Abstract: A cigar ventilating implement includes both a cylindrical punch and a piercing member such as a needle or spike. The cylindrical punch and piercing member are extendable from a housing of the implement by gripping laterally extending flanges or pins and pressing on an actuator. One or two coil springs may be provided to bias the punch and/or piercing member to a retracted position, and a retaining member may be provided to latch the punch in the extended position.

Abstract: A cigar ventilating implement includes both a cylindrical punch and a piercing member such as a needle or spike. The cylindrical punch and piercing member are each is extendable from an outer housing of the implement by gripping laterally extending flanges and pressing on an actuator in a manner similar to that used to operate a medical syringe. The cylindrical punch is extendable to a predetermined distance when pushing the actuator over a first section of its total range of movement after which the piercing member may be extended from the cylindrical punch by a further distance upon pushing the actuator over a second section of its total range against the bias provided by a coil spring. The restoring force of the coil spring causes the elongated piercing member to retract back into the cylindrical punch when pressure on the actuator is released.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to cut hair, fibers, or thin, flexible materials, comprising at least one retaining element (2) with a cylindrically formed interior that is suitable for immobilizing and potentially bundling in lengthwise direction a sample (1) to be cut, composed of a multiplicity of hairs, fibers, or thin, flexible materials, and a cutting device (3) that is suitable for cutting the sample that is immobilized and possibly bundled in lengthwise direction, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the cylinder axis of the interior of the retaining element (2). The present invention relates furthermore to a method making use of the device, as well as a hair section that can be produced with the device or the method.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods for altering the draw of a cigar are provided. The systems may include an elongate shaft with a working portion at the distal end. The working portion may have any of number of blades, corners, recesses, grooves, textures, and sharp points, among others. The methods may include assessing the draw of a cigar, inserting the working portion into the cigar, using the working portion to catch, cut, and pull and then remove tobacco from within the cigar, testing the draw of the cigar, and repeating the above steps until the draw is ideal.

Abstract: A cigar punch is designed to cut out plug from the sealed end of a cigar and automatically expel the plug out of the punch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure.

Abstract: A cigar punch with retractable plunger that includes a housing that has a cutting edge and an end-to-end passage having two sub-passages with different cross-sectional area. The cigar punch further includes a plunger extending through the housing and protruding from the cutting edge of the housing. The plunger includes at least one locking pin and a knob. The cigar punch further includes a biasing means to bias the plunger head for movement towards the cutting end when the plunger is in retracted position. To cut the cigar plug, the plunger is retracted and locked using locking means, thereby compressing biasing means and exposing the cutting edge to cut and hold a cigar plug. The plunger is unlocked by twisting the knob. The biasing means effects movement of the plunger head towards the cutting end, thereby automatically ejecting plug from within the cigar punch.

Abstract: A combination light and cigar cutting blade that includes a housing having a first housing piece and a second housing piece that mates with the first housing piece when the housing pieces are assembled; a light source disposed in said first housing piece; at least one battery coupled with the light source; a switch mounted on the first housing piece coupled with the light source and battery, and having opposed positions for either activating the light source or turning the light source off; a cutting blade having an annular cutting blade surface; and an activating button mounted on the second housing piece for operating the cutting blade between a nested position in which the cutting blade is disposed within the second housing piece, and an extended position in which the cutting blade is extended from the second housing piece.

Abstract: A combination cigar piercing and support device having a handle attached to an elongated member extending to a point at a distal end. The member preferably has a triangular or square cross section to form an exterior circumference of the member which when engaged to and supporting a lit cigar, will prevent spinning thereof which might place the hot ember proximate to the smoker's face. The elongated member additionally provides a tool to form draw passages through the cigar and to clean clogged cigars for easier smoking.

Abstract: Cigar Aerator—cylinder with three prongs at end to punch and aerate cigar.

Abstract: A rotary cutter assembly for a lighter comprises a lighter body which is defined with a receiving groove in an outer periphery thereof. A rotary plate is pivoted to the receiving groove in such a manner that the rotary plate can be rotated within the receiving groove. In the receiving groove is disposed a push pole, and on the rotary plate is provided an annular cutter. When the rotary plate is closed, the push pole is inserted in the annular cutter.

Abstract: A method for opening a smoke passage in a cigar includes using a tool which has a tube which is connected to an air supply. The tube has an air exit aperture(s) which exhausts air delivered by the air supply. The tube is inserted into a cigar and the air supply is operated. The air blows out a passageway within the cigar so that the cigar will draw when smoked.

Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the device, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Some of the cigar puller devices can be used to infuse flavorants into the cigar to alter the taste and/or aroma of the cigar.

Abstract: A cigar punch with retractable plunger that includes a housing that has a cutting edge and an end-to-end passage having two sub-passages with different cross-sectional area. The cigar punch further includes a plunger extending through the housing and protruding from the cutting edge of the housing. The plunger includes at least one locking pin and a knob. The cigar punch further includes a biasing means to bias the plunger head for movement towards the cutting end when the plunger is in retracted position. To cut the cigar plug, the plunger is retracted and locked using locking means, thereby compressing biasing means and exposing the cutting edge to cut and hold a cigar plug. The plunger is unlocked by twisting the knob. The biasing means effects movement of the plunger head towards the cutting end, thereby automatically ejecting plug from within the cigar punch.

Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the cigar, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Once the cigar puller is removed from the tobacco fill material, a flavorant and/or aromatic can be infused into the less dense tobacco fill material which is provided upon the removal of the cigar puller.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaped cigar puncture tool incorporating a spring loaded and locating/guiding disk element arranged in conjunction with a linearly extending and base supported spike. Centered puncturing of the closed head occurs in a first downward translating direction of the cigar within the open interior of the tool. A return spring bias causing even disengaging of the cigar in a second reverse direction. The sizing of an aperture in the disk further allows passage therethrough of the spike, while preventing debris from the cigar head cluttering the puncture zone within the tool.

Abstract: A cigar punching tool has a tubular housing and a tubular gripping portion surrounding the housing and longitudinally movable relative thereto between a forward position and a rearward position displaced rearwardly there-from. A tubular blade is surrounded by the housing and has a hollow interior and a circular cutting edge disposed forwardly of the gripping portion. The blade is longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a storage position in which the cutting edge is rearwardly retracted into the housing and a cutting position in which the cutting edge projects forwardly from the housing.

Abstract: Cigars are released from a feed station onto first and second conveyor belts and directed along a predetermined feed path, part of which coinciding with a wheel interposed between the two belts and equipped with a set of needles serving to pierce the cigars by engaging at least one respective end portion; the wheel is also equipped with a set of clamp elements, each able to restrain a single cigar and caused to revolve in stable alignment with a relative needle. The single needle is fashioned from a resistive metal and connected to an electrical power source in such a way that it can be heated by applying a current and inducing the Joule effect.

Abstract: A cigar tip plug cutter uses a cylindrical cutting blade to cut a round plug from the sealed end of a cigar. The cylindrical blade has a beveled upper edge tapering from the outer diameter to the inner diameter to better retain the cut plug. The blade is secured upright to a support platform and a cigar plug ejector rod projects upwardly through the blade. The ejector rod is secured to a base portion, as are at least two supports that attach to the underside of a cigar tip receiving plate. The plate has a central orifice to permit passage of the blade. The receiving plate is urged away from the support platform by compression springs that also cause the ejector rod to project into the blade. A platform cover fits slidably over the receiving plate and includes spring-loaded balls that maintain the receiving plate in upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A cigar tip plug cutter uses a cylindrical cutting blade to cut a round plug from the sealed end of a cigar. The cylindrical blade has a beveled upper edge tapering from the outer diameter to the inner diameter to better retain the cut plug. The blade is secured upright to a support platform and a cigar plug ejector rod projects upwardly through the blade. The ejector rod is secured to a base portion, as are at least two supports that attach to the underside of a cigar tip receiving plate. The plate has a central orifice to permit passage of the blade. The receiving plate is urged away from the support platform by compression springs that also cause the ejector rod to project into the blade. A platform cover fits slidably over the receiving plate and includes spring-loaded balls that maintain the receiving plate in upper and lower positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighter comprising a body and an end portion having a hinged connection with the body. The body includes a recess at its lower end. The end portion includes a cigar cutter, comprising an elongated generally tubular blade, extending from a surface of the end portion. The end portion is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cutter extends within the recess and is not exposed. In the open position, the cutter does not extend into the recess. The lighter may also comprise a retainer comprising a leaf spring attached to the lower end of the body, and a slot within the end portion. In the closed position, the leaf spring is received within the slot, retaining the end portion in the closed position. Also, a lighter fuel inlet valve extends from the body and is within the recess thereof. The inlet valve is accessible through a channel in the end portion when the end portion is closed.

Abstract: In a cigar-making machine, the cigars advance continuously in orderly succession occupying a plurality of respective pockets transported by a conveyor along a predetermined feed path toward a piercing station where they are engaged by a plurality of needles fitted to respective movable heads; the heads are caused to advance parallel to the predetermined feed path followed by the cigars, proceeding continuously and synchronously with the pockets in such a manner that each of the single cigars can be pierced by a corresponding needle with a relative hole, aligned substantially on a longitudinal axis of the cigar.

Abstract: A packaging for a cigar comprised of a hull, in whose inner space the cigar is taken up, whereby the hull can be closed off with a sealing cover. According to the invention, a cigar cutter is arranged on the sealing cover, which is joined to the sealing cover, preferably by being fashioned of the same material in one piece.

Abstract: A packaging for a cigar comprised of a hull, in whose inner space the cigar is taken up, whereby the hull can be closed off with a sealing cover. According to the invention, a cigar cutter is arranged on the sealing cover, which is joined to the sealing cover, preferably by being fashioned of the same material in one piece.

Abstract: A cigar holder with a cutter comprising a hollow cigar-shaped body having a closed bottom and an open top, a hollow cap threadably engageable with the top of the body, the cap having a pair of substantially opposing slots therethrough, and a pair of cigar tip cutting members, each cigar tip cutting member having a cutting portion having a cutting edge thereon. Each of the cigar cutting members is slidably positioned in one of the slots such that the cutting edges are positioned substantially opposite one another in the hollow cap. A handle portion is preferably hinged to the cutting portion of each of the cigar tip cutting members, with each handle portion being positioned outside of the cap. The handle portions are preferably provided with a gripping tip for facilitating manual movement of the cigar tip cutting member in relation to the cap. The cap preferably has a pair of recesses formed in an outer wall thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighter comprising a body and an end portion having a hinged connection with the body. The body includes a recess at its lower end. The end portion includes a cigar cutter, comprising an elongated generally tubular blade, extending from a surface of the end portion. The end portion is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cutter extends within the recess and is not exposed. In the open position, the cutter does not extend into the recess. The lighter may also comprise a retainer comprising a leaf spring attached to the lower end of the body, and a slot within the end portion. In the closed position, the leaf spring is received within the slot, retaining the end portion in the closed position. Also, a lighter fuel inlet valve extends from the body and is within the recess thereof. The inlet valve is accessible through a channel in the end portion when the end portion is closed.

Abstract: A golf tee shaped punch and cutter having a plurality of different shaped chambers formed within a tapered body portion with a cutter assembly placed therein. The tapered body portion forms a narrow punch end and a wide cutter end having a cap removably placed thereon. A circular cutter blade is exposed upon removing the cap. Coaxially positioned within the circular cutter blade is a spring biased rod that helps to remove a plug of tobacco once cut. A duel taper helps to measure or guage the depth the punch is inserted into the end of the cigar. The present invention conveniently permits punching and cutting the end of a cigar with a single, easily utilized, and commercially attractive golf tee shaped device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cigar holder provided with a detachable tip-cutting knife and a plug-removing member inside a cap of the holder. The knife has an inwardly extending portion and exterior portion hinged together and secured within a slot formed in the cap. The exterior portion lies flat in the recess formed in the cap, while the interior portion extends perpendicularly to the exterior portion, transversely to the cap opening. The plug-removing member is fixedly attached to the interior of the cap. It is adapted to pierce through the end of the cigar and remove a small portion of the cigar thereby forming a distinct channel for penetration of the tobacco smoke to the end of the cigar.

Abstract: A cigar punch, stand and holder appliance comprised of a tube body 10 having a match stop 12 divider therein making a match holding compartment 28. A knurled cap 20 threaded to fasten securely to the top of the appliance with the top of the knurled cap having a match striking surface 26 and the bottom portion of the knurled cap having a bulls-eye cutter 22 for plugging cigars. A pocket clip with locking spring for cigar support 16 to receive a cigar support clip 18 to hold a cigar. A base mount 24 with support legs 14 extendable to erect a holding stand for cigar use.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention broadly comprises a generally cylindrically shaped, hollow handle having an inner diameter and an outer diameter and also having a first end and a second end, a generally cylindrically shaped cutting member fixedly secured within the first end of the handle, and, a cap member comprising a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal axis and a disk-like endplate secured at one end thereof, the cap member having an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of at least one portion of the handle, the cap member also comprising a clip extending from the cylinder generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The invention also comprises various modifications and alternative embodiments of the apparatus, as well as a method of cutting an end of a cigar using the various embodiments.

Abstract: A cigar draw tool that holds a cigar in alignment with a needle-like punch. The punch is pushed through the length of the longitudinal axis of the cigar to create an open air channel that increases the capacity of the cigar to draw. Multiple alignment apertures are provided to allow the punch to create multiple parallel air channels in the cigar such that the user can increase the drawing capacity as desired. In addition, the multiple alignment apertures are arranged to accommodate cigars of varying sizes such that cigars of any width can be punched in the central portion of the cigar by moving the punch to an alternate alignment aperture. A removable lid is used to hold the cigar in alignment with the punch during the punch operation. An alternate embodiment uses an automatically retracting lid that is spring loaded hold the cigar in alignment. Another alternative embodiment uses a hinged lid that flips open to allow a cigar to be inserted or removed.

Abstract: A cigar punching device is provided. A cigar punching device includes a cap with a first closed end and a second end. The second end includes an opening. The device further includes a ram having a head portion and an externally threaded shank portion whereby a distal end of the shank portion is secured within the opening of the second end of the cap. A cutting member includes a central bore and is disposed about the ram. The cutting member includes an internally threaded proximal end portion, an intermediate portion, and a tubular cutting distal end portion.

Abstract: The cigar plug cutter apparatus of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the known devices to provide a more accurate and safe cut of the cigar tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a plug from the end of a cigar comprises a housing having a hollow body portion with opposite first and second ends. The first end of the hollow body portion has a cutting edge for cutting a portion of a cigar wrapper at the end of a cigar prior to smoking. A spring-biased plunger is movable within the hollow body portion first end along a longitudinal axis thereof toward and away from the cutting edge. An elongated piercing member is attached to, and movable with, the plunger. A handle is accessible from the exterior of the housing for moving the plunger within the hollow body portion first end. The cutting edge is adaptable to cut a portion of a cigar wrapper at the end of a cigar to create a plug of the cut portion of the cigar, which plug remains at least in part within the hollow body portion first end, and the handle is operable to move the plunger toward the cutting edge to eject the plug from the housing.

Abstract: A cigar piercing device which includes an outer housing and a moveable top receiving and indexing station for positioning the tip of a cigar. The indexing station is adapted to automatically activate a rotating piercing tool in response to the downward movement of the indexing station by downward pressure being placed against the station by the tip of the cigar.

Abstract: A self-ejecting cigar core or plug cutter having a cylindrical barrel, a slidable cylindrical cutting tube inside the barrel, and a solid cylindrical core member inside the cutting tube, the cutting tube extending rearwardly and being secured to a knob, a spring normally biasing the cutting tube rearwardly so that its forward cutting edge is normally inside the barrel, and an L-slot on opposite sides of the cutting tube, with a pin extending through the slot and through the inner core and being secured at both ends in the barrel, whereby pushing in and turning the knob compresses the spring and forces the forward cutting edge of the cutting tube out of the forward edge of the barrel for cutting a plug out of a cigar, and whereby turning of the knob in the opposite direction releases the forward spring bias and permits the cutting tube to retract into its normal position inside the barrel, the plug cut from the cigar being ejected from the cutting tube by the inner core within the cutting tube upon retraction

Abstract: A cigar punch and tobacco ejector apparatus comprising a housing having a cylindrical hollow body attached to a base and having an open circular end, and a cutter having a barrel removably connected to a handle and a slot formed on the barrel adjacent to the handle. The housing is for storing the cutter when not in use. The cutter has a sharp, open-mouthed edge adapted to receive a tip of a cigar, to cut a piece from the cigar, to form hole in the cigar's tip, and to hold the cut piece when the cigar is moved away from the cutter. A plunger assembly is removably connected to the cutter. The plunger assembly has a plunger adapted to travel within the cutter's barrel, a collar adapted to being placed over the barrel and to be connected to the plunger through the barrel's slot. A dowell pin is used to connect the collar to the plunger through the slot. The collar slides along the barrel as the dowell pin moves along the slot, thereby allowing the plunger to eject the cigar's cut piece from the cutter.

Abstract: Presented is a cigar cap-cutting and ejection tool provided with a very sharp circular cutting edge susceptible of being pressed into the cap-end of a cigar to thereby define the configuration of the central cigar cap-end portion to be cut from and withdrawn from the cigar by the tool. Plunger members are provided in the tool manipulable from the end opposite the circular cutting edge for ejecting the cut central cap-end portion of cigar from within the tool.

Abstract: A cigarette punching device comprises a first housing member, a second housing member fitted into the first housing member, a punching device, a receiving cylinder, and an elastic element. The first housing member is provided with a through hole. The second housing member is provided with a front receiving compartment, a rear receiving compartment, and a partition located between the from and the rear receiving compartments. The punching device is received in the rear receiving compartment of the second housing member such that the punching needle of the punching device is located in the front receiving compartment. The receiving cylinder is located in the first housing member via the through hole of the first housing member for holding a cigarette to be punched. The elastic element is located between the first and the second housing members to provide the second housing member with an elastic force enabling the second housing member to bounce back to its original position.

Abstract: A cigar punch and tobacco ejector apparatus comprising a housing having a cylindrical hollow body attached to a base and having an open circular end, and a cutter having a barrel connected to a handle and a slot formed on the barrel adjacent to the handle. The housing is for storing the cutter when not in use. The cutter has a sharp, open-mouthed edge adapted to receive a tip of a cigar, to cut a piece from the cigar, to form a hole in the cigar's tip, and to hold the cut piece when the cigar is moved away from the cutter. A plunger assembly is connected to the cutter. The plunger assembly has a plunger adapted to travel within the cutter's barrel, a collar adapted to being placed over the barrel and to be connected to the plunger through the barrel's slot. A dowell pin is used to connect the collar to the plunger through the slot. The collar slides along the barrel as the dowell pin moves along the slot, thereby allowing the plunger to eject the cigar's cut piece from the cutter.

Abstract: A cigar ventilating device as provided which includes a projectile having a forward end formed by a conical end portion and a cylindrical portion there behind with a definite but low angle of flare adapted to enter a cigar and form a hole therein when positioned in a socket at the forward end of the device. An actuating member at the rear end of the device is engageable by the thumb of the user while the index and middle fingers of the user engage in an annular groove at the forward end of the device, a coiled compression return spring being provided on the inside of the device.

Abstract: A cigar holder is provided and consists of a thin cylindrical-shaped tube that can be inserted within a mouth of a smoker. The tube has a hollow punch extending centrally inwardly to pierce butt end of a cigar for allowing free drawing of smoke. The thin cylindrical-shaped tube can be chewed on without harm to teeth of the smoker. The tube is provided with an adapter for holding variously sized cigars.