BG63615B1 - Cigarette and heater in an electric smoking system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cigarette designed for an electric system of smoking, to the tobacco core of this cigarette and to a heater for the system of smoking. They improve the safety in operation of the electric system for smoking. The cigarette (23) comprises a tobacco stick with a filled and non-filled part with/without tobacco, including a tubular tobacco core. The core is prepared by a method in two basic stages - conversion of the raw tobacco into a continuous layer and converting the continuous layer into one of more bobbins of tobacco core, suitable for automated cigarette production. The heater contains a supporting bushing and electric resistant wire plates, forming a receiving seat for the introduced cigarette (23). Each heating plate includes first and second heating plate leg and a connecting section, interconnecting them. The legs are separated by a clearance in order to extract aromatic substances from the tobacco in inhaling. In use, the cigarette (23) is introduced into a lighter (25) of a system for smoking (21) wherein the electric heater plates of the heater are fitted around the tobacco stick, overlapping zones of the filled and non-filled with tobacco part of the cigarette (23). 68 claims, 23 figures

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The invention relates to a cigarette intended for an electrical smoking system, a tobacco core for that cigarette, a method for making a tobacco core, and a heater for use in the smoking system. They will find use in the tobacco and household industries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional burning cigarettes convey taste and aroma to the smoker. During the suction, the mass of the combustion material. - in principle, tobacco is burnt at temperatures often above 800 ° C. The heat is spread through the adjacent tobacco mass by suction from the lips. During heating, the incomplete oxidation of the combustible material releases various gaseous combustion products and distillates from tobacco. As these gaseous products are sucked through the cigarette, they are cooled and condensed in the form of an aerosol that provides the flavors and aromas associated with smoking.

Traditional cigarettes have various disadvantages associated with them. One of them is the formation of side smoke during smoking between intakes, which can be unpleasant for non-smokers. Once ignited, they must be completely smoked or thrown out. Re-igniting a traditional cigarette is possible, but it is usually an unwanted opportunity for the discerning smoker for subjective reasons - aroma, taste, smell.

An alternative to traditional cigarettes is smoking devices in which the combustible material does not itself release the tobacco aerosol. Such smoking articles may comprise a carbon fuel heating element (heating source) placed at or about one end of the smoking article and a layer of tobacco-containing elements adjacent to the heating element. The heating element is ignited by a match or cigarette lighter and when a smoker sucks off the cigarette, the heat generated from the heating element is distributed to the bed of tobacco containing elements so as to cause the release of tobacco aerosol from the bed. This type of device does not produce a smoking device or produces a bit of side smoke. The combustion products produced by the heating source contaminate it and it is not easy to clean it for future use.

Even the conventional and carbon-heated devices described above have combustion during their use. This process usually results in the formation of many by-products when the combustible material decomposes and interacts with the surrounding atmosphere.

US Patent Nos. 5 093 894, US 5 225 498, US 5 060 671 and US 5 095 921 and US Patent Applications Serial No. 08/380 718, filed September 30, 1995, and Serial No. 07/943 504, filed September 11, .1992, reveal a variety of heating elements and aroma-producing items that significantly reduce lateral smoke, as well as allow the smoker to stop selectively and resume smoking. However, the cigarette articles described in these patents are not very reliable and can be broken, torn and broken due to stretching or rough gripping. In certain circumstances, these known cigarettes may crumble as they are weaker and may be broken or broken when separated from the cigarette lighter.

U.S. Patent Application No. 08/380 718 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 describe an electrical smoking system comprising a new electric cigarette lighter and a new cigarette that is compatible with the lighter. A preferred embodiment of the cigarette lighter includes a plurality of metal coil heaters arranged in a configuration that slides a portion of the cigarette's tobacco rod.

The preferred embodiment of the cigarette in US patent application No. 08/380 718, also described in EP-A-0 615 411, contains a tubular carrier for tobacco raw material, cigarette paper wrapped around a tubular carrier, a gas-permeable filter stopper at the end of mouthpiece and filter stopper at the free (remote) end of the tubular support. The cigarette and the cigarette lighter are shaped such that when the cigarette is inserted into the cigarette lighter and when the individual heaters are activated, local aspirations occur at each intake in the areas around the cigarette, in the area where each heater supports the cigarette (hereinafter referred to as the "heat seal" ”). Once all the heaters have been activated, these burn spots are separated from one another and surround the central portion of the tubular carrier portion of the cigarette.

Depending on the maximum temperatures and the total energy released by the heaters, the spots of heat appear more clearly than the usual discoloration of cigarette paper. In most cases, when used, the combustion creates at least minimal breaks in the cigarette paper and the main carrier material, which breaks the mechanical weakening of the cigarette. To remove the cigarette from the cigarette lighter, the burn spots must at least partially slip along the heaters. In aggravated circumstances, for example, when the cigarette is wet, crumpled, or curved, it may be prone to breakage or remain on the cigarette lighter. The parts remaining in the lighter retainer may interfere with the lighter's actual operation and / or convey poor taste when smoking the next cigarette. If a cigarette breaks down in two, the smoker may not only face the problem of a deteriorated cigarette product, but also the prospect of cleaning up the debris from a lighter before he or she can enjoy the next cigarette.

The preferred embodiment of the cigarette of patent application No. 08/380 718, EP-A-0 615 411 and patent US 5 388 594 is essentially a hollow tube between the filter stopper at the cigarette mouthpiece and the stopper at the free end. This construction is adapted to increase the delivery to the smoker by providing sufficient space in which an aerosol can be removed at a distance from the carrier, with minimal discoloration and condensation of the aerosol over any of the adjacent surfaces.

Some options are offered that significantly reduce the unwanted side smoke, although they allow the smoker to stop smoking the article for a desired period of time and then resume smoking. For example, US patents US 5 093 894, US 5 225 498, US 5 060 671 and US 5 095 921 disclose various heating elements and aroma-forming systems. The electrical smoking system disclosed in EP-A-0 615 411 and US 5 388 594 ^ has heaters that are activated by a suction-sensitive control logic. The heaters are preferably designed as a relatively thin coil to carry the appropriate amount of heat to the cigarette and are lightweight.

Although these devices and heaters overcome common problems and achieve certain parameters, many implementations are subject to mechanical weakening and possible damage due to shocks caused by the insertion and removal of the cylindrical tobacco medium, as well as the setting and manipulation of the tobacco. the inserted cigarette.

In addition, unwanted short circuits may occur if the shape of the heating kit changes, for example when adjusting or manipulating a inserted cigarette.

Known electrical smoking systems use electrical resistive heaters that have the necessary relatively complex electrical connections but can be damaged by the insertion and removal of a cigarette.

By incorporating a cavity filler into the cigarette structure according to EP-A-0 615 411, such cigarettes, when fully filled with cut-off tobacco, tend to work adequately in an electric cigarette lighter only the first few. intakes. Subsequently, their taste changes unpleasantly.The same effect is obtained when traditional cigarettes are smoked in an electric lighter of the kind described in EP-A-0 615 411.

When left unfilled, the hollow cigarette structures of the preferred embodiments of EP-A-0615411 are in some way vulnerable to damage by extreme or gross manipulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A technical problem that is intended to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cigarette and a heater for use in an electrical smoking system, thereby providing increased operational safety.

Ί the electric smoking system. The heater must provide reduced possibility of damage due to distress caused by the insertion and removal of the cigarette and the absence of unwanted short circuits when adjusting or manipulating the inserted cigarette. The cigarette must be resistant to damage or breakage by the consumer during handling.

The first object of the invention is a cigarette intended for an electrical smoking system. It contains a tobacco rod having a tubular tobacco core, a loose end and a wrapped end. The tubular tobacco core has a core core and a layer of tobacco flavoring material supported by the core core. The main core is adapted to transmit heat from an electric heating element to the aromatic tobacco material, and the tobacco rod is adapted to absorb the electrical heating element along it. According to the invention, a tobacco stopper is located at the free end of the tubular tobacco core and is separated from the wrapped end so as to define an unfilled space between the tobacco stopper and the wrapped end. In this case, at least part of the unfilled space and at least part of the tobacco stopper are covered by an electric heating element located along the tobacco rod in use.

In one embodiment, the tobacco rod includes a free-pass filter to the wrapped end. The latter is separated from the tobacco stopper so as to determine the blank space between the free-pass filter and the tobacco stopper.

Preferably, the free-pass filter has a tubular element.

The tubular element may be constructed of plasticized wafers or molded material.

In one embodiment of the cigarette, a filter nozzle is located next to the wrapped end of the tobacco rod.

In another preferred embodiment, the filter tip comprises a second free-pass filter and a wrapping paper attached to the second free-pass filter at the wrapped end.

The filter nozzle preferably also includes a filter mouthpiece to the second freely leaking filter.

In one embodiment of the cigarette, the tobacco leakage filter includes a first channel and the second leakage filter of the filter tip includes a second channel. The first and second channels connect the cavity of the tobacco rod to the filter mouthpiece, and the second channel has an inner radius larger than the inner radius of the first channel.

In a second embodiment of the cigarette, the tobacco rod also includes a backflow filter at its free end.

In a third embodiment of the cigarette, the tobacco rod also has a two-piece tobacco stopper. Its first part is located at the free end and has a higher density _? than its second part, which is farther from the free end.

In the latter embodiment, it is preferable for the tobacco stopper to contain a cut tobacco filler.

The cut tobacco filler of the tobacco stopper is preferably a blend of tobacco that is a combination of at least two of the light, Burley and Oriental tobacco.

The tobacco stopper may also include a cap for the stopper located around the cut tobacco filler.

According to an embodiment of the cigarette, the tobacco stopper is located along the inner surface of the tubular tobacco core.

It is desirable for the tobacco rod to comprise a paper wrapper positioned around the outer surface of the pipe tube or all or part of it.

The second object is a tobacco core adapted to be wrapped in a tobacco pipe of a cigarette rod intended for an electrical smoking system. It includes a core core and a layer of aromatic tobacco material, located lengthwise inside the core core. According to the invention, the core core comprises a combination of tobacco thread and cellulose thread, which are combined in a ratio of approximately 2: 1 to 4: 1 such that the core core has a basic weight in the range of approximately 35 to 45 g / m ² . The tobacco material has at least double its weight compared to the core. It contains basic tobacco and extracted solids in a ratio of approximately 3: 1 to 9: 1, as well as a humidifier, at a level of approximately 5 to 29% by weight of the material.

In one preferred embodiment, does the tobacco material have a weight _? approximately three to four times the size of the main core.

Tobacco material may also contain pectin at levels up to approximately 2% by weight.

According to one embodiment of the tobacco core, the core core comprises approximately 28 g / m ^{2 of} tobacco thread and approximately 12 g / m ^{2 of} pulp from wood pulp or flax pulp or tobacco stem pulp.

The tobacco material in one preferred embodiment contains from about 66 to 71 wt.% Tobacco particles, from about 16 to 20 wt.% Extracted tobacco solids, from about 10 to 14 wt.% Glycerol and about 1-2 wt.% Pectin.

In another major embodiment of the tobacco core adapted for being wrapped in a tobacco pipe of a cigarette intended for an electrical smoking system, it comprises a core core and a layer of aromatic tobacco material extending longitudinally within the core core. According to the invention, the core contains a combination of a tobacco filament with a component weight of about 20 to 30 g / m ² , a carbon filament with a component weight of about 2-9 g / m, and a pectin with a component weight of 1 g / m ² .

The tobacco material has a basic weight of three to four times the weight of the main core and furthermore contains finely ground tobacco and extracted tobacco solids at a ratio of

from about 3: 1 to 9: 1, as well as a humidifier at level ₁ approximately from 5% to 20%, of the weight on tobacco material. Preferably is tobacco thread on the tobacco core be basic weight on

the component, approximately 24 to 28g / m ² , the carbon filament having a base weight of the component ^ approximately 2 to 4g / m ² , and the pectin having a base weight of the component 2.5 to 1.5 g / m ² .

The third object according to the invention is a method of manufacturing a tobacco core comprising a core and a layer of tobacco material, wherein the tobacco core is tubular shaped as part of a cigarette intended for an electrical smoking system, comprising the following steps:

- separating solutes from the filaments of the feed tobacco mixture, the solutes being dissolved in a solution containing from 5 to 10% by weight of the dissolved tobacco ingredients;

- manufacturing the core core by forming a slurry of individual tobacco filaments, mixing the slurry of tobacco filaments with a suspension of a boosting agent to form a slurry mixture, and casting the slurry into a core forming device;

- the manufacture of the tobacco material by mixing from 5% to 10% solution of tobacco ingredients with additional tobacco particles, glycerin and pectin, so as to form a dispersion of the tobacco material and adjust its water content to achieve a content of tobacco. solids in the dispersion of tobacco material. from about 20% to 30%;

- layering the dispersion of tobacco material on the core to form a tobacco core layer;

drying the layer or tobacco core to a moisture content in the range of _f from about 8.5% to 12%;

- cooling the tobacco core layer;

- straightening of the layer of tobacco core;

- winding the layer of tobacco core to form a roll of tobacco core; and

- cutting the length of the tobacco core so as to obtain a tobacco core coil.

Preferably, according to the method, the solution of soluble tobacco components contains from about 7 to 8% by weight of dissolved tobacco ingredients.

The amount of water is desirably adjusted to achieve in the final mixing step a dispersion having an approximate solids content of 24% to 26%.

According to a variant of the method, the size of the precipitated tobacco particles is such that they can pass through a network with a number of openings, from about 15.5 per cm ² to 31 per cm ² (100 to 200 mesh).

Preferably, the size of the precipitated tobacco particles is such that they can pass through a mesh having an aperture of approximately 18.6 per cm ² (120 mesh).

The enhancing agent in the suspension may contain at least one of the following: wood pulp, flax pulp, or tobacco stem pulp.

The layering step, in one embodiment of the method, involves depositing the dispersion of tobacco material to the base core at a dry weight ratio of 2: 1.

The coating step in a second embodiment of the method involves coating the dispersion of tobacco material to the core at a dry weight ratio of at least 3: 1.

The fourth object of the invention is a heater for use in an electrical smoking system for heating a cigarette. It includes a plurality of electrically resistive heating plates defining a receiver for the inserted cigarette extending past it. Each plate contains a first heating plate with first and second ends, a second heating plate with first and second ends and a connecting section connecting the second end of the first heating plate with the first end of the second heating plate. The first and second heating plate feet of each heating plate are separated from each other by a gap. The first ends of the first heating plate leg are adapted for electrical contact with the power source so as to form corresponding resistive heating circuits. These circuits consist of a first heating plate leg, a connecting section and a second heating plate leg for respectively heating each of the electrical resistive heating plates. The first edges of the heating plates have a common connection.

Preferably, the first ends of the first heating plate feet are grounded.

In one embodiment of the heater, the common connection for the first edges of the first heating plate legs is a support sleeve.

Preferably, the gap separating the first and second heating pad legs is sized to allow airflow into the heated cigarette when the smoker is sucked in.

In one embodiment of the heater, the first ends of each of the first heating plate feet are extensions of a support sleeve adapted for electrical contact with the power source and forming a common end for the first ends of the first heating feet.

In another embodiment, the second ends of the second heating plate legs are adapted to be in appropriate electrical contact with the power source so that corresponding resistive heating circuits are formed containing the first heating plate leg, the connecting section and the second heating plate leg for the respective heating on each of the electrical resistive heating plates.

According to one embodiment of the heater, the second ends of the second heating plate legs are d> »

I Λ 1 ί

extend to the support sleeve, but are electrically isolated from it.

According to another embodiment of the heater, the second ends of the second heating plate legs are separated from the carrier sleeve by a gap.

It is desirable that an electrically insulating coating be applied to the support sleeve or to the second edges of the second heating plate feet.

It is also possible to have an electrically insulating coating applied to the second ends of the second heating plate feet or to the first ends of the first heating plate feet.

In an alternative embodiment of the heater, it includes an electrical insulator shaped as a ceramic support structure in the form of a sleeve around the support sleeve, the second ends of the second heating plate feet and the first ends of the first heating plate feet.

It is desirable that the support sleeve and the heating plates of the heater be monolithic.

Preferably, the connecting section also has a free end to compensate for the thermal expansion when the heating element is heated.

In a preferred embodiment of the heater, it includes a annular nozzle located stationary in the smoking system and defining channels for receiving the free edges of the connecting sections of the heating plates.

It is desirable that these channels be designed to allow thermal expansion and contraction of the heating plates.

The heater may include a support wall located in each of the channels, providing a center of rotation for the free end of the connecting section in contact with the support wall. The free end of the connecting section rotates about the center of rotation and thus displaces the first and second heating plate feet inwardly to the inserted cigarette when the heating plate is heated.

Preferably, the portions of at least one of the first heating plate legs and the second heating plate legs are coated with ceramics for amplifying and electrically insulating at least one of the first heating plate legs and the second heating plate legs.

In this case, the portion of the second heating plate foot adjacent to the ceramic may be adapted for electrical contact with the power source.

It is desirable that the heating plates be formed to receive the inserted cigarette by sliding.

It is possible that the second end of the second heating plate leg is shaped as a step comprising an end section for contacting the source of electricity.

Preferably, the first and second heating plate feet of each heating plate are substantially parallel.

The connecting section of the heater may have a curvature of approximately 160 ° to 200 °.

It is desirable that the underside of at least one of the first and second heating plate legs enclosing the inserted cigarette is substantially not planarly transverse to the heating plate leg.

It may be that the underside of at least one of the first and second heating plate legs is curved or has an angular profile.

Preferably, several of the electrical resistive heater plates of the heater are formed in groups, between which there are gaps, sized to provide unheated portions of the inserted cigarette and its strength to facilitate its removal after smoking.

At least one of the first and second heating plate legs may be wavy.

In this case, it is preferable that both the first and second plate feet are wavy and parallel to each other. This way, the gap between them will also be wavy.

In one embodiment of the heater, at least one of the edges of at least one of the plates is wider than the adjacent active portion of the respective leg. Moreover, this end has a lower current density and a lower electric heating capacity than the active part of the same leg.

The connecting section of the heater may be perforated.

In one embodiment, the first and second heating pad legs are inclined inwardly around the inserted cigarette.

According to another heater variant, the first and second heating plate legs and connecting ends have a resistance of approximately 50pohm.cm to 500pohm.cm.

Preferably, the first and second heating plate feet and connecting edges have a resistance of approximately lOOpohm. cm to 200pohm.cm.

It is desirable that the first and second heating feet and connecting edges be able to withstand temperatures from about 200 ° C to about 1000 ° C for a time of about 0.2s to 2.0s with a pulse of about 10 J to 50 J.

It is recommended that the first and second heating plate feet and connecting ends are suitable to withstand these pulsations at temperatures of approximately 1,800 to 10,000 such pulses.

The gap separating the first and second heating plate feet must be sized for maximum total radiant heating from each of the first and second heating plate feet on an attached heating plate to a portion of the inserted cigarette below the gap.

Preferably, the first and second heating plate feet and the connecting section comprise an electrical resistive material selected from the group consisting of ferrous and nickel aluminides.

The various embodiments of the cigarette according to the present invention have the advantage of containing cut cigarettes. They work sustainably when smoked with an electric smoking system. They are adapted to be combined with an electric cigarette lighter and deliver satisfactory levels of smoker taste and aroma, providing improved intake-to-suction transmission resistance.

The cigarette embodiments of the invention can be easily manufactured and packaged. They have no tendency to be damaged or torn during production or packaging.

The cigarette embodiments of the invention are physically sound and reduce the condensation and / or filtration of the aerosol in the cigarette and / or lighter. They are also resistant to breaking when removed from the lighter. They are less vulnerable to damage or breakage during rough handling by the consumer.

The reinforced tubular tobacco core made according to the invention having a linen or wood-pulp thread added to its core core provides additional cigarette strength.

The embodiments of the heaters according to the invention can generate smoke from a non-combustible tobacco medium, can reduce the generation of unwanted side smoke, can allow the smoker to stop and resume use, and can improve aerosol generation in the smoking system.

The proposed heater designs can provide the desired number of intakes and can directly change the number and / or duration of intakes without sacrificing certain tobacco quality characteristics.

The embodiment of the heating element according to the invention is suitable for mechanical insertion and removal of a cigarette.

The various embodiments of the resistive heater have simplified connections to the built-in power source.

Variant embodiments of the heating element are mechanically stable during the heating cycles.

Embodiments of the invention may minimize the variety of contact between the heating element and the cigarette in order to avoid changes in heat transfer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Attached

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic smoking system in perspective;

FIG. 2 is an external view of the smoking system of FIG. 1 with the lighter cover removed;

FIG. 3 is an external view of a portion of a cigarette fixed in the heating retaining device of the smoking system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a longitudinal section of a partially filled cigarette with a filler 23 in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cigarette of FIG. 4A, some parts of the cigarette being shown in partial section;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are flow charts of the steps in the preferred method for the production of the tobacco core of the tobacco core for the cigarette shown in FIG. 4A and 4B. FIG. 5A shows the steps of converting the tobacco raw material into a layer of tobacco core, and FIG. 5B shows the steps of converting a tobacco core layer into tobacco core coils;

FIG. 6A is a longitudinal section of a cigarette without a filler 23 ';

FIG. 6B is a graphical representation of aerosol production as a function of the duration of each intake using the cigarette of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a diagram of the smoke meter used to establish the data presented in Figures 6B, 7B and 8;

FIG. 7A is a longitudinal section of a fully filled cigarette with filler 23;

FIG. 7B is a graphical representation of aerosol production depending on the duration of each intake using the cigarette of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is a graphical comparison of the aerosol volumes released at each successive intake of each of the cigarettes shown in Figures 4A, 6A and 7A;

FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the relationship between fully fractured substance delivery (TPM) and the length of the area where the heater overlaps with the cigarette portion of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal section of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. longitudinal section of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal section of the heater according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the heating device, representing the main part of the heater of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the heater - with electrical insulation;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of the heater, wherein the electrical insulation layer forms a sleeve;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section of a fourth embodiment of the heater - with serpentine plate-shaped heating feet;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of a heating plate having a flat underside oriented toward the inserted cigarette;

FIG. 17B is a cross-section of a heating plate having an angular underside oriented toward the inserted cigarette;

FIG. 17C is a cross-section of a heating plate having an arcuate underside oriented toward the inserted cigarette;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the unfolding of the symmetrical arrangement of the heating plates before bending them into the heater;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the unfolding of the heating plates with an asymmetrical arrangement before bending them into the heater;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical smoking system comprising a heater according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section through the aroma cavity of the electrical smoking system of FIG. 20 made along line AA;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical smoking system comprising another embodiment of the heater; and

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal section through the aroma cavity of the electrical smoking system of FIG. 22 made on line B-B.

EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF

THE INVENTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a smoking system 21 that includes a partially filled cigarette 23 and a reusable cigarette lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is adapted to be inserted and removed from a receiver 27 at the front end 29 of the lighter 25. Once the cigarette 23 is inserted , the smoking system 21 is used in much the same way as traditional cigarettes, but without the ignition and smoldering of the cigarette 23. The cigarette 23 is discarded after one or more aspiration cycles. Preferably, each cigarette 23 provides a total of eight or more intakes (suction cycles) for one smoking. It is a matter of constructive expediency to adjust it to more or less the total number of actual intakes.

The lighter 25 includes a housing 31 with a front portion 33 and a rear portion 35. One or more batteries 35a are disassembled in the rear portion 35 and supply energy to the

a plurality of electrically resistive heating elements 37 which are located in the front of the housing 33 to the receiver 27. A control device 41 in the front of the housing 33 establishes an electrical connection between the batteries 35a and the heating elements 37. Preferably, the back of the housing 35 It is adapted for easy opening and closing with screws or locking components, for easy battery replacement. If necessary, a socket or sockets may be provided for recharging the batteries with domestic current or otherwise.

Preferably, the front part 33 of the housing is connected detachably to the rear portion 35 of the housing. The connection is made by a swallow-tail assembly or a plug connection. The housing 31 must be made of solid, heat-resistant material. It may be made of metal or polymeric material. Preferably, the housing 31 has the following overall dimensions: 10.7 cm by 3.8 cm by 1.5 cm, so that it is suitable for comfortable holding in the hand of a smoker.

The batteries 35a are sized to provide sufficient energy for the operation of the heaters 37. Preferably, they are of a replaceable or rechargeable type. Alternative energy sources, such as capacitors, are also suitable. In a preferred embodiment, the energy source comprises four nickel-cadmium batteries, connected in series with idle voltage _; however, from about 4.8 V to 5.6 V. However, the required energy source parameters are selected from the perspective of other components of the smoking system 21, in particular the parameters of the heating elements 37. In US Pat. No. 5,144,962 as a reference, several types of energy sources useful with the smoking system of the present invention are described, for example, rechargeable batteries or energy devices that include a battery-charged capacitor.

In FIG. 3 shows the front portion 33 of the cigarette lighter housing 25, which carries a substantially cylindrical heating latch 39. This heating latch accepts a cigarette slide 23.

The heating latch 39 encloses the heating element 37 and is adapted to carry the cigarette 23 at a fixed connection to the heating elements 37 such that the heating elements 37 are positioned along the cigarette in approximately the same position on each cigarette. The place where each heating element 37 maintains (or is in thermal contact with) a fully inserted cigarette 23 is referred to herein as a heating imprint.

To ensure a stable location of the heating elements 37 with respect to each cigarette 23, the heating latch 39 is provided with a stop 182 against which the cigarette is pressed during its placement in the lighter 25. Other means of position registration may be used. of cigarette 23 relative to lighter 25.

The front portion 33 of the lighter housing 25 also includes an electrical control device 41 (FIG. 1) that transmits a predetermined amount of energy from the energy source 35a to the heating elements 37. In a preferred embodiment, the heating latch 39 includes eight circularly arranged and separated one another coil-shaped heating elements 37 centrally centered with respect to the receiver 27.

The heaters 37 are energized individually through the energy source 35 a, under the control of the control device 41 for heating the cigarette 23. The heating is carried out 8 times in the individual parts on the periphery of the cigarette 23. The heating allows eight intakes from the cigarette 23 as much as usually the smoking intakes of traditional cigarettes. More than one heater can be actuated simultaneously for one or more of the intakes.

Another preferred heater construction is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/224 848 cited herein.

In FIG. 2 shows an electrical smoking system with a control device 41 that is activated by a suction actuated sensor 45. It is sensitive to either pressure changes or changes in the airflow level that are obtained by suction from the cigarette 23 of a smoker. The suction-activated sensor 45 is preferably located in the front portion 33 of the lighter housing 25 and is connected to a space inside the heating latch 39 adjacent to the cigarette 23 through a groove extending through a gap at the base of the heating latch 39 and if necessary, through a suction sensitive tube (not shown). The suction-activated sensor 45, suitable for use in the smoking system 21, is described in U.S. Patent 5,060,671, cited herein. The suction sensor 45 preferably comprises a silicone sensor model 163PC01D35 manufactured by the MicroSwitch division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois. Flow sensitive devices, such as those using the heat conductor anemometer principle, have also been successfully demonstrated as an application for the proper activation of one of the heating elements 37 in order to detect a change in air flow. Once activated by the sensor 45, the control unit 41 supplies electrical current to one of the heating elements 37.

An indicator 51 is provided externally relative to the lighter housing 25, preferably in the front portion 33, to indicate the number of intakes remaining when smoking the cigarette 23. The indicator 51 includes a seven ^ segment liquid crystal display. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator 51 shows the number 8 when a cigarette detector 53 detects the presence of a cigarette in the heating latch 39. The detector 53 preferably contains a light sensor at the base of the heating latch 39 ^ which is activated when a beam of light is reflected by the inserted cigarette 23 As a consequence, the cigarette detector 53 gives a signal to the control unit 41, which returns the signal accordingly to the indicator 51. The indication of the digit 8 of the indicator means that eight intakes from each cigarette 23 are valid. ie none of the heating elements 37 have been activated to heat the cigarette 23. After cigarette 23 is completely smoked, the indicator shows the number 0. When the cigarette 23 is removed from the cigarette lighter 25, the cigarette detector 53 no longer detects the presence of a cigarette 23 and the indicator 51 turns off. The cigarette detector 53 is modulated in such a way that it does not emit a constant luminous flux, as this would unnecessarily deplete the energy source 35a. A preferred cigarette detector 53 suitable for use with the 2C smoking system is an OPR5005 type indicator light manufactured by ORTECH Technology, Inc., 1215 West Crosby Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006, USA.

The detector may, instead of displaying the remaining intake amount, be designed to indicate whether the system is active or not (on or off).

With one of several options for using the cigarette detector 53, a mechanical key (not shown) may be provided to indicate the presence or absence of a cigarette 23 and a reset button (not shown), to re-engage the control device 41 when a new one is inserted a cigarette in the lighter 25, for example, to cause indicator 51 to show the number 8, etc. The energy sources, the control device, the suction actuated sensors and the indicators used with the smoking system of the present invention are described * in detail in US Patent No. 5 060 671 and US Patent Application Serial No. 07/943 504, which are cited herein by reference.

Figures 4A and 4B show a cigarette constructed in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. It comprises a tobacco rod 60 and a filter nozzle 62 which are joined together with wrapping paper 64. The tobacco rod 60 has a free end 78 and a wrapped end 72. A free passage filter 74 is disposed on the wrapped end 72. The filter nozzle 62 includes a filter mouthpiece 104 and second free pass filter 102.

The partially filled cigarette 23 preferably has a constant diameter of approximately 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm in length, which is the diameter of most traditional cigarettes. In this way, the cigarette 23 and the smoking system 21, respectively, provide the smoker with the familiar "lip sensation". In a preferred embodiment, the cigarette 23 has a total length of 62 mm, thereby facilitating the use of conventional packaging machines. The total length of the filter mouthpiece 104 and the second free-pass filter 102 is preferably 30 mm. The wrapping paper 64 preferably extends approximately 6 mm on the tobacco rod 60. The total length of the tobacco rod 60 is preferably 32 mm. Other proportions, lengths and diameters may be selected in addition to those specified above.

The tobacco rod 60 of the cigarette 23 includes a tobacco core 66 that has been bent in a tubular (cylindrical) manner.

The paper wrapper 71 tightly wraps the tobacco core 66 and holds it long, as is customary for most traditional cigarettes. The tobacco core 66 is wrapped around a free-pass filter 74 and a tobacco stopper 80.

Preferably, the paper wrapper 71 is wrapped tightly around the tobacco core 66. to give the appearance and feel that is present in most traditional cigarettes. Of course, a better smoking taste is achieved when the top of the paper wrapper 71 is a standard type of cigarette paper, preferably linen paper, with a permeability of approximately 20 to 50 CORESTA (defined as the amount of air,

Ено measured in cm, which passes through 1 cm of material, for example, a paper layer, for one minute, at a pressure drop of 1,0 KRa) and better from about 30 to 45 CORESTA, with a weight of approximately 23 to 35 g / m ² and most preferably about 23 to 30 g / m ² and a filler (preferably calcium carbonate) of about 23 to 35% by weight and more preferably 28 to 33% by weight.

The paper wrapper 71 contains little citrate or other combustible modifiers, with citrate levels varying from 0 to about 2.6% by weight of the wrapped paper wrapper 71, preferably less than 1%.

The tobacco core 66 comprises a core core 68 and a layer of tobacco flavoring material 70 extending along the inner surface of the core core 68. At the wrapped end 72 of the tobacco rod 60, the tobacco core 66, together with the paper sheath 71, are wrapped around a free-pass filter. 74. The leakage filter 74 provides a defined structure and maintains the wrapped end 72 of the tobacco rod 60. It allows the aerosol to be drawn from the inside of the tobacco rod 60 with minimum pressure reduction. The free-pass filter 74 also acts as a flow restrictor at the wrapped end 72 of the tobacco rod 60, thereby contributing to an increase in aerosol formation during suction from the cigarette 23. The free-pass filter 74 is at least 7 mm long, facilitating machining and is preferably annular, although other shapes and types of filters, including cylindrical filter caps, are also suitable.

At the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60, the tobacco core 66, together with the paper sheath 71, are wrapped around a cylindrical tobacco stopper 80. Preferably, the tobacco stopper 80 is constructed separately from the tobacco core 66 and comprises a relatively short pillar of cut tobacco, which is cut off. wrapped inside and supported by the closure of the closure 84.

Preferably, the tobacco stopper 80 is made on a conventional cigarette maker, wherein the cut filler (preferably mixed) is formed in a continuous tobacco rod on a moving conveyor and is wrapped with a continuous strip forming the sheath of the stopper 84. is glued to its longitudinal seam and is thermally soldered. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the closure of the closure 84 is made of cellulosic tissue with little or no filler, calibration or combustible additives (each at levels below 0.5% by weight) and preferably with little or no calibration. It is desirable that the casing of the tobacco stopper 84 has a low base weight of less than 15 g / m ² . The most preferred base weight is about 13 g / m ² . The tobacco closure sheath 84 is desirable to have a high permeability, in the range of about 20,000 to 35,000 CORESTA. The most preferred permeability is in the range of about 25,000 to 35,000 CORESTA. It is made of soft wood pulp, abacus pulp and other long filament pulp. Such papers are provided by Papierfabrik Schoeller and Hoescht GMBH, Postfach 1155, D-76584, Gemsback, GERMANY. Another paper suitable for use as a cover for closure 84 is the TW 2000 paper from De Mauduit of Euimperle FRANCE, with the addition of carboxymethyl cellulose at 2.5 wt%.

The machine producing the tobacco rod 60 provides a density of approximately 0.17 g / cm ³ to 0.30 g / cm. Preferably the density is in the range of at least 0.20 g / cm ³ to 0.30 g / cm ³ and in particular between 0.24 g / cm ³ and 0.28 □

g / cm. Increased densities are preferred in order to avoid blank ends at the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60. At the same time, it is clear that the lower densities of the tobacco rod 60 will allow the tobacco pole 82 to transmit most of the aerosol and the aroma to the smoker. It is necessary to strike a balance between aerosol release (favored by the low rod density in tobacco pole 82) and the avoidance of blank edges (favored by increased rod density levels).

Tobacco pillar 82 preferably contains a cut-off filler of a tobacco blend typical of the cigarette industry, including blends containing light, Burley and Oriental tobacco. These tobacco can be all together, but some can be optionally combined with processed (reconstituted) tobacco and other mixed components including traditional cigarette aromas. However, in a preferred embodiment, the cut-off tobacco pillar 82 comprises a blend of light, Burley and Oriental tobacco at a ratio of approximately 45:30:25 to the US market, without the inclusion of reconstituted tobacco or any flavors after cutting. Optionally, an expanding tobacco component may be incorporated into the mixture to adjust the rod density, and flavors may be added.

The continuous tobacco rod shaped as described above is divided according to the predetermined length 86 for the tobacco stopper 80. This length 86 is preferably at least 7 mm to facilitate machine manipulation. However, the length 86 may vary from about 7 mm to 25 mm or more, depending on the preference for the design of the cigarette.

In general, the length 86 of the tobacco stopper 80 depends on the total length 88 of the tobacco rod 60. The length 86 is selected to form a cavity 90 in the tobacco rod 60 between the free-pass filter 74 and the tobacco stopper 80. The cavity 90 corresponds to an unfilled part of the tobacco rod 60 and is in direct fluid communication with the nozzle 62 through the free-pass filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the length 86 of the tobacco stopper 80 and its relative position relative to the tobacco rod 60 are also selected depending on the parameters of the heating elements 37. When positioning the cigarette exactly against the stop 182 of the heating retainer 39, part 92 of each heating element 37 will contact with the tobacco rod 60 in a designated contact zone 94. This contact zone is called a heating footprint 94. The heating footprint 94 (as shown by the double arrow in Fig. 4A) is not part of the cigarette structure per se. It is an indicator of that area of the tobacco rod 60, which is overlapped by the heating element 37 and in which the heating element 37 reaches the working temperature of heating while smoking a cigarette 23.

on

Because the heating elements 37 have a fixed distance 96 from the stop 182 of the heating retainer 39, the heating footprint 94 is disposed tightly on the tobacco rod 60 at the same predetermined distance 96 from the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60, for each cigarette 23 that is fully inserted into the lighter 25.

The length of the tobacco stopper is preferably

80, the length of the heating footprint 94 and the distance between the heating footprint 94 and the stop 182 so that the heating footprint 94 extends behind the tobacco stopper 80 and overlaps a portion of the cavity 91 at a distance of 98. The distance at which the heating footprint 94 overlaps the cavity 91 (the unfilled portion of the tobacco rod 60) is called the overlay of the heater cavity 98. The distance at which the remainder of the heating footprint 94 overlaps the tobacco stopper 80 is called the overlap of the heater filler. wire and is indicated in the figure by heading 99.

The filter nozzle 62 preferably comprises a second free-pass filter 102 located adjacent to the tobacco rod 60 and a filter mouthpiece 104 located at the free end of the filter nozzle 62, spaced from the tobacco rod 60. Preferably, the second free-pass filter 102 θ is tubular to transmits air at very low pressure. However, other filters with standard configurations with reduced efficiency could be used instead. The inner diameter of the second free pass filter 102 is preferably between 2 and 6 mm and is larger than that of the free pass filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60.

The filter mouthpiece 104 closes the free end of the filter nozzle 62 in order to maintain the known appearance of the cigarette and, if necessary, to perform some filtering, although it is preferable for the filter mouthpiece 104 to contain a low-efficiency filter with an efficiency of approximately from 15 to 25 percent.

The second free-pass filter 102 and the filter mouthpiece 104 are preferably connected together as a combined stopper 110 by means of the closure of the closure 112. The closure of the closure 112 is preferably porous and light, such as the conventional cigarette-making shells, which are actually conventional. filters. The combination stopper 110 is secured to the tobacco rod 60 by means of wrapping paper 64. The wrapping paper 64 is made in accordance with the specifications and standards used in the cigarette industry. The wrapping paper 64 may be cork, white or any other color, depending on the decorative preference.

Preferably, the cigarette 23, constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment, has a total length of approximately 62 mm, of which 30 mm include the combined stopper 110 of the filter nozzle 62. Accordingly, the tobacco rod 60 is 32 mm long. Preferably, the free-pass filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60 is at least 7 mm and the cavity 91 between the free-pass filter 74 and the tobacco stopper 80 is also at least 7 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the heating footprint 94 is approximately 12 piles long and is positioned to provide a 3 mm overlap of the heater cavity 98, leaving 9 mm of the heating footprint 94 to overlap the heater filler 99.

Of course, the length of the cavity 91 and the length of the tobacco stopper 80 may be adapted to facilitate aerosol production and, more importantly, to adjust the smoking characteristics of the cigarette 23, including adjusting its taste, suction and delivery. The length of the cavity 91 and the overlap value of the heater-filler 99 (and the overlap of the heater-cavity 98) can also be adjusted to adjust the immediacy of the reaction, to assist the transmission density (mainly from suction to suction, as well as the transmission density between cigarettes ) and to control the condensation of the aerosol at and around the heaters 37.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of the cavity 91 (the portion of the tobacco rod 60 without the filler) reaches approximately 7 m in order to provide an adequate gap between the heating footprint 94 and the free-pass filter 74. In this way, a gap is provided, whereby the heating footprint 94 does not heats the free-pass filter 74 during smoking. Other lengths may be appropriate if manufacturing tolerances allow. For example, the cavity 91 may be shorter, approximately 4 mm or smaller. The length of the cavity 91 may be at the other extreme extended substantially over 7 piles to extend the non-filler portion of the tobacco rod 60. The preferred length range for the non-filler portion (cavity 91) is from about 4 mm to 18 mm. . Most preferred is a length of 5 to 12 mm.

The core core 68 physically separates the heating elements 37 from the tobacco flavoring material 70, transfers the heat generated by the heating elements 37 to the flavoring material 70 and maintains the physical integrity of the tobacco rod 60 during handling, insertion into the cigarette lighter 25 and removal of the cigarette after smoking.

The description below lists some percentage levels and / or relative weights for the various components contained in the tobacco core 66. Unless otherwise stated or otherwise clearly understood to the contrary, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the percentages by weight are for weight on a dry basis. Therefore, the indicated percentages and / or relative weights are consistent with the moisture content without including it.

The method of producing the tobacco core 66 is preferably without the addition of carbon fiber. In the preferred production method, the core core 68 itself has a total base weight * of approximately 35 g / m ² to 45 g / m ² . Most preferably, the base core 68 has a total base weight of 40 g / w ² . At a weight of 40 g / m ^2, the core 68 contains approximately 28 g / m ^{2 of} tobacco filaments and approximately 12 g / m ^{2 of} cellulose filament. The cellulose yarn may be of wood pulp or linen pulp. It serves as a cellulosic highly entangling agent in the composition of the base tobacco core 68. It is preferable to minimize the amount of cellulose filament in the core core for subjective reasons (to avoid the sensation of paper in the taste of the cigarette). In general, the ratio of the tobacco filament to the cellulose filament in the core core 68, by weight on a dry basis, should range from approximately 2: 1 to 4: 1. A preferred cellulosic material is unbleached, softwood, sulphate cellulose, although most wood and linen pulps are also suitable.

An alternative clamping agent for the core core 68 is a pulp of processed tobacco stem.

Although not preferred, alginate may be coated on one side of the core 68 at approximately 1 g / m ² . If alginate is deposited, it is preferable that it be deposited on the side of the main core 68 opposite to the side on which the aromatic tobacco material is deposited 70.

The aromatic tobacco material 70 is applied to the main core 68 at dry weight levels of at least two or more times the basic weight of the main core 68. Preferably, the main weight of the aromatic tobacco material 70 is about three to four times greater from the main core 68. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco material 70 has a base weight of approximately 130 g / m ² , such that the total weight of the entire tobacco core 66 is approximately 170 g / m. In the dry bulk, the tobacco material 70 contains a portion of ground tobacco and particulate extracts at a ratio in the range of approximately 3.5 to 1 (3.5: 1) to five to one (5: 1) by weight, although this ratio may vary in the range of approximately 3: 1 to 9: 1. In the most preferred embodiment, the ratio is approximately 4: 1.

Glycerin is added to the tobacco material 70 as a moisturizer and as a source of aerosol, at levels of about% 4%, preferably about 12% by weight, in the dry state of the tobacco material 70. These levels of glycerol may vary, approximately from 5% to 20% or more by weight in the dry state of the tobacco material 70. When glycerin is reduced to a level of about 5% to 7% dry weight for the composition, the tobacco core 66 can be somewhat more stable and more stable of damage when twisted into a rub of form.

Pectin is also added to tobacco material 70 at dry weight percentages of about 0.5% to 2%, preferably about 1.4%.

Pectin is added as a coating agent. In its absence, the tobacco material 70 may have a tendency to dry (permeate) the core core 68, especially during the layering operation, thus imparting a granular surface structure to the layered side of the tobacco core 66. Many pectin, in turn, make it difficult to digest. the connection between the tobacco material 70 and the core 68. At approximately 1%, the pectin promotes adequate penetration and bonding of the layers so that the core 68 can withstand the shocks of a tomatichnoto cigarette production.

Most preferably, the tobacco material 70 in the main core 68 contains from about 16% to 20% by weight in the dry state extracts of tobacco particles, from 66% to 71% by weight in the dry state, ground tobacco particles, from 8 % to 14% glycerol and approximately 1.4% pectin.

For the US market, ground tobacco, which is included in tobacco material 70, preferably contains a blend of light, Burley and Oriental tobacco, with nearly half of the blend being light tobacco, approximately 1/3 being Burley and the remainder being oriental. The composition and relative amounts of the mixed components may advantageously be tailored to the different preferences of the US or other markets.

As can be seen from Figures 5A and 5B, the preferred method of manufacturing a raw material for a tobacco core

66, in a suitable form for automatic cigarette production 23, comprises a first series of steps 120 (shown in Fig. 5A) for processing the tobacco raw material, preferably a tobacco strip, into a continuous layer of tobacco core 66s and a second series of steps 122 (shown in Fig. 5B) for converting a continuous layer of tobacco core 66s into one or more wound coils 66b of tobacco core that can be used for the automatic production of cigarettes 23.

FIG. 5A shows that the method of converting the tobacco core into a continuous layer of continuous core 66s begins with the extraction step 124. At this stage, the raw material is treated, preferably with water, to separate the tobacco filament from soluble tobacco materials. in the original raw material. The tobacco raw material preferably contains a tobacco strip, but other forms such as tobacco and / or tobacco laminates are also suitable for use in this process. The tobacco strip is preferably comprised of a blend of light and Burley tobacco, but may optionally include oriental or other types of tobacco.

The tobacco filament collected from the extraction process 124 is subjected to process 126 to form a continuous core 66s layer 66s, which process 126 is a type of paper-making process.

In the process of forming the core 126, the tobacco filament from the extraction step 124 is dissolved in water, with the addition of a predetermined amount of cellulose filament, which serves as a 'fixing agent in the composition of the core core 68. Preferably, the cellulose filament contains a mushy pulp of wood, flax and / or tobacco stem. Once combined, the mixed tobacco thread and cellulose filament dispersion is purified to form a core suspension 128 suitable for casting at the casting stage 130. At the casting stage 130, the core 128 slurry is fed into the mold forming the core machine and is cast on a four-wire conveyor or on an endless steel strip, preferably by means of a template.

It is more appropriate to purify the dispersed mixture of tobacco threads and the clamping agent after mixing the two components. Instead, they can be cleaned separately and then combined.

After casting stage 130, the resulting core 132 is fed to one or more dryers, where the drying step of the core 134 occurs. This step is desirable to include passing the core through a Yankee dryer and one or more preserving dryers. The drying step of the core 134 could also be accomplished through other alternative devices and devices known to those skilled in the art. Upon completion of the drying step of the core 134, a control step 136 occurs, which measures the moisture content and weight of the dried core. To set the drying operation, readout 138 is used to record the moisture content. This way

performs and maintains the desired final moisture level in the core core layer 68s for the purposes of the next coating operation 144.

In the control step 136, an indication 140 using the weight of the core core 68s layer is used to adjust the core forming machine at the casting stage 130 so as to achieve the preferred basic core weight 68. Such adjustments include changes in speed , in which the core suspension 128 is introduced into the foundry mold of the core forming machine.

The core forming step 126 may optionally include a coating step 142. In this step, one side of the core core 68s is coated with alginate at the levels described above. The side of the main core 68s on which the alginate is coated opposite to the side that receives the aromatic tobacco material 70. However, it is a preferred practice to carry out the process without alginate coating.

Upon completion of the core forming process 126, the core core is in the form of a continuous layer 68s, suitable for the next layering operation 144. Alternatively, it may be combined with subsequent off-line layering operations. However, it is preferable to proceed immediately with the lining operation 144 in the formation of the core core layer 68s.

It is desirable that the core core 68s comprise a coating operation 144 at a moisture content of approximately 12% to 17%, most preferably at a moisture content of 14.5% to 15.5%.

As shown in FIG. 5A, soluble tobacco substances leave the extraction step 124 in the form of a dilute solution. This solution contains from about 5% to 10% soluble tobacco ingredients, preferably from 7% to 8% soluble tobacco ingredients. Preferably, the diluted solution is not subjected to any evaporation treatment. The delivery of heat into the solution should be minimized, as the use of heat can affect the aroma emitted by tobacco solutes when smoked as part of a cigarette 23.

These soluble tobacco ingredients (also known as "extracted liquor") from the extraction step 124 are mixed in the mixing step 146 with additional finely ground tobacco, glycerin and pectin, together with water. The amounts of the individual constituents are selected so as to finally obtain a suspension of tobacco material, with the corresponding content of the components described above, in the dry state of the tobacco material 70. In connection with the mixing step 146, water is added (or retention) in amounts sufficient to finally reach the mixing step 124 dispersion of from about 20% to 35% solids content, preferably from about 24% to 26% solids content. The precipitated tobacco particles in the mixture are in sizes from 60 to 400 mesh (the term mesh refers to the size of 95% of the tobacco particles passing through a network with a given number of holes per square inch). Therefore, the size of the precipitated tobacco particles should be such that they can pass through a network with the number of openings from 9.3 to 62 per cm ² (60 to 400 mesh). Preferably, the size of the precipitated tobacco particles is such that they can pass through a network with a number of openings, from about 15.5 to 31 per cm ² (100 to 200 mesh), and it is best that they passed through a mesh with a mesh number of 18.6 per cm ² (120 mesh).

If the size of the precipitated tobacco particles is found to be such that they can pass through a network with apertures greater than 18.6 per cm ² (more than 120 mesh), in particular through a network with apertures of approximately 24.9 to 34.1 per cm ² (180-200 mesh), the solids in the slurry of tobacco material, upon completion of the blending step 146, can be increased, reaching levels of approximately 28% to 31%.

After completion of the mixing step 146, the resulting suspension of tobacco material is submitted immediately to the coating operation 144, although the coating operation may be selectively performed in a further step on an off-line basis. For coating operation 144, the suspension of tobacco material should have a solid content of approximately 22% to 27% by weight, preferably about 24% to 25%.

In the coating step 144, the suspension of tobacco material should have from 4 to 8% by weight soluble tobacco, preferably from 5.5 to 6.5% by weight soluble tobacco. The slurry of tobacco material should enter the coating operation 144 at a temperature of approximately 21 ° C to 49 ° C (70 - 130 ° F), preferably at a temperature of about 32 ± 3 ° C (90 ± 5 ° F) .

The layering stage 144 is preferably performed with a reversible roller layering device located after the Yankee dryer behind the endless belt or four-conveyor. The coating step 144 may also be implemented with other suitable coating devices that are known and used in conventional core forming practice. The tobacco material 70 may be extruded rather than cast on the core core 68. Alternatively, the step of applying layer 128 may be interrupted separately from the fabrication of the core core layer 68s. During the after-treatment step 128 or thereafter, flavors that are customary in the cigarette industry are added as needed.

At the end of the lining operation 144, a continuous layer of tobacco core 66s is formed.

As can be seen from FIG. 5B, the process is continued through the steps of converting the tobacco core layer 66s 122 into a coiled tobacco core coil 66b that is suitable for the automatic production of cigarettes

23. Preferably, the transformation steps 122 are

perform on-line (simultaneous) formation of a continuous layer of tobacco cores 66s. During the conversion steps 122, the operator must avoid conditions that cause breaks, breaks or other damage to the tobacco core layer 66s so as to obtain a continuous winding of the tobacco core in the coil 66b with little or no tangling. In addition, the layer of tobacco core 66s must comply with the requirement that upon completion of transformation steps 122, the tobacco core is not stuck between the windings and can be quickly wound and unwound from the coil 66b without breaking.

The conversion steps 122 begin with the drying step 146, wherein preferably a layer of tobacco core 66s is fed continuously through a dryer with a drying agent fuel gas and hot air, such as that supplied by Airtech Systems Corp, of Stroughton, Maine or steam dryer and hot air. Other dryers known in the art of core molding may be used. The drying stage 146 should be performed with minimal heat application, but in quantities sufficient to dry the tobacco core 68s from its original state (approximately 15% moisture content in the core core and approximately 75% moisture level in the layer itself) to approximately from 8.5% to 12% moisture content, anywhere at the end of the drying step 146. Preferably, the dried layer of the tobacco core 66d is from about 10% to 11% final moisture content. This final moisture content is preferably for several reasons: to facilitate the delayed phase separation operations of the conversion process 122; to establish a moisture level approaching the level at which the material is in equilibrium when stored and / or to facilitate production; and to establish a moisture level to avoid self-adhesion and hardening of the core material in the coil 66b.

After the drying step 146, the dried layer of tobacco core 66d is cooled to ambient temperature, preferably at its storage location and / or adapted to production conditions, typically in the range of 18 ° C to 27 ° C (65 ° F). to 80 ° F). This cooling step 148 not only facilitates the equilibration of the tobacco core 66 under operating conditions, but also avoids the risk of heat being retained in the coil 66b, which may otherwise cause self-heating. If left unchecked, self-heating would lead to extreme temperatures and deterioration of the quality of the tobacco core. Preferably, the cooling step 148 is performed in a cold water air cooler supplied by Airtech Systems Corp, of Stroughton, Maine, although many alternative cooling systems are known in the art of core molding.

After the drying steps 146 and the cooling 148 of the core, the dried and cooled tobacco core 66dc goes through a straightening step 150. A straightening device, such as that offered by Thermo Electron Web Systems, Inc., is used to straighten the 66dc layer. of Auburn, Maine, or any other suitable straightening device that would be readily known and available to an ordinary core molding specialist. Upon completion of the straightening step 150, the tobacco core 66 is substantially free of thermal curvature along its edges and is prepared for the subsequent winding and cutting steps 152 and 154. However, before performing these steps, it is preferable to monitor the temperature, humidity level and total weight of the 66s tobacco core layer as it exits the evaporation stage 150 so as to provide feedback and process control. Control step 151 is necessary to ensure that the tobacco core 66s layer is suitable for subsequent winding and cutting, and thus completes the method at the desired setpoints of temperature and humidity, and at the desired total weight for the bobbins 66b.

In particular, in controlling the tobacco core layer 66, indications of its total weight are used to adjust the lining operation 144 and more specifically the size of the incoming feedstock from the tobacco material slurry in the reversible roller bed or in the slot at the compression site of the overlay device. The humidity level readings at control stage 151 are used to control the drying operations so as to achieve the set humidity levels in the formation as described above. Similarly, the cooling step 148 is controlled with high sensitivity by the temperature indication of the tobacco core layer 66 during the control step 151.

Further, the layer of tobacco core 66 is wound in the winding step 152, which is performed with core winding machines widely known and available to one of ordinary skill in the art of core processing. The rolled layer of tobacco core 66s is then split into individual coils 66b, whereby the cut width for each coil is consistent with the desired cigarette circumference 23.

After completion of the conversion steps 122, the coils 66B are suitable for use in the automatic cigarette production process.

Glycerin in tobacco material 70 serves as a source of aerosol and facilitates the formation of visible aerosol during cigarette smoking 23. Additionally, when glycerin is released into the atmosphere, it condenses and provides typically expected smoke when smoking a cigarette 23. Instead, other humidifiers suitable for use in the tobacco industry should be used.

Optionally, after the molding step 130, alginate may be deposited on the side of the core 68 before, during, or after the deposition step 144. Alginate coating provides additional strength and film formation on one side of the core core 68. the core core 68 has sufficient strength and without alginate, it is a preferred practice to shape the core core 68 without it.

The present invention can also be implemented with other types of core cores 68 (carriers), including carbon fiber or metal or lattice supports, described in detail in US Patent 5 388 594 and in patent applications EP-A-0 615 411, US Serial No. 07/943 504 and U.S. Serial No. 07/943 747, which are incorporated herein by reference.

With respect to carbon fiber materials as disclosed in US Patent 5 388 594 and in patent application EP-A-0 615 411, cited herein, the preferred composition of these materials comprises a core core 68 comprising a tobacco thread in

And the range is from 20 to 30 g / m, preferably from about 24 to 28 g / m ² , most preferably 26 g / m ² ; carbon fiber in the range of 2 to 9 g / m, preferably 2 to 4 g / m, and most of all

And about 3 g / m and pectin in the range of about 0.5 to 1.5 g / m ² , preferably 1 g / m ² . Preferably, these ingredients are balanced to achieve a core core 68 with a total basic weight of approximately 30 g / m ² . It is also preferable to use a carbon fiber of specified length (1/4 inch) to facilitate its dispersion during slurry formation.

In an alternative embodiment of the base tobacco core 66 (i.e. carbon fiber material), the total final weight of the dry layer is preferably about 160 g / m ² ,

And of which 30 g / m represent the weight of the base

And the cores 68 and 130g / m represent the weight of the tobacco material 70. The preferred embodiment, which does not include a carbon fiber, has a total final weight of the dry layer,

A A approximately 170 g / m, of which 40 g / m represent the weight of the base core 68 and 130 g / m ² represent the weight of the tobacco material 70.

Whatever type of core core 68 (or carrier) is used, the tobacco material 70 is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the core core 68 to release aromatic tobacco aerosol when heated. Continuous layers, foams, gels, dried suspensions or dried deposited as spray suspensions of tobacco material may also be included as such materials.

In accordance with U.S. Patent 5,888,594, cited herein, and in accordance with FIG. 3, when the cigarette 23 of the preferred embodiment is inserted into the receiver 27, it is inserted into the heating latch 39, while the free end 78 of the cigarette 23 rests on the stop 182, firmly mounted at the base of the heating latch 39. Once the cigarette is in place, smoking may start, whereby any cigarette suction action by the smoker is detected by the suction sensor 45, which is connected to the control unit and causes an electric current to flow to one of the pre-selected heaters 37. Powerfully transmitted through a circuit that includes electrical conductors 183 to one end of each heater 37, a common ring 184, at the opposite end of each heater 37, and a common conductor 186 extending from the common ring 184 backwards, adjacent to the wires 183. When each heater 37 is switched on, heat is transmitted through the paper wrapper 71 and the tobacco core 68 in sufficient quantity to cause the tobacco flavoring material 70 of the tobacco core 66 to release the tobacco aerosol into the confined spaces of the tobacco pipe. point 60 - It is withdrawn from the cigarette 23 as a result of the suction effect of the smoker at the end of the cigarette 23.

Smoking from a cigarette smoker typically lasts approximately 1.5 to 2.0 s, while the cigarette testing procedures used in the electric smoking system (FTC cigarette) provide a 2.0 s suction duration.

When the heating footprint 94 overlaps the cavity 91, an aerosol is released directly from the heated tobacco flavoring material 70 into the cavity 91. The aerosol is drawn into and through the filter nozzle 62 at very low pressure. On the other hand, at the place where the heating footprint 94 overlaps the tobacco stopper 80 (overlapping heater / filler 99), the near parts of the tobacco stopper 80 will be heated together with the adjacent portions of the tobacco core 66.

Accordingly, the blended tobacco of the tobacco stopper 80 introduces its own fraction into the total aerosol so that it imparts to the aerosol its respective taste, odor and other specific characteristics. The aerosol discharged from the tobacco stopper 80 undergoes some filtration and pressure drop at or around the overlap of the heater / filler 99 as it is drawn through the tobacco stopper 80 and into the cavity 91.

The aerosol formed by heating the tobacco stopper 80 has a character and a taste that can be altered by mixing different tobacco, as well as by adjusting what portion of the heating footprint 94 overlaps the tobacco stopper 80. The aerosol component that is forms near the cavity 91, is released immediately from the cigarette, since there is little thermal inertia at the cavity 91 and due to the thermally evaporated tobacco substance at the cavity 91, and because its pressure in the tobacco cavity is not reduced smoker 80, and instead immediately passes to the filter nozzle 62 through the free-pass filter 74. However, it has a character different from that separated from the tobacco stopper 80, since it predominantly separates from the aromatic tobacco material 70 in the main tobacco core 68. Found is that, to satisfy the smoker, the delivered cigarette dispenser 23 preferably includes two components, thereby producing the specific flavors characteristic of mixed cut tobacco fillers. The presence of the cavity 91 and its effect on the original transmission provides persistence (density) from suction to suction when smoking a cigarette 23 and promotes the repeatability between cigarettes. This dependence is confirmed by the comparative suction-to-suction characteristics of a plurality of loaded cigarettes 23 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment (having a cut-off cap 80 and a cavity 91) compared to the cigarette 23 'of the first alternative construction (Fig. 6a) without cut filler in its coiled core and a second alternative construction - cigarette 23 (Fig. 7A) having a coiled tobacco core fully filled with cut off filler. It is apparent from the images of these alternative constructions that the tobacco core 66 'and 66 comprise a core core 68 and a layer of tobacco material 70 as in the preferred embodiment. The tobacco rods 60 'and 60 of these alternative constructions also include an outer paper sheath 71.

The serpentine type of heating element is adjusted at 15 J of energy, using it to generate the benchmarks as shown in Figures 6B and 7B with the cigarettes shown in Figures 6A and 7A respectively.

In accordance with FIG. 6A, the cigarette 23 'of the first alternative construction adapted for smoking in an electrical smoking system comprises a tobacco rod 60' and a filter nozzle 62 ', each of which includes components designated by primes having correspondence to the components of the preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 4A. However, the tobacco rod 60 'of the cigarette 23' does not include a cut filler in its tobacco core 66 'and the free end 78' of the tobacco rod 60 'is provided with a back-pass filter 200'. The main core 68 'is of the carbon fiber type. The construction of the cigarette 23 'is described in detail in US Patent 5,888,594, cited herein as a reference. Hereinafter, this cigarette 23 'will be referred to as a non-filler 23' cigarette.

In FIG. 6C shows an experimental setup with which experiments were performed. A smoking machine combined with a smoking system 21 was used. The output of the smoking machine is directed at each suction through a smoking meter 6y having a transparent chamber 6v, where a light beam from a source 6w passes through the transparent camera 6v to a photo sensor 6z on the opposite side of the transparent chamber 6v. The output of the photosensor 6z serves to analyze the intensity of the light beam as it is directed to the photosensor 6z. Any tobacco aerosol that passes through the chamber 6v will have a light-scattering effect in the beam of light so that any subsequent change in the light intensity obtained in the photosensor 6z will be inversely proportional to the total fragmented substance (TPM) in the aerosol. In accordance with FTC cigarette testing practice, it is preferable for the smoking machine to withdraw standard two-second suction from the smoking system 21. The information presented graphically in FIG. 6B shows the intensity recorded in the metering device for

smoking related to the time that the machine continues to count until the cigarette is completely smoked without a filler 23 '. The data show the following two trends. First, in a cigarette without a filler 23 ', the first and second intakes are inconsistent with the other three intakes, while these later three intakes are better aligned with each successive. A second aerosol is released before the expiration of a period of two seconds for each inlet. The non-filler cigarette 23 'has a lower delivery sequence in the first few aspirations and is predominantly consistent in the last aspirations only. The indicator related to the first suction is completely consistent with the general observation that a non-filler cigarette smoking machine 23 'delivers less aerosol during the first suction, unless defective measurements, such as when perforating a tobacco rod 60, have been carried out. 'for example.

In FIG. 7A shows a cigarette 23, which is also adapted for use with an electric smoking system. It contains a tobacco rod 60 and a filter nozzle 62 having components and construction similar to those of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, with similar components indicated by double adj. However, the cigarette 23 of FIG. 7A includes a back-pass filter 200 at the free end 78 and a cut-off post 220 extending along the length of the tobacco rod 60 between the back-pass filter 200 and the free-pass filter 74 of the tobacco \ Τ ί '· <

rod 60. Tobacco post 220 of cigarette 23 contains a mixture of Burley, light and oriental tobacco, at a rod density of 0.275 g / cm ³ . The main core 68 of the tobacco core 66 is of the type comprising a carbon filament described above. Hereinafter, the cigarette 23 will be referred to as a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23.

FIG. 7B it becomes clear that the light intensity measurements from the smoke meter 6v are correlated with the time interval increasing with each intake for a series of intakes numbered from one to seven from the fully filled cigarette with a filler 23. The data presented in FIG. . 7B are indicative of two distinctive patterns regarding a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23. The first pattern is that the first few intakes provide significant aerosol transmission, but the transmission further drops to such an extent that the subsequent three intakes provide essentially less transmission than the first few intakes (only if correct measurements are made). The second pattern is that in a fully filled cigarette with a cartridge 23, the aerosol delivery is delayed and the initial intakes (one, two, and three intake) do not reach maximum transmission until a substantial part of the two to three second interval has elapsed.

During the first few intakes, a fully filled cigarette with a cartridge 23 tends to deliver a larger total volume of aerosol than a cigarette without a cartridge 23 '. When comparing the data presented in Figures 7B and 6B, it is concluded that the common areas above the first few suction lines of Figs. 7B for a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23 are larger than the common areas above the first few suction lines of FIG. 6B for a cigarette without a filler 23 The area above each suction line of FIG. 7B and 6B are indicative of the total intake transmission.

However, it is certain that the delay in the delivery of a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23 causes the smoker to take a longer and stronger pull in reaction to his or her failure to obtain an immediate aroma from the cigarette 23. A more pronounced pull in turn may cause the heated portions of the outer paper sheath 71 and the tobacco core 66 to become fully consumed (oxidized). The additional air intake thus performed may result in a more significant crack and possibly local damage to the tobacco post 220 during the first few intakes. In addition, it is certain that once the pyrolysis process begins in a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23, it tends to be self-sustaining due to the presence of a larger mass of burning tobacco and / or due to its more compact condition. In any case, since it can be easier to draw air into the tobacco rod through the punctured "burned" locations in the first few intakes, these localized openings are considered to shorten the flow path of the desired airflow in successive intakes. Consequently, the transmission declines during the later intake of a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23.

The data presented in FIG. 7B, and the explanations above are consistent with the general observation that when smoking with electric lighters, a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23 or a traditional cigarette tends to decrease in transmission during smoking.

With their slowing down and increasingly self-sustaining pyrolysis, a fully filled cigarette with filler 23 tends to generate a large amount of aerosol in the later stages of suction and can continue to produce an amount of aerosol even after the period of time the smoker actually sucks from the cigarette. The latter situation can lead to the creation of an aerosol in the "post-suction". This aerosol (FIG. 2) may be retained in the housing 31 of the lighter 25, partially at or around the heating retainer 39. Some of these "post-intake" aerosols will cause problems by condensing on the heating elements 37 or lingering there. long enough to be sucked into the 23 ”cigarette during the next suction. This is unfavorable for conveying a pleasant and lasting cigarette taste to the smoker.

Let's return to FIG. 6B. The intake lines for a non-refillable cigarette 23 'indicate that aerosol transmission is maximum (when the intake lines are lowered) before the two seconds of standard suction have elapsed and transmission is minimal in the subsequent phases of intake. Therefore, the production of a "suction" aerosol is not such a problem with a cigarette without a filler 23 '. But, as noted earlier, a non-filler cigarette 23 'delivers a smaller total aerosol volume than a full-fill 23' 'cigarette that undergoes volatility during the first few intakes and lacks it. subjective features and flexibility that would be enjoyable if a mixed (or even unmixed) cut filler is included.

FIG. 8 presents comparative data obtained from smoking by smoking machines using a smoking measuring device 6y, as described above, on cigarettes constructed in accordance with a non-filler 23 'cigarette, a fully-filled cigarette with a filler 23' and a partially filled cigarette a cigarette with a filler 23 made in accordance with a preferred embodiment (as shown in Fig. 4A) of the present invention. A carbon fiber may be used as the core material in each of these cigarettes. In analyzing the data of FIG. 8 it will be seen that the partially filled cigarette with a filler 23 of the present invention provides more persistence in delivery by suction. It avoids the drop in transmission that occurs in later aspirations of a fully filled cigarette with a 23 ”filler and is more persistent in the delivery than a non-filler 23’ during the first few aspirations.

The partially filled cigarette with filler 23, which was tested to collect the data used in the diagram of FIG. 8 is half filled with a cut filler so that the overlap of the cigarette heater cavity is relatively large, approximately 6 mm. The heating element 37 used to generate the data shown in FIG. 8 is serpentine type, at 15 J energy for the heating cycle.

The data presented in FIG. 8 are for the amount of aerosol (in mg) generated during the first two seconds of each intake in a series of intakes during the smoking of each individual type of cigarette. In relation to the data presented in Figures 6B and 7B, the amount of aerosol shown in Figs. 8 would correspond analytically to the integration of (the zone defined above) each suction line from 0 to 2 seconds in Figures 6B and 7B.

The data representation of FIG. 8 clearly illustrates the drop in transmission present in a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23 as a sequence of first intake to subsequent intakes. Conversely, a cigarette without a filler 23 ' does not have a drop in delivery as with a fully filled cigarette with a filler 23.

The data representation of FIG. 8 also clearly illustrates that a partially filled cigarette with a filler 23 provides a delivery sequence comparable to that of a cigarette without a filler 23 'during six intakes.

In addition, the effect of the cut-off filler on its taste and subjective sensation is present.

In order to show the effect of changes in the overlap value of the heater cavity in a partially filled cigarette with a filler 23 on the transmission, the following table is compiled. The data in Table I are obtained from a smoking machine using a type 23 cigarette having 32 tobacco rod, 7 ppp free pass filter and 30 mm filter nozzle. The heating footprint is 12 mm long and is centered in the center of the tobacco stick of each cigarette.

Table I

Length of the cavity (PPP) 4 7 10 Cavity heater overlap (PPP) 1 4 7 Overlap heater - tobacco stopper (mm) 11 8 5 Average of TPM 4.9 5.5 7.0 Adjusted average TPM (omitted lowest reading) 5.2 5.9 7.3 Standard deviations from the adjusted mean 0.34 0.53 0.50

The TPM in the table indicates the fully crushed substance.

In FIG. 9 is a graphically depicting the relationship between the fully crushed substance (TPM) and the overlapping heater-filler value (in mm). The data shown there was obtained using standard testing techniques to determine FTC levels of tar using Cambridge padding and suction intervals of two to three seconds on standard smoking machines. The cigarettes tested are partially filled cigarettes with a carbon fiber core having a total length of 58 mm. The ordinal data of FIG. 9 are obtained from a non-filler cigarette having a carbon core base core and the same overall length. When the tobacco-heater overlap is changed, the heating footprint remains constant in length and remains centered in the middle of the tobacco rod. Accordingly, each increase in the heater-tobacco overlap creates a proportional decrease in the heater-cavity overlap. The heater is serpentine type, with a heating footprint of approximately 10 mm. Taken together, there is a second-order relationship between the fragmented substance delivered and the overlap value of the heater-filler. The data presented in FIG. 9, and the data shown in row 4 in Table I indicate that the overlay heater overlap value can be adjusted to obtain the desired (predetermined) delivery level in a partially filled cigarette 23.

Adjusting the heater-filler overlap value is a preferred method of achieving the desired tar pitch in a partially filled cigarette with a filler, because changes in the heater-filler overlap have a more pronounced and controllable effect on transmission than this when changing the density of the tobacco rod 60 and the tobacco stopper 80. Only this approach allows one to select the density of the tobacco rod 60 and the tobacco stopper 80 for purposes other than those at the tar level, so to control the blank edges and / or to create the desired degree of pressure drop and / or filtration at the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60, or other production facilities. It also provides the opportunity to modify the transfer of tar between related cigarette products without the need to change the tobacco core 66 or the tobacco stopper 80.

It is also important to reconcile the relative dimensions of the partially filled cigarette with the filler 23 and those of the cigarette lighter 39 so that when the cigarette 23 is inserted into the cigarette lighter 21, each of the heating elements 37 is located sideways on the tobacco rod 60. with at least some, if not all, of the heating prints covering only the filled portion of the tobacco rod 60 (on the tobacco stopper 80). In this configuration, the cavity 91, however, facilitates the formation of an aerosol and helps to cool the smoke. The free-pass filter 74 is also thought to help increase aerosol formation by the presence of the aerosol-permeable structure after they have already been pulled from the wider cavity 91. In this respect, it can be noted that the free-pass filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60, through its ends 73 and 75, in fact forms the transition between it and the cavity 91 on the one hand, and respectively between it and the second free-pass filter 102 on the other. These ends 73 and 75 are obtained because the free-pass filter 74 has a smaller internal radius than that of the other two adjacent zones (the cavity 91 and the space enclosed in the second free-pass filter 102). These ends 73 and 75 (possibly other adjacent portions of the second free pass filter 102) are believed to create flow turbulence as well as other prerequisites favoring aerosol formation from constituents in the gas phase and the fragmentation phase separated by the heated parts of the tobacco rod 60.

In FIG. 10 shows a cigarette 23a, which is the second preferred embodiment of the cigarette according to the present invention. It has the same components and fittings as explained in the analysis of cigarette 23 in the image of FIG. 4A, but with the addition of a rear pass filter 200a located at the free end 78a of the tobacco rod 60a.

Μ

I

The rear leakage filter 200a prevents the tobacco from leaving the tobacco stopper 80a at the free end 78a. The free-pass filter 200a may be so colored as to indicate that the cigarette 23a is for use only in an electrical smoking device and that it cannot be lit with a match or a conventional cigarette lighter like most traditional cigarettes. The backflow filter 200a is shown as a separate component of the wrapped tobacco stopper 80a. However, for convenience in the manufacture of cigarette 23a, however, the leakage filter 200a may be combined with the tobacco stopper 80a by a general wrapping of the stopper (not shown). By means of the filter conduit thus formed, the cigarette 23a can be provided with a tobacco stopper 80a having a low density bar, without the risk of blank ends or damage to the tobacco in the tobacco rod 60a. As stated in EP-A-0615411, US Patent Application Serial No. 07/943 504, filed September 11, 1992, and US Patent 5 388 594, cited herein by reference only, the backflow filter 200a is designed to limit or completely stop the separation of the aerosol from the free end 78a of the tobacco rod 60a as a result of suction. In doing so, it must lower the pressure at the free end 78a so as to favor the limitation of the amount of air drawn in the cigarette 23a from the free end 78a in relation to the proportional amount of air permissible for passing along the sides of the tobacco rod 60a.

Considering the technical features of a partially filled cigarette with a filler 23 of the preferred embodiment, different heating energies and overlaps of the heater-filler may be used to establish and / or adjust the transmission to the desired level of "tar". Accordingly, with respect to the intended use of a new, partially filled cigarette with a filler 23, the choice of the density of the rod in the tobacco stopper 80 may be in accordance with the desired pressure reduction at the free end 78 and / or to control backflow in the same way as this is achieved by the backflow filter 200a of the alternative embodiment 23a.

In FIG. 1b shows another cigarette 23b constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. It includes a tobacco stopper 80b comprising a low pressure portion 310b adjacent to the cavity 91b and a high pressure portion 320b adjacent to the free end 78b of the cigarette rod 60b. Cigarette 23b is designed such that the heating footprint 94b overlaps the low pressure portion 310b of the tobacco stopper 80b so as to obtain increased transmission achievable with reduced rod densities. The high-density area of the cut-off filler 320b is located adjacent to the free end 78b to avoid blank ends and to restrict air transmission axially through the rod 60b in a similar manner as through the backflow filter 200a of cigarette 23a.

Figures 12-21 show preferred embodiments of the heater. These heaters are suitable for any of the embodiments of the cigarettes described herein - fully filled, partially filled and non-filled cigarettes shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 6a, 7a, 10 and 11, as well as other modifications to these cigarettes.

These heaters provide improved mechanical strength for re-insertion, adjustment and ejection of cigarettes 23 and a significant improvement in the generation of aerosols from heated cigarettes, as well as the conservation of energy consumption. It has been found that the aerosols created tend to be separated radially from the impulse heater.

It is generally preferable for the heater to have eight heating plates 121 to provide eight intakes in successive actuation of the heating plates 121, thus mimicking the number of intakes of a conventional cigarette. Typically, the heating plates 121 extend from the support sleeve 111 so as to form a cylindrical receiver CR for the inserted cigarette 23. Preferably, a gap 131 is formed between any two adjacent heating plates 121.

The number of intakes and hence the number of heating plates 121 may need to be modified when a cigarette is inserted into the cylindrical receiver CR. This desired number is achieved by forming the desired number of heating plates 121. This can be achieved by providing uniformly or equally sized plates.

The heating latch 39 is located in the opening 27 of the lighter 25 (Figures 2 and 12). The cigarette 23 is inserted, optionally first with the back-pass filter 200a, into the opening 27 of the lighter 25 into a substantially cylindrical space of the heating latch 39 formed by an annular nozzle 83 having an open end for receiving the cigarette, a cylindrical air duct in the sleeve. 87 and the heating device 100. The heating device 100 includes heating plates 121, an electrically conductive contact pin or a main conductor 104A, which serves as a general supply for the heating elements, electrically positive ontact pins or conductors 104B and spacer. The lower inner surface 81 of the spacers restrict the cigarette 23 to the desired position in the heating retainer 39 so that the heating plates 121 are positioned near the cavity 91 of the cigarette 23. The preferred arrangement of the heating plates with respect to the cigarette has been described above in accordance with Figures 1 to 11.

Essentially, the entire heating retainer 39 is disposed internally and secured by a tight fit to the housing 31 at the front portion 33 of the lighter 25. The leading edge 93 of the annular tip 83 is preferably located at or extending slightly beyond the front end 29 of the lighter 25 and preferably includes an internally bevelled or rounded part for easy insertion or removal of the cigarette 23 from the heating latch 39.

The contact pins 104 A and 104B are preferably received from respective sockets (not shown), thereby providing support for the heating retainer 39 in the lighter 25, and wires or circuit boards connect the socket to the various electrical elements. Other pins may provide additional support to strengthen the plug. The contact pins 104A and 104B may be of any suitable material, but preferably they are of tinned phosphor bronze. The channel 47 in the spacer and base 50 are connected to the suction activated sensor 45 and the light sensor 53, which distinguish between the presence or absence of a cigarette 23 in the lighter 25.

As can be seen in FIG. 12 and 13, the heating device 100 is preferably a monolithic construction. It contains eight heating plates 121 extending from a central support sleeve 111 symmetrically as shown in FIG. 18, or asymmetrically, as shown in FIG. 19.

As best seen in FIG. 13, the heating device forms a common circular insertion hole 360 having a neck 365 that directs the inserted cigarette to the coaxially arranged cylindrical receiver CR. The diameter of the cylindrical receiver CR is smaller than that of the inlet opening 360. The inlet opening 360 is determined in accordance with the free edges 118B of the connecting sections 118 of the heating plates 121. The neck 365 is determined by the portion of connecting sections 118 between the connecting edge 118A and free end

118B. The inlet opening 360 preferably has a diameter greater than that of the inserted cigarette 23 to guide the cigarette to the cylindrical receiver CR. The CR receiver, however, has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the cigarette 23 to provide a tight fit for good heat transfer. Cigarette 23 preferably has a diameter that is approximately equal to the range of diameters known in the art. Certain manufacturing tolerances for the cigarette 23, the gradually tapering surface or the neck 365 at the stage of passage of the cigarette 23 between the spacer and the cylindrical receiver CR may also serve to slightly squeeze the cigarette 23, with a view to increasing thermal contact with the enclosing envelopes plates 121 serving as the inner wall of the receiver. In one non-limiting example, the inlet opening 360 preferably has an inner diameter of approximately 0.904 ± 0.05 cm (0.356 ± 0.02 in), and the cylindrical receiver CR preferably has an inside diameter of approximately 0.706 ± 0.05 cm (0.278 ± 0.02 in). The heating plates 121 can be bent inwards to increase the thermal contact with the cigarette 23 by reducing the diameter of the cylindrical receiver CR.

Each heating plate 121 is U-shaped and consists of a first heating section or a first heating plate leg 116A extending at its first end to the support sleeve 111 connecting section 118 connected to the opposite end of the first heating plate

feet 116A and a second section or second heating plate feet 116B extending to the first end of the connecting section 118 to the support sleeve 111. The first 116A and the second 116B heating plate feet are separated from each other by a gap 125 that can be relatively constant. These two heating plate legs 116A and 116B are preferably substantially parallel, in any unbound position, as described below and shown in Figures 18 and 19. In addition, these two heating plate legs 116A and 116B are permanently positioned in the direction of insertion of the cigarette to reduce unwanted cigarette lengthening and are oriented to form a cylindrical receiver CR for the inserted cigarette 23. The connecting section 118 has a curved connecting edge 118A for joining opposite internal heating ends. body plate legs 116A and 116B. In this way, an elongated U-shaped resistive contour is formed which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inserted cigarette and extends over the cigarette, as described in greater detail below. The coupling end 118A preferably has a curvature of approximately 180 ⁰ ± 20 °. In this way, the U-shaped heating plate 121 is formed. It has a concave part which is to the bearing sleeve 111 and a convex part from the insertion hole 360. The first end of the first heating plate leg 116A at the bearing sleeve 111 may have a portion 115 of increased width , but with the same approximate thickness as that of the rest of the first heating pad 116A. This is intended to reduce the current and power densities of the section 115, as well as to reduce the electric heating capacity of that portion. Furthermore, the extension 115 increases the mechanical strength of the heating plate 121 at the bearing sleeve 111.

The second end 122 of the second heating plate foot 116B is preferably elevated relative to its main section. It is shaped as a step to facilitate electrical connection to the corresponding positive pin 104B. In particular, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second end 122 of the second heating plate foot 116B contains three sections, namely the first section 122A, which is essentially a continuation of the main section of the second heating plate foot 116B and is located in same plane as it, transitional section 122B which rises at an angle, and connecting end section 122C, which is substantially parallel to the first section 122A. The sections of the second end 122 of the second heating plate foot 116B may have a wider width than that of the foot itself. In this way, its strength is increased, an adequate contact area is provided for a secure connection in the connecting end section 122C, as well as reducing the current density and, accordingly, the electric heating capacity of the second end 122. The end section 122C is preferably welded or electrically and mechanically connected in any other way to the positive pin 104B.

Another embodiment for achieving secure connections for the heating plates 121 is shown in Figures 14 and 15. The second end 122 of the second heating plate foot 116B is not shaped as a step, as in Figures 12 and 13, but rather, it is substantially plane extension of the second heating foot 116B, which facilitates production. To reduce the possibility of short circuits arising from contact between the second end 122 of the second heating pad 116B and the support sleeve 111 and / or section 115 of the first heating pad 116A when, for example, the inserted cigarette is curved or otherwise adjusted by the smoker , an electrically insulating ceramic coating 300 is used, which is applied to the second end 122, the support sleeve 111 and section 115, in particular to the respective faces of these elements.

The ceramic coating 300 is deposited by any conventional method, for example by plasma spraying, on the support sleeve 111, the second end 122 of the second heating plate foot 116B and the section 115 of the first heating plate foot 116A. Ceramics preferably have a relatively high dielectric constant. Other suitable insulators may be used such as aluminum trioxide, zirconium, militia, corderite, spinel, fosterite or a combination thereof. It is preferable to use zirconium or other ceramics with a thermal coefficient of expansion that closely resembles that of the underlying metal structure, in order to avoid differences in the degree of expansion and shrinkage during heating and cooling, thereby avoiding cracks and / or splits at work. The ceramic layer remains physically and chemically stable when the heating element is heated. The preferred thickness for an electrical insulator, for example, is from about 0.003 mm to 0.3 mm (from 0.1 to 10 mils) or from about 0.015 mm to 0.18 mm (from 0.5 to 6 mils) and most preferably from 0.03 mm to 0.09 mm (1 to 3 mils). Preferably, part of the second end 122 of the second heating plate foot 116B is not covered with ceramics. The positive pins 104B are then connected, as explained, to these uncovered portions. In order to facilitate coverage, a corresponding portion of section 115 of the first heating plate foot 116A is similarly not ceramic coated.

The ceramics as shown in FIG. 15 may be added, for example, by the same plasma coating method, also in the gap 127, between the ends 122 of the second heating plate feet 116B and the sections 115 of the first heating plate feet 116A and in the gap 126, between the ends 122 and the support sleeve 111 ₉ for forming a ceramic sleeve structure in order to increase the mechanical integrity of the heating device. The size of this ceramic sleeve may be larger than shown. With or without the use of additional ceramics, the ceramic coating electrically insulates the positive connecting edges 122 and the wide gaps 127 and 125 can be reduced as short-circuit protection is provided. Accordingly, the edges 122 of the second heating plate feet 116B and the sections 115 of the first heating plate feet 116A may have an enlarged area, thereby further tightening the receiver and the housing of the ceramic sleeve, increasing the strength of the structure and further tightening the heating device. In addition, such a ceramic coating smooths the sharp edges defining the gaps 125 and 127. This reduces the possibility of injury and damage to the cigarette, especially during insertion, removal or any other adjustment action by the smoker. .

Alternatively, the entire heating plate 121 and especially the first and second heating plate feet 116A and 116B may be completely coated on one surface, for example the outer surface of the cigarette, the two inner and outer surfaces, and / or the edges defining the gaps with the ceramic layer, e.g. , approximately 0.06 mm (2 mil) with zirconium, to strengthen the heating plates, retaining gaps if necessary. The heating plates 121 may accordingly be thinner, for example, from about 0.06 mm to 0.18 mm (from 2 to 6 mil), thereby increasing the resistance of the heating circuit and making the plates wider increasing the thermal bond with the inserted cigarette 23 while maintaining the same overall resistance of the plate. This increased width of the plate, together with the ceramic layer, further strengthens the construction of the heater. The ceramic coating on the outer surface of the plates from which the cigarette is inserted can also prevent thermal losses from the heated plate to the environment. The ceramics are preferably deposited by plasma spraying or by another method described in related applications. Preferably, electron-vapor deposition is applied to avoid the formation of residual stresses that may be induced during plasma treatment during surface treatment and / or from particle impact.

Each heating plate 121 forms a resistive heating element. In particular, the first end 115 of the first heating plate leg 116A is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power source and represents a monolithic extension of the carrier sleeve 111. It may be mechanically and electrically connected to the carrier sleeve 111, which in turn is electrically and mechanically coupled to the negative pin 104A by welding or other technique such as hard or soft solder. Terminals 104A are used to provide balanced support, since the negative and positive connections also serve to mechanically secure the heater. The carrier sleeve 111 thus functions as an electrical coupling element for all the heating plates 121. In each embodiment, the negative connection for each heater can be made individually, for example by a suitable negative contact built into the end of the heater, against the respective positive contact zones, the second ends 122 of the second heating plate feet 116B.

A positive connection for each heating plate 121 is made at the connecting end section 122C of the second heating plate 116B. The connecting end section 122C is electrically isolated and separated from the common sleeve 111 by means of gap 127, as well as from the first heating plate leg 116A, and especially from the first end 115 of the connected heating plate 121 by gap 125, to avoid short circuits and to allow for thermal expansion. In addition, the ceramic coatings discussed above are optional. Alternatively, the connecting end sections 122C are respectively grounded.

The positive and negative connections described provide a resistive circuit, and in particular a current circuit supplied by the power source, for example, via the control unit 41, to a separate plate or plates 121 when the smoking system is activated when the smoker is sucked in. The first heated area of the heating plate 121 comprises a first heating plate foot 116A, a connecting section 118 and a second heating plate foot 116B. Accordingly, a portion of the inserted cigarette 23, by supporting and contacting the activated heating plate 121 extending thereto, will be heated by an external surface imprint corresponding to the heated portion of the plate. This imprint will have an elongated U-shape corresponding to the overlapping heating plate 121. Heating is mainly carried out by conduction and radiation, but there is also some likelihood of convection. In addition, the portion of the inserted cigarette between the heating plate legs 116A and 116B, namely the portion lying below the gap 125, is heated by overlapping or by crossing the total radiative and conductive heat exchange between the two legs. If the gap 125 is too large, the desired overlap will not occur and the portion of the inserted cigarette below the gap 125 will not be heated sufficiently. In general, beam and conductive heating will heat portions of the inserted cigarette in strips formed slightly outside the outer edges of the heating plates 116A and 116B. The various heated portions together constitute the heated portion of the cigarette 23 extending slightly beyond the outer end of foot 116A, under foot 116A, through the gap 125, under foot 116B and slightly beyond foot 116B of the activated heating plate 121. This heated portion corresponds to one suction and tobacco flavor. The size of the heated portion depends on the geometry of the heating plate 121, on its heating characteristics, as well as on the amount and duration of the energy pulse. Preferably, the heating plate 121 is sized and thermally engineered to substantially heat a segment of the inserted cigarette of sufficient size, for example, 18 mm ² , to obtain acceptable suction from the smoker, in accordance with the energy activated by the suction.

With relatively larger heating plates 121 and zones 115 and 122 forming part of the current circuit, they do not heat up to the required operating temperatures, since their relatively larger volumes reduce the current density and thus reduce their electrical heating capacity. Also, part of the connection section 118 is not heated to the required operating temperatures, as the heating circuit tends toward the next end 118A, and this section has a relatively larger volume. Accordingly, it has a lower current density and, as a result, has a lower electrical heating capacity than the 118A end and adjacent adjacent sections. To further reduce the unwanted heating of the remainder of the connecting section 118, it can only:

- increase the thickness of the dense material in the connecting section 118 relative to the curved end 118A in the 118C region, as shown in FIG. 14, to further reduce the current density and the electric heating capacity of this part;

- perforating the connection section 118 to reduce the electric heating capacity of this part and / or the thermal conductivity of the circuits, and / or

- Adding additional heat removal material 119 to the coupling section 118 as shown in FIG. 15, to reduce heat transfer to it.

A heat-conductive material, in particular a thermal insulator, such as ceramics, is used to achieve the heat-removal function. Examples of suitable ceramics include aluminum oxide, zirconium, a mixture of aluminum oxide and zirconium, mullite, etc., e.g. All the materials described above from which the coating 300 of the heating plate 121. was made could be used. Each of these modifications should be evaluated for any detrimental effect on the mechanical integrity of the coupling parts 118 supporting the heating device 100. and determine the opening for the insertion and withdrawal of the 360 cigarette.

After the impulse heating of the heating plate 121, there is a predetermined minimum time before subsequent suction is allowed. Preheating one part of the cigarette could lead to the unwanted and / or partial formation of an aerosol or cause a thermal effect on a part of the cigarette before the desired heating. Subsequent reheating of the preheated portion of the cigarette can lead to the extraction of unwanted aromas and taste sensations.

If the smoker desires longer suction than is obtained by pulse heating a single heating plate 121, then the control device 41 is so programmed that another heating plate or additional heating plate (s) is actuated immediately after the impulse of the initial heating plate. or at the end of the initial impulse to heat another segment of the cigarette. An additional heating plate may be the next radially located heating plate or other heating plate. The heating plates 121 must be sized to obtain the total desired number of intakes for the desired duration.

In one embodiment of the heater according to the invention, the number of heating plates 121 corresponds to the number of aspirations desired, for example eight. In another embodiment, the number of shaped heating plates 121 is twice greater than the number of intakes, for example, an eight-suction cigarette heater has sixteen heating plates 121. Such a configuration permits different activation of heating plates 121 from a row relative to normal sequential switching on at intervals of approximately 2 seconds. However, the most preferred embodiment of a heater is one whose number of heating plates 121 corresponds to the number of intakes, and thus having radially sequential actuation of the plates. It is possible that the controller of the control unit 41 is configured such that, in the presence of suction, two peripherally opposite heating plates 121, namely two heating plates 180 ° relative to each other, are actuated simultaneously to co-heat the respective portions of the cigarette. Alternatively, there may be two sequences of actuation of the plates as the first, when one cigarette is inserted into the heater, includes the heating plates 121 through one, and the second includes the intermediate heating plates 121 for the next cigarette. Alternatively, this first ignition sequence may be repeated for a predetermined number of cycles for several cigarettes and then the second ignition sequence is started. Any combination of heating plates can be applied. The number of heating plates 121 may be less than or equal to the number of aspirations per cigarette used. For example, a system of nine heating plates can be used for a six-suction cigarette, which includes a different set of six heating plates for each subsequent cigarette, and the coupled set of the remaining three heating plates is not activated.

The heating device 100 is electrically and mechanically relatively fixed at one end by welding the contact pin (s) 104A to the support sleeve 111 and the contact pins 104B to the ends 122 of the second heating plate feet 116B. The pins 104A and 104B are preferably preformed into a plastic sleeve or otherwise fixed to it. Preferably, this connection should be such as to minimize airflow through it. It is desirable that this fixed end is opposite to the insertion hole 360. The connecting sections 118, and in particular the free ends 118B and the opposite connecting ends 118A, define the insertion hole 360. The free ends 118B may extend outward to define the shaped section after the neck 365. After this neck 365, the heating plates 121 narrow inwards to form an inner diameter that is slightly smaller _? than the outer diameter of the inserted cigarette 23. In this way, the center of the plates will provide the desired thermal contact, in particular the necessary compression forces will be provided between the heating plates 121 and the cigarette 23.

The free edges 118B are free to expand upon heating, that is, they are not fixed. Each free end 118B is positioned in a corresponding groove 200 located in an inner wall 201 in the lug nozzle 83 of the lighter 25. Radial outward movement of the connecting sections 118 of the inwardly heated heating plates 121 is limited by the free ends 118B contacting externally in the radial direction with the walls of the grooves 200, in particular with the support wall 204, which is part of the inner wall 201. This determines the slope limit and determines the inner slope. As shown in FIG. 12, the inner wall 201 is extended outwards to allow part of the free edges 118B of the heating plates 121. The supporting wall 204 of the channel 200 and the free edges 118B of the heating plate 121 are sized and shaped such that it is permissible to insert an adequate portion of the free end 118B of the heating plate 121 into the duct, but to prevent the exit of the plate 121 from the duct 200 during heating or cooling, or during the insertion and removal of the cigarette. If necessary, as shown in FIG. 14, the support wall 204 of the groove 200 has a trapezoidal groove providing better support for the free edges 118B in contact. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the connecting section 118 of the heating plate 121 has a rounded portion 118D, preferably of an ellipsoidal shape, which is formed before insertion into the channel free end 118B. This rounded portion 118D allows the inserted portion of the plate 121 to rotate inside the groove 200 to counteract thermally and mechanically excited moments while maintaining the end of the heating plate 121 in the groove 200. Additionally or alternatively, the free edges of the plates 118B are rounded .

In the first embodiment of the heater shown in FIG. 12, the groove 200 is sized so that when the cigarette is inserted 23 and / or the plate is heated, its free end 118B can be expanded by moving to the end face 202 of the groove 200 to achieve the desired contact between the cigarette and the plates. Such construction, in which one end 118B of the heating plate 121 is free from the opposite bearing carrier 111, permits mechanical displacement and / or thermal expansion and contraction of the heating plates 121 in the longitudinal direction, with the corresponding insertion of the cigarette, removal and / or heating. , respectively cooling the heating plate 121, thereby reducing the voltages.

A second embodiment of the heater shown in FIG. 14, includes a trapezoidal support wall 204 which is located in the groove 200. When the heating plate 121 is thermally expanded by heating or displaced upon insertion of a cigarette, the free end 118B contacts the support wall 204 and secures center of rotation to allow the plate 121 to move inward to the inserted cigarette. In this way, the stresses on the heating plate 121 are reduced and the desired thermal contact is increased, in particular the compression forces between the plate and the cigarette. Through the provided center of rotation at the support wall 204, the heating plate 121 is free to rotate but not to move.

The heating device 100 is preferably a monolithic structure, which is optionally coated with ceramics, as explained above. The support sleeve 111 and the heating plates 121 are made of a material of desired electrical resistance and strength. Materials with electrical resistance in the range of approximately 50 pohm.cm to 500 pohm.cm are more suitable, and more preferably, the interval is from 100 pohm.cm to 200 pohm.cm. In this way temperatures are reached from about 200 ° C to 1000 ° C, preferably from about 400 ° C to 950 ° C, and most preferably, the temperatures are varied from about 300 ° C to 850 ° C, by activated plate 121, for approximately 0.2 s to 2.0 s, with a pulse of approximately 10 J to 50 J, most preferably about 20 J. The material must be capable of withstanding approximately 1 800 to 10,000 such pulses without damage, noticeable deformation or undesirable distortion of the plates 121.

The materials of which the heating plates 121 are preferably selected are selected to provide reliable repeatable operation for at least 1 800 on / off cycles without damage. The heating retainer 39 is generally located separately from the lighter 25 comprising the power source 37 and the wiring diagram, and is preferably removed after 3 600 cycles or more. The materials for the heating plates 121 and for the other metal components must be so selected that they are resistant to oxidation and not be chemically active so as not to oxidize or otherwise react with cigarette 23 at any temperature . In order to avoid oxidation or reaction, if necessary, the heating plates 121 or other metal components are encapsulated in a thermally conductive material such as a ceramic material.

More preferably, the heating plates 121 and other metal components are made of a heat-resistant alloy which exhibits a combination of high mechanical strength and resistance to surface oxidation, corrosion and degradation at high temperatures. Preferably, the heating plates 121 are made of materials that exhibit high strength and surface stability at temperatures higher than about 80% of their melting temperatures. Such alloys are commonly known as super-alloys and are mainly based on nickel, steel or cobalt. For example, alloys preferably of iron or nickel, with aluminum and yttrium. Preferably the alloy of the heating plates 121 includes aluminum to further improve the performance of the heating element, for example by providing oxidation resistance.

Preferred materials include steel and nickel aluminides and, most preferably, the alloys described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/365 952, filed December 29, 1994, and filed simultaneously with this U.S. application entitled "Aluminum Alloys Applicable" as electrical resistive heating elements, "which are cited herein as references.

Some elements can be used as additives to N13AI alloys. The main additions to the alloy for heating plates 121 are B and Si. B is considered to increase the ultimate strength and is most effective when No. 3A1 - alloy is rich in nickel, for example A1 <24%. It is not added to the Ni ₃ Al alloys of Si in large quantities, since the addition of Si above a maximum of 3% by weight will lead to the formation of nickel silicides and, upon oxidation, will lead to the formation of SiO _x . The addition of Mo improves strength at low and high temperatures. Zirconium helps to improve the resistance to oxidation cracks during the thermal cycle. Hf can also be added to improve high temperature strength. The preferred N13AI alloy for use is known by the designation IC-50 and contains approximately 77.92% Ni, 21.73% Al, 0.34% Zr and 0.01% B as indicated in “Processing of Intermetallic Aluminides” , V. Sikka, Intermetallic Metallurgy and Processing Intermetallic Compounds, ed. Stoloff et al., Van Nestrand Reinhold, Ν. Y., 1994, Table 4, cited herein by reference. Various elements can be added to the iron aluminide. Possible additives are Nb, Cu, Ta, Zr, Ti, Μη, Si, Mo and Ni. The heated material may be: Haynes® 214 alloy (Haynes® 214 alloy is based on a nickel alloy containing 16% Cr, 3% Fe, 4.5% Al, traces of yttrium and the rest of Ni (approximately 75%), marketed by Haynes International of Kokomo, Indiana); Inconel 702 alloy; McrAly alloy; alloy FeCrAlY; Nichrome® alloy (54 - 80% Ni, 10-20% Cr, 7-27% Fe, 0-11% Cu, 0-5% Mg, 0.3 - 4.6% silicone, and sometimes 1% Mo, and 0.25% Ti; Nichrome I was found to contain 60% Ni, 25% Fe, 11% Cr and 2% Mg; Nichrome II contains 75% Ni, 22% Fe, 11% Cr and 2% Mg and Nichrome III , a high resistance alloy containing 85% Ni and 15% Cr as described in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 08/380 718, filed Jan. 30, 1995, and US Patent 5 388 594, cited herein only by reference, or by other materials having similar properties.

As shown in FIG. 18, the heating plates 121 are secured for symmetrical arrangement with respect to the bearing sleeve 111. Alternatively, asymmetrical arrangements are also used. For example, the plurality of six or eight heating plates 121 may be divided into two equal numbers of subgroup plates, for example three or four heating plates, respectively, 121. The heating plates 121 in each subgroup are separated by gaps 131, as indicated before. The subgroups are separated by a wider gap 133, as shown in FIG. 19. The gap 133 is defined such that the conductive and, in particular, radiative heat transfer between adjacent heating plates 121 of adjacent subgroups is reduced to the portion of the cigarette 23 lying below the gap 133. Accordingly, the gap 133 provides a wider unheated and stable portion of a cigarette that is healthier than unheated cigarette sections under closer gaps 131, thereby improving the strength of the tobacco post of the cigarette 23. This makes the cigarette more stable when removed after smoking, as well as subsequent heating. If necessary, the control unit 41 can activate more than one heating plate 121 at a time, both in symmetrical and in asymmetrical arrangement of the plates.

A heater made in accordance with the present invention having two heating plate legs 116A and 116B separated by a gap 125 significantly increases the amount of aerosol produced compared to the amount of aerosol generated by a monolithic heating element. The monolithic heater achieves good thermal g / O '.

transmission to the cigarette, however, the transfer of the mass of the aerosol into the extracted air stream is hampered by the monolithic construction, which blocks the optimum entrainment of air from the outside to the cigarette, especially if the housing of the smoking system is provided with perforations for delivery of air to the outer surface of the cigarette to the outer surface of the cigarette. The heater according to the present invention is of the same volume as the monolithic heater, but has a larger perimeter, which leads to a greater possibility of entraining the air at suction, for example, due to the gap 125, and is accordingly reflected in improving the aroma transmission per unit energy supplied to the heating plate 121. As explained, the gap 125 must be sized to provide optimum radial overlap for a given geometry of the plate. As more aerosols are generated, the number of heating plates can be reduced, while maintaining the same desired amount of aroma released by the action of the heater. This will result in a reduction in the energy required to adequately heat the heating plates 121 and the inserted cigarette 23, which may make the energy source, such as batteries, smaller. In addition, the weight of the heater will be reduced.

Based on a non-limiting example, the gap 125 may have a width ^ of approximately 0.051 ± 0.013 cm (0.020 ± 0.005 in). The heating lugs 116A and 116B can be approximately 0.032 cm to 0.043 cm wide (0.0125 in to 0.017 in) + approximately 0.013 cm (0.005 in) in length, approximately 1.4 ± 0.013 cm (0, 55+ 0.005 in) and a thickness of approximately 0.02 cm to 0.025 cm (0.008 in to 0.010 in) + approximately 0.013 cm (0.005 in). The length from the end of the support sleeve 110 to the end of the connecting section 118 may be approximately 2,697 ± 0,159 cm (1,062 ± 0.0625 in).

It was found that mainly the transverse or radial air flow relative to the inserted cigarette had a more favorable effect on the generation of smoke compared to the mainly longitudinal flow. Gaps 125, 127 and 131 provide contours to draw in air that is in contact with the inserted cigarettes. Additional air ducts are also provided to optimize the transverse air flow through the perforated sections of the heating plates 121.

Another embodiment of the heater with different geometry of the heating plate 121 is shown in FIG. 16. In this embodiment, the first heating pad 116A and the second heating pad ₉ 116B are serpentine. The serpentine shapes of the feet 116A and 116B are parallel to each other so that they are equally spaced from each other and the gap 125. there is also a serpentine shape between them. Such a serpentine shape increases the perimeter of the plate and thus improves aerosol entrainment. This serpentine form is more fully described in US Patent 5 386 594, in EP-A-0 615 411 and in US Patent Application Serial No. 08/380 718, filed January 30, 1995, cited herein only by reference.

The sets of heating plates 121 shown in Figures 18 and 19 can be made by the following preferred manufacturing method. The production steps defined here can be performed in any desired order to achieve higher productivity, material savings, etc.

A plurality of heating plates 121 extending substantially perpendicularly through a sheet of strip of suitable material with a thickness of approximately 0.0508 cm to 0.508 cm (from 2 mil to 20 mil), eg 0.254 cm (10 mil) respectively, the first heating plate legs 116A and, in part, through respectively the first end sections 115, of the substantially straight section 111A in a comb-like arrangement. The heating plates 121 are substantially parallel to one another, with gaps 131 formed between opposite ends of the second heating plate foot 116B on a single plate and the first heating plate foot 116A on an adjacent plate. The heating plates 121 are or symmetrically arranged with equal gaps 131 between them, as shown in FIG. 18, or are asymmetrically arranged, for example, with equal gaps 131 between adjacent heating plates 121 defining subsets 121A and 121B of heating plates, and a greater distance 133 having width X formed between the two subsets, as shown in FIG. 19. In the asymmetrical arrangement (Fig. 19), the straight section 111A has two end portions, at least half of the width X in length, for forming a second distance 133 by twisting. These end pieces should be cumulatively longer than X to allow them to overlap when connecting. By means of a non-limiting example, the gap 131 may be approximately 0.102 ± 0.013 cm (0.040 ± 0.005 in) wide in each embodiment, and the gap 135 may be approximately 0.032 ± 0.013 cm (0.125 ± 0.005 in) wide in the asymmetrical embodiment.

The heating plates 121 are formed, as previously explained, by the two heating plates 116A and 116B, connected to each other by a connecting section 118.

The molding or sheet material of the form described is accomplished by any conventional technology, such as embossing or cutting, for example with a CO ₂ or Yag laser. If strip material is used, the number of heating plates 121 formed by the strip may exceed the number required for a single cylindrical heating device. The straight strip is then cut, if necessary, to form sections 111A with the desired number of heating plates 121 extracted therefrom. If heating plates 121 with a step-like shape at the second end 122 of the second heating plate feet 116B are made, its sections 122A, 122B and 122C are molded.

In the manufacture of heating plates 121 with ceramic coating 300, after forming the plates, the desired profile is marked and subsequently, for example, by thermal spraying, the ceramic layer is applied to sections 111 A, 115,122, or to the entire plate or to any part thereof. to shape the desired model. Alternatively, the ceramic coating 300 may be applied after the bending operation by the same method or, if necessary, before forming the plates. As is known, suitable markings are used before each of the stages of production of the heating and ceramic regions is completed, in the various embodiments.

Section 111A is then bent in the form of a circular support sleeve 110. Section 111A can be bent in both directions. Preferably, section 111A is bent such that the connecting end sections 122C creating the positive contact are from the outer surface of the cylindrical heater thus formed, i.e. aiming at the opposite side, not the cigarette. This facilitates the connection to the 104B contact pins and avoids any damage to the insertion and removal of the cigarette. Section 111A may initially be bent to a smaller diameter than the desired end diameter and inserted into the retainer. It is then expanded and further formed through electrical connections. Alternatively, the bent section is joined, for example, by some welding technique - spot welding or laser welding, to form the support sleeve 110.

When forming a heating device as shown in FIG. 13, any heating is imperative

100 fay \! V -ι ι plate 121 is inclined so that the heating plate legs 116A and 116B and the connecting edge 118A of the connecting section 118 exert a compressive force on the inserted cigarette. This slope is usually realized before bending, but can be created after it. This bending increases the thermal contact between the heating plate 121 and the inserted cigarette 23 to improve thermal transfer efficiency.

Thermal transmission efficiency is also improved by optimizing the size of the surface areas of the heating plates 116A and 116B, which are in effective thermal connection with the cigarettes lying beneath them. As can be seen from FIG. 17A, the lower sides 117 of the heating plate feet 116A and 116B (foot 116A is shown as an example) are flat. In the embodiments described, they are flat in the transverse direction of the heating plate leg. To improve the heat transfer, the underside 117 may have a differently shaped non-uniform geometry. For example, it may be angled as shown in FIG. 17B or curved as shown in FIG. 17C to maximize the surface area of the heating foot to the cigarette without undesirably increasing the volume and therefore , undesirable decrease in the current density and the resulting electric heating ability of the heating foot. The molded underside 117 preferably does not pierce any portion of the cigarette 23 in order to avoid weakening and possibly disrupting the integrity of the cigarette during its insertion, adjustment and removal. Rather, the center or tip of the lower portion 117 contacts or is closely thermally adjacent to the cigarette 23, and the remaining surface of the underside 117 is in radiant thermal contact with the cigarette 23.

This shape of the lower surface 117 is preferably achieved by stamping the heating plates 116A and 116B on the heating plates 121 in a non-folded position. This embossing can be performed at the same time as the embossing to achieve the inclination of the heating plates 121. The embossing, for shaping the underside 117, increases the strength of the heating plates 116A and 116B, thereby avoiding unwanted brittleness and deformation.

The heating plates 121 may also be manufactured by the following, second method of production. A suitable material pipe shall be provided. From this, the heating plates 121. are formed by any technique, for example by laser cutting, alternatively, they can be formed by the printing technique. In addition, an inner mandrel is inserted into the tube to shape the plate profiles described, and then another stamp is used, internally or externally, to cut the profile. A ceramic coating 300 is applied to the profiled tube if necessary.

The heater, designed in accordance with the described methods, reduces the possibility of potential damage from thermally induced voltages. Because the heaters

102 plates 121 and sleeve 111 are monolithic, avoiding stresses arising from the possible interconnection of the individual parts of the heating element.

Various embodiments of the present invention are contemplated to provide the transfer of an effective amount of flavored tobacco to the smoker under standard conditions of use. It is desirable to transfer between 5 and 13 mg of aerosol, preferably between 7 and 10 mg of aerosol, to the smoker at 8 intakes, with 35 mL for each intake, with a suction duration of two seconds.

Of course, in order to achieve this transfer, the heating elements 121 must be able to heat up to a certain temperature when in contact with the cigarette 23 for thermal exchange. Preferably, the heating plates 121 also consume one predetermined energy. Because the heating plates 121 are curved inwards to the cigarette 23, the heat exchange between them is improved and lower energy requirements are met.

Of course, the heater resistance is also determined by the particular energy source 37, which is used to provide the electricity required to heat the heating plates 121. For example, the resistances of the upper heating element correspond to embodiments where four nickel energy is provided. - Cadmium batteries connected in series with the voltage of the energy source

103 idle, approximately 4.8 V to 5.8 V. Alternatively, if six or eight such series-connected batteries are used, the heating plates 121 should preferably have a resistance of approximately 3 Ω to 5 Ω or between 5 Ω and 7 Ω.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 20 and 21. The heater 450 comprises a plurality of heating elements 451. Each heating element 451 is U-shaped and has at each end 452 and 453 corresponding feet connected to the side wall of the cavity. 430, near the end wall 443 of the cavity 430. Each respective end 452 is independently connected to the control circuit for self-actuation of the heating elements 451, while the ends 453 are connected in common and grounded. The sections 454 of the heating plates 451 form a neck adjacent to the inlet end of the cavity 430. as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, to ensure easy insertion of the cigarette. (In Fig. 21, the top and bottom heating elements 451 are shown longitudinally through their U-shaped sections 454.)

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 22 and 23. The heater 470 has heating elements 471 that are slightly facing the wall of cavity 430. Each heating element 471 is

104 is provided with a small sharp V-shaped tip 472 and a fold edge 473 to increase its stability. Thus, the heating elements 471 actually penetrate and extend into the lighter portion of the lighter, thus providing close thermal contact with the cigarette. In this embodiment, the heating elements 471 are away from the side wall of the cavity 430. The ends 452 and 453 of the heating elements 471 do not touch the side wall of the cavity 430, but to its end wall 443. Preferably, the connections of ends 452 and 453 to the end wall 443 are made by means of spacers 480, which are both thermally and electrically non-conductive. By means of the end portions of the ends 452 and 453 located on the spacers 480, electrical contact of the heating elements 471 is made, these portions not being heated as fully described in U.S. Pat. Also provided are perforations 412 in the cavity wall 430 to provide ambient air to be drawn through the cavity 430, as more fully described in the patent just cited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is used in a smoking system for the absorption of tobacco preferred by the smoker. The system consists of a cigarette and an electric lighter, which lighter includes a variety of electric heaters. Everyone from

105 heaters are adapted, either alone or in combination, to release a thermally predetermined amount of tobacco aerosol from the cigarette upon its activation. Cigarettes contain a tubular tobacco core consisting of two parts. The first portion of the tobacco core is filled with a tobacco pole, preferably in the form of a cut filler. The second portion of the tubular tobacco core remains unfilled or hollow to form a gap in the tobacco pole.

The cigarette preferably contains a tobacco rod formed by a tubular tobacco core and a tobacco stopper placed therein. The tobacco rod is adapted to be slidably positioned by an electric heater lock so that the heating elements are positioned longitudinally on the tobacco rod in the region between the free end and the opposite end of the tobacco rod. Preferably, the tobacco plug (or ladder) extends from the free end of the tobacco rod to a portion that is separated from the opposite end of the tobacco rod so as to form a cavity adjacent to the opposite end.

The relative dimensions of the cigarette and the cigarette lighter retainer are determined such that, when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter, each heater is positioned longitudinally on the tobacco rod, in a predetermined position, along the tobacco rod and preferably such that the longitudinal contact size between the heater and the cigarette, the so-called heater

106 imprint on at least one part of the cavity and at least one part of the tobacco stopper. In this way, a stable and satisfactory transmission is obtained and the condensation of the tobacco aerosol at or near the heating elements is reduced.

Alternatively, the relative dimensions of the cigarette and the cigarette lighter retainer are determined such that, when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter, each heater will be positioned longitudinally on the tobacco rod so that at least some, if not all, of the heating prints overlap only the filled cigarette. part of the tobacco rod (above the tobacco stopper). In such configurations, the cavity may nevertheless be used to facilitate aerosol formation and assist in the cooling of the smoke.

Cigarette paper wrapped around the tubular tobacco core provides the smoker's appearance and sensibility while manipulating a traditional cigarette.

A cigarette made according to one embodiment of the present invention is inserted into the cigarette lighter of an electrical smoking system. The presence of a cigarette is recorded by a limiter placed in the cigarette lighter retainer (or registered by some equivalent means of registration) so that the electrical heating elements of the cigarette lighter are placed continuously along the cigarette, generally at the same location for each cigarette. Once the intake is registered, at least one of the lighter heaters is safely activated to heat the cigarette at the designated location around

107 tobacco rod. As the suction proceeds, the tobacco rod is heated and an aerosol is expelled from the tobacco core and filler. Where the heating footprint covers the cavity in the tobacco rod, the tobacco aerosol is released almost instantaneously into the space enclosed in the unfilled portion (cavity) of the tobacco rod and withdrawn outside the cigarette. The tobacco core misses most of the aerosol delivered by the cigarette and this directly has a beneficial effect on the nature and degree of suction of the cigarette smoker. Due to the larger mass of tobacco, there is a slight delay in the discharge of the aerosols from the place where the heating imprint is superimposed on the filled portion of the rod. The aerosol emitted from the filled portion of the tobacco rod contributes to an additional, dominant aroma and a smoky feel.

A particularly important aspect of the present invention is the capacity, with a view to adjusting the cigarette filling of an electrical smoking system. In proportion to the degree of overlap between the filled and unfilled portions of the tobacco rod, the desired impression is made in the transfer from one cigarette spot to another or according to the linear extensions of the same spot by means of the heating imprint.

The present invention achieves an improvement in the level and consistency of the released aerosol from a cigarette having a free end and an opposite end at

108 use in an electronic heating device. In use, the heating spot overlaps on both sides first: the tobacco-filled portion of the cigarette adjacent to the free end and the unfilled portion of the cigarette near the free end. At the same time, there is a resistive heat on the heating imprint and a pull from the cigarette at its opposite end.

The use of a cigarette incorporating a tobacco rod with a free-pass filter and a non-filler rod adjacent to the free-pass filter in an electrical smoking system creates a stable aerosol.

Cigarette reinforcement is achieved by incorporating a cut filler into the structure of its tubular tobacco core. The cigarettes created in this way can better withstand both the manipulation of the machines during their production and packaging, as well as the manipulation of the consumers during the operation.

Claims (68)

A cigarette for use in an electrical smoking system comprising a tobacco rod comprising a tubular tobacco core, a loose end and a wrapped end, the tubular tobacco core having a core core and a layer of tobacco flavoring material supported by the core core, and the core is adapted for conveying heat from the electric heating element to the aromatic tobacco material, and the tobacco rod is adapted for the working absorption of the electric heating element by it, characterized by the tobacco pipe core (66) is located at the free end (78) of the tubular tobacco core (66) and is separated from the wrapped end (72) so as to determine a cavity (91) between the tobacco stopper (80) and the wrapped end (72), with at least part of the cavity (91) and at least part of the tobacco stopper (80) being covered by an electrically heated heating element in use along the tobacco rod (60). Cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that the tobacco rod (60) includes a free-pass filter (74) to the wrapped end (72), with the free-pass filter (74) separated from the tobacco stopper (80) by that yes 110 defined the cavity (91) between the free-pass filter (74) and the tobacco stopper (80). Cigarette according to claim 2, characterized in that the free-pass filter (74) is a tubular element. Cigarette according to claim 3, characterized in that the tube element is constructed of plasticised tubes. A cigarette according to claim 3, characterized in that the tubular element is constructed of molded material. Cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filter nozzle (62) is located next to the wrapped end (72) of the tobacco rod (60). Cigarette according to claim 6, characterized in that the filter tip (62) comprises a second free-pass filter (102) as well as wrapping paper (64) attached to the second free-pass filter (102) at the wrapped end (72). . A cigarette according to claim 7, characterized in that the filter nozzle (62) also comprises a filter mouthpiece (104) to the second freely leaking filter (102). A cigarette according to claim 8, characterized in that the free-pass filter (74) of the tobacco rod (60) includes a first channel (75) and a second free-pass filter (102) on the filter 111 a nozzle (62) includes a second channel, the first and second channels connecting the cavity (91) of the tobacco rod (60) with the filter mouthpiece (104), and the second channel having an inner radius larger than the inner radius of the first channel (75) ). A cigarette according to claim 8, characterized in that the tobacco rod (60) also contains a backflow filter (200a) at its free end (78). A cigarette according to claim 8, characterized in that the tobacco rod (60) also has a tobacco stopper (80) consisting of two parts, its first portion (320b) extending to the free end (78). higher density than its second portion (3bb), which is farther from the free end (78). A cigarette according to claim 11, characterized in that the tobacco stopper (80) comprises a cut tobacco filler. A cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that the cut tobacco filler of the tobacco stopper (80) is a mixture of tobacco which is a combination of at least two of the tobacco: light, Burley and Oriental. A cigarette according to claim 12 or 13. characterized in that the tobacco stopper (80) also includes a stopper for the stopper (84) arranged around the cut tobacco filler. A cigarette according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the tobacco stopper (80) 112 is located along the inner surface of the tubular tobacco core (66). A cigarette according to claim 15, characterized in that the tobacco rod (60) has a paper wrapper (71) disposed around the outer surface of the entire tube tobacco pipe (60) or about a portion thereof. 17. A tobacco core adapted to be wrapped in a tobacco pipe of a cigarette intended for an electrical smoking system comprising a core (68) and a layer of aromatic tobacco material (70) longitudinally inside the core (68), characterized in that - the core core (68) contains a combination of tobacco thread and cellulose fiber, which are combined in a ratio of approximately 2: 1 to 4: 1 such that the core core (68) has a weight in the range of approximately 35 g / m ² to 45 g / w ² and - the tobacco material (70) has at least double its weight compared to the core (68) and it contains basic tobacco and extracted solids in a ratio of approximately 3: 1 to 9: 1, and a humidifier, at a level of approximately from 5% to 29% by weight of the material. A tobacco core according to claim 17, characterized in that the tobacco material (70) V 113 has a weight of about three to four times that of the main core (68). A tobacco core according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the tobacco material (70) also contains pectin at a level of up to about 2% by weight. Tobacco core according to claim 19, characterized in that the main core (68) contains approximately 28 g / m ^{2 of} tobacco thread and approximately 12 g / m ^{2 of} pulp from wood pulp or flax or tobacco stem pulp . Tobacco core according to claim 20, characterized in that the tobacco material (70) contains from about 66% to 71% by weight of tobacco particles, from about 16% to 20% by weight of the extracted tobacco solids, from about 10 % to 14% by weight of glycerin and approximately 1-2% of pectin. 22. A tobacco core adapted to be wrapped in a tobacco pipe of a cigarette intended for an electrical smoking system comprising a core (68) and a layer of aromatic tobacco material (70) extending longitudinally inside the core (68), characterized in that - the core (68) comprises a combination of a tobacco filament with a basic component weight of approximately 20 g / m ² to 30 g / m ² , a carbon filament with 114 main component weight _; approximately 2-9 g / m ² and pectin with a basic component weight of 1 g / m ² and - the tobacco material (70) has a basic weight of three to four times the weight of the main core (68) and furthermore contains finely ground tobacco and _t extracted tobacco solids at a ratio of _? from about 3: 1 to 9: 1, as well as a humectant at a level of about 5% to 20% by weight of the tobacco material (70). The tobacco core of claim 22, wherein the tobacco filament has a component weight of approximately 24 g / m ² to 28 g / m ² , the carbon filament having a component weight of approximately 2 g / nr to 4 g / m ² and pectin has a component weight of 2.5 g / m ² to 1.5 g / m ² . 24. A method of manufacturing a tobacco core comprising a core and a layer of tobacco material that is bent and tubular as part of a cigarette for an electrical smoking system, the method comprising the following steps: - separating the solutes (124) from the filaments of the feed tobacco mixture, the solutes being dissolved in a solution containing from 5 to 10% by weight of the dissolved tobacco constituents; - making (128) the main core by molding a suspension into separate cores 115 tobacco threads, mixing a suspension of tobacco threads with a suspension of a boosting agent to form a suspension mixture and casting (130) the suspended mixture into a core forming device; - manufacturing (145) of the tobacco material by mixing a 5% to 10% solution of tobacco ingredients with additional tobacco particles, glycerin and pectin, so as to form a dispersion of the tobacco material and adjusting its water content so as to achieve a solids content in the dispersion of tobacco material, from about 20% to 30%; - layering (144) the dispersion of tobacco material on a base core for forming a layer of tobacco core; - drying (146) of the layer or tobacco core to a moisture content in the range of from about 8.5% to 12%; - cooling (148) of the tobacco core layer; - straightening (150) the layer of tobacco core; - winding (152) the layer of tobacco core so as to form a roll of tobacco core; and - cutting the length (154) of the tobacco core roll so as to obtain a tobacco core coil (66b). 116 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the solution of soluble tobacco components contains from about 7 to 8% by weight of dissolved tobacco ingredients. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the amount of water is adjusted to achieve, in the final mixing step, a dispersion of approximately 24% to 26% solids content. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that the size of the precipitated tobacco particles is such that they can pass through a network, with a number of openings, from about 15.5 per cm to 31 per cm (100 to 200 mesh). 28. A method according to claim 27, characterized in that the size of the precipitated tobacco particles is such that they can pass through a network, with a number of openings, approximately 18.6 per cm ² (120 mesh). A method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the boosting agent in the slurry contains at least one type of wood pulp, flax pulp, or tobacco stem pulp. 30. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the coating step comprises depositing the dispersion of the tobacco material to the base core at a dry weight ratio of 2: 1. 117 A method according to any one of claims 25 to 29, characterized in that the coating step comprises coating the dispersion of tobacco material to the base core, in a dry weight ratio of at least 3: 1. 32. A heater for use in an electrical smoking system for heating a cigarette, comprising a plurality of electrically resistive heating plates defining a receiver for receiving the inserted cigarette, extending along the inserted cigarette, characterized in that - each plate (121) comprises a first heating plate leg (116A), with first and second ends, a second heating plate leg (116B), with a first and second end, and a connecting section (118) connecting the second end of the first heating plate leg ( 116A) with the first end of the second heating plate leg (116B); - the first (116A) and second (116B) heating plate feet of each heating plate (121) are separated by a gap (125), and - the first edges (115) of the first heating plate leg (116A) are adapted for electrical contact with the electrical source to form corresponding resistive heating circuits consisting of the first heating plate leg (116A), the connecting section (118) and a second heating plate leg (116B) for heating each of the electric legs accordingly 118 resistive heating plates (121), and the first edges of the heating plates (121) have a common connection. 33. A heater according to claim 32, characterized in that the first edges (115) of the first heating plate legs (116A) are grounded. 34. A heater according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the common connection for the first edges (115) of the first heating plate legs (116A) is a support sleeve (111). 35. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the gap (125) separating the first (116A) and the second (116B) heating plate legs is sized to allow air entrainment into the heated smoking cigarette. 36. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the first ends (115) of each of the first heating plate legs (116A) represent extensions of the carrier sleeve (111) adapted for electrical contact with the electrical source energy and forming a common end for the first edges (115) of the first heating plate feet (116A). The heater according to claim 36, characterized in that the second edges (122) of the second heating plate legs (116B) are 119 are adapted to be in appropriate electrical contact with the power source so that corresponding resistive heating circuits are formed comprising the first heating plate leg (116A), the connecting section (118) and the second heating plate leg (116B) for the corresponding heating. each of the electrical resistive heating plates (121). 38. A heater according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the second edges (122) of the second heating plate legs (116B) extend to the supporting sleeve (111) and are electrically isolated therefrom. 39. A heater according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the second ends (122) of the second heating plate legs (116B) are separated from the support sleeve (111) by a gap (127). The heater according to claim 36, characterized in that an electrically insulating coating (300) is applied to the support sleeve (111) or to the second edges (122) of the second heating plate legs (116B). A heater according to claim 36, characterized in that on the second ends (122) of the second heating plate legs (116B) or on the first ends (115) of the first heating plates 120 plate feet (116A) is electrically insulated (300). The heater according to claim 36, characterized in that it includes an electrical insulator (300) shaped as a ceramic support structure in the form of a sleeve around the support sleeve (111), the second ends (122) of the second heating plate feet (116B) and the first edges (115) of the first heating plate feet (116A). A heater according to any one of claims 36 to 42, characterized in that the support sleeve (111) and the heating plates (121) are monolithic. A heater according to any of claims 32 to 43, characterized in that the connecting section (118) comprises a free end (118B) to compensate for the thermal expansion when the heating element is heated. 45. A heater according to claim 44, characterized in that it includes an annular nozzle (83) arranged stationary in the smoking system and defining channels (200) for receiving the free edges (118B) of the connecting sections (118) of the heating plates (118). 121). The heater according to claim 45, characterized in that the grooves (200) are configured to allow thermal expansion and contraction of the heating plates (121). 121 The heater according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that it includes a support wall (204) located in each of the channels (200) providing a center of rotation for the free end (118B) of the connecting section (118) in contact with the support wall (204) to move the first and second heating plate feet (116A, B) inward to the inserted cigarette when the heating plate (121) is heated. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 47, characterized in that the parts of at least one of the first heating plate legs (116A) and the second heating plate legs (116B) are coated with ceramics (300) for reinforcement and electrical insulation at least one of the first heating plate feet (116A) and the second heating plate legs (116B). 49. A heater according to claim 48, characterized in that part of the second heating plate foot (116B) adjacent to the ceramic (300) is adapted to be in electrical contact with the power source. A heater according to claims 32 to 49, characterized in that the heating plates (121) are configured to receive the inserted cigarette by sliding. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 50, characterized in that the second end (122) of 122, the second heating foot (116B) is shaped as a step comprising an end section (122C) for contacting the power source. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 51, characterized in that the first (116A) and second (116B) heating plates of the heating plate (121) are substantially parallel. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 52, characterized in that the connecting section (118) has a curvature of approximately 160 ° to 200 °. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 53, characterized in that the underside (117) of at least one of the first and second heating plate feet (116A, B) is not substantially planar in the transverse direction with respect to the heating plate feet. A heater according to claim 54, characterized in that the underside (117) is curved. A heater according to claim 54, characterized in that the underside (117) has an angular profile. 57. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 56, characterized in that several of the electrical resistive heating plates (121) are formed into groups, between which there are gaps (133), sized to provide unheated portions of 123 the cigarette inserted and its strength, in order to facilitate its removal after smoking. 58. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 57, characterized in that at least one of the first and second heating plate legs (116A, B) is in a wavy shape. 59. A heater according to claim 58, characterized in that both the first (116A) and the second plate legs (116B) are wavy and parallel, so that the gap between them (125) is also wavy. A heater according to claim 32, characterized in that at least one of the edges (122) of the second plate leg (116B) of at least one of the heating plates (121) is wider than the adjacent active portion of the corresponding leg, such as this end has a lower current density and a lower heating power than the active part of the same leg. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 60, characterized in that the connecting section (118) is perforated. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 61, characterized in that the first and second heating plate legs (116A, B) are inclined inwards around the inserted cigarette. 63. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 62, characterized in that the first and second The 124 '/ Y' * heating plate feet (116 A, B) and the connecting ends (118) have a resistance of approximately 50 pohm.cm to 500pohm.cm. 64. A heater according to claim 63, characterized in that the first and second heating plate legs (116A, B) and the connecting edges (118) have a resistance of approximately 100 pohm.cm to 200 pohm.cm. 65. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 64, characterized in that the first and second heating feet (116A, B) and the connecting edges (118) are capable of withstanding temperatures from about 200 ° C to about 1000 ° C. over a period of approximately 0.2 s to 2.0 s, with a pulse of approximately 10 J to 50 J. 66. A heater according to claim 65, characterized in that the first and second heating feet (116A, B) and the connecting edges (118) are capable of withstanding these pulsations at temperatures of about 1,800 to 10,000 such pulses. 67. A heater according to claim 32, characterized in that the gap (125) separating the first and second heating plate legs (116A, B) _? is dimensioned for maximum total radiant heating from each of the first and second heating plate feet (116A, B) of the attached heating plate (121) to a portion of the inserted cigarette below the gap (125). 125 68. A heater according to any one of claims 32 to 67, characterized in that the first and second heating plate feet (116A, B) and the connecting section (118) contain electrical resistive material selected from the group consisting of ferrous and nickel aluminides .