Having A Polymer Patents (Class 131/332)
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Publication number: 20080245377Abstract: A cigarette is provided that includes a rod of smokable material circumscribed by an outer wrapping material and a filter element, which may include an adsorbent material such as activated carbon, attached to one end of the rod of smokable material. The smokable material includes at least about 5 percent by weight of a dark air-cured tobacco, based on the dry weight of the smokable material, blended with additional tobacco materials such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, and mixtures thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Jerry Wayne Marshall, Susan Marlene Adams, Dwayne William Beeson, Ernest L. Cerny, Keisha Renee Willingham
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Publication number: 20080202539Abstract: A method for forming a polycomponent fibre comprising a first, fibre-forming component comprising a polymer, and a second, component comprising an active ingredient that will selectively reduce or remove components of tobacco smoke, the method comprising the steps of: i. forming a dispersion, second solution or liquid comprising the second component; and ii. coextruding the first component and the dispersion, second solution or liquid through a jet or aperture to form a fibre comprising a first portion formed from the first component, and a second portion formed from the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2005Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Andrew John Banks, Craig Day, John Travers
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Publication number: 20080185011Abstract: Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and cigarette filters, methods of manufacturing smoking articles including sealed filters, and methods of treating tobacco smoke are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a smoking article contains sealed filters, wherein additives are sealed within the sealed filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventor: Timothy S. Sherwood
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Publication number: 20080149119Abstract: A large variety of electrospun fibers can be produced to encapsulate a large variety of additives within the subcompartments or substructures of the manufactured electrospun fiber. Furthermore, the manufactured electrospun fibers can be electrostatically arranged within a filter component of a smoking article during the manufacturing process. By modifying the various parameters that control the electrospinning process, a diverse set of electrospun fibers can be manufactured that vary in composition, in substructural organization, and in dimension. The electrospun fiber produced by electrospinning comprises at least one type of polymeric material that encapsulates or supports the retention of at least one type of a flavorant or a non-flavorant within the electrospun fiber. A polymeric material provides a supporting structure for encapsulating at least one type of a flavorant or a non-flavorant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Manuel Marquez, Samuel Isaac Ogle, Zhihao Shen
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Publication number: 20080135059Abstract: Disclosed are materials and compositions effective for the selective removal of gaseous aldehydes from tobacco smoke. The materials and compositions comprise tobacco smoke filters comprising a fibrous material or fibers of a polymeric material containing covalently-bonded acetoacetoxy residues. The fibrous material or fibers are capable of reacting with and removing aldehydes present in tobacco smoke. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of fibrous materials and fibers of a polymeric material containing covalently-bonded acetoacetoxy residues and methods for the removal of a gaseous aldehyde from tobacco smoke by contacting tobacco smoke with the aforesaid fibrous materials or fibers containing covalently-bonded acetoacetoxy residues.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Ted Calvin Germroth, Steven Anthony Wilson, Thauming Kuo, John Clark Hubbs
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Publication number: 20080135060Abstract: Disclosed are filter elements constructed of a filter support material coated with an acetoacetate-functional polymeric composition that reacts with and removes aldehydes, especially formaldehyde, present in gases such as air. Also disclosed are methods for the removal of aldehydes utilizing the coated filter support materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Thauming Kuo, Mark Kevin Vineyard, Weimin Chen Liang
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Publication number: 20080135058Abstract: Disclosed are filter materials which are effective for the selective removal of gaseous aldehydes from a cigarette smoke stream. The filter materials comprise a tobacco smoke filter comprising a filter support material and an alkyl acetoacetate that is capable of reacting with and removing aldehydes present in tobacco smoke. Also disclosed are a method of removing gaseous aldehydes from tobacco smoke by contacting tobacco smoke with a filter comprising a filter support material and an alkyl acetoacetate and a smoking article such as a cigarette comprising the tobacco smoke filter described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Ted Calvin Germroth, Steven Anthony Wilson, Thauming Kuo, John Clark Hubbs
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Publication number: 20080011311Abstract: The present invention provides a nicotine-reducing agent and a nicotine-reducing smoking article that are used for reducing the nicotine content of the mainstream smoke of a tobacco product. The present invention also provides a method for reducing the nicotine content of the mainstream smoke of a tobacco product by using the nicotine-reducing agent or nicotine-reducing smoking article. The nicotine-reducing agent is an aqueous liquid composition having a viscosity of 500 to 3000 mpa·s and containing at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of tamarind seed gum, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, tara gum, guar gum, pectin, pullulan, psyllium seed gum, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and carageenan.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2005Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventors: Naoto Ojima, Omoto Toshio, Atsushi Kozakai, Hisakatsu Iwabuchi
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Patent number: 7104265Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter comprising one or more than one metal phthalocyanine, such as a copper phthalocyanine or an iron phthalocyanine, and further comprising one or more than one polycationic polymer.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Filligent LimitedInventor: Reid Von Borstel
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Patent number: 6866045Abstract: The methods concerns a method for general use and more particularly used for tobacco products. The method uses in particular nitrogen-containing heterocycles such as DNA and RNA bases and complementarily polymer fibers. Said molecules and said fibers can partly halogenated, or in halogenated salt media. The halogen is preferably fluorine. Fluorine may be added to may bei n the form of a medium of fluorinated salts such as NaF, KF, Na2PO3F. The filtering acts against the formation of human intracellular DNA or RNA adducts, while preserving the nicotine and the tobacco aromas.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Sun ZeroInventors: Frederic Maillard, Guy Hadad
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Publication number: 20040237983Abstract: A smoking filter contains a hydrotalcite compound exhibiting a lamellar structure in which a large number of octahedral layers of a metal hydroxide are laminated one upon the other. The smoking filter permits selectively removing formaldehyde contained in mainstream smoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Masafumi Tarora
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Publication number: 20040200490Abstract: A cigarette filter includes two or more filter sections of the following filter sections a filter section added with a liquid fatty acid ester or a liquid fatty acid having a viscosity of 1 to 300 cP, a filter section added with a glycol having a viscosity of 1 to 300 cP, and a filter section added with a charcoal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Michihiro Inagaki, Kazuhiko Katayama, Takako Ikeda
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Patent number: 6796312Abstract: The oral cavity is a source of sensitive biomarkers that allow the development of novel tobacco filters to reverse and eliminate acute adverse effects of tobacco smoke. Useful biomarkers are ubiquitous functional leukocytes and associated essential biochemical mechanisms, including metabolic pathways and specific enzymes, such as myeloperoxidase contained in fluid-cell lavages obtained from the human mouth. These biomarkers derived from the human mouth and sputum from the human respiratory system can be used to evaluate long-term chronic effects of tobacco smoke. A tobacco filter comprising strongly basic anion exchange resins and strongly acidic cation exchange resins with or without activated carbon, is used to detect, reduce and eliminate toxic substances from tobacco smoke while retaining taste and aroma. The novel filter in conjunction with biomarkers allow the establishment of performance standards that permit the direct visualization and measurement of acute adverse reactions caused by tobacco smoke.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Inventor: Bertram Eichel
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Publication number: 20040173227Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter comprising one or more than one metal phthalocyanine, such as a copper phthalocyanine or an iron phthalocyanine, and further comprising one or more than one polycationic polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventor: Reid Von Borstel
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Patent number: 6739344Abstract: A cellulose acetate structure excellent in its biodegradability. At least a surface region of the structure includes a biodegradable cellulose acetate composition containing a biodegradation promoting agent contained in cellulose acetate. The agent includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a salt of an oxygen acid of phosphorus, an ester of an oxygen acid of phosphorus or a salt thereof, carbonic acid and a salt thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventor: Yoichiro Yamashita
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Publication number: 20040040565Abstract: Cigarette filters, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of an unfunctionalized porous polyaromatic resins, which is capable of removing at least some of at least one gas phase constituent from mainstream smoke through sorption. The unfunctionalized porous polyaromatic resin may be a polymerization product of non-polar styrene and divinyl benzene. Various gas phase constituent can be removed from mainstream tobacco smoke, such as dienes, furans, pyrroles, aromatics and ketones, for example. The cigarette filters and cigarettes can provide low resistance-to-draw and/or high total particulate matter delivery. Additionally, the unfunctionalized porous polyaromatic resin may further include flavorant(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Lixin Xue, Charles Edwin Thomas, Liqun Yu, Kent B. Koller
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Publication number: 20040007687Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsion for use as a lubricant in the production of threads, containing:Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Hubert Dobbelstein, Emini Shefqet
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Publication number: 20030172944Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filter is introduced. Firstly, a polyurethane material including a urethane-based main chain having a repeat unit of the formula, (R—NH—COO—R—O—NH)n, with a plurality of contaminants absorbed around the urethane-based main chain is provided. Then, an extraction is performed to remove the contaminants from the urethane-based main chain so as to reveal a plurality of absorption sites for trapping cyanides, phenols, or polynuclear aromatic compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Jong-Pyng Hsu
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Patent number: 6615842Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices and agents for the removal of nucleophilic toxins present in tobacco and tobacco smoke. The filter element of a tobacco smoking device or an air filtration device used in conjunction with a tobacco smoking device may comprise chemical moieties reactive with nucleophilic compounds, or agents that trap nucleophilic compounds may be incorporated into the filter element of tobacco smoking device such as a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or in a separate filter through which tobacco smoke passes before entering the mouth. The agents may also be incorporated into air filters for removing tobacco combustion product toxins from room air. The agents may also be incorporated into smoking or smokeless tobacco to remove toxins.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Cerami Consulting Corp.Inventors: Anthony Cerami, Carla Cerami, Peter Ulrich
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Patent number: 6595218Abstract: A cigarette filter having a reagent which chemically reacts with and removes a gaseous component of a smoke stream. The reagent contains functional groups covalently bonded to a non-volatile inorganic substrate which is incorporated in the filter. The filter can remove gaseous components such as aldehydes from tobacco smoke. Preferred functional groups are 3-aminopropylsilyl groups covalently bonded to silica gel (APS silica gel). The reagent can be contained in a space in the filter or incorporated in one or more filter elements such as tipping paper, shaped paper insert, mouthpiece plug, solid filter element, or free-flow filter element. The reagent can be part of or coated on paper such as tipping or filter paper or incorporated in non-paper filter elements formed from fibrous materials such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene fibers. Other preferred reagents include aminoethylaminopropylsilyl (AEAPS) silica gel and aminoethylaminoethylaminopropylsilyl (AEAEAPS) silica gel.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Philip Morris IncorporatedInventors: Kent B. Koller, Susan E. Wrenn, Willie G. Houck, Jr., John B. Paine, III
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Patent number: 6591839Abstract: A filter material for reducing the content of harmful substances in tobacco smoke. The filter material comprises a ground and not additionally activated expanded clay produced without adding foreign substances, and zeolite as the filter material. The filter is suitable for tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, and for smoking articles such as tobacco pipes and cigarette and cigar holders.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventors: Dieter Meyer, Hans-Peter Braun
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Patent number: 6584979Abstract: This invention is a highly efficient filter containing fibers that contain small particle size adsorbents/absorbents such as carbon and/or silica to selectively reduce targeted components in mainstream cigarette smoke. The invention relates to a novel class of highly efficient cigarette smoke filters made from much smaller solid fine particles (preferably 1-50 micrometers in diameter) impregnated in shaped fibers that possess open or semi-opened micro-cavity. The invention further relates to a cigarette having a plug/space/plug or plug/space configuration and having the impregnated filters resided in the space in bonded non-woven or freely unbounded manner to allow controlled TPM delivery.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Philip Morris IncorporatedInventors: Lixin Luke Xue, Kent B. Koller, Qiong Gao
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Publication number: 20030116293Abstract: Fibers are produced from an acetone solution of cellulose acetate by pulling or extruding such material through a spinneret in a dry spinning process. A vacuum is applied to the thus formed fibers after a certain degree of drying. A dried outer skin is formed, and the vacuum causes the solvent inside the skin to explode or pop and exit the fiber along micro-porous paths thereby producing high surface area fibers with micro-porous cavities and internal void volume. Such micro-cavities are particularly useful for retaining solid and/or liquid reagents in a cigarette filter for selective filtration of various smoke components.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Lixin Xue, Kent B. Koller, Qiong Gao
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Patent number: 6571802Abstract: A molded article molded from a cellulose acetate composition comprising, contained in cellulose acetate, a composite material of a decomposition accelerating agent formed of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of oxygen acid of phosphorus, oxygen acid of sulfur, oxygen acid of nitrogen, a partial ester or hydrogen salt of these oxygen acids, carbonic acid and its hydrogen salt, a sulfonic acid and a carboxylic acid, with a reaction controlling agent formed of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen-containing compound, a hydroxy compound, an oxygen-containing heterocyclic compound and a sulfur-containing heterocyclic compound.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventor: Yoichiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 6530377Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter comprising a porous substrate comprising dry water and a porphyrin dispersed therein. The porous substrate can further comprise microcapsules. The microcapsules can comprise one or more substances selected from the group consisting of chlorophyllin, methylcellulose, sodium pyroglutamate and a vegetable oil. The porous substrate can further comprise sodium pyroglutamate.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: Filligent LimitedInventors: Craig Lesser, Reid W. Von Borstel
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Publication number: 20020179103Abstract: A composition for inclusion within a cigarette, cigar, pipe or smokeless tobacco. The composition can be included within the tobacco itself, a filter for filtering tobacco smoke once burned or even within the paper or wrapper surrounding the tobacco product. In the cigarette filter, be it internal or external filters, the antioxidant complex is capable of scavenging and neutralizing the free radicals emanating from the burning or heated tobacco and passing through the filter as the smoker inhales. The composition is also capable of reducing free radical damage to the oro-pharyngeal cavity, respiratory tract and lungs resulting from tobacco smoke. The composition includes glutathione and preferaby L-glutathione and sources of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Theodore Hersh, Rebecca Hersh
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Publication number: 20020166564Abstract: A smoking article capable of delivering a regulated smoke composition to a smoker, includes a combustible filler wrapped in a combustible sheath and a filter unit designed to remove components from the smoke, disposed within the sheath. The filter unit includes a mass of porous silica or resin particles, where the porous silica or resin particles have an average particle size of from about 35 to about 400 &mgr;m and preferably an average porosity of from about 10 Å to about 1000 Å. The porous cigarette filter is self-compensating with respect to air ventilation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventor: Michael T. Sung
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Publication number: 20020096300Abstract: A cellulose acetate structure excellent in its biodegradability. At least a surface region of the structure includes a biodegradable cellulose acetate composition containing a biodegradation promoting agent contained in cellulose acetate. The agent includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a salt of an oxygen acid of phosphorus, an ester of an oxygen acid of phosphorus or a salt thereof, carbonic acid and a salt thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Yoichiro Yamashita
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Publication number: 20020074009Abstract: A cigarette filter that has a scavenging effect on smoking induced gas phase free radicals. The filter ingredients are comprised of proanthocyanidins and include, but are not limited to, extracts of barks of pine tree, extracts of cones of cypress trees, extracts of grape seeds, and any combination thereof. Also, vitamin C and other known antioxidant ingredients may be added.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Baolu Zhao, Peter Rohdewald, Jingnong Charles Li
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Publication number: 20020002978Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter for use with tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, which selectively absorbs toxic compounds and carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic compounds passing through it, but which permits most low molecular weight species, and in particular nicotine, to pass through. The filter is made from a middle-density polyurethane foam which is pre-treated to increase the number of binding sites for polynuclear aromatic compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventor: Jong-Pyng Hsu
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Patent number: 6309509Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, paper, thermoplastic sheets, and medical paper containing cellulose ester, alkylpolyglycoside (APG) or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol, and, optionally, cellulose. The process of incorporating APG or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol in paper composed of cellulose ester fibers and cellulose fibers and to calendaring of such paper is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Charles Michael Buchanan, Eric Eugene Ellery, Matthew Davie Wood
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Patent number: 6273095Abstract: Disclosed herein is a filter for use with tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes, which selectively absorbs toxic compounds and carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic compounds passing through it, but which permits most low molecular weight species, and in particular nicotine, to pass through. The filter is made from a middle-density polyurethane foam which is pre-treated to increase the number of binding sites for polynuclear aromatic compounds.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Jong-Pyng Hsu
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Patent number: 6209547Abstract: A cigarette filter having a reagent which chemically reacts with and removes a gaseous component of a smoke stream. The reagent contains functional groups covalently bonded to a non-volatile inorganic substrate which is incorporated in the filter. The filter can remove gaseous components such as aldehydes from tobacco smoke. Preferred functional groups are 3-aminopropylsilyl groups covalently bonded to silica gel (APS silica gel). The reagent can be contained in a space in the filter or incorporated in one or more filter elements such as tipping paper, shaped paper insert, mouthpiece plug, solid filter element, or free-flow filter element. The reagent can be part of or coated on paper such as tipping or filter paper or incorporated in non-paper filter elements formed from fibrous materials such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene fibers.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Philip Morris IncorporatedInventors: Kent B. Koller, Susan E. Wrenn, Willie G. Houck, Jr., John B. Paine, III
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Shaped, plastic articles comprising a cellulose fiber, a cellulose ester, and a non-ionic surfactant
Patent number: 6193841Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, paper, thermoplastic sheets, and medical paper containing cellulose ester, alkylpolyglycoside (APG) or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol, and, optionally, cellulose. The process of incorporating APG or a mixture of APG and polyether glycol in paper composed of cellulose ester fibers and cellulose fibers and to calendaring of such paper is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Charles Michael Buchanan, Eric Eugene Ellery, Matthew Davie Wood -
Patent number: 6145511Abstract: A description is given of a filter cigarette, whose filtera) contains fibrous filter material,b) contains an additive with an antimutagenic action on the cigarette smoke in a quantity of less than 15 wt. %, based on the fiber weight of the filter andc) on smoking a similar unventilated filter cigarette, but not containing additive, has a nicotine retention R.sub.N (in %) (determined according to CORESTA recommended method No. 9) satisfying the following formula:R.sub.N .gtoreq.100*(1-D)in which:D=exp(A*B+C),withA=21 mm-filter length (mm) for filter lengths.ltoreq.25 mm orA=-4 mm for filter lengths>25 mm,B=9.3*10.sup.-3 (1/mm) andC=-(d.sup.4 *.DELTA.p*K+L)with d=filter diameter (mm),.DELTA.p=draw resistance of filter (mm hydraulic pressure),K=1.0228*10.sup.-6 (1/(mm.sup.4 *mm hydraulic pressure)) andL=0.2334.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Rhodia Acetow AGInventors: Eberhard Teufel, Wolfgang Sexauer, Rolf Willmund
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Patent number: 6119701Abstract: This invention provides methods, devices and agents for the removal of nucleophilic toxins present in tobacco and tobacco smoke, without the removal of nicotine. The filter element of a tobacco smoking device or an air filtration device used in conjunction with a tobacco smoking device may comprise chemical moieties reactive with nucleophilic compounds, or agents that trap nucleophilic compounds may be incorporated into the filter element of tobacco smoking device such as a cigarette, cigar, pipe, or in a separate filter through which tobacco smoke passes before entering the mouth. The agents may also be incorporated into air filters for removing tobacco combustion product toxins from room air. The agents may also be incorporated into smoking or smokeless tobacco to remove toxins.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Cerami Consulting Corp.Inventors: Anthony Cerami, Carla Cerami, Peter Ulrich
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Patent number: 6080457Abstract: A smoke filter consists of substrate threads and/or strips each pre-coated with particulate sorbent (e.g. activated carbon granules), gathered together in solid or tubular rod form e.g. within a containing sleeve. When the gathered threads and/or strips form a tubular body, this may be provided with a core.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1992Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Cigarette Components LimitedInventors: John Charlton, Paul Francis Clarke, Ernest Brian Hayes
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Patent number: 6062228Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable filter tow or filter material from renewable raw materials for the use as a tobacco smoke filter element of cigarettes, cigars or pipes as well as a method for preparing it, wherein fibers, films or foams prepared in an extrusion method from biopolymers based on thermoplastic starch or its polymer compositions are processed to the filter tow or filter material according to the present invention.The advantages of this invention reside in the use of mainly renewable raw materials, a fast and complete biodegradability of the natural biopolymer filter material, a pollutant-reducing flavor-increasing filtering effect and an economically favorable preparation method.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Biotec Biologische Natuverpackungen GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Juergen Loercks, Harald Schmidt
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Patent number: 6026819Abstract: Bicomponent fibers comprising a core of a thermoplastic material, preferably polypropylene, and a sheath of a blend of the core-forming polymer and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are used to produce tobacco smoke filter elements which may be incorporated into tobacco smoke filter products such as filtered cigarettes. The addition of significant quantities of the core-forming material to the ethylene-vinyl acetate used to form the sheath avoids problems experienced heretofore in build-up of polymer in the forming dies using conventional filter-forming equipment. Additionally, the blended sheath-forming polymer improves adhesion between the sheath and the core of the bicomponent fiber and, with the use of polypropylene, improves the hardness of the resultant tobacco smoke filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Filtrona International LimitedInventor: Richard M. Berger
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Patent number: 5998500Abstract: This invention relates to a filter and a method of making a filter. The filter is made of randomly orientated fibers made from an interpenetrating network formed from at least two polymers which are substantially water soluble in their salt form and which ionically interact in an aqueous solution to form the interpenetrating network. The filter is made without organic solvents, particularly, volatile organic compounds, and the filter is sufficiently water soluble to biodegrade upon disposal. A desired use of the filter is a cigarette filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Inventors: Scott A. Cahill, Benjamin M. Chaloner-Gill, Amin Hassan
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Patent number: 5979460Abstract: A tobacco filter with a circumferential length of 17 to 27 mm is prepared by creping or embossing, with a roller of a temperature not lower than 100.degree. C., a sheet-like material comprising not less than 20% by weight of a cellulose ester component and having a web structure with a basis weight of 20 to 35 g/m.sup.2 and a density of 0.25 to 0.45 g/cm.sup.3, and wrapping up the creped or embossed material into a rod form. The cellulose ester component includes e.g. a cellulose ester short staple, a fibrillated fiber, an esterified fiber and a fiber coated with a cellulose ester. This tobacco filter shows a pressure drop of 200 to 500 mm WG, a firmness of 88% or more and a cross-sectional porosity of 2% or less provided that it has a circumferential length of 24.5 mm and a length of 10 cm.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Matsumura
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Patent number: 5975086Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter consisting essentially of a porous substrate having dry water and microcapsules dispersed therein. The microcapsules comprise at least one substance selected from the group consisting of chlorophyllin, methylcellulose, sodium pyroglutamate and a vegetable oil.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Craig LesserInventors: Craig Lesser, Reid W. Von Borstel
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Patent number: 5970988Abstract: This invention provides cellulose ester fibers having an intermediate degree of substitution per anhydroglucose unit (DS/AGU) along with pigments which act as photooxidation catalysts. The fibers are useful as filter materials for tobacco products. The filter materials thus provided are easily dispersible and biodegradable and do not persist in the environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1995Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Charles M. Buchanan, Robert M. Gardner, James E. Harris, Gether Irick, Jr., David V. Strickler, Jr.
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Patent number: 5967149Abstract: Using a slurry containing a particulate or fibrous cellulose ester and a wood pulp with a Canadian standard freeness of 100 to 800 ml in a ratio of 10/90 to 90/10 (weight %), a tobacco filter material in the form of a sheet having a nonwoven web structure is produced. The slurry may contain a microfibrillated cellulose in a proportion of 0.1 to 10 weight % on a nonvolatile matter basis. The cellulose ester may be a cellulose acetate with a combined acetic acid in the range of 30 to 62%. This tobacco filter material in a sheet form can be applied to a tobacco filter having a high dry strength and, yet, a high degree of wet disintegratability without adversely affecting the smoking quality of tobacco. Thus, the potential environmental pollution is mitigated by the tobacco filter.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, LtdInventors: Hitoshi Tsugaya, Syu Shimamoto
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Patent number: 5954059Abstract: An extruded filtration material which is degradable and comprises either a plastics material or an inorganic material having a melting point above the operating temperature, a polysaccharide expansion medium, a binder and water. These ingredients are fed to an extruder and subjected to an extrusion process which involves a pressure reduction, upon extrusion from the exit die, of up to about 70 bars so that swelling of the extrudate occurs to give a cellular structure. When exposed to the natural weather conditions, tobacco smoke filter elements comprising such material degrade without leaving a fused amalgamation of plastics or inorganic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1994Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: British-American Tobacco Company LimitedInventors: John Lawson Beven, Paul David Case, Martin Coleman, Colin Campbell Greig, Peter Rex White
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Patent number: 5947127Abstract: A filter rod is produced by adding a water-soluble polymer in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion, or in a particulate form, to a tow of cellulose ester fiber, with the amount of any water used being controlled within 25 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the tow, and wrapping the treated tow in wrapping paper. The water contained in the filter rod is removed or the particulate water-soluble polymer is melted by heating to bond the fiber to provide a tobacco filter. The proportion of the water-soluble polymer is 0.5 to 30 parts by weight to 100 parts by weight of the tow. To reduce the amount of water relative to the tow, a hot-melt adhesive water-soluble polymer may be employed. As the amount of water added to the tow is thus decreased, the tow can be smoothly wrapped up even at a high speed so that filter productivity is improved. This tobacco filter is highly wet-disintegratable and, hence, contributes to mitigation of the environmental pollution.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignees: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd., Japan Tobacco, Inc.Inventors: Hitoshi Tsugaya, Hiroki Taniguchi, Nobuyuki Oji, Kanae Nishimura
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Patent number: 5947126Abstract: A bundle of cellulose acetate fibers is bonded together with a water-soluble fiber-to-fiber bonding agent. The water-soluble fiber-to-fiber bonding agent may include 60-99 wt. % of a water-soluble binder and 40-1 wt. % of a plasticizer. As to the specific components, the water-soluble fiber-to-fiber bonding agent may be a mixture of a water-soluble polymer and glycerol triacetate. The bonded fibers are wrapped in a paper having opposing ends secured together with a water-soluble plug wrap adhesive. A plurality of cuts are made to extend more than one half way through the bundle wrapped fibers. The plurality of cuts may extend more than one half way through the bundle without extending completely through the bundle and may extend from a plurality of different directions.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Eastman Chemical Co.Inventors: Steven A. Wilson, James E. Harris
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Patent number: 5927287Abstract: A tobacco filter is produced by wrapping up a sheet-like filter material having a web structure and comprising a cellulose ester short staple into a rodform. As the cellulose ester short staple, a short staple that is non-crimped and/or has a modified cross section where a ratio D1/D2 of a diameter D1 of the circumscribed circle to a diameter D2 of the inscribed circle, each circle being of the cross section, of not less than 2 is used. The short staple includes e.g. a cellulose acetate fiber with an average fiber length of 1 to 10 mm and fineness of 1 to 10 deniers. The short staple may be incorporated with a beaten pulp with a Schopper-Riegler freeness of 20 to 90.degree. SR and/or a binder. The ratio of the short staple to the beaten pulp may for example be about 90/10 to 20/80 (by weight).Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsumura, Syu Shimamoto, Tohru Shibata
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Patent number: 5913311Abstract: A filter material comprises a cellulose acetate fiber tow containing 5-50% by weight of a water soluble material and/or a water dispersible material which are soluble in a solvent which dissolves cellulose acetate and which are not compatible with cellulose acetate. Due to the inclusion of the above-mentioned water soluble material and/or water dispersible material in the cellulose acetate fiber, in the presence of moisture, the fiber surface becomes porous by the elution of this water soluble material and/or water dispersible material from the fiber, and the surface area of the fiber is increased. Consequently, the shape of the cellulose acetate fiber tow is easily broken down, and the decomposability of the fiber by microorganisms and the like is increased. When a cigarette filter is made using this type of filter material, a cigarette filter is obtained which has easy decomposability in the natural environment and particularly in water, in atmospheres which contain large amounts of moisture, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignees: Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., Japan Tobacco Inc.Inventors: Katsutaka Ito, Tsuruyoshi Matsumoto, Atsushi Tokida, Tetsuro Shibata, Yoichiro Yamashita
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Patent number: 5911224Abstract: A porous element particularly for use as a tobacco smoke filter plug in association with a cigarette or the like wherein the matrix comprises a multiplicity of biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol fibers bonded together at their points of contact to define a tortuous interstitial path for the passage of smoke. Because of the hygroscopic nature of polyvinyl alcohol, commercial production of such products require careful control of the moisture content of the polyvinyl alcohol fiber starting material, usually pre-drying the same to a residual moisture content of 7% by weight or less, and treatment of the low moisture fibrous mass by superheated steam to add about 2.5 to 5% moisture to a final moisture content of about 2.5 to 10%. The steam renders the fiber surface adhesive and, thus, bondable, and also lubricates the gathered fibers to improve processability.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Filtrona International LimitedInventor: Richard M. Berger