CZ321597A3 - Cigarette and a heater intended for use within an electric smoker's system - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, there is disclosed a cigarette (23) comprising a tobacco rod (60) having filled and unfilled portions arranged so that electrical heater elements (31) may overlap both portions. The tobacco rod (60) includes a tubular tobacco web. The web is constructed by converting tobacco feedstock into a continuous sheet of tobacco web and converting the continuous sheet of tobacco web into one or ore bobbins of tobacco web suitable for automated manufacture of cigarettes (23). A cigarette (23) heater (39) comprises supporting blades (37) being heated by a resistive heating circuit and thus heating the inserted cigarette (23).

Description

Cigarette and heater for use in an electric smoking system

Booze techniques

The present invention generally relates to electric smoking systems, in particular cigarettes adapted to cooperate with electric lighters of electric smoking systems, and heaters for use in such systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The mass of any combusted material often exceeds cigarettes at the mouth during

Traditional cigarettes give the smoker taste and aroma, are the result of burning, during which flammable temperatures,

800 [deg.] C. The heat is drawn through the heating

It is a material, essentially tobacco, which during the coating of a cigarette by coating on the tip an adjacent mass of tobacco.

releases insufficient oxidation of combustible material various gaseous combustion products and distillates, these gaseous and condensate tobacco flavors and aromas

When coated with a cigarette, they are cooled by the aerosol that they provide by smoking.

products to form associated with

Traditional cigarettes flaws. One of them is the smoke during which they have associated a perceived formation of a side stream of smoldering between individual coatings, which may be unpleasant to non-smokers. Once they have been lit, they must be fully used or otherwise extinguished • 9 '· - 2 (pinched). Re-ignition of a traditional cigarette is possible, but for a sophisticated smoker it is usually an unattractive choice (for smell, taste, odor) for subjective reasons.

An alternative to a traditional cigarette includes those in which the combustible material does not itself release the tobacco aerosol. Such smoking articles may comprise a combustible, carbon heating element (heat source) that is disposed in or around one end of the smoking article, and a bed of tobacco-filled elements adjacent to the above heating element. The heater element is ignited by a match or cigarette lighter and when the smoker draws on the cigarette, the heat generated by the heater element is directed into the bed by the tobacco-filled elements so that it causes the release of tobacco aerosol through the bed. Although this type of smoking device produces little or no sidestream smoke, it still generates combustion products in the heat source and once its source is ignited it is not readily quenched for future use in a practical sense.

In both the traditional and carbon-fired plants described above, combustion occurs in their use. This process naturally gives rise to many by-products when the combusted material decomposes and reacts with the surrounding atmosphere.

Co-pending and commonly assigned US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 380,718, filed September 30, 1995 (PM 1697 Cont), and Serial No. 07 / 943,504, filed September 11, 1992 (PM 1550), together with US Patents 5 Nos. 093 894, 5 225 498, 5 060 671 and 5 095 921 disclose various heating elements and flavor-generating products that significantly reduce side-stream smoke, while allowing the smoker to optionally interrupt (or put aside, stop) and re-smoke. However, the cigarette products disclosed in these patents are not very durable and can collapse, tear or crack with longer or coarse handling. Under certain circumstances, these previous cigarettes may crush because they are

9 • ·

-. 3 even softer and can tear when cracked / removed from the lighter.

The aforementioned United States Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 380,718 (PM 1697 Cont) and US 5,388,594 disclose an electrical smoking system comprising a new, electrically powered lighter and a new cigarette that cooperates with the lighter. A preferred embodiment of the lighter comprises a plurality of metal, serpentine (rotating) glow filaments arranged in a configuration that slidably receives the tobacco rod portion of the cigarette.

A preferred embodiment of this cigarette in sequence number 08/380 718 (PM 1697 Cont) and also disclosed in EP-A-0 615 411, includes a tubular carrier filled with tobacco, wrapped cigarette paper thereon, arranging flow filter inserts at the mouth endings of the carrier , and a filter element at the free (distal) end of the carrier. The cigarette and lighter are assembled such that when the cigarette is inserted into the lighter and the individual heaters are activated for each puff, localized glowing occurs at points around the cigarette at a location where each heater (glow element) rests against the cigarette (hereinafter referred to as heater imprint). Once all the heaters are activated, these glowing points are spaced from each other and surround the central portion of the portion of the cigarette carrier.

Depending on the maximum temperatures and total energies supplied with the heaters, the glowing points exhibit more than mere color changes in cigarette paper. In most applications, this glow creates at least tiny cracks in the cigarette paper and in the carrier substrate, the cracks tend to mechanically weaken the cigarette. In order for the cigarette to be withdrawn from the lighter, the glowing points must be at least partially displaced outside the heaters. In difficult circumstances, such as when the cigarette is wet or

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- 4 - - ' it's played with her or is twisted, this may be prone to break or leaving behind pieces at my own pulling

from the lighter. These pieces left in the lighter holder can interfere with the proper functioning of the lighter and / or give off some aftertaste when smoking the next cigarette. If a cigarette breaks into two pieces when it is pulled out, the smoker may face not only disappointment with the failure of the cigarette product, but also the prospect of removing residues from a clogged lighter before he or she can enjoy another cigarette.

A preferred embodiment of the cigarette of U.S. Serial No. 08 / 380,718, EP-A-0 615 411 and Patent No. 5,388,594 is a substantially hollow tube between the filter inserts at the mouth end of the cigarette and the insert at the distal end. This assembly is believed to increase delivery to the smoker by providing sufficient space into which the aerosol can be released from the carrier, with minimal interference and condensation of the aerosol on any adjacent surface.

Several suggestions have been made that significantly reduce unwanted sidestream smoke while allowing the smoker to stop smoking the product for a desired period of time and then resume smoking. For example, commonly assigned U.S. Patent Nos. 5,093,894; 5,225,498; 5,060,671 and 5,095,921; disclose various heating elements and flavor generating systems. ΕΡ-Ά-0 615 411 and US Patent No. 5,388,594 disclose an electrical smoking system having heaters that are activated when a coating is sensed by a control and logic circuit. The heaters are preferably a thin, rotary structure for transferring adequate amounts of heat (heat) to a cigarette that is light.

Although these devices and heaters overcome the observed problems and achieve the set goals, many of the designs are subject to mechanical weakening and possible failure due to the load induced by inserting and removing the cylindrical tobacco carrier, as well as adjusting and playing with the insertion.

- 5 cigarettes.

Further, when the shape of the heater assembly is changed, for example, by adjusting or playing with the inserted cigarette, undesired electrical short circuits may occur.

Electric smoking systems also use electric resistance heaters that have forced relatively complex electrical connections that can be interfered with by inserting and removing the cigarette.

When using cut filler tobacco with a hollow cigarette structure in EP-A-0 615 411, it has been found that these cigarettes, when fully filled with cut filler tobacco, tend to function adequately in the electric lighter for the first few strokes. Eventually, her supply tended to shrink. The same phenomenon tends to occur when traditional cigarettes have been smoked in an electric lighter, such as the electric lighter disclosed in EP-A-0 615 411.

When left unfilled, the hollow cigarette structures of the preferred embodiments of EP-A-0 615 411 were also somewhat vulnerable to collapsing under extreme or coarse handling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined in its various aspects by the appended claims.

A cigarette embodying aspects of the present invention has the advantage of containing cut filler and still being usable with consistency when smoked as part of an electrical smoking system.

A cigarette embodying aspects of the present invention has the advantage that it comprises cut filler and is adapted to cooperate with the electric lighter and provides satisfactory levels of taste and delivery.

A cigarette embodying aspects of the invention has the advantage

In that it contains cut filler and still provides improved consistency of delivery from puff to puff.

Cigarettes embodying aspects of the invention can be easily manufactured and packaged in an attractive package.

Cigarettes embodying aspects of the invention may be physically robust and minimize condensation and / or filtration of aerosol within the cigarette and / or lighter. Furthermore, they may be tear-resistant when removed from the lighter.

Cigarettes embodying aspects of the invention and suitable for consumption with a lighter of an electric smoking system, and less vulnerable to collapsing or rupture during rough consumer treatment.

Cigarettes embodying aspects of the present invention and suitable for consumption with a lighter of an electric smoking system, not susceptible to collapse or tearing during manufacture or packaging of a cigarette.

Cigarettes embodying aspects of the present invention and operating with an electric lighter of an electric smoking system can contribute to cost-effective production methods even at production speeds.

Heaters embodying aspects of the present invention, generating smoke from a sustained-combustion tobacco medium (carrier), reducing the generation of unwanted sidestream smoke, allowing the smoker to interrupt and resume smoking, and increasing aerosol generation within the smoking system.

A heater structure embodying aspects of the invention providing sufficient amount of coating (s) and uncomplicated modification to alter the amount and / or duration of strokes provided without sacrificing the subjective properties of the tobacco.

A heating element embodying the invention mechanically suitable for inserting and removing a cigarette.

An electrical resistance heater embodying aspects of the present invention, with simplified connections to an associated power supply.

A heating element embodying aspects of the invention, mechanically stable during heating (glowing) cycles.

Embodiments of the invention can minimize the variability of the interface between the glow element and the cigarette and prevent changes in heat transfer.

A heater embodying the present invention, which is more economical to manufacture.

One preferred embodiment provides a smoking system for delivering an aromatized tobacco response in response to the smoker. The system comprises a cigarette and an electrically operated lighter, the lighter comprising a plurality of electric heaters (filaments), each heater adapted to either individually or in the assembly, thermally release a predetermined amount of tobacco aerosol from the cigarette upon its / their activation. The cigarette comprises a tubular tobacco structure in which the first portion of the tubular tobacco structure is filled with a tobacco column, preferably in the form of cut filler tobacco, and the second portion of the tubular tobacco structure is left unfilled or hollow to define some void in the tobacco column.

More particularly, the aforementioned cigarette preferably comprises a tobacco rod formed from a tubular tobacco structure and a tobacco plug positioned within the tubular tobacco structure. The tobacco rod is adapted to be slidably received by an electric heater holder (fixture) such that the heater elements are disposed along the tobacco rod at a location between its free end and the opposite end. Preferably, the tobacco plug extends from the free end of the tobacco rod to a location spaced from the opposite end of the tobacco rod so as to define an empty (or hollow) space adjacent the opposite end.

The relative dimensions of the cigarette and lighter heater holder are determined such that by inserting the cigarette into the lighter, each heater (filament) will be positioned along the tobacco rod at a predetermined location along the tobacco rod and, preferably, the longitudinal extent of contact between the heater and cigarette. (hereinafter the heater imprint) covers at least a portion of the aforementioned void space and at least a portion of the tobacco plug. In doing so, a consistent and satisfactory delivery is obtained when the cigarette is electrically smoked, and condensation of the tobacco aerosol in or around the heater elements is limited.

In an alternative embodiment, the proportional dimensions of the cigarette and lighter heater holder are determined such that by inserting the cigarette into the lighter, each heater will be positioned along the tobacco rod such that at least a portion, if not all, of the heater imprints overlies the filled portion of the tobacco rod. insert). In such configurations, an empty space may still be used to facilitate aerosol formation and to help cool the smoke.

Preferably, the cigarette paper is wrapped around the tubular tobacco structure to provide the smoker with the appearance and feel of a traditional cigarette during smoking.

Preferably, the tobacco web comprises a nonwoven tobacco web and a layer of tobacco material disposed along at least one side of the tobacco web.

Preferably, the cigarette also includes a filter tip at the aforementioned opposite end of the tobacco rod, which includes a flow filter insert (also known as a purge insert in the art), a mouthpiece filter insert, and a tip paper attaching the insert to the tobacco rod.

When the cigarette embodying the present invention is inserted into the lighter of the electrical smoking system, the cigarette is in register against the stop located within the lighter holder (or

In some equivalent register) so that the electric lighter elements of the lighter are positioned coherently along the cigarette in generally the same location for each cigarette. When a coating is initiated, at least one of the lighter heaters is activated in response to heat the cigarette at the above location along the tobacco rod. As the coating proceeds, the tobacco rod is heated and aerosol is expelled from the tobacco web and filler. When the heater imprint covers the void space in the tobacco rod, the tobacco aerosol is released almost immediately into the space defined within this unfilled portion of the tobacco rod and withdrawn from the cigarette. The tobacco structure contributes most of this fraction of total aerosol delivered by the cigarette, and its immediacy is believed to favorably affect the nature and extent of the smoker's stroke by the cigarette. Due to the greater weight of the tobacco in the filled portion of the tobacco rod, there is a slight delay in the release of aerosol from the point where the heater impression overlaps the filled portion of the rod. The aerosol, which is expelled from the filled portion of the tobacco rod, contributes to the additional, dominant flavor and character of the particular smoke.

Another aspect of the invention is the ability to adjust cigarette delivery of an electric smoking system, wherein the proportional overlap between the filled and unfilled portion of the tobacco rod by the heater imprint makes desired adjustments in delivery from one brand of cigarette to the other or within the same product line.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of increasing levels and consistency (density) of aerosol delivery from a cigarette operating with an electric heater device in which the cigarette has a loose end and an opposite end. The method includes the steps of superimposing the heater imprint over both the tobacco-filled portion of the cigarette adjacent the free end and the unfilled portion of the cigarette adjacent the opposite end, with simultaneous resistance glowing.

along the heater imprint and coating the cigarette with its opposite end.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a filler-containing cigarette that operates with an electric lighter, the cigarette comprising a tobacco rod with a free flow filter and a portion of the filler bar adjacent the free flow filter to promote consistent production aerosol.

Another aspect of the present invention is a reinforced tubular tobacco structure having flax or wood cellulose fiber added to its backing structure to provide additional strength. Alternatively, a cellulosic fiber from the tobacco stem processing raw material may be included as a reinforcing agent in the composition of the substrate.

The consistency of the cigarette is increased by incorporating cut filler within the edges of its tubular tobacco structure to provide a cigarette that will withstand better handling, including handling the cigarette by machine making and consumers.

The heater embodying the present invention preferably includes a support throat and a plurality of electrically resistive glow blades defining a receptacle for receiving an inserted cigarette. Each blade comprises a first heater blade arm having first and second ends extending at a first end from the support throat, a second heater blade arm having first and second ends, and a connecting section connecting the second end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm . The second end of the second arm extends towards the support throat and is electrically insulated therefrom. The resistive heater circuit is formed to heat an electrically resistive heater blade, which in turn heats the inserted cigarette. The first and second arms are separated by a gap to allow air to be drawn in, to aid in the generation of flavor substances from the heated cigarette upon its coating by a smoker.

• · • ·

-11 Overview of figures in drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be further described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Giant. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an electric smoking system, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Giant. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the cigarette engaged within the heater holder of the smoking system shown in FIG. 1.

Giant. 4A is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Giant. 4B is a detailed perspective view of the cigarette shown in FIG. 4A, with certain cigarette components partially unfolded.

Giant. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams of the steps in the preferred process for manufacturing the bobbins of the tobacco structure of the cigarette shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, in which FIG. 5A illustrates the steps of converting tobacco feedstock into a tobacco web layer, and FIG. 5B illustrates the steps of converting the tobacco web into tobacco web coils.

Giant. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a substantially hollow embodiment of the present invention.

Giant. 6B is a graphical representation of aerosol production verse, the time during which each coating of a cigarette assembled in accordance with the substantially hollow embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 6A.

Giant. 6C is a diagram of a smoke measurement device that was used to obtain the data shown in FIG. 6B, 7B and 8.

Giant. 7A is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a substantially fully filled embodiment of the present invention.

• ·

FIG. 7B is a graphical representation of aerosol production verse, the time during which each coating of a cigarette assembled in accordance with the fully filled embodiment of FIG. 7A.

Giant. 8 is a graphical comparison of the aerosol volume in each subsequent coating as delivered by each of the cigarettes described with reference to FIG. 4Ά, 6A and 7A.

Giant. 9 is a graphical representation of the relationship between total particulate matter (TPM) delivery and heater overlap size over a full portion of a partially filled cigarette constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment (FIG. 4A) of the present invention.

Giant. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Giant. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Giant. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater holder embodying another aspect of the present invention.

Giant. 13 is a side view of a heater assembly embodying another aspect of the present invention.

Giant. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater holder embodying another aspect of the present invention using an electrical insulator coating.

Giant. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater holder embodying an aspect of the present invention using an electrical insulator coating forming a throat.

Giant. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater holder embodying an aspect of the present invention using rotary shaped heater blade arms.

Giant. 17Ά is a front cross-sectional view of a glowing blade having a flat bottom facing the inserted cigarette.

Giant. 17B is a front cross-sectional view of a glowing blade having a sharp-turned lower portion toward the inserted cigarette.

Giant. 17C is a front cross-sectional view of a glowing blade having a curved bottom facing the inserted cigarette.

Giant. 18 is a plan view of a symmetrical arrangement of the heating blades in a flat state prior to rolling.

Giant. 19 is a plan view of the asymmetrical arrangement of the heating blades in a flat state prior to rolling.

Giant. 20 is a radial cross-sectional view of an electrical smoking system embodying the present invention / showing an alternative glowing embodiment.

Giant. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavor receiving cavity of the electrical smoking system of FIG. 20 taken along line Ά-Α in FIG. 20 May

Giant. 22 is a radial cross-section illustrating yet another alternative heating embodiment.

Giant. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavor receiving cavity of the electrical smoking system of FIG. 22 taken along line B-B in FIG. 22nd

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a smoking system 21 comprising a partially filled, refill cigarette 23 and a reusable lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is adapted to be inserted into and removed from the socket 27 at the front end portion 29 of the lighter 25. cigarette 23 inserted, the smoking system 21 is used in much the same way as a more traditional cigarette, but without igniting or smoldering the cigarette 23. The cigarette 23 is discarded after one or more coating cycles. Preferably, each cigarette 23 provides a total of eight or more cycles of coating per outrage; however, it is a matter of purposeful design to make the cigarette generally smaller or more usable.

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The lighter 25 comprises a housing 31 having front and rear portions 33 and 35, respectively. One or more of the batteries 35a are removably disposed at the rear of the housing 35 and supply power to a plurality of electrically resistive glowing elements 37 that are disposed within the front of the housing 33 adjacent the sleeve 27. The control circuit 41 at the front of the housing 33 The rear portion 35 is preferably adapted to be easily opened and closed, for example by means of screws or snap-fit parts, to facilitate replacement of the batteries. If desired, an electrical outlet or contacts may be provided to recharge the batteries with household current or the like.

The front portion of the housing 33 is preferably removably attached to the rear portion of the housing 35, for example by a dovetail connection or a plug fit. The housing 31 is preferably made of a hard, heat resistant material. Preferred materials include metallic or, more preferably, polymeric materials. The housing 31 has an overall dimension of about 10.7 cm by 3.8 cm by 1.5 cm so that the sits comprise a removable comfortable in the hand of a smoker.

The size of the batteries 35a sufficient power for the heater intended and preferably the type. Alternative sources such as capacitors. The V power supply includes connected in series with 4.8 to 5.6 volts. however, the sources are other components of the characteristic (PM 1345), with this type of power supply system of this energy being the preferred nickel-cadmium is sufficient to ensure the elements 37 to function as and rechargeable as an embodiment of the respective battery cells of voltages approximately from the supply characteristic 21 in particular, U.S. Patent No. 5,144,962 discloses several connections to a smoking rechargeable battery total, unloaded. Characteristics required to be selected with respect to the smoking system of the glowing elements 37. The patent incorporated herein by reference, sources useful in the invention, such as sources and power arrangements, which include a capacitor that is recharged by a battery.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the front of the lighter housing 33 supports a substantially cylindrical heater fixture (39) that slidably receives the cigarette 23. This heater fixture 39 has heater elements 37 therein and is adapted to support the inserted cigarette 23 in a fixed relationship ( position) to the glowing elements 37 such that the heating elements 37 are disposed along the cigarette, at approximately the same location along each cigarette. The location where each glow element 37 presses (or is in thermal contact with) against the fully inserted cigarette 23 is referred to herein as a heater imprint.

To ensure a coherent location of the heater elements 37 relative to each cigarette 23, from cigarette to cigarette, the heater fixture 39 is provided with a stop 182 against which the cigarette is pushed during its placement in the lighter 25. Instead, the cigarette could be aligned 23 other suitable means in relation to the lighter 25.

The front of the lighter housing 25 also includes an electrical control circuit 41 that delivers a predetermined amount of power from the power supply 35a to the heater elements 37. In a preferred embodiment, the heater fixture 39 comprises eight circumferentially spaced heater elements 37 that are concentrically aligned with sleeve 27 and have a spiral form. Details of these (heaters) of the glow elements 37 are shown and described in commonly assigned US Application Serial No. 07 / 943,504 (PM 1550), co-discussed herein, and commonly assigned US Patent No. 5,388,934 (PM 1697). , both of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The additional glow fixtures 37, which function as part of the lighter 25, include those listed in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.: ________ (not specified), filed January 6, 1995 (agenda no. PM 17293) CIP II); jointly allocated, together • ♦. · ····

 ·· ·· • . · · • • · · * • ♦ ··· • ·

• ·· ·· - · - · · · · · · · · · · ·· ♦ • · · · · ·

US Application Serial No.

08/291 690, filed

16 August 1994 (agenda No PM 1719); all of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety; and in the later part of this disclosure, given with reference to FIG. 13 to 23. The filaments 37 are preferably individually energized by a power supply 35a, based on circuit control, to heat the cigarette 23, preferably eight times in spaced locations around the periphery of the cigarette 23. The heating provides eight coatings of the cigarette 23 as commonly used. achieves smoking traditional cigarettes. Preheating of more than one heater (fiber) for one or more coatings may be preferred.

A further preferred heater arrangement is disclosed in co-pending, commonly assigned US Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 24,848, filed April 8, 1994 (PM1729B), hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Referring back to FIG. 2, preferably the circuit 41 is activated by pulling on an activated sensor 45 that is sensitive to either pressure changes or changes in the air flow that occur as a result of the initiation of coating from the cigarette 23 by the smoker. The pull-activated sensor 45 is preferably located within the front of the lighter housing 25 and communicates with the space within the heater fixture 39, adjacent the cigarette 23, by passing through the space through the spacer in the heater fixture base 39 and, if desired, a tube. a coating sensor (not shown). A pull-activated sensor 45 suitable for use in the smoking system 21 is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,060,671 (PM 1337), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The coating sensor 45 preferably includes a silicone sensor, Model 163PCO1D35, manufactured by a division of the company

MicroSwitch of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois. Flow sensing devices, such as those using the principles of hot wire anemometry, have also been successfully applied as being useful to activate the respective one of the heating elements t

- 17 37 by detecting a change in the air flow. Once activated by the sensor 45, the control circuit 45 directs electrical current to one of the respective heating elements 37.

The indicator 51 is provided positioned along the exterior of the lighter 25, preferably at the front of the housing 33, to indicate the remaining number of strokes in smoking of the cigarette 23. The indicator 51 preferably comprises a seven-segment liquid crystal display. In a preferred embodiment, indicator 51 displays a figure 8 when the cigarette detector 53 detects the presence of a cigarette in the heater fixture 39. The cigarette detector 53 preferably includes a light sensor at the base of the heater fixture 39 that detects when a light beam is reflected from the inserted cigarette 23. Accordingly, the cigarette detector 53 provides a signal to the circuit 41, which in turn provides a signal to the indicator 51. The representation of the figure 8 on the indicator 51 reflects that eight coatings are available in each cigarette 23, i.e. none of the glowing elements 37 has not yet been activated to heat the cigarette 23. After the cigarette 23 is completely smoked, the indicator displays the figure O. When the cigarette 23 is removed from the lighter 25, the cigarette detector 53 no longer detects the presence of the cigarette 23 and the indicator 51 is off. The cigarette detector 53 is modulated so that it does not immediately emit a light beam that would otherwise create an unnecessary load on the power supply 35a. A preferred cigarette detector 53 suitable for use with this smoking system is a light sensor, Type 0PR50O5, manufactured by OPTEX Technology, Inc., 1215 West Crosby Road, Carrollton, Texas 75006, USA.

Alternatively to displaying the remainder of the number of moves, the detector may instead be arranged to indicate whether the system is active or inactive (on or off).

As one of several possible alternatives when using the aforementioned cigarette detector 53, a mechanical switch (not shown) may be provided to detect the presence or absence of the cigarette 23, and a reset can be used.

// BB ·  B · 'A B: · · • · • ' • 4 ·· • · «4 4 · ·· • 4 - • '· 4 • 4 4 4 • · • · · 4 - • · ♦ · .3 · 4 • · 4 • · · · «·· ··· • 4 • 44 • · · ·

- a knob 18 (not shown) for resetting circuit 41 when a new cigarette is inserted into the lighter 25, for example, causing the indicator 51 to display the figure 8, etc. Power sources, circuits, coated activated sensors and indicators useful in the smoking system 21 of the present invention. are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,060,671 (PM 1337) and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 943,504 (PM 1550), both incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, a cigarette 23, as constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises a tobacco rod 60 and a filter tip 62 that are joined together by the tip 64 paper.

The partially filled, refill cigarette 23 preferably has a substantially constant diameter along its length and, like a more traditional cigarette, is preferably about 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm in diameter so that the smoking system 21 gives the smoker a confidential mouthfeel. In a preferred embodiment, the cigarette 23 has a total length of 62 mm, making it easier to use traditional packaging machines for cigarette packaging. The combined length of the mouthpiece filter 104 and the free pass filter 102 is preferably 30 mm. Preferably, the tipping paper extends approximately 6 mm over the tobacco rod 60. The total length of the tobacco rod 62 is preferably 32 mm. Instead of these dimensions of the preferred embodiment, other proportions, lengths and diameters may be selected.

The tobacco rod 60 of the cigarette 23 preferably comprises a tobacco web 66 that has been folded into a tubular form.

The overwrap 71 tightly wraps the tobacco web 66 and is held together along the longitudinal seam as is common in traditional cigarette assemblies. The wrapper 71 holds the tobacco web 66 in a wrapped condition around the free pass filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80

Preferably, the wrapper paper of the cigarette 71 is tightly wrapped around the tobacco web 66 so as to give it an outer appearance

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• · · ··· · · · · · · And feel like a more traditional cigarette. It has been found that tastier smoke is obtained when the wrapper paper 71 is a standard type of cigarette paper, preferably linen paper of about 20 to 50 CORESTA (defined as the amount of air measured in cubic centimeters passing through one square centimeter of material such as paper layer). , at one minute at a pressure drop of 1.0 kilopascal and preferably about 30 to 45 CORESTA, a basis weight of about 23 to 35 grams per square meter (g / m ² ), and more preferably about 23 to 30 g / m ² , and a filler ( preferably calcium carbonate) of about 23 to 35¾ by weight, and more preferably 28 to 33¾ by weight.

The wrapper paper 71 preferably comprises little or no citrate or other flame modifier, with preferred levels of citrate ranging from 0 to about 2.6¾ of the weight of the wrapper paper 71, and more preferably less than 1¾.

Preferably, the tobacco web 66 itself comprises a backing structure 68 and a tobacco flavor material layer 70 disposed along the inner surface of the backing structure 68. At the tip end 72 of the tobacco rod 60, the tobacco structure 66 and the wrapper 71 are wrapped around the tubular. , free flow filter cartridges 74. The free flow filter 74 provides the structural definition and support of the tip end 72 of the tobacco rod 60, and allows the aerosol to be drawn from inside the tobacco rod 60 with minimal pressure drop. This free flow filter 74 also acts as a flow restriction at the tip end 72 of the tobacco rod 60, which is believed to assist in aerosol formation during the smoker coating of the cigarette 23. The free flow filter is preferably at least 7 mm long to facilitate machine and is preferably annular, although other shapes and types of low power filters, including cylindrical filter cartridges, are suitable.

At the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60, the tobacco structure 66, together with the overwrap 71, is wrapped around a cylindrical tube.

20 of the tobacco plug 80. Preferably, the tobacco plug 80 is assembled separately from the tobacco web 66 and includes a relatively short column of cut filler tobacco that is wrapped inside and held by the plug wrap 84.

Preferably, the tobacco plug 80 is assembled on a traditional tobacco rod machine in which cut filler (preferably a blend) is air formed into a continuous tobacco rod on a conveyor belt and wrapped with a continuous tape wrapper 84 which is then glued along its longitudinal seam and heat sealed . However, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wrapper of the liner 84 is preferably composed of a cellulosic structure with little or no filler, with additives sizing or burning (each at levels below 0.5¾ weight), and preferably with little or no sizing. Preferably, the wrapper 84 has a low basis weight, below 15 grams per square meter, and more preferably about 13 grams per square meter. The tobacco plug wrap 84 preferably has a high transmittance in the range of from about 20,000 to 35,000 CORESTA, and more preferably in the range of from about 25,000 to 35,000 CORESTA, and is preferably composed of softwood fiber, Manila hemp cellulose, or other pulp with long fibers. Such papers are available from Papierfabrik Schoeller & Hoechst GMBH, Postfach 1155, 7-76584, Gernsback, Germany; yet another paper suitable for use as a wrapper for tobacco liner 84 is TW 2000 paper from DeMauduit of Euimperle, France, with the addition of carboxymethyl cellulose at a level of 2.5¾ by weight.

The tobacco rod manufacturing machine is controlled to provide a tobacco rod density of about 0.17 to 0.30 grams per cubic centimeter (g / cc), but more preferably in the range of at least 0.20 to 0.30 g / cc, and most preferably between about 0.24 to 0.28 g / cc. Increased densities are preferred to avoid the free ends at the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60. However, it will be understood that lower densities of the tobacco rod will allow the tobacco column 80 to contribute to the tobacco rod.

' ·· « • · ·· •: · • · · • · ·· • · · ·. • · · · · · • · • · · • · · ···· ··· ··· 9 · ··

increased proportions of aerosol and flavor to smoking. Accordingly, a balance must be struck between the delivery of the aerosol (which favors low density in the tobacco column 82) and the avoidance of the free ends (which favors increased tobacco rod density ranges).

Preferably, the tobacco column 84 comprises cut filler a blend of typical tobacco in the industry comprising blends containing distinctive, strong, and oriental tobacco along with, optionally, reconstituted tobacco and other components of blends containing traditional cigarette flavors. However, in a preferred embodiment, the cut filler of the tobacco column 84 comprises a blend of strong, strong, and oriental tobacco in a ratio of about 45:30:25 for the US market, without incorporating reconstituted tobacco or any other flavor. Optionally, an expanded tobacco component may be included in the composition to adjust the density of the bar, and flavors may be added.

The continuous tobacco rod formed as described above is cut in accordance with a predetermined length of the insert for the tobacco plug 80. This length is at least 7 mm to facilitate machine handling. However, the length may vary from about 7 mm to 25 mm or more, depending on the design advantages of the cigarette, as will become apparent in the description that follows, with particular reference to Figs. 4A and 4B.

As a general matter, the length 86 of the tobacco plug 80 is preferably set relative to the total length 88 of the tobacco rod 60 such that an empty space 90 is defined along the tobacco rod 60 between the free flow filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80. corresponds to the unfilled portion of the tobacco rod 60 and is in direct fluid communication with the tip 62 through a free flow filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60.

Referring in particular to FIG. 4A, the length 86 of the tobacco plug 80 and its relative location along the tobacco rod 60 is also selected in relation to the characteristics of the glow elements 37. When the cigarette is properly positioned against the stop

The heater fixture 392, portion 92 of each heater element 37 will contact the tobacco rod 60 along one region of the tobacco rod 60. This contact region is referred to as the heater fingerprint 94. The heater fingerprint 94 (as shown by the double arrow in FIG. 4A) is not part of the cigarette structure itself, but instead represents the region of the tobacco rod 60 where the glow element 37 is expected to reach functional glow temperatures during smoking of the cigarette 23. Because the glow elements 37 are a fixed distance 96 from the fixture 182 of the heater 39, the heater impression 94 is consistently positioned along 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.

Preferably, the length of the tobacco plug 80, the length of the heater imprint 94, and the distance between the heater imprint 94 and the stop 182 are selected such that the heater imprint 94 extends beyond the tobacco plug 80 and overlaps a portion of the void 90 through distances 98. The heater 94 overlaps the void space 90 (the unfilled portion of the tobacco rod 60.) is also referred to as the void heater overlap by the heater. The distance that the remainder of the heater impression 94 overlaps the tobacco plug 80 is called the overlap of the filler with the heater 99.

The tip 62 preferably includes a free flow filter 102 located adjacent the tobacco rod 60 and a mouthpiece filter insert 104 at the distal end of the tip 62 from the tobacco rod 60. Preferably, the free flow filter 102 is tubular and carries air with very little pressure drop. However, other low-performance standard build filters could also be used. The inner diameter for the free flow filter 96 is preferably at or between 2 and 6 millimeters and is preferably larger than the free flow filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60.

The mouthpiece filter insert 104 closes the free end ♦

The tips 62 for the purpose of appearance and, some filtration, although to be performed preferably, if desired, the mouthpiece filter cartridge 104 comprises a low efficiency filter having about 15-25% efficiency.

The free flow filter 102 and mouthpiece filter cartridge 104 are preferably joined together as a combination cartridge 110 with the cartridge wrapper 112. The cartridge wrapper 112 is preferably a porous, lightweight cartridge wrapper that is traditionally applicable to those working in a particular cigarette manufacturing technique. The combination liner 110 is attached to the tobacco rod 60 by specification paper 64 that is standard and traditionally used throughout the cigarette industry. The tip paper 64 may be either cork, white or other colors according to aesthetic preferences.

Preferably, the cigarette 23, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment, has an overall length of approximately 62 mm, of which 30 mm comprises a combined insert 110 of the tip 62. Accordingly, the tobacco rod 60 is 32 mm long. Preferably, the free flow filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60 is at least 7 mm long and the hollow space 91 between the free flow filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80 is preferably at least 7 mm long. In a preferred embodiment, the imprint of the heater 94 is approximately 12 mm long and positioned to provide a 3 mm overlap of the void space 98 by the heater, leaving a 9 mm imprint of the heater 94 overlying the tobacco plug 80.

It is to be understood that the length, hollow space 91, and length of the tobacco plug 80 can be adjusted to facilitate manufacture and, more importantly, to modify the smoking characteristics of the cigarette 23, including adjustments in its taste, stroke and delivery. The length of the cavity 91 and the amount of filler overlap by the heater (and the hollow space overlap by the heater) can also be manipulated to adjust the instantaneous response, to promote consistency in delivery (based on coating to coating as well as between cigarettes) and control condensation of aerosol in or around the heaters.

• · · · <-Y 44 ·· 4 4 ·· • 4. · '· 4 '· ·· • · 4 . 4 4. • * • • 4 44. '' · 4'4 '· • • 4 4 4 4 4 • · · 4 • 4 4 4 4 • 44 4 • »4 44 • 44 • 44 4 4

In a preferred embodiment, the void space 91 (filler-free portion of tobacco rod 60) extends approximately 7 mm to provide adequate clearance between the heater impression 94 and the free flow filter 74. In this way, the rim is secured so that the heater impression 94 does not heat the filter during smoking. with a free flow 74. Other lengths are suitable, for example, if manufacturing tolerance permits, the hollow space 91 could be assembled as short as about 4 mm or shorter, or at the other extreme, elongated sufficiently 7 mm to form an elongated portion without filler along the tobacco rod 60. The preferred length range for the filler-free portion (hollow space 91) is about 4 to 18 mm, and more preferably 5 to 12 mm.

The backing layer 68 physically separates the heater elements 37 from the tobacco flavor material, transfers the heat generated by the heater elements 37 to the flavor material 70 and maintains the physical cohesion of the tobacco rod during handling, sliding into the lighter 25 and removing cigarettes therefrom.

In the description that follows, certain percentages and / or relative weights are set for the various components including the tobacco structure 66. Unless explicitly stated or otherwise readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the contrary is indicated. the percent ratios are based on dry weight, i.e. the reported percentages and / or relative weights are adjusted for (not containing) moisture content.

The process for manufacturing the tobacco web 66 is preferably without the addition of carbon fiber as described in the paragraphs that follow. At the conclusion of the preferred manufacturing process, the backing structure 68 itself has a preferred total basis weight of about 35 to 45 g / m ² , more preferably about 40 g / m ² . At 40 g / m ^2, the backing structure 68 preferably comprises about 28 g / m ^{2 of} tobacco fiber and about 12 g / m ^{2 of} cellulose fiber such as wood pulp or flax. Cellulose fiber serves as cellulose reinforcement

«« - · ··  ·· • a ·· • · • · • • '· • · ·· • - · • · · - • ··· • • • · . · _: · • • • ···· »·· »· . Μ ··· and· ··

It is preferred to minimize the amount of cellulose fiber in a given backing layer for subjective reasons (to avoid making a note on the paper taste of the cigarette). Generally, the ratio of tobacco fiber to cellulose fiber in the backing layer 68, based on dry weight, should be in the range of about 2: 1 to 4: 1. A preferred cellulosic material is kraft-type unbleached cellulose, although most wood and flax fibers are functional.

An alternative strengthening means for the backing layer 68 is a cellulosic fiber of the manufactured tobacco stem.

Although not preferred, an alginate coating of about 1 g / m ² can be applied along one side to the backing layer 68. If alginate is applied, it is preferred to use it on the side of the backing layer 68, opposite the tobacco flavor receiving material 70.

The tobacco material 70 is preferably applied to the backing layer 68 at dry weight levels at least two and preferably about three to four times larger than the backing layer 68. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco material has a basis weight of about 130 g / m ² , such that the total weight of the tobacco web 66 is about 170 g / m ² . Based on dry weight, the tobacco material 70 comprises a proportion of ground tobacco and extracted solids in a ratio ranging from about 3.5 to 1 (3.5: 1) to five to one (5: 1) weight, although this ratio may varying from about 3: 1 to 9: 1. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio is about 4: 1.

It is added to the tobacco material 70 as a moisture stabilizer and as an aerosol precursor at levels of about 10-14%, most preferably about 12% dry weight of the tobacco material 70, but this level of addition can vary anywhere from about 5% to 20% or higher, dry weight of tobacco material 70. When glycerin is reduced to only about 5 to 7% of the dry weight of the compound, the tobacco structure 66 may be somewhat stiffer and more resistant to collapse into a tubular form.

To the tobacco material, the weight percentages are preferably 1.4%. Pectin coating. In the absence thereof, pectin is also added in the range of from about 0.5 to about 2% as a composition, the tobacco material 70 may tend to penetrate excessively the substrate during the layer of granular tobacco texture to the side interfering with the surface treatment operations, modifying the provided structure. Too much pectin and weakens the bond between the tobacco material 70 and the backing layer adequate penetration of the backing layer 68 of cigarettes.

Most preferably, the backing layer of the extracted ground tobacco particles, pectin. For the US markets ground the respective tobacco material 70, a blend of distinctive, half of this blend strong and the remainder being the amount appropriate to meet the markets.

penetration

68. At approximately 1 *, pectin promotes and bonding between the layers so as to withstand the stresses of automated manufacturing contains tobacco material of approximately 16-20 * dry solids, 66-71 * dry 8-14 * glycerine tobacco, which weighs scales

1.4 * and approximately incorporated into a preferentially comprising strong and oriental tobacco in which the tobacco is almost distinct, approximately 1/3 is oriental tobacco. The compositions and proportions may be adjusted in the US and other components of the composition to the consumer's preferences

5B, a preferred form method suitable for the first series of steps

Referring now to FIG. 5A and the manufacture of a tobacco web blank 66, in the automatic manufacture of cigarettes 23, includes

120 (shown in Fig. 5A) for converting a tobacco web, preferably a tobacco web, into a continuous sheet of tobacco web 66s, and a second series of steps 122 (shown in Fig. 5B) to convert a continuous sheet of tobacco web 66s into one or more coiled tobacco bobbins 66b structures that are

9

9

9.9

• · 9 9 9 9 9 9 • · •.  9 '· 9 · 9 9 9 9  · 9. 9 • • 9 9 9 9 · • · 99 • 9 9 99 • ··· 9 '9 9 9 9 9 9 .99

in a state for use in the automatic manufacture of cigarettes.

Referring specifically to FIG. 5A, the process 120 of converting tobacco feedstock into a continuous layer of tobacco web 66s begins with subjecting the tobacco feedstock to an extraction step 124 (preferably using water) to separate the tobacco fiber from the soluble portions of the tobacco feedstock. The tobacco feedstock preferably comprises a tobacco web, but other forms of tobacco and / or tobacco layer are also suitable for use in the process. Preferably, the tobacco web comprises a blend of strong and strong tobacco, and optionally may include oriental or other varieties.

The tobacco fiber collected from the extraction process 124 is itself subjected to a papermaking process 126 to form a continuous layer 68s of the backing structure.

In process 126, the tobacco fiber from the extraction process 124 is dispersed in water, with the addition of a predetermined amount of cellulosic fiber, which serves as a reinforcing agent in the composition of the substrate structure 68. The cellulosic fiber preferably comprises shredded wood, flax and / or pulp tobacco stem. Once combined, the blended dispersion of tobacco fiber and cellulosic fiber is refined to form a slurry of structure 128 suitable for casting in a casting step 130 wherein the slurry of structure 128 is directed to a molding frame arrangement of the molding machine structure and cast onto a fourdrinier sieve (longitudinal sieve) or an endless steel belt, preferably on the aforementioned sieve.

It is preferable to refine the dispersed mixture of tobacco fiber and firming agent after mixing the two components together. Instead, they can be cleaned separately and then combined.

After the casting step 130, the resulting structure 132 is then routed through one or more dryers in the drying step 134, preferably comprising passing the structure through a Yankee dryer and one or more drum dryers, although

9

9 9

999 9

• · ·

The initial alternative arrangements and devices are known in the art and applicable to the drying step

134. At the conclusion of the drying step 134, a monitoring step 136 is performed to measure the moisture content and weight of the dried structure. The moisture content output 138 is used to adjust the drying operation 134 to achieve and maintain the desired final moisture level in the backing layer 68s for subsequent surface treatment (coating) 144. The backing layer 68s has a preferably a surface treatment operation of about 15% and about 15% by weight of moisture.

Referring back to the monitoring step 136, an output 140 relating to the weight of the backing layer 68s is used to adjust the operation of the casting step 130 to achieve a preferred basis weight in the backing layer 68, as previously described. These adaptations include changes in the amount by which the slurry of structure 128 is applied to the flask of the structure forming machine in the casting step 130.

Optionally, the structure forming step 126 may further comprise a surface treatment step 142 that covers one side of the alginate backing structure 68a at levels previously described along one opposite side that

70. However, the preferred sides of the backing structure 68s accept the tobacco flavor material in practice to proceed without the application of alginate.

Finally, the structure forming process 126 is a backing structure in the form of a continuous layer 68s that is conducive to performing a coating operation 144. Alternatively, it may be collected off-line for subsequent coating operations. However, it is preferred that, by forming a layer of the backing structure 68s, it proceeds immediately to the coating operation 144.

The backing structure 68s preferably enters a coating operation 144 having a moisture content of about 12 to 17%, more preferably a moisture content of 14.5 to 15.5%.

• ·

Referring back to the extraction (leaching) step 124, the tobacco soluble portions leave the extraction step 124 in the form of a dilute solution containing about 5 to 10 percent dissolved tobacco components, more preferably 7 to 8 percent dissolved tobacco components. This dilute solution is preferably not subjected to any evaporation treatment so as to minimize the application of heat (heat) to the solution. The application of heat to the solution may have an impact on the flavor contributed by the tobacco soluble ingredients when smoked as part of the cigarette 23.

These soluble liqueur components) from the step of extracting 124 146 with the additional, finely and pectin, together amounts that were previously retained in conjunction) the conclusion of the step with the step (also known as leached) are mixed in the blending step with ground tobacco, glycerin, all in relative terms confer final relative contents, as dry state of the tobacco material 70.

Mixing 146 is added (or to form on solids by the solids content of the mixture the term through (6.45 in range)

146, water is added in amounts sufficient to mix the dispersion 124 containing up to 35 percent, more preferably with a percent. The ground tobacco particles ranged from 60 to 400 mesh, wherein the 95% throughput rate of the tobacco particles through the holes per square inch of ground tobacco particles is up to 200 mesh, and most preferably about 24 to preferably the mesh is a mesh having a given amount of cm -1. More preferably, these are from about 100 to about 120 meshes.

If the mesh size is above 120, more specifically on or a portion of the ground tobacco particulate material, is determined to be about 180 to 220, the solid slurry content at the end of the mixing step 146 may be increased, for example to levels of about 28 to 31%.

At the conclusion of the mixing step 146, the resulting slurry of tobacco material is directed directly to the surface treatment operation 144, although this surface treatment operation can be effectively performed at some subsequent time on the basis of a separate

'·· - · • · · ♦  · · · · · · • · 9 ·· 99 9 9  9 9 · • ·· • • · ··: • · • * · · · · · 4 ♦ · • ·. 9 ·: 9 · ··· 9 · 99 9 ·· • • • • • ·

design (off-line). In the surface treatment operation 144, the slurry of tobacco material should have a solids content of about 22 to 27% by weight, more preferably at or about 24 to 25%.

In the coating step 144, the slurry of tobacco material has a target weight percent of tobacco soluble particles of 4 to 8 percent, more preferably 5.5 to 6.5 weight percent of tobacco soluble particles. The slurry preferably enters the surface treatment operation 144 at a temperature in the range of about 70 to 130 ° F (21.1 to 54.4 ° C), more preferably at or about 90 ° F (32.2 ° C), plus or minus 5 ° F.

The surface treatment step 128 is preferably performed using a standard reverse roll coating apparatus downstream of the Yankee dryer, behind the endless belt or fourdrinier screen. This coating step may be carried out by other suitable coating devices known and available to those of ordinary skill in the art of structure forming operations. The tobacco material 70 may instead be cast or co-extruded into the backing structure 68. Alternatively, the application step 128 may be performed offline, separate from the production of the backing layer layer 68s. During or after the coating step 128, flavors traditional in the cigarette industry are added, if desired.

Upon completion of the surface treatment operation 144, a continuous layer of tobacco web 66s is produced.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, the process now proceeds from the steps 122 of converting the tobacco web 66s into a wound tobacco web reel 66b suitable for the automatic production of cigarettes 23. Preferably, these conversion steps 122 are performed online by making a continuous web of tobacco web 66s. While performing conversion steps 122, the operator should avoid conditions that create cracks, cracks, or other imperfections in the layer of tobacco structure.

31 6 6 s so as to obtain a continuous winding of the tobacco web in the bobbin 66b with little or no connections. In addition, the layers of the tobacco web 66s are conditioned so that at the end of the conversion steps 122, the tobacco web does not bind to itself and can be quickly wound and unwound from the reel 66b without breaking.

Conversion steps 122 begin with a drying step 146, in which preferably the layer of tobacco structure 66s is continuously promoted by an impact hot gas gas dryer such as a manganese type from Airtech Systems Corp.. of Stroughton, Maine, USA, or a hot air steam dryer. Other dryers known in the art of forming structures may be used instead. The drying step 146 should be carried out with minimal heat application, but in amounts sufficient to dry the tobacco web 68s from its original state (about 15% moisture content in the base layer and about 75% moisture content in the coating itself) to about a total of 8.5 Preferably, the dried tobacco web layer 66d has a moisture range of about 10 to 11%. This final moisture content is preferred for several reasons: to facilitate longitudinal cutter operations at a later stage of the conversion process 122; to adjust the moisture content of approximately such that the material will be kept in equilibrium upon storage and / or shipped to the production facility; and to create a level of moisture that avoids tackiness and bonding of the backing layer material to itself in the spool 66b.

Following the drying step 126, the dried layer of tobacco web 66d is cooled to ambient temperature, preferably one that is preferably equal to the location of likely storage and / or associated manufacturing equipment, usually in the range of 65 to 80 ° F (18.3 to 26.6). ° C). This cooling step 148 not only facilitates the equilibrium of the tobacco web 66 for the operating environment, but also avoids the risk of heat.

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32 retained within the coil 66b, which could otherwise initiate the self-ignition process. If not controlled, self-ignition could lead to extreme temperatures and degradation of the subjective nature of the tobacco web 66. This cooling step is preferably performed using an impact air cooler with ice water cooling, available from Airtech Systems Corp. of Stroughton, Maine, USA. Instead, others known to those skilled in the art of forming structures may be used.

After the drying steps and the dried and cooled layer of the hairdressing equipment, Electron Web Systems, the hairdressing equipment, have the normal qualification of structures. In conclusion, alternative cooling systems, routinely qualified in the respective cooling 146 and 148, pass through the tobacco structures 66dc through Thermo or other suitable usable to those who form step 150 as the tobacco. of Auburn which are known and in the respective hairdressing structure 66 is substantially free of thermally induced warping along its edges and is in a state for subsequent winding and cutting steps 152 and 154. However, it is preferred to monitor temperature, humidity level and overall weighting the tobacco web 66s as it leaves the de-curing step 150 to provide feedback and control of the process to ensure that the tobacco web 66s are in the winding and cutting condition and will produce desirable temperature and humidity targets; and total weight for coils 66b.

In particular, in monitoring the tobacco web layer 66s, its total weight value is used to adjust the surface treatment operation 144, for example, to the extent of supplying the slurry of tobacco material to the reversing roller coating device or the nip in the roller nip of the coating device. The moisture level values in monitoring step 151 are used to control drying operations to achieve the target moisture levels in the layer, as •

has been previously described. Similarly, the cooling step 148 is controlled in response to the temperature values of the tobacco web layer 66 in monitoring step 151.

Thereafter, the tobacco web layer 66s is wound in a winding step 152, which is carried out by the structure of the winding devices known and available to those of ordinary skill in the art of fabricating structures. Subsequently, the wound tobacco web layer 66s is cut into individual bobbins 66b, in which the cutting width for each bobbin corresponds to the desired circumference of the cigarette 23.

At the conclusion of the conversion steps 122, the coil 66b is in a state for automated cigarette manufacturing processes 23, such as in the bonding operations shown with reference to FIG. No. 6, co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 07 / 943,504, filed Sep. 11, 1952, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The glycerin in the tobacco material 70 serves as an aerosol precursor and facilitates the formation of visible aerosol during smoking of the cigarette 23. In addition, when the glycerin is released into the atmosphere, it condenses and provides the appearance expected from cigarette smoke. Other moisture stabilizers suitable for use in the tobacco industry may be used in its place.

Optionally, after the casting step 123, the side of the structure 68 may be covered with alginate before, during, or after the surface treatment step 126. The alginate surface provides additional strength and film formation along one side of the backing layer 68. However, the backing layer 68 has sufficient strength without alginate and it is a preferred practice to assemble the underlayer 68 without it.

The present invention may be practiced with other types of support structures 68 (carriers) comprising carbon fiber or metallic or mesh materials (mats, carpet, matrices) described in commonly-assigned, co-assigned U.S. Patent Applications Serial No. 07 / 943,504 (PM).

- 34 Co - negotiated as September 1995 (PM 1697

Cont.), The structures of the tobacco approximately include

A fiber of up to 2 matting ranges containing preferably µg / m ² ; carbon fiber at 4 g / m ² , and most preferably 3 about 0.5 to 1.5 er / rn ² .

1550) and Serial No. 07 / 943,747 (PM 1655); and U.S. Patent No. 5,388,549 (PM 1697); and European Patent Application EP-A-0 615 411, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

With respect to carbon-fiber structures as disclosed in EP-A-0 615 411 and co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,388,549 (PM 1697), the continuation of which is herein incorporated by reference. 30.

a preferred composition of said backing structure 68, in the range of 20-30 g / m ² , g / m ² , most preferably 26

2-9 g / m ² , more preferably 2 to g / m ² ; and pectin in ranges most preferably about 1 g / m ^{2 of} pectin. Preferably, these components are balanced to form a backing layer 68 having a basis weight of about 30 g / m ² . It is also preferred to use a carbon fiber length of 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) to facilitate its dispersion during the slurry forming portion of the process. Initiation of the carbon fiber feedstock dispersion is facilitated when processes such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,007,083 and 4,234,379 are used.

In an alternative embodiment of the tobacco backing 66 (ie, carbon fiber mats), the total weight of the finished dry layer is about 160 g / m ² , of which 30 g / m ² comprises the backing 68 and 130 g / m ² includes the tobacco material 70. In contrast, a more preferred embodiment of the carbon fiber-free tobacco backing 66 has a dried layer weight of about 170 g / m ² , of which 40 g / m ² includes the backing layer 68 and 130 g / m ² includes the tobacco material 70.

Whatever type is used for the backing layer 68 (or carrier), the tobacco material 70 is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the backing layer 68 and releases the tobacco flavor aerosol (response) when heated. Such materials may also comprise continuous layers, foams, gels, dried slurries or dried spray-coated slurries of tobacco material.

Referring to FIG. 3, and in conjunction with the teachings incorporated by reference in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594 (PM 1697), when the preferred embodiment cigarette 23 is inserted into the sleeve 27, it is guided into the heater 39 until the free end 78 of the cigarette 23 abuts a stop 182 fixedly mounted in the base of the heater fixture 39. Once the cigarette is in place, smoking may commence, whereby the action of coating the cigarette with a smoker is recorded by the coating sensor 45, which, in cooperation with the control circuit 41, causes the electric current to be supplied to a predetermined one of the heaters. 37. Current is supplied through an electrical circuit that includes leads 183 at one end of each heater filament 37, a common ring 184 at the opposite end of each heater 37, and a common lead 186 extending from common ring 184 back to proximity of leads 183 When each heater 37 is activated thermal energy is transferred through the wrapper 71 and the tobacco web 68 in sufficient quantity to cause the tobacco flavor material 70 of the tobacco web 66 to release tobacco aerosol within the tobacco rod restriction 60 that is drawn from the cigarette 23 in response to the smoker's coating action. cigarette tip 23.

The smoker's cigarette coating typically takes 1.5 to 2.0 seconds, while the FTC cigarette testing procedures assume a coating duration of 2.0 seconds.

Where the imprint of the heater 94 overlaps the hollow space 91, aerosol is released directly from the heated tobacco flavor material 70 into the hollow space, whereby it is drawn into and through the tip 62 with a very low pressure drop. On the other hand, where the heater impression 94 overlaps the tobacco plug

36 80 (heater / filler overlay), the proximal portions of the tobacco plug 80 become heated along with the proximal portions of the tobacco web 66. Accordingly, the blended tobacco plugs of the tobacco plug 80 contribute their own total aerosol fraction by contributing their flavor and other subjective attributes . The aerosol released from the tobacco plug 80 in or around the heater / filler overlap 99 undergoes some filtration and pressure drop as it is drawn through the tobacco plug 80 and into the cavity 91.

The aerosol produced from heating the tobacco plug 80 has a character and taste that can be altered by the tobacco blend, as well as adjustments in how much of the heater 94 overlaps the tobacco plug 80. The aerosol component that is produced near the hollow space 91 is released from the cigarette faster because less thermal inertia rides in the cavity 91, and because the thermally vaporized tobacco substance in the cavity 91 is not subject to a pressure drop of the tobacco plug 80 and is instead immediately transferred to the tip 62 by a free flow filter 74. released from the tobacco plug 80 as it is released predominantly from the tobacco flavor material 70 on the backing 68. As will be explained in more detail below, it has been found that, for the smoker's satisfaction, the aerosol delivered from the cigarette 23 preferably contains both aerosol components to provide immediate release. and providing the flavor characteristics attributed to the blended filling tobacco. In the interpretation that follows, it becomes clear that the presence of the hollow space 91 (and its immediate delivery initiality) ensures consistent smoking of the coating from the coating of the cigarette 23 and promotes consistency (here, consistency) between the cigarettes. This relationship is supported by the thrust-thrust attributes of the partially filled cigarette 23, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment (having cut filler liner 80 and a hollow space 91.), as compared to cigarettes 23 ^{1 of the} first

• · • · · · · - · ' • ♦ · • · · · · • · ·· · • · ' • · • · • · • ·· '· · · ·· • ·

of the alternative design of FIG. 6A having no cut filler within its rolled up tobacco structure, and a second alternative assembly of FIG. 7A having a rolled up tobacco structure fully filled with the cut filler. In the description of these alternative designs is to be understood that the tobacco web 66 ^x and 66 comprises a base web 68 and tobacco material 70 as in the preferred embodiment. Tobacco rod 60 ^one of these alternate designs also included wrapper (envelope) 71st

A rotary type glow element with an energy setting of 15 joules was used to generate comparable data as shown in FIG. 6B and 7B, for the cigarettes shown in FIG. 6A and 7A, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a cigarette adapted for smoking in the electrical smoking system of the first alternative design includes a tobacco rod 60 ¹ and a tip 62 ¹ each containing commas indicated by a comma in the base digit index corresponding to those shown in FIG. 4A. However, the tobacco rod 60 of the cigarette 23 ^{1 1} encapsulate no cut filler within its tobacco web 66 ^x and a free end 78 of the tobacco rod ¹ 60 ¹ is provided with a back flow filter 200 ^first The base structure 68 ^of the tobacco web 66 ^x being the type including carbon fiber as previously described. Assembly of the Cigarette 23 ¹ is also indicated in detail in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,594 (PM 1697), which are hereby all incorporated by reference herein. For the purposes of the description that follows, reference to this cigarette 23 ¹ will be made as a filler-free cigarette 23 ¹ .

Referring now to FIG. 6C, attempts were made using a smoking apparatus in collaboration with the smoking system 21. The output of the smoking apparatus was routed through each smoke coating device 6y having a translucent chamber 6v where a light beam 6u from the source 6w passes through this translucent chamber 6v to the photodetector 6z. on the opposite side of the translucent chamber 6v. The photosensor 6z output is processed to deal with light intensity when it hits the sensor

Any passing through the chamber 6v has a light beam 6u, a tobacco aerosol that disperses the light beam 6u, so that any resulting change in the recorded light intensity in the photodetector in turn denotes the total particulate matter

6z will be (TMP) in the aerosol.

In accordance with testing practices

FTC is preferred that the smoking device draw a standard two second coating from the smoking system 21.

The information graphically shown in FIG. 6B show the intensity registered in the smoke measuring device in relation to time as the smoking device continued with each of the subsequent fillers free of cigarette 23 ^l . These data indicate the following trends: that with a filler-free cigarette 23 ¹ first and second coating are not consistent (here in line) with the remaining three strokes, said later three coatings are more consistent with each other, and that aerosol is delivered well before the expiry of the two-second period for every coating. The filler-free cigarette 23 ¹ is less consistent in delivery of the first few strokes and consistency prevails only in the latter coating. The first draft data is largely consistent with the overall observation that the cigarette-free filler cigarette 23 ^l delivers less aerosol during the first coating, unless corrective measures such as perforation of the tobacco rod 60 ^l or other measures as disclosed in US patent C.

388,594 (PM 1697).

Referring now to FIG. 7A, yet another design of the electrically functioning cigarette 23 ¹¹ includes a tobacco rod 60 ¹¹ and a tip 62 having components and arrangements similar to those of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, with the same components indicated by a double dash in the base digit index. However, the cigarette 2 3 ¹¹ in FIG. 7A includes a rear flow filter 200 ¹¹ at the free end 7 8 ¹¹ ··. · · · · · ···: λ ··· • · ··· along the whole

In the elongate elongate filter 74 of the tobacco rod 60 '.

'' · /. Ť

- 39 and cut filler column 220 ¹¹ , length - tobacco rod 60 ^T between 200 and free flow filter

The tobacco column 220 of the cigarette 23 comprises a blend of distinctive, strong, and oriental tobacco at a rod density of 0.275 grams per cubic centimeter. The backing structure 68 of the tobacco web 66 is a carbon fiber containing type as previously described. In the discussion that follows, reference to this cigarette 23 will be referred to as a fully filled, refill cigarette 23.

Referring now to FIG. 7B, the measurement of the light intensity by the smoke measuring device 6y has been correlated with the passage of time of each coating for successive strokes, labeled from one to seven per fully filled, refill cigarette 23. The data shown in FIG. 7B are representative of two recognizable performance trends of a cigarette constructed in accordance with a fully filled, refill cigarette 23: that the first few coatings provide significant aerosol delivery, but then the supply decreases to such an extent that the last three draws provide substantially less delivery than the first few moves (unless corrective action is taken); and for a fully filled, refill cigarette 23 ¹¹ , the aerosol delivery is delayed and the initial strokes (one, two and three coatings) do not reach the maximum delivery until a substantial portion of the two second period has elapsed.

During the first few coating is fully filled, filler cigarette ¹¹ 2 3 tends to deliver a greater total volume of aerosol than the filler-free cigarette 23 ^first A comparison of the data shown in FIG. 7B and 6B justify this overall remark (observation) in that the total areas above the lines of the first few moves in FIG. 7B for a fully filled, refill cigarette 23 are larger than the total areas above the first few stroke lines in FIG. 6B for cigarette-free fillers 23 ¹ . The area above the line of each coating in FIG. 7B and 6B indicate the total delivery during this thrust.

·· • ·· • · ·· • · • •  · • • ^: · • · • •  · • · ···· ♦ «· ··

• ······················

However, it is believed that the delay in delivery of a fully filled, refill cigarette 23 leads the smoker to carry out a longer, stronger coating in response to the fact that he or she does not receive an immediate flavor response from the cigarette 23. causes the heated portions of the wrapper 71 and the tobacco web 66 to become fully consumed (oxygenated) through additional, drawn air, so that during the first few strokes there is more significant cracking and possibly localized collapse of the tobacco column 220. In addition, it is believed that once pyrolysis is initiated in a fully filled, refill cigarette 23 ”, it tends to be more self-sustaining, due to the presence of a greater mass of combustible tobacco and / or its more compact condition. In any case, since air can be more easily drawn into the tobacco rod through these ruptured, burnt-out locations of the first few coatings, it is believed that these localized breaches shorten the circumference of the desired air flow paths of subsequent coatings. Consequently, the delivery during later strokes of the fully filled, refill cigarette 23 decreases.

The data shown in FIG. 7B and the explanation above is in accordance with the general observation (observation) that a fully filled, refill cigarette 23 or a traditional cigarette, when smoked by electric lighters, tends to deliver less product to them as the strokes continue.

With its delayed, even more self-sustaining pyrolysis, a fully filled cigarette 23 tends to generate large amounts of aerosol in the later stages of the stroke, and at these times it can continue to produce the amount of aerosol over the time actually smoked by the cigarette. The latter situation may result in the production of a post-coating that may persist within the lighter housing 33, especially in or around the heater 39's clamping. Part of such a post-coating aerosol will be problematic to precipitate on the heater elements 33 or persist long enough is drawn into the cigarette 23 during the next puff. One or the other

«♦ ·· · · · · · · · · · · · e ··· · · • ·. The consequences are detrimental to the supply of a pleasant and lasting taste

Referring backward to FIG. 6B, the cigarette-free filler lines 23 ¹ are evidence that aerosol delivery is maximized (where the draw lines fall most) before the two-second (2) duration of the standard draw passes, and delivery is minimal at later stages of the coating, post-coating aerosol is not such a problem with the filler-free cigarette 23 ^first However, as noted earlier, the filler-free cigarette 23 ^l delivers less total aerosol volume than a fully filled, refill cigarette 23. ”, suffers from inconsistency in delivery times during the first few coatings, and lacks the subjective attributes and flexibility that a smoker would otherwise enjoy if mixed (or even unmixed) cut filler is included.

Giant. 8 illustrates comparative smoking data on a smoking device using the smoke measuring device 6y as described above for cigarettes constructed in accordance with a filler-free cigarette 23 ¹ ; a fully filled, refill cigarette 23; and a partially filled, refill cigarette 23 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the preceding embodiment (as shown in Fig. 4A) of the present invention. For all these cigarettes, a carbon fiber material (carpet, doormat) was used as the backing layer. As the Data Treatments FIG. 8 shows a partially filled, refill cigarette 23 of the present invention for more consistent delivery during smoking. It avoids the drop in delivery that occurs in the latter puffs fully-filled, filler cigarette 23, and is more consistent in delivery than the filler-free cigarette 23 ¹ in the first few coating.

A partially filled, refill cigarette 23 that has been tested to obtain the data used in FIG. 8, was half-filled with filler such that the heater overlap over the hollow space in this cigarette design was relatively large, approximately 6 mm. The heating elements 37 used to generate the data shown in FIG. 8 were of spiral type, with an energy of 15 joules per incandescent ··.

• · ··· ··· ·· • '···· ··

- 42 - cycle. Referring to FIG. they are the amount of aerosol 8 especially, the data presented there (in milligrams) generated during

the first two seconds of each coating in a successive sequence of strokes during smoking of each particular type of cigarette. Referring to the data shown in FIG. 6B and 7B, the amount of aerosol indicated in FIG. 8 will analytically correspond to the integration (area defined above) of each coating line from 0 to 2 seconds in FIG. 6B and 7B.

The data presentation in FIG. 8 clearly illustrates the drop in delivery that occurs with a fully filled, refill cigarette 23 as the smoker continues from the first puff to further draws. In contrast, the filler-free cigarette does not suffer from a drop in delivery as is the case with a fully filled, refill cigarette 23.

The data presentation in FIG. 8 also clearly shows that a partially filled, refill cigarette 23 provides consistency of delivery as compared to a filler-free cigarette 23 &apos; over six coatings. Moreover, it does so to its taste and subjective impression with the help of cut filler.

Referring to Table II, data has been gathered here to show how changes in the size of the cigarette heater overlap, constructed in accordance with cigarette 23, can affect delivery. The data shown in Table II was produced by a partially-filled cigarette smoking device having a 32 mm tobacco rod and a 7 mm free flow filter at the tip tip of the tobacco rod and a 30 mm tip in which the heater (filament) imprint was 12 cm long. centered on the middle point of the tobacco rod of each cigarette.

• · .Table II

Hollow space length (mm) 4 7 10 Covering the heater along the hollow space (mm) 1 4 7 Cover the heater along the tobacco plug 11 8 5 Average TPM 4.9 5.5 7.0 Adjusted average TPM (lowest value omitted) 5.2 5.9 7.3 Standard deviation of adjusted average 0.34 0.53 0.5

Giant. 9 provides a graphical representation of the particulate matter (TPM) versus the amount of total heater filler delivered (in millimeters). The data presented here was generated using standard test techniques to determine FTC tar levels, using Cambridge pads, and two second draft intervals on standard smoking devices. The cigarettes tested were partially filled, refill cigarettes having a carbon fiber backing structure and a total length of 58 mm, except that the data appearing along the coordinate in FIG. 9 were obtained from a cigarette-free filler having a carbon fiber backing structure and the same overall length. As the tobacco overlap with the heater changed, the heater impression remained constant and centered on the center point of the tobacco rod. Accordingly, any increase in tobacco overlap by the heater produced a proportional reduction in the heater space overlap by the heater. The heater was of the rotary type having a heater impression of approximately 10 mm. All data taken together suggest that in these circumstances there is a second order relationship between the total particulate matter delivered and the amount of filler overlap by the heater. The data shown in FIG. 9 and the separate data set in Table II show that the heater filler size can be adjusted to achieve the desired (target) delivery level in the partially filled, refill cigarette 23.

The filler heater size setting is • 4

• 4 ·· · ··· φ 4 '· 4: 4 ·'

4 4 4 4 4

4 4 4 4 4 4 .. '' '· · ♦:' '44 in a preferred way to achieve the desired level of tar in partially filled, refillable cigarettes, for reasons that have found that the filler heater has a more controllable supply effect than changes This approach also makes it possible to select the density of the rod in the tobacco plug 80 for purposes other than the tar level, e.g., to control the free ends and / or to create the desired degree of pressure drop and / or filtration at the free ends 78. tobacco rods 60 or otherwise facilitated manufacture. This also provides the capacity to alter the tar supply between related cigarette products, without having to change either the tobacco structure 66 or the tobacco plug 80.

It is also advantageous to assemble the proportional dimensions of the partially filled, filling cigarette 23 and those of the heater 39 of the lighter 21 so that by inserting the cigarette 23 into the lighter 21, each glowing element 37 is positioned along the tobacco rod 60 such that the heater imprint, overlaps only the filled portion of the tobacco rod 60 (over the tobacco plug 80,). In such configurations, the cavity 91 still facilitates aerosol formation and helps to cool the smoke. It is believed that the free pass filter 74 helps to promote aerosol formation by presenting a restriction to the flow of aerosol constituents when drawn from the wider cavity 91. In this regard, it should be noted that the free pass filter 74 of the tobacco rod 70 represents the edges 73 and 75 at the transitions between it and the hollow space 91 on one side and between it and the free pass filter 102 on the other side, as described above. These edges 73 and 75 are due to the free flow filter 74 having a smaller internal radius than one or both of the other two adjacent regions (the void cavity 91 and the space encapsulated within the free pass filter 102). These edges 73 and 75 (and possibly other adjacent portions of the free pass filter 74) are believed to promote turbulence and other flow conditions favorable to the formation of aerosol from the gas phase and particulate phase constituents released from the heated portions of the tobacco. the tobacco rod 60 of FIG. 10, the cigarette 23a is with yet another preferred embodiment of this having the components and arrangements as in the discussion of the cigarette 23 as seen in FIG. 4A, but with the addition of a rear flow filter 200a located at the free end 78a of the tobacco

Referring now to the assembled invention, the determined flow filter 200a prevents tobacco leakage at the free end 78a.

sticks 60a. This rear of the tobacco plug 80 to

A loose filter to indicate that with an electric match or traditional cigarettes.

200a is shown as inserts

23a connect the cigarette instead of the flow cigarette through the smoking traditional

200a may also be 23a is a cigarette device

Although it is a separate 80a, the tobacco is filtered so that for use by the lighter as a back flow component of the wrapped tobacco is possible for the suitability of making a cigarette liner 80a with a back flow filter 200a with an insert wrapper (not shown). With the rear flow filter insert 200a, the cigarette 23a may be provided with a tobacco plug 80a having a low rod density, without risking problems such as loose ends or tobacco falling out of the tobacco rod 60a. As disclosed in EP-A-0 615 411, and co-assigned patent 07/943 504, filed September 11, assigned to U.S. Patent No. 5, a flow filter 200a configured to restrict aerosol release from the free end 78a of the application

1992 (PM

No. 388,594 and co-negotiated US Serial no.

together it is rear or completely

1550) and at (PM 1697), the tobacco rod 60a at the end of the coating and produced a pressure drop at the free end 78a so as to favorably limit the amount of air drawn into the cigarette 23a from the free end 78a relative to the proportional amount of air admitted along the sides of the tobacco rod 60a. .

With respect to the design techniques for the partially filled, refill cigarette 23 of the preferred embodiment, the heater energy. Ό.

• · φ · '· - :. · -: · · · · · · · · ·. . '. · ·' · Φ · · φ '' ··· '·: ·. '·················································

The amount of overlap of filler by the heater can be used to create and / or adjust the delivery to the desired level of tar. Accordingly, when designing a new partially filled, refill cigarette 23, it is generally applicable to select the density of the rod in the tobacco plug 80 to achieve the desired degree of pressure drop at the free end 78 and / or to control the backflow in the same way as a filter 200a of an alternative embodiment 23a.

Referring now to FIG. 11, yet another cigarette 23b constructed in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a tobacco plug 80b comprising a low density portion 310b adjacent the cavity 91b and a high density portion 320b adjacent the free end 78b of the cigarette rod 60b. . The cigarette 23b is configured such that the heater impression 94B overlaps the low density portion 310b of the tobacco plug 80b to achieve increased delivery attainable by lower rod densities. The high density region of the cut filler 320b is arranged to prevent free ends and to limit the transfer of air axially through the bar 60b in a manner analogous to the rear flow filter 200a.

Currently preferred embodiments of the heater are shown in FIG. 12-21. These heaters are suitable for any of the cigarette embodiments previously described, i.e., fully filled, partially filled, and filler-free cigarettes in FIG. 4a, 4b, 6a, 7a, 10 and 11, and modifications of these cigarettes.

These heaters provide increased mechanical strength for repeated insertion, modification and removal of cigarettes 23, and greatly increase the generation of aerosols from the heated cigarette, while maintaining energy requirements. It has been found that the generated aerosols tend to flow radially away from the pulse heater.

Generally, eight heating blades 121 are preferred to provide eight coatings based on sequential heating of the heating blades 121, thereby simulating the counting of the coating (s) by a more traditional cigarette. Specifically, the heater blades 121 extend from the neck 110 and form a cylindrical arrangement of the heater blades to receive the inserted cigarette 23. Preferably, a gap 129 is defined between adjacent glowing blades.

It may be desirable to vary the amount of strokes and hence the number of glow blades 121 achieved when the cigarette is inserted into the cylindrical sleeve CR. This desired number is achieved by forming the desired number of heater blades 121. This can be achieved by providing blades of equal or unequal size.

The heater fixture is disposed in the neck 27 of the lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is slid, an optional rear flow filter 200 first, at the neck 27 in the lighter 25 into a substantially cylindrical space of the heater fixture 39 defined by an annular cap 83 having an open end for receiving the cigarette. air duct cylindrical 87, heater assembly 100 comprising heater blades 121, electrically conductive pin or common lead 104A that serves as a common lead for the heater elements of this heater assembly, electrically conductive, positive pins or leads 1-4Β, and a certain spacer. The lower inner surface 81 of the spacer drives the cigarette 23 in the desired position in the heater fixture 39 so that the glow blades 121 are disposed adjacent the cavities 78 in the cigarette, and in a preferred embodiment are arranged as previously described with respect to FIG. 1 and 11.

Essentially, the entire heater 39 is arranged inside and secured in position by a tight fit with the housing 31 of the front 33 of the lighter 25. The forward edge of the cap 83 is preferably disposed within or slightly extends outside the first end 29 of the lighter 25. and preferably includes an internally bevelled or rounded portion to facilitate insertion of the cigarette 23 into and out of the heater fixture 39. The pins 104A and 104B are preferably received in corresponding sleeves. (not shown), thereby providing support for the lighter fixture 39, and the wires or printed wires.

the connections lead from the sleeve to various electrical elements. Other pegs may provide additional support to strengthen peg mounting. Pins 10-4A and 104B may include any suitable material and preferably comprise tinned phosphor bronze. The passage 47 in the spacer and the base 50 are connected to the coating activated by the sensor 45 and the light sensor 53 senses the presence or absence of the cigarette 23 in the lighter as shown in FIG. 12 and a monolithic structure, an elongate configuration, or, as unsymmetrical arrangement, mounting a definator heater 360 having a throat 365 to a coaxially defined than an insertion aperture by the end 121 between

360 has

13, the heater assembly 100 is comprised of eight glowers from the central throat 111 discussed above. As is best seen, it is generally circular which directs the inserted cylindrical sleeve CR 360. The sliding opening through the coupling portions 118B and the throat portion 365 is the connecting edge 118A preferably to guide the cigarette towards a diameter approximately equal to the fit for good transmission has preferably a diameter that is known in the art.

tolerance for cigarette 23, throat 365 in transition between

CR can also serve to increase the heat serving behind the inside

25.

As preferably by blade 121, symmetrical in FIG. 19 in FIG. 13, the plug-in opening of the cigarette in a direction having a diameter smaller

360 is delimited by respective glow blade section 118 defined by a section of sections 118 and 118B. The male end is larger than the inserted cigarette to the sleeve CR and the sleeve CR has a cigarette 23 to provide thermal energy. A Cigarette Approximately Equal to the Range Taking an acceptable progressively tapering distal end to slightly compress contact with the surrounding tight diameters of the manufacturing surface or the cigarette sleeve, the blades 121, the wall of the sleeve. By way of non-limiting example, the insertion end 360 preferably has an inner diameter of about 0.356 inches + 0.02 inches (0.9 cm + 0.05 cm) and the sleeve CR preferably has an inner diameter of about 0.278

inches +0.02 inches (0.7 cm +0.05 cm). The blades 120 may be bent inward to increase thermal contact with the cigarette by limiting the diameter of the cylindrical sleeve.

Each U-shaped glowing blade 121 includes a first section 116b extending the first end hay from the throat 111 connecting the portion 118 connected to the opposite second end of the first section 116A and a second section 116B extending at the first end from the connecting portion 118 toward the neck 111. The first and second arms 116A and 116B are separated by a gap 125 which may be relatively constant, preferably substantially parallel in any unwound state as in FIG. 18 and 19, as discussed below, are continuous in the insertion direction of the cigarette to reduce unwanted cigarette retention and are oriented towards the definition of the cylindrical sleeve CR for the inserted cigarette 23.

The connecting portion 118 has a curved connecting edge 118A for joining opposite inner edges of the blade arms

116A and 116B such that an elongated U-shaped resistive path is formed that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inserted cigarette and extends along the cigarette, as discussed in more detail below. The curved connecting edge 118A preferably has a curvature of approximately 180 ° + 20 ° so that it is formed into a U-shaped blade and has a curvature that is concave towards the neck 111 and convex towards the insertion opening 360. The first end of the first blade arm 116A in the neck 111 can have an increased width, with the same approximate thickness, in the portion 115 relative to the remainder of the first arm 116A to reduce the current and energy density in the portion 115 to limit the resistive heating of the portion 115. This extension also increases the mechanical integrity of the blade 121 in the throat 111.

The second end 122 of the second blade arm 116B is preferably raised relative to the main portion of the second blade arm 116B in a step shape to facilitate electrical connection to the respective positive pin 104B.

• ·

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12 and 13, the end 122 includes three sections, namely, a portion 122A that is essentially a planar extension of the main portion of the second blade arm 116B, a transition portion 122B that rises at the angle shown, and connecting an end portion 122C that is generally parallel to the portion 122A. These end portions 122 may have a greater width than the second blade arms 116B, to increase strength, to provide adequate contact area for positive engagement at the connecting end portion 122C, and to reduce the current density and hence resistive glow of the end 122. The end portion 122C is preferably a switching welded, or electrically and mechanically, by any other technique to the positive pin 104B.

Yet another embodiment to achieve positive connections for the heater blades 121 is shown in FIG. 14 and 15. The connecting end 122 is preferably not step-shaped as in FIG. 12 and 13, rather it is a substantially flat extension of the second blade arm 116B, which simplifies the fabrication discussed below. To reduce the possibility of short connections arising from contact between the positive end 122 and the neck 111 and / or the portion 115 of the first arm 116A when, for example, the inserted cigarette is rotated or otherwise adapted by the smoker, at the end 122, the neck 111 and the portion 115 is applied an electrically insulating ceramic surface 300, particularly at the respective facing edges of these elements.

Preferably, the ceramic surface is applied by any conventional technique, for example, by plasma spraying on the throat 111 connecting the end 122 and the portion 115 of the first arm 116A. The respective ceramic preferably has a relatively high dielectric constant. Any suitable electrical insulator such as alumina, zirconia, mullite, corderite, spinel, fosterite, combinations thereof, etc. may be used. Preferably zirconia, or other ceramics having a coefficient of thermal expansion very close to that of has a metal at the bottom

- 51 a heating structure to avoid differences in expansion and contraction sizes during glowing and cooling, thereby avoiding cracks and / or delamination during operation. This ceramic layer remains physically and chemically stable when the heating element is heated. The thickness for this electrical insulator is preferred, for example, about 0.1 to 10 mils (0.0025 to 0.25 mm), or about 0.5-6 mils (0.00127 to 0.152 mm), and more preferably 1 to 10 mils. -3 thousandths of an inch (0.025-0.076 mm). A portion of the cap 122 is preferably not covered. The positive pins 1Ό4Β are then connected, as discussed, to this exposed part. To simplify masking, the corresponding part of the portion 115 is not similarly coated with ceramics.

The ceramic may also be applied, for example, in the same plasma spraying step, in the gap 127 between the ends 122 and portions 115 of the first arms 116A and in the gap 126 between the ends 122 and the neck 110 to form the ceramic neck structure to increase the mechanical integrity of the heater assembly. this is shown in FIG. The size of this ceramic neck assembly may be larger than shown. With or without this additional ceramic application, the ceramic surface electrically insulates the positive splice ends 122, and the gaps of widths 127 and 125 can be reduced while providing protection against short splices. Accordingly, the end portion 122 and the portion 115 of the first leg 116A may have an elevated area thereby further reinforcing the sleeve and, in the case of a ceramic neck, increasing the skeletal structure and further strengthening the heater assembly. In addition, such a ceramic surface smoothes the sharp edges defining the gaps 125 and 127 to reduce the potential for catching and damaging the cigarette, especially during insertion, withdrawal and any modification by the smoker. Alternatively, the entire blade 121, and in particular the first and second arms 116A and 116B, are completely covered on one surface, for example, the outer surface facing away from the cigarette, both on the inner and outer surfaces, and / or the edges.

······ • φ - ·. · ···· ··· ·· ··

52 defining said gaps by means of a ceramic layer, for example approximately 2 mils (0.05 mm) of zirconium, to strengthen the glowing blades, maintaining gaps if desired. Accordingly, the blades 121 may be thinner, for example, about 2 to about 6 mils (0.05 to 0.15 mm), thereby increasing the glow path resistance and allowing the blades to be wider for the increased thermal interface with the cigarette inserted 23, at while maintaining the same overall blade resistance. This increased blade width, together with the ceramic layer, further strengthen the heater structure. Also, the ceramic surface on the outer surface of the blades 121 facing away from the inserted cigarette can prevent heat loss from the glowing blade to the surroundings. The ceramic is preferably applied by plasma spraying or by any other method described in the related applications and is preferably applied by electron beam vapor deposition to avoid the introduction of residual loads that may be introduced during plasma spray treatment from surface treatment and / or particle impact .

Each blade 121 forms a resistive heating element. More specifically, the first end 115 of the first blade portion 116A is electrically coupled to the negative end of the power supply, and more specifically, is an integral extension of the neck 111, or is mechanically and electrically coupled to the neck 111 which is in electrical and mechanical connection to the negative end pin 104A. via a welding weld or other technique such as brazing or soft soldering. Preferably, the two end pins 104Ά are used to provide a leveled support, since the positive and negative connections also serve to mechanically support the heater. The neck 111 thus functions as electrically common to all glow blades 121. In any embodiment, the negative connection for each heater (glow filament) can be made individually by, for example, a suitable negative contact located at the end of the heater, opposite to the respective positive contact surfaces 122.

• ·

Corresponding positive connection

121 is provided in the connecting blade portion 116B as discussed for each of the heating blade end portions 122C of the latter. The connecting end portion 122C is electrically insulated from the common throat 110 by a gap 127; from the first blade portion 116A, and in particular the first end 115, the associated heater blade 120 by a gap 125; and from the adjacent glow blade through the gap 131 to avoid short connections and to allow thermal expansion. In addition, the ceramic surfaces discussed are optionally applied. Alternatively, the connecting end portions 122C are respectively connected to ground.

The positive and negative connections discussed provide a resistive path, and more specifically a circuit for current applied from an electrical power source, for example, through a control circuit, to a particular blade (s) by activating the smoking system by coating the smoker. The primary blade heater surface includes a first blade arm 116A, an edge portion 118A, and a second blade arm 116B. Accordingly, the portion of the inserted cigarette 23 lying underneath and contacting the activated blade 121 extending longitudinally will be heated by the pattern of the outer surface of the corresponding heated portion of the blade, i.e. in an elongated U shape corresponding to the overlapping blade, primarily by conduction and radiation, probably . In addition, the portion of the inserted cigarette between the arms, i.e. the underlying gap 125, is heated by overlapping, the cumulative radiant and conductive heat transfer from both the arm 116A and the arm 116B. If the gap 125 is too large, the desired overlap will not occur and the portion of the inserted cigarette lying below the gap 125 will not be adequately heated. Also, radiant and conductive heat will heat the tape portions of the inserted cigarette slightly beyond (outside) the outer edges of the heater blade arms 116A and 116B. Together, the various heated portions form a heated (heated) region of the cigarette 23 that extends slightly beyond the outer edge of the arm 116A, below the arm 116A, through the gap 125, below.

54 an arm 116B, and slightly beyond the arm 116B of the activated blade 121, which corresponds to the coating of the generated tobacco flavor. The magnitude of this heated region depends on the blade geometry and heating characteristics, as well as the magnitude and duration of the energy pulse. The glow blade preferably has a size and is thermally designed to ultimately heat a segment of a mounted cigarette size, for example, 18 mm ² , to coat the smoker in response to the pull pulse.

Relatively larger part of the current path, since and thus having a sufficient generation of acceptable activated energy end blade and surfaces are not heated to their relatively larger volumes reduce resistive glow, portions 118 are not heated to because the heating path has

115 and 122, forming these operating temperatures, reduce the current density. Also, the portion connecting these operating temperatures tends to follow the edge

118A and this portion produces a relatively larger volume and accordingly has a lower current density and hence less resistive glow than the edge 118A and the immediately adjacent portions. To further reduce unwanted heating of the remainder of the joining portion 118, it is possible to: (1) increase the thickness of the monolithic material of the portion 118 relative to the curved edge 118A in the region 118C to further reduce current density and resistance heating as shown in FIG. 5, (2) perforate the portion 118 to limit resistive and / or heat conducting paths, and / or (3) add additional heat separating material 119 to the material 118 to limit heat transfer to the portion as shown in FIG. 6. A thermally non-conductive material, i.e. a thermal insulator such as a ceramic, is applied to achieve this heat-separating function. Examples of suitable ceramic materials include alumina, zirconia, mixtures thereof, mullite, etc., as is the case with the glow blade surface. Each of these modifications should be evaluated for any adverse effect on the mechanical integrity of the connecting portions 118 that support the assembly of the heater 100 and define the opening for inserting and removing the cigarette.

There is a predetermined minimum time before the glow blade 121 impulses

Premature incandescence to undesirable and / or allowing subsequent thrust.

The portion of the cigarette could also lead to a partial generation of aerosol, or heat-induced degradation of the portion of the cigarette before the desired glow.

Subsequent reheating of the previously heated portion can lead to undesirable developed odors and flavors.

If a longer coating than desired by running a single heater blade is desired, then the control logic is designed to trigger (heater) yet another heater or additional heater blade (s) immediately upon pulsing the initial heater blade, or during the final portion of the initial pulse, to glow another segment of the cigarette. The additional heater blade may be a radially following heater blade or another heater blade. The heater blades should be sized to achieve the total desired number of strokes in the desired duration.

In one embodiment, the number of glow blades 121 corresponds to the number of desired coatings (i.e., eight). In yet another embodiment, the number of heater blades 121 is twice the amount of stroke, for example, for eight cigarette lining there are sixteen parts. Such a configuration allows different glow sequences than normal, consecutive glow of approximately two seconds, and preferably a radial sequential glow for an embodiment in which the number of glow blades 121 corresponds to the number of strokes. For example, the logic circuit may dictate that two circumferentially opposed glow blades 121, i. glowing blades separated by 180 ° on a tube, simultaneously co-heating an adequate size of cigarette to generate a coating. Alternatively, the first glow sequence of each second glow blade 121 for the cigarette is followed by a second glow sequence of intervening glow blades 121 for the next cigarette. Alternatively, this first glow sequence may be repeated for a predetermined life cycle of numerous

• ·

And then initiate a second run sequence. Any combination of heater blades may be used. The number of incandescent blades may be less than or equal to or greater than the number of strokes of a single smoking cigarette. For example, a nine blade system may be used for a six-stroke cigarette in which a different set of six heaters is heated for each subsequent cigarette and the associated set of three heaters is not hot.

Heater installation

100 is electrically and mechanically relatively fixed at one end by welding the pin (s) 104A to the neck 110 and the pins 104B to the ends 122. The pins 104A and 104B are preferably preformed into a plastic neck or otherwise rigidly attached thereto, preferably in a manner to minimize air leak. Preferably, the fixed end is opposite the sliding opening 360. The connecting portions 118, and specifically the opposite ends 118B opposite the joining edges 118A, define the sliding opening 360. The end portions 118B may funnelly extend outwardly and define a portion of the throat 365. the neck portions narrow and define an inner diameter that is slightly less than the outer diameter of the inserted cigarette 23 at, for example, the center point of the blade, to provide the desired thermal contact, ie, compressive forces between the blades and the cigarette. The end portions 118B are free to expand when they are heated, i.e., the end portions 118B are not fixed. More specifically, each end 118B is disposed within a corresponding channel 210 located within the inner wall 201 of the end cap of the lighter 83. More specifically, the outward radial movement of the end portions 118B of the inclined blades 121 is closed by ends 118B contacting the radially outer walls of the passages 210 thereby forming boundaries for slanting and defining (delimiting) internal slanting. This inward bevel may be supplemented by an inward bevel as described above. As shown, the inner wall 201 extends funnelly outwardly to allow the portion to be inserted.

9

9

999 • 3 ·· •

• 9 • 9

····

9 '9 r ··, 99 · 4 • 4

- 57 118 blade ends 118B. The radially outer wall of the channel 200 contacting the end 118B is sized and shaped to allow insertion of an appropriate size of the end of the blade 118B such that the end of the blade will not leave the channel 210 during heating or cooling of the blade or inserting or removing the cigarette. If desired, this radially outer channel wall is provided with an abutment, for example, a trapezoid contacting the end 118B. In an alternative embodiment, the blade end portion 118D is rounded, and more particularly elliptical, prior to insertion of the end portion 118B. This rounded portion 118D allows the slidable portion to rotate within the channel 210 in response to thermally or mechanically induced moments, thereby maintaining the insertion portion of the blade tip within the channel 210. Additionally or alternatively, the blade ends 118B are more rounded.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. of a size such that the blade end 118B

3, the end channel 210 of the heater 121 can extend in a translational manner, i.

11, on the basis of sliding the cigarette 23 and / or glowing the blade such that desirable contact between the cigarette and the blades is achieved. Such an arrangement in which one blade tip is free relative to the opposing neck allows for mechanical displacement and / or thermal expansion and contraction of the glowing blades in the longitudinal direction with corresponding insertion / removal and / or glowing / cooling of the blade, thereby reducing load.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the abutment 204, which may be trapezoidal, may channel 210 so that when the glow is thermally driven by heating (glowing) the cigarette 23 is inserted, terminating 118B

204 and creates a pivot point to allow the blade 121, slanted inwardly toward the inserted cigarette 23, reduce the load on the blade and increase desirable contact, i.e., the squeeze to be positioned within the blade 121 expands or displaces when contacting the abutment in order to thereby between the blade and the cigarette.

58 - The flail point means that the blade 121 is free to rotate, but not to fold, in this abutment 204.

Thus, the heater assembly 100 is preferably a monolithic structure that is optionally covered with ceramics as discussed. The throat 111 and the heater blades 121 are made of a material that has the desired electrical resistance and strength. For example, materials having an electrical resistance in the range of about 50 to about 500 µohm.cm, and more preferably about 100 to about 200 µohm.cm are preferred, such that temperatures of about 200 ° C to about 1000 ° C, and preferably about 400 ° C to about 200 about 950 ° C, and more preferably about 300 ° C to about 850 ° C, are achieved by an activated blade 120 in about 0.2 to about 2.0 seconds, with a pulse of about 10 to about 50 Joules, more preferably about up to about 25 Joules, and more preferably about 20 Joules. The material should be able to withstand about 1,800 to about 10,000 such pulses without causing a significant

121

of which degradation, or undesirable, are so, he suffered from bending the blades

Materials,

121, it is preferable to select reuse at least The heater fixture 39 is preferably a lighter 25 comprising a power supply

1800 glowing blades to ensure reliable on / off cycles. disposable, separate from source 37 and circuits, which is discarded preferably after one use after 3,600 cycles or more. Heater materials and other metallic components are also selected based on their oxidation resistance and overall low reactivity to ensure that they do not oxidize or otherwise react with the cigarette 23 at any temperature they are likely to encounter. If desired, the heating blades 121 and other metallic components are swallowed in an inert, heat-conducting material, such as a suitable ceramic material, to further prevent oxidation and reaction.

More preferably, however, the heating blades are 121 and others.

- 59 metallic components made of a heat-resistant alloy that exhibits a combination of high mechanical strength and resistance to surface oxidation, corrosion and degradation at high temperatures. Preferably, the glow blades 121 are made of a material that exhibits high strength and surface stability at temperatures up to about 80% of their melting points. Such alloys contain those commonly referred to as superalloys and are generally based on nickel, iron or cobalt. For example, alloys primarily of iron or nickel with alumunium and yttrium are suitable. Preferably, the glow blade alloys 121 comprise aluminum to further enhance the performance of the glow element, for example, by providing oxidation resistance.

Preferred materials include iron and nickel aluminides assigned, ordinally and particularly ordinally with this, electrically disclosed in commonly assigned US applications, December 1994, filed simultaneously useful as Act No. PM and most preferably alloys of co-negotiated patent No. 08/365 952 , filed 29.

(not shown), named Iron-aluminum alloys, glow elements (show> units incorporated by reference.

NiaAl alloys can be used as the main alloying additive for B is believed to be most effective when nickel, for example, Al? %. You're not

NisAl in large amounts because Si additives form nickel and silicides

Additive No raises temperatures. Zirconium Helps Increase Cracking by Oxidation During Heat Hf can also be added to increased strength at high temperatures. A preferred alloy substrate 300 and resistive heater 122, and is said to include approximately J -Zo,> 7 in- Π Λ 10, T5>. H <7 o π

1769), which

As a few, the resistive boundaries are here as additive elements.

ke

Get a layer of grains and that increases strength

NisAl is rich in being added to alloys at maximum weight percent oxidation will lead to high based on

SiO ~.

low strength and cycling resistance.

NiaAl for use as designated IC-50

9 aluminides, V. Skaka, Interme. Heká metallurgy of intermetallic compound processing, ed. Stoloff et al., Van Nestrand Reinhold, NY, 1994, Table 4. Various elements may be added to the iron aluminide. Possible additives include Nb, Cu, Ta, Zr, Ti, Mn, Si, Mo and Ni. The heating material may be Haynes * 214 alloy (Haynes ^K alloy 214, nickel-based alloy containing 16.0% chromium, 3.0% iron, 4.5% aluminum, traces of yttrium and the remainder (approximately 75%), commercially available available from Haynes International of Kokomo, Indiana), Inconel 702 alloy, MCrAlY, FeCrAlY alloy, Nichrome * brand alloys (54-80% nickel, 10-20% chromium, 7-27% iron, 0-11% copper, 0 -5% manganese, 0.3-4.6% silicon, and sometimes 1% molybdenum and 0.25% titanium, Nichrome I is reported to contain 60% nickel, 25% iron, 11% chromium and 2% manganese; Nichrome II has 75% nickel, 22% iron, 11% chromium and 2% manganese; and Nichrome III, a heat-resistant alloy containing 85% nickel and 15% chromium) as described in commonly assigned original patent application Serial No. 08 No. 380,718, filed Jan. 30, 1995, and U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594; or materials having similar properties.

As shown in FIG. 12, the heater blades 121 are arranged to extend symmetrically from the throat 111. Alternatively, asymmetric arrangements are used. For example, the multiplicity, eg, six or eight, of the heater blades 121 may be subdivided into, eg, two equally numbered subgroups of, eg, three or four, heater blades. The heater blades in each subset are separated by gaps 131, as discussed above. These subgroups are separated by a wider gap 135, as shown in FIG. 19, in an unfolded, flat state. The gap 135 is defined such that the heat transfer of the conductive and in particular radiant heat from adjacent blades 121 of adjacent subgroups is minimized to the portion of the cigarette 23 lying below the gap 135. Accordingly, the gap 135 provides a wider unheated and strong portion of the cigarette than the non-heated portions of the cigarette, which lie below the narrower gaps 131;

Thereby enhancing the strength of the cigarette column 23 to assist in removing the cigarette after smoking and subsequent heating, and weakening the portions thereof. If desired, the logic may activate more than one heater simultaneously in a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration.

The present invention having two glow arms 116A and 116B, separated by a gap 125, leads to substantial increases in the amount of aerosol generated compared to the amount generated by the solid glow element. The fixed heater achieves good heat transfer in the cigarette; however, the mass transfer of the aerosol to the drawn air stream is limited by a rigid structure blocking the optimum drawing of air outside the cigarette into the cigarette, especially if the smoking system housing is provided with perforations for communicating air outside the housing to the outer surface of the cigarette. The heater of the present invention has the same volume as the solid heater, but results in a larger circumference at a greater draw-in opportunity, for example due to gap 125, and accordingly results in increased flavor delivery per unit of energy to blade 121. be sized to provide optimal radiation overlap for a given blade geometry. Because larger amounts of aerosols are generated, the desired weight of the blades can be reduced while generating the same desired amount of flavors, resulting in a lighter unit and reducing the energy required to adequately heat the heater blades 121 and the cigarette slipped. the source, eg the battery, may be smaller. By way of non-limiting example, the gap 125 may be about 0.020 inch (0.5 mm), + about 0.005 inch (0.1 mm) wide; the blade arms 116A and 116B may be about 0.0125 inches (.0.3 mm) to about 0.017 inches (0.4 mm), + about 0.005 inches (0.1 mm) wide, and about 0.55 inches (13 mm), 9 mm), + about 0.005 inches (0.1 mm) long; and about 0.008 inches (0.2 mm) to about 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) thick, + about 0.005 · 4 · 4 · 4 · 44 · 4 · 44 4 .--- 4- 444 • 1.44-4 · 44444 '·> 4 ® a.444 ··· 44 · · «· · inches (0.1 mm); and the length from the edge of the neck 110 to the tip of the connecting portion 118 may be about 1.062 inches (26.9 mm), + about 0.626 inches (1.58 mm).

It has been found that the primary transverse or radial air flow relative to the inserted cigarette results in a more desirable generation of smoke than the primary longitudinal flow. The gaps 125, 127 and 131 provide air paths that will be drawn into contact with the inserted cigarettes. Additional air passages are provided to optimize the transverse air flow by perforating the glow blade portions.

Yet another embodiment of blade geometry is shown in FIG. 16, in which both the first arm 116A and the second arm 116B have a spiral shape. The spiral arms 116A and 116B as well

Such pull-outs are parallel so that the distant and spiral shape of the aerosol.

these arms are also spiral apart, increasing the periphery of the blade and thereby increasing the spiral shape. The gap 125 is described in more detail in EP-A-0 615 411 and co-assigned original patent application Serial No. 08 / 380,718, filed 30. and U.S. Patent No. 5,388,594.

The first preferred method of manufacture (fabrication) will now be described with reference to FIG. 18 and 19. The steps defined herein may be performed in any desired order to achieve manufacturing speeds, materials, savings, etc.

A layer or strip of suitable material is formed having a thickness, for example, of about 2 to about 20 mils (0.05 to 0.5 mm), for example 10 mils, for example to define the plurality of blades 121 extending generally perpendicularly through respective first blade portions 116A, and in particular through respective first end portions 115, of the generally straight portion 111A in the comb-like configuration. Blades

121 are substantially perpendicular to each other, with gaps 131 positioned between opposite edges of the second blade portion 116B of one blade and the first blade portion 116A of the adjacent blade. As discussed, the blades 121 are either symmetrically disposed with the same shown in FIG. 18, for example with the same gaps 121 defining subgroups spacing 133 therebetween, FIG. 19. Notice the end section with an X length to form the end section should be connected. the gap 131 can have inches (0.1 mm), gaps, or between themselves, as arranged asymmetrically, between adjacent blades and blade 121B and larger subgroups of width X, such that the straight portion 111A has two half lengths one half of the spacing distance 133 when rolled . These longer than X, to provide a non-limiting example overlap, 0.040 inches (1 mm), + 0.005 renders, and a gap of 135

And they were two, at least the other

By being approximately wide in any one, it may be approximately 0.125 inches (3.1 mm), + 0.005 inches (0.1 mm), wide in asymmetric rendition.

The blades are configured as discussed earlier to form the portion 118 and the arms 116A and 116B.

This formation of a layer or strip of material into the described assembly is accomplished by any conventional technique such as punching or cutting, for example using a CO- or Yag laser. When a belt format is used, the number of glow blades 121 formed from the belt may exceed the number required for a single cylindrical glow arrangement. The straight web is then cut, if desired, to form portions 111A having the desired number of heater blades 121 extending therefrom. If used, the stepped shape of the portions 122A, 122B and 122C is formed by punching.

When used, the ceramic protective surface 300 is then applied by masking the embossed profile and, for example, by thermally spraying the coating on portions 111A, 115, 122, or all or any portion thereof, to form the desired pattern as discussed. Alternatively, the ceramic surface is applied after the rolling step by this process or, if desired, before forming the blades. As is known, respective masking is applied prior to performing each of the filament and ceramic deposition steps to define areas

99Λ

application. Part 111A is then rolled to form a round neck 111. Part 111A can be rolled in both directions. Preferably

the portion 111A is wound such that the positive contacts 122C at the terminal

122 they are on the outer surface of the formed cylindrical heaters, i.e., on the side opposite the cigarette, for simplification connection with pins 104B and to avoid damage during slip a removing the cigarette. The coiling portion may be

coiled to a smaller diameter than its final desired diameter and slid into the fixture. The coiled portion is then expanded and maintained in shape by electrical connections. Alternatively, the coiled portion is joined, for example by any welding technique such as spot welding or laser welding, to form the neck 111.

Preferably, a slope is applied to each blade 121 such that the arms 116A and 1116B and the connecting edge 118A exert a compressive force on the inserted cigarette when the heater assembly is formed as shown in FIG. 13. This inclination preferably occurs before the roll, but may be performed after the roll. This slope increases the thermal contact between the heater blade and the inserted cigarette to increase the heat transfer efficiency.

The heat transfer efficiency is also enhanced by optimizing the surface area of the blade arms 116A and 116B, which are in an effective thermal relationship with the underlying cigarettes. As seen in FIG. 17A, the lower portions 117 of the arms 116A and 116B (arm 116A is illustrated by way of example) are planar, i.e., flat in the transverse direction of the blade arm in the embodiments described. To improve the heat transfer relationship, the underside 117 is shaped in various non-planar geometries, for example, in an angle or curve, to maximize the surface area of the glowing arm relative to the cigarette, without undesirably increasing volume and thus undesirably reducing current density and resulting resistance heating of the glowing arm. as appropriately emphasized on

Fig. 17B and 17C. The shaped bottom portion 117 preferably does not penetrate any portion of the cigarette 23 to prevent weakening and eventually tearing of the cigarette during insertion, adjustment or removal. Rather, the center point of the base 117 contacts or is in close proximity to the cigarette 23, and the remainder of the bottom 117 is in a radiant thermal relationship with the cigarette

23.

This lower part shape is preferably achieved by embossing the arms 116A and 116B of the blades 121 in an unwound state. This punching may occur at the same time as the punching to achieve the bevel, discussed above. This punching for shaping the bottom also increases the strength of the arms 116A and 116B, thereby avoiding undesirable short connections and deformations.

A second tube of a suitable material will now be described, by any technique such as an alternative method of manufacturing. Is secured

The blades 121 are then formed, for example, by laser cutting.

For example, a blade in which the inner mandrel is inserted into this forming of the discussed blade profiles and then yet another forging, either internally or externally, is used to cut the profile. If desired, the profiled tube is provided with a ceramic surface 300.

The present invention also minimizes potentially damaging, thermally induced loads. Since the heater blades 121 and the throat 111 are monolithic, loads arising from interconnections of discrete parts of the heater element are avoided.

The varied embodiments of the present invention are all designed to allow delivery of an effective amount of a flavored tobacco response to a smoker under standard conditions of use. In particular, it is currently considered desirable to deliver between 5 and 13 mg, preferably between 7 and 10 mg, of an aerosol to a smoker for 8 coats, each stroke being a 35 ml coating having a delivery duration of two seconds. It has been found that in order to achieve such relay relationship with the deliverable capability, the heater elements 121 would have a temperature as discussed when they are a cigarette 23. Further, the heater blades preferentially consuming the discussed energy requirements require heater bent inward toward the cigarette 23.

The heater resistor power supply 37, electric be in thermal

121 would have energy. The lower blades 121 which are in order to increase the relationship are certainly also dictated by the particular heating used to provide the necessary glow blades 121. The glow element resistances correspond to the four nickel-cadmium total energy voltages mentioned above where the energy is supplied by cells connected in series , sources of approximately 4.8

In an alternative where six or eight connected batteries are used, the heater blades 121 would have a resistance between about 3 ohms and about 5 ohms, or between about 5 ohms and about 7 ohms.

Still

For example, by performing, battery-free up to 5.8 volts. thus preferably one in FIG.

and 21, and elements 451,

At each arm connected to the wall 443 individually electrical, it comprises in its two ends 452, a side wall

Each glow element 451 having a k

430. Each cavity connected energy, elements 451, while to the ground.

450 of the present invention is a plurality of incandescent shaped elongated 453, with respective adjacent end-ends 452 being respective to the source of the glow cavity 430, and eventually coupled to the control for individual activation of end-points 453. 430, cavity wall 430, as shown in FIG. 21, to secure

i.e., a plugged cigarette, as noted in FIG. 21, the elements 451 are shown connected and therefore do not have to touch but are turned towards the side shown in FIG. 20 and at the inlet for the disposable portion discussed above. It should be the worst and lowest as cut (omitted) through and their U-shaped tips 454.

In yet another embodiment 470 shown in FIG. 22 and 23, the heater elements 471 are spaced somewhat further away from the wall of the cavity 430 by the tip V, and each is somewhat sharper than the fold 473 to increase their stiffness. In this way, the heating elements 471 actually penetrate and extend into the disposable portion to provide the desired tight thermal contact. The open-celled foam structure is particularly suitable for such an embodiment. In this embodiment, since the heater elements 471 are spaced somewhat further from the side wall of the cavity 430, the ends 452, 453 are not connected to the side wall of the cavity 430 but to its end wall 44 3. Attaching the ends 452, 453 to the end wall 443 are provided through spacers 480 that conduct neither heat nor electric current. In this manner, the mopping wipes residues (beyond) away from the ends 452, 453, and into spacers 480, where these residues are not reheated, as described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586. Perforations 412 are provided in the wall to allow drawing external air through the portion 420, as described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,249,586, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, improvements, and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the following claims. For example, the de-curing step may be performed prior to the cooling step, as a modification of a portion of the respective process described above with reference to FIG. 5B.

Claims (39)

[in the wording of the replacement sheets under Rule 26 and in the text of the rectified claims received by the International Bureau on 10 February 1977 (amending the original Articles 39 and 48-50)] Cigarette (23) comprising a tobacco rod, said tobacco rod (60) comprising a tubular tobacco structure (66) and a tobacco plug (80) disposed within said tubular tobacco structure, said tobacco rod having a loose end (78) and an opposite end (72) The tubular tobacco structure comprises a backing structure (68) and a layer (70) of tobacco flavor material supported by the backing structure, the backing structure being adapted to transfer heat from the electric heater element (37) to the tobacco flavor material, the tobacco rod (60) being adapted to operatively receiving an electric heater element (37) along the tobacco rod (60) at a location between the free end (78) and the opposite end (72), the tobacco plug (80) is disposed adjacent said free end and spaced apart from said opposite end that it delimits the unfilled space / 91 / between the tobacco plug and the opposite end. The cigarette of claim 1, wherein the location of the electric heating element (37) along said tobacco rod is such that the location overlaps at least a portion of the unfilled space (91) and overlaps at least a portion of the tobacco plug (80). The cigarette of claim 1 or 2, wherein said tobacco rod comprises a free flow filter (74) adjacent said opposite end, said free flow filter being positioned away from the tobacco plug (80) so as to define an unfilled space (91) between this free flow filter and the tobacco plug. • 4 · ·· Φ Φ ΦΦ Φ · Φ * '* 4 Φ · Φ · Φ · · φ A cigarette and lighter adapted to cooperate, such as an electric smoking system, the cigarette comprising a tobacco web tube partially filled with cut filler tobacco so as to define a filled portion of the tobacco rod and an unfilled portion of the tobacco rod (91); the lighter (25) overlaps the at least one electric heater element so that the lighter is at least partially from the filled and unfilled portion of the tobacco rod when the cigarette is in its operating position in the lighter. The cigarette of claim 4, wherein said filled tobacco rod portion comprises a tobacco plug, and the electric heater overlaps at least a portion of said unfilled space and overlaps at least a portion of the tobacco plug when the cigarette is in a functional position in the lighter. A cigarette according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cigarette has a free end, said tobacco plug being disposed adjacent the free end, the cigarette comprising a tubular element spaced apart from the tobacco plug so as to define an unfilled portion of the tobacco rod between the free flow filter and the tobacco plug. A cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said tubular element (74) is a filter. The cigarette of claim 7, wherein said tubular member (74) is comprised of a plasticized draw material. The cigarette of claim 7, wherein the free flow filter (74) is made of a molded material. The cigarette of any preceding claim, further comprising a filter tip (62) adjacent said opposite end. • · «♦ The cigarette of claim 10, wherein the tip (62) comprises a second free flow filter (102) adjacent said opposite end, said cigarette further comprising a tip paper (64) connecting said second free flow filter (102) to said opposite terminations. The cigarette of claim 11, wherein said tip further comprises a mouthpiece filter cartridge (104) adjacent the second free flow filter (102). The cigarette of claim 12, wherein the free flow filter (74) of the tobacco rod (66) comprises a first passage (75) and the second free flow filter (102) of said tip comprises a second passage, the first and second passages joining the unfilled space (91) of said tobacco rod with a mouthpiece filter insert (104), said second passage having a second inner radius greater than a first inner radius of the first passage (75). The cigarette of claim 12, wherein the tobacco rod at said free end further comprises a backflow filter (200). The cigarette of claim 12, wherein the tobacco plug (80b) comprises a first portion (320b) adjacent the free end (78b) having a greater density than the second portion (310b) of the tobacco plug distal to the free end. A cigarette (23) comprising a tobacco rod (60) having a loose end (78) resistant to back flow and an opposing end (72), said tobacco rod comprising a tubular tobacco structure (66) comprising a layer of tobacco material (78), flow restriction (74) (operating at the opposite end of the tubular tobacco structure, and the tobacco (78, 80) functionally positioned adjacent said free end and positioned away from said flow restriction, the tobacco comprising cut 9. 9 9 '99 ·· • ·  · « • 9 9 ' 9 9 9. -9 9 9 • • · 9 9 « 99 9 .9 • ··· • · • 9  · • · 9 9 • 9 • · • 71 '' filler tobacco partially filling said tobacco rod so as to define a filled portion of the tobacco rod and an unfilled portion of the tobacco rod, the unfilled portion being positioned adjacent said flow restriction, said tubular structure being arranged to transmit the heat received by the tubular structure to of said tobacco, the tobacco rod (60) is arranged such that during coating on said cigarette with application of heat along a region of said tubular structure, at least a portion of the tobacco releases tobacco aerosol which is drawn through said flow restriction. The cigarette of claim 16, wherein the flow restriction (74) is delimited by a tubular element. The cigarette of claim 17, wherein said tubular member comprises a first free flow filter (74), said first free flow filter defining a first pass (75) therein, the cigarette further comprising a tip (62) comprising a second tubular filter with a free flow passage (102) disposed adjacent the first free flow filter of said tobacco rod, said second tubular free flow filter defining a second passage therein, the first passage of the first free flow filter being narrower than the unfilled portion (91) of said tobacco rod, and narrower than the second passage of the second free flow filter (102). The cigarette of claim 18, wherein said cut filler tobacco forms a back flow resistant liner. The cigarette of claim 19, wherein said portion of cut filler tobacco (80) is disposed at the free end (78) and has a density greater than the remainder of said cut filler tobacco distal to the free end. • ··· 4 * ·· · ♦. · ·· ·: '·· a • ·' 9 9 · 9 ^: 9 9 9 99 • '' 9 '9 9 <' • ♦ · 9 · 'aaa and ♦ - ·· - 72. - The cigarette of claim 20, wherein the tip (62) further comprises a mouthpiece filter (104) adjacent the second free flow filter (102). The cigarette of claim 20, wherein said tubular structure comprises a cigarette wrapper (71) around the tobacco rod (60), said tip being attached to said tobacco rod by tip paper (64). A cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tobacco or liner (80) comprises cut filler tobacco. The cigarette of claim 23, wherein the tobacco or liner (80) comprises a blend of cut filler tobacco, the blend comprising a combination of at least two distinctive, strong and oriental tobacco. A cigarette according to claim 23 or 24, wherein said tobacco insert comprises an insert wrap (84) arranged around the cut filler tobacco (80). A cigarette according to claim 23 or 24, wherein tobacco is positioned along the inner surface of the tubular tobacco structure (66). The cigarette of claim 26, wherein said tobacco rod comprises a wrapper (71) disposed about an outer surface of said tubular tobacco rod or portions thereof. A method of improving the delivery of smoke from a cigarette (23) actuated (or operable with) an electronic lighter, the cigarette comprising a tubular structure (66) having a free end (78) and an opposite end (72), the smoke being stretchable from the opposite terminating, this method includes the steps of: 73 forming an unfilled portion along said tubular structure at a location adjacent said opposite end, and a tobacco filled portion along said tubular structure at a location adjacent said free end, and overlapping the electric heater element of said electronic lighter at least partially over the tobacco filled portion of said tubular structure while an electric heater element is activated to cause release of the smoke components from said tobacco. The method of claim 28, wherein said overlapping step comprises overlapping the electric heater element partially over both the filled portion and the unfilled portion of said tubular structure while the electric heater element is activated. The method of claim 28 or 29, further comprising the step of passing the released tobacco ingredients through an assembly positioned adjacent said opposite end. A tobacco structure adapted to be rolled into a tubular rod (60) of a cigarette (23), with a cigarette lighter (25), comprising a backing structure (70) arranged along the structure, said tobacco first backing cellulose 2: 1 to 4: 1, operable with the electrical tobacco structure and the tobacco material side of the backing structure a combination of tobacco and in the range of approximately basis weight in the range of approximately said tobacco material weight than said fibers, 35 to have in proportion a layer of flat tobacco includes a combined substrate of 45 g / m ² , at least twice the underlying structure, the material comprising finely ground tobacco and extracted in the range of about 3: 1 to a level of about 5% to solids 9: 1, and a moisture stabilizer in 20% by weight of this material. Wherein said tobacco is three to four times larger 32. The tobacco structure of claim 31, the material has a basis weight approximately that of said substrate structure. The tobacco structure of claim 31 or 32, wherein said tobacco material further comprises pectin at a level of up to about 2% by weight of said tobacco material. The tobacco structure of claim 33, wherein said backing structure comprises about 28 g / m ^{2 of} tobacco fiber and about 12 g / m ^{2 of} cellulosic fiber of wood or linen pulp or tobacco stem pulp. The tobacco structure of claim 34, wherein said tobacco material comprises about 66 to 71% by weight of tobacco particles, about 16 to 20% by weight of extracted tobacco solids, about 10 to 14% by weight of glycerin, and about 1-2% pectin. A tobacco structure adapted to be rolled into a tubular tobacco rod (60) of a cigarette (23) operable with an electric cigarette lighter (25), the tobacco structure comprising a backing structure (68) and tobacco material (70) arranged along the first side of the backing structure, said backing structure comprising a combination of tobacco fiber in a component of about 20 to 30 g / m ² , a carbon fiber in a component of about 2-9 g / m ² , and a pectin in a component of about 1 g / m ² , said tobacco material having a basis weight of three to four times greater than said backing structure, said tobacco material comprising finely ground tobacco and extracted tobacco solids in a ratio of about 3: 1 to 9: 1, and a moisture stabilizer at a level of about 5 % to 20% by weight of this material. • · • ·. . · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · A cigarette operating with an electric cigarette lighter, the cigarette comprising a tubular tobacco rod (60) constructed of a tobacco web according to any one of claims 31 to 36. The cigarette of claim 37, further comprising an insert of cut filler tobacco (80) adjacent the free end (78) of the tobacco rod (60), at least one free flow tubular filter (74) adjacent the opposite end (72) of said tobacco rod and filler free a hollow space (91) positioned between said cut filler tobacco insert and said free flow filter. A method of manufacturing a tobacco web (66) comprising a backing web (68) and a layer of tobacco material (70), the tobacco web being bendable into a tubular mold as part of a cigarette (23) operating with an electric cigarette lighter (25), steps: separating the soluble substances (124) from the fibers of the tobacco raw material, said soluble substances being in a solution containing 5-10% by weight of the dissolved tobacco components, producing said substrate by forming a slurry of said separated tobacco fiber, mixing said slurry of tobacco fibers with a slurry means for forming a slurry and casting (130) said slurry onto a structure forming apparatus, producing (146) tobacco material by mixing said A 5 to 10% solution of the tobacco components with additional tobacco particles, glycerin and pectin to form a dispersion of the tobacco material and adjust the water content to achieve a solids content of about 20 to 30% in said dispersion, application of (144) dispersing the tobacco material along said backing structure to form a layer of said tobacco structure, 6 / :. . - ·. ··: '¾ ··' · • · ··. ·· -. · · ··. . ·. · '• · · · · < • · · 40. Drying (146) the tobacco web to a moisture content in the range of about 8/5 to 12%, cooling (148) the tobacco web, dewatering the tobacco web, winding (152) the tobacco web a structure so as to form a roll of the tobacco web, and cutting (154) the roll of the tobacco web to form a bobbin of the tobacco web. The method of claim 39, wherein said solution of tobacco soluble substances comprises about 7 to 8% by weight of the dissolved tobacco ingredients. The method of claim 40, wherein the water content is adjusted such that a dispersion having about 24 to 26% solids content is achieved at the end of the mixing step. 42. 43. 44. Way according to claim 41, v which have tobacco particles ve 1ikost in the range 100 to 220 ok. Way according to claim 42, v which ma j í tobacco particles size approximately 120 ok. Way according to any one of the claims 40 to 43, in which said the slurry firming composition comprises at least one of the group 45. Containing wood pulp, flax pulp and tobacco stalk pulp. The method of any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein said application step comprises applying a dispersion of tobacco material to said support structure in a dry weight ratio of at least 2: 1. The method of any one of claims 40 to 45, wherein said application step comprises applying a tobacco dispersion 46. • · - 77 material per said support structure in a dry weight ratio of at least 3: 1. The tobacco structure of claim 36, wherein the tobacco fiber is about 24 to 28 g / m 2, the carbon fiber is about 2-4 g / m ² , and the pectin is about 2, 5 to 1.5 g / m ² , A heater (39) for use in a smoking system with a power source for heating a cigarette, the heater comprising: a plurality of electrically resistive glow blades defining a sleeve for receiving an inserted cigarette and extending along the inserted cigarette, each blade including a first glowing blade arm having a first end and a second end, a second glowing blade arm having a first end and a second end (122), and a connecting portion (118) connecting the second end of said first heater blade arm and a first end of said second heater blade arm, wherein said first and second heater blade arms of each heater blade are separated by a respective gap (125), and wherein the first ends of the first heater blade arm are adapted to be in electrical contact with an electrical power source in which respective resistive glow paths comprising the first heater blade arm are formed, said interconnect. and a second glowing blade arm, for respectively heating each of said electrically resistive glowing blades along the first and second blades, which in turn heat the inserted cigarette, the first ends of the first blades having a common connection. • · The heater of claim 48, wherein the first ends of the first heater blade arms (116A) are grounded. The heater according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the joint connection of the first ends of the first heater blade arms is a throat. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the gap (125) separating said first and second heater blade arms is of a size such that, upon smoker coating, it allows air to flow into the heated cigarette. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 51, further comprising a support throat (110), the first ends of each of said first heater blade arms (116A) extending from said support throat, wherein the support throat is adapted to be electrically contacting the power source and forming a common connection for first terminating the first heater blade arms. The heater of claim 52, wherein the second ends of the second heater blade arms (116B) are adapted to be in respective electrical communication with a power source in which respective resistance heating circuits comprising a first heater blade arm, said connecting edge edge, are formed. a portion and a second heater blade, respectively, for heating each of the electrically resistive heater blades (121), which in turn heats the inserted cigarette. A heater according to claim 52 or 53, wherein the second ends (122) of the second heater blade arms (116B) extend towards and are electrically and electrically insulated from the support throat (111). • · • ·· · · · · · · · · · The heater of claim 52 or 53, wherein the second ends (122) of the second heater blade arms (116B) are separated from said throat by a gap. 56. The heater of claim 52, further comprising an electrical insulator applied to at least one of said throat and second ends of said second heater blade arms. 57. The heater of claim 52, further comprising an electrical insulator applied to at least one of the second ends of said second heater blade arms and the first ends of said first heater blade arms. The heater of claim 52, further comprising an electrical insulator (300) forming a ceramic neck support structure around the support neck (111), second ends (122) of the second heater blade arms (116B), and first ends of the first heater blade arms (116Ά). A heater according to any one of claims 52 to 58, wherein said support throat and blades are monolithic. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 59, wherein the connector portion (118) further comprises a free end (118B) to compensate for thermal expansion (expansion) when said glow element is heated. The heater of claim 60, further comprising a support structure (83) stationary within the smoking system and defining channels (210) to receive the free ends (118B) of said connecting portions of the blades (121). The heater of claim 61, wherein the channels (210) are arranged to allow translational thermal expansion and contraction of said glow blades. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. A heater according to claim 61 or 62, further comprising a pivot point (204) disposed in each of said channels, the point being positioned such that the associated free end (118B) of said connecting portion rotates about these points to bevel the first and second glowers. of the blade arms (116A, B) inward, towards the inserted cigarette while heating the associated glow blade. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 63, wherein portions of at least one of the first heater blade arm (116A) and the second heater blade arm (116B) are covered with ceramic (300) to solidify and electrically insulate the at least one first heater blade arm and the second the incandescent blade arm. The heater of claim 64, wherein a portion of the second heater blade arm (1163) of the adjacent ceramic is adapted to be in electrical contact with the power source. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 65, wherein the blades (121) are arranged to receive longitudinally the inserted cigarette. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 66, wherein the second end of the second heater blade arm is of stepped shape, the stepped shape comprising an end portion (1220) adapted to be in electrical contact with the power source. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 67, wherein the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) of the respective heater blade (121) are substantially parallel. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 68, wherein said joining edge has a curvature of between about 160 ° and 200 °. 69. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 69, wherein the underside of at least one of the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) facing the inserted cigarette is substantially non-planar in the transverse direction of the heater blade arm. ·· • ·· • · ·· · < «· ·· • · ·· • «· •  · ' • • · - · • '· ·· • · < * ·· •. • ··· · • • '· · · • - . · · • ··· · ··· ··· ·· 71 Heater curved according to claim 70, in which said lower part Yippee 72. Heater under 1 e claim 70, in which said lower part Yippee with sharp edge. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 72, wherein the plurality of electrically resistive glow blades (121) are arranged in groups wherein the gaps (133) between the groups are sized to provide strength to the unheated portions of the inserted cigarette to facilitate removal of the cigarette. after smoking. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 73, wherein at least one of the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) has a spiral shape. The heater of claim 74, wherein both the first and second blade arms are rotary and parallel to each other such that the space between the arms is serpentine. The heater of claim 48, wherein the at least one end of the at least one blade (121, 122) is wider than the adjacent active portion of the at least one arm, wherein the end of the arm has a lower current density and lower resistance heating than the active portion. this arm. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 76, wherein the connecting portion (119) is perforated. 78. Heater according to any of them claims 48 to 77, v who they are first a second incandescent blade arms / 11 6A, B / sešikmena towards inserted cigarette. 79. Heater according to any of them claims 48 to 78, v which first and the second heater blade arms (116A, B) and said joining edges have a resistance of about 100 to about 200 µm.cm. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 79, wherein the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) and said joining edges have a resistance of about 50 to about 500 µm.cm. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 80, wherein the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) and said joining edges have the ability to reach temperatures of about 200 ° C to about 1000 ° at about 0.2 to about 2; 0 seconds, with pulses of about 10 to about 50 Joules. The heater of claim 81, wherein the first and second arms (116A, B) and said joining edges may be pulsed to these temperatures for about 1800 to 10,000 such pulses. The heater of claim 48, wherein the gap (125) separating the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) is sized to maximize the cumulative radiant heating from each of the first and second heater blade arms of the associated heater blade to a portion of the inserted cigarette. lying below this gap. The heater of any one of claims 48 to 83, wherein the first and second heater blade arms (116A, B) and said edge joining portion may comprise an electrically resistive material selected from the group consisting of iron and nickel aluminides. · .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. / / / / / - - - - - - - An electrical smoking system comprising a cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a lighter, the lighter having a plurality of resistive glow blades defining a sleeve for receiving the glowing blades by which the blades at least partially overlap the tobacco plug when the cigarette is inserted into the sleeve. . 86. The electrical smoking system of claim 85, wherein said glowing blades extend along the length of said tobacco plug and partially overlap said unfilled space. An electrical smoking system according to claim 85 or 86, wherein said lighter comprises a heater according to any one of claims 48 to 84.