Abstract: The present invention is directed to cigarettes and other smoking articles which contain a catalytic composition, preferably as part of the fuel element, that substantially decreases the amount of carbon monoxide contained in the mainstream smoke during smoking. The present invention also relates to the catalyst-containing carbonaceous fuels themselves, as well as to methods of making such carbonaceous fuels. Fuel elements which contain a catalytic composition in accordance with the presentation are especially useful in smoking articles having an aerosol generating means which is physically separate from the fuel element.

Abstract: A heat conductive capsule which carries or contains an aerosol forming material for use in smoking articles which upon heating ruptures or otherwise undergoes a change in structure to release at least a portion of the aerosol forming material, which aerosol resembles tobacco smoke, but preferably contains no more than a minimal amount of incomplete combustion or pyrolysis products.The preferred smoking article of the present invention provides an aerosol "smoke" which is chemically simple, consisting essentially of air, oxides of carbon, water, and the aerosol which carries any desired flavor or other desired volatile materials, and trace amounts of other materials.One especially preferred embodiment of the present smoking article comprises a short combustible carbonaceous fuel element, encapsulated aerosol forming substance, and a relatively long mouthend piece. The capsule is preferably formed from a heat conductive metal such as aluminum foil.

Abstract: The present invention preferably relates to a smoking article which is capable of producing substantial quantities of aerosol, both initially and over the useful life of the product, without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products or sidestream aerosol.The article of the present invention is able to provide the user with the sensations and benefits of cigarette smoking without the substantial combustion products produced by burning tobacco in a conventional cigarette. In addition, the article may be made virtually ashless so that the user does not have to remove any ash during use.Preferred embodiments of the present smoking article comprise a short combustible carbonaceous fuel element, a heat stable, preferably particulate alumina, substrate bearing an aerosol forming substance, an efficient insulating means, and a relatively long mouthend piece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cigarettes and other smoking articles, as well as disposable cartridges for such smoking articles, which utilize compact carbonaceous fuel elements, and which provide low levels, i.e., less than about 10 mg, of carbon monoxide (CO) to the smoker. In general, these high density (about 0.7 to 1.5 g/cc) fuel elements have a plurality of passageways therein or thereon, and further comprise at least about 80-90% carbon by weight. The fuel elements are less than about 7 mm in length, preferably from about 3 to 6.5 mm, most preferably from about 5.5 to 6.0 mm, and less than about 7 mm in diameter, preferably from about 4.0 to 6.5 mm, and most preferably from about 4.8 to 6.0 mm.