Abstract: A method of preparing a rod for use in the preparation of a smoking article is described. The rod has a first end and a second end. The rod has located therein a solid support. The solid support extends in a linear fashion from the first end of said rod to the second end of said rod. At least a portion of said solid support is coated and/or impregnated with an additive. The rod is prepared using rod forming means, wherein said rod forming means comprises a channel ending in an open exit, wherein material may pass through at least part of the channel and leave via the open exit in the form of a rod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inspecting a component of a turbomachine in-situ. The apparatus includes an end effector having a frame defining a stable platform with a curved surface of the component, a spring loaded suspension attached to the frame, and a probe connected to a wedge member, where the probe and wedge member are connected to the spring loaded suspension. The probe is configured to inspect the component by passing signals through the wedge.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rod for use in the preparation of a smoking article is described. The rod has a first end and a second end. The rod has located therein a solid support. The solid support extends in a linear fashion from the first end of said rod to the second end of said rod. At least a portion of said solid support is coated and/or impregnated with an additive. The rod is prepared using rod forming means, wherein said rod forming means comprises a channel ending in an open exit, wherein material may pass through at least part of the channel and leave via the open exit in the form of a rod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inspecting a component of a turbomachine in-situ. The apparatus includes an end effector having a frame defining a stable platform with a curved surface of the component, a spring loaded suspension attached to the frame, and a probe connected to a wedge member, where the probe and wedge member are connected to the spring loaded suspension. The probe is configured to inspect the component by passing signals through the wedge.

Abstract: A filter rod for a cigarette or other smoking article comprising a filter plug having a plurality of threads extending though at least part of the filter plug, and an apparatus and method for manufacturing such a filter rod.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rod for use in the preparation of a smoking article is described. The rod has a first end and a second end. The rod has located therein a solid support. The solid support extends in a linear fashion from the first end of said rod to the second end of said rod. At least a portion of said solid support is coated and/or impregnated with an additive. The rod is prepared using rod forming means, wherein said rod forming means comprises a channel ending in an open exit, wherein material may pass through at least part of the channel and leave via the open exit in the form of a rod.

Abstract: A filter element having a longitudinally extending core and a wrapper (8) engaged around the core, wherein the core comprise filtration material (6) and optionally a particulate material (7) interspersed in the filtration material, and the wrapper (8) comprises a particulate material (9) adhered to two or more portions of said wrapper (8) wherein at least one of said two or more portions extends over the full longitudinal length of said wrapper. Also taught herein is a smoking article comprising said filter element and/or filter comprising said filter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extrusion of filamentary strands of reconstituted tobacco through a die plate and the downstream handling thereof. The die plate is configured such that each filament is of a square or rectangular cross-section, the downstream handling of which effects draw down of the extruded filament.