Abstract: An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment may include a medium portion, a front end plug disposed to face an upstream end of the medium portion, and a filter portion disposed to face a downstream end of the medium portion, wherein the front end plug includes a channel extending from the upstream end to the downstream end.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for analysing the operation of an automatic machine which processes products in the tobacco industry includes the following steps: introducing into the machine an endoscopic probe whose shape and size correspond to the shape and size of the products the machine is designed to process and which the machine processes as if it were a real product. During processing in the machine, the probe acquires data through a sensor of its own. The method also includes determining the positions adopted by the probe while it is being processed in the machine and associating them with the data acquired by the probe while it is being processed in the machine.

Abstract: A cigarette mouthpiece is described. Embodiments of the cigarette mouthpiece include cigarette mouthpiece made from a strip of flexible material having a varying width. A width of the strip of flexible material can help determine a length of a user engagement portion and a cigarette engagement portion of the cigarette mouthpiece. The cigarette mouthpiece can have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a diameter of the cigarette mouthpiece can be adjustable. Typically, an outside diameter of the cigarette engagement portion can be altered to fit into differently sized rolled cigarettes.

Abstract: An analysis and/or treatment device (100) for at least one smoking article (60). comprising a closable receptacle (4) for receiving the at least one smoking article (60) therein; a reservoir (62) for a fluid treatment material (8, 9); a hollow injection needle. (2) interiorly insertable into the smoking article (60) received in the receptacle (4) and operably connected to the reservoir (62); means (3) for moving the treatment material (9) from the reservoir (62) through the needle (2) into the interior of the smoking article (60); and at least one sensor means (15) provided in the receptacle (4) for detecting at least one parameter characterizing a property of the smoking article (60) and/or characterizing the treatment conditions in the receptacle (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for a single-track or multitrack provision of web-like interleaved sheet material at a cutting region in which products supplied on one track or on multiple tracks are cut into slices and interleaved sheets are introduced which are cut off from the provided interleaved sheet material in the cutting region, comprising an output device which is configured to eject at least one material web into the cutting region, wherein the output device comprises at least one driven feed roll and at least one counter-unit which forms a feed gap for the material web together with the feed roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for a single-track or multitrack provision of web-like interleaved sheet material at a cutting region in which products supplied on one track or on multiple tracks are cut into slices and interleaved sheets are introduced which are cut off from the provided interleaved sheet material in the cutting region, having a material store; and having a removal device which is configured for a removal of a material web from the material store, wherein a loop store in which the material web forms a loop is provided for the material web.

Abstract: A device for burning smoking material and inhaling the resulting smoke is disclosed. The device can include a tubular member formed from a dried leaf having an internal elongated cavity extending from an open end to a closed end. The elongated cavity can be configured to receive a smoking material. The smoking accessory can include a filter disposed within dried leaf and defining the closed end. The filter can have a recess formed in a surface of the cylindrical body along a curved face extending from the first end to the second end, the recess extending radially into the cylindrical body. The smoking accessory can include a capsule containing a flavoring agent disposed within the recess.

Abstract: An air dryer cartridge for reducing moisture of air supplied to an electronics housing has a cartridge housing containing a drying agent through which air is guided. A sensor unit of an optical measuring system is provided for determining the moisture content of the drying agent. The cartridge has a light-permeable casing surface section so that an optical signal emitted from the optical measuring system can pass through the casing surface section. In the method for determining a moisture content of the drying agent of the air dryer cartridge, an optical signal from a sending module is emitted onto or through the drying agent and received by a receiving module where a measured value is determined. The moisture content is determined by comparing the measured value with a data set of measured value-specific values for moisture contents or by a calculation rule for moisture content based on measured value.

Abstract: A system for sorting objects is provided. For instance, the system includes a first and second sensor for observing the objects before and after sorting and a controller having an action agent module and a learning agent module. The controller updates, by the learning agent module, a policy matrix after sorting previously sorted objects. The policy matrix includes state data of the previously sorted objects including sensor data, an action performed by the sorting actuator, and a sorting score. The controller actuates the sorting actuator, calculates a specific sorting score based on a specific action performed by the sorting actuator, and updates the policy matrix to create an updated policy matrix including updated sorting rules. The updated policy matrix is used in sorting subsequent objects. In another example, the controller loads a policy matrix that was determined incrementally during sorting of previously sorted objects.

Abstract: A rolling paper is formed according to a modified conventional paper-making process. The end product is infused with cannabinoids from an oil extract from the cannabis plant. Since paper-making is highly water intensive and the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is an oil that is ordinarily immiscible in the water, an emulsifier is used to allow the cannabinoids to evenly disperse in the making of the paper. The addition of the cannabinoids and the emulsifier is done prior to the drying of the paper. Preferably, the emulsifier and cannabinoids are added during the sizing step of the paper-making. Preferably the emulsifier is a starch-like carbohydrate, a modified starch, more preferably hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose. The cannabinoid containing cannabis extract can be added at the pulping, web-forming step and/or preferably at the sizing step of paper-making.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for forming devices on a substrate. For example, a method for forming devices on a substrate can include projecting one or more ion beams from one or more ion beam chambers to form one or more devices on a first surface of a substrate and projecting one or more ion beams from one or more ion beam chambers to form one or more devices on a second surface of a substrate. In these embodiments, the first surface and the second surface are on opposite sides of the substrate. Therefore, the ion beams can form the devices on both sides of the substrate.

Abstract: Suction belt conveyor of a rod-forming machine of the tobacco processing industry for conveying materials, in particular tobacco, a rod-forming machine of the tobacco processing industry and use of the rod-forming machine and a method for measuring material properties of a material rod of the tobacco processing industry. The suction belt conveyor includes at least one rod guiding channel, which is open at the bottom and which is delimited by two lateral channel sides and a suction belt along a conveying path. At least one electromagnetic measuring device is integrated in the channel sides of the suction belt conveyor at at least one position along the conveying path in order to determine properties of the conveyed material.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (12) and a mouthpiece (14) secured to a downstream end of the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The mouthpiece (14) comprises at least one segment of filter material (18) and a liquid delivery element (22). The liquid delivery element (22) comprises an upstream end and a downstream end, a cavity (28) containing a liquid, and at least one channel (26) extending between the upstream end and the downstream end of the liquid delivery element (22). The liquid delivery element (22) is arranged to deliver the liquid to the at least one segment of filter material (18) when activated by a consumer.

Abstract: Methods and systems of identifying a time reduction in a manufacturing time associated with a plurality of products. One system includes an electronic processor configured to receive a dataset associated with an assembly line. The dataset includes a classification for each of the plurality of products produced by the assembly line, where the assembly line is associated with a plurality of tests. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a set of test combinations for the assembly line based on the plurality of tests and, for each test combination, determine a number of missing products based on the classification for each of the plurality of products. The electronic processor is also configured to determine at least one test to remove based on the number of missing products for each test combination and output a result including an indication of the at least one test to remove.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for testing a heat-not-burn tobacco product. A heater carrier may be movable with respect to a tobacco product placement region and configured to heat a first end of a tobacco product located in the tobacco product placement region. A puffing simulator is configured to fluidically couple to a second end of the tobacco product. The puffing simulator is configured to draw air through the tobacco product thereby simulating a puff of the tobacco product. A thermocouple placement right is configured to selectively position one or more thermocouples in or along the tobacco product. A drill is configured to selectively drill one or more holes at positions within the tobacco product. The thermocouple(s) are positioned on or within the tobacco product and generate data corresponding to detected temperatures of the tobacco product as the puffing simulator simulates one or more puffs.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for a single-track or multitrack provision of web-like interleaved sheet material at a cutting region in which products supplied on one track or on multiple tracks are cut into slices and interleaved sheets are introduced which are cut off from the provided interleaved sheet material in the cutting region, comprising devices for transporting at least one material web from a material store to the cutting region, wherein a connection device is provided which is integrated into the apparatus and which is configured to connect consecutive material webs to one another on the path between the material store and the cutting region.

Abstract: A rotating drum for use in manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a drum body. A plurality of grooves may be disposed in an outer face of the drum body. A seat may be tractably-mounted in each one of the plurality of grooves. The seat may include a seat groove that is structured and arranged to receive and hold a rigid casing of a vapor-generating article. The seat may be composed of a material that is softer than a material of the rigid casing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a smoking article (10) comprises providing a mouthpiece (14) and an aerosol generating substrate (12) in axial alignment with the mouthpiece (14). The mouthpiece (14) includes one or more segments (16) and a substantially transparent wrapper (18) circumscribing at least a portion of the one or more segments (16). A sheet of paper material is provided and comprises a window in the paper material. The ratio of shrinkage of the substantially transparent wrapper (18) to shrinkage of the paper material at the time of manufacture of the smoking article is less than 3.5 when subjected to 15 percent relative humidity at 42 degrees Celsius for 3 hours. The sheet of paper material is wrapped around at least a portion of the transparent wrapper (18) so that an underlying mouthpiece segment can be viewed through the window and the substantially transparent wrapper (18).

Abstract: An aerosol provision system comprises a liquid storage area comprising a liquid formulation; an aerosol generating area; and a membrane disposed between the liquid storage area and the aerosol generating area, the membrane fluidly communicating the liquid storage area with the aerosol generating area, wherein the liquid formulation has a water content of at least 18% w/w.

Abstract: A tipping paper feed assembly (1) for use in smoking article manufacture. The tipping paper feed assembly (1) comprising a first feed device adapted to supply a first tipping paper web (4) that is fed into apparatus for smoking article manufacture, and a second feed device adapted to supply a second tipping paper web (11). The tipping paper feed assembly (1) also comprises a splice mechanism (12) adapted to attach the first and second tipping paper webs (4, 11) together for changeover between the first and the second feed devices. The tipping paper feed device (1) also comprises a registration system configured to register features of each tipping paper web (4, 11) prior to attaching said first and second tipping paper webs together with said features in register.

Abstract: A system for sorting objects is provided. For instance, the system includes a first sensor, a sorting actuator, a second sensor and a controller. The first sensor observes the objects. The sorting actuator sorts the objects. The second sensor observers the sorted objects. The sorting actuator may be actuated by the controller using sorting rules, historical system data and observations of the objects. The sorting rules may be updated by the controller using observations of the sorted objects. In another aspect, a method is provided. The objects are observed. The objects are sorted using sorting rules, historical system data and observations of the objects. The sorted objects are observed. The sorting rules are updated using the observations of the sorted objects.

Abstract: A smoking article and method of manufacture provides a sheet of smokable material having a plurality of edges. One or more score or cuts are made in the sheet that each extend a partial distance from a first said edge toward a second said edge, the score or cut separating large and small sections of the sheet. A hinge is defined by a portion of the sheet of smokable material that is next to a score or cut, said hinge joining the large section to the small section. A conically shaped form is provided for shaping the sheet. The form has an outer surface, a large diameter end, a small diameter end, and a cavity that extends to said small diameter end. Corrugations on the small section of the sheet enable the small section to be fitted into the cavity via the small diameter end. The hinge enables the sheet to fold when the small section occupies the cavity in an assembled position wherein the large section is wrapped around the form outer surface.

Abstract: A rolling paper is formed according to a modified conventional paper-making process. The end product is infused with cannabinoids from an oil extract from the cannabis plant. Since paper-making is highly water intensive and the cannabinoid containing cannabis extract is an oil that is ordinarily immiscible in the water, an emulsifier is used to allow the cannabinoids to evenly disperse in the making of the paper. The addition of the cannabinoids and the emulsifier is done prior to the drying of the paper. Preferably, the emulsifier and cannabinoids are added during the sizing step of the paper-making. Preferably the emulsifier is a starch-like carbohydrate, a modified starch, more preferably hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose. The cannabinoid containing cannabis extract can be added at the pulping, web-forming step and/or preferably at the sizing step of paper-making.

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material such as tobacco and a tubular support in which the rod is slidably received. The tubular support is formed from a blank of sheet material that is wound in a spiral. Machinery for making the spiral blank is described.

Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol and a tubular filter segment downstream of the heater. The tubular filter segment is operable to selectively filter aerosol particles and vapors from the aerosol.

Abstract: A cartridge of an e-vaping device includes a housing extending in a longitudinal direction, a reservoir in the housing, a heater in the housing, and an absorbent material at least partially surrounding the sinusoidal shaped member. The reservoir is configured to store a pre-vapor formulation. The heater has a sinusoidal shaped member translating about an elliptical shape to define a channel there through. The absorbent material is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.

Abstract: A protective member for rod-like elements, in particular rod sections and/or an endless rod, travelling within a measuring head used in tobacco industry, the measuring head including at least two neighboring sensor units enabling to take measurements of the parameters of the rod-like elements by the radiation emitted and received by the sensor units, the protective member extending through the operation zones of the specific sensor units. The protective member includes compartments defined therein, each compartment corresponding to the operation zone of one sensor unit and each compartment including at least one first opening enabling percolation of the radiation. A measuring head including the protective member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating drum for use in manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a drum body. A plurality of grooves may be disposed in an outer face of the drum body. A seat may be tractably-mounted in each one of the plurality of grooves. The seat may include a seat groove that is structured and arranged to receive and hold a rigid casing of a vapor-generating article. The seat may be composed of a material that is softer than a material of the rigid casing.

Abstract: The object of the application is a method for measuring the quality of connection in a tobacco industry's rod-like article comprising a rod (1A, 1B) with a filler (2, 3, 5, 6) and a wrapper (4A, 4B), characterized in that the tested rod (1A, 1B) used in the tobacco industry's article is fixed in a measuring device in a seat (11) for fixing the rod (1A, 1B) in a rotary measuring table (10), then the rotary measuring table (10) is put in rotary motion, by means of the measuring unit the advancement of the filler (3, 6) of the tested rod from the wrapper (4A, 4B) is measured, and the quality of connection between the wrapper (4A, 4B) and the rod (1A, 1B) filler (3, 6) is determined on the basis of the extent of advancement of the rod (1A, 1B) filler (3, 6), and the centrifugal force. The object of the application is also a device for measuring the quality of connection.

Abstract: A real time variable voltage programmable electronic cigarette device has a main body, a controller, a memory, a visual indicator, a multidirectional joystick for operating and programming the electronic cigarette, a visual indicator for real-time status feedback, and a USB connector for computer connectivity. Programming the device includes the ability to create vaping profiles. The programmable function enables a user to set the voltage output and power output level applied to the atomizer when energized.

Abstract: A method for assessing the acceptability of product filter rods, filters or filter elements which include a longitudinally extending core of filtering material including a longitudinal channel extending from an end of the core.

Abstract: A device (10) for treating at least a portion of a smoking article comprises: a base unit (12) including: one or more elongate chambers (16) for receiving at least a portion of a smoking article and one or more air plenums (22) in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more elongate chambers (16), wherein the one or more air plenums (22) comprises one or more annular channels, the one or more annular channels surrounding the elongate chambers (16) along at least a part of the length of the elongate chambers (16); a treatment unit (26) including one or more reservoirs (32) for containing a liquid treatment agent, wherein each reservoir (32) comprises means (36) for providing fluid communication with an inlet (24) of the one or more air plenums (22); and aerosol generating means (40) connected to the treatment unit (26) for forming an aerosol from the liquid treatment agent in the one or more reservoirs (32).

Abstract: Docking station (1) with a clearing device for a channel (4) for the mass flow of rod-shaped articles (5) used in the tobacco industry, provided with storage means (2) containing the clearing device (3) wherein the storage means are adapted in such a way that they are led in into the channel in response to a signal of presence of the end face of mass flow at the place at which the clearing device is led in or out; moving means (14) for inserting the clearing device into the channel after the storage means have been led in into the channel; furthermore, the storage means are adapted in such a way that they are led out of the installation channel in response to the signal of presence of the end face of the cleaning device in the channel.

Abstract: A pouch with multiple tear areas is provided. In one embodiment instructions are provided for resealing with heat. In one embodiment a zip-lock type reseal can be used in place of one of the multiple tear areas.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tobacco material for use in a smoking article is provided, including (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof; (ii) heating the mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated mixture into a smoking article as a smokable material. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette is also provided that includes a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide in mainstream smoke. Upon smoking, the smoking article is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and an associated method for slitting a tobacco sheet material into cut pieces used to form smoking articles are provided. The cutting apparatus includes a rotatable cutter assembly having a drum member configured to rotate about an axis defined thereby. The cutter assembly includes a plurality of knife members disposed about the periphery of the drum member and extending radially therefrom. A fixed counter-knife assembly is disposed adjacent to the periphery of the drum member and is configured to interact with the rotatable cutter assembly during rotation thereof about the axis. The counter-knife assembly includes a ledger member having a plurality of cutting insert members removably engaged therewith. The cutting insert members are configured to interact with the knife members during rotation of the cutter assembly with respect to the counter-knife assembly so as to slit the tobacco sheet material received therebetween into cut pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cigarette and its constituent components including one or more formulations of filler materials and one or more rolling papers each printed with indicia indicative of the respective formulations of filler material. Also the provision of printed material that associates the particular indicia with its associated formulation.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for manufacturing cigarettes includes a housing, a mandrel extending from the housing, and a movable member operably coupled to the housing and adapted to carry a first cigarette tube. The movable member is movable, relative to each of the housing and the mandrel, in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing cigarettes includes loading a first cigarette tube on a mandrel, holding the first cigarette tube on the mandrel, and inserting a push rod and a carrot of pre-cut tobacco leaves into the first cigarette tube, the carrot of pre-cut tobacco leaves having a generally cylindrical shape. An offset distance is defined between the first cigarette tube and the mandrel after the push rod and the carrot of pre-cut tobacco leaves are inserted into the first cigarette tube.

Abstract: A smoking article (1) comprising a rod (2) of smokable material with a mouth end (3) and a distal end (4) remote from the mouth end (3). The rod (2) comprises at least a first and a second segment (5, 6), wherein the first segment (5) has a distal end defining the distal end of the rod and the second segment (6) is disposed downstream of the first segment. The smoking article further comprises a mouthpiece (7), which is attached to the mouth end (3) of the rod (2), wherein the first segment (5) comprises a first tobacco blend with a first level of a smoke constituent inhibitor and the second segment (6) comprises a second tobacco blend with a second level of the smoke constituent inhibitor, wherein the second level of the smoke constituent inhibitor is lower than the first level.

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material such as tobacco and a tubular support in which the rod is slidably received. The tubular support is formed from a blank of sheet material that is wound in a spiral. Machinery for making the spiral blank is described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a tobacco material for use in a smoking article is provided, including (i) mixing a tobacco material, water, and an additive selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine, histidine, alanine, methionine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, phenylalanine, valine, arginine, di- and trivalent cations, asparaginase, saccharides, phenolic compounds, reducing agents, compounds having a free thiol group, oxidizing agents, oxidation catalysts, plant extracts, and combinations thereof; (ii) heating the mixture; and (iii) incorporating the heat-treated mixture into a smoking article as a smokable material. A smoking article in the form of a cigarette is also provided that includes a tobacco material pre-treated to inhibit reaction of asparagine to form acrylamide in mainstream smoke. Upon smoking, the smoking article is characterized by an acrylamide content of mainstream smoke that is reduced relative to an untreated control smoking article.

Abstract: A finished tobacco product is formed by an inner shell and attached outer pre-rolled sheet where the inner shell has a means to open an interior volume to add selected tobacco filler material.

Abstract: A smoking device for generating and releasing smoking vapor free from contamination into the mouth of a user comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a smoking substance at a substantially constant low temperature by regulating the flow of fuel by a thermal regulator and further having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.

Abstract: A smoking article (1) comprising a rod (2) of smokable material with a mouth end (3) and a distal end (4) remote from the mouth end (3). The rod (2) comprises at least a first and a second segment (5, 6), wherein the first segment (5) has a distal end defining the distal end of the rod (2) and the second segment (6) is disposed downstream of the first segment. The smoking article further comprises a mouthpiece (7), which is attached to the mouth end (3) of the rod (2), wherein the first segment (5) comprises a first tobacco blend with a first level of a smoke constituent and the second segment (6) comprises a second tobacco blend with a second level of the smoke constituent, wherein the second level of the smoke constituent is lower than the first level.

Abstract: A processing machine for rod-shaped articles includes a base frame including a back plate extending upward from the base frame; and a plurality of function modules each adapted to perform a manufacturing function on a rod-shaped article. Each function module includes a mounting plate adapted to removably attach the function module to the back plate as a unit, and a dedicated drive motor supported on the mounting plate and adapted to move at least a portion of the function module. The plurality of function modules includes at least one of a rod infeed module, a hopper module, a drum module, a knife module, and a gluing module. A method of configuring a modular processing machine for rod-shaped articles is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a multi-segmented cylindrical product is described. The apparatus can include a feeder adapted to supply segments of a pliable material; and a rotating drum having an outer periphery and a plurality of fixtures distributed around the outer periphery, each fixture adapted to support a substantially cylindrical object, and wrap a segment of the pliable material around the substantially cylindrical object and a portion of the fixture to form a fill tube defining a pocket in the pliable material. Other features and related methods are also described.

Abstract: A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A smoking article comprising a first part moveable relative to a second part, and defining an interface between the first and second parts located around the first part are provided, among other aspects. A cover is configured to cover the interface and obstruct ingress of air into the smoking article directly at the interface.

Abstract: A cigarette tobacco filler device includes a cigarette tobacco loader for loading tobacco leaves into a tobacco receiving cavity, wherein the cigarette tobacco loader includes a loader body and a loader arrangement. The loader body has a loading cavity and a loading opening aligned with the tobacco receiving cavity. The loader arrangement includes a loading pusher movably supported by the loader body to move between first and second positions, and a loader handle pivotally coupled at the loader body to move the loading pusher between said first and second positions. At the first position, a loading gap is formed between the pusher end of the loading pusher and the loading opening for receiving the tobacco leaves within the loading gap. At the second position, the pusher end of the loading pusher is driven for pushing the tobacco leaves within the loading gap into the tobacco receiving cavity.