventional papermaking method.

Abstract: A wrapper particularly useful for smoking articles of the type containing a burn fuel element and ceramic jacket. The wrapper includes an inner layer for surrounding the burn fuel element and jacket and an outer layer with the combination imparting controlled throttling properties. The inner layer may be a conventional cigarette wrapper material of cellulosic construction and having biased burned properties. The outer layer surrounds the inner sheet and preferably comprises cellulose fibers, titanium dioxide, attapulgite clay, high temperature resistant microfibers, and a burn enhancer. The outer wrapper also maintains permeability and pressure drop properties at temperatures in excess of 400.degree. C. while the inner wrapper burns out resulting in generally infinite permeability after burning.