Patents by Inventor Steven L. Merker

Steven L. Merker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method for cutting a tobacco product rod and increasing the end strength thereof
    Patent number: 4009723
    Abstract: A tobacco rod is cut with a laser beam using specified time constraints and power levels under essentially atmospheric conditions without utilizing coolant means to prevent charring of the cigarette paper. Additionally, end integrity of cut rods can be increased by treating the tobacco shreds with a material having the characteristic of forming a non-toxic substance capable of bonding the shreds together in the presence of a heat source. Cutting the rod of treated tobacco shreds with a laser beam of specified time constraints and power levels permits the bonding of the shreds in the narrow region bordering the cut, thereby providing the desired increased end strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Stungis, Steven L. Merker