Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080302373 | Apparatus for Inserting Objects into a Filter Component of a Smoking Article, and Associated Method - An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. 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 method are also provided. | 12-11-2008 |
20100018540 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES - A smokeless tobacco product is provided. A tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of that product comprises a tobacco formulation including a granular tobacco composition enclosed within a water-permeable pouch that has been treated with a substance selected from the group consisting of: an analgesic, a buffer, a coloring, an effervescent, or an organic acid. | 01-28-2010 |
20100108081 | FILTERED CIGARETTE WITH FLAVORED TIPPING MATERIAL - A filtered cigarette includes a smokable rod and a filter element. The smokable rod is secured to the filter element using tipping material. The tipping material includes at least one flavorant providing a sensory characteristic. The cigarette may include more than one layer of tipping material. An outer layer of tipping material can overlie at least a portion of an underlying inner layer of tipping material, and during use by the smoker, the outer layer can be removed from the cigarette. Thus, it is possible for a cigarette manufacturer to provide a cigarette that can be used as such by the smoker, or that can be adapted by the smoker to provide a different sensory experience (e.g., the visual, organoleptic, trigeminal, aromatic, and tactile characteristics of the cigarette can be altered by removal of the outer tipping material, and or by provision of a tipping material layer that is treated with a flavorant and/or provides a desirable diffusivity). The use of the outer layer of tipping material can be used to improve the physical integrity of the cigarette. | 05-06-2010 |
20110061666 | Smokeless Tobacco Composition - A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form). | 03-17-2011 |
20110230320 | 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. | 09-22-2011 |
20140190497 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO COMPOSITION - A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form). | 07-10-2014 |
20150226432 | IGNITER APPARATUS FOR A SMOKING ARTICLE, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is also provided. | 08-13-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130022876 | SURFACE MODIFIED POLYMERIC MATERIALS, MODIFIED FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMERS, FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS, AND METHODS - The present invention relates to new, improved or modified polymer materials, membranes, substrates, and the like and to new, improved or modified methods for permanently modifying the physical and/or chemical nature of surfaces of the polymer materials, membranes, or substrates for a variety of end uses or applications. For example, one improved method uses a carbene and/or nitrene modifier to chemically modify a functionalized polymer to form a chemical species which can chemically react with the surface of a polymer substrate and alter its chemical reactivity. Furthermore, this invention can be used to produce chemically modified membranes, fibers, hollow fibers, textiles, and the like. | 01-24-2013 |
20130310500 | PROCESS ENHANCEMENT VIA STIMULI RESPONSIVE PARTICLE SURFACES - Methods for enhancing the processing of a polymer composite are provided herein. in some embodiments, a method for enhancing the processing of a polymer composite may include masking a at least one functional group on a surface of a particle by using a at least one protective group; mixing the particles into a polymer to form a composite; processing the composite; and applying a at least one stimulus to the composite during the processing of the composite or after processing of the composite is complete in order to remove the at least one protective group from the functional group. | 11-21-2013 |
20140127492 | COPOLYMER MEMBRANES, FIBERS, PRODUCTS AND METHODS - In accordance with at least selected embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified porous membranes, fibers, porous fibers, products made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and/or related methods of production, use, and/or the like. In accordance with at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to novel, improved, or modified microporous membranes or films, fibers, microporous fibers, materials or layers made from such membranes, fibers or porous fibers, and the like for use in textile materials, garments, products, and/or textile related applications. Microporous membranes, fibers, and/or microporous fibers are made of one or more copolymers, such as block or impact copolymers, or of at least one polyolefin combined with at least one copolymer as a means of improving the hand, drape, and/or surface coefficient of friction performance properties for use in textile garments, textile materials or textile related applications. | 05-08-2014 |
20140206251 | SURFACE MODIFYING AGENTS, MODIFIED MATERIALS AND METHODS - The present invention relates to surface modifying agents for polymeric and/or textile materials, methods of making and/or using a surface modifying agent to modify and functionalize polymeric and/or textile materials, and/or methods of using surface modified or functionalized polymeric and textile materials, and/or products using or incorporating surface modified or functionalized polymeric and textile materials. For example, the surface modifying agent in precursor form can be styrene sulfonyl azide monomer, polymer or copolymer capable of undergoing a chemical reaction in the presence of heat or light to form one or more styrene sulfonated nitrene monomers, polymers or copolymers, which are capable of chemically reacting with the surface of a polymeric or textile material to endow a specific or desired chemical surface functionality to the surface of a polymeric or textile material. Furthermore, the present invention is possibly preferably directed to a surface modifying agent which comprises a styrene sulfonated nitrene monomer, polymer or polymer containing one or more nitrene functional groups, which are capable of chemically reacting via an insertion reaction into one or more carbon-hydrogen bonds on the surface of a polymeric or textile material in order to chemically attach a specific or desired chemical functionality to the surface of a polymeric or textile material. | 07-24-2014 |
20150107042 | POROUS MEMBRANE WIPES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - A microporous membrane wipe and a method of using such microporous membrane wipe are disclosed. The microporous membrane wipe may be uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane. The uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane may be made from one or more block and/or impact copolymers of polyethylene and/or polypropylene. A method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for skin oil blotting is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for cleaning a surface for the removal of fingerprints, smudges and the like, where such surfaces may include, for example, eyeglasses, electronics, cell phones, displays, optical devices, camera lenses, microscope lenses and other precision optics, and/or the like. | 04-23-2015 |
20150266064 | EMBOSSED MICROPOROUS MEMBRANE WIPES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF - An embossed porous membrane wipe and/or a method of making and/or using such embossed microporous membrane wipe. The preferred embossed microporous membrane wipe includes a microporous membrane embossed alone or with a polypropylene nonwoven. The nonwoven may be a spunbond, meltblown, and/or electrospun nonwoven. The microporous membrane may include a biaxially oriented microporous membrane. The biaxially oriented microporous membrane may be made from one or more block copolymers of polyethylene and/or polypropylene. A method of using such an embossed microporous membrane, composite or laminate wipe for skin oil blotting is also provided. | 09-24-2015 |
20150267016 | SEAM TAPE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF - Provided herein are seam tapes and related methods. The seam tapes can be compatible with polyolefin-based waterproof/breathable (w/b) membranes, including polypropylene (PP) w/b membranes and/or polyethylene (PE) w/b membranes. Also provided are seams sealed by means of these seam tapes, as well as materials, fabrics, and garments including one or more of these sealed seams. | 09-24-2015 |
20150270520 | EMBOSSED MICROPOROUS MEMBRANE BATTERY SEPARATOR MATERIALS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE THEREOF - Disclosed are embossed microporous membranes, as well as articles (e.g., battery separators, materials, textiles, composites, and laminates) comprising the embossed microporous membranes. Also provided are methods of making and/or using embossed microporous membranes. | 09-24-2015 |
20150291754 | ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE, TRANSPARENT, TRANSLUCENT, AND/OR REFLECTIVE MATERIALS - In one aspect, microporous membranes are described herein demonstrating composite architectures and properties suitable for electronic and/or optical applications. In some embodiments, a composite membrane described herein includes a microporous polymeric matrix or substrate having an interconnected pore structure and an index of refraction and an electrically conductive coating deposited over one or more surfaces of the microporous polymeric matrix. In other embodiments, the pores are filled and the membranes are substantially transparent. | 10-15-2015 |
20150329692 | FUNCTIONALIZED POROUS MEMBRANES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND USE - A functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane, material, textile, composite, laminate, or the like, and/or a method of making or using such functionalized membranes. The functionalized porous membrane may be a functionalized microporous, mesoporous, or nanoporous membrane that has a functional molecule attached, such as a functional polymer, to the surface and/or internal fibrillar structure of the membrane. | 11-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090257348 | REDUNDANT ETHERNET AUTOMATIC PROTECTION SWITCHING ACCESS TO VIRTUAL PRIVATE LAN SERVICES - Embodiments disclosed herein provide redundant connectivity between an Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) access network and a Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) network. A first VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS controller node. A second VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS partner node. The first and second VPLS nodes are linked by a pseudowire and an EAPS shared-link. Additional EAPS nodes are also provided. The additional EAPS nodes are linked to each other and one of the additional EAPS nodes is designated as a master node. Links are also established between the VPLS nodes and the EAPS nodes such that one or more EAPS rings are formed. Each EAPS ring includes the shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes. The EAPS rings are monitored to detect link failures. When a failure of the pseudowire shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes is detected, all pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are disabled if any of the EAPS nodes has a path to both of the VPLS nodes. Otherwise, the existing pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are maintained. | 10-15-2009 |
20110222539 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR AUTOMATICALLY SELECTING BETWEEN INTERNET PROTOCOL SWITCHING MODES ON A PER-MODULE BASIS IN A PACKET FORWARDING DEVICE - The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically selecting between Internet protocol switching modes on a per-module basis in a packet forwarding device. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a packet forwarding device including at least one input/output (I/O) module. The at least one I/O module includes a longest prefix matching (LPM) table, an Internet protocol forwarding database (IPFDB) and the packet forwarding device includes an IP routing table and an IPFDB. When the I/O module operates in an LPM mode, the IPFDB on the I/O module is populated with entries corresponding to active hosts, the LPM table on the I/O module is populated from the IP routing table with routes learned from IP routing protocols, and layer 3 packets received by the I/O module are routed using the IPFDB and LPM table of the I/O module. An automatic mode-selection module determines a capacity of the LPM table on the I/O module. The automatic mode-selection module also determines a total number of IP routes stored in the IP routing table and determines a relationship between the total number of IP routes and the capacity of the LPM table. In response to determining that the total number of IP routes has a predetermined relationship with the capacity of the LPM table, the automatic mode-selection module also automatically switches the I/O module from the LPM mode to an IPFDB mode, where the IPFDB and the LPM table are populated with entries corresponding to active hosts and layer 3 packets received by the I/O module are routed using the IPFDB and LPM table of the I/O module. | 09-15-2011 |
20110249552 | REDUNDANT ETHERNET AUTOMATIC PROTECTION SWITCHING ACCESS TO VIRTUAL PRIVATE LAN SERVICES - Embodiments disclosed herein provide redundant connectivity between an Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) access network and a Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) network. A first VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS controller node. A second VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS partner node. The first and second VPLS nodes are linked by a pseudowire and an EAPS shared-link. Additional EAPS nodes are also provided. The additional EAPS nodes are linked to each other and one of the additional EAPS nodes is designated as a master node. Links are also established between the VPLS nodes and the EAPS nodes such that one or more EAPS rings are formed. Each EAPS ring includes the shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes. The EAPS rings are monitored to detect link failures. When a failure of the pseudowire shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes is detected, all pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are disabled if any of the EAPS nodes has a path to both of the VPLS nodes. Otherwise, the existing pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are maintained. | 10-13-2011 |
20140347980 | REDUNDANT ETHERNET AUTOMATIC PROTECTION SWITCHING ACCESS TO VIRTUAL PRIVATE LAN SERVICES - Embodiments disclosed herein provide redundant connectivity between an Ethernet Automatic Protection Switching (EAPS) access network and a Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) network. A first VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS controller node. A second VPLS node is provided to function as an EAPS partner node. The first and second VPLS nodes are linked by a pseudowire and an EAPS shared-link. Additional EAPS nodes are also provided. The additional EAPS nodes are linked to each other and one of the additional EAPS nodes is designated as a master node. Links are also established between the VPLS nodes and the EAPS nodes such that one or more EAPS rings are formed. Each EAPS ring includes the shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes. The EAPS rings are monitored to detect link failures. When a failure of the pseudowire shared-link between the first and second VPLS nodes is detected, all pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are disabled if any of the EAPS nodes has a path to both of the VPLS nodes. Otherwise, the existing pseudowire links associated with the first VPLS node are maintained. | 11-27-2014 |