Abstract: A lyocell material for a cigarette filter and a method of manufacturing the same are disclose. The lyocell material which is biodegradable and eco-friendly can be manufactured by crimping lyocell multifilaments to obtain a crimped tow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter manufacturing apparatus (1) to form a hollow filter body, the filter manufacturing apparatus comprising: —a feed path adapted to continuously feed a filter material along a longitudinal transport direction (30); —a forming device (4) connected to a terminating end of the feed path and adapted to form the filter material into a hollow rod-shaped filter body and deliver the formed filter body, the forming device including: ? a tubular forming element (8) adapted to allow the filter material to pass therethrough, ? a pin (34) extending longitudinally within the tubular forming element, the pin having a pin diameter;—a diameter changing device (40), adapted to vary the pin diameter of the pin, so as to obtain a filter body having a through hole of variable diameter.

Abstract: A mechanism for a momentary compression of a filter material used in the tobacco industry, wrapped into a wrapper and glued with an adhesive delivered from an adhesive applying apparatus, adapted to being placed on a machine for manufacturing filter rods before the adhesive applying apparatus is characterised in that it comprises at least one rotary compressing member (10) for pressing the filter material (S) linearly moving underneath it. A method of a momentary compression of a filter material used in the tobacco industry, wrapped into a wrapper and glued with an adhesive delivered from an adhesive applying apparatus on a machine for manufacturing filter rods is characterised in that before wrapping the filter material (S) into the wrapper (14) the filter material is compressed by exerting a force (F) on the filter material (S) by means of at least one rotary compressing member (10).

Abstract: A cigarette filter subassembly is manufactured from a filter member having absorbent material encased within an outer cover. A plunger is passed axially through the absorbent material such that a pointed leading end of the plunger displaces the absorbent material radially outwardly against the cover to form a liner of compressed absorbent material along the cover's inside surface. An inner surface of the liner surrounds a hollow axial opening which is to receive absorbent members and capsules inserted axially therein. The capsules are adapted to be broken by a smoker to release an additive material which modifies characteristics of tobacco smoke. An outer cylindrical surface of the plunger optionally carries a transferable binder material that becomes smeared onto the inner surface of the liner to form thereon a coating which is impermeable to the additive material released from the capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a filter rod for a cigarette or other smoking article having a pattern formed in relief on the outer surface thereof. The apparatus comprises a passage including a portion configured to receive and compress filter material to form a filter rod and a belt extending along the passage to convey filter material through the passage. The apparatus includes a patterned relief surface configured to impress a relief pattern on a surface of a filter rod as it is formed within the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine includes a group-forming unit for forming filter portion groups, each group having at least two different filter portions aligned axially and contacting at the ends; a winding unit that receives a succession of groups from the group-forming unit, winds a strip of wrapping material about the groups to form a continuous filter rod, and cuts combination filters off the rod by cyclically cutting the rod transversely; and a transfer unit that transfers the groups from the group-forming unit, in which the groups travel transversely, to the winding unit, in which the groups travel axially. The transfer unit has at least one spider that feeds the groups successively into a forming beam of the winding unit, and at least one release drum that releases the groups successively to the spider. The release drum is mounted to move between a work position and a maintenance position.

Abstract: A tool having a blank positioning system and method for forming a container. The tool has a first tool assembly and a second tool assembly that cooperate to shape the container from a blank. The blank positioning system positions the blank between the first tool assembly and the second tool assembly prior to forming the blank into the container.

Abstract: Method and device for inserting objects into at least one endless filter rod of the tobacco processing industry that is conveyed in the longitudinal axial direction. The method includes creating at least one blind hole-like recess in the at least one endless filter rod, inserting at least one object into the at least one blind hole-like recess in an insertion zone; and compacting the at least one endless filter rod to enclose the object.

Abstract: A device for combining groups of at least two different types of filter segments for producing multi-segment filters in the tobacco industry in a continuous process includes a plurality of independent functional units that are each designed as a module.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an object assembly for use in the manufacture of smoking articles comprises a conveyance path for conveying an elongate member and a delivery mechanism configured to deliver objects onto the elongate member conveyed along the path such that a plurality of rows of objects are formed along the length thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tobacco smoke filter production wherein a train of tobacco smoke filtering material, while being continuously advanced longitudinally, is gathered towards rod shape and then shaped to and secured in rod form, and wherein there is discontinuous pneumatic injection of particulate additive through an injector conduit laterally into the advancing gathering material to form separate additive pockets embedded in and spaced along the continuously produced rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter (10) for tobacco products with a first terminal filter element (12), a second terminal filter element (14), a middle filter element (16) which is located between first and second terminal filter element and contains a granular filter material, and a casing (20), one part of one of the terminal filter elements (12) being displaceable vis-à-vis the casing (20). The invention furthermore relates to smoking articles with such filters, filter strands with two or more of the filters, and processes and devices for the production of such filters and tobacco products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter tow strip, especially twin tow from cross-linked and crimped filaments which form at least two partial strips (12a, 12b) that are interlinked by a section of reduced cross-linking density (11), the linking filaments (13) being interlooped and/or interlocked in such a manner that the linking filaments form intersections (14). The filter two strip is characterized in that the maximum cross-cutting force of the partial strips (12a, 12b) does not exceed 20 cN on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) and/or the number of the Baking filaments (13) does not exceed 200 cross-locking and/or cross-looping filaments on a length of approximately 20 cm of the filter tow strip (10) when impinged with the maximum cross-cutting force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter tow bale (2) from compressed filter tow, which is characterized in that the filter tow bale (2) comprises at least two separate filter tow strips (1, 1?) that are arranged together in layers.

Abstract: A device for processing filter tow material used for producing filters for rod-shaped smoking articles such as cigarettes. The device includes a filter tow supply to provide at least two filter tow strips to at least two filter tow guideways. Each of the at least two filter tow strips is directed within the at least two filter two guideways, respectively. Apparatuses are also provided for processing the filter tow strips. The device includes a separately controllable independent processing apparatus assigned to each filter tow guideway.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: A processing unit for processing at least one filter tow strip to produce filters for rod-shaped smoking articles includes at least one tow guidance section along which the filter tow strip is moved in a direction of a longitudinal extension of the filter tow strip. The tow guidance section includes processing devices used for processing the filter tow strip. The processing devices are arranged in a sequence essentially one above the other, so that at least a segment of the tow guidance section that is located in a region of the processing devices is oriented at an angle to a horizontal line.

Abstract: A filter for a cigarette has an organic filtering portion defined by granules or fibres of active carbon and housed inside a cylindrical shell of plastic material; the shell is located between a portion of cellulose acetate, which is engaged orally by a user, and a cigarette portion, and has a bottom, contacting the portion of cellulose acetate and hermetically supporting a particulate trap for retaining fine particulate, and an end contacting the cigarette portion and closed by a plug of cellulose acetate.

Abstract: Method and device for producing filter rods of the tobacco-processing industry. The method includes combining and mixing fibers of finite length of two different fiber types, and separating the combined and mixed fibers. The combining and mixing occurs directly before the separating.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine comprises a tow treatment section (10) for forming a filter web (WF) from fibrous tow (T), a scatter device (42) for scattering activated carbon grains (PC) evenly over the filter web (WF) fed from the tow treatment section (10) toward a trumpet guide (34), the trumpet guide (34) forming the filter web into a rod-shaped material (WR), a web guide (36) arranged between the tow treatment section (10) and the trumpet guide (34) for supporting the lower surface of the filter web (WF) and guiding the filter web (WF) while it is transported, and a wrapping section (16) for wrapping the rod-shaped material (WR) fed from the trumpet guide (34) in a paper web.

Abstract: Disclosed is a card game wherein payouts are based on a maximum number of matching suits in a player's hand. Players have the option to choose the size of their hand at the outset of the game. In one live version, once players select their hand size and place their wagers, dealers deal each player two cards. Additional cards are dealt as common cards. Alternatively, players may be dealt all cards directly. Players are paid based on one of multiple pay tables depending on the maximum number of cards which have identical suits in their hand. The greater the number of identical suits in the hand, the greater the payout. Jackpots, including progressive jackpots, based on poker rankings may also be implemented. In a second live version, players may place six wagers on hands having from two to five cards. In this version, players receive four cards which may be used in combination with a single common card. Electronic gaming devices may also facilitate video versions of the game.

Abstract: A cigarette filter for reducing tar and decreasing toxicity and equipment for producing the filter are provided in tobacco field. The rod core is made from staple fiber, specially natural plant fiber, specially wood fiber, more specially short wood pile fiber. The cigarette filter can be the complex filter, or the complex filter with a hollow cylinder, or the triple filter. For modeling the filter made of wood fiber, the invention provides a set of equipments, which includes crushing equipment for wood pulp material, negative pressure equipment for adsorbing and forming twist, and conveying equipment. The equipment can be combined with existing cigarette filter modeling equipment. Because of said solution of the invention, tobacco smoke passes through the filter with large contact area, long course and perdurability. Due to the effective ability of adsorbing and filtrating of wood fibers, amount of tar and other toxicants adsorbed of a single cigarette is decreased availably.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Filters for tobacco products are manufactured by a device comprising a conveyor drum rotatable about a horizontal axis and furnished with peripheral grooves, each holding a leaf of paper material preassembled with a first filter element. The single groove is flanked by two tubular elements arranged symmetrically on either side of the drum, slidable axially between a first position located externally of the groove and a second position located internally of the groove, also by pushers slidable within the respective tubular elements and serving to direct second and third filter elements into contact with the end faces of the first filter element in such a way that the second filter element, which consists in a measure of powder or granular material deposited in each tubular element by way of a spool valve, remains interposed between the first and the third filter element.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for producing compound filters for products in the tobacco-processing industry. A filter tube, having a filter element in a central region of the filter tube, is supplied to a predetermined position. Predetermined portions of filtering material are then inserted into the filter tube from at least a first end of the filter tube so that filter segments form in at least a first part of the filter tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing multi-segment filter elements in the tobacco-processing industry. The multi-segment filter elements each include a first filter segment and at least one second filter segment. A sleeve element is arranged in the first filter segment. The second filter segment is inserted into the sleeve element in the first filter segment and the sleeve element is pulled out.

Abstract: A filter-manufacturing machine comprises spray nozzles located on both sides of a feeding path of sheet material made of filter fibers, respectively, and the spray nozzles each have a line of spray holes of a liquid binder with high viscosity and a plurality of air jetting openings for jetting compressed air. The liquid binder sprayed from the lines of the spray holes is subdivided into particles by the compressed air, thereby spraying the particles of the liquid binder evenly on both surfaces of the sheet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a nonwoven fiber composite for the manufacture of filters in the tobacco industry, wherein the method feeds separated fiber materials to a fluidized bed and the separated filter material inside the fluidized bed are transported to a rod-forming device, essentially by a transport air flow flowing in the direction of the rod-forming device and the filter material is compiled on the rod-forming device prior to forming the compacted fiber filter elements.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein successive increments of a stream constituting a converted tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke are contacted by a compressing tool which is vibrated at a frequency and/or amplitude sufficient to prevent over-heating of the tool and/or of filaments of filter material, such as acetate fibers. Conversion of the tow into the stream and the wrapping of the compressed stream into a running web of filter paper are carried out in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A pleating method comprises disposing a filter material on a support surface and compressing a portion of the filter material between first and second pleating surfaces to form a pleat, where at least one of the pleating surfaces is curved or extends at an acute angle with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering predetermined amounts of particulate material and/or plasticizer to a location remote from the particulate material, and a cigarette filter and a cigarette made according to the method and apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compacting particles or granules in discrete cavities spaced along an article or articles such as a cigarette filter rod moved underneath the compacting system. The compacting system can be provided with spaced lugs or other protrusions that selectively compact particles within cavities, or a smooth outer periphery that results in progressive compaction of the entire article being moved underneath the compaction system. The article having cavities with particles that need to be compacted can be supported on a support rail with side support rails that maintain the shape of the article during the compaction process.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing composite filter stock is provided that includes several steps. In a first step, a paper carrier strip feeds along a conveyor. Along one edge of the carrier strip, the paper is folded back against itself. Fibrous filter segments are then deposited on the carrying strip in spaced apart intervals. The spacing defines cavities between adjacent filter segments. The carrier strip with the deposited filter segments is fed along a path of travel into an elongated guide or support chamber that substantially surrounds the circumference of the paper-enveloped segments and which leaves a narrow fill opening opposite an elongated particulate filling opening that is elongated in the direction of motion of the carrying strip. Suction or a vacuum is concurrently applied adjacent the narrow opening, the suction increasing a downward momentum of a gravity feed stream of particulate matter and concurrently vacuums away loose particulate matter.

Abstract: An automatic filter tip attaching machine includes a mechanical structure moved by a computer program to automatically attach three filter tip stages a, b, c to cigarettes, with a chemical powder filled in the filter tip b to absorb nicotine and tar completely from cigarette smoke.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The treatment of a tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke prior to draping of the resulting filler into a web of wrapping material is followed by advancement of the filler in a plane and single or multiple deflection of successive increments of the filler from and transversely of the plane. The deflected increments are returned into the plane and are advanced into the draping unit. Deflection of successive increments of the filler reduces the likelihood of the so-called towsplit which denotes the separation of partially bonded and gathered filaments from each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a cigarette filter (1) the biodegradation of the material (3) which is assisted by the incorporation of swellable means in the filter so that upon exposure to moisture the volume of the filter is increased, preferably to the extent of breaking open a filter wrap (2) which enclosed it.

Abstract: A filter cigarette includes a tobacco smoke filter having a core of an expanded starch material which is biodegradable and readily soluble in water. The filter material is preferably formed of high amylose content cornstarch or potato starch extruded at a moisture content of between 10% and 21% at a temperature between 150.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Rods for use in the manufacture of smoking products are provided using a rod-making apparatus. The apparatus includes (a) an unwind unit for continuously supplying a material having a continuous integrity; (b) a rod-forming unit for forming a rod-like composite of the supplied material; (c) a constriction member for constricting the rod-like composite, the constriction member including (i) a material-contacting surface and (ii) a reservoir for supplying an amount of liquid to at least a portion of the material-contacting surface; and (d) a rod-making unit for receiving the rod-like composite and for circumscribing the rod-like composite with wrapping material thereby forming a continuous rod.

Abstract: A roller for use in fibrillating oriented films of polyolefin materials having a plurality of pins projecting from the surface of the roller. The pins are distributed in a plurality of rows spaced around the roller surface. The rows each contain about 25 to 34 pins per inch in a space-staggered relationship along two adjacent lines extending along the surface of the roller, either in a linear relationship inclined to a line parallel to the axis or rotation, or in a sinusoidal relationship with adjacent rows being in or out of phase. The roller is rotated and the film is advanced over the rotating roller surface for an arc length of contact of about 30 to 37 degrees to fibrillate the film. The ratio of the surface speed of the roller to the advancing film are controlled to a ratio between from about 1.8:1 to about 2.2:1.

Abstract: A tobacco filter stock capable of being molded into a filter only be entanglement of filaments with one another without any adhesion means, whereby the resulting filter has a suitable hardness and a superior whiteness. A tobacco filter and a production process thereof are provided, whereby the tobacco filter stock comprises a ton of crystalline polyolefin filaments, preferably crystalline polypropylene filaments, having a single filament denier of 1 to 6 d/f, a total denier of 30,000 to 60,000 D 40 to 60 crimps/25 mm filament, a crimp elastic modulus of 2.5 to 5.0, a frictional coefficient between filaments of 0.20 to 0.37 and a height ratio (height/width) of 0.01 to 0.1.

Abstract: A cigarette filter has a substantially cylindrical inner member of filter material surrounded by an outer member of filter material and a plugwrap. The density of the inner and outer members are typically different, and a flavorant is added to at least one of the members. Methods and apparatus for making the filter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tows of fibers are wrapped around a mandrel or a central fiber core to form a cylindrical filter. At least one belt is located in position to make essentially linear contact with the cylindrical filter, and the at least one belt is driven so as to draw the tows of fiber onto and wrap the mandrel or the central fiber core and so as to move the cylindrical filter axially relative to the mandrel or with the central fiber core.

Abstract: A method of making a ventilated cigarette filter plug in which a bore is thermally formed, by a laser beam for example, in a rod comprising a duct extending coaxially of the rod and matrix material surrounding the duct. The thermally formed bore extends through the matrix material to provide air-flow communication between the periphery of the rod and the interior of the duct.

Abstract: Rods for use in the manufacture of smoking products are provided using a rod making apparatus equipped with a web preforming unit. A web of sheet-like material is passed through the web preforming unit and is pleated to form a rod-like composite. The rod-like composite then is circumscribed with wrapping material to provide a rod. The web preforming unit includes an outer frustoconical tube and an inner frustoconical member. The frustoconical member is concentric to the tube, and is positioned coaxially with respect to the tube such that an annular region is formed between the outer surface of the member and the inner surface of the tube.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing fiber rods useful as cigarette filter tips comprises feeding a synthetic fiber tow through an air jet bulker directly into the garniture of a conventional cigarette filter making apparatus. The process allows production of filters with lower denier tow than has heretofore been possible while affording to the manufacturer greater versatility to change filter characteristics more readily.

Abstract: In order, when a cigarette is being smoked, to reduce, or even reverse, the tendency of the condensate-content to increase, a cigarette filter unit is proposed in which at least one partition having at least two areas of different porosities and made of a material which allows smoke to pass through it, is arranged between each two filter elements aligned axially with one another in the flow cross section of the filter unit. In this connection, a first partition area is designed in such a manner that its permeability decreases as the portion of tobacco associated with the cigarette filter unit is smoked, the tobacco smoke, passing through the said cigarette filter unit, flowing increasingly through the second partition area.