Abstract: A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: In one example, a synchronization server includes logic operable to engage in a first synchronization session with a client device, wherein client modifications and server modifications may be exchanged based, at least in part, on synchronization data stored locally. The synchronization server further includes logic operable to initiate a query of a remote database (e.g., having data associated with the synchronization data) to determine differences between the synchronization data stored locally and associated data stored remotely. The synchronization server is further operable to initiate an exchange of further server modifications based on the differences between the synchronization data stored locally and the associated data stored remotely. In one example, the server may engage in a second synchronization session with the client device to update the client device with differences to the synchronization data stored locally and the remote database.

Abstract: A process for making a crimped tow of filaments suitable for forming a bale of crimped tow for conversion to cigarette filter rods comprising, presenting an uncrimped tow of filaments in a banded condition, adhesively bonding to the filaments of the banded tow (3), porous particles having absorbent surfaces imparting filtration capacity for tobacco smoke constituents, and crimping the banded tow, wherein the process comprises the steps, of: (i) pre-treating the particles to load them with a material capable of generating a gaseous emission from the particles thus forming pre-treated particles; (ii) applying to the filaments of the banded tow, the pre-treated particles and an adhesive for bonding the particles to the filaments; and subsequently (iii) treating the tow to generate the gaseous emission from the pre-treated particles so as to limit deactivation of the absorbent particle surfaces by the adhesive.

Abstract: A synchronization device such as a synchronization server or gateway device for synchronizing a client device with a remote database is provided. In one example, the synchronization devices comprises logic operable to receive a client message and a sequence number associated therewith, compare the received sequence number with a stored sequence number, and cause a response based on the comparison of the received sequence number and the stored sequence number. For example, the comparison of the sequence numbers may indicate the previous response to the client device was successfully received or needs to be resent. Further, the comparison of the sequence numbers may indicate that the client device has lost state (e.g., is out of sync with the database) and needs to refresh or perform a slow synchronization process with the database.

Abstract: A method of preparing a crimped tow of cellulose acetate filaments comprising the steps of: a) providing cellulose acetate dope b) forming filaments (23) from the dope c) applying at least one additive to the filaments d) crimping the filaments to form a crimped tow wherein the at least one additive is capable of removing a component from cigarette smoke. Preferably, the component is a Hoffmann analyte. The additive may comprise a solution, liquid, emulsion or particulate material or combinations thereof. Preferably, the additive comprises an acidic compound or an alkaline compound. The additive may comprise malic acid, potassium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, polyethyleneimine, cyclodextrin, sodium hydroxide, sulphamic acid, sodium sulphamate, polyvinyl acetate and carboxylated acrylate, carbon, silica, zeolite, clay, alumina, metal, molecular sieves or an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: A method for forming a polycomponent fibre comprising a first, fibre-forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke, the method comprising the steps of: i. forming a dispersion, second solution or liquid comprising the second component; and ii. coextruding the first component and the dispersion, second solution or liquid through a jet or aperture to form a fibre comprising a first portion formed from the first component, and a second portion formed from the second component.

Abstract: A crimped filament tow, suitable for use in making cigarette filter rods, is made by a process in which porous particles, such as activated carbon particles, are adhered to the filaments by an adhesive. Deactivation of the adsorbent surfaces of the particles by the adhesive is limited by loading the particles with a material, such as water, which can generate a gaseous emission, such as steam, from the particles so as to open up access to the adsorbent interior surfaces of the particles. The filaments, which may be cellulose acetate, may have a cross-section having concave portions, such as are provided by multi-lobal cross-sections, in which the adhered particles may lie to protect them against shedding by abrasion of the filaments against machine surfaces. The particles and the adhesive may be applied to the banded tow at the same time, in the form of a dispersion of the particles in the adhesive, and may be applied directly before the crimping step.

Abstract: In one example, a synchronization server includes logic operable to engage in a first synchronization session with a client device, wherein client modifications and server modifications may be exchanged based, at least in part, on synchronization data stored locally. The synchronization server further includes logic operable to initiate a query of a remote database (e.g., having data associated with the synchronization data) to determine differences between the synchronization data stored locally and associated data stored remotely. The synchronization server is further operable to initiate an exchange of further server modifications based on the differences between the synchronization data stored locally and the associated data stored remotely. In one example, the server may engage in a second synchronization session with the client device to update the client device with differences to the synchronization data stored locally and the remote database.

Abstract: A writing instrument comprises a body, a writing tips and at least one plastically deformable member. The body contains a writing medium. The writing tip extends from the body. The at least one plastically deformable member extends from the body and is adapted to be arranged in a plurality of different configurations. An accessory for a writing instrument comprises a cap and at least one plastically deformable member. The cap is adapted to be removably attached to a writing instrument. The at least one plastically deformable member is attached to the cap and adapted to be bent into a plurality of configurations to customize the appearance of the cap and/or writing instrument.

Abstract: A kit for providing a modular grip for a writing instrument includes a plurality of tubular elements. Each of the tubular elements comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, and a representation. The inner surface is adapted to frictionally engage the writing instrument. The outer surface is adapted to be gripped by a user. The representations are disposed on the outer surface. The plurality of tubular elements are adapted to provide a user with the ability to create a modular grip and to customize and/or personalize a writing instrument.

Abstract: A multi-layer bristle includes a core layer and a plurality of outer layers. The outer layers may be flagged to provide multiple smaller bristles. Each of the core layer and the outer layer may have particular material properties to provide the bristle with particular functions bases on the material properties. The multi-layer bristle can be manufactured by the process of co-extrusion.

Abstract: An economical, three-dimensional reusable plastic article that is resistant to damage and stress caused by a variety of factors is disclosed. The plastic article comprises a polycarbonate/polyester plastic blend, and optionally further comprises a plastic insert. The polycarbonate/polyester blend may be fused directly to the optional plastic insert. Alternatively, the polycarbonate/polyester blend may be tied to the optional plastic insert through the use of an adhesive layer and/or a tie layer.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises a body member for mounting the device in a container the body member defining thereon a first location and a second location; a first duct extending through the body member from the first location to the second location, the first duct having a first cross section and a first length; a second air duct extending through the body member from the second location to the first location, the second duct having a second cross section and a second length; characterised in that the cumulative effect of the relationship between the first cross section (D) and first length (L) of the first duct (15), and the second cross section (d) and second length (l) of the second duct (16) being such as to offer: relatively low impedance to flow of liquid along the first duct (15) from the first location to the second location and a consequent flow of air along the second duct (16) from the second location to the first location; and relatively high impedance to flow of liquid along the first duct (15

Abstract: A container, such as a tool box (10), includes a base portion (11) having an open top and a cover (12) for closing the open top. A plurality of sockets (35) are formed in the cover (12) to receive a bin (13) therein. A bin (13) is maintained in each socket (35) by the interaction of a barb (44) in the socket (35) and a notch (62) in the bin (13), and the interaction of a bump (45) in the socket (36) and a pocket (63) in the bin (13). When in the socket (36) the lid (47) of the bin (13) may be removed therefrom.

Abstract: Organic pressure-sensitive adhesive and silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive composites have improved shear strength upon the addition of a silicone cross-linking agent.