With Coating Or Printing Patents (Class 131/284)
  • Patent number: 11724290
    Abstract: A smoking article includes identification information encoded on the smoking article. The smoking article can be used with an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information. A cleaning article includes identification information encoded on the cleaning article. The cleaning article cleans an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the cleaning article and distinguishing the cleaning article from other articles based on the identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Felix Fernando, Jean-Pierre Cordey
  • Patent number: 10897925
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the customization of tobacco and Cannabis smoking products including formulations for onserts, precision rods and precision pods for harm reduction products particularly for those who simultaneously smoke or vape tobacco and marijuana, as well as methods and apparatuses for blending a salt of nicotine in crystalline form and one or more cannabinoids in crystalline form for a precision pod for use in a vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Pandolfino
  • Patent number: 10292419
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward cigar and method for making the same. The cigar comprises a first layer and filler. The first layer is disposed in retaining relation to the filler to define a wrapped configuration. The wrapped configuration includes an elongated configuration and an open end, the open end dimensioned and configured to expose a corresponding portion of the filler there through. The first layer includes a distal end disposed in overlaying, covering relation to at least a portion of an outer periphery of the open end to at least partially define a cigar lock. The cigar lock includes a perforated construction disposed and structured to facilitate ventilation of the filler. The perforated construction includes at least one perforation extending through the distal end in communicating relation with said filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Enrique Fernando Sanchez Icaza
  • Patent number: 9895903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the gilding of a substrate with the application of pressure between the zones of the substrate to be gilded and a gilding sheet comprising a gilding film and a transfer layer, characterized by the consecutive treatment of the gilded substrate, allowing the adhesion performance of the gilding sheet in relation to the substrate to be optimized while improving the visual quality of the gilding deposit on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MGI Digital Technology
    Inventors: Edmond Abergel, Raphael Renaud
  • Patent number: 9809927
    Abstract: The device for embossing and perforating foils for tobacco goods includes: a pair of embossing rolls, one of the embossing rolls having teeth for perforating the foil, the counter roll to the embossing roll with the perforating teeth being a matrix roll which has recesses that correspond to the teeth on the patrix roll, both embossing rolls being arranged in a perforation device, and the device being designed in order to be operated directly or indirectly online in a machine for producing tobacco goods. The use of patrix-matrix embossing rolls allows for a large variety of perforations, the device having a control unit designed to control the exact position, size and arrangement of the perforations on the basis of the quality of the foil to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Boegli
  • Patent number: 9161570
    Abstract: Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ping Li, Firooz Rasouli, Rajesh K. Garg, Randall E. Baren, Marc W. Rose, Peter J. Lipowicz, Tony A. Phan, Timothy S. Sherwood, Szu-Sung Yang, Donald E. Miser, Milton E. Parrish
  • Publication number: 20150107608
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a mouthpiece having an outer surface and a cooling agent inclusion complex disposed on the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Alen Kadiric
  • Patent number: 8831764
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Hugh Gates, Hung Phan, Chris Campbell, David Hall, Gary Wood, Reggie Thomas, Frank Brantley
  • Patent number: 8646464
    Abstract: Smoking articles having reduced ignition proclivity characteristics are disclosed. The smoking articles include a paper wrapper containing cellulosic fibers and filler particles. The paper wrappers are formed so that the filler particles form a concentration gradient throughout the thickness of the wrapper. More particularly, a greater concentration of filler particles are present at a first surface in comparison to the amount of filler particles present at the opposite surface. In accordance with the present disclosure, an ignition reducing composition is applied to the first surface. In this manner, treated areas having more uniform properties are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Hampl, Jr., James C. Rossi-Espagnet, Xiangwei Gu, Peter E. Brighenti, Christopher Lee Goynes
  • Patent number: 8646463
    Abstract: A cigarette and cigarette paper have a plurality of multilayer bands formed by printing a highly viscous aqueous film-forming composition. After heating the composition to lower its viscosity, the bands are applied to the cigarette paper by gravure printing the composition. The composition is quenched and gelatinized by contact with the cool cigarette paper reducing absorption of water by the paper and reducing wrinkling, cockling, and waviness. Multiple gravure printed layers may be used to form the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Sherwood, Firooz Rasouli, Ping Li, Don E. Miser, Joe Yousef Mohajer, Bruce E. Waymack, Tony A. Phan, Tracy L. Madison, John R. Tilley, Yezdi B. Pithawalla
  • Patent number: 8616219
    Abstract: A filter (3) for a smoking article (1) comprises one or more segments (4a, 4b, 4c) of filtration media and a substantially transparent wrapper (5). The one or more filter segments (4a, 4b, 4c) and the wrapper (5) define a recess or cavity in the filter (3). An anchoring adhesive (7) is provided to secure the one or more filter segments (4a, 4b, 4c) to the wrapper (5). The anchoring adhesive (7) is disposed exclusively between the wrapper (5) and portions of the one or more filter segments (4a, 4b, 4c) other than those corresponding to the recess or cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: John Richardson, Joseph Peter Sutton
  • Publication number: 20130255701
    Abstract: A smoking article can comprise a rod of smoking material enclosed in a wrapper wherein the wrapper is provided with a design which comprises thermoresilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Wendy COOPER, Kevin Gerard MCADAM
  • Publication number: 20130220351
    Abstract: Immobilized diluents in a smoking article are provided, wherein diluents can be immobilized through absorption and/or adsorption of the diluents into immobilizing materials, such as sorbents like silica gels. By immobilizing diluents, the diluents can be available for vaporization, while still being protected from migration and/or loss of the diluents in a smoking article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventor: Philip Morris USA Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130199551
    Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprising a first part (13) configured to be movable relative to a second part (11) of the smoking article. The first part (13) having a first engaging surface (31). The second part (11) having a second engaging surface (32), the second engaging surface engagable with the first engaging surface (31) to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second parts. The first engaging surface (31) and/or second engaging surface (32) is preferably formed on a folded over portion of sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED, Tobacco Research and Development Institute (Proprietary) Limited, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Gerhard Le Roux, Karl Kaljura, Mark Austin, Gary Fallon, John Richardson, Kevin Blick, Mike Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130125905
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Jack B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 8434494
    Abstract: A gravity type water pipe providing enhanced cooling of smoke generated thereby. The water pipe comprises a water reservoir and a movable assembly which in operation is raised and lowered in water contained in the water reservoir. The movable assembly may comprise a vertical conduit, a bowl for containing ignited substances, and an enlarged chamber below the vertical conduit. A supplementary cooling chamber for containing ice is contained in the smoke flow path of the movable assembly. The supplementary cooling chamber is adapted to receive ice and may for example have a grate for entrapping ice cubes place in the supplementary cooling chamber. The supplementary cooling chamber may be a component unto itself which is removable from the movable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Kris Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20130019886
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter Rex White, William David Lewis
  • Patent number: 8356607
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a carbon monoxide reducing agent including particles including a calcium aluminate represented by the formula (CaO)m(Al2O3)n, where 1/6?m/n?4/1, wherein the particles have a BET specific surface area of 2 m2/g or more and less than 20 m2/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Yasunobu Inoue, Kiyohiro Sasakawa, Kazunori Sugai, Kenichi Nishimura, Yoshio Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20130008456
    Abstract: Delivery of additives in a smoking article is provided through thermally degradable, robust immobilized additive inserts. Additives can be immobilized in an elongated device or an insert, wherein the elongated device or the insert is sufficiently robust to allow the elongated device or the insert to be manually or machine inserted into a smoking article while maintaining the structure of the elongated device or the insert. By providing additives in the form of thermally degradable immobilized additive inserts, migration and/or loss of the additives in a smoking article prior to smoking can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Munmaya K. Mishra, Jay A. Fournier, Marc R. Krauss, Douglas A. Fernandez, Peter J. Lipowicz
  • Publication number: 20120318285
    Abstract: Tobacco smoking mixtures capable of producing tobacco smoke are provided which reduce the cytotoxicity and/or mutagenicity of the tobacco smoke. The tobacco smoking mixtures include tobacco cut filler and glycerin in an amount effective to reduce cytotoxicity and/or mutagenicity of smoke produced by the tobacco smoking mixture. The tobacco smoking mixtures enable a further reduction in cytotoxicity and/or mutagenicity when glycerin is combined with palladium or salts of calcium and/or magnesium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: San LI, Raquel Olegario, Joseph L. Banyasz, Kenneth H. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20120305013
    Abstract: Method of applying phase transition substance to impart reduced ignition propensity to a smoking article comprising a tobacco column and a wrapper surrounding the tobacco column and having a porous structure with a base permeability. The method comprising forming a pattern of phase transition material on the wrapper such that, when subjected to the heat of the tobacco column burning firecone, the phase transition material at least partially fills the wrapper porous structure in the vicinity of the burning firecone to form an area on the wrapper having reduced permeability lower than that of the wrapper base permeability. The reduced permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the burning firecone imparts reduced ignition propensity such that there is insufficient air flow to sustain combustion of the firecone or insufficient air flow to sustain an intensity of the burning firecone necessary to ignite the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Lorillard Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Steven E. Brown, Alexander J. Dyakonov, Luis A. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20120305014
    Abstract: A filter (3) for a smoking article (1) comprises one or more segments (4a, 4b, 4c) of filtration media and a substantially transparent wrapper (5). The one or more filter segments (4a, 4b, 4c) and the wrapper (5) define a recess or cavity in the filter (3). An anchoring adhesive (7) is provided to secure the one or more filter segments (4a, 4b, 4c) to the wrapper (5). The anchoring adhesive (7) is disposed exclusively between the wrapper (5) and portions of the one or more filter segments (4a, 4b, 4c) other than those corresponding to the recess or cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: John Richardson, Joseph Peter Sutton
  • Publication number: 20120305012
    Abstract: A method for imparting reduced ignition propensity properties to a smoking article by treating the smoking article wrapper with a phase transition substance which, upon being subjected to the heat of the smoking article burning firecone, physically transforms and at least partially fills the pores of the smoking article wrapper to reduce the permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the burning firecone. The reduced permeability of the wrapper in the vicinity of the firecone will permit sufficient air flow to sustain free burn, but, when the smoking article is placed on a substrate, the reduced permeability of the wrapper imparts reduced ignition propensity such that there is insufficient air flow to sustain combustion of the firecone or insufficient air flow to sustain an intensity of the burning firecone necessary to ignite the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Lorillard Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Alexander J. Dyakonov, Steven E. Brown, Luis A. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20120266902
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of wrapping smoking article rods with a wrapper. A bobbin comprising a wound web (8) and individual spaced wrappers (2) is provided. The wrappers (2) each have a longitudinal axis (Lw) and are arranged side by side on the web (8). The bobbin is unwound, and an unwound section of the web (8) is guided across a support, preferably a support plate, wherein the wrappers (2) on that section of the web (8) are exposed. Individual smoking article rods (1), which have their longitudinal axes (Lr) generally arranged in parallel, are fed towards the support under an oblique angle (?) between the longitudinal axes (Lr, Lw) of the smoking article rods (1) and of the wrappers (2). Each smoking article rod (1) is rolled over one of the wrappers (2), wherein that wrapper (2) is taken up by that smoking article rod (1) and helically wound about that smoking article rod (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Imperial Tobacco Ltd.
    Inventors: Yves Drezen, Fabian Rieth
  • Publication number: 20120118303
    Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A Fournler, John B. Paine, Douglas A. Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20120118302
    Abstract: Supported catalyst particles, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles that are supported on particles of an electrically conductive support selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon and a partially reduced oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Miser, Diane Gee
  • Patent number: 8171941
    Abstract: An apparatus for customizing an as-formed cigarette is provided, wherein the as-formed cigarette has a cylindrical rod configuration defining a longitudinal axis, and includes a filter rod portion and a contiguous tobacco rod portion. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed an as-formed cigarette, from a plurality of as-formed cigarettes, to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the as-formed cigarette in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Brent Walker Carter, John Larkin Nelson, Rebecca Anne Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120103351
    Abstract: An applicator operable to apply an additive to a smoking article wrapping material comprises a conveyance mechanism for conveying the wrapping material along a path and an inlet to receive a gaseous flow for entraining additive, the applicator being configured such that in use, additive entrained in the gaseous flow is caused to be diverted towards the wrapping material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Gary Fallon, Gerhard Le Roux
  • Patent number: 8118033
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing rod-shaped smoking articles which includes a forming section (10) for forming a material layer (K) made up of particles of smoking material and delivering the formed material layer (K); a wrapping section (20) disposed downstream of the forming section (10), for forming a rod (KR) by wrapping the material layer (K) in a web (W); a pair of guide blocks (54) disposed in the terminal end portion of the forming section (10), for guiding the material layer (K); a web shield (56) disposed downstream of the guide blocks (54) as viewed in the direction of delivering the material layer (K), for separating the material layer (K) and the web (W) from each other; a tongue (40) disposed in the start end portion of the wrapping section (20); and injection openings (64, 70, 76) provided to the guide blocks (54), the web shield (56) and the tongue (40), for injecting a liquid flavor additive into the material layer (K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Sendo, Toshio Yanagi, Akihiro Inoue, Tomoichi Watanabe, Manabu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8113217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter-tip cigarette with a tobacco rod (1) wrapped in a cigarette paper and a filter (6) wrapped along its length in tipping paper (4) or other wrapper being other than plugwrap, and a strip of material (5) fully covering the tipping paper of the filter and the cigarette paper of the wrapped tobacco rod in the region of the abutment between tobacco rod and filter bonds together the filter and tobacco rod. In addition, the invention relates to a process for the manufacture of such a filter, which may also be employed for the manufacture of ‘double unit cigarettes’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventor: Horst Grzonka
  • Publication number: 20120012122
    Abstract: Nanoscale particles are formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter materials by physical vapor deposition. The nanoscale particles are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ramkuber Yadav, Khaled Saoud, Firooz Rasouli, Mohammad Hajaligol
  • Publication number: 20120000475
    Abstract: A method of making composite nanoscale particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the composite nanoscale particles, wherein said composite nanoscale particles comprise a first metal and/or a first metal oxide incorporated in nanoscale particles of an oxide of a second metal, the first metal being different than the second metal. The starting material can comprise first and second metals or compounds of the first and second metals. The composite nanoscale particles can be formed in a reaction chamber wherein a temperature gradient is provided. The atmosphere in the chamber can be an inert atmosphere comprising argon or a reactive atmosphere comprising oxygen. The composite nanoscale particles are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sarojini Deevi, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Yezdi B. Pithawalla
  • Publication number: 20110315153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a plurality of smoking articles, comprising providing a wrapping paper having a permeability of less than 15 CU and applying a burn retardant additive material in a predetermined pattern to the wrapping paper. The wrapping paper is wrapped about a tobacco material to form a wrapped rod and the wrapped rod is cut to form the plurality of smoking articles. The invention also relates to a smoking article manufactured by the method, wherein the wrapping paper has a permeability of less than 15 CU in areas without the burn retardant additive and a lower permeability in areas where the additive is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Fiebelkorn, Karl Kaljura, Leonardo Nappi
  • Patent number: 8069859
    Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Keisuke Minami, Tsuyoshi Futamura
  • Publication number: 20110203599
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a carbon monoxide reducing agent including particles including a calcium aluminate represented by the formula (CaO)m(Al2O3)n, where 1/6?m/n?4/1, wherein the particles have a BET specific surface area of 2 m2/g or more and less than 20 m2/g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Yasunobu Inoue, Kiyohiro Sasakawa, Kazunori Sugai, Kenichi Nishimura, Yoshio Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20110180084
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for forming a rod member for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A fibrillation unit is configured to fibrillate a sheet material having one of a biodegradability-enhancing substance and a compostability-enhancing substance associated therewith. A rod-forming unit is operably engaged with the fibrillation unit and is configured to form the fibrillated sheet material into a continuous filter rod member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Andries D. Sebastian, Dennis L. Potter, Robert L. Oglesby
  • Publication number: 20110126847
    Abstract: A method of making palladium-containing nanoscale catalyst particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the catalyst particles. The catalyst comprises nanoscale particles of palladium and/or palladium oxide incorporated in and/or on nanoscale particles of a metal or metal oxide. The nanoscale catalyst, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, is useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis. The nanoscale catalyst can convert carbon monoxide and nitric oxide that are found in mainstream smoke to carbon dioxide and nitrogen, respectively. The nanoscale catalyst may also be incorporated into a hydrocarbon conversion reactor, into a vehicle exhaust emissions system, into a laser, into a fuel cell or used in an air filter or for emissions reduction in the cold starting of an automobile engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Samy El-Shall, Sarojini Deevi
  • Patent number: 7921622
    Abstract: In a cigarette packer, groups of single cigarettes are first assembled by a formation unit and placed in trays carried by a conveyor, then directed in succession along a set feed path, advancing sideways-on, toward a wrapping unit by which each one is enveloped in a transparent or at least partly transparent wrapper; during the transfer from the formation unit to the wrapping unit, the trays are directed past a print unit stationed along the feed path, by which at least one graphic element such as lettering or a logo is impressed on at least one cigarette making up each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Luca Petrucci, Gilberto Spirito, Stefano Negrini
  • Publication number: 20100224202
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article. The apparatus comprises a conveyor (60) for a tobacco rod (65). The direction of conveyance is parallel-to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod (65). The apparatus further comprises an applicator (72) for applying a liquid additive to the tobacco rod (65) on the conveyor (60). The applicator (72) is configured such that liquid additive received into the tobacco rod (65) has a distribution in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod (65) that is substantially symmetrical about the central axis. In one embodiment, the applicator (65) comprises a plurality of dispensing heads (75A, 75B) disposed around the tobacco rod (65). In another embodiment, the applicator (72) includes a plough (91) for creating a furrow within the tobacco rod (65) and a dispensing head (92) for dispensing additive into the furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew McLellan
  • Patent number: 7677256
    Abstract: Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials possess coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band possessing a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Paul Stuart Chapman, Sara Sutton Williard, Charles Ray Ashcraft, James Herbert Ellis, Jr., James Ray Hutchens, Gregory Scott Pierce, John Joseph Tomel, Jr., Mark Stuart Powell
  • Publication number: 20090301503
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: White Rex Peter, William David Lewis
  • Publication number: 20090277466
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of manufacturing a web which is striped with add-on material, comprising: a first slurry supply which forms a sheet of base web and moves the sheet along a first path; a second slurry supply; and a moving orifice applicator operative so as to repetitively discharge the second slurry upon the moving sheet of base web. The moving orifice applicator includes a chamber box arranged to establish a reservoir of the second slurry across the first path, an endless belt having orifice groups, the endless belt received through the chamber box, and a drive arrangement operative upon the endless belt to continuously move the orifices along an endless-path and repetitively through the chamber box. The orifices communicate with the reservoir to discharge the second slurry as bands of add-on material to the base web. Orifices within the orifice groups can be spaced relative to one another to define bands of add-on material having a relative minimum in thickness or to define spaced apart bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Cunningham, Marc W. Rose, Thomas A. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 7600518
    Abstract: A smoking article including a smokable rod manufactured using a paper wrapping material having an additive material applied thereto as a pattern. The additive material is applied as aqueous coating formulation incorporating both an alginate and hydroxypropylcellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Robert Leslie Oglesby, Alan Benson Norman, John Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20090159090
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a tobacco rod and a wrapper, wherein the wrapper includes at least one zone treated with an inorganic salt providing reduced ignition propensity. Preferably, the porosity of the wrapper in the treated zones is larger than 10 CU. Suitable inorganic salts are, e.g., magnesium chloride, aluminum sulfate, alum, sodium tetraborate, the hydrated forms of these compounds, sodium chloride, or mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: REEMTSMA CIGARETTENFABRIKEN GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Pienemann
  • Publication number: 20090139534
    Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Phillip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Khaled Saoud, Firooz Rasouli, Shahryar Rabiei, Shalva Gedevanishvili, Mohammad R. Hajaligol
  • Patent number: 7509961
    Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Khaled Saoud, Firooz Rasouli, Shahryar Rabiei, Shalva Gedevanishvili, Mohammad R. Hajaligol
  • Publication number: 20090065012
    Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive material can be applied as a coating formulation in an off-line manner to a continuous paper sheet web that is later used for cigarette manufacture. The additive material can be applied as a coating formulation in an on-line manner to continuous paper web moving through an operating cigarette making machine. The coating formulation is applied to the paper web using roll applicator techniques, ink jet printing techniques or electrostatic precipitation techniques. Liquid coating formulation are curable, and are virtually absent of solvent or liquid carrier. Radiation, such as ultraviolet or electron beam radiation, is used to solidify and fix polymerizable liquid components of the coating formulation that have been applied to the paper web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Pankaj Patel, Charles Ray Ashcraft, John Joseph Tomel, JR., Gregory Alan Holmes, Vernon Brent Barnes, Lloyd Harmon Hancock, James Herbert Ellis, JR., James Ray Hutchens, Gregory Scott Pierce, Don Hayes White
  • Publication number: 20080314398
    Abstract: In a method of printing smoking article wrapper in a smoking article making machine, preferably a smoking article rod making machine (1), during the manufacture of smoking articles, the printing technique applied is gravure printing. Preferably, in the printing apparatus (6), a printing agent is supplied onto a gravure printing cylinder (10) via a pressurized chamber (14) which contacts the printing cylinder (10) through a seal. The printing agent can be pumped through the pressurized chamber (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD.
    Inventor: Mark Fish
  • Publication number: 20080302376
    Abstract: Provided are smoking articles with a controlled flavor release product. The controlled flavor release product includes a first time-release flavorant and a second time-release flavorant. The controlled flavor release product is a film or a lip balm type formulation that is applied to the downstream end of a smoking article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Jose Nepomuceno, Shuzhong Zhuang, Jeff Allen, Richard Jupe
  • Patent number: 7296578
    Abstract: An additive material is applied to a substrate, such as a paper web used as a wrapping material for cigarette manufacture. A predetermined pattern of additive material is applied to the outer surface of the wrapping material of a formed cigarette, and most preferably of a formed filtered cigarette. In particular, an application system for applying additive material of a controlled type, in a controlled manner and in a controlled location on the wrapping material of a formed two-up filtered cigarette rod is located within a tipping machine. During controlled rotation of each such formed rod (e.g., due to cooperation of (i) a roll drum, and (ii) cooperating roll block and star drum), additive material is applied to the outer surface of a desired location of the wrapping material of each such rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Louis John Read, Jr.