R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160106150 | PACKAGE FOR A TOBACCO-CONTAINING MATERIAL AND RELATED PACKAGING METHOD - A package that may be employed to store a tobacco-containing material is provided. The package may include a container including a body portion and a cover configured to engage the body portion. The body portion may define an internal space therein configured to receive a product. An internal surface of one or both of the body portion and the cover may include a wood liner. The wood liner may be a wood veneer. | 04-21-2016 |
20160106149 | PACKAGE FOR A TOBACCO-CONTAINING MATERIAL WITH A VALVE ASSEMBLY AND RELATED PACKAGING METHOD - A package that may be employed to store a tobacco-containing material is provided. The package may include a container and a valve assembly. The container may include a body portion and a cover configured to engage the body portion. The body portion may define an internal space therein. The valve assembly may be configured to affect an atmosphere within the internal space of the container. For example, the valve assembly may remain closed except when releasing pressure from the internal space. Thereby, by way of further example, the valve assembly may vent the container so as to avoid damage thereto, while reducing moisture loss from the tobacco-containing material stored in the internal space. | 04-21-2016 |
20160075467 | BLANK CONFIGURED TO FORM A PACKAGE AND RELATED PACKAGE AND METHOD - A blank configured to form a package is provided. The blank may include a bottom panel, a top panel, and an overlapping panel having an edge region and an adjoining region positioned between the edge region and the top panel. The adjoining region of the overlapping panel overlaps and attaches to the bottom panel to form a compartment when formed into a package. The compartment may be employed to store a consumable product, such as cartridges for an aerosol delivery device. A related method for forming the blank into the package is also provided. | 03-17-2016 |
20160073689 | NONWOVEN POUCH COMPRISING HEAT SEALABLE BINDER FIBER - A pouched product adapted for release of a water-soluble component therefrom is provided herein. The pouched product can include an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition that includes a water-soluble component capable of being released through the water-permeable pouch and has a surface area, wherein the outer water-permeable pouch can include a nonwoven web including a plurality of heat sealable binder fibers blended with a second plurality of dissimilar fibers. The nonwoven web can be carded, hydroentangled and point bonded. | 03-17-2016 |
20160073687 | SMOKING ARTICLE - A smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes a carbonaceous heat source. A mouth end piece segment is located at the mouth end of the smoking article, and the mouth end piece segment allows the smoking article to be placed in the mouth of the smoker to be drawn upon. The smoking article further incorporates an aerosol-generating segment located between the heat generation segment and the mouth end piece segment. The aerosol-generating segment incorporates an aerosol-forming material (e.g., glycerin and flavors). The heat generation segment is in a heat exchange relationship with the aerosol-generating region such that heat generated by the burning fuel element acts to volatilize aerosol-forming material for aerosol formation. The carbonaceous heat source is in intimate contact with coarse, fine or ultrafine particles of materials such as cerium oxide, or mixtures of cerium oxide and palladium chloride. | 03-17-2016 |
20160073676 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO PASTILLE AND INJECTION MOLDING PROCESS FOR FORMING SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS - A smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition includes a tobacco material and a polysaccharide filler component such as polydextrose. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition pastille configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is also provided. The process includes mixing a tobacco material with a binder and a polysaccharide filler component to form a smokeless tobacco mixture, injection molding the smokeless tobacco mixture, and cooling the smokeless tobacco mixture to form a solidified smokeless tobacco composition pastille. The mixing step can include forming a dry blend of the tobacco, filler, and binder components, and combining the dry blend with a viscous liquid component. The injection-molded pastille can provide a dissolvable and lightly chewable product. | 03-17-2016 |
20160066621 | Cartridge for an Aerosol Delivery Device and Method for Assembling a Cartridge for a Smoking Article - The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided. | 03-10-2016 |
20160054345 | PIPETTING SYSTEM - The present invention provides a pipette assembly and a liquid handling element employing such a pipette assembly for filling containers. The pipette assembly comprises a biasing member that prevents the containers from being displaced vertically upon withdrawal of the pipette assembly from the containers. | 02-25-2016 |
20160044958 | MIXED FIBER SLIVER FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTE FILTER ELEMENTS - Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. The two or more fibrous inputs are provided in the form of staple fibers, which are at least partially entangled with each other to form a mixed fiber sliver. The mixed fiber sliver includes a first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers blended with a second plurality of staple fibers comprising a polymeric material different from the first plurality of staple fibers, such as staple fibers of a degradable polymeric material. The entangled fibers of the mixed fiber sliver may be sufficiently separated from one another such that blooming operations typically required in filter element production may not be necessary prior to incorporating the mixed fiber sliver into a filter element. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure. | 02-18-2016 |
20160044957 | MOLECULARLY IMPRINTED POLYMERS FOR TREATING TOBACCO MATERIAL AND FILTERING SMOKE FROM SMOKING ARTICLES - The invention provides a method of isolating certain target compounds from tobacco, tobacco materials or smoke generated by a smoking article. The method can be used to remove undesirable compounds from tobacco, tobacco materials, or tobacco smoke. The method can also be used to remove flavor compounds from tobacco or tobacco materials, which can then be used as flavor components for tobacco material used in smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions. | 02-18-2016 |
20160029663 | TOBACCO-DERIVED PROTEIN COMPOSITIONS - The disclosure describes methods for the purification of protein-enriched extracts to provide concentrates and isolates and methods for incorporation of such materials into products. The purification methods are adapted for removal of one or more of ash, metal salts, alkaloids, particulates, heavy metals, and other impurities and/or contaminants from extracts, as well as modifying the sensory characteristics (e.g., odor, color, and/or taste characteristics) of extracts. The methods generally include diafiltration, treatment with functionalized resins, and supercritical extraction. A protein composition in the form of a concentrate or isolate is provided, the protein composition including RuBisCO, F2 fraction proteins, or combination thereof extracted from a plant of the | 02-04-2016 |
20160021930 | Vaporizer Related Systems, Methods, and Apparatus - An electronic cigarette (e-Cig) or personal vaporizer device generates a vapor that is inhaled by a user. Liquid in a cartridge is vaporized or atomized by a heating element that heats the liquid. When the e-Cig is activated, and the user provides suction, the liquid to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through a wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing the heating element. The heating element may be directly written onto substrate. Various sensors may be employed to optimize the liquid usage. | 01-28-2016 |
20160000140 | ORAL POUCH PRODUCTS - A pouched product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of that product is provided herein. The pouched product can include an outer water-permeable pouch defining a cavity containing a composition adapted for oral use and having a surface area, wherein the outer water-permeable pouch can include a nonwoven web including a first plurality of continuous filament heat sealable binder fibers oriented substantially parallel to each other in a first direction, a second plurality of continuous filament heat sealable binder fibers oriented substantially parallel to each other in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are substantially perpendicular to each other, and wherein the first plurality of continuous filament heat sealable binder fibers and the second plurality if continuous filament heat sealable binder fibers are bonded with a heated lamination process. | 01-07-2016 |
20150374031 | SEGMENTED CIGARETTE FILTER FOR SELECTIVE SMOKE FILTRATION - A method of making a filter element configured for use in a smoking article comprises selecting at least one finish composition configured to selectively filter at least one target component of mainstream aerosol, and applying the finish composition to a fibrous material. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374029 | APPARATUS FOR INSERTING OBJECTS INTO A FILTER COMPONENT OF A SMOKING ARTICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - Apparatuses are provided for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated methods are also provided. | 12-31-2015 |
20150359259 | SEGMENTED SMOKING ARTICLE WITH SUBSTRATE CAVITY - A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It may include a smokable segment disposed at the lighting end. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source and an insulation layer and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment including a substrate, which may include tobacco pellets and aerosol-forming material disposed in a substrate cavity between the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment and includes a foil strip laminated thereon; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the mouth-end segment using tipping material. | 12-17-2015 |
20150344456 | NICOTINE SALTS, CO-CRYSTALS, AND SALT CO-CRYSTAL COMPLEXES - The invention provides certain nicotine salts, co-crystals, and salt co-crystals and provides novel polymorphic forms of certain nicotine salts. In particular, nicotine salts with mucic acid, 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and crystalline polymorphic forms of nicotine 4-acetamidobenzoate, nicotine gentisate, and nicotine 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoate are described. The invention further provides methods of preparation and characterization of such nicotine salts, co-crystals, and salt co-crystals and polymorphic forms thereof. In addition, tobacco products, including smoking articles, smokeless tobacco products, and electronic smoking articles comprising nicotine salts, co-crystals, and/or salt co-crystals are also provided. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342249 | FILTER MATERIAL FOR A FILTER ELEMENT OF A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and associated system are provided for forming a biodegradable filter material for a filter element of a smoking article, wherein the method involves combining cellulose acetate fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers, drawing the combined cellulose acetate fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers to form drawn combined fibers, and crimping the drawn combined fibers to form a mixed fiber tow. An associated filter material for the filter element of a smoking article is also provided. | 12-03-2015 |
20150335075 | CARTRIDGE AND FLUID RESERVOIR FOR A VAPORIZER - A personal vaporizing unit (PVU) generates a vapor that is inhaled by a user. A substance (e.g. liquid) in a cartridge is vaporized or atomized by a heating element that heats the liquid. When the PVU is activated, and the user provides suction, the liquid to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through a wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing the heating element. The airflow through PVU may have airflow directed around the cartridge and using standoff features to create a more air-tight connection. | 11-26-2015 |
20150335071 | Sealed Cartridge for an Aerosol Delivery Device and Related Assembly Method - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device may include a control body and a cartridge. The cartridge may include a base, a flow director, an outer body, a reservoir substrate, an outer body, and a mouthpiece. Heating elements may be molded into the flow director. The flow director may be welded to the base and the outer body, or the base and the flow director may include deformable ribs that engage the outer body. The flow director and the outer body may cooperatively define a reservoir compartment in which the reservoir substrate and the atomizer are received. The flow director and the base may define an electronics compartment in which an electronic control component is received. A related assembly method is also provided. | 11-26-2015 |
20150335070 | ELECTRICALLY-POWERED AEROSOL DELIVERY SYSTEM - An aerosol delivery system is provided, comprising a control body portion including a first elongate tubular member having a power source disposed therein. A cartridge body portion includes a second tubular member having opposed first and second ends. One of the first and second ends is removably engaged with one end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion further comprises a first aerosol generation arrangement disposed within the second tubular member and configured to operably engage the power source upon engagement between the control body portion and the cartridge body portion. The other of the first and second ends of the cartridge body portion is configured as a mouth-engaging end. The cartridge body portion further includes a second aerosol generation arrangement disposed within the second tubular member between the first aerosol generation arrangement and the mouth-engaging end. An associated method is also provided. | 11-26-2015 |
20150328415 | CARTRIDGE VAPORIZER IN A PERSONAL VAPORIZER UNIT - A personal vaporizing unit (PVU) generates a vapor that is inhaled by a user. A substance (e.g. liquid) in a cartridge is vaporized or atomized by a heating element that heats the liquid. When the PVU is activated, and the user provides suction, the liquid to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through a wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing the heating element. The cartridge may be removable and utilize different connectors for connecting with the PVU. A seal may be used for the liquid reservoir that can be punctured upon usage. | 11-19-2015 |
20150321787 | Containers, Convertible Packaging Devices, Packaged Product Assemblies, and Product Display Methods for Smokeless Tobacco Products - Containers adapted for storing a product are provided. The containers may include a body portion and a lid. Further, a convertible packaging device is provided. The convertible packaging device may include a package configurable between a closed configuration and a display configuration. The convertible packaging device may additionally include an insert received within an inner cavity defined by the package. The insert may be configured to support products in the package such as the above-described containers. Related packaged product assemblies and product display methods are also provided. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320107 | TOBACCO-DERIVED CASING COMPOSITION - The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises an extract derived from a component of a plant of the | 11-12-2015 |
20150313283 | METHOD OF PREPARING AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device, an input for such devices, and methods of preparing such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of forming an aerosol delivery device, which can comprise providing a fibrous substrate, providing a shell, wetting the fibrous substrate with a wetting liquid, and inserting the wetted fibrous substrate into the shell. After the inserting step, the shell further can comprise one or more of a heater, a liquid transport element, and an electrical connection. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides an input that can comprise a liquid transport element, a heater in a heating arrangement with the liquid transport element, and a wetted fibrous substrate wrapped around at least a portion of the liquid transport element. | 11-05-2015 |
20150313282 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device including a housing formed of one body or a plurality of bodies; one or more primary function elements, said primary function elements being configured for aerosol delivery; and at least one secondary function element that is not configured for aerosol delivery. The secondary function element can be selected from the group consisting of an accessory housing, an accessory rail, a clip, a writing instrument, an ink reservoir, a stylus, a bottle opener, a cutting instrument, a nail file, a screw driver, a chewable appendage, and combinations thereof. The secondary function element can be removably, permanently or retractably associated with an aerosol delivery device. | 11-05-2015 |
20150298892 | Dispensing Container, Packaged Product Assembly, and Related Method - A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a packet received in a dispensing container. The packet may be a blister packet including units of a product received in sealed cavities. The dispensing container may include a top casing and a bottom casing. The upper casing may be pivotably connected to the lower casing such that the upper casing is moveable between a closed position in which access to the packet is substantially blocked, and an open position in which access to the packet is provided. The packet may be supported by a shoulder defined at an inner surface of sidewalls of the lower casing such that a receptacle is formed between the packet and a major wall of the lower casing. A unit of the product released from one of the sealed cavities may be received in the receptacle and dispensed via a dispensing aperture. | 10-22-2015 |
20150296871 | TRANSLUCENT SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT - The invention provides a smokeless tobacco product comprising a tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is translucent. The invention further provides methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product. In certain embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product comprises isomalt, maltitol syrup, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration. | 10-22-2015 |
20150282527 | SENSOR FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device including a variable output flow sensor. The variable output flow sensor particularly can be a flex/bend sensor wherein output from the sensor varies based upon changes in electrical current flow (e.g., resistance) along an extension of the sensor relative to flexing or bending of the extension resulting from airflow across the extension. The disclosure further provides methods for controlling operation of an aerosol delivery device through utilization of a variable output flow sensor. In particular, control of functional elements (e.g., a heating member, a fluid delivery member, and a sensory feedback member) can allow for real-time changes in the operation of the aerosol delivery device relative to airflow through the device. | 10-08-2015 |
20150272225 | SMOKING ARTICLES AND USE THEREOF FOR YIELDING INHALATION MATERIALS - The present invention describes articles, such as smoking articles, that can provide an inhalable substance in a form suitable for inhalation by a consumer. The article comprises a cartridge with an inhalable substance medium therein, control housing that includes an electrical energy source and an electrical power source, and a heating member that may be located in either the cartridge or the control housing. The control housing further may include puff-actuated current actuation components and current regulation components. | 10-01-2015 |
20150264319 | Smoking Article Package Inspection System and Associated Method - A smoking article package inspection system configured to inspect a smoking article package is provided. The system includes imaging devices configured to capture images of the smoking article package and an analysis unit configured to analyze the images captured by the imaging devices and determine whether the smoking article package is defective. The imaging devices may be positioned and configured to capture images of the smoking article package at least one of: before and after enclosing a plurality of smoking articles in the smoking article package, before and after printing an identifier on the smoking article package, and before and after wrapping the smoking article package with an outer wrapper. A related method is also provided. | 09-17-2015 |
20150258289 | Aerosol Delivery System and Related Method, Apparatus, and Computer Program Product for Providing Control Information to an Aerosol Delivery Device Via a Cartridge - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system and methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing control information to an aerosol delivery device via a cartridge. For example, a method may include a control body for the aerosol delivery device reading control information carried by a cartridge removably engaged with the control body. The method may further include the control body performing an action based on the control information. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257445 | Aerosol Delivery Device and Related Method and Computer Program Product for Controlling an Aerosol Delivery Device Based on Input Characteristics - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device and related methods and computer program products for controlling an aerosol delivery device based on input characteristics. For example, a method may include an aerosol delivery device determining a characteristic of a user input to the aerosol delivery device. The method may further include the aerosol delivery device determining a control function having a defined association with the characteristic. The method may additionally include the aerosol delivery device performing the control function in response to the user input. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257437 | Smoking Article Inspection System and Associated Method - Smoking article inspection systems configured to inspect smoking articles are provided. The systems may include imaging devices configured to capture images of an exterior of the smoking article and an analysis unit configured to analyze the images captured by the imaging devices. The analysis unit may execute an edge detection tool configured to determine a position of the smoking article based on an edge location of the smoking article and a defect detection tool configured to determine whether the smoking article is defective after the position of the smoking article is determined. The imaging devices may be configured to capture images of the smoking articles during the assembly thereof. Thereby, the analysis unit may determine any operations during assembly causing damage to the smoking article from analysis of the images of the smoking article captured during assembly. Related methods are also provided. | 09-17-2015 |
20150245996 | REMELTED INGESTIBLE PRODUCTS - A method of preparing an orally ingestible hard boiled product, comprising: i) heating a sugar material to a first temperature sufficient to liquefy the sugar material; ii) cooling the liquefied sugar material to provide a cooled sugar material having a solid or semi-solid form; iii) heating the cooled sugar material to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; iv) combining the sugar material with one or more temperature sensitive ingredients before, during, or after said heating step iii), but after said cooling step ii), such that an intimate mixture of the second liquefied sugar material and the one or more temperature sensitive ingredients is provided; and v) cooling the intimate mixture to form an orally ingestible product. Orally ingestible hard boiled products prepared according to this method are also provided. | 09-03-2015 |
20150245659 | ATOMIZER FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE AND RELATED INPUT, AEROSOL PRODUCTION ASSEMBLY, CARTRIDGE, AND METHOD - The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define contact portions configured to engage heater terminals and a heating portion configured to produce heat. The heating portion may include a variable coil spacing. In other atomizers, the wire may extend at least partially through the liquid transport element proximate the contact portions. Related inputs, cartridges, aerosol production assemblies, and methods of forming atomizers are also provided. | 09-03-2015 |
20150245658 | CONTROL BODY FOR AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure provides a control body adapted for use in an electronic smoking article. The control body includes a shell and a coupler that is adapted to connect the control body to a cartridge of an electronic smoking article. The coupler further is adapted to communicate a pressure reduction within the coupler to a pressure reduction space in the shell. Also positioned within the shell is an electronic circuit board having a pressure sensor attached thereto. The electronic circuit board can be positioned to be parallel to a central axis of the shell. A first end of the pressure sensor can be isolated within the pressure reduction space, and a second end of the pressure sensor can be in communication with a normal pressure space within the shell. One or more light emitting diodes can be attached to the electronic circuit board. At least a portion of the coupler can be light transmissive so that light from the LED is visible through the coupler. | 09-03-2015 |
20150230515 | TOBACCO-CONTAINING GEL COMPOSITION - A smokeless tobacco gel product is providing, including a tobacco material in an amount of at least about 0.01 weight percent, based on the total weight of the smokeless tobacco gel product; at least about 50 percent by weight of one or more sugar alcohols; a humectant in an amount of at least about 0.1 weight percent; and water in an amount of at least about 10 weight percent. The tobacco material (e.g., particulate tobacco or a tobacco extract such as tobacco-derived nicotine) can be present in an amount of about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent. The humectant amount can be varied to vary the properties of the gel product, with more paste-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of at least about 7 weight percent, and more syrup-like consistency achieved with a humectant amount of less than about 6 weight percent. | 08-20-2015 |
20150224268 | Charging Accessory Device for an Aerosol Delivery Device and Related System, Method, Apparatus, and Computer Program Product for Providing Interactive Services for Aerosol Delivery Devices - The present disclosure relates to charging accessory device for the aerosol delivery device and related systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing interactive services for aerosol delivery devices. For example, a method may include a computing device establishing communication with a charging accessory device for an aerosol delivery device; receiving usage data for the aerosol delivery device provided by the charging accessory device; generating social data based on the usage data; and sending the social data to a social networking service including a community of aerosol delivery device users. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223522 | Method for Assembling a Cartridge for a Smoking Article - The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion. | 08-13-2015 |
20150216236 | Aerosol Delivery Device Comprising Multiple Outer Bodies and Related Assembly Method - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device may include a first outer body, a second outer body, and a coupler received therebetween. A securing mechanism may couple the outer bodies together to retain the aerosol delivery device in an assembled configuration. For example, the coupler may be welded to the first outer body and the second outer body. Related assembly methods are also provided. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216233 | Aerosol Delivery Device With an Illuminated Outer Surface and Related Method - The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices that may include components configured to convert electrical energy to heat and atomize an aerosol precursor composition. An outer body may at least partially enclose the components. An illumination source may be configured to output electromagnetic radiation. For example, a light emitting diode may output light. A waveguide may be configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the illumination source and provide illumination at an outer surface of the outer body. The waveguide may include an energy conversion material configured to alter a wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation outputted by the illumination source to change a color of, or otherwise affect, the illumination. The illumination may also be dynamically adjusted. The waveguide may define the outer body, or the waveguide may be received with a separate outer body. Related methods are also provided. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216232 | Aerosol Delivery Device Comprising Multiple Outer Bodies and Related Assembly Method - The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device may include a first outer body, a second outer body, and a coupler received therebetween. A securing mechanism may couple the outer bodies together to retain the aerosol delivery device in an assembled configuration. Related assembly methods are also provided. | 08-06-2015 |
20150208721 | EQUIPMENT FOR INSERTION OF OBJECTS INTO SMOKING ARTICLES - An apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material. The object insertion unit comprises a rotatable insertion wheel having a peripheral face, the peripheral face defining a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual objects therein; and a vacuum system disposed in operable communication with the insertion wheel and configured to apply a vacuum to at least a portion of the pockets to maintain the individual objects within the pockets during rotation of the insertion wheel. The upper hopper has an upper region that is adapted to contain and permit passage of objects and has a relatively high cross-sectional area relative to a lower region of the upper hopper. The lower hopper is adapted to contain objects so that those objects are arranged in a vertical plane. | 07-30-2015 |
20150202789 | Sheet Material Cutting Apparatus, and Associated Method - A cutting apparatus and an associated method for slitting a tobacco sheet material into cut pieces used to form smoking articles are provided. The cutting apparatus includes a rotatable cutter assembly having a drum member configured to rotate about an axis defined thereby. The cutter assembly includes a plurality of knife members disposed about the periphery of the drum member and extending radially therefrom. A fixed counter-knife assembly is disposed adjacent to the periphery of the drum member and is configured to interact with the rotatable cutter assembly during rotation thereof about the axis. The counter-knife assembly includes a ledger member having a plurality of cutting insert members removably engaged therewith. The cutting insert members are configured to interact with the knife members during rotation of the cutter assembly with respect to the counter-knife assembly so as to slit the tobacco sheet material received therebetween into cut pieces. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201674 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE WITH IMPROVED STORAGE OF AEROSOL PRECURSOR COMPOSITIONS - The present disclosure relates to electronic smoking articles exhibiting improved moisture control of a reservoir contained therein. The reservoir can be formed of fibrous materials, such as cellulose acetate fiber, thermoplastic fiber, non-thermoplastic fiber, or a combination thereof. The disclosure further provides methods for forming electronic smoking articles and methods of packaging electronic smoking articles (including cartridges thereof) so as to improve moisture control of the reservoir. | 07-23-2015 |
20150201670 | Smoking Article - A smoking article, such as a cigarette, comprises a lighting end and a mouth end. The smoking article possesses an aerosol-generation system that includes (i) a heat generation segment, and (ii) an aerosol-generating region or segment. A mouth end piece segment can be located at the mouth end of the smoking article. A segment of tobacco cut filler, gathered tobacco paper, or other type of flavor source material, can be positioned between the mouth end piece segment and the aerosol-generation segment. Optionally, segment composed of tobacco cut filler can be positioned so as to provide a lighting end segment. The smoking article possesses an overwrap (e.g., a single paper overwrap) that extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the mouth end piece segment, the aerosol generation segment, at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment, any segment located between the mouth end piece and aerosol generation segments, and at least a portion of the length of the optional lighting end segment. Alternatively, the smoking article possesses an overwrap (e.g., a single paper overwrap) that extends over the longitudinally extending surface of the aerosol-generating segment, at least a portion of the length of the heat generation segment, at least a portion of any segment located downstream from the aerosol-generating segment, and at least a portion of the length of the optional lighting end segment, thereby forming a cigarette rod; and the cigarette rod is connected or attached to a filter element using a tipping type of material and arrangement. | 07-23-2015 |
20150189909 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPOSITION COMPRISING TOBACCO-DERIVED MATERIAL AND NON-TOBACCO PLANT MATERIAL - A smokeless tobacco product is configured for insertion into the mouth of a user and incorporates materials from | 07-09-2015 |
20150144145 | RESERVOIR HOUSING FOR AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure provides an electronic smoking article including components adapted for retaining an aerosol precursor composition. The electronic smoking article can comprise a shell having a reservoir housing therein. The reservoir housing can be adapted for enclosing an aerosol precursor composition and can comprise one or more apertures through which a liquid transport element may extend out of and into an interior space within the reservoir housing. The electronic smoking article further can comprise a heating element in heating communication with the liquid transport element. The disclosure also provides a method for forming a reservoir for an electronic smoking article. | 05-28-2015 |
20150136618 | Container for Smokeless Tobacco Product - A container that may be employed to store a tobacco-containing material is provided. The container may include a lower body portion and an upper lid. The lower body portion may include an intermediate bottom wall that may separate the lower body portion into upper and lower internal storage compartments. An environment modification material may be received in the lower internal storage compartment. The tobacco-containing material may be received in the upper internal storage compartment. The environment modification material may control humidity in the container to preserve the freshness of the tobacco-containing material and/or perform other functions. Vent channels cooperatively formed by the lower body portion and the upper cover may further contribute to humidity control. | 05-21-2015 |
20150128968 | MOUTHPIECE FOR SMOKING ARTICLE - A rigid tubular mouthpiece for a smoking article may include a cushioning wrapping material thereabout. The wrapping material may be configured to form several layers, encompassed by a polymeric label, which may include indicia. The wrapping material will provide a lower durometer, as applied, than the unwrapped mouthpiece, which may be incorporated as part of a smoking article. | 05-14-2015 |
20150117841 | Aerosol Delivery Device Including a Pressure-Based Aerosol Delivery Mechanism - The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices include mechanisms configured to deliver an aerosol precursor composition from a reservoir to an atomizer including a heating element to produce a vapor. A pressure controller may control dispensing of the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir based on a pressure differential between a first pressure within the reservoir and a second pressure proximate the atomizer. The first pressure within the reservoir may be substantially equal to atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the first pressure within the reservoir may be greater than atmospheric pressure. | 04-30-2015 |
20150114409 | Aerosol Delivery Device Including a Bubble Jet Head and Related Method - The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices include mechanisms configured to deliver an aerosol precursor composition from a reservoir to an atomizer including a vaporization heating element to produce a vapor. For example, a bubble jet head may be configured to dispense the aerosol precursor composition to the atomizer. The bubble jet head may be fixedly coupled to the atomizer. The bubble jet head may include a precursor inlet, an ejection heating element, and a precursor nozzle. The atomizer may include a vaporization heating element. | 04-30-2015 |
20150101627 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO PASTILLE - A smokeless tobacco pastille configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco pastille can include (i) a tobacco material present in an amount of less than about 40 dry weight percent, based on the total dry weight of the pastille; (ii) at least one natural gum binder present in an amount of at least about 25 dry weight percent; and (iii) a plurality of sugar alcohols present in a total amount of at least about 40 dry weight percent, the predominant component of the plurality of sugar alcohols being isomalt or erythritol, wherein the shape of the smokeless tobacco pastille is moldable in the oral cavity. | 04-16-2015 |
20150083150 | HEAT GENERATION APPARATUS FOR AN AEROSOL-GENERATION SYSTEM OF A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND ASSOCIATED SMOKING ARTICLE - A smoking article is provided, having opposed lighting and mouth ends, and including a mouth end portion at the mouth end. A tobacco portion is between the lighting end and the mouth end portion. An aerosol-generation system is between the lighting end and the tobacco portion. The aerosol-generation system includes a heat generation portion, comprising an elongate fluted member actuated by ignition of the lighting end. The fluted member defines grooves extending longitudinally between opposed first and second ends, with the first end being at the lighting end and the grooves being equidistantly spaced apart about the fluted member. Each groove has a maximum depth. The depth maxima of the grooves define a circle having a radius. The maximum depth of each groove is no more than the radius of the circle. A heat generation apparatus for an aerosol-generation system of a smoking article is also provided. | 03-26-2015 |
20150068545 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPOSITION INCORPORATING A BOTANICAL MATERIAL - A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the smokeless tobacco product including a dissolvable or meltable base composition admixed with a tobacco material and a botanical material, wherein the botanical material is present in an amount of at least about 0.1% of the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product. The botanical material and the smokeless tobacco product can be characterized based on antioxidant content using the ORAC index or the FRAP index. An exemplary product has an ORAC index value of at least about 20 (μmol TE)/g or a FRAP index value of at least about 50 (μmol/Fe | 03-12-2015 |
20150068544 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPOSITION INCORPORATING A BOTANICAL MATERIAL - A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the smokeless tobacco product including a tobacco material mixed with at least one botanical material, wherein the botanical material comprises at least about 0.1% of the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product. One exemplary product is in the form of a snus product contained within a water-permeable pouch, which includes at least about 50% of a pasteurized and fermented particulate tobacco material, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product, and a botanical material in particulate form. The botanical material and the smokeless tobacco product can be characterized based on antioxidant content using the ORAC index or the FRAP index. An exemplary product has an ORAC index value of at least about 50 (μmol TE)/g or a FRAP index value of at least about 80 (μmol/Fe | 03-12-2015 |
20150068541 | WICK SUITABLE FOR USE IN AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises a wicking element useful for improving delivery of aerosol precursor to a heating element. In particular, the wick can take on a brush-like configuration. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article. | 03-12-2015 |
20150059780 | CARBON CONDUCTIVE SUBSTRATE FOR ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure provides components useful in heating, particularly heating of an aerosol precursor solution so as to vaporize the solution and form an aerosol. The disclosure particularly provides an electrically conductive, porous carbon heater. The heater may be combined with an aerosol precursor transport element that also is formed of carbon. The heater and transport element may form an atomizer that can be useful in an electronic smoking article, such as in a cartridge that is adapted for attachment to a control body. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge of an electronic smoking article, the cartridge being formed substantially completely of carbon. | 03-05-2015 |
20150047655 | EQUIPMENT FOR INSERTION OF OBJECTS INTO SMOKING ARTICLES - An apparatus for providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof, comprises means for providing a continuous supply of rod filter material, a first hopper means for providing a reservoir for objects, and a second hopper means for providing a plurality of individual objects. The second hopper means is positioned to receive objects from the first hopper means. The apparatus also comprises a reciprocating screen means between the first hopper means and the second hopper means, means for positioning individual objects from the second hopper to within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals, means for forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod, and means for subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals. | 02-19-2015 |
20150040930 | Tobacco-Containing Smoking Article - A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette. | 02-12-2015 |
20150040922 | TOBACCO-DERIVED PYROLYSIS OIL - The present disclosure provides tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils and derivatives thereof, such as isolated components and mixtures obtained from such pyrolysis oils. Advantageously, the tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils disclosed herein can exhibit desirable sensory characteristics. Further, tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils disclosed herein can exhibit desirably low concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene. The disclosure also provides methods for obtaining such tobacco-derived pyrolysis oils and derivatives thereof. | 02-12-2015 |
20150027459 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE COMPRISING ONE OR MORE MICROHEATERS - The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises one or more microheaters. In various embodiments, the microheaters provide for improved control of vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition and provide for reduced power requirements to achieve consistent aerosolization. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article. | 01-29-2015 |
20140299136 | MODIFICATION OF BACTERIAL PROFILE OF TOBACCO - A method of modifying the content of certain bacteria in uncured tobacco material is provided, the method including contacting an uncured tobacco material with a treatment solution, wherein the treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a solution comprising salt, sugar, or a combination thereof; (ii) a solution comprising one or more enzymes; and (iii) a solution comprising one or more probiotics, wherein said contacting provides a treated tobacco material having a reduced total bacterial content following harvest. In certain embodiments, the treated tobacco material is subsequently cured, and can optionally be fermented. Smoking articles and smokeless tobacco products including such treated tobacco materials are also provided. | 10-09-2014 |
20140290672 | LABEL APPLYING METHOD AND ASSOCIATED RECEPTACLE - A label applying apparatus and a related method are provided. The label applying apparatus may include a label applicator and a receptacle. The label applicator may include a displaceable piston with an applicator surface configured to receive a label. The receptacle may include walls that define an interior compartment. Further the receptacle may include a pivotable cover member that pivots about a hinge between a closed position that covers an upper opening of the receptacle and an open position in which articles of material may be inserted into the interior compartment. The distal end of an upper portion of the pivotable cover member may engage the articles such that the articles are retained in a position whereby the displaceable piston extends into the interior compartment and applies a label to a label application surface of the most proximate one of the articles to the applicator surface of the displaceable piston. | 10-02-2014 |
20140271952 | PROTEIN-ENRICHED TOBACCO-DERIVED COMPOSITION - The present disclosure describes methods of obtaining and/or deriving proteins from plants of the | 09-18-2014 |
20140271951 | SUGAR-ENRICHED EXTRACT DERIVED FROM TOBACCO - The present disclosure describes methods of obtaining and/or deriving a sugar-enriched extract from plants of the | 09-18-2014 |
20140270730 | ATOMIZER FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE FORMED FROM A CONTINUOUSLY EXTENDING WIRE AND RELATED INPUT, CARTRIDGE, AND METHOD - The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire continuously extending along a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define end portions, contact portions, and a heating portion. The wire may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element such that each of the portions of the wire defines coils. A related input, cartridge, and method of forming atomizers also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270729 | HEATING ELEMENTS FORMED FROM A SHEET OF A MATERIAL AND INPUTS AND METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ATOMIZERS - The present disclosure relates to an input for production of atomizers and atomizers formed from a sheet of a material, and which may be employed in an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The input may include a carrier and heating elements coupled thereto. The heating elements may include first and second ends and interconnected alternating loops disposed therebetween. The heating elements may be oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the carrier, or perpendicular thereto. The heating elements may be coupled to a liquid transport element by bending the interconnected loops at least partially around the liquid transport element. The ends of the heating element may be coupled to heater terminals. A related method for forming atomizers is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263596 | BLANK CONFIGURED TO FORM A PACKAGE AND RELATED PACKAGE AND METHOD - A blank configured to form a package is provided. The blank may include a cover panel, a back panel, a top panel, and an elevating panel. The elevating panel and the back panel may cooperate to form a compartment when formed into a package. The top panel may include apertures that align with aligning apertures in the elevating panel. The cover panel may be pivoted between a closed configuration in which the apertures are covered and an open configuration in which the apertures are uncovered. Accordingly, a user may view the contents of the compartment when the cover panel is in the open configuration. The compartment may be employed to store cartridges for an aerosol delivery device. A related method for forming the blank into the package is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261495 | CARTRIDGE AND CONTROL BODY OF AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE INCLUDING ANTI-ROTATION MECHANISM AND RELATED METHOD - The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices including a cartridge and a control body. The control body may include a coupler and the cartridge may include a base. The base may be configured to releasably engage the cartridge. Further the base and the coupler may include anti-rotation mechanisms configured to prevent rotation of the cartridge relative to the base when engaged with one another. The anti-rotation mechanisms may include alternating protrusions and recesses in some embodiments. Related methods are also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261486 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE HAVING A VAPOR-ENHANCING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A vapor-enhancing apparatus is provided for an electronic vapor smoking article. Such an apparatus includes a filter material and a tubular housing defining a lumen. The lumen has a mouth-engaging end and a longitudinally-opposed component-engaging end, and is configured to receive the filter material therein. The component-engaging end is adapted to operably engage a control body portion associated with the electronic vapor smoking article and to receive a vapor therethrough. A vapor-enhancing element is operably engaged with the filter material and is configured to enhance the vapor drawn through the filter material within the lumen, and through the mouth-engaging end, by application of suction to the mouth-engaging end of the housing. An associated method is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261408 | CARTRIDGE FOR AN AEROSOL DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A CARTRIDGE FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The cartridge may include a base, a reservoir substrate, and an atomizer. The reservoir substrate may define a cavity therethrough. The atomizer may comprise a liquid transport element and a heating element extending at least partially about the liquid transport element. The atomizer may extend through the cavity through the reservoir substrate such that the heating element is positioned proximate an end of the reservoir substrate. Ends of the liquid transport element may extend to an opposing end of the reservoir substrate. A related method for assembling a cartridge for a smoking article is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140253144 | SPENT CARTRIDGE DETECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure relates to articles (and the manufacture thereof) that use electrical energy to heat a material to form an inhalable substance, the articles being sufficiently compact to be considered “hand-held” devices. In certain embodiments, the articles can particularly be characterized as smoking articles. The smoking article can be adapted to detect the status of a cartridge portion of the smoking article. The smoking article includes a control body portion having a control body engagement end, wherein the control body portion houses a control component and a power source therein. The article further includes a cartridge body portion that has a cartridge body engagement end configured to removably engage the control body engagement end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion houses a consumable arrangement and a heating connection operably engaged therewith comprising at least one heating element and a fusible link. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251842 | Dispensing Container and Related Method and Apparatus - A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a tray slidably received in a dispensing container. The tray may be a blister pack including units of a product received in sealed cavities. A locking apparatus may be configured to releasably retain the tray in a locked configuration. The locking apparatus may include one or more locking protrusions that engage corresponding locking apertures in the tray. The locking apparatus may also include buttons positioned on opposing sides of the tray. When the buttons are depressed toward one another, the locking protrusions may move relative to the locking apertures such that the tray is unlocked and may be withdrawn from the dispensing container. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251024 | Chain Link Tester - A chain link tester and method of use is disclosed herein. The chain link tester may contain a tapered lever and may be adapted to operatively connect to a torque metering device. The chain link tester may be used to test chain links. | 09-11-2014 |
20140247339 | Filtered Smoking Article Inspection System, and Associated Method - An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective. | 09-04-2014 |
20140210127 | FILTER ELEMENT COMPRISING MULTIFUNCTIONAL FIBROUS SMOKE-ALTERING MATERIAL - A filter element for use in a smoking article and providing filtration of particulate material and gaseous components of mainstream smoke is provided. The filter element includes a segment of fibrous tow comprising a plurality of individual filaments, wherein each individual filament includes a plurality of adsorbent material particles at least partially encapsulated with a removable encapsulant imbedded therein. The individual filaments may further include an outer coating that provides a plurality of reactive groups adapted for reaction with one or more components of mainstream smoke. Alternatively, the multifunctional filter element combines different fibrous filter materials, such as cellulose acetate or polyolefin filaments combined with activated carbon filaments and at least one of ion exchange filaments and catalytic filaments. A method of providing a cellulose acetate fibrous tow containing an imbedded adsorbent material is provided, wherein a plurality of encapsulated adsorbent particles are mixed with a cellulose acetate dope. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209105 | WICK SUITABLE FOR USE IN AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises a wicking element useful for improving delivery of aerosol precursor to a heating element. In particular, the wick can take on a brush-like configuration. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article. | 07-31-2014 |
20140197054 | CONTAINER FOR SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND RELATED PACKAGED PRODUCT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A container configured to hold one or more units of a product is provided. The container may comprise a lid and a base. The lid may comprise a top wall and one or more lid sidewalls extending to a lower lip. A sealing member may be provided at the top wall in a channel defined therein. The base may comprise a bottom wall and one or more base sidewalls extending to an upper lip. Protrusions may extend from the base sidewalls. The lid may be moveable with respect to the base between a decoupled configuration and a coupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the upper lip of the base may contact the sealing member of the lid to seal shut a storage compartment defined in the base. Further, the lower lip may engage the protrusions to retain the lid in the coupled configuration. A related method is also provided. | 07-17-2014 |
20140131579 | System for Analyzing a Smoking Article Filter Associated with a Smoking Article, and Associated Method - A system and associated method for analyzing a smoking article filter is provided. An emitter emits an initial signal toward a smoking article filter. The initial signal may have a frequency between about 0.1 teraHertz and about 10 teraHertz. A sensor may detect a resultant signal resulting from interaction of the initial signal with the smoking article filter. An analysis unit may receive the resultant signal from the sensor, determine a filter status based on the resultant signal, and output an indicium indicative of the filter status. The filter status may include a capsule presence within the smoking article filter, a capsule absence from the smoking article filter, a proper insertion of a capsule into the smoking article filter, a defective insertion of a capsule into the smoking article filter, a proper capsule within the smoking article filter, and a defective capsule within the smoking article filter. | 05-15-2014 |
20140123992 | SEGMENTED SMOKING ARTICLE WITH SHAPED INSULATOR - A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source configured to be activated by combustion of a smokable material and an insulation layer of a non-glass material that is woven, knit, or both, shaped to retain (e.g., by interlocking engagement with) the heat source, and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment with aerosol-forming material disposed between, but physically separate from, each of the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the cigarette rod using tipping material. | 05-08-2014 |
20140100099 | EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR INSERTION OF MATERIAL INTO CIGARETTE FILTERS - Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096783 | FILTER MATERIAL FOR A FILTER ELEMENT OF A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and associated system are provided for forming a biodegradable filter material for a filter element of a smoking article, wherein the method involves combining cellulose acetate fibers with regenerated cellulose fibers, drawing the combined cellulose acetate fibers and regenerated cellulose fibers to form drawn combined fibers, and crimping the drawn combined fibers to form a mixed fiber tow. An associated filter material for the filter element of a smoking article is also provided. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096782 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - Electronic smoking articles, and methods are provided. An exemplary article comprises a control body portion having a first control component therein. A cartridge body portion is removably engaged with the control body portion. The cartridge body portion includes a consumable arrangement having an aerosol precursor composition, a heating element, and a second control component. The consumable arrangement is configured to communicate with the first control component upon engagement between the cartridge body and control body portions. The first control component is configured to send a challenge to the second control component, and to receive a response to the challenge therefrom. The first control component is further configured to authorize the consumable arrangement for use with the control body portion, if the response corresponds to the challenge. | 04-10-2014 |
20140096780 | TOBACCO-DERIVED COMPOSITION - Isolated O-methylated flavonoid compounds and mixtures of o-methylated flavonoid compounds derived from a plant of the | 04-10-2014 |
20140083438 | FIBROUS COMPOSITE TOBACCO-CONTAINING MATERIALS - Smokeless tobacco products suitable for oral consumption are provided. The smokeless tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one fibrous structure enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of the tobacco composition such that the fibrous structure and the tobacco composition form a cohesive structure capable of maintaining cohesion when placed in an oral cavity, wherein the fibrous structure includes one or more of (i) a warp knitted structure; (ii) a plurality of reinforcing fibers attached to the tobacco composition; (iii) a braided sleeve; and (iv) a spacer fabric. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product adapted for oral consumption is also provided, the process including the step of enclosing at least a portion of the outer surface of a tobacco composition with a fibrous structure to form a composite structure. | 03-27-2014 |
20140060555 | SINGLE-USE CONNECTOR AND CARTRIDGE FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE AND RELATED METHOD - The present disclosure relates to connectors that may be employed in cartridges for smoking articles. The connectors may include a single-use mechanism that may include a blocking pin, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may hold the blocking pin in a partially retracted position in which the blocking pin is at least partially retracted from an aperture extending through threads defined by the connector. The release mechanism may include a latch that is displaced from contact with the blocking pin by a release pin upon engagement of the connector with a mating connector. The biasing mechanism may force the blocking pin against an end of the mating connector such that when the mating connector is unscrewed from the connector, the blocking pin extends through the aperture and blocks at least one recess defined between the threads such that the connector may not be reused. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060554 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE COMPRISING ONE OR MORE MICROHEATERS - The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises one or more microheaters. In various embodiments, the microheaters provide for improved control of vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition and provide for reduced power requirements to achieve consistent aerosolization. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article. | 03-06-2014 |
20140045665 | Apparatus for Inserting Objects Into a Filter Component of a Smoking Article - An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects. | 02-13-2014 |
20140026909 | MIXED FIBER SLIVER FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTE FILTER ELEMENTS - Smoking articles including filter elements formed from two or more fibrous inputs with different physical properties are provided. The two or more fibrous inputs are provided in the form of staple fibers, which are at least partially entangled with each other to form a mixed fiber sliver. The mixed fiber sliver includes a first plurality of cellulose acetate staple fibers blended with a second plurality of staple fibers comprising a polymeric material different from the first plurality of staple fibers, such as staple fibers of a degradable polymeric material. The entangled fibers of the mixed fiber sliver may be sufficiently separated from one another such that blooming operations typically required in filter element production may not be necessary prior to incorporating the mixed fiber sliver into a filter element. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure. | 01-30-2014 |
20140020694 | METHOD FOR TREATING TOBACCO PLANTS WITH ENZYMES - A method of modifying the content of certain chemical compounds in tobacco materials is provided, the method including treatment of a tobacco plant or portion thereof with at least one enzyme. For example, the method may modify the content of tobacco smoke toxicant precursors in tobacco materials, which can result in a modification in toxicant production when the tobacco material is exposed to elevated temperatures. The type of tobacco plant or portion thereof treated according to the invention can be, for example, a tobacco seed, a tobacco seedling, an immature live plant, a mature live plant, a harvested plant, or a plant derivative. Smoking articles and other tobacco products including such enzyme-treated tobacco materials are also provided. | 01-23-2014 |
20140020340 | Five-Sided Cigarette Carton Packaging - Methods and machines are provided for forming a five-sided carton of packages of smoking articles. A piece of film material is applied to a plurality of packages of smoking articles such that five sides of the plurality of packages are at least partially covered by the film material, but the sixth side remains uncovered. The film material is applied such that the group of packages is sufficiently tightly bound so that none of the packages may slip free from the carton. The sixth side of the plurality of packages in the carton remains exposed so that tax stamps may be easily applied. The film of material may be applied so that a gap is formed relative to the sixth side. | 01-23-2014 |
20140000638 | RESERVOIR AND HEATER SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLABLE DELIVERY OF MULTIPLE AEROSOLIZABLE MATERIALS IN AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE | 01-02-2014 |
20130340773 | COMPOSITE TOBACCO-CONTAINING MATERIALS - Tobacco products suitable for oral ingestion are provided. The tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one edible film. The edible film can include one or more of (i) a fruit or vegetable puree and (ii) a denatured protein. A multi-layer tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco composition in the form of a compressed sheet layer and at least one edible film adjacent to the tobacco composition layer, wherein the edible film includes a puree of at least one fruit, vegetable, or a combination thereof. A process for preparing a tobacco product is also provided, such as a process that includes receiving a tobacco composition and an edible film; applying the edible film to the tobacco composition; and compressing the edible film and tobacco composition together to form a multi-layer tobacco product. | 12-26-2013 |
20130312774 | TRANSLUCENT SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT - A smokeless tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco material in the form of a tobacco extract, a particulate tobacco material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is substantially translucent. Methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product are also provided. The smokeless tobacco product can include isomalt, maltitol syrup, particulate tobacco, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration. | 11-28-2013 |
20130306083 | FLUE-CURING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A flue-curing apparatus and a related method are provided. The flue-curing apparatus includes a circulation chamber and a curing chamber that are separated by a divider wall. An air circulation system includes a blower positioned in the circulation chamber that directs air to a heater device and a lower passage into the curing chamber. The air may be received from one or both of an inlet and an upper passage extending from the curing chamber to the circulation chamber. A humidity control system humidifies the air directed into the curing chamber. A controller may receive signals from wet and dry bulb thermometers to determine the conditions in the curing chamber and the condition of tobacco leaves being cured therein. The controller may adjust various operational parameters to cause the tobacco leaves in the curing chamber to cure at a desired rate. | 11-21-2013 |
20130292279 | TRANSPARENT MOISTURE BARRIER COATINGS FOR CONTAINERS - Containers for smokeless tobacco products and other consumer and food products are provided. The containers include a layer of fibrous material, wherein the layer of fibrous material includes a moisture barrier layer imbedded within the layer of fibrous material or carried on an outer surface of the layer of fibrous material as a coating, the moisture barrier layer incorporating at least one of: (i) a triazine-containing compound; (ii) a nano-cellulose material; (iii) a nanoclay material; (iv) a polymer composition comprising one or more of a salt of one or more of myristic, palmitic and stearic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and a C | 11-07-2013 |
20130274296 | REMELTED INGESTIBLE PRODUCTS - A method of preparing an orally ingestible hard boiled product, comprising: i) heating a sugar material to a first temperature sufficient to liquefy the sugar material; ii) cooling the liquefied sugar material to provide a cooled sugar material having a solid or semi-solid form; iii) heating the cooled sugar material to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; iv) combining the sugar material with one or more temperature sensitive ingredients before, during, or after said heating step iii), but after said cooling step ii), such that an intimate mixture of the second liquefied sugar material and the one or more temperature sensitive ingredients is provided; and v) cooling the intimate mixture to form an orally ingestible product. Orally ingestible hard boiled products prepared according to this method are also provided. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269719 | METHOD FOR TREATING PLANTS WITH PROBIOTICS - A method of modifying the content of certain chemical compounds in tobacco materials is provided, the method including treatment of a tobacco plant component with at least one probiotic. For example, the method may modify the asparagine content in tobacco materials, which can result in a modification in acrylamide production when the tobacco material is exposed to elevated temperatures. The type of tobacco plant component treated according to the invention can be a tobacco seed, a tobacco seedling, an immature live plant, a mature live plant, a harvested plant, or a portion thereof. Examples of probiotics include probiotic species of the genera | 10-17-2013 |
20130255702 | SMOKING ARTICLE INCORPORATING A CONDUCTIVE SUBSTRATE - The present invention provides a conductive substrate useful for Joule heating, such as in an electronic smoking article. Particularly, the invention provides a resistive heating element formed of a conductive substrate. The conductive substrate comprises an electrically conductive material and a carbonaceous additive, such as a binder material. The conductive substrate is carbonized in that it is subjected to calcining conditions to effectively reduce the carbonaceous additive to its carbon skeleton. It has been found that such carbonized substrate has surprisingly improved resistance properties in relation a substrate of the same formulation that is not carbonized. The carbonized substrate can include an aerosol precursor material. The formed resistive heating element can be included in an electronic smoking article to simultaneously provide resistive heating and aerosol formation with a single, unitary component. | 10-03-2013 |
20130240326 | Feeder System for Rod Components of Tobacco Products, and Associated Method - A feeder system and associated method are provided for feeding rod components of a tobacco product, particularly a rod-shaped, cylindrical, or stick-type tobacco product, wherein such a tobacco product may be intended to be used in a smokeless manner. A hopper is configured to receive a plurality of rod components therein. A separator device is operably engaged with the hopper and is configured to receive one of the plurality of rod components at a time therefrom. An orienting device is operably engaged with the separator device. The orienting device is configured to receive the one of the plurality of rod components in a first orientation and to direct the one of the plurality of rod components into a second orientation, different from the first orientation, and toward a subsequent process. | 09-19-2013 |
20130206153 | WHITENED TOBACCO COMPOSITION - A method of preparing a whitened tobacco material is provided, the method including the steps of (i) extracting a tobacco material with an aqueous solution to give a tobacco pulp and a tobacco extract; (ii) treating the tobacco pulp with at least one of a caustic reagent and an oxidizing agent for a time and at a temperature sufficient to lighten the color of the tobacco pulp to give a whitened tobacco pulp; (iii) clarifying the tobacco extract to remove higher molecular weight components; and (iv) combining the whitened tobacco pulp with a clarified tobacco extract to form a whitened tobacco material. The whitened tobacco material can be isolated and incorporated into a smokeless tobacco product. The invention also provides a smokeless tobacco product incorporating a whitened tobacco material. The smokeless tobacco product may be a snus-type formulation contained within a sealed pouch. | 08-15-2013 |
20130206150 | MULTI-LAYER SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPOSITION - The invention provides a multi-layered smokeless tobacco product comprising two or more formulations with varying properties. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco products provide combinations of different organoleptic properties within the same product. In certain embodiment, these combinations allow for a modified release profile of active ingredients as the user enjoys the smokeless tobacco product. The invention further provides methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product. | 08-15-2013 |
20130146610 | DISPENSING CONTAINER - A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover plate defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position. | 06-13-2013 |
20130125904 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT COMPRISING PECTIN COMPONENT - A smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition includes a tobacco material and pectin as a binder component. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is also provided. The method involves extracting pectin from a first tobacco material and incorporating it into a formulation comprising a second tobacco material to form a smokeless tobacco product comprising tobacco-derived pectin. | 05-23-2013 |
20130118512 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS WITH STARCH COMPONENT - A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco product includes a tobacco material and a specific starch material that imparts specific textural properties to the product. A process for preparing a smokeless tobacco product with a desired textural property is also provided. | 05-16-2013 |
20130096711 | Cigarette Package Coding System and Associated Method - A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided. | 04-18-2013 |
20130090757 | VERIFICATION SYSTEMS FOR FILTER ELEMENTS OF SMOKING ARTICLES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - In a supplying system using containers for supplying groups of filter elements to smoking article assembling equipment, each container has a unique source of information that travels with the container. An unloader receives and unloads the containers. An automated data reader is proximate the unloader for reading the source of information for each container before it is unloaded. A computerized controller uses the information read by the automated data reader to obtain information from a database. The information from the database is compared to information from another source to verify that the proper filter elements are being supplied. The computerized controller allows, or instructs, the unloader to unload correctly supplied filter elements, and stops the unloader from unloading incorrectly supplied filter elements. | 04-11-2013 |
20130074856 | TRANSLUCENT SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT - A smokeless tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco material in the form of a tobacco extract, a particulate tobacco material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is substantially translucent. Methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product are also provided. The smokeless tobacco product can include isomalt, maltitol syrup, particulate tobacco, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration. | 03-28-2013 |
20130074855 | TRANSLUCENT SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT - The invention provides a smokeless tobacco product comprising a tobacco extract. In some embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product is translucent. The invention further provides methods for making and using the smokeless tobacco product. In certain embodiments, the smokeless tobacco product comprises isomalt, maltitol syrup, and a translucent tobacco extract prepared by ultrafiltration. | 03-28-2013 |
20130074853 | MIXED FIBER PRODUCT FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTE FILTER ELEMENTS AND RELATED METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUSES - A system configured to produce smokable products including filter elements formed from multiple fibers is provided. The system includes a texturing apparatus configured to combine the fibers such that the fibers are at least partially entangled with each other and form a mixed fiber product. The entangled fibers may be sufficiently separated from one another such that plasticizer may be applied to the mixed fiber product without necessarily performing tow opening, crimp removal, or blooming operations. The fibers combined to form the mixed fiber product may define characteristics that differ or which are the same. Accordingly, filter elements may be produced that include different fibers that have respective desirable properties associated therewith. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure. | 03-28-2013 |
20120302416 | METHOD OF FORMING A ROD FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTE FILTERS - An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298120 | APPARATUS FOR INSERTING OBJECTS INTO A FILTER COMPONENT OF A SMOKING ARTICLE - An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects. | 11-29-2012 |
20120088643 | EQUIPMENT FOR INSERTION OF OBJECTS INTO SMOKING ARTICLES - An apparatus is disclosed for providing rods formed from a continuous supply of filter material for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof. The apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and a reciprocating screen disposed between the first hopper and the second hopper. The reciprocating screen defines a plurality of passageways therein, and the reciprocating screen is configured to facilitate transfer of the objects from the first hopper to the second hopper. The apparatus also comprises an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material. | 04-12-2012 |
20110048435 | Feeder System For Rod Components Of Tobacco Products, And Associated Method - A feeder system and associated method are provided for feeding rod components of a tobacco product, particularly a rod-shaped, cylindrical, or stick-type tobacco product, wherein such a tobacco product may be intended to be used in a smokeless manner. A hopper is configured to receive a plurality of rod components therein. A separator device is operably engaged with the hopper and is configured to receive one of the plurality of rod components at a time therefrom. An orienting device is operably engaged with the separator device. The orienting device is configured to receive the one of the plurality of rod components in a first orientation and to direct the one of the plurality of rod components into a second orientation, different from the first orientation, and toward a subsequent process. | 03-03-2011 |
20100239726 | METHOD TO SELECTIVELY REMOVE SAFROLE FROM NUTMEG OIL - Methods for removing safrole from a sample, molecular imprinted copolymers that bind safrole, and methods of making the same are provided. | 09-23-2010 |
20080245377 | CIGARETTE COMPRISING DARK-CURED TOBACCO - A cigarette is provided that includes a rod of smokable material circumscribed by an outer wrapping material and a filter element, which may include an adsorbent material such as activated carbon, attached to one end of the rod of smokable material. The smokable material includes at least about 5 percent by weight of a dark air-cured tobacco, based on the dry weight of the smokable material, blended with additional tobacco materials such as flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Oriental tobacco, Maryland tobacco, and mixtures thereof. | 10-09-2008 |