Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for fabricating a branching structure, the apparatus comprising: a flexible, electrically conductive internal electrical field collector comprising a first collector end, a second collector end, a collector outer surface located between both collector ends, a collector longitudinal axis extending through the first collector end and the second collector end, and at least one articulating feature positioned between the first collector end and the second collector end, a compression and rotation mechanism in contact with the first collector end, and a continuously formed mandrel that can include branches, having a first mandrel circumference with a mandrel inner circumference larger than the collector outer circumference and positionable over the internal electrical field collector and a second mandrel located at sufficient distance outside the first mandrel to facilitate attraction of electruspun fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for cylindrical convolutional neural network operation, and an apparatus and method for object recognition and viewpoint estimation using the same. The present disclosure uses a cylindrical convolutional network to recognize objects in the image and to determine the viewpoint, which cylindrical convolutional network performs a convolution operation while sliding the input image in the direction of rotation of the cylindrical kernel and extracts a plurality of view-specific feature vectors according to angular unit intervals, to identify and recognize objects, as well as to determine the viewpoint from which the objects were photographed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a disposable liquid aerosol generating article which includes an aerosol generating substrate portion and a filter portion, the aerosol generating substrate portion including an absorber impregnated with a liquid substance for forming an aerosol, and an amount of the liquid substance corresponding to 10 to 30 times of inhalation.

Abstract: Provided herein are a smoking article filter and a smoking article including the same. The filter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a filter plug including a filter material and a liquid material added to the filter plug. Here, a molecular weight of a hydrophilic group of the filter material may be larger than or equal to a molecular weight of a hydrophobic group thereof, and in this case, changes in physical properties of the filter due to adding the liquid material may be minimized.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (12) and a filter (14) in axial alignment with the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The filter (14) comprises at least one segment of filtration material formed of one or more sheets of a fibrous paper-like material. The fibrous paper-like material comprises a combination of hydrophobic fibres and hydrophilic fibres such that the fibrous paper-like material has a water contact angle as measured in accordance with TAPPI/ANSI T 558 om-15 greater than 90 degrees. Further, the fibrous paper material has a biodegradability in aqueous medium as tested in accordance with ISO 14851 (2005) of at least 90 percent of the maximum degradation of a cellulose reference item within 56 days of testing. In addition, the hydrophobic fibres comprise hydrophobic viscose fibres.

Abstract: A biodegradable bi-component fiber may include a polyhydroxyalkanoate and/or polylactic acid with cellulose acetate and/or plasticized cellulose acetate for use in a filter material configured for use in a filter of a smoking article. The bi-component fiber may have a sheath-core construction where one component of the bi-component forms the core, and the other component forms the sheath of each fiber. A filter made in accordance with this design may also include non-biodegradable material.

Abstract: There is provided a flavour system for use in a tobacco industry product. The flavour system comprises lyophilised botanical material, an activator capable of releasing flavourant from the lyophilised botanical material through contact of the activator with the lyophilised botanical material, and a removable barrier preventing contact between the lyophilised botanical material and the activator. The barrier is removable to permit the activator to contact the lyophilised botanical material, thereby to cause release of the flavourant.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a rod element of smokeable material connected to a filter element by a tipping wrapper. The filter element includes a liquid-filled directional capsule having a predefined rupture region at which the directional capsule is designed to break upon application of external force to release liquid contained therein. An indicator is provided at the tipping wrapper, or else is identifiable through the tipping wrapper, for encouraging a consumer to apply a crushing force in a particular location that can improve the user experience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (10) comprising a tobacco rod (12) and a filter, the filter comprising a filter unit (14) comprising a first segment (16) of filtration material; a second segment comprising a tubular element (18) of filtration material upstream of the first segment (16), the tubular element (18) having an outer diameter (D2) and an inner diameter (D1). An inner surface of the tubular element (18) is substantially air impermeable. The second segment further comprises a frangible or irreversibly collapsible flow restrictor (24) disposed in the tubular element (18). When the flow restrictor (24) is in a substantially unbroken or non-collapsed state, the filter unit (14) has a first RTD. When the flow restrictor (24) is broken or collapsed, the filter unit (14) has a second RTD, the second RTD being smaller than the first RTD.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol-generating article (10) comprising an aerosol-generating substrate (12) and a mouthpiece (14). The mouthpiece (14) comprises at least one segment of filter material (18, 20, 22), a breakable capsule (26) containing an aqueous liquid (32), and a plurality of microencapsulated flavourant particles (38) dispersed within the at least one segment of filter material (22). Each of the microencapsulated flavourant particles (38) comprises a flavourant encapsulated within a shell comprising a water sensitive material, such that the plurality of microencapsulated flavourant particles (38) are adapted to release a flavourant upon contact with the liquid (32) contained within the breakable capsule (26).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering an aerosol-forming composition and a separate functional composition for generating a functionalized aerosol vapor which emulates the organoleptic characteristics and properties of mainstream smoke experienced by smoking traditional tobacco-based smoking articles. The apparatus can comprise a battery section comprising a first housing, a battery disposed within the first housing, and a first connector coupled to the housing, an aerosol section comprising a second housing, an aerosol forming chamber disposed within the second housing, and a pod bay, and an insert section comprising a third housing, a connector, an annular separator, and a mouth end. The battery section can be configured to couple to the aerosol section, the aerosol section can be configured to couple to the insert section, and the connector can be configured to fit within the pod bay.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for forming a biodegradable filter material for a filter element of a smoking article, wherein the method involves combining cellulose acetate fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers, drawing the combined cellulose acetate fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers to form drawn combined fibers, and crimping the drawn combined fibers to form a mixed fiber tow. An associated filter material for the filter element of a smoking article is also provided.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a smoking device is provided. The mouthpiece comprises a porous substrate. The porous surface comprises a wall having an outer surface having an outer cross-sectional shape and an inner surface having an inner cross-sectional shape. The inner surface defines a hollow interior space. A wall thickness is defined by the outer and inner surfaces. The porous substrate has a specific hardness of at least about 1.5 hardness % per weight (g) per length (mm) of the porous substrate. The porous substrate has a porosity of about 50% to about 70%. The inner and outer surfaces provide a wall thickness of about 20% to 60% of an area defined by the outer cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate particle aggregate, a preparation method therefor and an application thereof, which relate to the field of harm reduction additives in cigarettes. The cellulose acetate particle aggregate includes 49-99.5 wt % of cellulose acetate particles, 0-50 wt % of a second kind of particles, and 0.5-20 wt % of a binder. The preparation method involves selecting cellulose acetate particles and a second kind of particles in a certain ratio, or cellulose acetate particles alone, preparing particle aggregates by using an air fluidized granulation method while adding a binder thereto, and sieving the particle aggregates to obtain a cellulose acetate particle aggregate having a required particle size. The cellulose acetate particle aggregate has a porous structure, an irregular shape, and a rough and uneven surface, which help to improve the efficiency of filtering out particulate matters or one or more harmful ingredients in cigarette smoke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a micro-porous filtration membrane with performance enhancing projections as well as a method for producing the same.

Abstract: There is provided a smoking article comprising a tobacco rod, a filter and tipping material attaching the tobacco rod and the filter. The filter comprises a plug of filtration material that defines a downstream end segment of the smoking article, the plug being surrounded by one or more filter wrappers. The hardness of the smoking article at the downstream end segment is at least about 90%, and the filtration material extends to the furthest downstream end of the filter.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Pellet substrates configured for use with a vapor delivery device to vaporize and deliver an aerosol to a user include a semi-porous base material formed of activated alumina pellets, activated carbon pellets, hulled millet grains that have a generally rounded shape or cellulose paper that has a generally disc shape. The pellet substrates are formed by mixing the base material with a liquid solution of an aerosol former and at least one of a tobacco extract mixture and a tobacco powder blend until the liquid solution is absorbed onto the exposed surfaces of the base material with or without drying by applying heat. The base material may be coated with a liquid hydrocolloid gum solution, namely a water soluble gum, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and distilled water to reduce fracturing, cracking, chipping and dusting of the pellet substrates.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lyocell material for a cigarette filter and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the lyocell material which is biodegradable and eco-friendly can be manufactured by crimping lyocell multifilaments to thus obtain a crimped tow.

Abstract: A sorbent product, including from about 1 wt % to about 99 wt %, based on the total weight of the sorbent product, of at least one base sorbent material; and from about 1 wt % to about 99 wt %, based on the total weight of the sorbent product, of at least one binder. The sorbent product may further include at least from about 0 wt % to about 99% wt %, based on the total weight of the sorbent product, of at least one additional additive. Methods for making same and methods and systems for controlling multiple pollutants are also included.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for inclusion in a smoking article comprising an ion exchange resin and additive particles comprising an additive on the surface of the ion exchange resin. There is also provided a smoking article filter element comprising this composition, a smoking article comprising this smoking article filter element or this composition. A method of preparing a composition comprising an ion exchange resin and additive particles comprising an additive is also provided, the method comprising the deposition of additive particles onto the ion exchange resin from the solid and/or liquid phase of an aerosol.

Abstract: A smoking article comprises a tobacco rod and a filter component. The filter component comprises a first filter segment of filtration material having a diameter measured perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the filter, and a flow restrictor embedded in the filter segment. At least one cross sectional dimension of the flow restrictor, measured in a transverse direction of the filter segment, is at least about 50 percent of the diameter of the filter segment. The flow restrictor is made from an air-impermeable, non-compressible and water-soluble or water-dissolvable material. Further, the flow restrictor comprises a composition that promotes degradation of the filtration material.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article includes a filter component formed from a solution of cellulose acetate and a degradable polymer in aceton, the degradable polymer being soluble in acetone and degrading in the presence of water. In a first aspect of the invention, the filter component is a filter segment (16) formed of a plurality of fibers formed from the degradable solution. In a second aspect of the invention, the filter component is a wrapper (39) circumscribing at least a segment of the filter.

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

Abstract: A filter rod comprises a core of cellulose acetate fibers surrounded by a lofty porous network of charge retaining polymer fibers. The charge retaining fibers can be charged to attract and hold particles from such sources as particulate matter from sorbents (preventing break-through), and smoke constituents while having a suitable pressure drop.

Abstract: A method for making electronic cigarette cartridges. The method includes a step of making the cartridges along a dedicated production line. The step of making the cartridges includes a step of making a casing by assembling one or more components along a first stretch of the production line and a step of making an electric module by assembling one or more electronic elements along a second stretch of the production line. The steps of making the casing and the electric module are steps which are synchronized and independent relative to one another. Once the steps of making the casing and the electric module are complete, the method includes a step of assembling the casing with a respective electric module to obtain the finished cartridge along a shared third stretch of the production line.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article comprises a mouth end filter segment and a rod end filter segment. The rod end filter segment has a passage extending longitudinally therethrough. The passage has a diameter of about 1.0 mm or greater. In one embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of an infinite pressure drop material. In another embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of a low pressure drop material having a hollow tubular element disposed within to define the passage with an inner diameter greater than about 1.55 mm. Air dilution means are disposed in one of said filter segments to admit ventilating air into the filter.

Abstract: Filters and smoking articles include sodium bicarbonate-treated fibers and activated carbon capable of selectively removing one or more selected constituents from mainstream smoke. Methods for making cigarette filters and cigarettes using the sodium bicarbonate-treated fibers and activated carbon, and methods for treating mainstream smoke comprising the sodium bicarbonate-treated fibers and activated carbon are also provided.

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

Abstract: A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material being in the form of a fibrous tow that includes a plurality of filaments of a degradable polyester and a plasticizer composition applied thereto, the plasticizer composition and the degradable polyester having a Relative Energy Difference calculated using Hansen Solubility Parameters of less than about 1.3. Exemplary degradable polyesters include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate adipate and copolymers or blends thereof. Exemplary plasticizer compositions include one or more of dimethylisosorbide, propylene carbonate, methylbenzyl alcohol, glycerol carbonate acetate, glycerol carbonate ethyl ether, and mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with triacetin. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a filter plug for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes: (a) freeze-drying a solution of a biopolymer to form a structure; and (b) cutting the structure to a predetermined dimension, to thereby prepare a filter plug for a smoking article. Another process for preparing a filter plug for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes: (a) extruding a mixture of a foaming agent and a biopolymer comprising a protein to form a structure; and (b) cutting the structure to a predetermined dimension, to thereby form a filter plug for a smoking article.

Abstract: Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. The two or more fibrous inputs are provided in the form of staple fibers, which are at least partially entangled with each other to form a mixed fiber sliver. The mixed fiber sliver includes a first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers blended with a second plurality of staple fibers comprising a polymeric material different from the first plurality of staple fibers, such as staple fibers of a degradable polymeric material. The entangled fibers of the mixed fiber sliver may be sufficiently separated from one another such that blooming operations typically required in filter element production may not be necessary prior to incorporating the mixed fiber sliver into a filter element. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure.

Abstract: A filter element for use in a smoking article and providing filtration of particulate material and gaseous components of mainstream smoke is provided. The filter element includes a segment of fibrous tow comprising a plurality of individual filaments, wherein each individual filament includes a plurality of adsorbent material particles at least partially encapsulated with a removable encapsulant imbedded therein. The individual filaments may further include an outer coating that provides a plurality of reactive groups adapted for reaction with one or more components of mainstream smoke. Alternatively, the multifunctional filter element combines different fibrous filter materials, such as cellulose acetate or polyolefin filaments combined with activated carbon filaments and at least one of ion exchange filaments and catalytic filaments.

Abstract: A multi-section filter (5) for a smoking article comprises at least a first (5B) and a second filter section (5A). The first filter section (5B) is at a mouth end of the filter (5) and the second filter section includes a set of ventilation holes (17) and a set of grooves (7). The grooves (7) extend from respective ventilation holes (17) along the second filter section (5A) up to but not into the first filter section (5B).

Abstract: A system for producing porous masses may include a mold cavity disposed along the material path, at least one hopper before at least a portion of the mold cavity for feeding a matrix material to the material path, a heat source in thermal communication with at least a first portion of the material path, and a cutter disposed along the material path after the first portion of the material path.

Abstract: The invention relates to smoking articles (10) comprising a rod of smokeable material (11) and a filter (12) attached to one end of the rod, said filter comprising at least two sections and being wrapped in a porous plug wrap, wherein a first tipping wrapper (14) overlies the join between the rod of smokeable material and the filter, and at least one additional tipping wrapper (15) is provided around the filter, spaced from and separate to the first tipping wrapper such that a portion of the porous plug wrap is exposed between the first and at least one additional tipping wrapper, and wherein the tipping wrappers are normally less porous than the plug wrap. However if the tipping wrappers are more porous than the plug wraps, the split tipping will still retain its functionality.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fiber is formed of a blend including a degradable polymer and a material that generates an agent upon exposure to stimulus that accelerates degradation of the degradable polymer. The degradable polymer can include a biodegradable polymer, such as poly(lactic acid) polymer, and the material that generates an agent upon exposure to stimulus can include a soy-based material.

Abstract: A rod is provided, formed from a first sheet including a tobacco material and a second sheet including a non-tobacco flavourant, the first and second sheets being gathered together and circumscribed by a wrapper. The rod may be used as a component part of an aerosol-generating article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in filters for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. The improvements, particularly but not exclusively, relate to filter capabilities and to the manufacture of such filters. In one example, a filter for a smoking article comprises randomly oriented discrete short length fibres of absorbent having adsorbent particles dispersed therein. The invention also provides a filter for a smoking article comprising various other filter arrangements including absorbent and/or adsorbent materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in filters for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. The improvements, particularly but not exclusively, relate to filter capabilities and to the manufacture of such filters. In one example, a filter for a smoking article comprises a first fibrous filter material having an average fibre denier in the range 7 to 9 and a second fibrous filter material having an average fibre denier of below 7. The application also describes a filter for a smoking article comprising various other filter arrangements including absorbent and/or adsorbent materials.

Abstract: A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material being in the form of a fibrous tow that includes a plurality of filaments of a degradable polyester and a plasticizer composition applied thereto, the plasticizer composition and the degradable polyester having a Relative Energy Difference calculated using Hansen Solubility Parameters of less than about 1.3. Exemplary degradable polyesters include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate adipate and copolymers or blends thereof. Exemplary plasticizer compositions include one or more of dimethylisosorbide, propylene carbonate, methylbenzyl alcohol, glycerol carbonate acetate, glycerol carbonate ethyl ether, and mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with triacetin. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article comprises a mouth end filter segment and a rod end filter segment. The rod end filter segment has a passage extending longitudinally therethrough. The passage has a diameter of about 1.0 mm or greater. In one embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of an infinite pressure drop material. In another embodiment, the rod end filter segment is comprised of a low pressure drop material having a hollow tubular element disposed within to define the passage with an inner diameter greater than about 1.55 mm. Air dilution means are disposed in one of said filter segments to admit ventilating air into the filter.

Abstract: A filter element is disclosed made from a gathered paper web that may be crimped, embossed, and/or corrugated. In accordance with the present disclosure, the paper web is treated with at least two different additives. The first additive comprises amphiphilic molecules, having hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends such as a ketene dimer that has one or more branching groups. The second additive, on the other hand, may comprise a polymer component such as a polyalkylene glycol. The filter element may also be treated with a polyamine or an amino acid or salt thereof. In one embodiment, the filter element may be incorporated into the filter of a smoking article. The two additives together may improve smoke taste, reduce some smoke phenols, and reduce some smoke carbonyls.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) incorporates a sustained release liquid delivery material (20), the liquid delivery material comprising a closed matrix structure defining a plurality of domains. A liquid composition is trapped within the domains and is releasable from the closed matrix structure upon compression of the material. The liquid delivery material (20) provides a sustained release of the liquid composition over a range of force of at least 5 Newtons. Preferably, the liquid delivery material is provided within the filter (14) of the smoking article (10).

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer prepared from a substituted 1,3-butadiene (such as neophytadiene) derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the polymers described herein. Further, the invention provides a method of polymerizing a substituted 1,3-butadiene derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species, the method including reacting a substituted 1,3-butadiene derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species with one or more reagents selected from the group consisting of an anionic initiator, a radical initiator, and a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to nitrosamines members of which class are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of nitrosamines from biological fluids. Such molecularly imprinted polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filter materials comprising cellulose acetate and polylactide in a ratio of about 95:5 to about 75:25 by weight, and to filters (2) or filter elements comprising such filter materials. The invention also relates to smoking articles (1) comprising the filter materials, filters (2) or filter elements.

Abstract: A method for producing a polysaccharide ester microsphere may include forming a polysaccharide ester product from a polysaccharide synthesis, wherein the polysaccharide ester product comprises a polysaccharide ester and a solvent; diluting the polysaccharide ester product, thereby yielding a polysaccharide ester dope; and forming a plurality of polysaccharide ester microspheres from the polysaccharide ester dope. Suitable polysaccharides may include, but are not limited to, starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, algenates, chitosan, and any combination thereof. Esters thereof may be organic esters (e.g., acetate and the like), inorganic esters (e.g., sulfonates and the like), or combinations thereof. Further, the solids conent of the polysaccharide ester dope, in some instances, may be greater than about 16 wt %.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a lighting end longitudinally opposite a filter end that includes a filter. A fluid-releasing element is disposed longitudinally between the lighting end and filter end. A paper material circumscribes a portion of the smoking article, and a nanocellulose barrier disposed upon at least one surface or interface within the smoking article is provided, effective to control passage of fluid through the paper material.

Abstract: A spinneret having tri-arc holes may be used to produce tri-arc filaments. In some instances, tri-arc holes have a Y-shape with three prongs and each prong having an arc at the end of the prong that tapers from the end of the arc to a connection point of an adjacent arc, and tri-arc filaments have a generally-Y shape cross-section with bulbous or arcing tips. Further, tri-arc filaments may be useful in a plurality of applications including, but not limited to, filters, filters comprising particulate additives, and smoking device filters.