UA92474C2 - Electrically heated cigarette comprising flavouring with controlled release - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrically heated cigarette (23) for an electrical smoking system comprises at least one sorbent and a flavoring-release additive including at least one flavoring releasable in the electrically heated cigarette upon the flavoring-release additive being heated to at least a minimum temperature. The flavoring-release additive includes at least one flavoring. The flavoring-release additive can have various forms including, for example, beads, films and inclusion complexes. Electrical smoking systems including the electrically heated cigarettes, methods of making the cigarettes, and methods of smoking the cigarettes are also disclosed.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of US application No. 10/695,760, filed Oct. 30, 2003, which, pursuant to section 35 of the USC 5119, claims priority to prior US application No. 0/422,497, "EisigisanPu peasea sidagece ipsiadipud sopigo!Iey geIease Pamogipd", filed 31 of October 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Cigarettes are usually smoked by lighting the end of a wrapped tobacco stick and sucking air through the chewing end by sucking on the end of the cigarette that is inserted into the mouth. Conventional cigarettes produce smoke as a result of combustion, in which the tobacco burns at temperatures that typically exceed 800°C during puffing. The heat of combustion causes the tobacco to release a variety of gaseous products of combustion and distillation products. When these gaseous products are drawn through cigarette, they cool and condense to form an aerosol that imparts the flavors and aromas associated with smoking.

Regular cigarettes create a side stream of smoke when puffed between puffs. Once lit, they should generally be smoked out or thrown away. Relighting a regular cigarette is possible but unattractive for subjective reasons such as aroma, taste and smell.

An alternative to a more traditional cigarette is an electrically heated cigarette used in electric smoking systems. Compared to conventional cigarettes, electric smoking systems significantly reduce the side stream of smoke, and also allow the smoker to stop and resume smoking at will. Examples of electric smoking systems are given in related US patents Mob,026,820;

Me5,988,176; Me5,915,387; Mo5,692,526; Me5,692,525; Mo5,666,976; Me5,499,636 and Mo5,388,594, the contents of each of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. Electric smoking systems include an electric lighter and an electrically heated cigarette, the design of which is adapted to interact with such a lighter. Desirably, this electric smoking system is capable of producing smoke in a manner similar to the smoker's experience with conventional cigarettes, such as providing an immediate response (smoke immediately after puffing), a desired level of smoke (corresponding to the resin content level set for cigarettes with an ETS filter), desired drag resistance (ATO), constancy both from puff to puff and from cigarette to cigarette.

Volatile flavorings are added to conventional cigarettes to impart flavors and aromas to the main stream and side stream of tobacco smoke. See, for example, US patents Mo3,006,347; Mo3,236,244; Meo3,344,796;

Mo3,426,011; Mo3,972,335; Mo4,715,390; Mo5,137,034; Mo5,144,964; and Mob, 325,859, and related international application UUO 01/80671. Preferably, these added flavorings become volatile as the cigarette is smoked. However, volatile flavorings tend to migrate within the cigarette to other parts of the cigarette, and possibly throughout the cigarette. Even before smoking, volatile flavorings can be lost from cigarettes during storage, transport and sale even under normal conditions. The degree to which volatile flavorings migrate in cigarettes depends on a variety of factors, including the vapor pressure of the flavorings, the solubility of the flavoring in other components of the cigarette, and temperature and humidity conditions. In addition, in regular cigarettes, a significant portion of the added flavor can be lost along with the side stream of smoke.

Flavorings added to conventional cigarettes can also be chemically and/or physically degraded by contact and/or reaction with other components of the cigarette, as well as with the environment.

For example, activated carbon is added to ordinary cigarettes in order to remove components of the gas phase from the main stream of smoke. However, flavorings added to cigarettes along with activated carbon are adsorbed by the activated carbon, clogging the pores of the activated carbon and consequently deactivating the activated carbon, thus reducing its ability to filter tobacco smoke.

For these reasons, the flavorings added to ordinary cigarettes are not delivered to the smoker quite satisfactorily. As a result, flavorings added to some conventional cigarettes do not satisfactorily create the desired taste effect for the smoker, and the desired degree of flavoring as a subjective quality of the cigarette is lower than desired. Due to the loss of flavoring, the uniformity of flavored cigarettes is not entirely satisfactory.

In addition, the sorption of flavorings by sorbents in a cigarette deactivates these sorbents and thus reduces their ability to remove gas phase components from cigarette smoke.

A concise summary of the essence of the invention

In view of the above-described problems occurring in some conventional cigarettes that include flavoring agents as well as sorbents, an electrically heated cigarette containing a controlled-release sorbent and flavoring agent is proposed. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated cigarette contains a sorbent and a flavoring in a form that, in a preferred embodiment, minimizes the release and movement of that flavoring in the cigarette prior to smoking, e.g., under ambient conditions, and thus, in a preferred embodiment, minimizes deactivation of the sorbent by the flavoring agent. Additionally, the preferred flavoring is released into the cigarette during smoking in a controlled manner. As a result, the flavoring in the preferred embodiment improves the subjective characteristics of the cigarette, and the sorbent retains its ability to remove gas phase components from the main stream of smoke.

A preferred embodiment of the electrically heated cigarette contains at least one sorbent and a flavoring-releasing mixture containing one or more flavorings. The flavoring is released in the cigarette when the flavoring-releasing mixture is heated to at least the minimum temperature that occurs during cigarette smoking.

The flavor-releasing admixture can be incorporated into the electrically heated cigarette in a variety of forms. In a preferred embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture is in the form of granules. In another preferred embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture is a film. In another preferred embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture is a complex inclusion compound that contains a specific host molecule, and the guest molecule of this complex inclusion compound is a flavoring agent.

In another preferred embodiment, two or more different flavoring-releasing admixtures having different flavoring release temperatures are located at different locations of the electrically heated cigarette at different temperatures.

The flavor-releasing admixtures can be located in such locations of the electrically heated cigarette that reach the flavor-releasing temperature for these flavor-releasing admixtures. Accordingly, the flavor-releasing admixture can provide effective controlled release of the flavor during smoking.

An electrically heated cigarette can include various sorbents. By incorporating a flavorant into the flavorant release mixture, which, in a preferred embodiment, minimizes the release and/or movement of the flavorant until the flavorant release mixture reaches the flavorant release temperature, in a preferred embodiment, sorption of the flavorant is substantially prevented, and thus deactivation of the sorbent, and in this connection, the absence of a negative effect on the ability of the sorbent to remove selected components of the gas phase from the main stream of tobacco smoke is ensured. In addition, due to the temperature dependence of the release of flavoring in the cigarette, it can be effectively delivered to the smoker in a controlled manner during puff cycles.

In a preferred embodiment, the electric smoking system includes a lighter and at least one electrically heated cigarette that includes at least one sorbent and a flavor-releasing admixture.

In a preferred embodiment, the method of making an electrically heated cigarette includes introducing a sorbent and a flavoring-releasing admixture into the electrically heated cigarette.

According to another embodiment, an electrically heated cigarette has a flavor-releasing admixture in the tobacco mat, a sorbent in the filter element, and a tobacco rod without a flavor-releasing admixture.

A brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette for use in an electric smoking system with the cigarette partially disassembled.

Fig. 2 illustrates the electrically heated cigarette shown in Fig. 1, now in a folded state, when one of the ends of this cigarette touches the stop of the electric lighter of this electric smoking system.

Figure 3 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette for use in an electric smoking system with the cigarette partially disassembled.

Figure 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an electric smoking system with an electrically heated cigarette inserted into an electric lighter.

Figure 5 illustrates the electric smoking system shown in Figure 4 with a cigarette pulled from the lighter.

Fig. 6 illustrates the heater of the electric smoking system.

Figure 7 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette for use in an electric smoking system with the cigarette partially disassembled.

Figure 8 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette for use in an electric smoking system with the cigarette partially disassembled.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

An electrically heated cigarette contains one or more sorbents and at least one flavoring agent to impart flavor, taste and/or smell to the tobacco smoke. In a preferred embodiment, this flavoring is incorporated into the cigarette as part of a flavoring release admixture that, in a preferred embodiment, minimizes the release and/or movement of this flavoring in the cigarette prior to smoking. In a preferred embodiment, , the flavoring is released from the flavoring release admixture in a controlled manner during the smoking of this cigarette.

The flavoring-releasing admixture allows the flavoring to improve the subjective characteristics of the cigarette while simultaneously avoiding a negative impact on the effectiveness of the sorbent in removing certain components of the gas phase from the main stream of smoke.

In a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette, the flavoring is released into the cigarette when the flavoring release mixture is heated to at least a minimum temperature (the flavoring release temperature) that occurs when the smoker draws the main stream of smoke through the cigarette.

It has been determined that different areas of an electrically heated cigarette have different temperatures when the smoker draws on the cigarette. In a preferred embodiment, the different flavoring-releasing impurities are selectively located in two or more locations of the electrically heated cigarette, which respectively achieve at least the minimum temperature at which the flavoring is released /-from the flavoring-releasing admixture located at that location. By selectively placing one or more flavor-releasing admixtures in a cigarette, the cigarette can provide effective controlled flavor release during smoking.

The flavor-releasing admixture can have various types of structure and composition and can be located in one or more places and/or introduced into one or more components of an electrically heated cigarette. Flavoring release admixtures can be designed to have different release temperatures of the respective flavorings. Accordingly, these flavor-releasing admixtures can be introduced into the electrically heated cigarette at such locations as are most suitable to ensure the effective release of flavoring from the particular flavor-releasing admixture.

An electrically heated cigarette may include one or more sorbents capable of removing certain components of the gas phase from the main stream of smoke. By incorporating a flavoring agent in the flavoring release admixture that, in a preferred embodiment, minimizes the release and/or movement of flavoring in the cigarette until the flavoring release admixture reaches at least a minimum temperature, in a preferred embodiment, the flavoring substantially prevents deactivation of the sorbent. In this way, the ability of the sorbent to remove defined gas phase constituents from the main stream of tobacco smoke can be preserved. In a preferred embodiment, the flavor releasing admixture allows effective delivery of the flavor to the smoker in a controlled manner.

As used herein, the term "sorption" refers to filtration by adsorption and/or absorption. Sorption means the implementation of interactions both on the outer surface of the sorbent and inside the pores and channels of the sorbent. In other words, a "sorbent" is a substance that has the ability to condense or retain molecules of other substances on its surface, and/or the ability to attract other substances by penetrating other substances into its internal structure or into its pores. The term "sorbent" as used herein refers to any adsorbent, absorbent, or substance that can function as both an adsorbent and an absorbent.

As used herein, the term "removal" refers to adsorbing and/or absorbing at least some portion of one of the components of the main stream of tobacco smoke.

The term "main stream of smoke" means the mixture of gases passing through the tobacco rod and exiting the filter, that is, the amount of smoke that exits or is drawn through the end of a cigarette that is inserted into the mouth during the smoking of that cigarette. The main stream of smoke contains air that is drawn in both through the heating zone of the cigarette and through the paper wrapper.

The term "molecular sieve", as used in this description, refers to a porous structure that consists of inorganic material and/or organic material. Molecular sieves include natural and synthetic materials. Molecular sieves can carry out sorption of molecules of certain sizes, rejecting molecules that have larger sizes.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette 23.

However, it should be understood that an electrically heated cigarette may also have other designs suitable for smoking in an electric lighter. The electrically heated cigarette 23 includes a tobacco rod 60 and a filter mouthpiece 62 connected to each other by a rim paper 64. The preferred tobacco rod 60 includes a tobacco web or "mat" 66 rolled into in the form of a tube around the free-flow filter 74 at one end and the tobacco rod 80 at the other end.

The outer wrapper 71 surrounds the tobacco-containing mat 6b and is connected along the longitudinal seam. The outer wrapper 71 holds the mat 66 in a rolled state around the free-flow filter 74 and the tobacco rod 80.

The mat 66, in a preferred embodiment, includes a base web 68 and a layer of tobacco material 70. This tobacco material 70 can be located along the inner surface or the outer surface of the base web 68. On the filter mouthpiece side of the tobacco rod 60, the mat 66 and the outer wrapper 71 are wrapped around the free-flow filter 74. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco rod 80 includes a relatively short tobacco column 82 of crushed tobacco that is held by an inner wrap 84 that surrounds it.

A cavity 90 is located between the free-flow filter 74 and the tobacco rod 80. This cavity 90 represents the unfilled portion of the tobacco rod 60 and is in hydraulic communication with the mouthpiece 62 through the free-flow filter 74.

Mouthpiece 62 in a preferred embodiment includes a free-flow filter 92 located near the tobacco rod 60 and a mouthpiece filter plug 94 at the outer end of the mouthpiece 62 relative to the tobacco rod 60. In a preferred embodiment, the free-flow filter 92 is tubular and passes air with very low pressure drop. The mouthpiece filter plug 94 closes the free end of the mouthpiece 62.

The cigarette 23 optionally includes at least one row of perforations 12 near the free end 15 of the cigarette 23. These perforations may be in the form of slits 17 which, in a preferred embodiment, pass through the outer wrapper 71, the mat 66, and the inner wrapper 84.

In order to further improve the flow of smoke, at least one additional row of perforations 14, including slots 17, may optionally be formed at a desired location on the tobacco rod 80. These perforations 12 or 14 may include a single or double row of slots 17. The number and relative location of these slits 17 can be selected to control the drag along the cigarette sidewalls 23 and the flow of smoke.

The optional holes 16 provided in the mat 66 are closed by the outer wrapper 71. The perforation holes 12, 14 can be used to approximate the desired smoke levels of the cigarette 23, with the holes 16 used to regulate the smoke flow with less effect on the ATO.

A preferred embodiment of cigarette 23 has a substantially constant diameter along its length. The diameter of the cigarette 23, like conventional cigarettes, is preferably between about 7.5mm and 8.5mm, whereby the electric smoking system 21 provides the smoker with a familiar "lip-feel" when smoking.

The preferred tobacco column 82 includes ground tobacco from typical tobacco blends, such as blends containing Bright, Burley, and Oriental tobaccos optionally together with regenerated tobaccos and other blend components, including traditional cigarette flavorings.

The free-flow filter 92 and mouthpiece filter plug 94 are, in a preferred embodiment, connected together in a combination filter with a filter wrap 101. This preferred filter wrap 101 is a porous, lightweight filter wrap. The combined filter is attached to the tobacco rod 60 by means of rim paper 64.

As described above, the electrically heated cigarette 23 may include one or more sorbents that remove components of the gas phase from tobacco smoke. The sorbent can include one or more porous materials through which tobacco smoke can pass. In a preferred embodiment,

sorbent is activated carbon. For example, this sorbent may include granules of activated carbon located in the filter cavity or particles of activated carbon loaded on fibrous material or paper. Activated carbon can come in a variety of forms, including particles, fibers, granules, and more. This activated carbon can have different porosity characteristics, such as defined pore size and total pore volume.

In another preferred embodiment, this sorbent is one or more suitable molecular sieve sorbent materials. Molecular sieve sorbents that may be used in the electrically heated cigarette 23 include, but are not limited to, one or more of zeolites, mesoporous silicates, aluminophosphates, mesoporous aluminosilicates, and other related porous materials such as mixed oxide gels , which may optionally also contain inorganic or organic ions and/or metals. This is, for example, described in the related International Application WO 01/80973, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In a preferred embodiment, such sorbent is one or more zeolites. Zeolites include crystalline aluminosilicates having pores such as channels and/or cavities of uniform molecular size. There are many known unique zeolite structures with different pore sizes and shapes, which can significantly influence the properties of these materials in terms of sorption and separation processes.

Molecules can be separated by zeolites by size and shape, related to the possible orientation of molecules in the pores, and/or by the difference in the degree of sorption. One or more zeolites having pores larger than one or more defined gas phase components of the gas to be filtered can be used in the electrically heated cigarette 23 such that only defined molecules that are small enough to pass through the pores of the material of the mentioned molecular sieve, are able to penetrate into the cavities and be absorbed by this zeolite.

This zeolite may be, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: zeolite A; zeolite

X; zeolite U; zeolite K-a; zeolite 2K-5; zeolite VETA; zeolite 2K-4 and zeolite 25M-5. In a preferred embodiment, zeolite 25M-5 and/or zeolite VETA are used. 25M-5 belongs to the MEI structural classification family and is represented by the crystal chemical characteristic (Map(AIpbiov-pOch192)716H2O, with p«27, orthorhombic structure, Rpta), and BETA zeolite belongs to the BEA structural classification family and is represented by the crystal chemical characteristic (MagA1I?5i57O128 ) of tetragonal structure, RAch22i|. These two zeolites are heat-resistant at temperatures up to about 800°C, which allows them to be introduced into cigarette filters and/or tobacco rods of an electrically heated cigarette 23.

In another preferred embodiment, said sorbent introduced into the electrically heated cigarette 23 has a composite composition. In such an embodiment, the sorbent includes, for example, activated carbon and one or more molecular sieve materials such as those described above.

For example, sorbent fibers can be impregnated with at least one sorbent.

Microporous, mesoporous and/or macroporous molecular sieves may be used in the electrically heated cigarette 23 depending on the identified component(s) to be removed from the main stream of tobacco smoke.

The sorbent can be introduced into one or more places of the electrically heated cigarette 23. For example, the sorbent can be located in the passage of the tubular free-flow filter 74, in the free-flow filter 92, and/or in the cavity space 90. The sorbent can additionally or alternatively be introduced into the tobacco rod. 80.

Figure 3 shows another preferred embodiment of an electrically heated cigarette 23 that includes a filter 150. This filter 150 includes a sorbent in the form of oriented fibers 152 and a sleeve 154 of a material such as paper surrounding fibers The sorbent can be, for example, one or more of the following substances: activated carbon, silica gel, zeolite and other molecular sieves in fibrous forms. These sorbents can be surface-modified materials, for example, surface-modified silica gel, such as aminopropylsilyl (APS) silica gel. Mixtures of sorbents can provide different filtration characteristics to achieve the desired composition of the main stream of filtered smoke.

Alternatively, the fibers 152 may include one or more sorbent materials, such as carbon, silica gel, zeolite, etc., impregnated into a microporous fiber, such as TAIAO "M microporous fiber, as described in related International Application WO 01/80973. In an embodiment , which is preferred, these fibers form microporous fibers impregnated with particles of one or more sorbent materials, or alternatively, endless fibers of activated carbon. These fibers, in a preferred embodiment, have a diameter of from about 10 µm to about 1000 µm. Such fibers can, for example , have a length from about 10 μm to about 200 μm.

In another preferred embodiment, such fibers are bundles of individual fibers, which are preferably oriented parallel to the direction of flow of the main stream of smoke through the electrically heated cigarette.

Filters 150, which include fibers 152, can be made, for example, by passing a tow of uncoiled fibrous sorbent material, which, in a preferred embodiment, has a controlled denier density, both overall and per fiber, through preformed or in place of sleeve 154 in the process of manufacturing filters. The filter thus formed can be sized by cutting to the desired length. For example, such filters can have a length of approx

Bmm to about ZOmm.

The filter 150, which includes the fibers 152, can be installed in the electrically heated cigarette at one or more desired locations. 17 and 2 also show that in a preferred embodiment, the filter 150 can be replaced with a solid free-flow filter 92. In another preferred embodiment, the free-flow filter 150 can be replaced with a portion of the free-flow filter 92. The filter 150 may be in contact (ie, contact) with the free-flow filter 74 and be located between the free-flow filter 74 and the mouthpiece filter plug 94, or be in contact (i.e., contact) with the mouthpiece filter plug 94. The filter 150 in the embodiment given advantageously, has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the free-flow filter 92 to minimize smoke bypass during the filtration process.

Preferred fibrous sorbents have high resilience along with suitable packing bulk density and fiber length such that parallel passages are formed between the fibers. Such a structure is capable of effectively removing significant amounts of gas phase constituents such as formaldehyde and/or acrolein, while preferably removing only minimal particulate matter from the smoke. In this way, a significant reduction in the content of certain components of the gas phase is achieved without a significant impact on the total content of solid particles (MSP) in this gas. In order to achieve such a filtering efficiency, preference is given to a sufficiently low volume density of the packing and a sufficiently short length of the fiber.

The amount of sorbent used in preferred embodiments of the electrically heated cigarette 23 depends on the amount of defined gas phase constituents present in the tobacco smoke and the amount of these constituents to be removed from the tobacco smoke.

As described above, the electrically heated cigarette 23 also includes at least one flavor-releasing admixture. The flavoring may be, for example, one or more flavorings including, but not limited to, menthol, mint such as peppermint and spearmint, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavorings, gamma -octalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath fresheners, spicy flavors such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavors. In a preferred embodiment, the flavor is menthol and optionally at least one mint flavor.

As described above, flavor-releasing impurities in an electrically heated cigarette can have different structures and compositions. In one preferred embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture is in the form of granules. These granules, in a preferred embodiment, encapsulate the flavoring and provide a controlled release of the flavoring in the cigarette during puff cycles.

Granules in a preferred embodiment include at least one encapsulating material and at least one flavoring agent. This encapsulating material, in a preferred embodiment, includes a binder, which may be, for example, one or more of the following: palm oil, konjac gum, xylitol, zein, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sorbitol, maltitol, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Other known materials that can improve the granulation characteristics of this encapsulating material or increase its stability can also optionally be added to the granules. In a preferred embodiment, the granules have a substantially uniform composition with substantially uniform flavoring distribution. With such a structure, the flavoring can be released from the granules more evenly during smoking.

Depending on the composition of the granules, the minimum temperature at which the granules release the aroma can be adjusted. Granules containing one or more of the above binders preferably have a minimum flavor release temperature of at least about 40°C, for example, about 407°C to about 150°C. The granules protect the flavor from exposure to undesirable substances present in the atmosphere (for example, the ambient air inside the pack) and undesirable substances contained in the cigarette. Also, in a preferred embodiment, they minimize the release and/or migration of the flavorant until the flavorant-releasing mixture is heated to a sufficiently high temperature during smoking of the cigarette. As a result, the preferred embodiment essentially prevents flavoring from moving in the cigarette, reacting with other substances in the cigarette or with the environment, and deactivating the sorbent present in the cigarette.

The granules can have any desired shape, such as a variety of regular and irregular shapes, including round, square, rectangular, oval, other polygonal shapes, cylindrical, fibrous, and others. Granules have different sizes. In a preferred embodiment, these granules are microgranules having a maximum particle size of less than about 25 µm, and in a more preferred embodiment, less than about 1 µm. Reducing the size of the granules can provide a more uniform and controlled release of flavoring by providing an increased surface area for these granules.

Pellets can be manufactured using any suitable process that ensures the production of pellets with the desired structure, composition and dimensions. For example, the granules may be produced by extrusion, spray drying, coating, or other suitable methods. In a preferred embodiment, the granules are formed by forming a solution, dispersion or emulsion containing a binder, a flavoring agent and optional additives to form the granules, which can be separated and dried. Methods of manufacturing granules containing active ingredients such as flavoring are described in US Patent Moeb, 325,859, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The electrically heated cigarette 23, in a preferred embodiment, includes an amount of granules that provides the desired amount of flavoring in that cigarette. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated cigarette includes pellets having a weight fraction of up to about 2095 of the total weight of tobacco in the cigarette, and in a more preferred embodiment, of about 1095 to about 1595. For example, a cigarette, containing 100 mg of tobacco, in a preferred embodiment containing up to about 20 mg of pellets. The weight fraction of the flavoring in the granules in a preferred embodiment can be up to about 2095. The cigarette can contain, for example, from about 1 mg to about 15 mg of flavoring.

In a preferred embodiment, the pellets are located in at least one location in the electrically heated cigarette 23 where at least the minimum temperature is reached at which flavoring is released from the pellets into the cigarette during smoking. For example, the pellets may be located in the tobacco rod 60, in the cavity 90 between the tobacco rod 80 and the free-flow filter 74, on one or more surfaces of the free-flow filter 74, on or within the mother 66, and/or on or within the inner wrapper 84, which surrounds the tobacco rod 80.

In another preferred embodiment, pellets of different compositions with two or more different minimum flavor release temperatures can be located at two or more locations in the electrically heated cigarette that have different temperatures during smoking. For example, pellets having a first flavor release temperature may be located in the first location in the cigarette where the first flavor release temperature is reached, and pellets having a second flavor release temperature higher than the first flavor release temperature may be located in a second location in the cigarette, where the second flavor release temperature is reached.

For example, two flavor release temperatures can differ by up to about 10070.

For example, these two temperatures may differ by up to about 10°C, 207°C, 30.40°C, 5070°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 907°C, or 10076°C.

In another preferred embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture includes a film. This film, in a preferred embodiment, encapsulates the flavoring and provides a controlled temperature release of the flavoring in the cigarette during smoking. In a preferred embodiment, the weight fraction of flavoring in the film is up to 2095, in a more preferred embodiment from about 1095 to about 1595. In a preferred embodiment, the film encapsulates menthol and optionally also mint .

In a preferred embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture in the form of a film includes at least one encapsulating material and at least one flavoring agent. This encapsulating material, in a preferred embodiment, contains a binding agent, which may be, for example, one or more of the following substances: carrageenan, gelatin, agar, gellan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, xanthum gum, and pectin. Other known materials that can improve the film-forming characteristics of the encapsulating material or increase its stability can optionally be introduced into the film. In a preferred embodiment, the film has a substantially uniform composition with substantially uniform flavoring distribution. With such a structure, the flavoring can be better released from the film during smoking. The encapsulating material in the form of a film provides a barrier against the release of flavoring.

Depending on the composition of the film, the minimum temperature at which the film releases the aroma can be adjusted/selected. A film containing one or more of the binders described above, in a preferred embodiment, has a minimum flavor release temperature of at least about 50°C, for example up to about 120°C. This film protects the flavor from unwanted substances present in the cigarette and the atmosphere, and essentially prevents the release of flavor until the film is heated to the temperature at which the flavor is released during cigarette smoking.

This film can be applied to one or more components of an electrically heated cigarette in the form of a liquid coating that dries to a film state. The dimensions of this dried film are unlimited. In a preferred embodiment, this dried film has a maximum thickness of about 500 µm to about 15 µm, and in a more preferred embodiment, about 75 µm.

The film can be produced using any suitable technological process that ensures the production of a film with the desired structure, composition and dimensions. For example, this film can be applied by coating methods such as spraying, dipping, electrostatic deposition, using a printing drum, a gravure printing method including the use of jet printing, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, an emulsion, suspension, or suspension containing a binder, flavoring, and possible impurities is prepared and then applied as a coating to one or more specified surfaces of one or more specified components of an electrically heated cigarette. This coating is optionally dried to remove water and/or other solvents and form a solid film of the desired dimensions.

Examples of methods that can be used to prepare such films are described in US Patent No. 3,006,347 and in related US Patent No. 4,715,390, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The electrically heated cigarette 23, in a preferred embodiment, includes an amount of film that provides the desired amount of flavoring during smoking of the cigarette. In a preferred embodiment, the electrically heated cigarette includes a film having a mass fraction of up to about 2,095 of the total weight of tobacco in the film coated cigarette, and in a more preferred embodiment, from about 1,095 to about 1595. For example, if this film is applied to a mat, the weight of tobacco contained in the mat is, in the preferred embodiment, the weight basis for calculating the amount of film. If this film is applied to a mat and a tobacco rod, then the total mass of tobacco contained in this mat and in this tobacco rod is, in the preferred embodiment, the mass basis for calculating the amount of film applied to the cigarette. In a preferred embodiment, the mass of tobacco contained in the mat is the mass basis for calculating the amount of film applied to that mat, and the mass of tobacco contained in the tobacco rod is the mass basis for calculating the amount of film applied to this tobacco rod. In a preferred embodiment, the cigarette may contain from about 1 mg to about 15 mg of flavoring.

In a preferred embodiment, the film is located in at least one location in the electrically heated cigarette 23 in which at least the flavor release temperature is reached.

For example, the film can be located on the tobacco rod 80, on the inner wrapper 84 that surrounds this tobacco rod 80, on the mat 66, and/or on the outer wrapper 71 that surrounds this mat. If this film is located on the inner wrapper 84 and/or outer wrapper 71, the mass of this inner wrapper 84 and/or outer wrapper 71 is the mass basis for calculating the amount of film. In another preferred embodiment, the film may be prepared, shredded, and inserted into the tobacco rod 80 and/or other designated locations where the flavor release temperature is reached.

In another preferred embodiment, different flavored films having two or more different minimum flavor release temperatures may be located at different locations in an electrically heated cigarette, where, during smoking of that cigarette, the temperatures at these different locations exceed said minimum release temperatures different films.

In another preferred embodiment, this flavor-releasing admixture is a complex inclusion compound. This inclusion compound contains a certain host molecule, and the guest molecule of this complex inclusion compound is an aroma. The complex inclusion compound ensures the controlled release of flavoring in the cigarette during smoking. In a preferred embodiment, this flavoring agent is a lipophilic organic flavoring agent that is preferably concentrated in the hydrophobic cavity of the host molecule. Suitable flavoring agents may include, but are not limited to, menthol, mints such as peppermint and spearmint, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, gamma-octalactone, vanillin, ethylvanillin, flavorings that breath fresheners, spicy flavorings such as cinnamon, methyl salicylate, linalool, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemon oil, ginger oil, and tobacco flavorings. In a preferred embodiment, this flavoring includes vanillin and gamma-octalactone. In a preferred embodiment, the weight fraction of flavoring in the inclusion complex is up to 20,905, more preferably from about 1,095 to about 1,595 flavoring.

The host molecule of this complex inclusion compound according to the preferred option is a cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides that contain glucopyranose subunits as described, for example, in US Patent No. 3,426,011 and related US Patent No. 5,144,964, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A complex inclusion compound is formed when the flavoring material is mixed with a defined cyclodextrin in solution.

The flavoring takes place within the structure of the cyclodextrin cyclic structure. Cyclodextrins and flavoring are usually co-precipitated, filtered and dried.

Alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, and gamma-cyclodextrin include six, seven, and eight glucopyranose subunits, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, this complex inclusion compound contains beta-cdcyclodextrin, which can properly hold a variety of guest molecules and is readily available. Beta-cyclodextrin has a cyclic structure of interconnected subunits in a three-dimensional torus configuration, including a hydrophobic cavity with a diameter of 7.5Å and hydrophilic top and bottom edges.

The minimum temperature at which said complex inclusion compound containing cyclodextrin releases flavoring is, in a preferred embodiment, at least about 60°C, ie from about 60°C to about 1257°C. By incorporating the flavoring into the complex inclusion compound, that flavoring can be protected from exposure to undesirable substances in the cigarette, and release into the atmosphere and/or migration of the preferred flavoring is minimized until the flavoring release mixture is heated to the flavoring release temperature while smoking this cigarette.

In a preferred embodiment, the complex inclusion compound is in powder form. This powder, in a preferred embodiment, has a maximum size of less than about 200 µm.

A complex inclusion compound can be obtained by forming an aqueous solution of beta-cyclodextrin and flavoring. The inclusion compound can be obtained from this solution in the form of a powder. However, this solution may also be applied directly to one or more designated locations of one or more components of an electrically heated cigarette by any suitable method.

The complex inclusion compound in the form of a powder can alternatively be used to form a solution or suspension. The complex inclusion compound can be applied by coating methods such as suspension coating, spraying, dipping, electrostatic deposition, using a printing drum, gravure printing, jet printing, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, a solution, suspension, or slurry comprising cyclodextrin and flavoring is prepared and applied as a coating to specified surfaces of specified components of an electrically heated cigarette.

Examples of methods that can be used to apply a complex inclusion compound to an electrically heated cigarette are described in related US Patent No. 5,144,964, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The electrically heated cigarette 23, in a preferred embodiment, includes an amount of complex inclusion compound that provides the desired amount of flavoring in that cigarette. In a preferred embodiment, in an electrically heated cigarette, the mass fraction of the inclusion complex compound is up to about 1595, and in a more preferred embodiment, less than about 895 by weight of the outer wrapper or mother. For example, if this complex inclusion compound is applied to a mat, the weight of this mat is, in a preferred embodiment, the mass basis for calculating the amount of inclusion compound applied to the mat. If the complex inclusion compound is applied to the mat and the outer wrap, then the total mass of this mat and this outer wrap, in the preferred embodiment, is the mass basis for calculating the amount of the complex inclusion compound applied to the mat and the outer wrap. Mass fractions of the complex inclusion compound, which is applied to the mat and/or outer wrap, may be the same or different. In a preferred embodiment, the cigarette contains from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of flavoring.

In a preferred embodiment, the complex inclusion compound is located in at least one location in the electrically heated cigarette 23 where at least the minimum temperature is reached at which the flavoring is released from the complex inclusion compound into the cigarette during smoking. For example, this inclusion compound may be located on the inner wrapper 84 , the mat 66 , and/or the outer wrapper 71 .

In another preferred embodiment, the electrically heated cigarette includes two or more different flavoring release additives, such as granules and a film and/or complex inclusion compound, each having different flavoring release temperatures. Different flavoring additives can be located at two or more locations in the same electrically heated cigarette that are at different temperatures during smoking to provide greater control over the release of the flavoring ingredient during smoking.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an electric smoking system in which an electrically heated cigarette may be used according to preferred embodiments. However, it should be understood that the preferred embodiments of the electrically heated cigarette may be used in electric smoking systems having a different design, such as those having a different electric lighter design. The electric smoking system 21 includes an electrically heated cigarette 23 and a reusable lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is designed to be inserted into and removed from the cigarette receiver 27, which has an opening in the front part 29 of the lighter 25.

After inserting the cigarette 23, the smoking device 21 is used like a regular cigarette, but without lighting or puffing the cigarette 23. The cigarette 23 is discarded after smoking.

In a preferred embodiment, each cigarette 23 provides a total of at least eight puffs (puff cycles) during smoking. However, the cigarette 23 may be designed to provide a smaller or larger total number of puffs possible.

The lighter 25 includes a body 31, which has front and back parts 33 and 35, respectively.

A power source C5a, such as one or more batteries, is located in the rear part 35 of the housing and provides energy to the heater 39. This heater 39 includes a plurality of electrical resistive heating elements 37 (Fig. b). These heating elements 37 are installed in the front part 33 of the housing with the possibility of sliding the cigarette 23. The stop 183, placed on the heater 39, defines the edge of the receiver 27 of the cigarette (Fig. 2).

The control circuit 41 in the front part 33 of the housing selectively establishes an electrical connection between the batteries Z3Z5a and one or more heating elements 37 during the execution of each tightening cycle.

The rear part 35 of the housing 31 has a structure with the possibility of opening and closing to facilitate the replacement of the power source Z5a. In a preferred embodiment, the front part 33 of the housing is removably connected to the rear part 35 of the housing by means of mechanical engagement.

5 shows that in a preferred embodiment, the control circuit 41 is actuated by a puff-activated sensor 45 that is sensitive to changes in pressure or changes in airflow that occur at the beginning of the smoker's puff on the cigarette 23 .The preferred pull-activated sensor 45 is located in the front part 33 of the lighter 25 and is connected to the space inside the heater 39 through a window 45a passing through a portion of the side wall 182 of the heater 39. When activated by the sensor 45 , the control circuit 41 directs the electric current to one of the corresponding heating elements 37.

In a preferred embodiment, an indicator 51 is provided on the outer surface of the lighter 25 to visually indicate the number of puffs remaining on the cigarette 23 or other specified information. Indicator 51 in a preferred embodiment has a liquid crystal display.

In a preferred embodiment, the indicator 51 displays a determined image when the cigarette detector 57 detects the presence of a cigarette within the heater 39. The detector 57 may have any design that detects the presence of an electrically heated cigarette 23. For example, this detector may include the inductor coil 1102 near the receiver 27 of the cigarette heater 39 and the electrical leads 1104 connecting the coil 1102 to the oscillating circuit in the control circuit 41. In such a case, the cigarette 23 may include a metal element (not shown) which may affect the inductance of the winding of the coil 1102 such that each time the corresponding cigarette 23 is inserted into the receiver 27, the detector 57 generates a signal to the control circuit 41 which indicates the presence of a cigarette. The control circuit 41 provides a signal to the indicator 51. When the cigarette 23 is removed from the lighter 25, the cigarette detector 57 no longer indicates the presence of the cigarette 23, and the indicator 51 turns off.

The heater 39 holds the cigarette 23 stationary relative to the heating elements 37 such that the heating elements 37 are located along the cigarette 23 at approximately the same locations for each new cigarette 23 inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the heater 39 has eight mutually parallel heating elements 37, located concentrically around the axis of symmetry of the cigarette receiver 27. The location where each heating element 37 contacts the fully inserted cigarette 23 is referred to as the heater footprint, or charred zone 42.

As shown in Figure b, each heating element 37 in a preferred embodiment includes at least first and second tortuous elongated elements 53a and 536 connected at a top 54. The heater parts 53a, 536 and 54 form a heating plate 120 Vertices 54 are near the opening 55 of the cigarette receiver 27. The opposite ends 5ba and 560 of each of the heating elements 37 are electrically connected to the opposite poles of the power source Z5a selectively according to the commands of the control circuit 41. The current line for each heating element 37 is formed, respectively, through the output contact 104, the connection 121 between the contact 104 and the free end part 5ba of one of the winding elements 5Z3a, through at least part of the top 54 to the other winding element 53r and its end part 560. Alternatively, which is preferred, the connection ring 110 provides a common electrical connection between all the end parts 566. In a preferred embodiment, the ring 110 is connected to the positive pole of the power source C5a through a connection 123 between the ring 110 and the contact 105.

In a preferred embodiment, power is supplied to each of the heating elements 37 separately from a power source C5a under the control of the control circuit 41 for heating the cigarette 23, in a preferred embodiment, eight times at different locations on the periphery of the circuit of the cigarette 23 located on some distances from each other. This heating provides eight puffs from cigarette 23, similar to the general practice of smoking conventional cigarettes. It may be preferred to activate more than one heating element simultaneously for one, several, or all draws.

The heater 39 has an air inlet 1200 through which air is drawn into the lighter.

A decrease in pressure when air enters the lighter is formed in such a way that the tightening sensor 45 is triggered to detect the occurrence of tightening. The resulting pressure drop range is selected to be within the pressure drop that can be detected by the pressure sensor 45.

The length of the tobacco rod 80 and its relative location along the tobacco rod 60 is, in a preferred embodiment, also selected according to the design and location of the heating elements 37 of the electric smoking system 21. When the cigarette 23 is properly inserted to the stop 182 (FIG. 2) inside the lighter of the electric smoking system, a portion of each of the heating elements is in contact with the tobacco rod 60. This contact area is called the heater footprint 95, which is the area of the tobacco rod 60 where it is intended to be brought by the heating element 37 to a sufficiently high temperature to ensure smoking of this cigarette without burning of cigarette paper, mat or tobacco. The heater imprint 95 may be sequentially located along the tobacco rod 60 at the same predetermined distance 96 from the free end 73 of the tobacco rod 60 for each cigarette 23 that is fully inserted into the lighter 25 .

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the tobacco rod 80 of the cigarette 23, the length of the heater imprint 95, and the distance between the heater imprint 95 and the stop 182 are selected such that the heater imprint 95 extends beyond the tobacco rod 80 and overlaps a portion of the cavity 91 at distance 98. This distance 98 is also called the "heater-to-cavity overlap" 98. The distance at which the other part of the heater impression 95 overlaps the tobacco rod 80 is called the "heater-tobacco overlap" 99.

The length of the cavity 91, the tobacco string 80, and the distribution of the perforations 263 can be selected to adjust the smoking characteristics of the cigarette 23, including adjusting its flavor, absorption, and smoke delivery. The arrangement of the holes 263, the length of the cavity 90 and the amount of overlap 99 heater-crushed tobacco (as well as the overlap 98 heater-cavity) can also be varied to adjust the promptness of the response, to stimulate the consistency of the smoke supply.

Electric heated cigarettes in the preferred options can provide benefits.

By encapsulating one or more added flavorings, particularly volatile flavorings, the flavor(s) can be retained in the cigarette until it is smoked. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the flavoring is released during smoking in a controlled manner depending on the temperature, thus providing the smoker with improvements in the subjective characteristics of the cigarette. Since the flavoring can be retained in the flavoring release mixture until the cigarette is smoked, deactivation of the sorbent in the cigarette is minimized in the preferred embodiment. As a result, the sorbent retains its ability to remove certain components of the gas phase from the main stream of smoke.

In a preferred embodiment, the sorbent includes creped carbon paper located in close proximity to the mouthpiece plug. In a preferred cigarette design, a polypropylene sleeve is provided in the area of the creped carbon paper to prevent the transfer of volatile flavors from cigarette to cigarette and subsequent deactivation of the sorbent when the cigarettes are stored in the cigarette pack. If the carbon paper is located in a cellulose acetate tube, the activity level of the carbon may be reduced due to the adsorption of triacytin by the carbon. Carbon paper is produced by the Schweitzer-Mauduit company (5spmjeigheg-Matsia, and the filter plugs, which include polypropylene sleeves and carbon paper, can be purchased from the Filtrona company (Bijgopa). Electrically heated cigarettes containing a sorbent located in the cigarette filter with creped carbon paper in a polypropylene sleeve, exhibit desirable absorption resistance (ATO).

Figures 7 and 8 show other preferred embodiments of an electrically heated cigarette 23 that includes a filter 150. The filter 150 includes a sorbent in the form of creped carbon paper and a polypropylene sleeve 154 that surrounds the creped carbon paper. Figure 7 shows a free-flow filter 74 that is in contact (i.e., abuts) with a free-flow filter 92, which is in contact (i.e., abuts) with a filter 150, which is in contact (i.e., abuts) with a mouthpiece filter plug 94. Alternatively, on Figure 8 shows a free-flow filter 74 in contact (i.e., abutting) with a solid portion 151, similar to a mouthpiece filter plug 94, which is in contact (i.e., abutting) with a filter 150, which is in contact (i.e., abutting) with the mouthpiece filter plug 94.

In one embodiment, the flavor-releasing admixture is located in the tobacco mat, which surrounds the tobacco rod. This preferred tobacco rod does not contain a flavor-releasing admixture, which enables the production of cigarettes with the same blend of tobaccos in the tobacco rod for both menthol and non-menthol cigarettes. The presence of the flavor in the tobacco mat, in a preferred embodiment, provides a more efficient delivery of the flavors during smoking and a more immediate delivery of the flavors at the beginning of the draw. As shown in related US Pat. No. 5,692,525, the length of the tobacco rod, cavity, and heater-tobacco overlap can be varied to provide desired flavor, absorption, and smoke delivery, as well as immediacy of response and/or consistency of smoke delivery.

The encapsulation and arrangement of the flavorings in the matrix of the tobacco mat also reduces the tendency of volatile flavorings such as menthol to migrate from the tobacco rod to the carbon containing portion of the filter. Accordingly, the activity level of carbon allows you to increase the storage period and maintain its activity level.

In a preferred embodiment, the menthol flavoring agent is provided in the form of a heat-sensitive powder, such as a multi-stage drying powder. By using impurities in the form of heat-sensitive powders, such as multi-stage drying powders, impurities with a reduced ability to move can be retained, and they can also be released in a controlled manner by applying a defined stimulation mechanism, such as heat. Thus, impurities in heat-sensitive powders, such as multi-stage dry powders, may have reduced levels of evaporation and migration over time within the smoking product due to properties arising from the use of heat-sensitive powders. Suitable menthol-containing powders are manufactured by Manet (Mape 5A), located in Le Bar-sur-Loux (Ie Vague 5ig Ioir), France.

In the multi-stage drying process, impurities are typically formed by spray drying, fluidized bed drying, and/or multi-stage belt drying to form a multi-stage powder. To preserve the effectiveness of the admixtures, drying is completed at a low temperature, where this temperature is effective for drying, but does not have a detrimental effect on the admixtures undergoing drying. For example, if the powder of multi-stage drying contains a flavoring agent, the drying temperatures used in the manufacture of the powder of multi-stage drying are lower than the volatile temperature of the flavoring agent. For example, multi-stage drying powder containing flavors can be dried in several stages at temperatures such as 20-507C, 50-1007C, 100-15076 or 150-200.

Also, if spray drying is used, the impurities, for example, can be sprayed from the liquid state into a spray of droplets, and the droplets can be brought into contact with drying air of the first temperature in the process chamber to remove moisture. After that, the drops can be further dried with drying air at a second temperature to form a powder sensitive to the drying temperature.

In a preferred embodiment, this second temperature is lower than the first temperature, but remains high enough to effectively provide drying properties. For example, an impurity such as menthol with a flash point of about 250°E (1212°C) can be sprayed into the base and then passed through a tunnel dryer at a temperature of 200°E (93°C) to evaporate most of the liquid, after which it can be dried on air at room temperature to form a powder sensitive to the final temperature.

Because this powder is heat-sensitive, it contains the impurity and restrains its movement until a temperature change occurs, such as the application of heat. For example, a flavoring admixture in a heat-sensitive powder in a cigarette may be used to encapsulate and/or isolate the flavoring from other parts of the cigarette, such as a sorbent, until sufficient heat is applied to the flavoring to release it from the heat-sensitive powder.

Thanks to this, the heat-sensitive powder can be effectively used in smoking products that contain sorbents and in which impurities can otherwise be sorbed by these sorbents. The use of heat-sensitive powder enables the release of impurities during cigarette smoking without their release during storage, and also enables these impurities to change the properties of cigarette smoke.

The use of additives, such as flavorings, in heat-sensitive powders, such as multi-stage drying powders, in a smoking article provides advantages, particularly for cigarettes containing sorbents. The use of heat-sensitive powders, such as multi-stage drying powders, in cigarettes containing sorbents significantly prevents the sorption of impurities in heat-sensitive powders by the sorbents, and also provides a controlled release of impurities.

In this description, the term "multistage drying powder" will be used to describe a heat-sensitive powder, whatever heat-sensitive powder capable of controlled release of impurities is used for this purpose. However, it should also be noted that multi-stage drying powder is a heat-sensitive powder that is preferred due to its ease of manufacture and consistency.

The term "thermosensitive" is used here to define the temperature-dependent reaction of the powder.

For example, as used herein, a thermosensitive powder containing impurities releases these impurities when a predetermined amount of heat is applied sufficient to induce the properties of the thermosensitive powder impurity.

The terms "positioned with the possibility of release" or "with the possibility of controlled release" are used here to define the retention and controlled manifestation of the properties of impurities of their variety in the form of a multi-stage drying powder. In the form of a multistage drying powder, the impurities are stored well enough to essentially eliminate or minimize undesirable movement that occurs, for example, during storage of a smoking product containing the multistage drying powder. The term also includes, but is not limited to, additives in the form of a multi-stage drying powder that is sufficiently mobile to permit controlled release when, for example, the multi-stage drying powder is exposed to heat or incinerated.

The powder of multi-stage drying is a heat-sensitive powder, which was mentioned above, in which impurities can be released from the powder of multi-stage drying due to melting or other types of thermal interaction with the powder. The characteristics of thermal sensitivity of impurities and other components of multi-stage drying powder enable the controlled release of impurities under the influence of heat. For example, if liquid menthol is incorporated into a multi-stage drying powder in which starch is used in the multi-stage drying process to form the multi-stage drying powder, then the temperature at which the menthol turns into a liquid state is the critical temperature for the release (by melting) of menthol from the multi-stage drying powder .

In a preferred embodiment, the multi-stage drying powder is incorporated into the tobacco mat to provide encapsulation of the flavoring, which has reduced storage migration and controlled release properties.

The multistage drying powder may contain any material in addition to the admixture that enables and potentially facilitates the controlled release of the admixture or affects the properties of the admixture or the multistage drying powder under the action of heat or combustion. For example, a powder of multi-stage drying may contain components that can be dried by spray drying. In a preferred embodiment, these are food grade ingredients that can be spray dried, such as starch, sorbitol, maltodextrin and the like, which can provide encapsulation of impurities such as menthol without significantly affecting the desired characteristics. such as menthol flavor impurities.

The multi-stage drying powder may be formed by any suitable multi-stage drying powder production technology, such as spray drying, fluidized bed drying and/or belt drying, where the drying is completed at temperatures below the melting or volatility levels of the impurities and/ or powder of multi-stage drying, for the production of impurities in the form of dried powder. If too high a temperature is applied, the admixture and/or the multi-stage drying powder may melt or evaporate during processing and cause the multi-stage drying powder to agglomerate or release impurities from the multi-stage drying powder.

Multi-stage drying powder with impurities in it is formed in the process of multi-stage drying. In one example of a multi-stage drying process, the admixture is fed in a liquid state and sprayed through pressure nozzles or a centrifugal atomizer in heated air with a first temperature to form droplets. At this stage, the heated air removes excess liquid to form semi-dried droplets. After that, these semi-dried drops are fed into the secondary drying zone, heated to a second temperature, which is different from the first temperature. At this stage, in the secondary drying zone, the excess liquid is removed and the semi-dried drops are dried to the state of multi-stage drying powder. In this way, liquid or viscous ingredients such as liquid menthol (with emulsifiers and spray-dryable ingredients) can be converted into a dried heat-sensitive powder in which improved retention of the properties of the liquid ingredients can be ensured.

A preferred multi-stage drying powder preparation method that provides an encapsulated admixture includes liquefying the admixture and mixing the liquefied admixture with an emulsifier such as modified food starch to form an emulsion. The admixture may be a liquid or viscous admixture, such as liquid menthol, or may be a solid admixture in which the solid admixture may be liquefied by the use of a solvent, heating, or other liquefaction methods.

The emulsion may then be mixed with a powder or other spray-dryable agent, such as maltodextrin and/or sorbitol, in which the powder encapsulates the emulsion of the admixture and the emulsifier. After that, the mixture of emulsion and powder can be sprayed and dried. According to the preferred option, drying takes place in two stages. In a first stage, the spray mixture may be sprayed through a heated air dryer at a first temperature to remove most of the liquid. In the second stage, the sprayed mixture can be dried at a second temperature to remove the remaining liquid from the powder. In a preferred embodiment, the first temperature is higher than the second temperature to reduce any damage that may be caused by exposure to the higher temperature for too long, while allowing efficient drying of the final product. By using several temperature stages, the admixture can be encapsulated and dried in a multi-stage drying powder, and this impurity is in the multi-stage drying powder with the possibility of release.

In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco mat is made using a base web production process similar to papermaking, with the simultaneous or subsequent application of tobacco flavoring to this base web. In the first part of this process, the tobacco leaves are washed with water and the soluble components are collected for use later in the coating operation. The rest of the tobacco fiber (extracted) is used to prepare the pulp, which is used in the technological processes of fabric/paper production for the production of the main fabric.

To strengthen the main fabric, carbon fibers can be added to this mass by diluting the stock of carbon fibers in water with the addition of, for example, sodium alginate for proper dilution.

After that, the dispersion of carbon fibers is added (optionally) to the mass of tobacco fibers together with (optionally) conventional flavors. In a preferred embodiment, any other hydrocolloid may be added instead of sodium alginate, as long as it does not interfere with the flavoring effect of the flavored tobacco, is soluble in water, and has a suitable molecular weight to provide strength to the tobacco mat. After that, the resulting wet mixture is placed on the mesh part of a conventional long-mesh Fordrinier papermaking machine or similar equipment (such as steel tape) to form the main web. Soluble components, previously removed by washing tobacco leaves, are mixed with crushed tobacco, and this mixture is used to cover the main fabric on one side. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by means of a reversing roller of a standard coating machine located after the drum or American dryer outside of said mesh portion. The ratio of soluble components to tobacco dust or particles by weight added is preferably from 1:11 to 20:11, and more preferably at or about 4 to 1. Weight added can also be cast or extruded onto the base fabric. Alternatively, the operation of applying the coating can be carried out autonomously separately from the production of the main fabric. In a preferred embodiment, flavorings, which are conventional in the tobacco industry, are added during or after the coating operation. According to a preferred option, pectin or other hydrocolloids are added in a ratio of 0.1 to 2.0 weight percent of the tobacco mother in order to improve the opacity of this mass.

A preferred method of introducing a flavoring admixture, such as a multistage dry powder, into a tobacco mat is provided, wherein the tobacco mat contains a flavoring admixture, such as a multistage dry powder, in a layer on the tobacco mat for controlled release when a cigarette containing said tobacco is smoked. mother The preferred method includes the manufacture of a tobacco mat by forming a base web followed by applying a mass of a flavoring-releasing admixture, such as a multi-stage drying powder, and a liquid, preferably water, to this base web, the base web containing crushed tobacco. The mass can be distributed over the tobacco mat. And finally, this mass may be air-dried, or may be dried by applying heat to the mass, the temperature of the applied heat being insufficient to melt or vaporize the impurity in the flavor-releasing admixture.

In a preferred embodiment, the mass of the aroma-releasing admixture, such as a multi-stage drying powder and liquid, is prepared immediately before application to the base fabric to minimize the residence time of the aroma-releasing admixture in the mass and to avoid evaporation of the admixture. More generally, the heat-activated flavoring admixture preferably has a low water solubility to ensure compatibility with the tobacco mat manufacturing process or the process of introducing the flavoring admixture into the tobacco mat. In a preferred embodiment, the mass temperature is maintained within a range such as 80-100°C (27-38°C) or about 90°C (32°C) to avoid crystallization of an impurity such as menthol at lower temperatures and evaporation of impurities at higher temperatures.

In addition, glycerin, pectin and tobacco dust can also be applied in a wet mass for structural and aesthetic reasons, when this mass can be applied with a squeegee (plate) to ensure a relatively uniform thickness of the tobacco matrix.

Also provided is a preferred method of applying an encapsulating film to a tobacco mat containing multi-stage dry powder, the film enabling further reduction of the migration of impurities in the multi-stage dry powder located in the smoking product. In the presence of a film, the multi-stage drying powder can be further isolated from other parts of the smoking article or from other smoking articles when they are packaged together. This reduces any interaction between the admixture and other parts of the smoking product. This preferred method includes forming a tobacco mat, then spraying the film onto the mat from a nozzle where the temperature of the film at the nozzle during spraying is between 120°F (492°C) and 160°F (71°C), and optionally a higher temperature of about 140"E (60"C) is preferred. The film may then be placed in a dryer to accelerate and complete drying, the temperature in the dryer not causing melting, scorching, or other deleterious effects on the film or multi-stage drying powder.

A preferred embodiment contemplates the manufacture of a cigarette with a multi-stage drying powder, in which the multi-stage drying powder enables the controlled release of impurities into the cigarette during smoking of the cigarette. One preferred method involves grinding the tobacco and removing the tobacco liquid, also known as concentrated liquid extract (known to those skilled in the art as "sopsepigayei ehigashi Idnog", SEM). The remaining tobacco solids may then be mixed with cellulose or similar material to form the base web. After that, the mass including the multi-stage drying powder, SEI, glycerin and/or pectin can be formed on the base fabric to form a layer of the multi-stage drying powder on it.

An optional layer of tobacco dust may then be applied to the mass and distributed over the base web to provide further aesthetic enhancements such as additional tobacco flavor, after which the base web and mass may be dried. Finally, a film, optionally made from carrageenan or other relatively odorless, heat-sensitive food product, may be formed on the dried base web with a dried layer of pulp to seal the pulp components, which include multi-stage drying powder, SEI, glycerin and/or pectin under this film and thus avoiding movement of any part of the main web or mass containing the multi-stage drying powder.

A preferred embodiment provides for the manufacture of a tobacco mat that includes a multi-stage drying powder for a cigarette, wherein the multi-stage drying powder enables the flavoring components of the tobacco smoke to be releasably located in the tobacco mat. One preferred method involves the formation of a tobacco matrix with a multi-stage drying powder incorporated therein by mixing the multi-stage drying powder with tobacco and then forming a tobacco matrix from the mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco is milled or reconstituted tobacco, such that the tobacco and the multi-cured powder are mixed to form a tobacco matrix of the tobacco and the multi-cured powder.

In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco mat is formed in such a way that the width of the manufactured tobacco mat is greater than the width of the tobacco mat used in the cigarette. For example, a tobacco mat can be 12-18 inches (305-457 mm) wide.

Additionally, the film can optionally be sprayed on the tobacco mat using a spray nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the film is heated to convert the film material into a liquid state. For example, if carrageenan is used for the film, it may be heated to about 120°F to 160°F (497°C to 717°C) or, more preferably, to about 140° (607°) to impart viscosity , suitable for spraying.The film can then be air-dried either in a dryer or with a vacuum to assist the drying process.

After the tobacco mat (and optionally the film) has been formed, this tobacco mat can be cut or trimmed to a size suitable for use in a smoking product. For example, if such a tobacco mat is to be used in a non-traditional standard size cigarette, such as those used in electric smoking systems for electrically heated cigarettes, then tobacco mats approximately 23.2mm wide are suitable.

Another method of forming a film on a tobacco mat with multi-stage drying powder for a cigarette is also provided, in which the drying process for the film is part of the process of rolling the tobacco mat.

A preferred method involves forming a first coil from a tobacco matrix, which includes a multi-stage drying powder, before forming a film thereon. Subsequently, this tobacco mat from the first coil can be wound onto the second coil for further introduction into the cigarette. The film can be applied to the tobacco mat while it is being moved between the first and second reels. According to the preferred option, the first coil is installed at some distance from the second coil. This distance allows the film to dry before winding on the second reel.

In a preferred embodiment, the film is applied to the tobacco mat in several lines, and surface tension distributes the film over the surface of the tobacco mat. Optionally, heat can be supplied to the film and the tobacco mat to dry the film during the feeding of the tobacco mat to the second coil and winding on it; however, in a preferred embodiment, the distance between the first and second coils is such as to effectively allow drying of the film between the first and second coils without the application of additional heat. For example, the distance effective for enabling drying of a film made of carrageenan on a tobacco mat approximately 16 inches (40 mm) wide is approximately 33 inches (838 mm) between the first and second coils.

Similarly, optionally preferred inclusion compounds include, for example, for non-menthol cigarettes, beta-cyclodextrin incorporated into the tobacco matrix as described above to provide encapsulation of flavors that have reduced storage migration properties along with controlled release properties .

The invention can be implemented in other specific forms without going beyond the scope of the invention. Thus, although the invention has been illustrated and described in accordance with various preferred embodiments, it will be understood that variations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

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FIG. 5 p

Claims (17)

1. An electrically heated cigarette for an electric smoking system, which contains: at least one sorbent; and a flavor-releasing admixture that contains at least one flavoring that is released in the electrically heated cigarette when the flavor-releasing admixture is heated to at least a certain minimum temperature. 2. An electrically heated cigarette according to item I, which differs in that the tobacco rod does not contain a flavoring-releasing admixture. 3. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 1 or claim 2, which differs in that the sorbent is activated carbon. 4. An electrically heated cigarette according to point I, claim 2 or claim 3, which differs in that the aroma-releasing admixture is in the form of granules. 5. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 4, characterized in that the maximum pellet size is less than about 25 microns. b. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the weight of the granules is up to about 20,925 of the total weight of tobacco in the electrically heated cigarette. 7. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, which is characterized in that said minimum temperature is approximately 40 "C, and the granules are located in the electrically heated cigarette in at least one place where during smoking of this cigarette, a temperature of at least approximately 40 2C. 8. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, which differs in that the aroma-releasing admixture is a film. 9. Electrically heated cigarette according to claim 8, which differs in that the film is shredded. 10. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 8 or 9, which is characterized by the fact that the film is located in the tobacco rod, on the inner wrapper with which the tobacco rod is wrapped, on the tobacco-containing mat and/or on the outer wrapper that surrounds this mat. 11. An electrically heated cigarette according to any preceding item, characterized in that the flavoring-releasing admixture is a complex inclusion compound that contains a host molecule and a guest molecule, where the guest molecule is a flavoring agent. 12. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 11, characterized in that the host molecule is beta-cyclodextrin. 13. An electrically heated cigarette according to any preceding item, characterized in that the sorbent is in the form of fibers. 14. An electrically heated cigarette according to any preceding item, characterized in that the sorbent contains creped carbon paper located in a polypropylene sleeve, which is located in the filter of the electrically heated cigarette. 15. An electrically heated cigarette according to any preceding item, characterized in that the flavor-releasing admixture is in the tobacco mat, which is wrapped around the tobacco rod. 16. An electrically heated cigarette according to claim 15, which is characterized by the fact that the aroma-releasing admixture includes a powder introduced into the tobacco mat, dried by multi-stage drying. 17. An electric smoking system comprising at least one electrically heated cigarette according to any preceding item and a lighter therefor.