| Philip Morris USA Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120118303 | SYNTHESIS AND INCORPORATION OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE AMMONIA-RELEASE AGENTS IN LIT-END CIGARETTES - A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118302 | SUPPORTED CATALYSTS - Supported catalyst particles, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles that are supported on particles of an electrically conductive support selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon and a partially reduced oxide. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120045553 | EMULSION/COLLOID MEDIATED FLAVOR ENCAPSULATION AND DELIVERY WITH TOBACCO-DERIVED LIPIDS - Flavorants are emulsified in tobacco-derived lipids and encapsulated with biopolymers and polysaccharides. The emulsions include oil-in-water emulsions, oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, or water-in-oil-in-water emulsions, and optionally include ethanol and/or propylene glycol in an oil phase. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042889 | CULTURED TOBACCO CELLS AS A MATRIX FOR CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS - Various embodiments are directed to consumable products incorporating a matrix of cultured tobacco cells. Any tobacco variety may be utilized for establishing in vitro tobacco cultures, including native tobacco varieties and genetically modified tobacco varieties derived from any tobacco variety. Various embodiments are directed to methods for producing tobacco products incorporating cellular material and/or extracts derived from tobacco cells cultured in vitro. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120042887 | SMOKING ARTICLES CONTAINING POLYMERS OF POLYCARBOXYLIC ACID ESTERS - Disclosed is a smoking article containing a rod containing a smokable composition, an optional wrapper for the rod, and at least one polymer or oligomer comprising monomer units of a polycarboxylic acid ester disposed on or in the rod, the wrapper, or both. The polycarboxylic acid ester contains an acid moiety having at least two carboxylic groups, and at least two alcohol moieties independently selected from those corresponding to a cycloalkyl alcohol or an aryl alcohol. The cycloalkyl alcohol or aryl alcohol is a flavorant, or chemesthetic agent, or both. In addition, a method for the controlled release of these flavorant or chemesthetic agents is described, which comprises pyrolyzing at least one polymer or oligomer. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120037172 | PLUG SPACE PLUG FILTER WITH FLAVOR BEAD - A filter component for a smoking article includes an upstream segment of filter material, a downstream segment of filter material in a spaced apart relation to the upstream segment of filter material so as to define a cavity therebetween, and a flavor bead disposed in the cavity. The flavor bead has an outer diameter, which is at least 75% of the spaced apart relation of the upstream segment of filter material and the downstream segment of filter material. The outer diameter of the flavor bead does not exceed an outer diameter of either the upstream or downstream segments of filter material. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037171 | PROCESS FOR MAKING A CONTINUOUS STRUCTURE OF AN ENCAPSULATED MATERIAL - A method for providing an encapsulated flavorant or chemesthetic agent in a smoking article includes forming an emulsion including: (i) a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides; and (ii) a hydrophobic additive comprising one or more flavorants or chemesthetic agents. The method also includes extruding the emulsion into a second aqueous solution in the form of an elongated structure, cross-linking at least a portion of the one or more cross-linkable polysaccharides, removing the cross-linked elongated structure from the second aqueous solution, introducing the cross-linked elongated structure into a filter, or into a rod including a smoking composition, or both; and forming the filter or the rod of the smoking composition into a smoking article. The method can include a drying step. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120031417 | Banded Papers, Smoking Articles and Methods - Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120028774 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOADING CAVITIES OF PLUG SPACE PLUG FILTER ROD - An apparatus for serially delivering filling media to spaced apart cavities of an endless filter rod, which includes a conveyor which conveys a strip of plug wrap along a feed path, a transfer wheel arrangement which serially delivers filter segments to the plug wrap as it moves along the feed path such that the filter segments are arranged in plug-space-plug relation with cavities separated by the filter segments, and a filling wheel which rotates about a horizontal axis and includes pockets or cleats which receive filling media at the loading zone and deliver the filling media to the cavities at a discharge station along the feed path. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024306 | BIOPOLYMER FOAMS AS FILTERS FOR SMOKING ARTICLES - A process for preparing a filter plug for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes: (a) freeze-drying a solution of a biopolymer to form a structure; and (b) cutting the structure to a predetermined dimension, to thereby prepare a filter plug for a smoking article. Another process for preparing a filter plug for a smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes: (a) extruding a mixture of a foaming agent and a biopolymer comprising a protein to form a structure; and (b) cutting the structure to a predetermined dimension, to thereby form a filter plug for a smoking article. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024305 | FABRICATION OF CORE/SHELL CAPSULES OF DIFFERENT GEOMETRIES AND TREATMENT THEREAFTER - Multi-shelled capsules are made by co-extruding a first liquid flavorant composition and a first shell-forming polymeric material to form droplets which are hardened to form an inner shell containing a first liquid flavorant composition, and then coated with a second shell-forming polymeric material which is hardened to form an outer shell. The result is a capsule where the inner surface of the outer shell is separate and/or separable from the outer surface of the inner shell to define a space, wherein a second liquid flavorant composition may be located. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023874 | HIGH SPEED POUCHER - An apparatus and methods for producing at extremely high production speeds small pouches filled with tobacco or other granular, powdered or solid content. An endless web substrate, with or without flavor film thereon, is formed into a tubular shape with a longitudinal seam. The tube is cut to individual lengths, and a procession of tubes is crimp-closed at one end, filled and crimp-closed at the other end to complete pouch production. During production, the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch are parallel to one another and the longitudinal seam of the pouch is midway between the sides of the pouch and orthogonal to the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120017927 | SMOKING ARTICLE WITH FLAVOR DELIVERY SYSTEM - A flavor delivery release system for a cigarette or cigarette package. The system includes a cigarette, at least one capsule containing a flavorant, the capsule positioned on an external surface of the cigarette; and wherein the flavorant is released upon rupturing the capsule. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017926 | CIGARETTES AND FILTER SUBASSEMBLIES WITH SQUEEZABLE OVAL FLAVOR CAPSULE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more oval capsules containing releasable additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The oval capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and have the long axis thereof arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. When the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the releasable material within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017542 | LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE FORMATION OF A TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT - A liquid dispenser system for use with an apparatus for forming and filling pouched products, the system comprising a first fluid dispenser shoe, the first fluid dispenser shoe comprising an inlet bore for placing in fluid communication with a source of liquid to be dispensed; at least one liquid dispensing manifold in fluid communication with the inlet bore; and a plurality of exit orifices positioned along the at least one liquid dispensing manifold for dispensing the liquid on an outer surface of the pouched product, wherein the first fluid dispenser shoe is positioned downstream of the apparatus for forming and filling pouched products and adjacent a stream of pouched products as they exit the apparatus.. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120012122 | FORMATION AND DEPOSITION OF SPUTTERED NANOSCALE PARTICLES IN CIGARETTE MANUFACTURE - Nanoscale particles are formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter materials by physical vapor deposition. The nanoscale particles are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120006343 | AEROSOL-GENERATING SUBSTRATE FOR SMOKING ARTICLES - Strands of homogenized tobacco material include at least one aerosol former, An aerosol-generating substrate includes a plurality of those strands of homogenized tobacco material. A smoking article may further include the aerosol-generating substrate. Those strands of homogenized tobacco material preferably have a mass-to-surface-area ratio of at least about 0.09 mg/mm | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006340 | INCORPORATION OF AMMONIA RELEASE COMPOUNDS IN SMOKING ARTICLES - 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. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006324 | RESPIRATORY HUMIDIFICATION SYSTEM - A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120000482 | FILTER DESIGN FOR IMPROVING SENSORY PROFILE OF CARBON FILTER-TIPPED SMOKING ARTICLES - A filter for a smoking article, which includes an upstream segment having a carbon filter and a downstream segment of filtering material. The upstream segment includes a carbon filter with a hollow tubular member concentrically positioned within the carbon filter, and one or more holes around an outer circumference of the hollow tubular member to allow mainstream smoke to bypass the carbon filter during the first puff. During use, the hollow tubular member has a lower resistance to draw than the carbon filter during an initial puff or puffs, and after the initial puff or puffs, mainstream smoke is drawn through the carbon filter. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120000475 | IN SITU SYNTHESIS OF COMPOSITE NANOSCALE PARTICLES - 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. The composite nanoscale particles can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material of a cigarette to catalyze the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110318450 | CHEWABLE POUCH FOR FLAVORED PRODUCT DELIVERY - Provided is a disintegrable or non-disintegrable oral flavor delivery product. The product includes a disintegrable or non-disintegrable chewable pouch with a plurality of perforations. The pouch encloses a non-tobacco flavor product that can be in a gel, semi-liquid, and/or liquid form. A user chews, sucks, and/or manipulates the pouch to cause the enclosed flavor product to leach out of the perforations into the user's mouth. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110309157 | AEROSOL GENERATOR INCLUDING MULTI-COMPONENT WICK - An aerosol generator includes a composite conduit to transport multiple liquids to a heating element at flow rates such that the liquids arrive at the heating element in desirable concentrations. The heating element volatilizes the liquids to form volatilized fluid, which mixes with ambient air to form an aerosol with desirable concentrations of the multiple liquids. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110303233 | Banded Papers, Smoking Articles and Methods - Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110300299 | Banded Papers, Smoking Articles and Methods - Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297736 | Banded Papers, Smoking Articles and Methods - Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297169 | Banded Papers, Smoking Articles and Methods - Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297168 | Banded Papers, Smoking Articles and Methods - Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297167 | REDUCTION OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN SMOKING ARTICLES USING TRANSITION METAL OXIDE CLUSTERS - Smoking article components, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided that use transition metal oxide clusters capable of catalyzing and/or oxidizing the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or adsorbing carbon monoxide. Cut filler compositions, cigarette paper and cigarette filter material can comprise transition metal oxide clusters. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110290263 | COMPOUND HORIZONTAL FILTER ASSEMBLY MACHINE AND PROCESS - An apparatus and processes for producing compound cigarette filters by horizontally assembling multiple filter segments onto the horizontally oriented transverse flutes of a continuous belt. Spaced apart hoppers are serially arranged above the belt, and each hopper contains at least one of the multiple segments of the compound filter being assembled. A transfer structure between each hopper and the belt serially delivers the filter segments to the flutes on the belt, and after such assembly the various filter segments are removed as a group from each flute of the continuous belt. The filter segments are then combined as a group with wrapped tobacco rods to thereby produce filtered cigarettes. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110289887 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING POUCHED TOBACCO PRODUCT - In a method and apparatus for producing a small pouch with a predetermined amount of particulate material therein, a predetermined amount of the particulate material is portioned from a bulk supply and compacted into a single discrete caplet. The caplet is then deposited into an open hollow pouch closed at one end thereof, and the open end is then closed with the caplet between the closed ends of the pouch. The caplet in the pouch is then compressed to return it to its particulate form. The particulate material may be granular or shredded tobacco. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110277878 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POUCHING TOBACCO HAVING A HIGH MOISTURE CONTENT - An apparatus for dispensing charges of high OV moist smokeless tobacco (MST) includes a rotary metering device. The rotary metering device includes a lower disk, a metering disk, a plurality of cavities in the metering disk; and at least one vacuum housing located around the periphery of the lower disk and in communication with the plurality of cavities. A vacuum is applied to the cavities to aid in the filling of the cavities and an air discharge mechanism ejects a charge of the MST from each cavity at a discharge station. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110277781 | METHODS FOR IMPROVING QUALITY OF MAINSTREAM SMOKE AND MULTICOMPONENT FILTERS AND SMOKING ARTICLES THEREFOR - A multicomponent smoking article filter adapted to be disposed at the non-burning end of the rod of smokable material, comprising: a first plug; a second plug; a first cavity disposed between the first plug and the second plug, wherein the first cavity comprises: (1) a plurality of cellulosic granules containing a flavorant, and (2) either a plurality of cellulosic granules containing a humectant, or containing water, or a combination thereof; and a second cavity comprising a sorbent disposed upstream from the first cavity relative to the direction of mainstream smoke drawn through the filter. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110258060 | AUTOMATIC PRICE DISPLAY CONTROL BY EMULATION OF ELECTRONIC CASH REGISTER PRICE LOOKUP - A system and method for distribution of product price and/or sales data in a retail establishment. Product price and/or sales data is stored locally, either in a central computer or master electronic cash register (ECR) or remotely at a master computer. The product price data is stored in the form of a price look-up (PLU) table. The price data can be pushed from the master ECR, local or master computers to and ECR emulation hub to an ECR emulation hub. Similarly, the ECR emulation hub can request product price data from the master ECR, local or master computers. Once the product price data arrives at the ECR emulation hub, it can be processed and sent to a display, which will be located near the appropriate product. The ECR emulation hub can also record and/or transmit prices actually charged for products over time to allow for automatic auditing of promotional pricing offers such as those made by manufacturers of the product. The ECR emulation hub acts like an ECR, thereby requiring no special software or hardware modifications to existing pricing display systems that already support ECRs. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253798 | AIR FRESHENING DEVICE - An air freshening device includes a liquid supply operable to supply liquid fragrance material, a wick in contact with the liquid supply, a conductive mesh material operable to retain the liquid material in interstices thereof, and a power supply operable to apply voltage across the mesh material so as to heat the mesh material and the liquid fragrance material contained in interstices of the mesh material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid. The air freshening device is operable to substantially prevent deposition of the vaporized liquid material. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110250324 | HYDROSOL BASED FLAVOR DELIVERY DEVICE - A handheld hydrosol delivery device includes a canister which is at least partially filled with a liquid formulation of one or more liquids and optional particles, and one or more propellants where at least one of the liquids, propellants, particles and combinations thereof is a flavor; a pressure valve which expels at least a portion of the liquid formulation and at least a portion of the propellant from the canister while dispersing the propellant into the liquid formulation forming a consumable flavored hydrosol comprising one or more gases dispersed within the liquid formulation, through a nozzle delivering the hydrosol to a user. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110240048 | TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT - A pouched tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a tobacco component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the tobacco component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the tobacco component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110236536 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR LONG LASTING FLAVOR DELIVERY SYSTEM - A flavor gradient capsule having concentric shells with flavor increasing from outside to inside, to balance desensitization of flavor receptors during a slow dissolution in the mouth. The capsule has a core with a concentrated flavorant, an inner shell substantially surrounding the core with the same flavorant at a lower concentration, and an outer shell substantially surrounding the inner shell, with the same flavorant at a yet lower concentration. Also disclosed are methods of making such flavor gradient capsules and orally-enjoyable products incorporating the same. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236442 | SOLID ORAL SENSORIAL PRODUCTS INCLUDING STAIN INHIBITOR - A solid oral sensorial product includes at least one botanical material and at least one phosphate containing stain inhibitor. The botanical material is selected from the group consisting of tobacco, tea, coffee, cocoa, and combinations thereof. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232662 | GEL-COATED NOVEL PORTION SNUS - A pre-portioned snus product comprising a portion of snus tobacco and a coating is disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232659 | METHODS OF MANUFACTURING CIGARETTES AND FILTER SUBASSEMBLIES WITH SQUEEZABLE FLAVOR CAPSULE - 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. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232657 | CONTROLLED RELEASE MENTHOLATED TOBACCO BEADS - Encapsulated tobacco beads and processes of making the encapsulated tobacco beads are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a process of making encapsulated tobacco beads comprises mixing tobacco particles and menthol in an aqueous solution to form a wet mass; extruding the wet mass to form extrudates; spheronizing the extrudates to form tobacco beads; drying the tobacco beads; contacting the beads with a solution comprising a cation; and introducing the contacted tobacco beads into a solution of coating material in a concentration effective to induce ionic gelation of the coating material around the beads, to form encapsulated tobacco beads having gel coatings. According to another embodiment, an encapsulated tobacco bead comprises a core comprising tobacco particles and encapsulated menthol, an inner coating layer comprising hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or pectin, and an outer coating layer comprising an ionically-crosslinked gel. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232656 | METHOD FOR MAKING PARTICLE OF A HYDROPHOBIC ADDITIVE AND A POLYSACCHARIDE COATING AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS CONTAINING PARTICLE OF A HYDROPHOBIC ADDITIVE AND A POLYSACCHARIDE COATING - A method for providing particles of encapsulated flavorants or chemesthetic agents comprises forming an emulsion comprising: (i) a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more polysaccharides; and (ii) a hydrophobic additive; atomizing said emulsion in an atomizer into droplets; introducing said droplets into a second aqueous solution, comprising one or more metal cations, to form particles comprising one or more cross-linked polysaccharides and said additive encapsulated therein; and removing said particles from said second aqueous solution and drying said particles. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232655 | SMOKING ARTICLE INCLUDING ALKANOYLATED GLYCOSIDE AND METHOD OF MAKING - A smoking composition for inclusion in a combustible smoking article includes a combustible organic material, such as tobacco and/or tobacco substitutes and at least one alkanoylated glycoside for enhancing the flavor of mainstream smoke. Optionally, dry hops extract can also be included in the smoking composition. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232236 | SLIDE AND SHELL CONTAINER HAVING TAMPER EVIDENT SEAL - A slide and shell container includes an outer shell and an inner slide mounted within the outer shell. The outer shell and the inner slide are detachably connected to each other along one or more lines of weakness. Upon separation of the outer shell and inner slide along the one or more lines of weakness, the inner slide becomes moveable within the outer shell between a closed slide position and an open slide position. The two or more lines of weakness define an integral opening strip which is separable from the container in order to separate the outer shell and the inner slide. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232232 | APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE FORMATION OF A TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT - An apparatus for use in the formation and filling of a pouched product. The apparatus includes an elongated outer tubular member, the elongated outer tubular member having a first end, a second end and an outer surface; an elongated inner tubular member, the elongated inner tubular member coaxially aligned within the elongated outer tubular member so as to form an annular delivery chamber and having a first end and a second end, the first end for receiving the product to be pouched, the second end having a plurality of circumferentially spaced exit orifices in fluid communication with the annular delivery chamber and directed radially inwardly, the second end for placing the product within the pouch being formed; and an inlet hub adjacent the first end of the elongated outer tubular member and the first end of the elongated inner tubular member, the inlet hub having a first inlet in communication with the first end of the elongated inner tubular member and a second inlet in fluid communication with the annular delivery chamber; wherein the outer surface of the elongated outer tubular member provides a surface for forming the pouched product thereabout. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110220523 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING AND PACKAGING MOLDED TOBACCO PIECES - An apparatus for molding and packaging molded tobacco pieces includes a mold having cavities oriented to allow ejection of molded tobacco pieces into a container. The apparatus also includes a knockout for ejecting the molded tobacco pieces, and a cutter having at least two blades for cutting the molded tobacco pieces into vertically aligned slices by passing one or more blades horizontally through the cavities. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110220135 | DISSOLVABLE TOBACCO FILM STRIPS AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A consumable tobacco film strip adapted to dissolve in the oral cavity includes a tobacco component, a binder, a humectant, and optionally a flavorant. The tobacco component can include ground or powdered tobacco and/or a tobacco extract. Tobacco flavoring can be incorporated in the film strip by casting or extruding a mixture or the tobacco component may be added to a film strip after formation of the film. The film strips are adapted to dissolve and provide tobacco satisfaction. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110203601 | NON-TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT - A pouched non-tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a non-tobacco flavorful component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the non-tobacco flavorful component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the non-tobacco flavorful component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110192738 | FILM WRAPPER - A film wrapper comprising a tear tape, wherein an end of the tear tape terminates at a side edge of the film wrapper, and wherein a pull portion of the film wrapper is provided in the form of a protrusion at the end of the tear tape and the protrusion comprises an outer edge. An incision in the film wrapper is provided at one side of the pull portion as a continuation of the outer edge of the pull portion. A container is disclosed which comprises the aforementioned film wrapper, wherein the film wrapper is wrapped around the container. Further, a method for producing a film wrapper and a knife arrangement are disclosed. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192737 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING CUSTOMISED CONTAINERS OF CIGARETTES - Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes is automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel which is movable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion, a body portion and a collar, which is mounted within the body portion. The body portion is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110180087 | Oral pouch product with multi-layered pouch wrapper - An oral pouch product includes a dual layer pouch wrapper and an inner botanical filling material contained within the pouch wrapper. The pouch wrapper includes an inner web, an outer web and a coating, such as a water soluble flavorant containing coating therebetween. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110174325 | Flexible Package for Tobacco Material - A package for tobacco material includes a portion of tobacco material, a wrapper enclosing the portion of tobacco material, a rigid base portion and at least one resealable adhesive label sealing the wrapper around the portion of tobacco material. The wrapper is formed of a flexible sheet material. The package may include an opening strip defined by one or more lines of weakness in the wrapper | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110162984 | ADJACENT ARTICLE PACKAGE FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS - An adjacent article package for holding a consumer product and a promotional product includes a combining sleeve formed from a blank. The first container can be a pack of cigarettes and the second container can be a small package containing promotional products such as smokeless tobacco products. The adjacent article package can be sized to be compatible with cigarette cartons, cigarette display racks, tax-stamping equipment and the like. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110155796 | PACKET SLEEVE INCLUDING POCKET - A combined article package includes a sleeve having a pocket formed integrally therein with a cigarette package in the sleeve and an insert in the pocket. The sleeve can be formed from a single piece blank. The insert can be a coupon or a separate consumer product, such as smoking articles, smokeless tobacco, and the like. For instance, the insert can be a foil pack containing one or more promotional smokeless tobacco products. The combined article package can be sized to be compatible with cigarette cartons, cigarette display racks, tax-stamping equipment and the like. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155718 | SHAPED HEATER FOR AN AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM - A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate includes a plurality of elongate heating elements arranged in an elongate array. The elongate array has a support end with a first dimension, a heating end with a second dimension and a middle portion with a third dimension. The array is arranged to heat the substrate to form an aerosol. The third dimension is greater than the first dimension and greater than the second dimension. An electrically heated aerosol generating system can include the heater. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155594 | CIGARETTE PACK WITH ATTACHED PROMOTIONAL SAMPLE - A pair of cigarette packs each have a back wall with the packs arranged adjacent one another in back-to-back relationship. A sachet is releasably attached to the back wall of each pack. One sachet is releasably attached to an upper back wall portion of one pack and other sachet is releasably attached to a lower back wall portion of the other pack of the pair. A promotional pouch of smokeless tobacco is inside each sachet. Pairs of such packs fit within standard size cartons. Each pack and the attached sachet may include overwrap material. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110155153 | HEATER FOR AN ELECTRICALLY HEATED AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM - An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one electric heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form the aerosol. The heater includes a heating element of a first cross section electrically connected to a plurality of elongate support elements. Each support element has a cross section greater than the first cross section. At least one of the support elements is integrally formed with the heating element. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110154046 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORAGE OF DATA FOR MANUFACTURED ITEMS - Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storage of data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining, by a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The number of unique item identifiers allocated to the manufactured items is smaller than the number of unique item identifiers in the range. The unique item identifiers allocated to the manufactured items are defined by the lower limit item identifier of the range, the upper limit item identifier of the range and an indication of those item identifiers in the range which are not allocated to a manufactured item. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147486 | ELONGATE HEATER FOR AN ELECTRICALLY HEATED AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM - An electrically heated aerosol-generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes a heating element including a first electrically conductive element electrically insulated from a second electrically conductive element by an electrically insulating portion. The first and second elements are elongate and are electrically connected to each other by an electrically resistive portion. At least one electrically conductive element and the electrically resistive portion are arranged such that they are at least partially in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147443 | WRAPPED CONTAINER WITH ADHESIVE LABEL - A wrapped container of consumer goods includes a container, at least one bundle of consumer goods housed within the container and wrapped in an inner liner, an outer wrapper wrapped around the filled container, and at least one adhesive label removably mounted on a separate carrier element. The carrier element is provided inside the outer wrapper. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147243 | SLIDE AND SHELL CONTAINER - A slide and shell container comprising a shell, and a slide, which is movable in the shell along a sliding path from a closed position to an open position, wherein in the closed position the interior of the container is inaccessible, and wherein in the open position the interior of the container is accessible. The shell comprises a guide slit, extending along the sliding path, wherein a guide means of the slide engages with the guide slit. Further, a single blank for forming a slide and a single blank for forming a guide means is disclosed. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147242 | CONTAINER WTIH SIDE OPENING - A container for consumer goods includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall and two side walls. One of the two side walls is pivotally attached to either the back wall or the front wall so as to be capable of being actuated in a manner such as to be moved between an open position and a closed. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110132381 | RAPIDLY DEGRADABLE FILTERS VIA ELECTRON IONIZATION - A method of forming a filter for a smoking article which includes exposing cellulose acetate fibers to an electron beam process, wherein electron beam process deacetylates the cellulose acetate fibers to render the cellulose acetate fibers water-permeable; and forming a cellulose acetate rod from a tow of the cellulose acetate fibers. Filter plugs of the cellulose acetate fibers are water-permeable and allow discarded filtered smoking articles to rapidly degrade and expose the components to the environment. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110126848 | ELECTRICALLY HEATED SMOKING SYSTEM WITH INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL HEATER - An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an aerosol forming substrate includes a heater for heating the substrate to form the aerosol. The heater includes a heating element. The electrically heated smoking system and the heating element are arranged such that, when the aerosol forming substrate is received in the electrically heated smoking system, the heating element extends a distance only partially along the length of the aerosol forming-substrate, and the heating element is positioned towards the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126847 | PALLADIUM-CONTAINING NANOSCALE CATALYSTS - A method of making palladium-containing nanoscale catalyst particles comprising subjecting a starting material to laser energy so as to form a vapor and condensing the vapor so as to form the catalyst particles. The catalyst comprises nanoscale particles of palladium and/or palladium oxide incorporated in and/or on nanoscale particles of a metal or metal oxide. The nanoscale catalyst, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, is useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis. The nanoscale catalyst can convert carbon monoxide and nitric oxide that are found in mainstream smoke to carbon dioxide and nitrogen, respectively. The nanoscale catalyst may also be incorporated into a hydrocarbon conversion reactor, into a vehicle exhaust emissions system, into a laser, into a fuel cell or used in an air filter or for emissions reduction in the cold starting of an automobile engine. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110120481 | NOVEL FILTER SEGMENT INCLUDING A SUBSTRATE LOADED WITH A SMOKE-MODIFYING AGENT - A filter segment for use in a filter of a smoking article includes a substrate loaded with at least one smoke-modifying agent. The substrate is located within the body of the filter segment and is formed from filter plug wrap having an air permeability ranging from about 6,000 Coresta units to about 24,000 Coresta units. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110120480 | TOBACCO POWDER SUPPORTED CATALYST PARTICLES - Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cut filler compositions and cigarettes, and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke of cigarettes are provided that use catalyst particles capable of converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The catalyst particles are supported on tobacco powder. The tobacco powder supported catalyst particles can be prepared by dry admixing the catalyst particles and tobacco powder or by combining a dispersion of catalyst particles with the tobacco powder. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110113734 | POCKET-SIZE CONTAINER FOR CONSUMER ITEMS - A three-piece pocket-size container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of a perimeter band which has a base locked to a lower rim portion and an openable cover on an upper rim of the perimeter band. When closed, the cover, the perimeter band and the base form a flush exterior sidewall of the container. The base and cover can be metal and the perimeter band can be transparent (clear, tinted or colored) or opaque plastic to provide a container that maintains product freshness, and is easily opened and closed. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110108043 | ORAL CHEWABLE TOBACCO PRODUCT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - An oral chewable tobacco product includes a gum composition in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight based on the weight of the oral chewable tobacco product and tobacco powder in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight based on the weight of the oral chewable tobacco product. The gum composition includes at least one environmentally biodegradable polymer in an amount of about 20% to about 95% by weight based on the weight of the gum composition and at least one softener in an amount of about 5% to about 80% by weight based on the weight of the gum composition. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110108042 | REGISTERED BANDED CIGARETTE PAPER, CIGARETTES, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - Registered banded wrapper, cigarettes using that wrapper paper, and methods of making cigarettes with that banded paper result in banded regions of cigarette paper which begin at substantially the same location on each cigarette. With the banded region positioned at a preferred predetermined distance from the end of the cigarette, cigarettes made with such paper exhibit a consistent and improved ignition propensity compared with random or quasi-randomly positioned banded regions. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110104218 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PRODUCING HYDROGEL CAPSULES COATED FOR LOW PERMEABILITY AND PHYSICAL INTEGRITY - 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. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100388 | SMOKING ARTICLE WITH A RESTRICTOR - A smoking article filter includes a flow restrictor and a cavity downstream of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes an orifice or flow channel for directing smoke into the cavity. The filter is attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper and includes an air-admissible ventilating zone at a location downstream of the restrictor. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100387 | CIGARETTES AND FILTER SUBASSEMBLIES WITH SQUEEZABLE FLAVOR CAPSULE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the fluid within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100384 | THERMALLY INSULATIVE SMOKING ARTICLE FILTER COMPONENTS - A filter component includes a catalyst surrounded by a thermally insulative carbon fiber composite. The catalyst can catalyze the chemical reaction of selected gaseous constituents of a gas stream. During catalysis, the catalyst can reach high temperatures. The carbon fiber composite can contain heat generated during the catalysis within the filter component and thereby reduce heat transfer to the surroundings. The filter component can be used in smoking articles. Methods of making and using the filter-component and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke are also provided. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100382 | ORAL MOIST SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS WITH NET-STRUCTURED GEL COATING AND METHODS OF MAKING - Oral tobacco products having a gel-coating and methods for making are provided. The method includes (a) molding a portion of tobacco material to form a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising moist smokeless tobacco; (b) contacting the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material with a gel-coating solution to form a gel-coating comprising at least one polymer on an outer surface of the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product, said gel-coating comprising an inner surface disposed around the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material and an outer surface; and (c) forming one or more of perforations, uncoated areas and holes in the gel-coating of the oral tobacco product to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110094523 | SMOKING SYSTEM HAVING A LIQUID STORAGE PORTION - A smoking system includes a capillary wick for holding liquid, at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet and a chamber between the air inlet and air outlet. The air inlet, the air outlet and the chamber are arranged so as to define an air flow route from the air inlet to the air outlet via the capillary wick so as to convey aerosol formed from the liquid to the air outlet. The smoking system further includes at least one guide for channeling the air flow in the air flow route, so as to control particle size in the aerosol. The smoking system optionally includes at least one heater for heating the liquid in at least a portion of the capillary wick to form the aerosol. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110093113 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAKING, TRACKING AND AUTHENTICATION OF PRODUCTS - Manufactured goods are marked or labeled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110088707 | SMOKING ARTICLE HAVING EXOTHERMAL CATALYST DOWNSTREAM OF FUEL ELEMENT - A smoking article having a heat source at a first end of the smoking article and a catalyst adjacent to the heat source. The catalyst is capable of catalyzing carbon monoxide from the heat source to carbon dioxide and water. A filter segment is located at a second end of the smoking article opposite the first end with an aerosol generating segment disposed between the catalyst and the filter segment. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110088704 | ENHANCED SUBJECTIVE ACTIVATED CARBON CIGARETTE - A smoking article having a tobacco rod and a filter attached to the tobacco rod, which filters the first puff differently than subsequent puffs. The tobacco rod includes an inner rod of tobacco material having an impervious outer wrap and an impervious cap at an upstream end thereof and an outer rod of tobacco material, wherein the inner rod of tobacco material is concentrically positioned with respect to the outer rod of tobacco material. The filter includes an outer cellulose acetate filter and an inner activated carbon filter, wherein the inner activated carbon filter is concentrically positioned with respect to the outer cellulose acetate filter. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110083980 | SNUS FOIL PACK IN SIDE OPENING HARD PACK - A side opening box having an outer box and an inner frame. The outer box includes a box portion and a hinged lid portion having a hinge extending across a back panel, so that the lid is rotatable from a closed position to an opened position at an angle relative to said front panel, and wherein the hinge extends across the back panel of the outer box in a latitudinal direction, and wherein the latitudinal direction is greater in length than in a longitudinal direction. The inner frame attaches to an inner portion of a front panel of the box portion, and includes a front panel, and a pair of side panels. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083688 | MOIST SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT WITH TEXTURED COATING - A moist smokeless tobacco product for oral use comprises a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material semi-dissolvable, a super-hydrated membrane coating comprising a soluble, non-cross-linked component and an insoluble, cross-linked component, and a texture component. The tobacco material comprises moist smokeless tobacco. The texture component reduces the slipperiness and/or increases the friction of the moist smokeless tobacco product when placed in a user's mouth. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083687 | CIGARETTE FILTER TO REDUCE SMOKE DELIVERIES IN LATER PUFFS - A smoking article having a tobacco rod adapted to produce mainstream smoke, and a filter having an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, and wherein the filter is arranged to receive mainstream smoke at the upstream end portion. The filter includes a first filter segment of low particulate efficiency at the upstream end portion; a channeled flow segment adjacent to the first filter segment, the channeled flow segment including a flow channel establishing a substantial portion of a predetermined resistance to draw of the smoking article; a mouthpiece filter segment of low particulate efficiency at the downstream end portion; and a tubular body segment at least partially defining a portion of a cavity between the mouthpiece filter and the channeled flow segment. Tipping paper attaches the filter with the tobacco rod and includes an air-admissible ventilation zone at a location along the tubular body segment. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083686 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURE OF SMOKING ARTICLE FILTER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED FIBERS - Provided are a method and apparatus for making a cigarette filter assembly for potentially reducing particle breakthrough. The method includes forming a lofty porous network of charge retaining polymer fibers by mechanical, chemical or thermal bonding of the fibers, wrapping the lofty porous network in a cylindrical or tubular shape with optional mediating filter fibers in a filter paper to form a filter plug while maintaining the lofty structure. The charge retaining fibers can be charged to attract and hold particles from such sources as particulate matter from sorbents (preventing break-through), and smoke constituents while having a suitable pressure drop. The apparatus handles the lofty media with minimal crushing, for example, by spacing apart delivery rolls equipped with protrusions to punch, push, and/or pull the lofty media ahead for high speed operation. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083685 | COIL PACKAGING FOR SMOKELESS TOBACCO - A pocket sized dispenser houses in coiled form a flexible strip of portions of smokeless tobacco sized for placement between a consumer's cheek and gum, where the flexible strip includes a base tape removably attached to the plurality of portions, and wherein the dispenser and strip are adapted to allow a consumer to separate individual portions from the base tape. The individual portions comprise either a collection of tobacco particles at least partially enclosed by a coating comprising a water-soluble non-crosslinked component and a substantially water-insoluble cross-linked component; or pouches attached to the base tape with a food-grade adhesive, the pouches comprising smokeless tobacco enclosed in a water-permeable wrapper with at least one lap-sealed edge. Methods of preparing such are disclosed. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083684 | METHODS FOR REMOVING HEAVY METALS FROM AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF TOBACCO - Disclosed is a method for removing one or more heavy metals from an aqueous plant extract, comprising: contacting the aqueous plant extract with, and sorbing at least a portion of the one or more heavy metals on, at least one sorbent selected from the group consisting of: one or more surface activated titanium oxide particles, one or more chitosans, one or more calcium phosphates, one or more mercaptoalkyl-substituted silica gels, one or more mercaptoalkyl-substituted mesoporous molecular sieves, one or more finely ground γ-aluminas, one or more photocatalytic titanium dioxide particles, one or more Au-anatases, ceria, and combinations thereof, to form a mixture of sorbent and heavy metal-depleted aqueous plant extract; and separating the sorbent from the mixture to provide a heavy metal-depleted aqueous plant extract. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083683 | COMBINATION TREATMENT OF TOBACCO EXTRACT USING ANTIOXIDANTS AND ANTIOXIDANT SCAVENGERS - 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. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083682 | RECONSTITUTED TOBACCO WITH BONDED FLAVORANT, SMOKING ARTICLE AND METHODS - A process of manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco material is provided which includes: preparing a heated mixture of water and sugar; providing a liquid flavorant such as menthol; mixing tobacco particles, water and a gum binder with the mixture of water and sugar and with the flavorant to form a reconstituted tobacco mixture; and forming the reconstituted tobacco mixture, such as by casting or extruding the reconstituted tobacco mixture, into a reconstituted tobacco material. Exemplary menthol reconstituted tobacco products provided herein enable high levels of menthol to be retained in a tobacco product. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083681 | COLLOIDAL PLANT POWDER/EXTRACT ENCAPSULATION WITH PECTIN-PROTEIN COACERVATE GELS - A process for preparing coated particles of a plant material includes: (a) combining plant material particles and a protein in a liquid medium, wherein the protein adsorbs onto at least a portion of a surface of the particles to form a first layer; and (b) mixing a polysaccharide including a pectin with the liquid medium, so that the polysaccharide adsorbs onto at least a portion of a surface of the first layer to form a second layer. In addition, a palatable product comprising at least one coated particle prepared by this process is described. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083680 | TOBACCO-FREE POUCHED PRODUCT CONTAINING FLAVOR BEADS PROVIDING IMMEDIATE AND LONG LASTING FLAVOR RELEASE - A tobacco-free oral pouch product providing immediate and long lasting flavor release comprises a pouch wrapper and tobacco-free flavor beads contained within the pouch wrapper. The flavor beads comprise at least one of microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and sodium alginate, at least one polymer having a higher solubility in saliva than microcrystalline cellulose, pectin and/or sodium alginate, and at least one flavorant. The pectin and sodium alginate are cross-linked. The tobacco-free flavor beads provide immediate release of the flavorant upon placement of a pouch product in a user's mouth and long lasting release of the flavorant for about 15 minutes to about 80 minutes. The oral pouch product contains only tobacco-free flavor beads. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083679 | IMMOBILIZED FLAVORANTS FOR FLAVOR DELIVERY - Disclosed is a copolymer that includes a repeat unit containing a flavorant-containing pendant and a salt-containing repeating unit. In addition, a comestible, a smoking composition, a smoking article, a smokeless tobacco composition and a heatable or combustible product are provided which incorporate one or more of the flavorant-containing copolymer. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083678 | SUPRAMOLECULAR COMPLEX FLAVOR IMMOBILIZING FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF FLAVOR IN SMOKING ARTICLES - A smokable composition includes (a) a smokable material; and (b) a supramolecular assembly. The supramolecular assembly comprises a flavorant and at least one selected from the group consisting of O,O′-dibenzoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid, a hydrate thereof or a salt thereof, and ditoluoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid, a hydrate thereof or a salt thereof. In addition, a smoking article comprises a rod of tobacco or tobacco substitute, optionally a filter attached to the rod, and the supramolecular assembly, as menthol-release agent. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083677 | FLAVORED PACKAGING INSERT FOR SMOKELESS TOBACCO - A package of smokeless tobacco includes a flavor patch located in the package to provide flavor to smokeless tobacco. Also disclosed is a method of packaging smokeless tobacco by combining a package with a flavor patch disposed inside the package, the flavor patch comprising a flavor and an adsorbent, so that the flavor patch resides in an interior of the package; and adding smokeless tobacco to the package with the flavor patch. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083676 | COATED IMPREGNATED POROUS FILTER PLUG - A process for producing a coated filter plug for a smoking article including: (a) incorporating an additive to a porous filter plug, thereby obtaining an impregnated filter plug; (b) coating a surface of the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linkable polymer material; and (c) cross-linking the cross-linkable polymer material, to form a cross-linked, breakable coating substantially enclosing the impregnated filter plug. The process may further include at least partially coating the impregnated filter plug with a cross-linking agent prior to, or subsequent to, coating with the cross-linkable polymer material. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110083675 | SMOKING ARTICLE WITH VALVED RESTRICTOR - A smoking article filter includes a valved flow restrictor and a cavity downstream of the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes an orifice or flow channel for directing smoke into the cavity. The filter is attached to the tobacco rod with tipping paper and includes an air-admissible ventilating zone at a location downstream of the restrictor. The valved restrictor can be used to isolate a sorbent bearing component of the filter from a flavor bearing component. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110079232 | Gamma Cyclodextrin Flavoring-Release Additives - Electrically heated cigarettes used in an electrical smoking system include a flavoring-release additive and sorbent effective to remove one or more gas-phase constituents of mainstream tobacco smoke. The flavoring-release additive includes gamma cyclodextrin and at least one flavoring. Flavoring is released in a cigarette upon the flavoring-release additive reaching at least a minimum temperature during smoking. The flavoring-release additive can have various forms including, for example, powder and films. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110067716 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELAMINATING PARCELS OF TOBACCO - The apparatus and method for delaminating tobacco in the form of slices from a layered parcel comprise conveyor means for delivering a parcel of tobacco to a separating location and a rotatable tine assembly mounted on an axis extending at right angle to the conveyor means and parallel the layering of the parcel. The rotatable tine assembly includes a plurality of tines which are pointed and profiled to extend in the direction of rotation of the tine assembly and are driven at a speed greater than that of the conveyor means. The tines are adapted to enter the parcel at an entering location in a direction substantially parallel to the layering of the parcel and to accelerate a layer away from the parcel for effecting separation of the layer of tobacco from the parcel. The axis of the tine assembly is arranged at a distance above the parcel such that the line from the axis of the tine assembly to the entering location forms an angle between 14 and 24° with the horizontal and the peripheral speed of the tine assembly is about three to five times the linear speed of the conveyor means. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110050879 | OPTICAL INSPECTION SYSTEM EMPLOYING SHORT WAVE INFRARED SENSING - A system for inspecting cigarette paper containing banded regions and non-banded regions. The system includes a short wave infrared camera, the short wave infrared camera forming electrical signals representing properties of the cigarette paper and a processor for analyzing the electrical signals to provide analysis results, the processor including logic for successively examining pixels to determine whether each successive pixel corresponds to a non-banded region or a banded region; logic for computing spacing between adjacent banded regions on the cigarette paper based on results provided by the logic for successively examining; and logic for computing width of banded regions on the cigarette paper based on results provided by the logic for successively examining. An online method for inspecting paper containing banded regions and non-banded regions is also provided. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110049003 | THERMOFORMABLE MULTILAYER FILMS AND BLISTER PACKS PRODUCED THEREFROM - A multi-layer film structure for use in forming blister packaging. The multi-layer structure includes a first polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first polymeric layer comprising a metalized polyethylene teraphthalate, a second polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second polymeric layer disposed adjacent the second surface of the first polymeric layer, the second polymeric layer comprising a cyclic olefin or a homopolymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene, and a third polymeric layer having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the third polymeric layer disposed adjacent the second surface of the second polymeric layer, the third polymeric layer comprising polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride. A method of making a multi-layer film structure and a packaging structure are also provided. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110042248 | SLIDE AND SHELL CONTAINER HAVING DUAL HINGE LIDS - A slide and shell container for consumer goods includes an outer shell and an inner slide for housing the consumer goods, the inner slide including a box, a first hinge lid and a second hinge lid, substantially opposed to the first hinge. The inner slide is slidable within the outer shell between a first open slide position and a second open slide position. In the first open slide position, the first hinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through a first open end thereof such that the first hinge lid is moveable to an open position and in the second open position, the second hinge lid projects outwardly from the outer shell through a second open end thereof such that the second hinge lid is moveable to an open position. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110023901 | BANDED PAPER, SMOKING ARTICLE AND METHOD - A cigarette wrapper includes transversely extending banded regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The banded regions are applied in a single application of an aqueous starch solution also containing an anti-wrinkling agent such as propylene glycol, and calcium carbonate. The pattern of banded regions may be bands or stripes and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The banded regions may be solid or contain any number of cross-web and/or longitudinal discontinuities. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110017762 | CONTAINER WITH A LIFTING ELEMENT - A container including smoking articles also includes a cup shaped box for the smoking articles. The cup shaped box includes a bottom wall, side walls and an opening. The container further includes a lifting element correlated to at least one smoking article for lifting the smoking article of the bottom wall of the container. The lifting element has an engaging portion, engageable with the outside upper end portion of the smoking article. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110017223 | AMPHIPHILE-MODIFIED SORBENTS IN SMOKING ARTICLES AND FILTERS - Smoking articles which involve the use of amphiphile-modified sorbents are disclosed. The amphiphile-modified sorbent has at least one amphiphilic compound bound to an inorganic molecular sieve substrate. The amphiphile-modified sorbent selectively removes certain constituents from cigarette smoke, while maintaining other constituents, such as those that contribute to flavor. Methods for making cigarette filters and smoking articles using amphiphile-modified sorbents, as well as methods for smoking a cigarette containing an amphiphile-modified sorbent, are also provided. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110011756 | BOXED BLISTER PACK HAVING SLIDE AND RETAIN FEATURE - A packaging structure for receiving at least one blister pack. The packaging structure includes at least one blister pack retainer for receiving and enclosing the blister pack, the blister pack retainer having a first side member, a second side member, a first end and a second end, the second end having at least one tab portion extending therefrom, and a slidable cover for enclosing the at least one blister pack retainer, the cover having a first end and a second end, the first end having at least one tab stop member extending therefrom, whereby when the at least one blister pack retainer is withdrawn from the slidable cover, the at least one tab stop member of the slidable cover and the at least one tab portion of the at least one blister pack retainer cooperate to restrain the at least one blister pack retainer from being fully withdrawn from the slidable cover. A method of making a packaging structure is also provided. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110006107 | CARTON WITH A SET OF DIFFERENT CONTAINERS - A carton contains a number of containers, each container including a lid, a box, and an inner frame attached to the box. Each inner frame has a front wall and two side walls with each front wall of an inner frame having a cut-out portion and an extension portion, wherein the shape of the cut-out and extension portion is different for at least two of the containers within the carton. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110000802 | TACTILE PACKAGING FOR CONSUMER GOODS - Packaging for consumer goods having a discontinuous tactile coating is provided. The discontinuous tactile coating is formed by applying one or more varnishes to the outer surface of the packaging in a pattern comprising a plurality of raised features having a height of at least about 10 microns and a separation of at least about 20 microns. The one or more varnishes can include one or more tinted varnishes. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20100313901 | ELECTRICALLY HEATED SMOKING SYSTEM - An electrically heated smoking system includes a secondary unit capable of receiving a smoking article having an aerosol-forming substrate. The secondary unit includes at least one heating element and an interface for connection to a primary power supply for supplying electrical power to the at least one heating element during a pre-heating mode, to increase the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate to an operating temperature. The secondary unit further includes a secondary power supply arranged to supply electrical power to the at least one heating element during a smoking mode, to maintain the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate at substantially the operating temperature. The secondary unit also includes secondary circuitry. The electrically heated smoking system optionally includes a primary unit. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100303969 | Dissolvable Films Impregnated with Encapsulated Tobacco, Tea, Coffee, Botanicals, and Flavors for Oral Products - A process for preparing an orally-enjoyable film of encapsulated plant material includes combining particles of finely divided plant material, a first coating material, and a second coating material, then inducing gelation to form a gel matrix of the particles coated with the first coating material embedded in the second coating material, followed by forming a film from the gel matrix. Also disclosed is a film of coated particles of finely-divided plant material, made of a gel matrix of plant material at least partially surrounded by a first coating material and embedded in a second coating material. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300464 | MOIST BOTANICAL POUCH PROCESSING AND MOIST ORAL BOTANICAL POUCH PRODUCTS - An oral pouched product comprising a pouch containing moist botanical beads comprising compacted loose, fibrous moist botanical material and method of manufacture thereof. The loose, fibrous moist botanical material can comprise moist smokeless tobacco. The pouch comprises a porous outer web, and the beads comprise a majority amount of loose, fibrous moist botanical material having a moisture content of at least about 50% OV. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100294679 | MERCHANDISING UNIT WITH SWITCHABLE GLASS PANEL - A merchandising unit for consumer goods includes at least one wall formed of one or more panels of electrically switchable glass which are switchable between a first state and a second state. The level of light transmission through the switchable glass is greater in the second state than in the first state. The merchandising unit includes a first compartment for housing the consumer goods. The first compartment includes the at least one wall formed from one or more electrically switchable glass panels, such that in the first state the consumer goods cannot be seen through the at least one wall and in the second state the consumer goods are visible through the at least one wall. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100291245 | SOFT, CHEWABLE AND ORALLY DISSOLVABLE AND/OR DISINTEGRABLE PRODUCTS - A soft, chewable and orally dissolvable and/or disintegrable product includes a biopolymer-sugar based matrix and botanical powder dispersed throughout the biopolymer-sugar based matrix. The biopolymer-sugar based matrix includes at least one biopolymer, at least one sugar and optional additives. Soft, chewable and orally dissolvable and/or disintegrable product can also include flavor beads. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100288293 | SMOKING ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED FLOW RESTRICTION ELEMENT - A smoking article includes a rod of smokable material and a filter including a flow restriction element attached to the rod of smokable material. The flow restriction element includes a first upstream integral tubular portion, a second downstream integral tubular portion of substantially the same external diameter as the first tubular portion, and a third central integral tubular portion located between the first and second tubular portions. The third tubular portion is of reduced external diameter compared to the first and second tubular portions. A transverse barrier having at least one orifice therein is disposed between a first upstream cavity at least partially defined by an inner periphery of the first tubular portion and a second downstream cavity at least partially defined by an inner periphery of the second tubular portion. A ventilation zone in communication with the second cavity is also provided at a location along the filter. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100275936 | SMOKELESS DISSOLVABLE COMPRESSED TOBACCO PRODUCT - A smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product having a total aerobic microbial count of less than 2 log cfu/g is made by pasteurizing a tobacco component so as to reduce the total aerobic microbial count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g and the total yeast and mold count thereof to less than 2 log cfu/g. The pasteurized tobacco component is mixed with one or more non-tobacco components before being compressed to form the smokeless dissolvable compressed tobacco product. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100270185 | SIDE-OPENING HINGE-LID CONTAINER WITH AUDIBLE INDICATION OF CLOSURE AND/OR OPENING - A side-opening hinge-lid container finding particular application as a side-opening hinge-lid pack for elongate smoking articles such as cigarettes comprises: a body portion having a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall; a lid portion having a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, the lid portion being connected to the body portion along a hinge line for pivotal movement between a closed position, in which the interior of the body portion is inaccessible, and an open position, in which at least a portion of the interior of the body portion is accessible; a body portion liner having a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall, the body portion liner being mounted in the body portion and projecting sideways therefrom into a space covered by the lid portion in the closed position; at least one outwardly extending ear mounted on the body portion liner; and at least one inwardly extending flap hingedly mounted in the lid portion for pivotal movement relative thereto, wherein during pivotal movement of the lid portion from the open position to the closed position and/or during pivotal movement of the lid portion from the closed position to the open position the at least one flap engages the at least one ear to produce a sound. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100264153 | BOOK-LIKE PACKAGING STRUCTURE FOR RECEIVING A BLISTER PACK - A book-like packaging structure for receiving at least one blister pack having at least one receptacle. The book-like packaging structure includes at least one inner blister pack retainer for receiving the at least one blister pack, the at least one inner blister pack retainer having an inner edge, an outer edge, a first retainer portion and a second retainer portion, said second retainer portion adjacent an inner spine panel having a width equal to or greater than the depth of the at least one receptacle; and a cover for enclosing the at least one inner blister pack retainer, the cover having a first cover portion having an inner edge, a second cover portion having an inner edge and a spine, the spine joined to the inner edge of the first cover portion and the inner edge of the second cover portion, wherein the inner spine panel rests against the spine such that the inner edge of the at least one inner blister pack retainer is positioned adjacent to the spine of the cover. A method of making a book-like packaging structure is also provided. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100226846 | SILVER AND SILVER OXIDE CATALYSTS FOR THE OXIDATION OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN CIGARETTE SMOKE - A component of a cigarette comprises a silver-based catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The silver-based catalyst comprises particles (e.g., nanoscale or larger sized particles) of metallic silver and/or silver oxide supported in and/or on metal oxide support particles. The silver-based catalyst can be incorporated into a cigarette component such as tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and cigarette filter material to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette during smoking. The catalyst can also be used in non-cigarette applications. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100218779 | CONTROLLED FLAVOR RELEASE TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF MAKING - An oral tobacco pouch product providing controlled flavor release and methods of making are provided. The oral tobacco product includes a web containing a filling material. The filling material includes tobacco material and at least one hydrocolloid in an amount sufficient to retard the release of at least one tobacco flavor component from the tobacco material during use. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100215544 | HANDHELD MICROCANTILEVER-BASED SENSOR FOR DETECTING TOBACCO-SPECIFIC NITROSAMINES - A method and system for detecting tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The method includes exposing at least one microcantilever beam to a medium, which may contain tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and measuring a deflection of the microcantilever beam, wherein the deflection indicates a presence of tobacco-specific nitrosamines in the medium. The at least one microcantilever beam can include a silicon base layer and a gold-coated receptor layer with a plurality of thiol molecules having a sulfur head and carboxyl-terminated group. The at least one microcantilever beam can include a silicon base layer and a metal or metal oxide coated receptor layer. Alternatively, the microcantilever beam can be formed by co-absorbing tobacco-specific nitrosamines and silane molecules on a silicon microcantilever surface, wherein the template molecules of tobacco-specific nitrosamines physically co-adsorb between the silane molecules. The template molecules of tobacco-specific nitrosamines are then washed away with a solvent to form a silane monolayer having tobacco-specific nitrosamine cavities. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100210437 | VERTICAL FILTER FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS - Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100193535 | HINGE LID AROMA PACK - A hinge lid pack has a lower pack outerframe and an upper lid hingedly attached to the lower pack outerframe for movement between opened and closed positions. The lid includes front, top, back and opposite sidewall portions. An innerframe is within and upwardly extends from the outerframe, and the innerframe has front and opposite sidewall portions. Microencapsulated aroma surfaces on the pack move across roughened perforations on the pack upon opening of the pack to thereby release flavor by rupturing the microcapsules. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100193525 | CONTAINER WITH HINGE LID - A container includes a body portion having a side wall and a base wall, a first lid, and a second lid. The first lid is removably mounted to the side wall and the body portion and the first lid forms a first compartment. The second lids is connected to the body portion along a hinge and forms at least a part of the base of the container. The body portion and the second lid form a second compartment which is located on the opposite side of the base wall to the first compartment. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100184576 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTRODUCING OBJECTS INTO A SMOKING ARTICLE - An apparatus for introducing objects into a smoking article comprises a reservoir for providing a plurality of objects to be introduced into the smoking article, a rotatable wheel for delivering the objects to the location where the objects are to be introduced into the smoking article, a transfer chamber for transferring the objects to the rotatable wheel, the transfer chamber being arranged between the reservoir and the rotatable wheel and being designed such that the objects are aligned into a single vertically arranged layer therein, and means for moving the objects from the single layer in the transfer chamber in a direction towards or along the peripheral surface of the rotatable wheel. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100179041 | LATCHING BLANK, SLEEVE AND PACKAGE - A blank of foldable material to form a sleeve having a recess and a latching mechanism openable and closable by a user. The sleeve can contain articles such as packets of consumer products to form a package. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100175703 | CONTINUOUS PROCESS FOR IMPREGNATING SOLID ADSORBENT PARTICLES INTO SHAPED MIRCO-CAVITY FIBERS - A process of impregnating fine adsorbent particles such as carbon dust or APS silica gel powder into the micro-cavities of shaped fibers comprises the steps of continuously conveying shaped fibers with micro-cavities to a reservoir of the fine adsorbent particles. The fibers pass through the reservoir to thereby produce relative motion between the fibers and the particles. Additionally, impact forces are created between the shaped fibers and the fine particles to assist in impregnating the particles into the micro-cavities of the fibers. Any excess particles are removed from the fibers outside the reservoir, and subsequently the shaped fibers impregnated with fine adsorbent particles are collected for later use in filter applications such as cigarette filter and air filter applications, for example. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100163563 | RECLOSABLE CONTAINER - A reclosable container for consumer items includes a box, a lid hingedly connected to the box, an inner liner wrapped around the consumer items, the inner liner including a section defining an opening for allowing access to the consumer items, means to open and reclose the opening, and an inner frame attached to the box. The inner frame includes a free inner frame portion protruding from the box towards the opening in the inner liner. The free inner frame portion includes a cut out and the inner frame is attached to the inner liner proximate to the cut out. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100163064 | TEMPLATED CARBON MONOLITHIC TUBES WITH SHAPED MICRO-CHANNELS AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - Disclosed is a method for forming an article with template shaped channels by (a) mixing a precursor with a fibrous template, (b) forming the mixture into a pre-determined shape, (c) curing the mixture to form a precursor composite, (d) carbonizing the precursor composite, and (e) decomposing the fibrous template to yield a shaped carbon article with template shaped channels. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100163063 | Article Including Identification Information for Use in an Electrically Heated Smoking System - A smoking article includes identification information encoded on the smoking article. The smoking article can be used with an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the smoking article and distinguishing the smoking article from other articles based on the identification information. A cleaning article includes identification information encoded on the cleaning article. The cleaning article cleans an electrically heated smoking system having a detector for detecting the cleaning article and distinguishing the cleaning article from other articles based on the identification information. An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an article configured for use with the smoking system includes: a cavity for receiving the article having identification information encoded thereon, a heating element, a power supply, electrical hardware, and a detector capable of detecting the presence of the article in the cavity and distinguishing the article from other articles based on the identification information. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100155273 | SLIDE AND SHELL CONTAINER WITH HINGED FLAP - A slide and shell container includes an outer shell having a first wall with an aperture provided therein; an inner slide slidable within the outer shell between a closed position in which the interior of the inner slide is inaccessible and an open position in which the interior of the inner slide is accessible; and a hinged flap connected to the inner slide that protrudes through the aperture in the first wall of the outer shell. The hinged flap is pivotable between a first position in which the flap rests against the first wall of the outer shell and a second position in which the flap is hinged outwardly from the first wall of the outer shell upon slidable movement of the inner slide between the closed position and the open position. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100154809 | MULTI-COMPONENT FILTER PROVIDING MULTIPLE FLAVOUR ENHANCEMENT - A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprises: a mouth end segment; a first flavour release segment comprising plant leaf upstream of the mouth end segment; and a second flavour release segment comprising filtration material and a flavourant upstream of the first flavour release segment. The resistance to draw of the second flavour release segment is greater than the resistance to draw of the first flavour release segment and the resistance to draw of the second flavour release segment is greater than the resistance to draw of the mouth end segment. The multi-component filter preferably further comprises a rod end segment comprising filtration material upstream of the second flavour release segment, which has a lower resistance to draw than the second flavour release segment. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100154808 | FILTER CIGARILLO - A cigarillo includes a tobacco rod including a tobacco cut filler circumscribed by an inner binder, a filter adjacent to the tobacco rod, a band of tipping paper circumscribing the filter, and an outer wrapper of natural tobacco circumscribing the tobacco rod and a rod end portion of the band of tipping paper such that a mouth end portion of the band of tipping paper is visible. A method of making the cigarillo includes convoluting an inner binder around a tobacco cut filler to form a tobacco rod, axially aligning and abutting a filter with the tobacco rod, convoluting a band of tipping paper around the filter, and convoluting an outer wrapper of natural tobacco around the tobacco rod and a rod end portion of the band of tipping paper such that a mouth end portion of the tipping paper is visible. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100152040 | Carbon Beads With Multimodal Pore Size Distribution - A method of producing a multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon is provided herein by preparing a solution comprising a polymer precursor, mixing an additional material with the polymer precursor in the solution, cross-linking the polymer precursor with the additional material mixed therein, carbonizing the mixture of the polymer precursor and the additional material, and activating the carbonized mixture to form a multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon. The multi-modal pore distribution activated carbon can include pores less than 20 Å and greater than 30 Å or 500 Å depending upon the sorption properties desired, wherein the pore distribution of the activated carbon can be tailored to provide predetermined kinetics and/or gaseous constituent equilibrium isotherms. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100071710 | PREPARATION OF MIXED METAL OXIDE CATALYSTS FROM NANOSCALE PARTICLES - Mixed metal oxide catalysts are prepared by combining first nanoscale particles and second nanoscale particles to form a mixture of nanoscale particles and then the mixture is heated to form a mixed metal oxide catalyst. The mixed metal oxide catalysts, which are capable of reducing the concentration of carbon monoxide in the mainstream smoke of a cigarette during smoking, are incorporated into a smoking article component such as tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100051486 | CONTAINER WITH RESILIENT MEMBER - A container for consumer goods comprising an outer shell, an inner housing and a resilient member arranged between the outer shell and the inner housing. The inner housing has an opening and is mounted within the outer shell for rotational movement relative thereto between a closed position, in which the opening is covered by the outer shell and an open position in which the opening is at least partially exposed. The inner housing is resiliently biased towards the closed position by the resilient member. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100032324 | CONTAINER WITH TACTILE SURFACE - A container having a surface including at least one high friction surface region having a coefficient of friction of between about 0.63 and about 2. Optionally, the at least one high friction surface region includes a coating layer, which may include fibers. The surface of the container may further include at least one low friction surface region having a coefficient of friction of less than 0.5, or preferably less than 0.3. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100006112 | FILTER INCLUDING RANDOMLY-ORIENTED FIBERS FOR REDUCTION OF PARTICLE BREAKTHROUGH - Provided is a cigarette filter and method of making the filter. The filter includes an adsorbent dispersed within the filter and a downstream plug of randomly-oriented fibers. The randomly-oriented fibers mechanically capture adsorbent particles entrained in tobacco smoke. One or more plugs of axially-oriented fibers may also be located upstream and/or downstream of the adsorbent, and are included in an amount sufficient to adjust the length of the filter. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100000555 | SYNTHESIS AND INCORPORATION OF HIGH-TEMPERATURE AMMONIA-RELEASE AGENTS IN LIT-END CIGARETTES - A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090320863 | ELECTRICALLY HEATED SMOKING SYSTEM - An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form an aerosol, a power supply for supplying power to the heating element, electrical hardware connected to the power supply and the heating element, and an interface for establishing a communications link with a host. The communications link may be a USB link and the host may be a personal computer. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090310950 | Capillary system with fluidic element - An aerosol generation system having an aerosol generator wherein a liquid formulation is at least partially vaporized in a capillary passage and discharged from the capillary passage to form an aerosol. The aerosol generation system includes a pumping unit adapted to supply a liquid formulation to the aerosol generator; and a fluidic element located between the pumping unit and the capillary passage of the aerosol generator, wherein the fluidic element increases the pressure of the liquid formulation as the liquid formulation enters the capillary passage of the aerosol generator. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090301505 | PRE-PORTIONED MOIST PRODUCT AND METHOD OF MAKING - A pre-portioned moist product comprising a portion of plant material and a coating is disclosed. Preferably, the plant material comprises tobacco. The coating includes a soluble, non-cross-linkable component and an cross-linkable component which becomes substantially water-insoluble upon crosslinking. The soluble component of the coating dissolves upon placement in the mouth, while the insoluble component disintegrates and/or loses structural integrity once the soluble component has dissolved to release and disperse the plant material in the user's mouth. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090293894 | SMOKING ARTICLE WITH TRANSPARENT SECTION - A smoking article includes a tobacco rod, a filter located at the mouth end of the smoking article, at least one tipping material, to attach the filter to the tobacco rod, wherein the at least one tipping material includes at least one transparent section, wherein the smoking article further includes a ventilation zone upstream of the at least one transparent section. A tipping material for such a smoking article is also disclosed. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090293893 | Hollow/porous fibers and applications thereof - In one embodiment is provided a polymer blend of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), wherein the poly(vinylacetate) is present in an amount ranging between about 20 wt % and about 80 wt %, and poly(acrylic acid) is present in an amount ranging between about 80 wt % and about 20 wt %, based on the total weight of the blend. In another embodiment is provided a fiber produced from this polymer blend, and which has cells therein. In another embodiment is provided a flavorant release material comprising the porous fiber disclosed herein, and one or more flavorants disposed in a longitudinally extending core within the fiber. In another embodiment is provided a polymer fiber membrane containing a hollow, porous fiber formed from the polymer blend disclosed herein. In another embodiment is provided a filter containing the fiber described herein. In another embodiment is provided a process for producing the fibers disclosed herein by addition of the polymers to an extruder or blender, and extruding or melt spinning the mixture into a fiber containing cells therein. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090293889 | SMOKELESS COMPRESSED TOBACCO PRODUCT FOR ORAL CONSUMPTION - A consumable compressed tobacco product adapted to dissolve in an oral cavity. The compressed tobacco product is formed from a composition that includes at least one tobacco component, at least one flavorant, at least one filler-binder, at least one lubricant, at least one desiccant and at least one glidant. The compressed tobacco products are adapted to dissolve and provide tobacco satisfaction. A method of making a dissolvable compressed tobacco product is also provided. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090277466 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING SLIT-BANDED WRAPPER USING MOVING ORIFICES - A method and apparatus of manufacturing a web which is striped with add-on material, comprising: a first slurry supply which forms a sheet of base web and moves the sheet along a first path; a second slurry supply; and a moving orifice applicator operative so as to repetitively discharge the second slurry upon the moving sheet of base web. The moving orifice applicator includes a chamber box arranged to establish a reservoir of the second slurry across the first path, an endless belt having orifice groups, the endless belt received through the chamber box, and a drive arrangement operative upon the endless belt to continuously move the orifices along an endless-path and repetitively through the chamber box. The orifices communicate with the reservoir to discharge the second slurry as bands of add-on material to the base web. Orifices within the orifice groups can be spaced relative to one another to define bands of add-on material having a relative minimum in thickness or to define spaced apart bands. Orifices may also cooperate with a stationary or moving template to define segmented bands having gaps with complex edges. The web resulting from the method or the apparatus may be used for a smoking article. A smoking article may be constructed from wrapper made with the apparatus or the method. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277465 | FLAVOR CAPSULE FOR ENHANCED FLAVOR DELIVERY IN CIGARETTES - Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The sealed capsule or capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material from the one or more capsules and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The sealed capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090275466 | PREPARATION OF INTERMETALLICS BY METALLO-ORGANIC DECOMPOSITION - A metallo-organic decomposition process for the preparation of intermetallic powders and films. A liquid mixture containing a first metal precursor and a second metal is heated to a temperature in a first temperature range so as to convert the first metal precursor to a first metal followed by heating to a temperature in a second temperature range so as to form an intermetallic compound by a solid state reaction between the first and second metals. The intermetallic compound can be used as a catalyst in cut filler and/or the filter of a cigarette. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272389 | Concentric Core Tobacco Rod Maker with Air Transporter - The present invention is directed at various apparatus, systems and methods for forming a sealed concentric or sealed concentric hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed column of metered tobacco and paper between a tongue and garniture to form a concentric shaped tobacco rod or tobacco rod with an inner hollow core; maintaining the concentric shape; and outputting a sealed concentric tobacco rod or a concentric hollow tobacco rod. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272379 | ELECTRICALLY HEATED SMOKING SYSTEM HAVING A LIQUID STORAGE PORTION - An electrically heated smoking system includes a shell and a replaceable mouthpiece. The shell includes an electric power supply and electric circuitry. The mouthpiece includes a liquid storage portion and a capillary wick having a first end and a second end. The first end of the wick extends into the liquid storage portion for contact with liquid therein. The mouthpiece also includes a heating element for heating the second end of the capillary wick, an air outlet, and an aerosol forming chamber between the second end of the capillary wick and the air outlet. When the shell and mouthpiece are engaged or connected, the heating element is in electrical connection with the power supply via the circuitry, and a flowpath for air is defined from at least one air inlet to the air outlet via the aerosol forming chamber. In use, liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion towards the heating element by capillary action in the wick. Liquid at the second end of the capillary wick is vaporized by the heating element. The supersaturated vapor created, is mixed and carried in the air flow from the at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming chamber. In the aerosol forming chamber, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol, which is carried towards the air outlet. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090267242 | Respiratory humidification system - A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090260644 | PROCESS FOR PREPARING A TOBACCO BLEND - In a process for preparing a tobacco blend, at least two different types of tobacco are thermally treated and blended so as to form the tobacco blend. Thermal treatment as well as blending of the different types of tobacco is performed by introducing the different types of tobacco into a combined thermal treating and blending unit, where thermally treating as well as blending of the at least two different types of tobacco is performed. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090260643 | FILTER MAKING APPARATUS - The invention concerns a filter making apparatus comprising: a filter material converging device, a flavor element positioning device comprising a passage element, the passage element comprising a passageway, a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, the first inlet and second inlet being in fluid communication with the passageway, wherein the first inlet is adapted to pass a continuous strand of material into the passage element, wherein the second inlet is adapted to pass fluid into the passage element, and wherein the outlet is positioned at a point downstream from at least a portion of the filter material converging device, wherein the passage element is adapted to pass through the second inlet and into the filter material either the continuous strand of material from the first inlet, or fluid from the second inlet, or the continuous strand of material from the first inlet together with fluid from the second inlet. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090250361 | BLANK FOR FORMING SLEEVE INCLUDING A POCKET - An elongate blank for forming a sleeve includes a plurality of panels. The panels include two rear panels. When the blank is folded to form the sleeve, an outer rear panel overlies an inner rear panel and a pocket is formed between these panels. The pocket is configured to contain one or more objects. The sleeve is adapted to be placed on a container, such as a package containing smoking articles. The pocket can contain another tobacco product, such as one or more promotional smokeless tobacco products. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090250360 | Pocket-size container for consumer items - A three-piece pocket-size container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of a perimeter band which has a base locked to a lower rim portion and an openable cover on an upper rim of the perimeter band. When closed, the cover, the perimeter band and the base form a flush exterior sidewall of the container. The base and cover can be metal and the perimeter band can be transparent (clear, tinted or colored) or opaque plastic to provide a container that maintains product freshness, and is easily opened and closed. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090242435 | PACK FOR SMOKING ARTICLES - A pack for smoking articles substantially in the form of a generally rectangular parallelepiped includes a pair of opposed major side walls; a pair of opposed minor side walls; four longitudinal edges between the major and minor side walls; and a pair of substantially rectangular opposed end faces defined by transverse edges of the major and minor side walls. At least one of the opposed substantially rectangular end faces is an open end face defined by free transverse edges of the major and minor side walls, at least one of the four longitudinal edges has a non-right-angled portion and the transverse perimeter of the pack is substantially constant. The pack is preferably formed from a folded blank and the non-right-angled portion is preferably defined by at least three lines of weakness in the blank. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090230190 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING, AUTHENTICATING, TRACKING AND TRACING MANUFACTURED ITEMS - A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090230117 | ELECTRICALLY HEATED AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090230003 | POCKET-SIZED CONTAINER - A pocket-sized container for consumer items comprises a cylindrical base, a cylindrical lid and a window. The cylindrical base includes a bottom sidewall and a bottom wall. The bottom sidewall includes a recessed surface at an upper portion thereof. The cylindrical lid includes a top sidewall and a top wall. An inner surface of the top sidewall slidingly engages the recessed surface of the bottom sidewall so as to close the container with the outer surface of the bottom sidewall flush with the outer surface of the top sidewall. The lid includes an opening in the top wall and a window fits inside the lid such that a domed portion of the window extends into the opening. The pocket-sized container can hold both tobacco products or non-tobacco products, including orally consumed pouches such as snus. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090194607 | Pulsed aerosol generation - An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090188818 | SIDE OPENING PACK BLANK DESIGN - A cigarette package, which includes an outer box and an inner frame. The outer box includes a lower box portion and a side opening hinged lid. The inner frame includes a front panel, a back panel, and a side panel extending between the front panel and the back panel. The outer box includes a tab and the inner frame includes a notch, such that the notch engages the tab when the hinged lid is in a closed position. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090188817 | CIGARETTE PACK WITH INTEGRAL TEAR AWAY CARD - A cigarette pack made from cardboard paper stock and the like comprises a body portion and a hinge lid portion. The body portion includes a tear away card having a continuous outer boundary with perforations along the boundary to facilitate removal of the tear away card from the pack. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090184158 | HINGE LID CONTAINER - A hinge lid container for smoking articles having a front wall, a rear wall and opposed side walls extending therebetween comprises: a box portion; and a lid portion hinged to the box portion along a hinge line extending across a rear wall of the container. At each side wall of the container, the angle □ between the front edge of the side wall of the lid portion and the lower edge thereof is greater than the angle □ defined between the rear edge of the side wall and a straight line extending between a first point (A) where the hinge line meets the side wall and a second point (B) where the upper edge of a front wall of the box portion meets the side wall. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090166376 | BEAD FEEDER - A bead feeder serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageway connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads. A plurality of openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways each of which has an outer exit end. A metering plate is connected to rotate about the same vertical axis as the bead supply wheel, and metering plate has a plurality of equally spaced apart openings directly below the outer ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost beads in the passageways. The metering plate rotates at a slightly slower or slightly faster speed than the bead supply wheel so that vertical alignment of an outer exit end of a particular passageway and an opening in the metering plate only occurs once for each revolution of the bead supply wheel. A drop off is provided for the removal of beads away from the metering plate. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090165935 | FILTER TUBE MAKING - A hollow filter tube is produced with a longitudinal seam and a fixed diameter. In the formation of the hollow tube glue is applied along a longitudinal side edge portion of an endless strip, and the strip is then formed into a tubular shape with an unglued longitudinal edge portion tucked directly under and against the glued side edge portion. The hollow tube is then heated to drive moisture from the glue and size and shape the hollow tube. Ultimately the formed hollow tube is cut into specific lengths. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090165809 | Method and apparatus for dispensing a metered amount of liquid to a porous plug - A dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of liquid into a porous plug includes a casing which has an inlet passage adapted to receive a manually insertable porous plug. A reservoir disposed in the cavity contains the liquid. The reservoir has an outlet which is communicable with the inlet passage. A discharge mechanism disposed in the casing is actuable in response to the insertion of a porous plug into the inlet passage for producing a pressurized air flow which bears against a piston in the reservoir for discharging a metered amount of the liquid from the reservoir into the porous plug. The plug could constitute a filter attached to a tobacco column. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090159091 | Activated carbon from microcrystalline cellulose - A method of forming activated carbon from microcrystalline cellulose comprises converting the microcrystalline cellulose powder into microcrystalline cellulose beads using extrusion and spheronization, carbonizing microcrystalline cellulose to form carbonized microcrystalline cellulose and activating the carbonized microcrystalline cellulose to form activated carbon. The final size of the activated carbon beads, which preferably are of practically spherical shape, can be controlled through the process of making microcrystalline cellulose beads. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090145724 | BEAD FEEDER - A bead feeder for serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageways connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads from the bowl. A plurality of discharge openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways, and each of the passageways has an outer exit end. A stationary blocking ring is directly below the outer exit ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost bead from the single line of beads in each passageway. A drop-off on the blocking ring allows the lowermost beads to drop away in a downward direction while a stationary bead retainer above the drop-off of the blocking ring retained the bead adjacent the outermost bead. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090145449 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPILING GROUPS OF FILTER SEGMENTS WHEN PRODUCING MULTI-SEGMENT FILTER ASEMBLIES - A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum. A separator positioned at the end of the channel which separates single filter segments and may be a disc cam pushing out the segment onto the transferring element between two neighbouring drivers into a chamber created by a supporting element. A stream of compressed air from nozzle directed towards the area between a shoe guide and separator helps separate and stabilize the filter segment. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090134230 | Wrapped container - A wrapped container of consumer products bearing one or more machine readable indicia is disclosed, wherein the machine readable indicia are applied to the wrapper. The portion of the wrapper to which the machine readable indicia are applied may be substantially transparent and the surface of the container behind the machine readable indicia substantially neutral. Alternatively, the portion of the wrapper to which the machine readable indicia are applied may be substantially opaque. A method of providing a wrapped container of consumer products comprises wrapping a container of consumer products with a wrapper; and applying one or more machine readable indicia to the wrapper. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090118109 | VERTICAL FILTER FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS - Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090113852 | Product in seal deflection device - A device for deflecting a loose fill product from the seal zone of a bag and sealing the bag is provided. The device includes a product stopper. The product stopper is adjacent to the sealing element of a bagging machine. The product stopper includes a mount that mounts the product stopper to a bagging machine and a pinching element that pinches a bag proximal to a sealing zone before the bag is sealed by the sealing element at the sealing zone. In one embodiment, the pincher includes a spring loaded mechanism for pinching the bag proximal to the sealing zone. In another embodiment, the pincher includes an air assist mechanism for pinching the bag proximal to the sealing zone. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090084865 | Dispensing method and system of a capillary aerosol generator - A method of dispensing a liquid or aerosol to maintain a clog free capillary system, which includes supplying a liquid formulation from a pumping unit to a capillary of an aerosol generation unit at a flow rate, and periodically increasing the flow rate from a first flow rate to a second flow rate. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090075798 | CIGARETTE FILTER - A process of producing a cigarette filter comprises the steps of assembly a filter segment comprising a hollow tube with a filter plug at one end thereof and a space adjacent the plug. The filter segment is horizontally positioned, and the space is partially filled with a predetermined amount of particulate filter material by applying vacuum to the end filter plug to thereby drawn the particulate material into the space. An elongate filter plug is horizontally positioned in alignment with and adjacent to the filled filter segment, and the filled filter segment and the elongate filter plug are moved together until that plug abuts the particulate filter material to thereby seal the space and the particulate material therein. The formed filter is ultimately joined to a wrapped tobacco rod. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090065561 | Hinged-lid container with sliding device - A container comprises a box portion, a lid portion and a separate sliding device. The separate sliding device embraces at least part of the box portion. Moving the separate sliding device longitudinally along the box portion in a first direction pivots the lid portion to open the container and moving the separate sliding device longitudinally along the box portion in a second, opposite direction pivots the lid portion to close the container. The lid portion comprises a lid front wall. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090065383 | Package with tray enclosure - Provided is a pocket-sized container for holding a smokeless tobacco tray enclosure in an outer housing, including a front and a back. At least one locator fin is located on the bottom of the tray. At least one locator groove is located on the inside of the back. Preferably, one or more locator fins position and secure the tray within the back. Pins on the front fit into sockets in the back to secure the front and back together. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090065011 | Distillation-based smoking article - A smoking article comprises: a combustible heat source; an aerosol-generating substrate downstream of the combustible heat source; and a heat-conducting element around and in contact with a rear portion of the combustible heat source and an adjacent front of the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate extends at least about 3 mm downstream beyond the heat-conducting element. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090057173 | Pocket-sized, hand-held container for consumer items having a receptacle for used product, sealed tray, and thumb ridge on lid - Provided is a pocket-sized, hand-held container including a receptacle at least partially housed in an outer housing and a tray, contained within the outer housing and positioned around the receptacle. Preferably, the tray is sealed with a membrane. The receptacle is used to contain spent product. Preferably, the outer housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing. A lid in the upper housing slides open to reveal an openable window in the membrane. In an embodiment, at least one thumb ridge is located on the lid to facilitate opening and closing of the lid. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090044817 | Multi-component filter for a smoking article - A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprises: a mouth end segment; and a flavour release segment upstream of the mouth end segment. The flavour release segment comprises plant leaf and a filter plasticiser. The multi-component filter preferably further comprises a rod end segment comprising filtration material upstream of the flavour release segment. Preferably, one or both of the mouth end segment and the rod end segment comprises at least one liquid flavourant. The rod end segment may include a sorbent. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090044816 | Smoking article having carbon dioxide delivery technology for sensorially improved carbon filtration and method of smoking - Provided is a smoking article including a filter, tobacco, and a carbon dioxide charge. The carbon dioxide charge provides increased levels of carbon dioxide during smoking to enhance the taste and sensorial smoking experience. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090039102 | BEAD FEEDER - A bead feeder for serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel which rotates about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially arranged channels below the bowl connected to rotate with the bowl. Discharge openings in the bowl are in alignment with the radially arranged channels to delivery beads to those channels, and a bead receiving pocket is positioned at the outer end of each channel. A transfer wheel picks up beads from the bead receiving pockets and transfers those beads to a delivery wheel by vacuum transfer and release. The delivery wheel serially delivers the beads to the downstream location. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090038631 | Oral tobacco product having a hydrated membrane coating and a high surface area - Provided is a moist smokeless tobacco product including a hydrated membrane coating and a portion of tobacco material. Preferably, the tobacco material is pre-portioned and formed to include at least one dimple and/or at least one hole through the tobacco material so as to increase the surface area of the tobacco product. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090038628 | Smoking articles enhanced to deliver additives incorporated within electroprocessed microcapsules and nanocapsules, and related methods - A large variety of electroprocessed capsules can be produced to encapsulate a variety of additives within the subcompartments or substructures of the manufactured capsule. Furthermore, the manufactured capsules can be arranged within a filter of a smoking article during the manufacturing process. By modifying the various parameters that control the electrospraying or electrospinning processes, capsules can be manufactured that vary in composition, in substructural organization, and in dimension. A capsule produced by electrospraying comprises at least one polymeric material that encapsulates or supports the retention of at least one flavorant and/or non-flavorant within the capsule. A polymeric material provides a supporting structure for encapsulating at least one flavorant and/or non-flavorant additive. The capsules that can be produced by various electrospraying processes described below include microcapsules in a micro-scaled range, nanocapsules in a nano-scaled range, and various mixtures of microcapsules and nanocapsules. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090036284 | VERTICAL FILTER FILLING MACHINE AND PROCESS - A process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090035414 | Method of flavor encapsulation through the use of a drum coater - A method of coating flavorants on oral pouch products is provided. A drum coater containing oral pouch products is rotated. A flavoring solution is sprayed to coat the oral pouch products while the oral pouch products are tumbling in the rotating drum. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032037 | DEGRADABLE CIGARETTE FILTERS - Biodegradable cigarette filters comprise shaped fiber of PHBV. Included among these fiber shapes in cross section are Y, V, C, Triad, 4-DG and JC shapes. The shaped fibers may include micro cavities with adsorbents and/or flavorants in the cavities. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090032033 | Apparatus and Method for Producing Paper Tubes for Cigarette Filters - An method and apparatus for producing cigarette filter tubes are disclosed. According to the disclosed method and apparatus, a filter segment is supplied to a rotating delivery drum and a paper wrapper is supplied to the delivery drum and partially wrapped around said the filter segment. Thereafter, the paper wrapper and filter segment are transferred together from the delivery drum to a rotating wrapping drum. Folding arms on the wrapping drum subsequently fold down flaps of the paper wrapper to complete the formation of a filter tube. Wrapping assist members may be inserted into the paper wrapper as the flaps are folded down to ensure that the tube is sufficiently round in shape. Additionally, the wrapping assist members and folding arms may be heated in order to promote faster curing of glue surfaces on the paper wrapper. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090028803 | Flavorant ester salts of polycarboxylic acids and methods for immobilizing and delivering flavorants containing hydroxyl groups - Compositions are provided which contain immobilized flavorants for flavor delivery. In particular, smoking compositions are provided which contain flavorant ester salts of polycarboxylic acids. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090025741 | Tobacco-free oral flavor delivery pouch product - Provided is a tobacco-free oral flavor delivery pouch product that provides and engaging and flavorful experience to a user. The pouch product includes a porous pouch wrapper and an inner filling material. The inner filling material can include a non-tobacco, botanical component, at least one functional ingredient and a solid flavor component dispersed throughout the inner filling material. The pouch product delivers multiple textures to the user's mouth. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090025740 | Oral pouch product having soft edge and method of making - An oral pouch product having a soft edge includes an inner filling material enclosed inwardly of at least one seam between opposed layers of porous pouch wrapper. The at least one seam is separated from the periphery of the porous pouch wrapper by an unbonded area of the opposed layers so as to form a soft edge of the pouch wrapper. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090022917 | Oral delivery pouch product with coated seam - Provided is an oral pouch product having a coated seam, having a porous pouch wrapper; an inner filling material enclosed within first and second opposed layers of the porous pouch wrapper; at least one seam holding a portion of said first and second opposed layers of said porous pouch wrapper together; and a first coating comprising a releasable ingredient applied to an outer surface of said seam. Also provided is a method for making the oral pouch product. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090022856 | Oral pouch products with immobilized flavorant particles - An oral pouch product includes an immobilized flavorant comprising one or more flavorants and an immobilizing matrix disposed around the flavorants and containing slightly water soluble β-cyclodextrin, gum Arabic, and/or a starch. In addition, a method for preparing the oral pouch product is described, which includes (a) preparing an immobilized flavorant by mixing a flavorant and one or more matrix-forming materials comprising slightly water soluble β-cyclodextrin, gum Arabic, and/or a starch in a solvent to form a mixture; optionally heating the mixture; and drying the mixture to form a dried immobilized flavorant; and (b) incorporating the dried immobilized flavorant into an oral pouch product. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090014343 | Pocket-size hybrid container for consumer items - A three-piece pocket-size hybrid container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of an inner ring mechanically secured to an interior of an outer base housing including a cover to fit over and snugly around the inner ring. When closed, a cover sidewall may engage a sidewall of the outer base housing to form a flush exterior sidewall of the closed container or the cover sidewall may be spaced apart from the outer base housing to form a gap in the exterior sidewall of the closed container. The outer base housing and cover can be metal and the inner ring can be plastic to provide a strong and robust package that maintains product freshness and is easily opened and closed. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014020 | Smoking article with valve - A smoking article having a cylinder of smoking material, a hollow tube within the cylinder of smoking material, and a filter attached to the cylinder of smoking material. The filter includes an upstream segment containing an aerosol former, a downstream segment containing a sorbent material, and a valve positioned between the upstream segment and the downstream segment. The valve has a first position in which the valve is closed and a second position in which the valve is open and allows the passage of smoke through the filter. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090014018 | Coated colloidal ground plant materials - A method of providing a comestible plant material taken orally by coating a micronized plant material with a first layer of polysaccharides or proteins, then a second layer of polysaccharides or proteins is disclosed. A bi-encapsulated plant material produced by this process is also disclosed. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090007925 | Smoking article filter having liquid additive containing tubes therein - Provided are filters including at least one impervious additive containing tube. A barrier, such as a liquid barrier, seals each end of the tube so as to contain additives, such as a liquid additive, within the additive containing tube. The one or more additive containing tubes are inserted into filters for smoking articles. Drawing action during a puff causes breach of the barrier and release of the additive into the surrounding filter material. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090005989 | INSPECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-SEGMENT PRODUCTS - Inspection systems and methods for their use are described, wherein the systems comprise: a movable carrier having a plurality of spaced receptacles, each spaced receptacle sized to accept a sample; a first pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a first movable member capable of reciprocally moving the first pin alternately into and out of contact with a first end of a sample disposed in one of the spaced receptacles; a second pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a second movable member capable of reciprocally moving the second pin alternately into and out of contact with a second end of the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; a measurement sensor capable of determining a value associated with the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; and an evaluation device in communication with the measurement sensor for receiving the value, the evaluation device providing a comparison between the value and a predetermined value. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090004337 | Wax capsules containing hydrophilic cores - Provided is a method for cooling wax after coextrusion to create wax capsules. The method includes immersing a concentric nozzle of a coextruder in a container of heated alcohol. The container of heated alcohol sits in a water-ice bath to create a temperature gradient. A core material having a wax coating is extruded through a concentric nozzle to form a capsule. The capsule enters the container of hot alcohol where the wax coating is solidified. In an embodiment, the method is a continuous method including a capsule and solvent transfer system. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090004329 | Chewable pouch for flavored product delivery - Provided is a disintegrable or non-disintegrable oral flavor delivery product. The product includes a disintegrable or non-disintegrable chewable pouch with a plurality of perforations. The pouch encloses a non-tobacco flavor product that can be in a gel, semi-liquid, and/or liquid form. A user chews, sucks, and/or manipulates the pouch to cause the enclosed flavor product to leach out of the perforations into the user's mouth. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000968 | Innovative packaging for consumer product - A package for containing an oral sensorial product includes a packet having a shaped front sheet having a raised inner portion and a resealable back sheet. The raised inner portion has at least one recess adapted to receive a product. The resealable back sheet peels away from the shaped front sheet without damaging either the shaped front sheet or the back sheet. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000633 | Cellulose acetate fiber modification - Cellulose acetate fibers can be modified to have physical imperfections and then incorporated into cigarette filter plugs as filtering materials. Cellulose acetate fiber modification can be achieved by etching with a gas phase etchant or a liquid phase etchant comprising hydrogen peroxide. Modification of cellulose acetate fibers may be performed at various stages during the manufacture of cigarette filter plugs. Furthermore, cigarette filter plugs containing modified cellulose acetate fibers can also have spaced apart slits along the length of the cigarette filter plugs. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000632 | Smoking articles and method for treating tobacco material with a suspension containing bismuth containing compounds and optionally glycerin - Provided is a method for reducing TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or phenolic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the particulate phase of mainstream smoke. Also provided is a smoking article including tobacco material treated with a bismuth containing compound and optionally glycerin. The method includes forming a suspension of a bismuth containing compound, water, and optionally glycerin. Tobacco material is contacted with the suspension, and then dried to evaporate the water. The tobacco material is used to form smoking articles with potentially reduced TPM cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and/or targeted constituents in mainstream smoke. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000631 | Smoking articles and method for incorporating salts of lanthanide metals for reducing TPM cytotoxicity and targeted constituents in tobacco smoke - Provided is a smoking article and method for reducing TPM cytotoxicity and targeted constituents in mainstream smoke. The smoking article includes tobacco material including a salt of a lanthanide metal. The method includes combining a salt of a lanthanide metal, water, and optionally glycerin to produce a solution that is applied to tobacco material. Preferably, the salt is an acetate, a sulfate, or a gluconate. | 01-01-2009 |
