JPH07184627A - Electric smoking device for giving off flavor and manufacture thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain a cigarette sending a flavored tobacco response to a smoker with heat generated by an electric heater by providing a tobacco flavoring material inside of a cylindrical carrier forming a cavity between the tips and heating an outer surface by the electric heater. CONSTITUTION: A tobacco web 57 consists of a cylindrical carrier 59 supporting the tobacco flavored material 61 to wind around a back flow filter 63 and a free flow filter 65. An overlapping paper 69 is wound onto the outside to allow the carrier and the tobacco flavored material to cross a current toward in the cavity at the time of heating by the electric heater. The cigarette 23 is desirably provided with a cylindrical mouth piece filter 71 and a free flow filter 73.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

[Industrial application] This application has common assignees,
It is an application based on a part continuation application of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 943,504 filed on Sep. 11, 1992.

The present invention relates to a smoking device which uses a cigarette together with a lighter, and a method for manufacturing the smoking device.

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electric smoking articles are described in commonly owned US Pat. No. 5,060,671. This document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The patent describes a smoking article with a disposable set of electric heating elements. For example, each heating element is filled with a single charge of tobacco flavor medium containing tobacco or tobacco-derived material. A disposable heater / flavor unit is connected to a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or capacitor, as well as a control circuit that activates a heating element in response to a smoker smoking a smoking article or in response to pressing a manual switch. There is. This circuit is activated for every dose of at least one but not all of the heating elements, and produces a pre-weighed amount of tobacco flavoring material, for example, an aerosol or flavored tobacco response containing tobacco flavor. It is designed so that a predetermined number of contained puffs is delivered to the smoker. The circuit also preferably prevents a particular heater from operating more than once to prevent overheating the tobacco flavor medium on that heater.

In such articles, the heater is discarded with the residue after use of the tobacco material. Also, the electrical connection between the heater and the battery must be able to withstand repeated removal and reconnection when replacing the flavor unit.

Commonly Applicant's Common Applicants 199
1993, a continuation application of US patent application Ser.
U.S. Patent Application No. 08/012799 filed February 2, 2014
No. 5,968,961 discloses an electric smoking article comprising a reusable heating element and a disposable portion that produces a tobacco flavor. The disposable portion preferably comprises a flavor segment and a filter segment, connected by a fixture such as tipping paper.
However, reusable heating elements have certain operational difficulties. In particular, the difficulty is that residual aerosol tends to deposit and condense on heating elements and other permanent structural elements of smoking articles.

US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 943,504, filed Sep. 11, 1992, describes a reusable heating element and other electric smoking article with a disposable portion that produces a tobacco flavor. Has been done. This application addresses problems associated with the long term use of heating elements and other permanent structural elements in smoking articles. The application also describes a method of making a disposable part of a smoking article using a conventional mass assembly machine. More specifically, this application describes a disposable tobacco flavoring unit having a "tube in tube" construction, in which the tobacco flavoring agent is placed on a carrier and free flowing. It is formed into a cylindrical shape that surrounds the filter, the backflow filter and the mouthpiece filter, and is arranged in the aerosol barrier tube. A heating element is disposed between the aerosol barrier tube and the tobacco flavor unit to heat the tobacco flavor unit. The aerosol barrier tube prevents condensation of the aerosol produced during heating of the tobacco flavor unit and heater on the permanent portion of the electric smoking article. This application also describes the use of a phosphorus-doped silicon heating element, which is cycled between 200 ° C. and 900 ° C. and repeatedly delivers 5-40 joules of energy without failure. Has performance.

From the above, it is desirable to be able to provide an improved smoking device in which the heating element of the lighter can be reused. It would also be desirable to be able to provide a smoking device with minimal condensation of aerosols on the lighter heating elements and other structural elements.

It is further desirable to provide smoking articles that are easier to manufacture. Further, it would be desirable to provide smoking articles with improved delivery of tobacco flavor to smokers.

[0009]

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel smoking article that offers advantages over conventional smoking devices. Another object of the present invention is to
To improve delivery of tobacco flavor from a smoking device that uses a cigarette with a lighter.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a smoking device in which the heating element of the lighter is reusable and the volume of the disposable portion is minimized. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a smoking device that minimizes aerosol condensation on the lighter heating elements and other structural elements.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a smoking article and a method of manufacturing the same that is easy to produce and cost effective even at the speed of mass production of the state of the art. Yet another object of the invention is to improve the delivery of aerosols and flavors to smokers.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cigarette for use in a smoking device comprising heating means for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker. The cigarette comprises a carrier having longitudinally spaced first and second ends and having first and second sides. The first surface forms a cavity between the first and second ends and the second surface has a region located adjacent the heating means. The tobacco flavoring material is disposed on the first side of the carrier. When heated by the heating means, the tobacco flavoring material produces a flavored tobacco response within the cavity and sends it to the smoker. The carrier and tobacco flavourant are capable of delivering a transverse air flow to the cavity.

In another aspect of the invention, a lighter is provided for use with a removable cigarette in a smoking device that delivers a flavored tobacco response to a smoker. The lighter includes a heater fitting that receives a removable cigarette through a first end. The heater fitting is a means of providing a transverse air flow to at least a portion of the cigarette. A plurality of electric heating elements are located within the heater fixture. Each heating element has a surface disposed adjacent to a surface of a portion of the cigarette and a transverse airflow is provided to the portion of the cigarette. Means are provided for activating one or more of the plurality of electric heating means to produce a predetermined amount of flavored tobacco response in the cigarette. The above transverse air flow is created when a smoker swallows a cigarette inserted in a lighter.

In another aspect of the invention, a smoking device is provided for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker. The device comprises a removable cigarette, a lighter, and means for individually activating a plurality of electrical heating means to produce a quantity of flavored tobacco response within the cigarette cavity.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a heating element for use in a smoking device for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker. The heating element has a first end, a second end, and a plurality of curved regions provided between the first and second ends to increase the electrical resistance of the heating element. The heating element has a first surface and a second surface oriented substantially in one plane and is made of a resistive material having a total length L, a total width W and a thickness T. The effective electrical length of the heating element is greater than the length L, and the effective electrical cross-sectional area of the heating element is less than the product of W and T.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of making an integrated heater assembly for use in a smoking device for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker is provided. In this manufacturing method, one resistance material is cut to form a plurality of heating elements that are connected to each other at least at one end. The sheet is then shaped into a cylinder.

The present invention will be better understood by the following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same elements are given the same reference numbers.

[0018]

EXAMPLE A smoking device 21 of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
The smoking device 21 comprises a cigarette 23 and a reusable lighter 25. Cigarette 23, lighter 25
It is configured to be inserted and removed through an orifice 27 at the front end 29 of the. This smoking device 21 is used in almost the same manner as a conventional cigarette. The cigarette 23 is discarded after one or more suction cycles.
The lighter 25 is preferably discarded after more than a single suction cycle than the cigarette 23.

The lighter 25 has a housing 31 and a front portion 33 and a rear portion 35. A power supply 37 for supplying energy to a heating element that heats the cigarette 23 is preferably arranged in the rear portion 35 of the lighter 25. This rear part 35 is preferably constructed so that it can be easily opened and closed, for example by means of screws or snap-fitting elements, so that the power source 37 can be replaced easily. The front portion 33 preferably houses a heating element and circuitry in electrical communication with a power source 37 located within the rear portion 35. The front part 33 is preferably easily connected to the rear part 35, for example by means of a dovetail or socket fit. The housing 31 is preferably made of a hard and heat resistant material. Preferred materials are metal-based materials, or more preferably polymer-based materials. The housing 31 is preferably configured to fit comfortably in the smoker's hand and, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, has an overall size of 10.7c.
The size is m × 3.8 cm × 1.5 cm.

The power supply 37 is of a size that provides sufficient power to the heating element that heats the cigarette 23. The power supply 37 is preferably replaceable and rechargeable and comprises a device such as a capacitor or more preferably a battery. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power source is a replaceable and rechargeable battery (actually four batteries connected in series).
The total unloaded voltage is 4.8-5.6 volts. However, the characteristics required for the power source 37 are selected in consideration of the characteristics of other elements of the smoking device 21, especially the characteristics of the heating element. US Pat. No. 5,144,496
No. 2 describes several forms of power supplies useful in the smoking device of the present invention, including rechargeable batteries and fast discharge capacitor power supplies charged by the batteries. This document is incorporated herein by reference.

A substantially cylindrical heater fixture that heats the cigarette 23 and preferably holds the cigarette in place with respect to the lighter 25, and a predetermined amount of energy from a power source 37 to the heating element of the heater fixture (see FIG. 1 and not shown in FIG. 2) are preferably arranged in the front 33 of the lighter. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heater fixture 39 comprises eight heating elements 43 arranged in a radial spacing as shown in FIG. Individually energized under control by the power supply 37, the eight peripheral regions of the cigarette 23 are heated to produce eight aspirated flavored tobacco responses. Other numbers of heating elements 43 may be provided, but at least the number of times a normal cigarette is sucked is nominally eight, and eight heating elements are suitable for electrical control by a binary device, so at least eight. A heating element is preferred.

The circuit 41 is preferably activated by a sensor 45, shown in FIG. 2, which is actuated by a puff, which is sensitive to changes in pressure or airflow that occur when a smoker smokes the cigarette 23. is there. A single-dose actuated sensor 45 is preferably located at the front 33 of the lighter 25 and includes a spacer 49 and a bottom 50 of the heater fitting and, if desired, a suction sensor tube (not shown).
Through the flow path 47 extending through the heater fitting 39
Inside it communicates with the space near the cigarette 23. A single-dose actuated sensor 45 suitable for use in the smoking device 21 is described in US Pat. No. 5,060,671, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, IL, USA. Of the 163PC01D35 type silicon sensor manufactured by MicroSwitch Division, Inc., which activates one of the heating elements 43 by the pressure change when the smoker wipes the cigarette 23. A flow sensing device that uses the principle of the hot wire wind velocity measuring method also detects a change in the air flow and detects the heating element 43.
Have been successfully demonstrated to be useful in activating one of the appropriate ones.

A display 51 is preferably provided outside the lighter 25, preferably at the front 33 of the lighter, to indicate the number of puffs remaining in the cigarette 23 inserted in the lighter. The display 51 preferably comprises a 7 segment liquid crystal display. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the indicator 51 displays a number "8" when the light beam emitted by the photosensor 53 is reflected by the front of the newly inserted cigarette 23 as shown in FIG. 2 and detected by the photosensor. indicate. The optical sensor 53 is preferably the spacer 49 and the bottom 50 of the heater mount 39 shown in FIG. 3A, for example.
It is installed in the opening 55 of the. The light sensor 53 provides a signal to the circuit 41, which in turn provides a signal to the indicator 51. The display of the number "8" on the indicator 51 indicates that the preferred eight suctions given to each cigarette 23 are available, i.e. none of the heating elements 43 has been activated to heat the new cigarette. It is shown that. If the cigarette 23 is smoked sufficiently, the display will show the number "0". When the cigarette 23 is taken out from the lighter 25, the optical sensor 53 does not detect the presence or absence of the cigarette 23, so that the display 51 is turned off. Optical sensor 53
Are adjusted so that they will not always emit a beam of light to unnecessarily wear out the power supply 37. A preferred optical sensor 53 for use with the smoking device 21 of the present invention is an OPR Model 5005 Light Sensor manufactured by OPTEK Technology, Inc., West Crosby Road 1215, Carrollton, Texas 75006, USA. .

A mechanical switch (not shown) may be used instead of the optical sensor 53.
Is provided to detect the presence or absence of the cigarette 23, and a reset button (not shown) is provided, for example, when the new cigarette is inserted into the lighter 25, for example the indicator 51.
It is provided to reset the circuit 41 to cause the number "8" to be displayed on the display. Power supplies, circuits, suction actuated sensors and indicators useful for the smoking device 21 of the present invention are described in US Pat. No. 5,060,671 and US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 943,504. Both documents are incorporated herein by reference. The flow path 47 and the opening 55 provided in the spacer 49 and the heater fixture bottom 50 are preferably airtight during smoking.

A preferred cigarette 23 for use in the smoking device 21 of the present invention is shown in detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B, which cigarette is a flavored cigarette that is delivered to a smoker when heated by a heating element 43. It may be of any desired form capable of generating a response. The cigarette 23 comprises a tobacco web 57 formed of a carrier or plenum 59 which carries a tobacco flavoring agent 61, which preferably contains tobacco. The tobacco web 57 is wound and held by a cylindrical backflow filter 63 at one end and a cylindrical first free flow filter 65 at the opposite end. The first free flow filter 65 is preferably an "open tu (open tu
be) "filter, with a longitudinal channel 67 extending through its center, which provides less resistance to puffing or free flow.

If desired, cigarette overlap paper 69 is wrapped around the tobacco web 57. Paper types useful as the overwrap paper 69 include low basis weight papers, but preferred are papers having a tobacco flavor coating or tobacco-based papers that enhance the tobacco flavor of a flavored tobacco response. . Overlap paper 69 may be coated with a concentrated extract of sufficient strength or diluted strength. The overlap paper 69 preferably has a minimum basis weight and a minimum thickness while providing sufficient tensile strength for mechanical processes. The preferred characteristic value of the tobacco-based paper used in the present invention is a basis weight of ^{20 to} 25 g / m ² (relative humidity 60).
%); 0-25 CORESTA minimum permeability [defined as the amount of air (measured in cm ³ ) passing through 1 cm ² of a material, eg a paper sheet, at a pressure drop of 1.0 kPascal per minute] 2000 g / 27 mm width or more tensile strength (pulling speed 1 inch / min); 1.3-1.5 mil thickness;
A CaCO ₃ content of 5% or less; and a citrate content of 0%. The material forming the overwrap paper 69 is 75% or more of tobacco-based sheet (non-cigar,
flue- or flue- / air-cured mix filler and bright stem). Flax fibers may be added in an amount not greater than that required to obtain the appropriate tensile strength. The overlap paper 69 has a basis weight of 15 to
It may be a normal flax fiber paper of 20 g / m ² or this flax fiber paper coated with an extract. Binders in the form of citrus pectin may be added in amounts up to 1%. Glyceline may be added in an amount not greater than that required to obtain paper stiffness similar to regular cigarette paper.

The cigarette 23 is a cylindrical mouthpiece filter 71 [ordinary RTD type (Resistance To
Draw) filter is preferred] and a cylindrical second free flow filter 73 is preferably provided. The mouthpiece filter 71 and the second free flow filter are fixed to each other with a tipping paper 75. The tipping paper 75 extends through the end of the second free flow filter 73 and is connected to the overlap paper 69 so that one end of the first free flow filter 65 is fixed to a position adjacent to one end of the second free flow filter. To do. Like the first free flow filter 65, the second free flow filter 73 is formed with a vertical flow passage 77 that preferably extends through the center thereof. The back flow filter 63 and the first free flow filter 65 form a cavity 79 in the cigarette 23 by the tobacco web 57.

The inner diameter of the vertical flow passage 77 of the second free flow filter 73 is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the vertical flow passage 67 of the first free flow filter 65. The inner diameter of the vertical flow passage 67 and the inner diameter of the vertical flow passage 77 are preferably 1 to 4 mm and 2 to 6 in the present invention, respectively.
mm. If the inner diameters of the channels 67 and 77 are different,
A favorable mixture or turbulence of the aerosol produced from the heated tobacco flavor and the air drawn from outside the cigarette 23 during the duffing of the cigarette is likely to be obtained, resulting in an improved flavored tobacco response and It was observed that one end of the mouthpiece filter 71 was more exposed to the mixed aerosol. Tobacco flavor 61
It is understood that the flavored tobacco response produced by heating the is primarily vapor phase in cavity 79 but mixes in channel 77 to change to a visible aerosol. In addition to the first free flow filter 65 described above having a longitudinal flow path 67, other structures capable of providing the desired mixing of vapor phase flavored tobacco response with the introduced air include: There are structures in which one free-flow filter is provided in the form of a filter with multiple small orifices. That is, the first free flow filter
It may be in the form of a honeycomb or a metal plate having a large number of through holes.

Air is drawn into the cigarette 23 mainly through the transverse or radial path, through the tobacco web 57 and the overwrap paper 69, rather than through the backflow filter 63 in the longitudinal path. Preferably. However, as explained below, it is desirable that the airflow through the backflow filter during the first dose of suction on the cigarette be able to reduce the RTD. When air is drawn vertically into the cigarette 23, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco web by the heating elements 43 arranged radially around the tobacco web 57 tends to not properly exit the cavity 79. Is understood. It is desirable to generate the flavored tobacco response as a function of nearly all of the structure of the tobacco web 57 and the energy level of the heating element 43. Therefore, the portion of the airflow through the cigarette that results from the longitudinal flow through the backflow filter 63 is preferably minimized during smoking except during the first inhalation. Further, the backflow filter 63 heats the tobacco flavoring material 61,
Aerosol flow from cavity 79 rearward is preferably minimized to minimize the possibility of aerosol rearward flow from cigarette 23 to damage the elements of lighter 25.

The carrier or plenum 59 that supports the tobacco flavoring material 61 separates the heating element 43 from the tobacco flavoring material, transfers the heat generated by the heating element to the flavoring material, and maintains the cigarette agglomeration after smoking. A preferable carrier 59 is composed of a carbon fiber non-woven mat, which is preferable because it is stable to heat. Such a carrier is devised in more detail in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 943,504 and US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 943,747 filed Sep. 11, 1992 and co-pending and commonly assigned. There is. These documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Other carriers 59 include low mass, open mesh screens or perforated metal foils. For example, when the mass is in the range of about 5 g / m ² to about 15 g / m ² , the wire diameter is about 0.038 mm (about 1.5 mil).
Screens of about 0.076 mm (about 3.0 mils) are used. Another embodiment of the screen has a thickness of 0.0.
Manufactured from 064 mm (about 0.25 mil) foil (eg, made of aluminum) and having a diameter of about 0.3 mm to about 0.
With holes in the range of 5 mm, the foil mass is about 30
% To about 50%. Such a pattern of holes in the foil is preferably staggered or discontinuous (ie not a linear array) to reduce lateral heat transfer from the tobacco flavoring material 61.

The metal screen and foil are assembled in the cigarette 23 by various methods as described below. For example (1) a tobacco flavored slurry is cast on a belt and then a screen or foil carrier is placed on the wet slurry before the slurry is dried, then (2)
The screen or foil carrier is laminated to the tobacco flavored basesheet or mat with a suitable adhesive. If a metallic carrier is used, the metallic carrier should generally not be in direct contact with the heating element, as this may cause an electrical short circuit within or between the heating elements 43. If a metallic carrier is used, it is preferable to use a suitable binder and low basis weight paper such as overlap paper 69 to electrically insulate between the metallic carrier 59 and the electric heating element 43.

The preferred tobacco web 57 for use in the present invention is manufactured using a papermaking process. In this method, a tobacco strip is washed with water. The soluble component is used in the subsequent coating step. The remaining (extracted) tobacco fiber is used to make the base mat. The carbon fiber is dispersed in water and then sodium alginate is added. Tobacco web 57 which is water-soluble and has an appropriate molecular weight without impairing the flavored tobacco response.
Other hydrocolloids that give strength to the may be added instead of sodium alginate. The dispersion is mixed with the extracted tobacco fiber and any flavoring agent. Wet-depositing the resulting mixture onto a Ford Rinier wire,
The web is passed through the rest of a traditional paper machine to form a base web. The soluble components removed by washing the tobacco strip are coated onto one side of the base web, preferably by a standard reverse roll coater located after the drum dryer or Yankee dryer. It is preferable that the ratio of the tobacco-soluble component / tobacco powder or granules is changed in the ratio of 1: 1 to 20-1. The slurry may be cast or extruded on a base mat. Alternatively, the coating step may be operated off-line. During or after this coating step, flavoring agents commonly used in the cigarette industry are added. Pectin or other hydrocolloid, preferably 0.1-2.0
% To add slurry coatability (coat
ability) is improved.

Whichever type of carrier 59 is used, the tobacco flavourant 61 located on the inner surface of the unit is
When heated, it can release a flavor and stick to the surface of the carrier. Tobacco flavourants include continuous sheets, foams, gels, dry slurries, or dry spray deposited slurries, which do not necessarily contain tobacco or tobacco-derived materials, but which are previously incorporated by reference in the U.S. Patents. It is devised in more detail in Japanese Patent Application No. 07/943747.

Preferably, a wetting agent, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, is added to the web at 0.
An equal amount of 5-10% by weight is added to the tobacco web 57 during processing. Wetting agents facilitate the production of visible aerosols by acting as precursors to the aerosol. When a smoker exhales a flavored tobacco response and an aerosol containing a humectant, the humectant condenses in the atmosphere,
The condensed wetting agent gives the appearance of regular cigarette smoke.

The cigarette 23 is used by the smoker to smoke the smoking device 21.
On the other hand, it is preferable that the diameter is substantially constant along the length so that a “lip feel” similar to that of the conventional cigarette can be obtained, and the diameter is about 7.5 as in the case of the conventional cigarette.
mm-8.5 mm is preferable. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cigarette 23 has a total length of 53 mm,
This facilitates the use of conventional packaging machines when packaging such cigarettes. The combined length of the mouthpiece filter 71 and the second free flow filter 73 is preferably 30 mm. The tipping paper 75 extends past the end of the second friflow filter 73 and extends over the 5 mm tobacco web 57. The length of the tobacco web 57 is preferably 28 mm. The tobacco web 57 has a back flow filter 63 having a length of preferably 7 mm at both ends on the opposite side and a length of preferably 7 mm.
It is supported by a first mm free flow filter 65. The cavity 79 formed by the tobacco web 57, the backflow filter 63 and the first freeflow filter 65 is preferably 14 mm in length.

When the cigarette 23 is inserted into the orifice 27 of the first end portion 29 of the lighter 25, the cigarette is attached to the spacer 49 of the heater fitting 39 shown in FIG. 3A.
Is adjacent to, or almost abuts, the inner bottom surface 81 of the, and is adjacent to the flow path 47 that communicates with the sensor 45 that operates by single-dose suction and the opening 55 for the optical sensor 53. In this arrangement, the cavity 79 of the cigarette 23 is preferably a heating element 43.
, And almost all of the portion of the cigarette including the second free-flow filter 73 and the mouthpiece filter 71 extends outside the lighter 25. Portions of the heating elements 43 are preferably biased radially inward to help hold the cigarette 23 in place with respect to the lighter 25 so that these heating elements directly or against the tobacco web 57. Overlap paper 6
There is a relationship to transfer heat through 9. Therefore, it is preferable that the cigarette 23 can be tightened so that the heating element 43 can be easily pushed on the side surface thereof.

The air flow through the cigarette 23 can be achieved in several ways. For example, in the embodiment of cigarette 23 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, overlapping paper 6
9 and the tobacco web 57 are sufficiently air permeable to obtain the desired RTD so that when the smoker smears the cigarette, air is passed across the overlap paper and the tobacco web, ie, radially, into a cavity 79. Flows in. As described above, an air permeable backflow filter 69 is used to provide longitudinal airflow within the cavity 79.

Optionally, the transverse airflow entering the cavity 79 provides a series of radial through holes (not shown) through the overlap paper 69 and the tobacco web 57 in one or more areas adjacent to the cavity. This makes it easier to enter. It has been found that such through holes improve the flavored tobacco response and aerosol formation. Density is about 1 hole / 1-2 mm ² and hole diameter is 0.4-0.7
mm through holes are provided through the tobacco web 57.
In this way a preferred CORESTA porosity of 100-500 is obtained. The overlapped paper 69 after perforation preferably has a transparency of 100-1000 COREST.
It is A. Of course, different suction resistances, through-hole densities and associated through-hole diameters may be used to obtain the desired smoking characteristics.

Transverse airflow entering cavity 79 is also facilitated by the provision of passages (not shown) through both overlap paper 69 and tobacco web 57. When manufacturing the cigarette 23 having such through holes, the overlap paper 69 and the tobacco web 57 are bonded to each other and then punched together, or the through holes are separately punched and then the respective holes are punched. Are joined together or overlaid.

A preferred embodiment heater fitting 39 for use in the present invention is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Heater fixture 39A having a member 49A that joins the spacer and the bottom
An exploded view of the modified embodiment of is shown in FIG. The member 49A of the heater fitting 39A is the heater fitting 3 shown in A of FIG.
It is an alternative to 9 spacers 49 and bottom 50. The general function of providing a space for receiving the cigarette 23 and providing a heating element for heating the cigarette can, of course, be accomplished with heater fittings other than those shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and FIG.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the heater fitting 39 is located within the orifice 27 of the lighter 25. The cigarette 23 passes through the orifice 27 of the lighter 25 from the backflow filter 63, and the heater fitting 39.
Is inserted into the substantially cylindrical space of the. The space is a ring-shaped cap 8 having an open end for receiving a cigarette.
3, optional cylindrical protective heater sleeve 85, cylindrical air channel sleeve 87, heater assembly 89 including heating element 43, conductive pin or conventional lead assembly 91.
(Acting as a normal lead assembly of the heating element of the heater assembly) and spacers 49. The bottom inner surface 81 of the spacer 49 positions the cigarette 23 in the desired position within the heater mount 39 and the heating element 43 is positioned adjacent the cavity 79 within the cigarette. In the heater attachment 39A shown in FIG. 5, the bottom inner surface 8 of the member 49A is
1A causes the cigarette 23 to stop at the desired position within the heater fitting.

The heater mounting 39 is almost entirely located in the housing 31 of the front 33 of the lighter 25 and is fixed in place by sliding fit. Cap 83
The front edge 93 of the lighter 25 is preferably located at the position of the first end 29 of the lighter 25 or extends slightly outside the first end and preferably has a chamfered or rounded portion on the inside. It is easy to guide the cigarette 23 into the heater fitting 39. Heating element 4 of heater assembly 89
The portion 3 and the pin 95 of the pin assembly 91 are fixed to the outer surface 97 of the spacer 49 by friction fitting by the ring 99.
The rear end 101 of the heating element 43 and preferably the rear ends 103 of the two pins 95 are preferably welded and fixed to the pins 104 and are shown in FIG. 3B of the bottom 50 through the through holes 107 in the bottom. It extends through the bottom outer surface 105 and connects to the circuit 41 and power supply 37.
The pin 104 is preferably sufficiently tightly coupled to the bottom 50 to block air flow through the through hole 107. Pin 104
Are preferably received in corresponding sockets (not shown) so that they support the heater fixture 39 in the lighter 25 and leads or printed circuits lead from the socket to various electrical elements. The other two pins 9
5 provides additional support and strengthens 91 of the pin assembly. The spacer 49 and the flow path 47 in the bottom portion 50 are in communication with the sensor 45 that operates by a single-dose suction, and the optical sensor 53 is the lighter 2.
The presence or absence of the cigarette 23 in 5 is sensed.

Similarly, in the heater fitting 39A shown in FIG. 5, the portion of the heating element 43 of the heater assembly 89 and the pin 95 of the pin assembly 91 are fixed by friction fit around the outer surface 97A of the member 49A by the ring 99. Has been done.
The rear end 101 of the heating element 43 and preferably the rear ends 103 of the two pins 95 are the bottom outer surface 105 of the member 49A.
It extends through A and is connected to the circuit 41 and the power supply 37.

The member 49A is preferably formed with a flange-shaped end 109, at which end 109 is formed with at least two grooves or through holes 107A and through which the rear end 103 of the two pins 95 are provided. Bottom outer surface 10
It extends through 5A. The remaining two pins 95 add strength to the pin assembly 91. The rear end 101 of the heating element 43 is curved to conform to the configuration of the flanged end 109 and extends radially outwardly of the outer edge 111 of the flanged end through the bottom outer surface 105A.
The flow path 47 of the member 49A communicates with the suction-actuated sensor 45 and the optical sensor 53 senses the presence or absence of the cigarette 23 in the lighter 25.

The heater assembly 89 shown in FIGS. 3A, 5 and 6 is preferably laser cut of a so-called superalloy material which exhibits both high mechanical strength at high temperatures and high resistance to surface degradation. It is preferable to manufacture it with a single sheet. The sheet is stamped or stamped or, more preferably, cut or patterned by a CO ₂ laser to produce a heater assembly 89.
At least the outer shape 115 shown in FIG. 7 is formed.

In the outer shape 115, the heating element 43 is connected to each other by its rear end 101 by the rear part 117 of the cutting sheet outer shape 115 and by its front end 119 by the part forming the front part 121 of the heater assembly 89. There is. The two side parts 123 extend between the rear part 117 and the front part 121. The rear portion 117 and the side portions 123 do not form part of the finished heater assembly 89, which makes the outer shape 115 easier to handle during processing.

When the outer shape 115 is manufactured, each heating element 43
Comprises a widened portion 125 of the finished heater assembly 89 located adjacent to the tobacco web 57 and a narrowed portion 127 forming an electrical connection to the circuit 41. If desired, the narrow portion 1 of each heating element 43
27 includes a tab 129 near the rear end 101 that facilitates forming a welded connection with the pin 104 or is secured to a socket (not shown) that makes an electrical connection with the circuit 41. It The contour 115 is further processed, preferably by laser cutting, to provide the widened portion 12
5 to 6 a meandering "footprint" shown in Figures 6 and 8
(Footprint) 131 is formed. Of course, if desired,
The footprint 131 may be cut at the same time as the outer shape 115.

The cut or patterned sheet is preferably electropolished to smooth the edges of the individual heating elements 43. The smooth edge of the heating element 43 allows the cigarette 23 to be easily inserted into the lighter 25 without getting caught. The cut or patterned sheet is wrapped around a fixture (not shown) to form a cylindrical shape. The rear part 117 and the side part 123 are cut, and the front part 1
The edges 133 of 21 are welded together to produce a single piece or integrated heater assembly 89 as shown in FIG.

The heater assembly 89 may also be manufactured by any one of various other available methods. For example,
In an alternative method, the heater assembly 89 is manufactured by first molding the sheet into a tube (not shown) and then cutting to form the plurality of individual heating elements shown in FIG. Further, the heater assembly 89 can be manufactured from a plurality of separate heating elements 43. That is, these heating elements are spotted, for example, on a common ring or band (not shown) having the same function as an electrical common material for the heating elements and mechanically supporting the heating elements as the front part 121. Connect by welding. Additionally, the front portion 121 of the heater assembly 89 may be welded or otherwise connected around a sizing ring (not shown) having an inner diameter approximately equal to the cigarette 23. The sizing ring helps hold the cylindrical heater assembly in the desired configuration and adds strength.

The pin assembly 91 shown in FIG. 9 is preferably manufactured by any one of several methods similar to those previously described for the heater assembly 89. Similar to heater assembly 89, individual pins 95 and pin assembly 9
The band-shaped portion forming the front part 135 of 1 is preferably formed by cutting from a flat sheet of electrically conductive material, rolling and then welding into a cylindrical shape. The pin assembly 91 is preferably manufactured with an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer shape of the heater assembly 89. Next, the front portion 121 of the heater assembly 89.
To the inside of the front part 135 of the pin assembly 91 and then to fix the two parts together, preferably by spot welding, so that the four pins 95 are in the open space between adjacent pairs of heating elements 43. Is located in. As shown in FIG. 3B, four pins 95 (only two of which are actually electrically connected to pins 104 extending through bottom 50 in the preferred embodiment) are preferably It is arranged at an angle of 22.5 ° radially with respect to an adjacent one of the eight heating elements 43 and a pin 104 extending through the bottom and connecting to these heating elements.

All of the various embodiments of the lighter 25 of the present invention are designed to deliver an effective amount of flavored tobacco response to the smoker under standard conditions of use.
In particular, in the present invention, 5 to 13 mg for smokers with eight suctions,
It is understood that preferably 7-10 mg of aerosol are delivered, each aspiration being a suction volume of 35 ml in 2 seconds. To achieve this feed,
The heating element 43 must be able to reach a temperature of about 200 to about 900 ° C. when in heat transfer relationship with the cigarette 23. Further, the heating element 43 preferably has an energy of about 5 to about 40 Joules, more preferably about 10 Joules.
About 25 joules and even more preferably about 15 joules must be consumed. The heating element 43, which bends inward toward the cigarette 23 and whose heat transfer relationship is improved, requires less energy.

The heating element 43 having the desired characteristic values preferably has an active surface area of about 3 mm ² to about 25 mm ² and preferably a resistance of about 0.5 Ω to about 3.0 Ω.
More preferably, the heating element 43 is about 0.8Ω to about 2.1.
Must have a resistance of Ω. Of course, its heater resistance is also specified by the particular power supply 37 used to provide the electrical energy needed to heat the heating element 43. For example, the resistance of the heating element described above is in an embodiment where power is supplied by four nickel-cadmium batteries connected in series with a total unloaded power supply voltage of about 4.8 to 5.8 volts. Match. Alternatively, when six or eight such serially connected batteries are used, the resistance of the heating element 43 is preferably six.
Approximately 3Ω to about 5Ω for 8 pieces or about 5Ω to about 7 for 8 pieces
Must be Ω.

The material used to manufacture the heating element 43 is
It is preferred to choose to ensure reliable repeated use without failure for at least 1800 on / off cycles. The heater fitting 39 is preferably disposed separately from the lighter 25, which comprises a power supply 37 and circuitry and is preferably disposed after 3600 cycles or more. The heating element material is also chosen based on its lack of oxidation resistance and reactivity so that it will not oxidize or otherwise react with the cigarette 23 at any temperature it may encounter. Guaranteed. If desired, the heating element 43 is further encapsulated in an inert, thermally conductive material such as a ceramic material suitable to avoid oxidation and reaction.

Based on these criteria, the materials for electric heating means include doped semiconductors (eg silicon), carbon, graphite, stainless steel, tantalum, metal-ceramic matrices, and metal alloys such as nickel-containing, chromium-containing and Examples include iron-containing alloys. Suitable metal-ceramic matrices include aluminum silicon carbide and titanium silicon carbide. Oxidation resistant intermetallic compounds such as nickel aluminides and iron aluminides are also suitable compounds.

However, more preferably, the electric heating element 43
Is manufactured from a heat-resistant alloy that exhibits both high mechanical strength at high temperatures and high resistance to surface degradation. The heating element 43 is preferably made of a material that exhibits high strength and high surface stability at temperatures up to about 80% of its melting point.
Such alloys include those commonly referred to as superalloys, which are generally based on nickel, iron or cobalt. Preferably, the superalloy of the heating element 43 further contains aluminum to further improve the performance (eg, oxidation resistance) of the heating element. Such materials are Hayn
It is available from Haynes International Inc. of Kokomo, Indiana, USA under the name es 214 Alloy. This high temperature material is especially about 75% by weight nickel,
It contains about 16% by weight of chromium, about 4.5% by weight of aluminum and about 3% by weight of iron.

As described above, the individual heating elements 43 of the heater assembly 89 increase the effective resistance of each heating element.
It comprises a "footprint" portion 131 having a plurality of interconnected curved regions of substantially S-shaped region. The serpentine configuration of the footprint 131 of the heating element 43 increases electrical resistance without having to lengthen the heating element or reduce the width of the cross section. About 0.5Ω
A heating element 43 having a resistance in the range of approximately 3 Ω and having a footprint length configured to mate with the heater mount 39 of FIG. 3A and the heater mount 39A of FIG.
Preferably, it has N interconnected S-shaped regions, where N is in the range of about 3 to about 12, preferably about 6 to.
It is about 10.

Footprint portion 13 of the heating element shown in FIG.
1 is first cut into the form of wide portion 125 of FIG. 7, where the wide portion has a width W1, a length L1 and a thickness T, from one end 125 'of the wide portion to the opposite end 12'.
The resistance up to 5 ″ is expressed by the following equation. Where ρ is the resistivity of the particular material used. When the footprint 131 is formed, the resistance of the effective electrical length of the heating element 43 increases and its cross-sectional area decreases, so that the resistance of the footprint increases. For example, when a footprint is formed on the heating element 43, the current path through the heating element is path P. The path P is significantly different from the initial electric length L1 and has an effective electric length of about 9 · W1 or 10 · W1 (when the footprint of the heating element is completely half-turned about 5 times). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area is from W1 ・ T to W2 ・ T
Decreased to. According to the present invention, when the electrical length increases and the cross-sectional area occurs, the electrical resistance is proportional to the electrical length and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area, so that the total electrical resistance of the heating element 43 increases.

Therefore, the footprint 1 is attached to the heating element 43.
31 If is formed, using a conductive material smaller volume, predetermined heating surface area for example 3 mm ² 25 mm ²
Can be given a predetermined predetermined resistance. This feature of the invention provides at least three advantages.

First, for a given resistance, the heating element 43 of the present invention is manufactured from a rectangular sheet of length that must be made longer if it is manufactured as a linear heating element. Therefore, the more compact heater fitting 39 and lighter 25 can be manufactured at a lower cost.

Second, since the energy required to heat the heating element 43 in static air to a predetermined operating temperature increases as the mass of the heating element increases, the meandering heating element has a small volume and a predetermined volume. It is energy efficient in providing resistance. For example, the volume of the heating element 43 is 1/2
If it is reduced to, the mass is also reduced at the same rate. Therefore, the energy required to heat the heating element 43 to a predetermined operating temperature in still air is approximately proportional to the mass and heat capacity of the heating element, so that if the volume is reduced to 1/2, the required energy is also 1 /. Reduced to 2. From this, the heating element 43 having more excellent energy efficiency is provided.

The third advantage of reducing the volume of the meandering heating element 43 is that associated with the time response of the heating element. The time response is defined as the length of time it takes for a given heating element 43 to change from a first temperature to a second, higher temperature in response to a given energy input. Since the time response of the heating element 43 is generally approximately proportional to its mass, it is desirable to reduce the volume of the heating element to shorten the time response. Therefore, the meandering heating element 43 is compact and excellent in energy efficiency, and in addition, can be quickly heated to the operating temperature. This feature of the invention results in a more efficient heating element 43.

Therefore, by reversing the heating element 43 a plurality of times (eg in a serpentine pattern), the resistance of the heating element increases without having to increase the length of the heating element or reduce the cross-sectional area. Of course, the heating element 43 shown in FIG.
Patterns other than the above pattern can also be used to adopt the principle illustrated in the form, resulting in a compact and efficient heating element.

The footprint 131 is cut in a suitable manner, preferably by a laser (preferably a CO ₂ laser), to obtain the heating element 43. The shape used for the meandering heating element 43 is small (for example, the gap B in FIG. 8 is about 0.1 m).
m to about 0.25 mm is preferred), laser cutting is the preferred method over other cutting methods for footprint 131. Laser energy facilitates diverse, rapid and accurate automated processing, as the laser energy is adapted to be concentrated in a small volume. Furthermore, according to laser processing, the stress induced in the material to be cut and the range of the material exposed to heat (that is, the material to be oxidized) are different from those of other cutting methods (for example, electric discharge cutting method).
Is smaller than The other suitable method is
There are electric discharge cutting method, precision stamping method, chemical etching method and chemical milling method. Footprint portion 131 can also be manufactured by conventional die stamping, but this alternative is believed to be less attractive, at least for serpentine structures, due to die wear.

In addition to being used for cutting the meandering heating element 43, the laser is also preferably used for efficiently coupling various elements of the lighter [preferably yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG)]. laser〕. For example, heater assembly 89 and pin assembly 91 are preferably spot welded together using a CO ₂ laser or a YAG laser. Additionally, the rear end 101 or tab 129 of the heating element 43 is also preferably laser welded to the electrical terminal pins 104 of the bottom 50 or suitable circuit element or socket. Of course, there are various conventional coupling methods for coupling the various elements of the lighter.

The heat-induced and potentially damaging stresses in the heating element 43 are minimized by the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the rear end 101 (or tab 12) is welded to a pin 104 or other electrical circuit or element.
9), and the footprint portion 131 that generates heat
Is formed as a single piece heating element 43, which eliminates the need to weld separate footprint and end portions. It has been previously observed that such welding produces undesirable distortions during heating of the heating element. The vertical center line of the terminal portion 101 or the sub 129 is
It is preferred to align with the centerline of the footprint portion 131, and it has been observed that if these centerlines are not aligned, distortion will occur during heating of the heating element. In addition, both ends 131 'and 131 "of the footprint 131
Preferably meets the non-serpentine portion of the heating element 43 in a symmetric manner, i.e. at each point in the same direction. This symmetry of the ends 131 ′ and 131 ″ helps prevent the ends of the footprint 131 from twisting in opposite directions during heating and damaging the footprint. ′ And 131 ″, intermediate part 13 between the non-serpentine part of the heating element 43 and the end of the heating element
7'and 137 "are preferably beveled as shown in Figure 6. It is understood that this chamfered intermediate region 137 'and 137" also reduces the heat induced stress.

The heating element 43 and heater fitting 39 have the additional feature of avoiding other problems associated with heating and repeated heating. For example, it is expected that the heating element 43 will tend to expand during heating. The heating element 43 has a pin assembly 91 connected to the front portion 121 of the heater assembly 89.
, Fixed between the fixed front end 135 and the ring 99 near the rear end 101 of the heating element, so that the expansion of the heating element causes the heating element to move in the desired inward direction toward the cigarette 23. Bends or bends away from the cigarette in an undesirable outward direction. Bending outwards leaves a heat gap between the heating element 43 and the cigarette 23. In this case, the degree of contact between the surface of the heating element and the two surfaces of the cigarette changes, so that the tobacco web 57
Heating is inefficient and inconsistent.

In order to avoid outward bending, the individual heating elements 43 of the heater assembly 89 are preferably in the desired inwardly curved configuration shown in FIG. 3A. This inward bending facilitates ensuring a snug fit and good thermal contact between the heating element 43 and the cigarette 23. The curved shape inside the heating element 43 can be provided in any one of a number of possible ways as desired.
Fixture (not shown) with desired inward curvature, for example
There is a method of molding a cylindrical heater as shown in FIG. The inwardly curved form is preferably formed on the heating element 43 with a die and press (not shown) and then the heater assembly 89 is formed into a cylindrical shape. The shape curved inward of the heating element 43 tends to curve further inward when the heating element expands during heating. Therefore, this curvature is preferably fairly gradual over the length of the footprint 131. Faceted intermediate regions 137 'and 13
The 7 ″ may bend more strongly than the more sophisticated footprint 131. This behavior is believed to avoid concentrating thermal stress on the more vulnerable portion of the heating element 43.

If desired, a ring (not shown) is provided around the footprint 131 of the heating element 43. This ring is considered to act as a heat sink, and when the footprint 131 of the heating element 43 expands during heating, the footprint expands inwardly toward the cigarette 23.

In addition to the heater assembly 89 described above, FIG.
The heater mount 39 of A includes a spacer 49 and a heater mount bottom 50. The spacer 49 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C has a cylindrical outer surface 97, and the pin 91 and the heating element 43 are fixed to the outer surface by a ring 99 by friction fitting. The spacer further includes a bottom wall 139, a bottom inner surface 81 which serves to prevent further movement of the cigarette 23 into the lighter 25 to properly position the cigarette relative to the heating element 43, and the cigarette therein. It has a cylindrical inner wall 141 which can be A portion 47 ′ of the flow path 47 is formed in the bottom wall 139, which is in communication with the sensor 45 which operates with a suction.
The portion 47 ′ is parallel to the center line of the spacer 49 and the bottom wall 13
The form of through holes extending through 9 is preferred. A part 55 ′ of the opening 55 for the optical sensor 53 is formed in the bottom wall 139. The first suction orifice 143 extends from the outer surface 97 of the spacer 49 to a portion 55 'of the opening. The initial suction orifice 143 facilitates providing a preferred RTD during initial puffing of the cigarette 23 by providing an additional flow path for air flow from the basin surrounding the cigarette to the area adjacent the backflow filter 63. The tobacco web 57 and the overlap paper 69 tend to restrict the airflow to the cigarette 23 until the heating element 43 has finished heating the area of the cigarette, so that the first suction orifice 143 causes the cigarette backflow filter 63 to flow. By heater fitting 39
To provide airflow to the area. This backflow filter 63 can provide sufficient airflow to the cigarette 23 to provide a lower RTD than previously experienced by other methods. However, the backflow filter 63 is preferably as "tight" as possible while still allowing the above air flow during the first suction so that it remains in the cavity 79 after the cigarette 23 has been swallowed. Aerosol does not flow back into the lighter 25 through the backflow filter. After the first dose of suction is given to the cigarette 23, the tobacco web 57 and the overlapping paper 69 heated by the firing of the heating element 43.
Air becomes even more easily permeated in the region of. Therefore, the air flow through the first suction orifice 143 and the backflow filter will be negligible to the suction on the cigarette 23 after the first suction.

The bottom 50 seen in FIGS. 11A-11C is substantially cylindrical and has a bottom wall 151 with pins or leads 104 connecting to the pin 95 and the heating element 43 formed on the bottom wall. Through the through hole 107, the bottom bottom outer surface 1
It extends through 05. The bottom 50 is preferably formed by a cylindrical outer surface 153 and a cylindrical inner wall 155, which inner diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the spacer 49 and approximately equal to the outer diameter of the ring 99. The spacer 49 is preferably a bottom 50 due to the friction fit between the inner wall of the air channel sleeve 87, the ring 99 and the outer surface 97 of the spacer.
Is held in a proper position with respect to. Means are provided to secure the air channel sleeve 87 to the bottom 50, as discussed further below. The spacer and bottom 50 may be secured by other or additional means, such as by adhesive, screws and snap fit. Additionally, one or more longitudinal ridges and grooves (not shown) may be formed in the spacer and bottom 50 to help ensure the desired angular relationship between the spacer and bottom. A portion 47 ″ of the channel 47 is formed in the bottom wall 151, preferably the bottom 5
It extends from near the 0 centerline to the bottom peripheral edge.
If desired, the portion 47 "is in the form of a groove partially within the bottom inner surface 157, which groove is hermetic when mounting the spacer 49. The portion 47" is preferably the bottom wall 151. It is in the form of vertical and radial bores that intersect within. A portion 55 "of the opening 55 is formed in the bottom wall. The portions 47 'and 55' of the spacer 49 are aligned with the portions 47" and 55 "of the bottom 50, respectively, to define the passage 47 and the opening 55. Is forming.

Member 49A of the embodiment of heater mount 39A shown in FIG. 5 is further illustrated in FIGS. Member 4
9A has a cylindrical outer surface 97A on which the pin 9
5 and the heating element 43 are fixed by a ring 99.
The member 49A further comprises a bottom wall 139A, the bottom inner surface 81A of which serves to prevent further movement of the cigarette 23 into the lighter 25, so that the cigarette causes the heating element 43 and the member 49A to move. It is properly positioned with respect to the inner cylindrical wall 141A and can be contained within the member 49A. The first suction orifice (not shown) is also a member 49A.
It may be provided inside. The bottom wall 139A is formed with a flow path 47A that communicates with the sensor 45 that operates by single-dose suction. The channel 47A is preferably in the form of a through hole extending through the bottom wall 139A parallel to the centerline of the member 49A. Further, an opening 55A for the optical sensor 53 is formed in the bottom wall 139A. As described above, the rear end 101 of the heating element 43,
Preferably at least two pins 95 rear end 103
Extends through the bottom outer surface 105A of the member 49A and is connected to the circuit 41 and the power supply 37. The member 49A is preferably formed with a flanged end 109 on which at least two grooves or holes 10 are provided.
7A is formed, and the groove or through hole is provided with two pins 9
5, the rear end passes through and extends through the bottom outer surface 105A. The rear end 101 of the heating element 43 curves to conform to the form of the flanged end 109 and then extends radially outwardly through the bottom outer surface 105A of the outer edge 111 of the flanged end. Air channel sleeve 87A fits around outer edge 111 of flanged end 109,
Further, the end portion 101 of the heating element 43 is fixed at an appropriate position.

Unless otherwise stated, the following discussion of the smoking device 21 will primarily refer to the elements of the heater mount 39 shown in FIGS. 3A-B for ease of explanation. However, it is believed that this discussion is generally applicable to the heater fixture 39A embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as well as other embodiments not specifically shown or discussed herein. As noted above, the heater mount may include other appliances that can perform the various functions of the heater mount, such as providing a space adjacent to the heating element that heats the cigarette.

An end view of the ring 99 which secures the heating element 43 and the pin 95 around the outer surface 97 of the spacer 49 of FIG. 3A is shown in FIG. The inner diameter of the ring 99 is large enough so that the ring surrounds the heating element 43 and can be fixed to the cylindrical outer surface 97 by friction fit. Flute 159, ring 9
9 are formed at an angle of 90 ° to each other on the inner surface and generally receive a thick pin 95, so that the ring is configured to surround the pin and secure to the outer surface 97.

The air channel sleeve 87 has a first end 16
It is connected to the bottom 50 at 1 and to the cap 83 at the second end 163. The first end 161 of the air channel sleeve 87 has an inner wall 155 of the bottom 50.
It is preferable to form an outer ridge 165 that engages the upper inner groove 167. Similarly, air channel sleeve 87
The second end 163 of the outer ridge 171 preferably engages an inner groove 173 on the inner rim 175 of the cap 83.
To form. The air channel sleeve 87A of the embodiment of the heater mounting portion 39A shown in FIG. 5 differs from the embodiment of the air channel sleeve 87 shown in FIG. 3 in the following points. Ie the first end 1 of the air channel sleeve 87A
61A preferably has a flanged end 1 of member 49A.
The inner groove 165A that engages with the outer ridge 167A on the outer edge 111 of 09 is formed. Heating element 4
3 near the rear end 101 extends between the member 49A and the engaging portion of the air channel sleeve 87A. If one desires to increase the air flow rate, as will be discussed below with respect to FIG. At a point along the length of the
It is not blocked or run in a tortuous path by the cap 83 or spacer 49 prior to reaching.

In the cap 83 of the heater fitting 39 shown in FIG. 3A and the cap 83A of the heater fitting 39A shown in FIG. 5, the cap 83 is the inner wall 177 of the cap 83A.
All are similar except that they have an inner wall 177 that is longer than A. The inner diameter of the inner wall 177 of the cap 83 is preferably no larger than the outer diameter of the cigarette 23, preferably slightly smaller so that the cigarette is tightened when inserted into the lighter 25 and an interference fit secures it in place. .. It is preferable that the inner wall 177 of the cap 83 is long, and the support of the cigarette 23 is added. For purposes of discussion, cap 83A is shown in Figures 14A-14D.

The cap 83A has its rounded or chamfered front end 93A to the rear face 181.
A plurality of vertical holes or vertical channels 179A are formed extending through the cap 83A to A. The vertical holes or vertical channels 179A are formed in the cigarette and the air channel sleeve 87.
Heater fitting 39 for receiving the cigarette 23 between
An air flow is sent to the space in A, so that a cross flow of air (ie a radially inward flow) passes through the tobacco web 57 via the footprint 131 of the heating element 43. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the preferred embodiment of the cap 83 of the heater fitting 39, the through hole or flow passage 179 has a rear surface 181 to facilitate the desired RTD.
Is formed larger than the portion near the front end 93. In another embodiment of the cap, the flutes are replaced by flutes (not shown) formed in the inner wall of the cap. In FIGS. 14A-14D, the circumferential groove 183A
Are formed on the rear surface 181A, and these grooves are shown in FIGS.
Receive and hold any protective heater sleeve 85 shown in FIG. The heater sleeve 85 is a tubular member having a first end 185 and a second end 187, one of these ends configured to be received in the groove 183A. The circumferential groove 183A is a through hole or flow passage 17
Formed with a radius greater than 9A, smokers can
When wiping 3, air is more likely to be introduced into the heater mount 39.

The cap 83 shown in FIG. 3A is formed by a molding method or a cutting method. Caps such as the cap 83A shown in FIG. 5 are preferably manufactured by molding a single piece cap. When manufactured by cutting, the cap 83 is preferably manufactured in two pieces, an outer piece 83 'and an inner piece 83 "shown in Figure 3A, which are fitted together. The outer surface of the inner piece 83" A circumferential recess is formed in the inner piece and then the inner piece is fitted within the outer piece 83 ', which recess forms a groove 183 when the inner piece and outer piece are joined. Therefore, a two-piece cap 83 to be cut
Does not require cutting a single piece cap to form groove 183.

The heater sleeve 85 is removed and discarded by the smoker and replaced with a new heater sleeve for the desired smoking period (eg, after smoking 30 to 60 cigarettes 23). The heater sleeve 85 prevents exposure of the inner wall 169 of the air channel sleeve 87 to residual aerosol produced in the region between the heating element and the air channel sleeve. The aerosol described above is instead exposed to the heater sleeve 82.

The heater sleeve 85 is made of a heat-resistant paper-like or plastic-like material, and is replaced by the smoker after the cigarettes 23 are smoked. Accordingly, US patent application Ser. No. 07/94350 previously incorporated herein by reference.
Unlike the "tube-in-tube" structure described in No. 4 which has an aerosol barrier tube connected to a tobacco flavor unit and which is discarded with the flavor unit after smoking, the smoking device 21 of the present invention. Heater sleeve 85 is configured for reuse. Thus, the manufacture of cigarettes 23 is simplified and the volume of material discarded after each cigarette is smoked is reduced.

FIG. 16 diagrammatically illustrates a preferred air flow pattern produced in the heater fitting 39 and cigarette 23 as a smoker puffs through the mouthpiece filter 71. When the mouthpiece filter 71 is inhaled, air is inhaled as follows. That is, through the vertical holes or channels 179, into the heater fitting 39, through the air channel sleeve and heater sleeve (not numbered in FIG. 16) and in contact with the cigarette 23. Through the body (not shown), then through the air permeable outer wrapping 69 and tobacco web 57 (or through the holes formed in them), and then within the cavity 79 in the cigarette. to go into. Air flows from the cavity 79 into the vertical flow path 67 of the first free flow filter 65 and then the second free flow filter 7
3 enters the vertical channel 77 and then flows into the smoker through the mouthpiece 71. The amount and size of channel 179 is selected to optimize the delivery of total particulate matter (TPM) to the smoker. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, six or eight channels 179 are formed in the cap 83.

As shown in FIG. 17, if desired, another air flow path may be provided to allow air to enter the heater fitting 39 and the cavity 79 of the cigarette 23.
It is provided instead of or in addition to 9. For example, one or more radial channels 189 are formed in the heater fitting 39, typically in the air channel sleeve, at desired locations. The vertical channel 191 may be formed in the heater fitting 39 through the bottom or the bottom and a spacer (not shown in FIG. 17). The flow path 179 of the cap 83 may be in the form of a through hole as described above, but may be a vertical groove formed in the inner wall 177 of the cap. As mentioned above, if desired, a backflow filter 63 may be provided which causes a longitudinal flow into the cavity 79 when the smoker swallows the cigarette.

If desired, the lighter 25 may include any pointed tube (not shown) within the heater mount 39,
The backflow filter 63 of the cigarette 23 is passed through when the cigarette is inserted. The tube is configured to terminate in the cavity 79 and provide a direct airflow to the smoker's inhalation of the cigarette 23. The tube is provided with one or more orifices at the tip, which orifices are preferably formed at the sides of the tube rather than at the tip of the tube,
A high-speed air flow is generated in a direction in which the air flow in the cavity is easily stirred. This agitation improves the mixing of the incoming air and the aerosol and vapor produced in the cigarette 23.

The electric control circuit 41 of the smoking device 21 is shown in FIG.
It is shown schematically in. The control circuit 41 includes a logic circuit 195 (application-specific integrated circuit or ASIC), a sensor 45 that operates by a single-dose suction to detect that the smoker is puffing the cigarette 23, and a light that detects insertion of the cigarette into the lighter 25. Sensor 53, LCD (liquid crystal) display 51 showing the number of doses remaining for the cigarette, power supply 3
7 and a timing network 197.
The logic circuit 195 is a normal circuit that can realize the functions discussed in this application. Field Programmable Gate Array (eg type available from Actel Corporetion, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA)
ACTEL A 1010 A FPGA PL 44 C) can be programmed to perform digital functions by analog functions performed by other components, but AS
The IC needs to perform both analog and digital functions in one component. The characteristics of the control circuit and the logic circuit similar to the control circuit 41 and the logic circuit 195 of the present invention are described in, for example, US Pat. No. 5,060,671 and US Pat.
7/943504. The disclosures of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, eight individual heating elements 43 (not shown in FIG. 18) are connected to the power source 3
7 and the corresponding field effect transistor (FET) heater switches 201-208 to ground. Heater switch 201
Each of the terminals 208 to 208 has terminals 211 to 21 respectively.
Turn on under control of logic circuit 195 through 8.
Logic circuit 195 provides a signal to activate and deactivate a particular one of the heater switches 201-208 to activate and deactivate the corresponding heater in the heater.

The suction actuated sensor 45 sends a signal to the logic circuit 195 indicating the smoker's activity (ie, continuous pressure drop and air flow for a sufficient duration). Logic circuit 195 debouncing distinguishes between small air pressure fluctuations and more persistent suction on the cigarette.
Means are provided to prevent the heating element from inadvertently actuating in response to a signal from the sensor 45 actuated by a single dose. The sensor 45 actuated by a dose suction comprises a piezoresistive pressure sensor or an optical flap sensor used to drive an operational amplifier whose output is then used to send a logic signal to a logic circuit 195. Suitable sensors that operate with a puff suitable for connecting to the smoking device of the present invention include the Model 163PC01D35 silicon sensor manufactured by MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois, USA or the United States. -NOV, Fremont, CA-NOV
Type NPH-5-02.5GN available from Company A
OVA sensor or typeSLP available from SenSym Incorporated of Sunnyvale, CA, USA
There is a 004D sensor.

Optical sensor 53 for detecting the insertion of a cigarette
Sends a signal to the logic circuit 195 indicating that the cigarette 23 has been inserted into the lighter 25 to the proper depth (ie, if the cigarette is detected in reflected light,
Within a few millimeters of the optical sensor mounted near the spacer 49 and bottom 50 of the heater mount 39). A suitable optical sensor for use in connection with the smoking device of the present invention is West, Carrollton, Texas 75006, USA.
Crosby Road 1215 OPTEK Technology,
Type OPR 5005 Light S manufactured by Inc.
It is an ensor.

In order to save energy, the sensor 45 and the photosensor 53, which operate in a single dose, are cycled on and off with a low duty cycle (eg, about 2-10% duty cycle). For example, it is preferable that the sensor 45, which operates with a single-dose suction, be turned on for a period of 1 millisecond every 10 milliseconds. For example, when the sensor 45 that operates with a single-dose suction is operated during four consecutive pulses (that is, four
If it detects a pressure drop or air flow indicating puffing on the cigarette (over 0 milliseconds), the sensor actuated by the aspiration signal to logic circuit 195 through terminal 221. Logic circuit 195 then sends a signal through the appropriate one of terminals 211-218 to turn on the appropriate one of the FET heater switches 201-208. Similarly, the optical sensor 53
It is preferable to turn every 10 milliseconds for a period of 1 millisecond. For example, if the photosensor 53 detects four consecutive reflection pulses indicating that the cigarette 23 is present in the lighter 25, the photosensor sends a signal to the logic circuit 195 through the terminal 223. The logic circuit 195 then sends a signal through the terminal 225 to the sensor 45, which operates with a single dose, to turn on the sensor 45, which operates with a single dose. The logic circuit also sends a signal to the display 51 through the terminal 227 to turn on the display. The modulation method described above reduces the time average current required by the sensor 45 and the optical sensor 53, which are activated by the suction of one dose, thereby extending the life of the power supply 37.

The timing network 197 is preferably a constant joule energy timer, and each one of the heating elements activated by turning on one of the FET heater switches 201-208 is turned on for a desired period of time. After that, it is used to provide a shutoff signal to logic circuit 195 at terminal 229. According to the invention, the timing network 197
Provides a shut-off signal to the logic circuit 195 after a period measured as a function of the pressure of the power supply which drops during heating of the heating element. Further, the timing network 197 is configured not to activate one heating element 43 to the next heating element while the battery is being charged. Other timing network circuit topologies can also be used and are described, for example, in US patent application Ser. No. 07 / 943,504. The disclosure of this document is incorporated herein by reference.

During operation, when the cigarette 23 is inserted into the lighter 25, the presence of the cigarette is detected by the optical sensor 53. The optical sensor 53 sends a signal to the logic circuit 195 through the terminal 223. The logic circuit 195 has a power supply 37.
Check if is discharged or at low voltage. After the cigarette 23 is inserted in the lighter 25, if the logic circuit 195 detects that the voltage of the power supply 37 is low, the indicator 51 will blink and then the lighter will be recharged or replaced until the power supply is recharged or replaced. Is shut off. Further, the voltage of the power source 37 is monitored during ignition of the heating element 43, and if the voltage drops below a predetermined value, ignition of the heating element is interrupted.

When the power source 37 is charged and the voltage is sufficient,
The logic circuit 195 sends a signal to the dose suction sensor 45 through the terminal 225 to check whether the smoker is puffing the cigarette 23. At the same time, the logic circuit 195 is displayed on the display 51.
A signal is sent through terminal 227 to the liquid crystal display resulting in the number "8" indicating that eight doses are available.

The logic circuit 195 locks out the optical sensor 53 during suction when receiving a signal from the sensor 45 that operates in a single-dose suction through the terminal 221 that a signal indicating that a continuous pressure drop or air flow has been detected. Save power. Further, the logic circuit 195 has a timer network 197.
A signal is sent through the terminal 231 to activate the constant Joule energy timer. The logic circuit 195 also determines, by down-counting means, which one of the eight heating elements should be heated, and then the appropriate terminals 211-2.
FET heater switch 20 by sending a signal through 18
Turn on the appropriate one of 1-208. A suitable heater will continue to run while the timer is running.

When the timer network 197 sends a signal to the logic circuit 195 through the terminal 229, which indicates that the timer has stopped operating, the specific F
The ET heater switches 211 to 218 are turned off to stop the power supply to the heating element. The logic circuit 195 also performs a downcount and sends a signal to the indicator 51 through the terminal 227 so that the indicator indicates that one less puff is left (ie the first puff). Shows "7" after aspiration). When the smoker makes another suction on the cigarette, the logic circuit 195
Turns on another predetermined one of the FET heater switches 211-218 to send power to another predetermined one of the heating elements. This process
The process is repeated until the display device 51 displays "0". This "0" means that the cigarette 23 no longer has the number of single-dose suctions. Cigarette 23 and lighter 2
When removed from 5, the optical sensor 53 indicates that no cigarette is present and the logic circuit 195 is reset.

Other features, such as those described in US patent application Ser. No. 07/943504, can be incorporated into the control circuit 41 instead of or in addition to the features. The above documents are incorporated by reference in the present application. For example, a feature (disabli
ng feature) can be given. One of the prohibiting features is a timing circuit (not shown) that prevents continuous suction from occurring too close together. This circuit allows the power supply 37 time to recover. The other feature of prohibiting the use is a means for prohibiting the use of the heating element 43 when an unauthorized product is inserted into the heater fixture 39. For example, the cigarette 23 may include features that identify what the lighter 25 must recognize before the heating element 43 is biased.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described by the preferred embodiments, it is believed that modifications can be made without departing from the invention as set forth in the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a smoking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway schematic perspective view of a smoking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side sectional view of a heater fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B- of FIG.
3B is an end view of FIG.

FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of a cigarette according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view of FIG.
It is a sectional side view.

FIG. 5 is a schematic assembly view of a heater fitting according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an outline of a heater assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a heating element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pin assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10A is a schematic side sectional view of a spacer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10B is a sectional view of FIG.
0B-10B schematic diagram, (C) is 10C of (A) of FIG.
10C is a schematic view.

11 (A) is a schematic side sectional view of a bottom portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 (B) is 11B of FIG. 11 (A).
-11B schematic diagram, (C) is 11C-1 of (A) of FIG.
1C is a schematic view.

12 (A) is a schematic perspective view of a combined spacer / bottom member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 (B) is FIG.
2A is a schematic side sectional view taken along line 12B-12B, FIG. 12C is a schematic view taken along line 12C-12C of FIG. 12A, and FIG.
FIG. 12 is a schematic view of 12 </ b> D-12 </ b> D in (A) of FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is an end view of a ring according to an embodiment of the present invention.

14 (A) is a schematic perspective view of a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 (B) is 14B of FIG. 14 (A).
14B is a schematic side sectional view, FIG.
4C-14C schematic diagram, (D) is 14D of (A) of FIG.
14D is a schematic view.

15 (A) is a schematic side view of a heater sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 (B) is a 15B-15B end view of FIG. 15 (A).

FIG. 16 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the smoking device showing the airflow path of the smoking device of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the smoking device showing the airflow path of the smoking device of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic circuit diagram showing a circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 21 Smoking Device 23 Cigarette 25 Lighter 27 Lighter Orifice 31 Lighter Housing 37 Power Supply 39, 39A Heater Fixture 41 Electric Control Circuit 43 Heating Element 45 Sensor Operated by Single-Dose Suction 47, 47A Flow Path 49 Heater Fixture Spacer 49A Spacer A member that combines the bottom with a heater 50 Bottom of heater attachment 51 Indicator 53 Optical sensor 55, 55A Opening for optical sensor 57 Tobacco web 59 Carrier 61 Tobacco flavor 63 Backflow filter 65 First free flow filter 69 Overlap paper 71 Mouthpiece filter 73 Second free flow filter 79 Cavity in cigarette 83,83A Cap 85 Protective heater sleeve 87,87A Air channel sleeve 89 Heater assembly 9 Pin assembly 95 pin assembly of the pin 104-pin 115 heater assembly profile 131 heating elements footprint portion 143 first suction orifice 195 logic circuit 197 timing network 201-208 heater switches 211-218 of the heater switch terminals of electrical terminals

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Mary Ellen Counts 23112 Virginia, United States, Richmond, Cut Show, Avenue 4506 (72) Inventor Amitab Dass 23112 Virginia, United States, Desirley, Desired Lee, Rain 7201 (72) Inventor Sisalama Sea Divi, Virginia 23112, Virginia, USA, Midrossian, Faraway, Drive 8519 (72) Inventor Grier S. Freishhower, Virginia 23113, Midlandsian, Lady, Jane, Court 1004 (72) Inventor Mohammad Earl Hajarogol 23234, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America Raid, Avenue 4509 (72) Inventor Patrick H. Hayes 23831 Virginia, United States, Chester, Forestal, Road 4540 (72) Inventor Charles Tay Higgins Virginia 23339, Richmond, Glenbrook, Circle 30 (72) Inventor Willie G. Hauk Jr. 23235 Virginia, United States, Richmond, Lake, Forest, Drive 7753 (72) Inventor Billy J. Keane Jr. 23832 Virginia, United States Chesterfield, Blue , Stack, Court 12911 (72) Inventor Bernard Sea Laroy 2312 Virginia, United States Richmond, Bailey, Bridge, Road 12821 (72) Inventor Robert E Lee The Third United States Ver Genia 23233, Richmond, Prince, Regent, Place 11802 (72) Inventor A Clifton Lily Jr. United States Virginia 23832, Chesterfield, Waterfowl, Flyway 9641 (72) Inventor Peter Jay Lipowicks 2312 Virginia, USA, Midlands, North, Heritage, Woods, Road 4300 (72) Inventor Day Blues Rosie Jr., United States Virginia 23221, Richmond, Park, Avenue 3912 (72) Inventor Hugh・ J. McCafferty, Virginia 22113, USA, Midroshian, Bosham, Lain 2811 (72) Inventor Donald E. Meiser Virginia 23112, Virginia, Midrossian, Velvet, Antler, Dora 6912 (72) Inventor Constance H. Nichols 23832 Virginia, United States, Chesterfield, Sammarkcliff, Coat 9608 (72) Inventor Win Earle Raymond 23832 Virginia, United States Chesterfield, Wilton , Road 6401 (72) Inventor Robert El Ripley 23235 Virginia, United States, Richmond, Amonette, Drive 8140 (72) Inventor Renser Earl Litt Sr. Virginia 23235, Richmond, Chevell, Drive 1517 ( 72) Inventor G. Robert Scott, 23113, Virginia, USA, Drakewood, Road 13381 (72) Inventor F. Murphy Sprinkle, Virginia 23060, Glen, Allen, Bock, USA 347, Route 4 (72) Inventor William H. Stephens 23113, Virginia, United States, Road 1959, Midrossian, Albion, Road 1959 (72) Inventor Mansalam Savia, Virginia 23113, Midlandsian, Old, Queen, Terrace 2430 (72) ) Inventor Francis Vouchu, Virginia 23113, Virginia, Robias, Road, 1113 (72) Inventor Michael El Watkins Chester, Grove, Virginia, United States 3318 (72) Inventor Susan Elen United States Virginia 23832, Chesterfield, Ivy, Mill, Road 12130

Claims (99)

[Claims] 1. A cigarette for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker and for use in a smoking device comprising at least one electric heater; having a longitudinally spaced first and second end. And a region having a carrier having first and second faces, the first face forming a cavity between the first and second ends, and the second face being located adjacent to the electric heater. And a tobacco flavorant disposed on a first side of the carrier, the tobacco flavorant producing a flavored tobacco response in the cavity when heated by an electric heater and delivering to the smoker. And a cigarette that allows the tobacco flavorant to traverse the airflow into the cavity. 2. The cigarette of claim 1 wherein the carrier is substantially hollow cylindrical and the first surface forms an inner surface and the second surface forms an outer surface. 3. Further comprising a free flow filter adjacent the second end of the carrier, the free flow filter structurally supporting the cigarette and allowing air to flow longitudinally from the cavity; and A backflow filter adjacent the first end of the cigarette, the backflow filter structurally supporting the cigarette and limiting longitudinal airflow therethrough;
Cigarette as described. 4. The cigarette of claim 3 wherein the free flow filter and the back flow filter are substantially cylindrical and each has a surface forming a portion of a cavity. 5. The cigarette according to claim 3, further comprising a mouthpiece filter. 6. The cigarette according to claim 5, further comprising a tipping paper which is placed around the mouthpiece filter and a part of the carrier to fix the mouthpiece filter to the carrier. 7. A second free flow filter is further provided adjacent to the first free flow filter, and the first free flow filter and the second free flow filter are each formed in a vertical flow path. The cigarette according to claim 3, wherein the inner diameter of the longitudinal channel of the filter is larger than the inner diameter of the longitudinal channel of the first free flow filter. 8. The cigarette according to claim 1, further comprising an overlapping paper wrapped around the carrier. 9. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the carrier is composed of a carbon fiber non-woven mat. 10. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco flavoring material comprises a tobacco substance. 11. A cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the tobacco flavoring material comprises a continuous sheet of tobacco material. 12. A cigarette according to claim 1 wherein the tobacco flavoring material comprises a dry slurry of tobacco material. 13. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed in the carrier and the tobacco flavoring material to produce a desired transverse air flow during smoking. 14. A cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the permeability of the carrier and tobacco flavoring material is predetermined and capable of producing a desired transverse air flow. 15. A lighter for use in combination with a removable cigarette in a smoking device for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker; receiving a replaceable cigarette through a first end and at least a portion of the cigarette. Heater fitting having means for providing an air flow to the heater, and a plurality of electric heating elements disposed within the heater fitting and each having a surface disposed adjacent to a surface of a portion of the cigarette to which the air flow is applied. , And means for individually activating multiple heating elements so that a predetermined amount of flavored tobacco response is produced in the cigarette, the smoke traversing the cigarette when inserted into the lighter. A lighter that then flows into the cigarette. 16. The lighter of claim 15, wherein the heater fitting comprises a cap at a first end, the cap having an open end for receiving a cigarette. 17. The lighter of claim 16, wherein the cap provides a tight fit with the cigarette. 18. The lighter of claim 16, wherein the means for providing an air flow comprises one or more air flow passages formed in the cap. 19. The lighter of claim 18, wherein the one or more air passages are through holes formed through the cap. 20. The lighter of claim 18, wherein the one or more air channels are grooves formed on the inner wall of the cap, and the grooves are limited by the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter. 21. The lighter of claim 16 wherein the heater fitting has a substantially cylindrical wall defining a space for at least a portion of the cigarette to be received by the cap. 22. The lighter of claim 21, wherein the means for providing an air flow comprises one or more air flow passages formed in the cap capable of producing an air flow into the space. 23. The lighter of claim 15, wherein the heater fitting has a substantially cylindrical wall defining a space for receiving at least a portion of the cigarette. 24. The lighter of claim 23, wherein air is allowed to flow between the cylindrical wall and the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter. 25. The lighter of claim 23, wherein the means for providing air flow comprises one or more air flow passages formed through the substantially cylindrical wall. 26. The lighter of claim 25, wherein one or more air passages are formed adjacent the first end of the heater fitting. 27. The lighter of claim 25, wherein one or more air passages are formed near the second end of the heater fitting. 28. The lighter of claim 25, wherein a plurality of air flow passages are distributed across the cylindrical wall. 29. A smoking device for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker; comprising a removable cigarette.
The cigarette has a carrier having a first end and a second end and having a first surface and a second surface that are longitudinally spaced apart,
The first surface forms a cavity between the first end and the second end,
And a tobacco flavorant that produces a flavored tobacco response in the cavity, the tobacco flavorant being disposed on the first side of the carrier, and a lighter, the lighter including a cigarette removable through the first end. A heating element having a heater fitting for receiving and a plurality of electric heating elements arranged in the heater fitting, each heating element having a surface arranged adjacent to a second surface of the cigarette, Heating the tobacco flavorant to produce a flavored tobacco response within the cavity,
And means for individually activating the plurality of heating elements so that a predetermined amount of flavored tobacco response is generated within the cavity, the carrier and tobacco flavoring agents creating a transverse air flow into the cavity. Smoking device that can. 30. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the carrier is in the form of a substantially hollow cylinder, the first surface forming an inner surface and the second surface forming an outer surface. 31. The cigarette further comprises a free flow filter adjacent the second end of the carrier, the free flow filter structurally supporting the cigarette and allowing air to flow longitudinally from the cavity; 30. A smoking device according to claim 29, and having a backflow filter adjacent to the first end of the carrier, the backflow filter structurally supporting the cigarette and limiting longitudinal airflow therethrough. 32. The smoking device of claim 31, wherein the free flow filter and the back flow filter are substantially cylindrical and each has a surface forming a portion of a cavity. 33. The smoking device of claim 31, wherein the cigarette comprises a mouthpiece filter. 34. A cigarette is wrapped around at least a portion of the mouthpiece filter and carrier,
The smoking device according to claim 33, further comprising a tipping paper for fixing the mouthpiece filter to the carrier. 35. The cigarette has a second free flow filter adjacent to the first free flow filter, and the first free flow filter and the second free flow filter are each formed in a vertical flow path, and the second free flow is provided. 32. The smoking device according to claim 31, wherein the inner diameter of the longitudinal channel of the filter is larger than the inner diameter of the longitudinal channel of the first free flow filter. 36. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the cigarette comprises overlapping paper wrapped around the carrier. 37. A smoking device according to claim 29, wherein the carrier is composed of a carbon fiber non-woven mat. 38. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the tobacco flavoring material comprises tobacco material. 39. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the tobacco flavoring material comprises a continuous sheet of tobacco material. 40. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the tobacco flavoring material comprises a dry slurry of tobacco material. 41. A plurality of through holes are formed in the carrier and tobacco flavorant to provide the desired transverse air flow during smoking.
9. The smoking device according to 9. 42. The permeability of the carrier and tobacco flavorant is predetermined to provide the desired transverse airflow during smoking.
9. The smoking device according to 9. 43. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the heater fitting comprises a cap at a first end, the cap having an open end for receiving a cigarette. 44. The smoking device of claim 43, wherein the cigarette is an interference fit with the cap. 45. The smoking device of claim 43, wherein the cap has one or more air flow passages that provide an air flow to at least a portion of the cigarette. 46. The smoking device according to claim 45, wherein the at least one air flow path is a through hole formed in the cap. 47. The smoking device of claim 45, wherein the one or more air flow passages are grooves formed on the inner wall of the cap, the grooves being limited by the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter. . 48. The heater fitting comprises a substantially cylindrical wall defining a space in which at least a portion of the cigarette is received by the cap.
The smoking device described. 49. The smoking device of claim 48, wherein one or more air flow passages are provided in the cap to provide an air flow to the cigarette to provide an air flow in the space. 50. The smoking device of claim 29, wherein the heater fitting comprises a substantially cylindrical wall defining a space for receiving at least a portion of the cigarette. 51. The smoking device of claim 50, wherein air is allowed to flow between the cylindrical wall and the cigarette when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter. 52. The smoking device of claim 50, wherein one or more air passages that provide an air flow to at least a portion of the cigarette are formed through the substantially cylindrical wall. 53. The smoking device of claim 52, wherein one or more air flow passages are formed adjacent the first end of the heater fitting. 54. The smoking device of claim 52, wherein one or more air flow passages are formed near the second end of the heater fitting. 55. The smoking device of claim 52, wherein a plurality of air passages are distributed across the cylindrical wall. 56. A heating element for use in a smoking device for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker; a heating element electricity present between a first end, a second end, and between the first and second ends. Manufactured from a resistive material having a first surface and a second surface that are substantially planar with a plurality of curved regions that increase resistance, and having a total length of L, a total width of W and a thickness of T, the effective electricity of the heating element is A heating element having a length larger than the length L and an effective electric cross-sectional area of the heating element smaller than the product of W and T. 57. The heating element of claim 56, wherein the plurality of curved portions comprises a plurality of interconnected substantially S-shaped regions. 58. The heating element of claim 57, having N interconnected S-shaped regions, N being greater than 3 and less than 12. 59. The heating element according to claim 58, wherein N is greater than 6 and less than 10. 60. The heating element of claim 56, wherein the heating element has a resistance of about 0.8Ω to about 2.1Ω. 61. The heating element of claim 56, wherein the resistive material comprises a material that exhibits surface stability at temperatures up to about 80% of its melting point. 62. The heating element according to claim 56, wherein the resistance material is a superalloy. 63. The heating element according to claim 62, wherein the superalloy is based on at least one material selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron and cobalt. 64. The heating element according to claim 56, wherein the resistance material is an intermetallic compound. 65. The heating element according to claim 64, wherein the resistive material is an oxidation resistant intermetallic compound based on at least one material selected from the group consisting of nickel aluminide and iron aluminide. 66. The heating element of claim 63, wherein the resistive material contains greater than about 1% aluminum. 67. The first end and the second end extend beyond the plurality of curved regions, and the first end, the second end and the plurality of curved regions are made from a single piece of material. Heating element. 68. The heating element according to claim 56, wherein the longitudinal centerlines of the first end, the second end, and the plurality of curved regions are aligned. 69. The heating element according to claim 56, wherein the intermediate region between the first end and the plurality of curved regions and the intermediate region between the second end and the plurality of curved regions are chamfered. 70. The end bends of the plurality of bend regions adjacent the first and second ends are oriented in a common direction.
The heating element according to 6. 71. A method of making an integrated heater assembly for use in a smoking device for delivering a flavored tobacco response to a smoker; a plurality of heating elements cut into sheets of resistive material and connected together at at least one end. And then forming the sheet into a cylindrical shape. 72. The method of claim 71, further comprising molding the heating element so that at least a portion of the heating element curves inwardly toward a cylindrical centerline. 73. The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of smoothing the edges of the heating element. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein the heating element is electropolished during the smoothing step. 75. The method according to claim 71, wherein after the sheet is cut into a plurality of heating elements, the sheet is formed into a cylindrical shape. 76. The method according to claim 71, further comprising the step of welding the edges of the connecting portions connected to the plurality of heating elements. 77. The method of claim 76, wherein the edges are laser welded during the welding step. 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the laser is a yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser. 79. The method of claim 71, wherein the sheet of resistive material is laser cut during the cutting step. 80. The laser as a CO ₂ laser.
9. The method described in 9. 81. The method of claim 71, wherein the sheet of resistive material is die stamped during the cutting step. 82. The method of claim 71, wherein the sheet of resistive material is precision stamped during the cutting step. 83. The method of claim 71, wherein the sheet of resistive material is cut by chemical milling during the cutting step. 84. The method of claim 71, wherein the sheet of resistive material is cut by a chemical etching method during the cutting step. 85. A heat transferable base web formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and having a heat receiving outer surface and an inner surface; and a tobacco flavoring material disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface, the tobacco flavoring material comprising: A cigarette that emits a flavored tobacco response when the outer surface of the base web is heated. 86. The cigarette according to claim 85, further comprising an overlapping paper covered on the outer surface. 87. A tobacco product configured to cooperate with a separate heat source; comprising a fibrous web and a tobacco flavoring material disposed along a first side of the web, and the fibrous web comprising A tobacco product configured to receive heat in at least one location along two sides and transfer a significant portion of that heat to a portion of the tobacco flavoring material near the location. 88. The tobacco product of claim 87, wherein the fibrous web comprises fibrous tobacco. 89. The tobacco product of claim 87, wherein the fibrous web comprises fibrous tobacco and fibrous carbon. 90. The tobacco product of claim 87, wherein the fibrous web comprises carbon fibers. 91. The tobacco product of claim 87, wherein the web is in the form of a substantially hollow cylindrical web having an internal cavity. 92. Further comprising a free flow filter adjacent the second end of the cylindrical web, the free flow filter structurally supporting the cylindrical web and allowing air to flow longitudinally from the cavity; 93. and a backflow filter adjacent the first end of the cylindrical web, the backflow filter structurally supporting the cylindrical web and limiting longitudinal airflow from the cavity; . 93. The tobacco product of claim 92, wherein the free flow filter and the back flow filter are substantially cylindrical and each has a surface forming a portion of a cavity. 94. The tobacco product of claim 92, further comprising a mouthpiece filter adjacent to the free flow filter. 95. The tobacco product of claim 92, further comprising a mouthpiece filter and tipping paper overlying at least a portion of the cylindrical web to secure the mouthpiece filter to the cylindrical web. 96. A second free flow filter is further provided adjacent to the first free flow filter, wherein the first free flow filter and the second free flow filter are each formed in a vertical flow path, and the second free flow filter is provided. 93. A tobacco product according to claim 92, wherein the inner diameter of the longitudinal channel of the flow filter is larger than the inner diameter of the longitudinal channel of the first free flow filter; 97. The tobacco product of claim 92, further comprising overlapping paper overlying the cylindrical web. 98. A plurality of through holes are formed in the cylindrical web,
93. The tobacco product of claim 92, wherein a desired transverse airflow is obtained during smoking. 99. The permeability of the cylindrical web is predetermined,
93. The tobacco product of claim 92, wherein a desired cross air flow is obtained.