Abstract: A variable dilution cigarette is provided having two-layer laminated tipping. Dilution patterns and break lines are formed in the layers before they are laminated. The laminate is applied to a segmented filter such that the dilution pattern of one layer moves relative to that of the other, changing their degree of registry and varying the dilution value of the cigarette, as the filter segments are rotated relative to one another. Because the two dilution patterns can be formed separately, non-linear dilution variation is possible, as well as more nearly constant resistance-to-draw. A method of manufacturing the cigarette is also provided.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided having a variable length. A filter or mouthpiece slides within a sleeve attached to the cigarette, or a sleeve attached to the filter or mouthpiece slides over the cigarette. A single band is adhered to one element and a pair of bands is adhered to the other element. The single band is captive between the pair of bands so that the cigarette can be lengthened or shortened within the range allowed by the pair of bands, but the filter or mouthpiece cannot be removed from the cigarette. The variable length mechanism can be made to additionally provide variable dilution or variable flavorant.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke mouthpiece including a smoke impervious plug member having an upstream smoke inlet end and a downstream smoke outlet or mouth end with groove(s) in the periphery of the plug member extending from the inlet end to the mouth end, the plug member being blocked adjacent the inlet end so that the groove(s) forms the path for smoke flow from inlet end to mouth end of the plug member.

Abstract: A cigarette made of cut tobacco rolled in a paper having a refractory layer with a predetermined pattern bonded to or imprinted upon the interior surface of the paper. The pattern is formed outside of rows and columns of what eventually become elongated slots when the paper burns away. The slots are arranged in lengthwise rows and also are arranged in columns. Each row has a slot midpoint which lies midway between slots in each adjacent row.

Abstract: A cigarette filter element comprising at least one duct extending from one end to the other of the element, which element is operated on by a heated former moving relatively to it in a rotary fashion. The heated former serves to provide a cavity or annular groove through filtration material of the element. The cavity or groove also extends through a section of the duct to provide a ventilation channel. The duct at least one may be of a smoke-impermeable nature and may be provided by one or more bores or thermoplastic tubes.

Abstract: A filter cigarette is provided in which the smoker can select varying levels of one or more flavorants to be added to the smoke stream. A rotatable filter segment having several smoke flow paths, each containing a different flavorant material, cooperates with a baffle to select one or more paths through which the smoke stream will travel.

Abstract: A mouthpiece element for a cigarette comprises a duct which extends from the periphery of the element at a first location, spaced from the mouth end of the element, to the mouth end of the element at a second location, spaced from the periphery of the element. The element is attached to a cigarette rod by tipping which permits the ingress of air to the duct at the first location. Preferably, during smoking the ratio of the velocity of air issuing from the duct at the second location to the velocity of smoke issuing from the mouth end of the element is in excess of at least ten.

Abstract: A smoking article in the form of a filter cigarette can have adjustable air dilution provided by alignment of perforations in the paper wrap of the tobacco rod, a band circumscribing the rod, and the tipping paper. The band is attached to the rod and the tipping is movable relative thereto. Perforations extending about a portion of the circumferential distance around the smoking article allow the user to adjust the setting to low or high air dilution.

Abstract: An aspiration device for delivering a controlled dosage of a drug to a smoker's mouth and lungs comprises an elongated container adapted to be positioned within a cigarette or other smoking article adjacent the end intended to be held in the smoker's mouth. The container holds a supply of a drug which is aspirated directly into the smoker's mouth as a result of the suction applied by the smoker to the end of the cigarette. An air inlet port communicates with the outer surface of the cigarette and permits air to enter the container in response to the partial vacuum created by the applied suction. The drug held within the container is discharged through an exit orifice thereof which is coplanar with the end of the cigarette, so that mixing of the drug with the tobacco smoke occurs within the mouth of the smoker, at reduced temperature and lower smoke concentration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tobacco smoke filter of filamentous material with at least one end thereof having a preselected fused area embedded in and over at least a portion of the cross-sectional area thereof having a preselected fused area extending over at least a portion of the cross-sectional area thereof to provide a flow directing baffle to direct smoke through the unfused end portion. The method includes forming a longitudinally extending porous rod of fusible material, cutting the rod into filter unit lengths and conveying the filter units in a longitudinal path normal to the longitudinal axis of the filter units past a fusing station located to one side of the conveying path. The fusing station forms an indented and fused area in one end of each filter unit as the filter units are conveyed there past. The fusing station can be a rotating wheel with conical teeth corresponding to the configuration of the indented area which teeth are embedded into the filter units.

Abstract: A filter cigarette is provided which is adjustable to provide a wide range of air dilution and/or RTD values and which comprises a tobacco rod, a wrapped, substantially cylindrical filter plug, and tipping paper. The filter plug comprises a first, mouth-end segment and a second, axially aligned, rod-end segment spaced apart from the first segment. The wrapping circumscribes the first and second segments defining a substantially cylindrical void therebetween which may include means of releasing varying amounts of a flavorant. The first segment is movable towards the second segment thereby compressing the plug wrap between the segments which decreases the volume of the void and increases the RTD value of the cigarette.

Abstract: A smoking article mouthpiece comprises a smoke passage and a ventilation air duct, both of which extend from end-to-end of the mouthpiece. The duct is of a depth of 25% or more of the diameter of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is incorporated in a smoking article such that air may enter the duct, the ratio of the velocities of air and smoke is in excess of ten. The mouthpiece may also comprise a ventilation-air collection groove which extends about the element and opens into the ventilation air duct.

Abstract: A smoking article such as a filter cigarette can have an adjustable delivery air dilution while exhibiting a reduced pressure drop decrease during air dilution thereof. The pressure drop decrease is controlled during various stages of air dilution by providing a mouthpiece which exhibits greater effective length at a low or non-air dilution setting than at a high air dilution setting. Filter cigarettes of this invention are capable of exhibiting a somewhat constant smoking character at various air dilution levels.

Abstract: A smoking article such as a filter cigarette can have an adjustable delivery air dilution while exhibiting a reduced pressure drop decrease during air dilution thereof. The pressure drop decrease is controlled during various stages of air dilution by positioning the structure for greatest air dilution on the cigarette a greater distance from the extreme mouthend of the cigarette relative to the structure for least air dilution. Filter cigarettes of this invention are capable of exhibiting a somewhat constant smoking character at various air dilution levels.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod circumscribed by an air impermeable wrapper and ventilation grooves embedded in the wrapped filter rod which extend from one end of the filter rod a preselected distance generally longitudinally thereof. A plurality of ventilation air flow apertures are formed through the wrapper. Some of the air flow apertures are located in the grooves and others of the air flow apertures are formed in the area of the wrapper outside of the grooves. An air impermeable tipping material circumscribes the wrapped filter rod. The tipping material is formed with a plurality of ventilation air flow apertures therethrough such that each ventilation air flow aperture through the tipping material is in substantial registration with a different one of the ventilation air flow apertures formed through the wrapper.

Abstract: An adjustable-delivery cigarette and method for producing same, whose strength delivery may be altered by the consumer in a range between higher and lower values. The cigarette includes a tobacco rod, with paper wrapper, and the filter assembly. An overwrap encircles the filter element and may also join the filter element to the tobacco rod. The overwrap has an adjustment zone formed therein, which may be in the form of a circumferential slot. The circumferential slot may extend partially through the overwrap, or may extend completely through the overwrap and partially through the filter plugwrap. In the latter instance, the filter plugwrap should be relatively impervious to airflow. Application by the consumer of a bending moment to the filter assembly results in the adjustment zone being ruptured, allowing a greater degree of air dilution, resulting in a decreased perceptible strength to the consumer.

Abstract: A variable dilution cigarette, of the type having a filter with two relatively rotatable segments having slits in the plug wrapping and the tipping paper which rotate in and out of rotational registry to vary the dilution level, is provided which is insensitive to slight longitudinal misalignment of the slits. An array of longitudinal depressions is formed in one segment of the filter plug centered on the slit in the plug wrapping and ending short of both ends of the filter segment containing the slit. The depressions act as a plenum allowing the longitudinal flow of air between the slit in the tipping paper and the slit in the plug wrapping in case of longitudinal misalignment arising during use, but do not allow circumferential air flow when the slits are intentionally deregistered by relative rotation of the filter segments. Because the depressions do not reach the ends of the filter segment containing the slit, they do not allow any unwanted air into the filter.

Abstract: A smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes, in one advantageous embodiment, a generally cylindrical, hollow tubular mouth section located in coaxial abutment to one end of the tobacco column of the cigarette. The wall of the mouth section is fabricated of an impermeable material. A plurality of grooves are formed in the periphery of the mouth section extending generally longitudinally thereof and being open to at least the mouth end of the mouth section. Air permeable tipping material circumferentially surrounds the mouth section and overlaps a portion of the tobacco column adjacent the mouth section. In a further embodiment of the present invention as discussed above, the tobacco column is two coaxially located tobacco sections with the tobacco section interfacing with the mouth section being of a different density than the other tobacco section.

Abstract: A smoking article mouthpiece comprises a smoke passage extending from end-to-end of the element and first and second ventilation ducts. The first ventilation ducts extend from the periphery of the element to the downstream end of the element at locations spaced inwardly from the periphery. The second ventilation ducts extend from the periphery to the upstream end of the element.

Abstract: A cigarette comprises a mouthpiece attached to a cigarette rod by a wrapper which bounds a ventilation air chamber of the mouthpiece. One or more orifices intercommunicate the air chamber with a smoke passage of the mouthpiece. The orifice(s), rather than the air flow impedance of the wrapper controls the degree of ventilation of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod having a capillary smoke passageway extending coaxially therethrough. The filter rod is circumscribed by a non-porous wrapper and the filter rod with the non-porous wrapper therearound is provided with at least one groove extending from one end thereof a preselected distance longitudinally therealong. The groove preferably extends from the mouth end of the filter rod. Tipping material circumscribes the non-porous wrapper and is provided with flow-through openings therein in flow communication with the groove. In one embodiment, the filter rod includes a cylindrical collar coaxially located at the mouth end defining a recess, the thickness of the wall of the collar being less than the depth of the groove. In a further embodiment, the filter collar includes a concentric open core member coaxial with and open to the capillary flow passageway with the area between the core member and collar wall being open to the groove.

Abstract: A smoking article which delivers to a smoker during each puff a flowstream having a higher concentration of smoke during the first portion of the puff and a lower concentration of smoke during the remainder of the puff.

Abstract: An improved tobacco smoke filter is characterized by longitudinally continuous grooves running from end-to-end in the peripheral surface of a smoke-impervious filter plug wrap. Smoke-impervious tipping surrounds the plug wrap to seal the grooves except for small ventilation holes in the tipping which permit communication between the grooves and the ambient air. In a preferred embodiment, the grooves are restricted toward the mouth end of the filter and the degree of restriction determines the direction of air and smoke flow in the grooves. The grooves are each preferably formed as two longitudinal sections of different cross-section. Apparatus and method for manufacturing the filter are disclosed.

Abstract: A rod-like smoking article with a rod-like mouthpiece core at the mouth end of a tobacco rod, the entire periphery of said mouthpiece core being enveloped by an adhered wrapping paper which is suitable for contact with the lips and which overlappingly follows a covering paper surrounding the tobacco rod and with secondary air channels covered by the wrapping paper on the periphery of the mouthpiece core and an apparatus for producing such an article.

Abstract: A filter for a smoking article employing a resilient valve assembly in the path of the smoke. The valve assembly being movable in a first position in which the flow ventilating air is permitted and a second position in which the flow of air is prevented. The valve assembly being resiliently biased towards the first position and being displaceable towards the second position when a particular pressure differential is exceeded.

Abstract: A cigarette has a cylindrical impermeable mouthpiece located in coaxial abutment to one end of a tobacco column of the cigarette. The mouthpiece includes an annular groove in its peripheral surface and a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves formed in its peripheral surface extending from the annular groove to the mouth end of the mouthpiece. A plurality of smoke flow capillaries are formed through the mouthpiece from one end to the other. Each capillary is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece except for the portion beneath the annular groove which is curved to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke mouthpiece and method of manufacture therefor, the mouthpiece including a formed rod having spaced, opposed, axially aligned, open-ended tobacco smoke inlet and outlet chambers and at least one apertured mixing chamber therebetween, the rod being surrounded by apertured tipping material to allow passage of smoke diluting air into the mixing chamber and through at least one of the opposed communicably connected chambers.

Abstract: A tobacco product such as a cigarette having a tobacco column within a combustible wrap and a filter plug located at one end of the tobacco column to filter constituents of the mainstream smoke. The filter plug is disposed within a layer of plug wrap which preferably is nonporous and an outer tipping wrap surrounds the plug wrap. A plurality of grooves or depressions formed along the filter plug provide for a secondary flow of air to the mouth of the smoker. An access opening communicating secondary air to each groove is defined by a plurality of perforations located in one or more rows or bands around the outer tipping paper. Depressions located along axes parallel to the axis of the filter member or disposed in a helical pattern may be used. In a second form of the invention, the access opening communicating secondary air to each groove is defined by an annular opening between individual portions of the outer tipping paper.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter includes a smoke pervious rod of plastic material about which a smoke impervious plastic overwrap film is extruded. In the preferred embodiment, the overwrap and the rod are made of the same material, e.g., cellulose acetate. By using the same material, waste from the normal filter-making processes can be formed into granules or pellets and rendered molten for re-cycling as the raw material for the overwrap film. The resulting filter can be used with or without a tipping paper cover and can be perforated or not, as desired, to ventilate the filter rod.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod circumscribed by a non-porous wrapper provided with at least one groove embedded into the periphery of the filter rod extending from the mouth end thereof a preselected distance longitudinally therealong less than the entire length of the filter rod. Tipping material circumscribes the non-porous wrapper and is provided with flow-through openings therein in flow communication with the groove. The tipping material extends beyond the mouth end thereof defining a recess, and the filter rod includes a cylindrical collar coaxially located in the recess concentrically with the portion of the tipping material extending beyond the filter rod mouth end. The thickness of the wall of the collar is less than the depth of the groove which collar functions as a baffle to accelerate the velocity of the air leaving the groove.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod circumscribed by a non-porous wrapper and a tipping material having selected openings therein for allowing ventilating air to pass therethrough. Spacing members are disposed between the non-porous wrapper and tipping material to form ventilating air channels therebetween.

Abstract: A tip for a smokable article comprises a tubularly arranged covering material with an air-pervious ventilation zone, and also a tubular core which is within the covering material and which contains no filter material. The air-impervious tube wall of this core has a tubular outlet region directed towards the smoker and also a conically tapering inlet region provided with a small inlet aperture and directed towards the tobacco. Between the core and the covering material, through-flow ducts are formed by appropriate shaping of the surface of the core and these in conjunction with the remaining shape of the core define the draw resistance of this tip, and at the same time dilute the smoke through the air aspirated through the ventilation zone.This core can be manufactured from an extruded tubular blank of synthetic plastic material, in which the ducts are formed sectionwise by means of eccentrics.

Abstract: A filter cigarette is provided which comprises a tobacco rod which includes a charge of tobacco wrapped in cigarette paper, an integral, axially aligned wrapped cylindrical filter plug, and tipping paper. The filter plug is divided into first and second segments with the first segment being rotatable with respect to the second segment. Rotation of the first segment with respect to the second segment causes axial movement of the first segment which serves to vary the air dilution value of the cigarette by uncovering a permeable region in the plug wrapping.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided which comprises a substantially cylindrical tobacco rod, and an integral, axially aligned, substantially cylindrical assembly at the mouth end of the cigarette which preferably includes a wrapped substantially cylindrical filter plug and tipping paper, and which is provided with a mechanism to adjust the air dilution value of the cigarette. The assembly has first and second ends, which are open to permit the passage of air and smoke, and at least two openings in addition to the open ends. Structure is provided for rotating one opening relative to the other so that the openings are in varying degrees of registry to permit varying amounts of air to combine with and dilute the smoke. A method of making the cigarette is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variably ventilatable filter cigarette is provided with a filter body having a plurality of spaced circumferential, peripheral channels covered by a wrapping sheet at least a portion of which is air permeable, the wrapping sheet extending beyond the filter body to receive a cup-shaped member having an end wall with perforations alignable with the channels; the cup-shaped member is rotatable to vary the degree of registration with respect to the channels.

Abstract: A cylindrical filter element for a cigarette is wrapped in a ventilated tipping wrapper which is spaced from the filter element by a raised pattern of thermoplastic material printed on the inner surface of the wrapper. The pattern is designed to provide air channels communicating with the ventilations in the wrapper and leading to the mouth end of the filter. This enables the manufacturer to dispense with a separate spacing member which has hitherto been located between the filter and the tipping wrapper. The invention includes a method of making a filter element including such a raised pattern.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter includes a corrugated tape-like wrapping which, together with an outer perforated or otherwise air-permeable paper, defines a set of longitudinal grooves. Each of the grooves includes a blocking member, so as to inhibit direct smoke flow through the grooves and promote a ventilation effect. The blocking members in each groove are longitudinally staggered from one groove to the next to simplify the production of the device.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod having a capillary smoke passageway extending coaxially therethrough and a hollow, generally cylindrical mouthpiece coaxially located with the filter rod at the mouth end of the filter rod. The filter rod is circumscribed by a non-porous wrapper, and the filter rod with the non-porous wrapper therearound is provided with grooves extending from the mouth end thereof a preselected distance longitudinally therealong. The mouthpiece is formed with air flow channels in flow communication with the grooves of the filter rod, and smoke flow channels in flow communication with that area of the filter rod mouth end between adjacent grooves of the filter rod. Tipping material circumscribes the filter rod and the mouthpiece, and is provided with flow-through openings therein in flow communication with the grooves.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided with a cylindrical ungrooved filter plug which is surrounded by a ventilated tipping wrapper spaced radially from the plug by a slotted sheet laminated to the inner surface of the tipping wrapper. The slots communicate with the ventilated portions of the tipping wrapper and provide channels extending to the mouth end of the plug, whereby ventilating air is drawn into the smoker's mouth unmixed with smoke passing through the filter plug.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod having a capillary smoke passageway extending coaxially therethrough. The filter rod is circumscribed by a non-porous wrapper and the filter rod with the non-porous wrapper therearound is provided with at least one groove extending from one end thereof a preselected distance longitudinally therealong. The groove preferably extends from the mouth end of the filter rod. Tipping material circumscribes the non-porous wrapper and is provided with flow-through openings therein in flow communication with the groove. In one embodiment, the filter rod includes a cylindrical collar coaxially located at the mouth end defining a recess, the thickness of the wall of the collar being less than the depth of the groove. In a further embodiment, the filter collar includes a concentric open core member coaxial with and open to the capillary flow passageway with the area between the core member and collar wall being open to the groove.

Abstract: A variable air dilution cigarette filter is disclosed. A thin, generally rigid cylindrical sleeve having internal retention steps or barbs is provided with one or more air passing slots or perforations. A filter rod having a filter wrap is inserted within the cylindrical tube or sleeve and is held within the tube by the retention steps. Relative rotation between the sleeve and the filter rod varies the amount of smoke diluting air which is allowed to pass through the slots in the sleeve and then through the filter rod. A tobacco rod is joined to the sleeve by tipping paper or the like to thereby produce a cigarette incorporating the variable air dilution cigarette filter assembly.

Abstract: A cigarette with a tobacco rod (5,6) has at its buccal end a filter plug (10) and a hollow tubular core (8) with a cross wall (9) formed with orifices of a certain size and shape. Ventilating air drawn in through perforations (12) in a tipping wrapper (7) and through a porous inner wrapper (11) is mixed with smoke drawn through the tobacco rod and the mixture is sucked through the orifices (13) which promote particular mixing and pressure drop effects.

Abstract: A variable dilution filter cigarette is provided which includes a substantially cylindrical tobacco rod, an axially aligned, substantially cylindrical wrapped filter plug, and tipping paper which circumscribes the filter plug and joins the filter plug to the tobacco rod. The filter plug has first and second ends, which are open to permit the passage of air and smoke. The plug wrap is substantially air-impermeable and is divided into a mouth-end band, a central band, and a rod-end band having a first opening. The first and third bands are attached to the filter. The tipping paper is also substantially air-impermeable, circumscribes the filter plug, and extends from the mouth end of the filter plug to a position on the tobacco rod adjacent the rod end of the filter plug. The tipping paper is divided into first and second bands, the first band extending from the mouth end of the filter plug to a position overlying the rod-end band.

Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly has a filter plug and an open mixing chamber arranged between the filter plug and the distal end of the filter assembly. Perforations are formed in the filter assembly wrapper to communicate between the mixing chamber and outside air, for the purpose of drawing in diluting air to mix with the filtered smoke in the mixing chamber. The filter assembly is constructed to pass smoke and diluting air substantially unimpeded from the mixing chamber to the distal end.

Abstract: A cigarette holder has internal valving means for providing with each inhalation by the smoker an initial supply of substantially smoke-free air, followed by a vacuum actuated changeover to supply smoke directly from the cigarette without dilution. The initial precursor of substantially smoke-free air has a minimizing effect on the irritating properties of the inhaled cigarette smoke. An alternative embodiment incorporates the valving means directly into the end of the cigarette during manufacture.

Abstract: A smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes an air impermeable generally cylindrically shaped plug located in coaxial abutment to one end of the tobacco column of the cigarette and a generally cylindrically shaped filter rod located in coaxial abutment with the plug. The plug is formed with a plurality of grooves in its peripheral surface extending generally longitudinally of the plug from one end to the other end thereof. Air permeable tipping material circumferentially surrounds the impermeable plug and the filter rod, and overlaps a portion of the tobacco column adjacent to plug to fasten the plug and filter rod to the tobacco column.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided which includes a corrugated wrapper. The corrugated wrapper is constructed such that the outer surface and the inner surface are separated by a distance which is less than the minimum transverse dimension of the tobacco rod. The corrugated wrapper, when incorporated in a cigarette, provides a cigarette in which firmness and rigidity can be made independent of the density of the smoking material.

Abstract: An improved tobacco smoke filter is characterized by grooves defined in its outer periphery and extending to the smoke discharging end of the filter. The grooves are totally exposed to ambient air along their entire length and serve as open air dilution passages to conduct air into the smoker's mouth with each puff or draw. In one embodiment, the filter rod contains no plug wrap and is joined to a tobacco rod with tipping paper, the grooves being defined in both the tipping paper and the filter rod. These grooves may be defined in the final assembled product by forming the grooves in the tipping paper and the filter rod at the same time. Alternatively, the filter rod is pre-grooved and the tipping paper is attached thereto so as to conform to the grooves.

Abstract: A mouthpiece adapted to be attached to a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes, in one advantageous embodiment, an air impermeable core member of smaller diameter than the tobacco column to which it is to be coaxially located and a generally cylindrically shaped hollow sleeve having generally the same diameter as the tobacco column concentrically located over the impermeable core member and cooperating therewith to define a generally annular channel open at both of its ends. The mouthpiece is connected to the tobacco column by circumscribing air permeable tipping material therearound. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece includes a filter plug coaxially located at one end of the tobacco column with the filter plug being of generally the same diameter as the tobacco column. The filter plug has generally longitudinally extending grooves formed in the peripheral surface extending from one end to the other end of the filter plug.

Abstract: Smoking article (10) has a filter mouthpiece (14) with a first stage filter element (18) and second stage filter element (19). First stage filter element (18) is rigidly attached to tipping paper (22). Second stage filter element (19) is free to move longitudinally in mouthpiece (14) and may be made to move axially by tapping the cigarette, thus, covering some of the ventilation holes (16) and changing the smoke to air ratio and the flavor.