Cigar Or Cigarette Patents (Class 131/360)
  • Patent number: 8651115
    Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Robert Krauss
  • Patent number: 8646464
    Abstract: Smoking articles having reduced ignition proclivity characteristics are disclosed. The smoking articles include a paper wrapper containing cellulosic fibers and filler particles. The paper wrappers are formed so that the filler particles form a concentration gradient throughout the thickness of the wrapper. More particularly, a greater concentration of filler particles are present at a first surface in comparison to the amount of filler particles present at the opposite surface. In accordance with the present disclosure, an ignition reducing composition is applied to the first surface. In this manner, treated areas having more uniform properties are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Hampl, Jr., James C. Rossi-Espagnet, Xiangwei Gu, Peter E. Brighenti, Christopher Lee Goynes
  • Patent number: 8646463
    Abstract: A cigarette and cigarette paper have a plurality of multilayer bands formed by printing a highly viscous aqueous film-forming composition. After heating the composition to lower its viscosity, the bands are applied to the cigarette paper by gravure printing the composition. The composition is quenched and gelatinized by contact with the cool cigarette paper reducing absorption of water by the paper and reducing wrinkling, cockling, and waviness. Multiple gravure printed layers may be used to form the bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Sherwood, Firooz Rasouli, Ping Li, Don E. Miser, Joe Yousef Mohajer, Bruce E. Waymack, Tony A. Phan, Tracy L. Madison, John R. Tilley, Yezdi B. Pithawalla
  • Publication number: 20140030176
    Abstract: A method of making composite nanoscale particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the composite nanoscale particles, wherein said composite nanoscale particles comprise a first metal and/or a first metal oxide incorporated in nanoscale particles of an oxide of a second metal, the first metal being different than the second metal. The starting material can comprise first and second metals or compounds of the first and second metals. The composite nanoscale particles can be formed in a reaction chamber wherein a temperature gradient is provided. The atmosphere in the chamber can be an inert atmosphere comprising argon or a reactive atmosphere comprising oxygen. The composite nanoscale particles are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sarojini Deevi, Rangaraj S. Sundar, Yezdi B. Pithawalla
  • Patent number: 8616220
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr., Philip S. Zanghi, III
  • Publication number: 20130327346
    Abstract: A method for preparing a flavor-containing sheet for a smoking article, characterized by includes a step of extending a raw material slurry on a substrate, wherein the slurry contains polysaccharide including at least one of carrageenan and gellan gum, a flavor, an emulsifier and 70 to 95 wt % of water, has the flavor content of 100 to 1000 wt % based on the polysaccharide, and has a temperature of 60 to 90° C. in a sol state, a step of cooling the extended raw material slurry to a sample temperature of 0 to 40° C. to form a gel, and a heat-drying step includes heating the gelled raw material and drying it at a sample temperature of 70 to 100° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Yasuo TANAKA, Tatsuya KUSAKABE
  • Patent number: 8602035
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article. The apparatus includes an ecreteur having at least one trimming disk configured to trim a tobacco rod for a smoking article to have at least one end region of increased tobacco density. The at least one trimming disk is further configured to trim a body region of the tobacco rod such that the body region has a variable tobacco mass per unit length, where the body region is distinct from said at least one end region of increased density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventor: Karl Kaljura
  • Patent number: 8602037
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a monitor monitoring a smoke delivery from a cigarette or a physical quantity correlated with the smoke delivery, a regulating mechanism regulating the smoke delivery, and a control unit controlling the regulating mechanism depending on the smoke delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventor: Michihiro Inagaki
  • Patent number: 8578944
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8580081
    Abstract: The invention concerns a paper for smoking article, in particular for a cigarette, comprising areas treated with a coating formulation adapted to reduce the ignition propensity of said treated areas which comprises nanoparticles of cellulose having a median dimension (d50) equal to or less than five micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Papeteries du Leman
    Inventors: Jocelyne Dumas, Joel Malachie, Arnaud Ruffin, Julie Jeanrot
  • Patent number: 8578943
    Abstract: Cut filler compositions, smoking articles such as cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for treating cigarette smoke are provided, which involve the use of metal-containing nanowires. The metal-containing nanowires are capable of removing at least one constituent from tobacco smoke, preferably in a selective manner. The metal-containing nanowires may comprise any suitable metal, metal oxide or mixtures thereof. For example, the metal-containing nanowires comprise at least one transition or lanthanide metal or metal oxide thereof. Exemplary metals or metal oxides thereof include, but are not limited to, iron, copper, zinc, titanium, vanadium, palladium, cobalt, molybdenum and manganese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zhaohua Luan, Jay A Fournier
  • Patent number: 8573230
    Abstract: A smoking article having a cylindrical tube of smokable material having an outer wrapper, a concentric rod of smokable material coaxially positioned within the cylindrical tube of a smokable material, and an inner wrapper separating the cylindrical tube and the concentric rod. A filter attaches to the tobacco rod with an annular film positioned between the filter and the tobacco rod. The annular film increases the resistance-to-draw of the cylindrical tube during smoking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shuzhong Zhuang, Georgios D. Karles, Raquel M. Olegario
  • Patent number: 8555897
    Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture including an ammonia-release compound adapted to be formed into a lit-end cigarette is provided. The ammonia-release compound is incorporated in or on tobacco cut filler in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity, and/or selective smoke constituents of cigarette smoke. Exemplary ammonia-release compounds include ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, hexammine cobalt (III) chloride, hexammine cobalt (III) acetate, and combinations thereof. The ammonia-release compounds can release ammonia at temperatures between about 60° C. and about 400° C. Ammonia-release compounds can be combined with additives, such as glycerine, cobalt acetate, copper (II) acetate, zinc acetate, other metal salts or combinations thereof, to further reduce the cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin Xue, W. Geoffrey Chan, Mohammad Hajaligol
  • Patent number: 8539959
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarette components. As will be disclosed, an electronic cigarette may have a translucent conduit and light chamber which, together, allow light from the light source to be diffused therethrough in such a way that the light emitted during inhalation simulates the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation. The electronic cigarette may also have a translucent ash simulator to further simulate the natural burn of a traditional tobacco cigarette during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: NJOY, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Scatterday
  • Publication number: 20130220354
    Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the cigar, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Once the cigar puller is removed from the tobacco fill material, a flavorant and/or aromatic can be infused into the less dense tobacco fill material which is provided upon the removal of the cigar puller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Cooper
  • Patent number: 8511318
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ruyan Investment (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Lik Hon
  • Publication number: 20130199551
    Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprising a first part (13) configured to be movable relative to a second part (11) of the smoking article. The first part (13) having a first engaging surface (31). The second part (11) having a second engaging surface (32), the second engaging surface engagable with the first engaging surface (31) to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second parts. The first engaging surface (31) and/or second engaging surface (32) is preferably formed on a folded over portion of sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED, Tobacco Research and Development Institute (Proprietary) Limited, BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO JAPAN, LTD.
    Inventors: Gerhard Le Roux, Karl Kaljura, Mark Austin, Gary Fallon, John Richardson, Kevin Blick, Mike Simpson
  • Patent number: 8469038
    Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled and packaged, at least one sheet including cellulose. In one embodiment, cellulose and tobacco sheet material are separately rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged. In another embodiment, the sheet is a laminated sheet of tobacco and cellulose layers that can be optionally wrapped around (or pre-rolled inside) a form casing. These sheets can be filled with custom tobacco to make one or more new cigars for an end user. In another embodiment, a complete cigar filled with tobacco material can be disassembled by an end user to produce tobacco and cellulose sheets, enabling the end user to form two new cigars using his or her own custom tobacco.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130146075
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a sheet material comprising a fibrous layer formed of cellulosic fibres and at least 50% by weight of inorganic filler material having a particle size in range of from 0.1 microns and 50 microns, wherein the sheet material has a tensile strength of at least 900 N/m. The fibrous layer preferably further comprises a binder material, preferably an organic binder material such as a cellulosic binder material. A coating layer may be provided on at least one side of the fibrous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Laurent Poget, Alexandre Malgat, Christoph Sorg, Andreas Hofenauer, David Croll, Rolf Gericke
  • Publication number: 20130139836
    Abstract: A smoking article (130) comprises a variable flow system configured to vary gaseous flow into or through the smoking article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO JAPAN, LTD., BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Blick, Mike Simpson, James Allerton, Dan White, Keith Herbert
  • Publication number: 20130118509
    Abstract: A smoking article component comprising a viscoelastic material (500).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: John Richardson
  • Patent number: 8418698
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130087159
    Abstract: A cigar comprises a mouth end; a tobacco section comprising tobacco material; at least one sweetener dispersed throughout the tobacco section; and/or a flavor potentiator and/or a taste modifier on an outer surface of the mouth end for enhancing the sweet taste of the cigar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Altria Client Services Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Sweeney, Pauline Marcq, Joseph Pierotti, Deborah Thiem
  • Patent number: 8402977
    Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter which gives an acceptable vapor phase filtration and flavor delivery in the presence of a volatile flavorant (e.g. menthol), the filter containing activated carbon in which (1) pores of under 2 nm pore diameter (micropores) provide a pore volume of at most 0.3 cm3/g (NZ); and (2) (a) pores of 2 to 50 nm pore diameter (mesopores) provide a pore volume of at least 0.25 cm3/g (N2) and/or (b) pores of 7 to 50 nm diameter (larger mesopores) provide a pore volume of at least 0.12 cm3/g (Hg).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Filtrona International Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Denis McCormack
  • Patent number: 8393335
    Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled to a tube or shell or tube-like shape and then packaged in an unfilled or partially filled condition, one end portion of the tube or shell or tube-like shape being at least partially closed. In one embodiment, multiple sheets are rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged with one end closed or partially closed. In another embodiment, a rod that assists in loading tobacco into the shell cavity is provided. In one embodiment, the plug takes the form of a mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8375959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article incorporating a smoking material comprising three main components, namely a non-combustible inorganic filler, an alginic binder and aerosol generating means. The smoking material is combined with tobacco material, which may be treated with additional humectant, to provide a smoking article that has an aerosol transfer efficiency ratio of greater than 4.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: David John Dittrich, Joseph Peter Sutton, Steven Coburn, James N Figlar
  • Patent number: 8365742
    Abstract: An aerosol electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly and also includes a shell (a) which is hollow and integrally formed. Said battery assembly connects with said atomizer assembly and both are located in said shell (a). Said cigarette bottle assembly is located in one end of the shell (a), which is detachable. Said cigarette bottle assembly fits with said atomizer assembly. Said shell (a) has through-air-inlets (a1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ruyan Investment (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Lik Hon
  • Patent number: 8360072
    Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Robert Krauss
  • Patent number: 8353300
    Abstract: Methods for increasing the concentration of antioxidants during senescence and curing of tobacco leaves include application of a chemical solution. The methods include spraying the solution onto the tobacco plant prior to harvest and/or applying the chemical solution to the soil surrounding roots of growing tobacco plants. The application of the chemical solution preferably occurs between topping and harvest, and is optimized to stimulate the production of antioxidants and interfere with the formation of TSNAs during curing. The tobacco can be burley tobacco subjected to air curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Qinglin Li, Walter Hempfling, Marc Robert Krauss
  • Patent number: 8319011
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and materials involved in producing tobacco plants having reduced levels of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine. In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, tobacco plants comprising mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof. In other embodiments, the invention is directed toward nicotine demethylase RNA interference, tobacco plants comprising a nicotine demethylase RNA interference transgene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC
    Inventors: Dongmei Xu, Mark T. Nielsen, Yanxin Shen
  • Patent number: 8291919
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by perforated cigar or shell, the shell comprising a sheet of material with an intermediate sheet, the sheet comprising tobacco leaves and/or homogenized tobacco paper. The cigar or shell is packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The cigar or shell remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the cigar or shell is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the cigar or shell with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the cigar or shell to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr., Philip S. Zanghi, III
  • Patent number: 8267095
    Abstract: A colored smoke module is disclosed that is mountable to at least a portion of a cigarette or other smoking device. The colored smoke module produces colored smoke when burned. Further, the colored smoke module is user mountable to a cigarette or other smoking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Gal Markel
  • Patent number: 8251072
    Abstract: A wrapper is fabricated of a biodegradable burnable material. The wrapper is in a generally cylindrical configuration. The wrapper has front and rear ends. In this manner a major chamber is formed. A bowl is fabricated of a biodegradable burnable material. The bowl has a peripheral edge. The bowl is attached to the wrapper adjacent to the front end of the wrapper. The bowl forms a minor chamber within the major chamber. The bowl extends interiorly of the wrapper. A quantity of smokable material is inserted into the bowl. In this manner the smokable material is lit and smoked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Scott D. Zepp
  • Patent number: 8161979
    Abstract: A finished tobacco product is formed by an inner shell and attached outer pre-rolled sheet where the inner shell has a means to open an interior volume to add selected tobacco filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8156944
    Abstract: An aerosol electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly and a cigarette bottle assembly and also includes a shell (a) which is hollow and integrally formed. Said battery assembly connects with said atomizer assembly and both are located in said shell (a). Said cigarette bottle assembly is located in one end of the shell (a), which is detachable. Said cigarette bottle assembly fits with said atomizer assembly. Said shell (a) has through-air-inlets (a1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ruyan Investments (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Li Han
  • Patent number: 8151805
    Abstract: A cigarette is provided with a tobacco section including a tobacco filler rod wrapped with an inner wrapper paper sheet containing less than 4% by weight of calcium carbonate and an outer wrapper paper containing calcium carbonate in an amount of 30 g/m2 and a burn adjusting agent in an amount of 3% by weight or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuko Takeda, Yoshiyuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8141559
    Abstract: The invention describes a filter (1) with a first filter portion (6) comprising an adsorbent, for example carbon, and/or a catalyst, capable of reducing various vapor phase constituents of cigarette smoke. The adsorbent/catalyst is separated from a second filter portion by means of a barrier (2) having pores therein of pore size less than 0.1 ?m. The invention also describes a smoking article in which a rod of smoking material, with or without encapsulated flavor, is attached to the above described filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
    Inventors: Peter James Branton, Philip Richard Hunt
  • Patent number: 8119555
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of increasing the mesopore volume of a porous activated carbon, comprising coating a porous activated carbon with a metal oxide or metal oxide precursor to form a treated activated carbon; and calcining the treated activated carbon, in a dry atmosphere, for a time and at a temperature sufficient to increase the mesopore volume of the treated activated carbon. The invention also provides an activated carbon having a total mesopore volume of at least about 0.10 cc/g and less than about 0.25 cc/g, and a percentage of mesopore volume per total pore volume of at least about 15% and less than about 35%. Activated carbon modified according to the invention, cigarette filters incorporating such activated carbon, and smoking articles made with such filters are included in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Stephen Benson Sears, Thaddeus Jude Jackson
  • Patent number: 8079371
    Abstract: A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John Howard Robinson, David William Griffith, Jr., Billy Tyrone Conner, Evon Llewellyn Crooks, Dempsey Bailey Brewer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8066012
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8051857
    Abstract: Combined tobacco leaf-rolled wrappers and packaging includes a water-impermeable carrying case with an open top end that is provided with a lid pivotally coupled to a longitudinal side thereof such that the lid covers the top end when articulated to a closed position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flexible and uniformly shaped tobacco leaves adapted to a rolled and tubular position and a mechanism for maintaining the rolled tobacco leaves in a sealed and air-tight condition while nested within the carrying case so that the rolled tobacco leaves are prevented from becoming saturated with humidity in ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Schiller Baptiste
  • Patent number: 8042552
    Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture including an ammonia-release compound adapted to be formed into a lit-end cigarette is provided. The ammonia-release compound is incorporated in or on tobacco cut filler in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity, and/or selective smoke constituents of cigarette smoke. Exemplary ammonia-release compounds include ammonium acetate, ammonium hydroxide, hexammine cobalt (III) chloride, hexammine cobalt (III) acetate, and combinations thereof. The ammonia-release compounds can release ammonia at temperatures between about 60° C. and about 400° C. Ammonia-release compounds can be combined with additives, such as glycerine, cobalt acetate, copper (II) acetate, zinc acetate, other metal salts or combinations thereof, to further reduce the cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin Xue, W. Geoffrey Chan, Mohammad Hajaligol
  • Patent number: 8015979
    Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the device, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Some of the cigar puller devices can be used to infuse flavorants into the cigar to alter the taste and/or aroma of the cigar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jack B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7998274
    Abstract: A smoking article comprising discrete segments of smokable material having an encapsulated flavourant contained within a component of the smokable material to provide a stable release of flavourant at different points during smoking, and in particular in the final puffs. The encapsulated flavourant is incorporated within a reconstituted tobacco material for ease of manufacture and for improved flavour stabilisation. A method of making a segmented smoking article having encapsulated flavourant therein is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Souza Cruz S.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Augusto Da Silva Rodrigues, Nadia Maria de Almeida Rodrigues, legal representative, Eduardo José Faria Miranda
  • Patent number: 7987858
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7987856
    Abstract: A smoking article having a tobacco rod of a smokable material and a filter system attached to the tobacco rod of smokable material. The filter system includes a first filter portion and a second filter portion, the second filter portion concentrically positioned with respect to the first filter portion and having a lower resistance to draw than the first filter portion during an initial puff on the smoking article. The second filter portion closes upon contact with the mainstream smoke of the initial puff, such that after the initial puff, the first filter portion has the lower resistance to draw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shalva Gedevanishvili, Mohammad R. Hajaligol
  • Publication number: 20110179519
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for producing transgenic plants. In specific embodiments, transgenic plants comprise a construct comprising a polynucleotide encoding CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1, operably linked to a plant-specific promote, wherein the CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 is ectopically overexpressed in the transgenic plants, and wherein the promoter is optionally a constitutive or inducible promoter. In other embodiments, transgenic plants in which express a lower level of CCA1, GLK1 or bZIP1 are provided. Also provided herein are commercial products (e.g., pulp, paper, paper products, or lumber) derived from the transgenic plants (e.g., transgenic trees) produced using the methods provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Gloria Coruzzi, Rodrigo A. Gutierrez, Damion C. Nero
  • Patent number: 7938126
    Abstract: A low ignition propensity cigarette according to the invention includes a high-density region formed in the center of the paper tube and containing normal shred tobacco filled to be a filling density of 0.15 to 0.35 g/cm3, for example 0.25 g/cm3, and a low density region formed between the paper tube and the high-density region and containing expanded shred tobacco filled to a filling density of 0.05 to 0.15 g/cm3, for example 0.14 g/cm3. The thickness of the low-density region defined between the paper tube and the high-density region is in the range of 1 to 3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Takaaki Matsufuji, Takeo Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20110104218
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing hydrogel capsules enveloped with at least one coating layer is disclosed. The coating formulations deposited on the surface of the capsules can improve the physical integrity and the water-retention properties of the alginate beads. The coating formulations can be sequentially applied in various combinations to obtain desirable properties, such as improved physical integrity, mechanical strength, and low permeability, that can extend the shelf-life of the capsules when incorporated into various consumer products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Daqing Wu, Shuzhong Zhuang
  • Publication number: 20110083683
    Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Robert Krauss