Abstract: A heat capacitor for a capillary aerosol generator comprises a phase change material that changes phases at a temperature approximately equal to a temperature sufficient to volatilize liquid material in a capillary passage of the capillary aerosol generator. The phase change material stores heat, which can be used to generate aerosol either continuously or intermittently over a given time. The use of stored heat in the phase change material to generate aerosol over time enables operation of the capillary aerosol generator remote from a large energy source.

Abstract: A heat capacitor for a capillary aerosol generator comprises a phase change material that changes phases at a temperature approximately equal to a temperature sufficient to volatilize liquid material in a capillary passage of the capillary aerosol generator. The phase change material stores heat, which can be used to generate aerosol either continuously or intermittently over a given time. The use of stored heat in the phase change material to generate aerosol over time enables operation of the capillary aerosol generator remote from a large energy source.

Abstract: An indirectly heated capillary aerosol generator comprises a capillary tube adapted to form an aerosol when liquid material in the capillary tube is heated to volatilize at least some of the liquid material therein and a thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the capillary tube. The indirectly heated capillary aerosol generator provides substantially even and uniform heating across the heated length of the capillary tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating aerosol comprises a capillary tube comprising at least one bend, fluid inlets, and an outlet along the bend. The capillary tube is heated to a temperature sufficient to volatilize fluid in the capillary tube, such that the volatilized fluid discharges from the outlet to form an aerosol.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a cigarette tipping paper perforation process includes supplying the paper in the form of a flexible web from a supply spindle that is mounted for powered angular rotation to a take-up spindle that receives a portion of the flexible web, and the take-up spindle also being mounted for powered angular rotation. A laser beam generator provides at least one laser beam through a series of optics that can include a laser beam expander or contractor, a rotating multi-faceted mirror, collimating lenses and downstream focusing lenses that focus the plurality of laser output beams received from the rotating multi-faceted mirror to burn a plurality of holes in the flexible web of cigarette paper. A control device controls the angular rotation of the supply spindle, the angular rotation of the take-up spindle, tension of the web, laser power and rotation of the multi-faceted mirror.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cigarette filters comprise a single or multiple hopper system for forming filter components of single or multiple sizes. The filter components with spaces therebetween are partially wrapped and then conveyed to at least one media applying wheel where media is deposited into the spaces between the filter components. A cover cap is formed and placed over the partially wrapped filter components downstream of the media wheel to thereby completely wrap the filter components. Subsequently, the completely wrapped filter components are joined to tobacco rods with tipping paper.

Abstract: A laser beam containment system includes a number of optics that direct a laser beam produced by a laser beam source along a path to a point of application of the laser beam. One or more hollow tubes are positioned in an arrangement such that the laser beam passes through the hollow tubes. The hollow tubes are also adjustably positioned relative to the laser beam objects to allow for access to the optics for maintenance and adjustment of the optics. Locking mechanisms provide control of the adjustment features of the containment tubes.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a cigarette tipping paper perforation process includes supplying the paper in the form of a flexible web from a supply spindle that is mounted for powered angular rotation to a take-up spindle that receives a portion of the flexible web, and the take-up spindle also being mounted for powered angular rotation. A laser beam generator provides at least one laser beam through a series of optics that can include a laser beam expander or contractor, a rotating multi-faceted mirror, collimating lenses and downstream focusing lenses that focus the plurality of laser output beams received from the rotating multi-faceted mirror to burn a plurality of holes in the flexible web of cigarette paper. A control device controls the angular rotation of the supply spindle, the angular rotation of the take-up spindle, tension of the web, laser power and rotation of the multi-faceted mirror.

Abstract: A feature of paper used in the production of a cigarette and the effect of the feature on the finished cigarette is automatically measured at specific locations along the paper, and data related to the measurement is stored in a database file. Indicia including the stored data associated with a specific location on the paper is applied at the specific location on the paper, and finished cigarettes having the indicia are collected and evaluated in order to correlate the measured value with the performance of the finished cigarette.

Abstract: A cigarette filter rod system comprises a plug combiner machine having a knife located downstream from a sensor. The knife generates a trigger signal which prompts an Inspection Unit to locate a previously stored frame of sensor data corresponding the rod which was cut by the knife. The Inspection Unit applies thresholds to the frame of sensor data to determine the location of filter segment boundaries, and then determines whether air rings are present in the data. The Inspection Unit then compares measurements made on the frame of sensor data with a pre-stored recipe indicating expected values for the frame. Statistical data is sent to a Human-Machine Interface Unit for analysis and display. The system performs filter rod rejection and cut registration based on the analysis performed by the Inspection Unit and the Human-Machine Interface.