HRP960185A2 - A cigarette and a heater for use in an electric smoking system - Google Patents

Description

The field of technology

This invention generally relates to electric smoking systems, and in particular to cigarettes adapted to work with electric lighters of electric smoking systems, as well as to a heater adapted for use in electric smoking systems.

State of the art

Traditional cigarettes provide the smoker with a smell and aroma as a result of combustion, during which a combustible substance, mainly tobacco, burns at temperatures that usually exceed 800°C during smoke inhalation. The heat is conducted through the adjacent mass of tobacco, approaching the mouth. During burning, inefficient oxidation of the combustible substance releases numerous gaseous products and distillates of tobacco combustion. As these gaseous substances pass through the cigarette, they cool and condense, forming an aerosol that gives off the smells and aroma characteristic of smoking.

Many disadvantages of traditional cigarettes have been noticed. One of them is the formation of additional smoke between inhalations, during the smoldering of the cigarette, which can be a reason for complaints by non-smokers. Once lit, the cigarette must be completely consumed or thrown away. Relighting a traditional cigarette is possible, but this action is usually unpopular according to the judgment of the smoker due to subjective reasons (smell, taste, unpleasant smell).

Alternatives to traditional cigarettes include those whose combustible substance does not release the tobacco aerosol itself. Such a smoking system may include a combustible carbon heating element (heat source) located at or near one end of the smoking system and a layer of tobacco elements located next to the aforementioned heating element. The heating body is lit with a match or a cigarette lighter; when the smoker inhales the smoke, the heat produced by the heating element is brought into contact with the layer of tobacco elements allowing it to release the tobacco aerosol. Although this type of device produces very little or no additional smoke, it does create combustion products at the heat source, and once the heat source is ignited it cannot easily be used in the future in a practical sense.

Combustion occurs in the usual as well as in the carbon-heated device (described above) during their use. This process creates numerous by-products, due to the decomposition of substances and interaction with the surrounding atmosphere.

Current and frequently cited, US Patent Applications Serial No. 08/380718 dated September 30, 1995 (PM 1697 Cont) and Serial No. 07/943504 dated September 11, 1992 (PM 1550), as well as US Patents 5093894, 5225498, 5060671 and 5095921 bring different heating bodies and aroma systems that significantly reduce the lateral flow of smoke while allowing the smoker to stop and continue smoking at will. However, the systems described in these patents are not durable enough and have a tendency to collapse, tear or crack with prolonged or rough use. Under certain conditions, these cigarettes can break due to their fragility, and they can burst when removed from the lighter.

The aforementioned US Patent Application Serial No. 08/380718 (PM 1697 Cont) and US 5388594 describe an electric smoking system comprising a novel electric lighter and novel cigarettes adapted to such a lighter. The recommended form of lighter includes numerous heaters in the form of a metal serpentine placed in a mold that gradually receives the part of the cigarette that consists of the tobacco stick.

The recommended form of cigarettes in a series. no. 08/380718 (PM 1697 Cont), also in EP-A-0615411 includes a tubular carrier filled with tobacco, cigarette paper wrapped around the tubular carrier, a holder assembly with a flow filter at the mouth end of the carrier and a filter cap at the free (distal) end carrier. The cigarette and the carrier are shaped in such a way that upon impact

cigarettes into the lighter and as the individual heaters are activated for each smoke, there is a limited burn at points around the cigarette, in the places where each heater rests on the cigarette (such places are called "heater footprints" here). Once all the heaters are activated, such points become very closely packed together and together define the central portion of the cigarette carrier.

Depending on the maximum temperatures and the total energies supplied to the heaters, the burning points show more than just the color of the cigarette paper. In most applications, burns will form at least small voids in the cigarette paper and carrier material underneath, and such voids mechanically weaken the cigarette. To separate the cigarette from the lighter, the burning points must at least partially slide over the heater. In difficult circumstances, such as when the cigarette is wet, warped or previously manipulated, there is a tendency for the cigarette to break or for parts to remain after separation from the lighter. Cigarette parts left in the lighter can interfere with the correct operation of the lighter and/or cause an undesirable taste of the smoke of the next cigarette. If the cigarette breaks into two parts during separation, the smoker can face not only the dissatisfaction of the inadequate effect of such a cigarette, but also the need to clean the clogged lighter from contamination before further use.

The recommended form of cigarettes in the US series. no. 08/380718, EP-A-0615431 and patent no. 5388594 is actually a hollow tube between the filter housing at the mouth end of the cigarette and the housing at the distal end. This construction is believed to increase the delivery of the substance to the smoker, because it allows enough space for the aerosol to develop outside the carrier with minimal collision and condensation of the aerosol on the surrounding surfaces.

Several proposals have been developed that significantly reduce the unwanted side flow of smoke, while at the same time enabling the smoker to stop smoking for a certain period of time and then continue smoking again. For example, frequently cited US Patent Nos. 5093894, 5225498, 5060671 and 5095921 bring different heating elements and aroma systems. EP-A-0615411 and US patent no. 5388594 describe an electric smoking system with heaters that are activated according to the draw of smoke by means of logic control circuits. The recommended forms of heaters are relatively thin formations with a curved appearance that transmit the necessary amounts of heat to the cigarette and are very light.

Although such devices overcome the noted problems and achieve their intended purposes, many of them are subject to mechanical weakening and possible malfunctions due to pressures during insertion and separation of the cylindrical tobacco part, as well as due to bending and manipulation of the already inserted cigarette.

Furthermore, unwanted electrical short circuits can occur if the shape of the heater is changed, e.g. due to bending or manipulating the inserted cigarette.

In addition, electric smoking systems use electrically resistant heaters that require relatively complex electrical connections, and these can be disrupted by inserting and removing a cigarette.

When we included a cut insert with a hollow cigarette structure in EP-A-0615411, it was found that such a cigarette, when completely filled with a cut tobacco insert, was prone to proper wear in the electric lighter during the first few puffs. After that, its effect decreases. The same phenomenon often occurs when smoking traditional cigarettes in an electric lighter such as that described in EP-A-0615411.

When unfilled, the hollow cigarette structures of the recommended shape of EP-A-0615411 are also somewhat sensitive and tend to collapse under rough or bordering rough handling.

The invention, in its various forms, is defined by independent claims relating to it.

The advantages of a cigarette shaped according to this invention are having a cut filter with the possibility of being successfully used for smoking as part of an electric smoking system.

The advantage of the cigarette shaped according to this invention is having a cut filter and being suitable for use in an electric lighter, while maintaining satisfactory levels of taste and yield.

The advantage of the cigarette shaped according to this invention is that it includes a cut filter that allows for a greater consistency of flow from one smoke to the next.

Cigarettes shaped according to this invention can be easily manufactured and packaged in attractive packaging.

Cigarettes shaped according to the present invention can be physically rigid and reduce condensation and/or filtration of aerosols within the cigarette and/or lighter. Furthermore, they can be resistant to breaking during the separation of the cigarette from the lighter.

Cigarettes shaped according to the present invention are suitable for use with the lighter of an electric smoking system, and may be less susceptible to collapse or breakage upon rough handling by the consumer.

Cigarettes shaped according to the present invention suitable for use with an electric smoking system lighter need not be prone to collapse or shatter during manufacture or packaging.

Cigarettes shaped according to the present invention and suitable for an electric lighter can contribute to a cost-effective manufacturing process, even at production speeds.

Heaters designed in accordance with the present invention can generate tobacco smoke without prolonged combustion, can reduce the generation of unwanted sidestream smoke, can allow the smoker to interrupt and reuse, and can promote aerosol formation within the smoking system.

The structure of the heater designed according to the present invention can allow the desired number of smokes and can be further modified to change the number and/or duration of each smoke without adversely affecting the subjective quality of the tobacco.

The heating body formed according to this invention can be mechanically suitable for inserting and removing a cigarette.

An electrical resistance heater designed in accordance with the present invention may have simplified connections to an associated power source.

A heating element formed according to the present invention can be mechanically stable during the heating cycle.

The shapes according to the present invention can reduce the differences in the contact surface of the heating body and the cigarette in order to avoid changes in heat transfer.

A heater formed according to the present invention may be more economical to manufacture.

One preferred form includes a smoking system that delivers the flavored tobacco response to the smoker. The system includes a cigarette and an electric lighter, with the fact that the lighter includes numerous electric heaters, and each of these heaters is adapted, individually or all together, to the temperature release of a predetermined amount of tobacco aerosol from the cigarette by its activation. A cigarette is a tubular roll of tobacco, wherein the first part of the tubular roll of tobacco is filled with a plug of tobacco, preferably in the form of a cut filter, and the second part of the tubular roll of tobacco is unfilled or hollow so as to form a gap in the column of tobacco.

More specifically, the aforementioned cigarette preferably contains a tobacco stick formed from a tubular tobacco roll and a tobacco cap placed inside the tubular tobacco roll. The tobacco stick is adapted to slide into the electric heater so that the heater elements are located along the tobacco stick at a position between the free end and the opposite end of the tobacco stick. It is recommended that the layer (or column) of tobacco extends from the free end of the tobacco stick to a location that is distant from the opposite end of the tobacco stick so as to form a void (or hollow portion) near the opposite end.

The relative dimensions of the cigarette and the lighter heater are determined so that above the point of entry of the cigarette into the lighter, each heater is located along the tobacco stick at a predetermined location along the tobacco stick and so that, preferably, the longitudinal extent of contact between the heater and the cigarette (herein referred to as the "print heater") superimposes at least a part of the previously mentioned gap and at least a part of the tobacco layer. In this case, a constant and satisfactory flow is obtained when the cigarette is smoked electrically, and the condensation of the tobacco aerosol on and around the heating elements is reduced.

Alternatively, the relative dimensions of the cigarette and the lighter heater are determined so that above where the cigarette enters the lighter, each heater is positioned along the tobacco stick so that at least some, if not all, of the heater imprints are superimposed only on the filled portion of the tobacco stick (over layers of tobacco). With these shapes, the void can be used to promote aerosol formation and help cool the smoke.

It is recommended that the cigarette paper be wrapped around the tobacco stick to achieve the appearance and feel of the shooter during handling more similar to that of a traditional cigarette.

The tobacco roll preferably consists of a non-woven tobacco base and a layer of tobacco substance located along at least one side of the tobacco base roll.

It is recommended that the cigarette also includes a filter tip on the aforementioned opposite end of the tobacco stick; that tip represents a flow filter layer (also known in the art as a "whistle-through layer"), a filter layer that comes into the mouth as well as a tip paper that adheres the layers to the tobacco stick.

When a cigarette shaped according to the present invention is inserted into the lighter of an electric smoking system, it is wedged into position within the lighter heater (or some other suitable location) so that the electric heating elements of the lighter are located along the length of the cigarette at the same location for each individual cigarette. At the beginning of smoke inhalation, in response, at least one lighter heater is activated for the purpose of heating the cigarette in the described position, i.e. along the tobacco roll. As the drawing progresses, the tobacco roll is heated, and the aerosol is drawn away from the tobacco stick and the filter. In the places where the heater is superimposed on the gap in the tobacco roll, the tobacco aerosol is almost simultaneously released into the space bounded by the unfilled part of the tobacco roll and is led out of the cigarette. The tobacco stick contributes to the majority of these aerosol fractions that are formed in the cigarette, and it is considered that the instant of onset of its action has a key influence on the nature and extent of the smoker's cigarette consumption. Due to the greater mass of tobacco at the filled end of the tobacco roll, there is a slight delay in the release of the aerosol from the place where the heater print is superimposed on the filled part of the roll. The aerosol that is discharged from the filled part of the tobacco roll contributes to the additional, predominant aroma and character of the smoke.

A further subject of this invention is the ability to adjust the yield of the cigarette in the electric smoking system, whereby the proportional amount of overlap between the filled and unfilled part of the tobacco roll by means of the heater print results in an adjustment from one type of cigarette to another, i.e. an adjustment to different lengths of cigarettes of one type.

Another subject of this invention is a method of improving the level and consistency of aerosol yield from a cigarette used with an electronic heater, wherein the cigarette has a free and opposite end. The procedure includes the steps of superimposing the heater print on the tobacco-filled part of the cigarette near the free end, as well as on the unfilled part of the cigarette near the opposite end, with simultaneous resistance heating along the heater print and discharge through the opposite end of the cigarette.

Another object of this invention is the description of a cigarette that contains an insert suitable for working with an electric lighter, with the fact that the cigarette consists of a roll of tobacco with a free-flow filter and a part of the roll without an insert located near the free-flow filter, so as to enable constant aerosol production .

Another subject of this invention is a reinforced tubular tobacco stick containing cellulose fibers, of flax or wood origin, added to the base of such a stick for the purpose of achieving additional strength. In addition, cellulose fibers originating from tobacco stalks can be included in the composition of the base of the stick, also for the purpose of a strengthening agent.

The robustness of a cigarette can be increased by fitting a cut insert within the confines of a tubular tobacco stick, resulting in a cigarette that better withstands handling, including that of the manufacturing process as well as that of the consumer.

A heater formed according to the present invention preferably includes a center for support and a number of electrically resistive heater plates that form a receptacle into which the inserted cigarette sits. Each plate consists of: a first heater plate leg having one end, a second end and an extension of the first end from a center for support; second legs of the heater plate having one end and the other end; and a binding section that connects the second end of the first leg with the first end of the second leg. The other end of the second leg extends towards the support center and is electrically isolated from it. The resistance heating circuit has the purpose of heating the electrically resistant heater plate, which then heats the inserted cigarette. The first and second legs are separated by a gap to allow air to enter for the purpose of supporting the development of aromatic substances from the heated cigarette when the smoke is drawn by the smoker.

The following are descriptions of the application of the invention with the help of examples, and in accordance with the attached drawings, for which it applies:

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of an electronic smoking system in the form recommended by the present invention;

Figure 3 is a layered perspective view of a cigarette inserted into the heater of the smoking system shown in FIG. 1;

Figure 4A is a cross-sectional side view of a cigarette formed according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4B is a detailed perspective view of the cigarette shown in FIG. 4A, with individual components of the cigarette partially opened;

Figures 5A and 5B are flow diagrams of the steps in the recommended process for forming the tobacco stick cigarette rolls shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, where FIG. 5A shows the steps in translating the tobacco filling into a sheet of tobacco stick, and FIG. 5B shows the steps involved in converting a tobacco stick sheet into tobacco stick rolls;

Figure 6A is a side cross-sectional view of a substantially empty cigarette shaped according to one subject of the present invention;

Fig. 6B is a graphical representation of aerosol formation over time during each smoke, as it is formed from a mostly empty cigarette, shaped according to the subject of this invention from Fig. 6A;

Fig. 6C is a view of the smoke measuring device used to obtain the data shown in Figs. 6B, 7B and 8;

Figure 7A is a side cross-sectional view of a fully filled cigarette shaped according to one subject of the present invention;

Fig. 7B is a graphical representation of aerosol generation over time during each smoke along with how it is generated from a fully filled cigarette, shaped according to the subject of this invention from Fig. 7A;

Figure 8 is a graphical comparison of the aerosol volume of each successive smoke, with the manner in which it is produced from each cigarette shown in FIG. 4A, 6A and 7A;

Fig. 9 is a graphical representation of the relationship between total particulate matter (TPM) yield and the amount of overlap between the heater and the filled portion of a partially filled cigarette, shaped according to the recommended shape (Fig. 4A) of this invention;

Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette shaped according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a cigarette shaped according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater representing a further object of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a side view of a heater assembly representing a further object of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a heater representing a further subject of the present invention, including an electrical insulation sleeve;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a heater subject to the present invention, including an electrical insulation sleeve forming the center;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the heater subject to the present invention, including spirally shaped heater legs;

Fig. 17A is a front cross-sectional view of a heater plate having a flat interior face facing an inserted cigarette;

Fig. 17B is a front cross-sectional view of a heater panel having an angled interior face facing an inserted cigarette;

Figure 17C is a front cross-sectional view of a heater panel having a curved interior face facing an inserted cigarette;

Fig. 18 is a top view of a symmetrical arrangement of heater plates in flat form, before twisting;

Fig. 19 is a top view of an asymmetric arrangement of heater plates in flat form, before twisting;

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional ray view of the electric smoking system of the present invention, showing an alternative form of heater;

Figure 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavor receiving void of the electric smoking system of FIG. 20, along the line A - A from Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional ray view showing another possible form of heater;

Figure 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flavor receiving void of the electric smoking system of FIG. 22, along the line B - B from Fig. 22.

Extensive description of recommended forms

According to Fig. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a smoking system 21 that includes a partially filled cigarette insert 23 and a reusable lighter 25. The cigarette 23 is adapted to be inserted into and detached from a receiver 27 located at the front end. 29 lighter 25. After inserting the cigarette 23, the smoking system 21 is used in a similar way as a traditional cigarette, but without lighting and smoldering the cigarette 23. The cigarette 23 is discarded after one or more puffing cycles. It is recommended that each cigarette 23 be used for a total of eight or more smokes (smoke cycles) per smoking; nevertheless, there is the possibility of adjusting to a higher or lower total number of smokes.

The lighter 25 includes a housing 31 which has a front and a rear part of the housing - 33 and 35. Inside the rear part of the housing 35 is placed one or more replaceable batteries that enable the supply of energy to a number of electrically resistant heating elements 37 which are incorporated inside the front part of the housing 33 near the receiver 27. The control circuit 41 in the front part of the housing 33 enables electrical communication between the batteries 35a and the heating body 37. It is recommended that the back part 35 be adapted to easy opening and closing, for example by means of a screw or lock, to facilitate the replacement of batteries. If desired, an electric plug or contacts can be added for charging batteries with city electricity and the like.

It is recommended that the front part of the housing 33 be movably connected to the rear part 35, for example by a grooved or hinged connection. It is recommended to make the housing from solid heat-resistant material. Recommended materials include metals or, even better, polymeric substances. The overall dimensions of the case are recommended to be about 10.7 cm x 3.8 cm x 1.5 cm, so that it can fit comfortably in the smoker's hand.

The batteries 35a should be of a size that allows enough power for the appropriate activity of the heater 37, and replaceable or rechargeable batteries are best. Other energy sources, such as capacitors, are also possible. In the recommended form, the power source is four nickel-cadmium batteries connected in series with a total voltage of approximately 4.8 to 5.6 volts. The properties required from the energy source are chosen according to the properties of the other components of the smoking system 21, mainly according to the properties of the heating element 37. USA patent no. 5144962 (PM 1345), which is incorporated herein by reference, describes several types of power sources useful in connection with the smoking system of the present invention, such as rechargeable battery sources or forms that include a battery-charged capacitor.

According to Fig. 3, the front part of the housing 33 of the lighter 25 is basically a cylindrical heater 39 into which the cigarette 23 is slidably inserted. The heater 39 contains heating bodies 37 and is adapted to hold the inserted cigarette 23 in a constant relationship with the heating bodies 37, so that the heating bodies 37 located along the cigarette in approximately the same position along each cigarette. As each heating body 37 is abutting the fully inserted cigarette 23 (or is in thermal contact with it), the fully inserted cigarette 23 is referred to herein as a heater footprint.

In order to ensure a permanent position of the heating bodies 37 in relation to each cigarette 23 from one cigarette to another, the heater 39 is equipped with an obstacle 182 against which the cigarette is pressed during its placement in the lighter 25. Instead of this, other options for fixing the cigarette can be used 23 in the lighter 25.

The front part of the housing 33 of the lighter 25 also includes an electrical control circuit 41, which allows the delivery of a predetermined amount of energy from the energy source 35a to the heating elements 37. In the recommended form, the heater 39 includes eight circularly separated heating elements 37 which are arranged concentrically around the receiver 27 in curved shape. The details of the heater 37 are shown and described in the frequently cited SAD series. no. 07/943504 (PM 1550) and in the US patent no. 5388594 (PM 1697), both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Additional heaters 37 that may be part of the igniter 25 include those discussed in the commonly cited US patent application series. no. ------------------ dated Jan. 6, 1995 (Official No. PM 1729B CIP II); in often cited US serial. no. 08/291690 dated August 16, 1994 (Official No. PM 1719), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety; as well as in the last part of this description according to figures 13 of 23. It is recommended that the lighters 37 are individually supplied with energy by the energy source 35a under the control of the circuit 41 in order to heat the cigarette 23 recommended eight times in separate places around the periphery of the cigarette 23. By heating the cigarette 23 you get eight smokes, as much as is usually obtained when smoking a traditional cigarette. It can also be recommended to simultaneously light more than one heater for one or more smokes.

Another recommended heater arrangement is described in co-pending, frequently cited US patent application Ser. No. 08/224848 dated April 8, 1994 (PM-1729B), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Regarding Sl. 2, it is recommended that the circuit 41 be activated by a sensor 45 that detects smoke, and is sensitive either to changes in pressure or to changes in the speed of the air flow, which occurs when the smoker begins to draw smoke. The smoke detecting sensor 45 is preferably located inside the front part of the housing 33 of the lighter 25 and is connected to the space inside the heater 39 in the vicinity of the cigarette 23 by means of a passage extending from the space at the base of the heater 39 and, if desired, a pipe which is a smoke sensor ( not shown). It is recommended that the smoke sensing sensor 45 be a Model 163PCO1D35 silicon sensor manufactured by the MicroSwitch Division of Honeywell, Inc., Freeport, Illinois. Flow sensing devices, such as those operating on the principles of hot wire anemometry, have also been found suitable for use for the purpose of activating the appropriate number of heaters 37 upon detection of a change in airflow. When activated by the sensor 45, the control circuit 41 controls the supply of electric current to the corresponding number of heating elements 37.

The indicator 51 is positioned along the outside of the lighter 25, preferably on the front of the housing 33, and indicates the number of smokes left to smoke the cigarette 23. It is recommended that the indicator 51 comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) with seven segments. In the preferred form, the indicator 51 shows the number "8" at the time when the cigarette detector 53 detects the presence of a cigarette in the heater 39.

It is recommended that the detector 53 be a light sensor based on the heater 39 which perceives the light beam reflected from the inserted cigarette 23. After that, the cigarette detector 53 gives a signal to the circuit 41 which, in turn, passes the signal to the indicator 51. The screen with the number "8" on the indicator 51 indicates that eight smokes are available from the cigarette 23, that is, that no heating body 37 is activated for the purpose of heating the cigarette 23. After the cigarette 23 is completely smoked, the indicator shows the number "0". 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 goes out. The cigarette detector 53 is adapted not to emit a beam of light permanently, as this could cause an undesirable loss of power from the power source 35a. A preferred cigarette detector 53 suitable for use in the smoking system 21 is a light sensor type OPR5005 as manufactured by OPTEX Technology, Inc., 1215 West Crosby Road, Carroliton, Texas 75006, USA.

In addition to showing the number of remaining smokes, the detector's screen can be adjusted to show the activity or rest of the system ("on" or "off").

As one of several possible versions, in addition to the use of the cigarette detector 53 described above, a mechanical switch (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of a cigarette 23 and a reset button (not shown) for resetting the circuit 41 when a new cigarette is inserted into the lighter 25 can be used. , that is, to adjust the indicator screen 51 to show the number 8, etc. Power sources, circuits, smoke detecting sensors, and indicators suitable for use in the smoking system 21 of the present invention are described in commonly cited US Pat. 5060671 (PM 1337) and frequently cited US patent application series. no. 07/943504 (PM 1550), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In connection with Fig. 4A and 4B, the cigarette 23 is formed according to the preferred form of the present invention and is a roll of tobacco 60 with a tip filter 62, which are interconnected by paper 64.

The partially filled cigarette insert 23 preferably has a constant diameter along its length and, to resemble a traditional cigarette, is inflated to between approximately 7.5 mm and 8.5 mm in diameter so that the smoking system 21 provides the smoker with a familiar "mouth feel". In the preferred form of this invention, the cigarette 23 has an overall length of 62 mm, which allows the use of conventional cigarette packaging machines 23. The combined length of the mouth portion of the filter 104 and the free flow filter 102 is preferably 30 mm. It is recommended that the paper exceeds the length of the tobacco roll 60 by about 6 mm. The total length of the tobacco roll 62 is recommended to be 32 mm. Instead of the above-mentioned proportions, lengths and diameters, others can be chosen.

The tobacco roll 60 of the cigarette 23 preferably contains a stick of tobacco 66 rolled into a tubular (cylindrical) shape.

This 71 tightly wrapped tobacco stick 66 is secured with a longitudinal seam, which is also common with traditional cigarettes.

This 71 maintains the tobacco stick 66 in a coiled state around the free flow filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80.

It is recommended that the wrapper 71 be tightly wrapped around the tobacco stick 66 to achieve the look and feel of a traditional cigarette. It has been found that a better flavored smoke is obtained when a standard type of cigarette paper is used as the wrapping paper 71, especially a linen paper of about 20 to 50 CORESTA (the amount of air, measured in cubic centimeters, that passes through one square centimeter of the substance, i.e. the paper, for one minute at a pressure difference of 1.0 kPa), more preferably about 30 to 45 CORESTA, having a weight of approximately 23 to 35 grams per square meter (g/m2), more preferably about 23 to 30 g/m2, with insert filling (preferably calcium carbonate) of approximately 23 to 35% by weight, more preferably 28 to 33% by weight.

Wrapping paper 71 is recommended to contain little or no citrate or other combustion-altering substances, with recommended amounts of citrate being between 0 and approximately 2.6% by weight of wrapping paper 71, preferably below 1%.

The tobacco stick 66 itself preferably consists of a stick base 68 and a layer of tobacco flavoring 70 located along the inner surface of the stick base 68. At the pointed end 72 of the tobacco roll 60, the tobacco stick 66 and the sleeve 71 are wrapped together around a tubular free-flow filter plug. 74. The free flow filter 74 structurally defines and supports the pointed end 72 of the tobacco roll 60 and allows aerosol flow from the interior of the tobacco roll 60 with a minimal pressure differential. The free-flow filter 74 also acts as a flow constriction at the pointed end 72 of the tobacco roll 60, which is thought to promote aerosol formation during smoke withdrawal from the cigarette 23. It is recommended that the free-flow filter be at least 7 millimeters long to allow for machining, and to be annular in shape, although other shapes and types of low-efficiency filters are suitable, including cylindrical filter plugs.

At the free end 78 of the tobacco roll 60, the tobacco stick 66 together with the wrapper 71 is wrapped around a cylindrical tobacco plug 80. It is recommended that the tobacco plug be formed separately from the tobacco stick 66 and that it represents a relatively short column of cut tobacco insert that is wrapped inside the plug wrapper 84 and thus retained.

It is recommended to form the tobacco plug 80 with a regular cigarette roll machine, whereby the cut insert (preferably mixed) is air-formed into a continuous roll made on a conveyor belt and wrapped with a continuous tape of the wrapper plug 84 which is then glued along its longitudinal seam and closes with heat. However, according to the preferred embodiments of this invention, this plug 84 is preferably formed from a cellulose stick with no or very little insert, size or combustion additives (the value of each should be below 0.5 wt.%) and no or little gauge. It is recommended that this tobacco plug 84 has a light weight basis which should be below 15 grams per square meter, and even better around 13 grams per square meter. It is recommended that this tobacco plug 84 have a high permeability, in the range of about 20,000 to 35,000 CORESTA, and even better in the range of 25,000 to 35,000 CORESTA, and that it be formed from softwood fibrous core, abaca-type cellulose or other core. long fibers. Such papers are available from Papierfabrik Schoeller and Hoescht GMBH, Postfach 1155, D-76584, Gernsback, GERMANY; another paper suitable for use as this stopper 84 is TW 2000 paper from DeMauduit of Euimperle FRANCE, to which 2.5% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose has been added.

The machine for making tobacco sticks works to achieve a stick density of approximately 0.17 to 0.30 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm2), even more suitable is a density in the range of at least 0.20 to 0.30 g/cm2, and the most suitable is between 0.24 to 0.28 g /cm2. Higher values are recommended to avoid looseness at the end of the free end 78 of the tobacco roll 60.

However, it is understood that lower stick density values will allow the tobacco column 82 to contribute more to the aerosol and smoke flavor. Therefore, a balance must be struck between aerosol yield (enhanced by lower coil density in the tobacco column 82) and avoidance of end looseness (enhanced by higher coil density).

The tobacco column 84 preferably contains an industry-typical cut blend tobacco insert, which includes light, strong and oriental tobaccos along with, optionally, reconstituted tobaccos and other admixtures including traditional tobacco flavors. However, in its recommended form, the cut tobacco column insert 84 consists of an approximately 45:30:25 blend of light, strong and oriental tobaccos for the US market, with no admixture of reconstituted tobaccos or other flavorings. If desired, an expanded composition of tobacco can be included in the mixture to adjust the density of the roll, as well as the addition of flavor enhancers.

The continuous tobacco roll formed according to the procedures described above is cut with regard to the predetermined length of the tobacco plug 80. A length of at least 7 mm is recommended in order to facilitate machine handling. However, the length may vary from approximately 7 mm to 25 mm or more depending on the shape of the cigarette, as will be explained in the following description, particularly in FIG. 4A and 4B.

In general, it is recommended to determine the length 86 of the tobacco plug 80 in relation to the total length 88 of the tobacco roll 60, so that a gap 90 is left along the tobacco roll 60 between the free flow filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80. The gap 90 corresponds to the unfilled portion of the tobacco roll 60 and stands in fluid communication with the tip 62 through the free flow filter 74 of the tobacco stick 60.

In connection with Fig. 4A, the length 86 of the tobacco plug 80 and its relative placement along the tobacco rod 60 are also selected in relation to the appearance of the heating elements 37. When the cigarette is properly positioned relative to the obstruction 182 of the heater 39, the portion 92 of each heater will be in contact with the tobacco roll 60 along the area on the tobacco roll 60. This area of contact is called the heater footprint 94. The heater footprint 94 (shown by the double arrow in Fig. 4A) is not part of the structure of the cigarette itself, but represents that area of the tobacco roll 60 where the heating element 37 is expected to reach working heating temperatures while smoking a cigarette 23.

Since the heating bodies 37 are at a constant distance 96 from the obstruction 182 of the heater 39, the heater footprint 94 is permanently located along the tobacco roll 60 at an equal, predetermined distance from the free end 78 of the tobacco roll 60, which is true for each cigarette 23 fully inserted into the lighter 25.

It is recommended that the length of the tobacco plug 80, the length of the heater footprint 94, and the distance between the heater footprint 94 and the obstruction 182 be chosen so that the heater footprint 94 extends behind the tobacco plug 80 and superimposes a portion of the gap 90 at a distance 98. The distance 98 to which the heater footprint 94 superimposed on the gap 90 (the unfilled portion of the tobacco roll 60) is called the "heater-gap overlap" 98. The distance to which the rest of the heater impression 94 is superimposed on the tobacco plug 80 is called the "heater-insert overlap" 99.

The tip 62 preferably consists of a free-flow filter 102 located near the tobacco roll 60 and a filter cap 104 that comes into the mouth, at the distal end of the tip 62 from the tobacco roll 60. It is recommended that the free-flow filter 102 be tubular and leak-proof. air with a very small pressure difference. Other low-pass filters of common shape can be used instead. The inner diameter of the free flow filter 96 is preferably between 2 and 6 millimeters and should be larger than the diameter of the free flow filter 74 of the tobacco stick 60.

The mouth portion of the filter plug 104 closes the free end of the tip 62 for appearance and, if desired, for some filtering effect, although it is recommended that the mouth portion of the filter plug 104 be composed of a low-efficiency filter ranging from 15 to 25 percent.

The free-flow filter 102 and the part of the filter cap 104 that comes into the mouth are preferably connected together in the form of a combined cap 110 with this cap 112. This cap 112 is preferably porous and light in weight, and is easily available to those skilled in the cigarette manufacturing industry. The combined cap 110 is attached to the tobacco roll 60 with paper of standard properties widely used in the cigarette industry. Paper 6 can be cork colored, white or any other color depending on the decorative requirements.

It is recommended that the cigarette 23 shaped in the recommended manner has a total length of approximately 62 mm, of which 30 mm belongs to the combined tip cap 110. Therefore, the length of the tobacco roll 60 is 32 mm. A minimum length of the free flow filter 74 of the tobacco roll 60 in the amount of 7 mm is recommended, as well as a minimum length of the gap 91 between the free flow filter 74 and the tobacco plug 80 in the amount of 7 mm. In the preferred form, the length of the heater footprint 94 is approximately 12 mm and is positioned to allow a 3 mm overlap of the heater-gap 98 so that 9 mm of the heater footprint is superimposed on the tobacco plug 80.

It should be appreciated that the length of the gap 91 and the length of the tobacco cap 80 can be adjusted to facilitate production and, more importantly, to adjust the smoking conditions of the cigarette 23, including adjusting the flavor, smoke draw, and yield.

The length of the gap 91 and the size of the heater-insert overlap (as well as the heater-gap) can also be varied to adjust the speed of response, achieve consistency of yield (between smokes of a single cigarette as well as between cigarettes), and control aerosol condensation on or around the heater.

In the recommended form, the gap 91 (portion of the tobacco roll 60 without the insert) extends approximately 7 mm to provide an adequate gap between the heater footprint 94 and the free flow filter 74. This creates a boundary so that the heater footprint 94 does not heat the free flow filter 74 during smoking. Other lengths are also suitable, so - if production tolerance allows - the gap 91 can be reduced to only 4 mm or less, or - going to the other extreme - it can be extended well beyond 7 mm, creating an elongated section without an insert along the tobacco roll 60. The recommended length range of the part without the insert (gap 91) is between 4 mm and 18 mm, preferably between 5 and 12 mm.

The base of the stick 68 physically separates the heating elements 37 from the tobacco aromatic, transfers the heat generated by the heating elements 37 to the aromatic substances 70, and maintains the physical connection of the tobacco roll during handling, insertion into the lighter 25, and separation of the cigarette after smoking.

In the description that follows, the levels of some values in percentages and/or the relative weight of the various ingredients that are an integral part of the tobacco stick 66 are presented. Unless otherwise indicated or it is immediately obvious to an expert with average knowledge of this material that it is otherwise, the amounts of weight percentages are given on a dry weight basis, so the percentages and/or relative weights mentioned are adjusted (do not include) moisture content.

The process of making tobacco sticks 6 is recommended without adding carbon fibers, which will be explained in the following paragraphs. In conclusion of the recommended manufacturing procedures, the rod base 68 itself has a recommended total base weight of approximately 35 to 45 g/m 2 , more preferably approximately 40 g/m 2 . At 40 g/m 2 , the base of the stick 68 preferably contains approximately 28 g/m 2 of tobacco fibers and approximately 12 g/m 2 of cellulose fibers, such as those from heartwood or flax. Cellulose fibers serve as a cellulose reinforcer in the composition of the base of the stick 68. It is recommended to reduce the amount of cellulose fibers in the base of the stick for subjective reasons (to avoid a paper note in the cigarette aroma). Generally, the ratio of tobacco fiber to cellulose fiber in the base of the stick 68 on a dry weight basis should range from approximately 2:1 to 4:1. The recommended pulp is unbleached, coarse softwood pulp, although most wood and flax cores are usable.

Another substance that can be used to strengthen the base of the stick 68 is cellulose fibers from processed tobacco stems.

Although not recommended, one side of the rod base 68 may be coated with alginate at approximately 1 g/m2. In the case of using alginate, it is recommended to apply it to the side of the base of the stick 68 which is opposite to the side that receives the tobacco aromatic substances 70.

The tobacco substance 70 is preferably applied to the base of the stick 68 at a dry weight level that is at least one or more times, preferably about three to four times greater than the base of the stick 68. In the recommended form, the weight of the tobacco substance is approximately 130 g/m2 so that the total weight of tobacco stick 66 is approximately 170 g/m2. On a dry weight basis, tobacco substance 70 consists of a portion of base tobacco and extractable solids in a ratio ranging from approximately 3.5 to 1 (3.5:1) to five to one (5:1) by weight, although this ratio can be vary in the range of approximately 3:1 to 9:1. In the preferred form of this invention, this ratio is approximately 4:1.

Glycerol is added to the tobacco substance 70 as a humectant and aerosol precursor in an amount of about 10-14%, preferably about 12% of the dry weight of the tobacco substance 70, but even here the added amount can vary, from approximately 5% to even 20% or more dry weight weight of tobacco substance 70. When the addition of glycerol is reduced to only 5 to 7% of the dry weight, the tobacco stick will be somewhat stiffer and more resistant to breaking when twisted into a tubular shape.

Pectin is also added to tobacco substance 70, in the range of 0.5 to 2%, preferably around 1.4% of dry weight. Pectin is added for coating purposes. Without it, the tobacco substance 70 may tend to over-penetrate the base of the stick 68 during the coating process, resulting in a grainy surface on the coated side of the tobacco stick 66. Too much pectin prevents this penetration and weakens the bond between the tobacco substance 70 and the base of the stick 68. At approximately 1 %, pectin enables adequate penetration and bonding of the layers so that the base of the stick 68 can withstand the demands of automatic cigarette manufacturing.

Optimally, the tobacco substance 70 based on the stick 68 contains approximately 16-20% dry weight extracted tobacco solids, 66-71% dry weight base tobacco particles, 8-14% glycerin and approximately 1.4% pectin. For the US market, the base tobacco incorporated in Tobacco Substance 70 preferably contains a blend of light, strong and oriental tobaccos, with almost half of the blend being light tobacco, approximately 1/3 strong, and the remainder being oriental tobacco. The composition and relative proportions of individual blend ingredients can be adjusted to meet consumer requirements in the US and other markets.

In connection with Fig. 5A and 5B, the recommended process for making a tobacco stick filler 66 in a form suitable for automatic cigarette manufacturing 23 is a first series of steps 120 (shown in FIG. 5A) which translate the tobacco raw material, preferably tobacco strips, into a continuous sheet of tobacco sticks 66s, and a second series of steps 122 (shown in Fig. 5B) which translate the continuous sheet of tobacco sticks 66s into one or more rolled spools 66b which can further be used to automatically manufacture cigarettes 23.

In connection with Fig. 5A, the process 120 of converting the raw tobacco into a continuous sheet of tobacco sticks 66s begins by subjecting the raw tobacco to an extraction step 124 (preferably with water) to separate the tobacco fibers from the tobacco solubles of the source raw material. Tobacco raw material is recommended to be tobacco tape, but other forms of tobacco and/or tobacco bars are also suitable for use in this process. It is recommended that the tobacco band consists of a mixture of light and strong tobacco, and it may also contain oriental or other forms of tobacco.

The tobacco fiber obtained by the extraction process 124 is subjected to a papermaking type process 126 to produce a continuous sheet 68s of the stick base.

In process 126, the tobacco fibers from the extraction step 124 are dispersed in water with the addition of a predetermined amount of cellulose fibers that serve as a reinforcer in the composition of the base of the stick 68. It is recommended that the cellulose fibers originate from the cellulose heartwood of wood, flax and/or tobacco stems. After mixing, the mixture of dispersed tobacco and cellulose fibers is purified to provide a castable stick composition 128 in a casting step 130, in which the stick composition 128 is directed into the casting mold of a stick making machine and cast onto a Fourdrinier wire or an endless steel belt, better on this first.

It is more convenient to purify the sprayed mixture of tobacco fibers and strengthening agent after mixing the two components. Instead, they can be purified separately and then mixed together.

After casting step 130, the resulting rod 132 is directed through one or more dryers during drying step 134, which preferably consists of passing the rod through a Yankee dryer and one or more bucket dryers, although those known in the art are also suitable for performing this step and other structures and devices. At the end of drying step 134, monitoring step 136 is performed to measure the moisture content and weight of the dried stick. The result 138 relating to the moisture content measurement is used to adjust the drying procedures 134 in order to achieve and maintain the desired final moisture level in the stick base sheet 68s for the purposes of the subsequent coating process 144. The stick base sheet 68s preferably contains, during the coating process 144 , moisture in the amount of about 15%

With respect to monitoring step 136, the results 140 relating to the weight of the rod base sheet 68s are used to adjust the casting process 130 to achieve an optimal base weight in the rod base 68 as previously described. These adjustments include changes in the rate at which the stick compound 128 is introduced into the mold of the stick making machine in the casting step 130 .

The stick shaping step 126 may optionally further include a coating step 142 in which one side of the stick base 68s is coated with alginate, in the previously described amounts, along one side of the stick base 68s opposite the side that receives the tobacco flavoring substance 70. Despite therefore, it is recommended that the procedure does not include the use of alginate.

At the end of the rod forming process 126, the base of the rod 68s is in the form of a continuous sheet that serves to feed into the coating process 144. According to another approach, the sheet can be collected for a subsequent off-line coating process. However, it is advisable to start the coating process 144 immediately after obtaining the rod base sheet 68s.

It is recommended that the rod base 68s be introduced into the coating process 144 at a moisture content of approximately 12 to 17%, more preferably 14.5 to 15.5%.

Regarding the extraction process. 124, the tobacco solubles leave the extraction process 124 as a dilute solution containing approximately 5 to 10 percent dissolved tobacco, more preferably 7 to 8 percent dissolved tobacco. It is recommended that this solution not be subjected to any evaporation procedures, so as to minimize the application of heat to the solution. The application of heat can have an effect on the aroma, which originates from tobacco soluble substances, and is released by smoking, cigarettes 23.

These solubles (also known as "extracted liquor") from extraction step 124 are mixed in mixing step 146 with additional fine base tobacco, glycerin and pectin, along with water, in relative amounts that ultimately give a final proportion content such as previously described for the dry conditions of tobacco substance 70. As part of mixing step 146, water is added (or subtracted) in amounts sufficient to achieve a dispersion of approximately 20 to 35 percent solids, more preferably 24 to 26 percent solids at the end of mixing step 124 content. The basic tobacco particles of the mixture are recommended in the amount of 60 to 400 mesh, where the term "mesh" refers to the 95% proportion of passage of tobacco particles through a sieve containing a certain number of openings per square inch. It is even more recommended that the base tobacco particles be in the range of approximately 100 to 200 mesh, preferably around 120 mesh.

If the mesh size of the base tobacco particles is above 120 mesh, specifically about 180 to 220 mesh, the solids content of the tobacco mixture at the end of mixing step 146 can be increased to a level of approximately 28 to 31%.

After the completion of the mixing step 146, the obtained mixture of tobacco substance is directed directly to the coating process 144, although this process can be carried out in an off-line manner, after a certain time. During the coating process 144, the tobacco mixture should have a solids content of about 22 to 27% by weight, preferably about 24 to 25%.

During coating step 144, the tobacco mixture has a target weight in percent tobacco solubles of 4 to 8 percent, preferably about 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended that the tobacco substance mixture be introduced into the coating process 144 at a temperature in the range of approximately 70 to 130°F, more preferably about 90°F plus or minus 5°F.

It is recommended that the coating step 128 be performed with a standard reverse spin coater located after the Yankee dryer, behind the endless belt of Foudrinier wire. The coating step may also be performed with some other suitable device known and available to those skilled in the art of rod forming procedures. The tobacco substance 70 may, instead of being described, be poured or ejected onto the base of the stick 68. According to another approach, the application of step 128 may be performed in an off-line manner, separate from the formation of the sheet of the base of the stick 68s. During or after the coating step 128, flavorings that are common in the cigarette industry are added, if desired.

At the end of the coating process 144, a continuous sheet of tobacco stick 66s is obtained.

Regarding Sl. 5B, the process then continues with steps 122 of translating the tobacco stick sheet 66s into a rolled tobacco coil 66b suitable for automatic cigarette production 23. It is recommended that the translation steps 122 be performed on-line with the production of a continuous tobacco stick sheet 66s. While performing translation step 122, the contractor should avoid circumstances that may lead to cracks, splits, and other imperfections in the tobacco stick sheet 66s, so as to achieve continuous wrapping of the tobacco stick on the spool 66b with little or no interruption. In addition, the sheet of tobacco stick 66s should be prepared so that at the end of the translation step 122 the tobacco stick is not glued, but can be quickly rolled up and unrolled from the spool 66b without breaking.

The translation steps 122 begin with a drying step 146 in which the tobacco stick sheet 66s is continuously passed through a gas-heated hot air countercurrent dryer, such as that of Airtech Systems Corp. of Stroughton, Maine, or through a steam-heated hot air dryer. Other dryers known in the art of making sticks can also be used. The drying step 146 should be carried out with minimal use of heat, but again with amounts sufficient to dry the tobacco stick 68s from its initial state (approximately 15% moisture content in the base of the stick and approximately 75% moisture in its sheath) to a state with about 8.5 to 12 % total moisture content at the end of the drying step 146. It is more recommended that the moisture content of the dried tobacco sheet of the stick 66d be in the range of approximately 10 to 11%. This final moisture content is recommended for several reasons: to facilitate the cutting process in the later stage of the translation process 122; to achieve the humidity level at which the material will be kept stored and/or sent for processing; and in order to achieve a humidity level at which sticking and binding of the substance itself to the base of the stick in the coil 66b is avoided. After drying step 126, the dried tobacco stick sheet 66d is cooled to ambient temperature, preferably to the temperature at which storage and/or further processing operations will be performed, typically in the range of 65 to 80°F. This cooling step 148 not only allows the tobacco stick 66 to be maintained up to the operating environment, but it avoids the risk of heat being trapped within the coil 66b which could otherwise cause a smoldering process.

If not prevented, self-heating can lead to the development of very high temperatures and, consequently, to the deterioration of the subjective properties of the tobacco stick 66. It is recommended to perform the cooling step with a cooler to which ice water is supplied with the opposite flow. air, such as is available from Airtech Systems Corp. of Stroughton, Maine, although other cooling systems known to crafters with ordinary knowledge of the craft of wandmaking may also work.

After the steps of drying and cooling the sticks 146 and 148, the dried and cooled sheet of tobacco 66dc is passed through a leveling device, such as that of Thermo Electron Web Systems, Inc. of Auburn, Maine, or some other suitable device known to one of ordinary skill in the art of wand making. At the end of the flattening step 150, the tobacco stick 66 is almost completely free of heat-induced burrs along the edges, making it suitable for the subsequent twisting and cutting steps 152 and 154. However, it is recommended to monitor the temperature, moisture level and total weight before performing these steps. tobacco sheets 66s after completion of the leveling step 150, to provide feedback and control of the process and thereby confirm that the material 66s is in a suitable condition for twisting and cutting, and that there are desired temperature, humidity and total weight values for the spool 66b.

When monitoring the tobacco sheet 66, the reading of the total weight, which is used to adjust the coating process 144, is particularly important, namely the rate of passage of the tobacco substance mixture through the device for coating with reverse rotation, i.e. the gap on the blade of the same device. The reading of the moisture level within the monitoring step 151 is used to monitor the drying processes to achieve the desired moisture values in the sheet as previously described. Furthermore, the cooling step 148 is controlled according to the temperature measurement of the tobacco stick sheet 66 as part of the monitoring step 151 .

Thereafter, the tobacco stick sheet 66 is rolled in a rolling step 152 performed using stick rolling machines, which are well known and available to those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of stick manufacturing processes. Thereafter, the rolled sheet of tobacco stick 68s is cut into individual coils 66b, the cutting width of each coil being dependent on the desired circumference of the cigarette 23.

At the end of the translation step 122, the spool 66b is in a state suitable for the automatic cigarette manufacturing processes 23, such combined processes being attached with reference to FIG. 6, and belong to the often cited USA series. no. 07/943504 dated September 11, 1992, the application of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Glycerin in the tobacco substance 70 serves as an aerosol precursor and facilitates the formation of a visible aerosol during cigarette smoking 23. In addition, the release of glycerin into the atmosphere results in its condensation, which creates the appearance of typical cigarette smoke. Other humidifiers suitable for use in the tobacco industry can be used for the same purpose.

Optionally, after the casting step 123, one side of the stick 68 can be coated with alginate before, during, or after the coating step 126. The alginate coating provides additional resistance and forms a film along one side of the base of the stick 68. However, the base of the stick 68 is sufficient is strong and without alginate, so it is recommended practice to make the base of the stick 68 without alginate.

The present invention may be used with other types of rod bases 68 (carriers), including metal, carbon fiber, and screen bases, which are described in commonly cited US patent application series. no. 07/943504 (PM 1550), series. no. 07/943747 (PM 1655) and US patent no. 5388594 (PM 1697), as well as in our translation of European Patent Application EP-A-0615411, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

According to the carbon fiber frames described in EP-A-0615411 and in the oft-cited US patent no. 5388594 (PM 1697), which is a continuation of the series. no. 08/380718 of September 30, 1995 (PM 1697 Cont), the recommended form of such frames involves a rod base 68 containing a tobacco filter in the range of 20 to 30 g/m2, preferably 24 to 28 g/m2, and most preferably 26 g/m2 m2; carbon fibers in the range of 2-9 g/m2, better 2-4 g/m2, and best around 3 g/m2; pectin in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 g/m2, preferably around 1 g/m2 pectin. It is recommended that the ratio of the ingredients is such that the basis of the stick 68 is obtained with a total weight of approximately 30 g/m2. It is also recommended to use carbon fiber in 1/4 inch long ribbons to facilitate dispersion into the mix during the mix preparation portion of the process. The initiation of dispersion of the carbon fiber feedstock is facilitated in accordance with the procedures described in US Pat. Nos. 4007083 and 4234379.

In these alternative forms of the tobacco stick base 66 (that is, the carbon fiber frame) the recommended dry weight of the fully finished sheet is about 160 g/m2, of which 30 g/m2 is the stick base 68 and 130 g/m2 is the tobacco substance. 70. In contrast, the shape of the base of the tobacco stick 66 is more recommended, which does not contain carbon fibers and has a dry sheet weight of approximately 170 g/m2, of which 40 g/m2 is the base of the stick 68 and 130 g/m2 is the tobacco substance. 70.

Regardless of which form of stick base 68 (carrier) is used, it is recommended that the tobacco substance 70 be deposited on the inner wall of the stick base 68 and when heated releases an aerosol of tobacco aroma (answer). Materials suitable for this include continuous sheets, foams, gels, dried tobacco mixtures or dried tobacco mixtures stored in a spray.

In relation to SI. 3 and in conjunction with the teachings incorporated by reference from the oft-cited US Pat. 5388594 (PM 1697), when the cigarette 23 of the recommended form of this invention is inserted into the receiver 27, it is introduced into the heater 39 to the position where the free end 78 of the cigarette 23 touches the obstacle 182 which is fixed. located at the base of the heater 39. When the cigarette is in place, smoking can begin, each pull of smoke by the smoker being registered by the smoke sensor 45 which, together with the control circuit 41, causes an electric current to flow to a predetermined number of heaters 37. The current is supplied via an electrical circuit containing leads 183 at one end of each heater 37, a common ring 184 at the opposite end of each heater 37, and a common lead 186 extending from the common ring 184 back toward the start of the leads 183. By activating each heater 37, thermal energy is transferred across the 71 and tobacco stick 68 in a sufficient amount to cause the release of tobacco aerosol from the tobacco aromatic substance 70 of the tobacco stick 66 within the limits of the tobacco roll 60, whereby the aerosol from the cigarette 23 is formed depending on the smoke inhalation by the smoker on the part of the cigarette 23 with the tip.

A smoker's puff of smoke typically lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 seconds, while the FTC's cigarette testing procedures assume a smoke duration of 2 seconds.

At the overlaps of the heater footprint 94 and the gap 91, the aerosol is released directly from the heated tobacco flavoring 70 into the cavity 91 whereupon it passes into and through the tip 62 with a very small pressure difference. On the other hand, at the overlapping points of the heater print 94 and the tobacco plug 80 (heater/insert overlap 99), the closer parts of the tobacco plug 80 will be heated along the closer ones. parts of the tobacco plug 66. Accordingly, the blended tobaccos of the tobacco plug 80 contribute their own fraction to the total aerosol by contributing to aroma and other subjective characteristics. Aerosol released from the tobacco plug 80 at or near the heater/insert overlap 99 is subject to some degree of filtration and pressure drop during passage through the tobacco plug 80 and entry into the void 91 .

The properties and aroma of the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco plug 80 can be changed by changes in the tobacco mixture, as well as by adjusting the size of the overlap of the heater 94 and the tobacco plug 80. gap 91, as well as due to the fact that the thermally volatile tobacco substance in the gap 91 is not subject to the pressure drop of the tobacco plug 80, but - on the contrary - communicates much more closely with the tip 62 through the free flow filter 74. Its properties are different from the one released from the tobacco cap 80 because it is released mainly from the tobacco flavoring substance 70 at the base of the stick 68. As will be explained in detail later, it has been found that - to the satisfaction of the smoker - the aerosol originating from the cigarette 23 preferably includes both components of the aerosol for the purpose of rapid delivery to the smoker and inclusion aromatic notes attributed to mixed tobaccos with a cut insert. As will become clear after the following descriptions, the presence of the gap 91 (and its proximity to the initial flow) ensures smoke-to-smoke consistency of cigarette smoking 23 and enhances adjustability between cigarettes. This relationship is particularly manifested in the comparative smoke-to-smoke properties of a partially filled cigarette 23 shaped according to the preferred embodiment of the invention (comprising a cut insert cap 80 and a gap 91), compared to cigarettes 23' of the first alternative form (Fig. 6a) which do not have a cut insert inside its twisted tobacco stick, and another alternative form (Fig. 7A) whose twisted tobacco stick is completely filled with a cut insert. In considering these alternative forms, it should be noted that the tobacco sticks 66' and 66" consist of a stick base 68 and a layer of tobacco substance 70 as in the recommended form. The tobacco rolls 60' of these alternative forms also include this 71.

A winding heating element with an energy of 15 Joules is used to obtain the comparative data presented in Fig. 6B and 7B, while the cigarettes shown in FIG. 6A and 7A.

In connection with Fig. 6A, cigarettes adapted to be smoked in an electric smoking system of the first alternative form include a tobacco roll 60' and a tip 62', both of which include parts designated by hyphen numbers ('), which are connected to parts of the preferred form shown in FIG. 4A. Despite this, the tobacco roll 60' of the cigarette 23' does not contain any cut insert within its tobacco stick 66', and the free end 78' of the tobacco roll 60' represents the return flow filter 200'. The base of the stick 68' of the tobacco stick 66' is of the type that includes carbon fibers as previously described. The shaping of the cigarette 23' is also extensively described in the oft-cited US Patent No. 5388594 (PM 1697), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For the purposes of the following description, references refer to this cigarette 23' as a cigarette without an insert 23'.

In connection with Fig. 6C, experiments were carried out using a smoking machine with the participation of a smoking system 21. The output from the smoking machine is directed during each smoke through a smoke measuring device 6y containing a transparent chamber 6v through which a light beam 6u passes from a source 6w to a photodetector 6z on the opposite side of the transparent chamber 6v.

The output information of the photosensor 6z is processed to obtain the intensity value of the light beam 6u at the moment it reaches the sensor 6z. Any tobacco aerosol that passes through the chamber 6v has the effect of scattering the light beam 6u, so that any change in light measured by the photodetector 6z will inversely indicate the total particulate matter (TPM) content of the aerosol. According to the FTC's cigarette testing practice, it is recommended that the smoking machine "draw" from the smoking system 21 standard two-second puffs of smoke.

Graphically presented information in Fig. 6B shows the intensity registered on the smoke measuring device versus the time of advancement of the smoking machine during each of the series of smokes from the 'insertless cigarette 23'. The data indicate the following trend: with a cigarette without a 23' insert, the first and second smokes are unstable compared to the remaining three smokes, while the last three smokes are much more constant than each other; after a two-second pause, the aerosol is neatly generated for each smoke. A cigarette without a 23' insert is much more erratic in the yield of the first few smokes and consistency appears only in the last smokes. The data relating to the first smoke are mostly consistent with the general observation that smoking a cigarette without the insert 23' using a smoking machine produces less aerosol during the first smoke if no additional measures are taken, such as perforating the tobacco roll 60' or other measures as in US patent no. 5388594 (PM 1697).

In connection with Fig. 7A, a different form of electronic cigarette 23" includes a tobacco stick 60" and a tip 62", the components and structure of which are similar to those of the preferred form shown in Fig. 4A, and these similar components are indicated by a double dash {"). Thus, a 23" SL 7A cigarette includes a backflow filter 200" at the free end 78" and a column of cut insert 220" extending the full length of the tobacco roll 60" between the returnflow filter 74" of the tobacco roll 60". Tobacco Column 220 "Cigarette 23" consists of a blend of light, strong, and oriental tobaccos with a roll density of 0.275 grams per cubic centimeter. The base of the 68" stick of the 66" tobacco stick is of the type containing carbon fibers as described earlier. In the discussion that follows, the cigarette 23" will be called a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert.

In connection with Fig. 7B, the light intensity measurements by the smoke measurement device 6y are correlated with the time progression of each smoke for the smoke sequence numbered one through seven, of the fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert. The data shown in Fig. 7B represent two recognizable trends in the properties of the shaped cigarette according to a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert: the first few puffs provide a significant aerosol yield, but thereafter that yield drops to the point where the last three puffs produce significantly less yield than the first few puffs (unless measures are taken to correct this) ; a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert produces a delayed aerosol yield, so initial puffs (first, second and third puffs) do not reach maximum yields until a two-second period has passed.

During the first few puffs, a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert tends to achieve a higher total volume than a cigarette without a 23' insert. A comparison of the data shown in Figs. 7B and 6B supports this general observation, in that the total areas above the curves the first few puffs in Fig. 7B for a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert greater than the total areas above the first few puff curves in Fig. 6B for cigarette without insert 23'. The area above the curve for each individual smoke in Fig. 7B and 6B indicates the total aerosol yield during that smoke.

It is believed that the delay in yield of a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert encourages the smoker to draw longer and more forcefully in response to the absence of a rapid response (flavor) when consuming a 23" cigarette. A more pronounced pull of the smoke will allow the heated parts of the overlap 71" and the tobacco stick 66" to be fully utilized (oxidized) due to the additional air flow, so that during the first few smokes there will be more significant wear and - possibly - local collapse of the structure of the tobacco column 220". In addition, it is believed that - once started - pyrolysis in a fully filled cigarette tends to be self-sustaining, due to the presence of a larger amount of combustible tobacco and/or the compacted state it is in. In any case, because air can pass through the tobacco coil more quickly through cracked "burnt" areas in the first few puffs, these patchy cracks are believed to shorten the desired airflow path on subsequent puffs. Consequently, the yield during subsequent puffs of a fully filled 23" insert cigarette is reduced.

The data shown in Fig. 7B and the above explanation is consistent with the general observation that fully filled 23" insert cigarettes or traditional cigarettes, when smoked with electric lighters, tend to decline in yield as smoking progresses.

With its delayed, even self-sustaining pyrolysis, the fully filled cigarette 23' tends to generate a large amount of aerosol in the later stages of the smoke, and may occasionally continue to generate aerosols after the smoker's puff period.

This occurrence can result in the formation of an "after-smoke" aerosol that can be retained within the housing 33 of the lighter 25, particularly in or around the heater 39. A portion of this aerosol causes problems by condensing on the heating elements 33 or lingering long enough that during the next smoke is drawn into the cigarette 23". Both consequences are harmful to the pleasantness and permanence of the aroma.

In connection with SI. 6B, the cigarette smoke curves without the insert 23' show that the aerosol yield becomes maximal (the point of greatest dip of the curves) well before the two (2) second duration of the standardized smoke, and the yield is lowest in the later stages of the smoke, so that the generation of aerosols "after-smoke "it is not such a problem with cigarettes without a 23" insert. However, as stated before, a cigarette without a 23" insert gives a lower total volume of aerosol than a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert, during the first few smokes there is an erratic yield, and the subjective properties and benefits provided by the presence of mixed (or even unmixed) cut insert.

Sl. 8 is a presentation of comparative smoking data on smoking machines with the use of a smoke measuring device 6y according to the procedures described above, for a cigarette shaped like a cigarette without an insert 23', for a fully filled cigarette with an insert 23", and for a partially filled cigarette with insert 23, formed according to the instructions of the preferred embodiment of the present invention (as shown in Fig. 4A). All of these cigarettes used a carbon fiber frame as the base of the stick. As will be seen from the discussion of Fig. 8, a partially filled insert cigarette 23 of this invention, a more constant yield is achieved during smoking. The drop in yield that occurs in later smokes of a fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert is avoided, and the consistency of the yield is greater than with a cigarette without a 23" insert during the first few smokes.

A partially filled cigarette with insert 23, which was tested to collect the data used in FIG. 8, was partially filled with a cut insert, so that the overlap between the heater and the gap in the cigarette was relatively large, approximately 6 mm. Used heating bodies 37, used during testing to obtain data in Fig. 8, were of a spiral shape with an energy of 15 joules per heating cycle.

Especially in relation to Fig. 8, the data presented there are the amount of aerosol (in mg) that is formed during the first two seconds of each smoke with the progression of smoke during smoking of each particular type of cigarette. In relation to the data presented in Fig. 6B and 7B, the amount of aerosols recorded in the SI. 8 analytically corresponds to each individual integrated (area as defined above) smoke curve from 0 to 2 seconds in FIG. 6B and 7B.

Display of data in Fig. 8 clearly shows the drop in yield observed in the fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert, which develops during smoking, from the first to the following smokes. In contrast, the cigarette without the insert did not show the drop in yield as the fully filled cigarette with a 23" insert. .

Display of data in Fig. 8 also clearly shows that a partially filled cigarette with insert 23 provides consistency of yield comparable to that exhibited by a cigarette without insert 23' over six smokes. Furthermore, the contribution of the insert to the aroma and subjective qualities of the cigarette was retained.

Referring to Table II, data were collected to show how changes in the amount of heater overlap and void in a cigarette shaped after cigarette 23 can affect yield. The data presented in Table II were obtained by machine smoking partially filled cigarettes with a 32 mm long tobacco roll, a 7 mm free flow filter at the pointed end of the tobacco roll and a 30 mm long tip, with the heater imprint being 12 cm long and directed at the center of the tobacco roll. a roll of each cigarette.

Table II

gap length (mm) 4 7 10

overlap of the guage and gap (mm) 1 4 7

overlapping of heater and tobacco plug 11 8 5

average TPM 4.9 5.5 7.0

adjusted average TPM (minimum value 5.2 5.9 7.3

omitted)

standard deviation of the adjusted average 0.34 0.53 0.50

Figure 9 presents a graphical representation of the total obtained particulate matter (TPM) in relation to the size of the heater-insert overlap (in millimeters). The data presented in the figure were obtained using standard techniques for determining FTC "tar" levels using Cambridge substrates and two-smoke intervals on standard smoking machines. The tested cigarettes were partially filled cigarettes with a carbon fiber insert and base, total length of 58 mm, only the data from the coordinates of Fig. 9 obtained from testing a cigarette without an insert with a carbon fiber base and the same overall length.

Although the heater-tobacco overlap varied, the heater footprint remained a constant length and centered over the center of the tobacco roll. Accordingly, any increase in heater-tobacco overlap led to a proportional decrease in heater-void overlap. The heater was a spiral shape with a heater footprint of approximately 10 mm. All the data obtained together indicate the existence of a second-order relationship between the total particulate matter obtained and the size of the heater-insert overlap under these circumstances. Data from Fig. 9 and the separate data set of Table II show that the size of the heater-insert overlap can be varied to achieve the desired (target) yield level of the fully filled insert 23 cigarette.

Adjusting the size of the heater-insert overlap is the recommended way to achieve the desired "tar" level of a fully filled cigarette with an insert, due to the discovery that changes in heater-insert overlap have a more pronounced and more easily controlled effect on yield than changes in coil density and of the tobacco plug 80. In addition, this approach allows selection of the coil density in the tobacco plug 80 for purposes other than tar level, such as monitoring the free ends and/or creating a desired degree of pressure differential and/or filtration across the free end 78 of the tobacco coil 60, as well as other ways of facilitating production. It also enables the ability to change the tar yield among related cigarette products, without the necessity of simultaneously changing either the tobacco stick 66 or the tobacco plug 80.

Also an advance is the shaping of the relative dimensions of the fully filled cigarette with the insert 23, as well as the heater 39 of the lighter 21 in such a way that each heating element 37 is located along the tobacco roll 60, so that at least some, if not all, of the heater prints are superimposed only to the filled part of the tobacco roll 60 (through the tobacco plug 80). In this form, the gap 91 further facilitates the formation of aerosols and helps to cool the smoke. It is believed that the free-flow filter 74 aids in aerosol generation by creating a narrowing of the aerosol flow after it exits the wider gap 91. In this regard, it should be noted that the free-flow filter 74 of the tobacco roll 60 represents the boundaries 73 and 75 at the transitions between itself and the gap 91 on the one hand, and between itself and the free flow filter 102 on the other hand. These boundaries 73 and 75 are due to the existence of the free flow filter 74, which has a smaller inner radius than either of the other two nearby (the void 91 and the space within the free flow filter 102). It is believed that these ends 73 and 75 (and perhaps other, adjacent areas of the free flow filter 74) promote turbulence and other flow properties that facilitate the formation of aerosols from the gaseous and particulate constituents released from the heated tobacco portions of the tobacco roll 60.

In relation to SI. 10, the cigarette 23a is formed according to another preferred method of the present invention, and has the same ingredients and structure as those described in the discussion of the cigarette 23 of FIG. 4A, but with the addition of a return flow filter 200a located at the free end 78a of the tobacco roll 60a. The backflow filter 200a prevents the escape of tobacco from the tobacco plug 80a at the free end 78a. The freeflow filter 200a can be colored to indicate that the cigarette 23a is intended for use in an electric smoking system and not for lighting with a match or a regular cigarette lighter, as is the case with traditional cigarettes. Although the return flow filter 200a is shown as a separate part of the wrapped tobacco cap 80a, it is possible - to facilitate the production of cigarettes 23a - to combine the tobacco cap 80a with a return flow filter 200a with a cap wrapper (not shown). with the backflow filter plug, the cigarette 23a can be prepared with the low roll density tobacco plug 80a, without the risk of problems such as with in free ends or tobacco falling out of roll 60a. As disclosed in EP-A-0615411 and commonly cited US patent application series. no. 07/943504 dated September 11, 1992 (PM 1550), as well as the oft-cited US patent no. 5388594 (PM 1697), the return flow filter is designed to limit or completely prevent the release of aerosol from the free end 78a of the tobacco roll 60a at the end of the smoke, and to create a pressure difference at the free end 78a, which will best limit the amount entering the cigarette 23a through the free end 78a in relation to the proportional amount of air that is passed along the walls of the tobacco stick 60a.

According to the techniques used to form the partially filled insert cigarette 23 of the preferred form of this invention, the heater energy and size of the heater-insert overlap can be used to determine and/or adjust the yield to a desired "tar" level. Accordingly, during the molding of a new partially filled cigarette with insert 23, the choice of stick density in the tobacco plug 80 is generally possible for the purpose of achieving a desired degree of pressure drop at the free end 78 and/or to control backflow, both of which are carried out in the same manner. such as that achieved with the reverse flow filter 200a of the alternative form 23a.

In connection with Fig. 11, a second cigarette 23b, formed according to another preferred method of the present invention, includes a tobacco plug 80b consisting of a low density portion 310b near the gap 91b and a high density portion 320b near the free end 78b of the cigarette roll 60b. The cigarette 23b is shaped so that the heater print 94b overlaps the low density portion 310b of the tobacco plug 80b, so that an increased yield is obtained with a lower roll density. The high density region of the cut insert 320b is shaped to avoid free ends and to limit the passage of air through the coil shaft 60b in a manner analogous to that of the backflow filter 200a.

Recommended heater shapes are shown in SI. 12-21. These heaters are suitable for any of the shapes shown so far, namely fully filled, partially filled, as well as the cigarette without an insert from Fig. 4a, 4b, 6a, 7a, 10 and 11, as well as modifications of these cigarettes.

These heaters have greater mechanical durability during repeated insertion, adjustment and removal of cigarettes 23 and significantly enhance the formation of aerosols from the heated cigarette while maintaining the same energy requirements. It was found that the generated aerosols tended to jet stream from the activated heater.

In general, eight heater plates 121 are recommended to produce eight smokes after successive activation of the heater plates 121, thereby mimicking the number of smokes of a conventional cigarette. Specifically, the heater plates 121 extend from the cap 110 to form a cylindrical heater plate mold that receives the inserted cigarette 23. It is recommended that the notch 129 be bounded by adjacent heater layers 121.

A change in the number of smokes, and thus a change in the number of heater plates 121, may be required, which is achieved when the cigarette is inserted into the cylindrical receiver CR. The desired number is achieved by creating the desired number of heater plates 121. This is achieved by using plates of equal or unequal size.

The heater is placed in the mouth 27 of the lighter 25. Then, the cigarette 23 is inserted, usually first the return flow filter 200, in the mouth 27 of the lighter 25, namely in the cylindrical space of the heater 39 which is bounded by the annular cap 83 which has an open end for receiving the cigarette, cylindrical air duct throat 87, heater assembly 100 consisting of heater plates 121, electrically conductive pin or common line 104A, which serves as a common line of heating elements of the heater assembly, electrically conductive positive pins or lines 104B and a spacer. The bottom of the inner surface 81 of the spacer stops the cigarette 23 in the desired place in the heater 39, so that the plates of the heater 121 are near the gap 79 inside the cigarette, and are in the recommended shape as described earlier, and according to Fig. 1 to 11.

Basically, all the heaters 39 are located inside and their position is ensured by a good fit in the housing 31 of the front part 33 of the lighter 25. The front edge 93 of the cap 83 in the recommended form is located on or slightly beyond the first end 29 of the lighter 25 and preferably includes an oblique or rounded portion, thereby facilitating the guiding of the cigarette in and out of the heater 39. Pins 104A and 104B preferably engage a corresponding plug (not shown), enabling support for the heater 39 in the lighter 25, and conductors or printed circuits lead from the plug to various electrical elements. Other wedges can provide additional support to reinforce the wedge assembly. Pins 104A and 104B may be of any suitable material, and tin phosphor bronze is recommended. The passage 47 in the spacer and the base 50 communicate using a sensor 45 that detects smoke, and a light sensor 53 detects the presence or absence of a cigarette 23 in the lighter 25.

As seen in Fig. 12 and 13, the heater assembly 100 is preferably of monolithic construction, meaning eight heater plates 121 extending from a center 1110 in a symmetrical arrangement or, as previously discussed in connection with FIG. 19, in an asymmetrical arrangement. As best seen in Figure 13, the heater assembly is a generally circular insertion opening 360, having a throat 365 that directs the inserted cigarette toward a coaxially shaped cylindrical receiver CR having a smaller diameter than the insertion opening 360. The insertion opening 360 is limited in relative to the end parts 118B of the binding sections 118 of the heater plates 121, while the throat 365 is limited by the part of the sections 118 between the binding edge 118A and the end 118B. The insertion end 360 is recommended to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the inserted cigarette 23, to allow the cigarette to be guided towards the receiver CR, while the diameter of the receiver CR is approximately the same as the cigarette 23 to ensure a good grip that allows good transfer of thermal energy. It is recommended that the diameter of the cigarette 23 be approximately equal to the range of diameters known in the art. Acceptable factory tolerances for the cigarette 23, the gradual narrowing of the neck area 365 in the transition between the distal end and the receiver CR can also serve to apply slight pressure to the cigarette for better thermal contact with the surrounding plates 121 which are the inner wall. recipient. As a non-limiting example, the insertion end 360 preferably has an inside diameter of approximately 0.356 inches ±0.02 inches, and the receiver CR preferably has an inside diameter of approximately 0.278 inches ±0.02 inches. The plates 120 can be bent inward to increase the thermal contact with the cigarette resulting from the narrowing of the diameter of the cylindrical receiver.

Each U-shaped heater plate 121 consists of a first section or legs 116A extending at a first end from the center 111, a binding section 118 connected to the opposite other end of the first section or legs 116A, and a second section or legs 116B which at the first end they extend from the binding section 118 towards the center 111. The first and second legs 116A and 116B are separated by a crack 125 which can be relatively permanent; it is recommended that they be basically parallel in any untwisted state, as in Fig. 18 and 19 which were previously discussed; be continuous in the direction of inserting the cigarette to reduce unwanted damage to the cigarette; and are directed to form a cylindrical receptacle CR for the inserted cigarette 23. The binding section 118 has a curved connecting edge 118A which abuts the opposite inner edges of the legs of the plates 116A and 116B, so that an elongated U-shaped resistance path is formed, which is basically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inserted cigarette and extending along the length of the cigarette, as will be discussed at length.

The curved connecting edge 118A preferably has a curvature of approximately 180° ± 20° to create a U-shaped plate that is concave toward the center 111 and convex toward the insertion opening 360. The first end of the first leg of the plate 116A at the center 111 may have an enlarged width, with the same approximate thickness, on the part 115 in relation to the rest of the first leg 116A, and for the purpose of reducing the current density and power density on the part 115, and to reduce the ohmic heating of the part 115. In addition, this expansion increases the mechanical integrity of the board 121 at the center of 111.

The other end 122 of the second leg of the plate 116B is preferably raised relative to the main portion of the second section of the plate 116B in a step intended to facilitate electrical connection with the corresponding positive pin 104B. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12 and 13, the end 122 consists of three sections, namely: a section 122A which is actually a flat extension of the main section of the second leg of the plate 116B, a transition section 122B which starts from the corner, as shown, and a connecting end section 122C which is generally comparable to section 122A. The end sections 122 can be wider than the other leg of the board 122B to increase strength, achieve an adequate contact area for the positive connection on the bonding end section 122C, and reduce the current density and thus the ohmic heating of the end section 122. The end section 122C is recommended to be wedge connected or electrically and mechanically connected by any other technique to the positive pin 104B.

Another method of achieving positive connections for heater plates 121 is shown in FIG. 14 and 15. It is recommended that the binding end 122 not be stepped, as shown in FIG. 12 and 13: instead, a substantially straight extension of the second heater leg 116B is preferable, which facilitates the manufacture described below. To reduce the possibility of short circuits occurring between the contacts of the positive end 122 and the center 111 and/or section 115 of the first. legs 116A when, for example, the cigarette is crushed or otherwise manipulated by the smoker, the end 112, the center 111 and the section 115, mainly corresponding opposite ends of these parts, are insulated with a ceramic wrap 300.

It is recommended to apply the ceramic wrap using any common technique, e.g. by plasma spraying, on the center 111, connecting the segment 122 and the segment 115 of the first leg 116A. It is recommended that ceramics have a relatively high dielectric constant. Any electrical insulator can be used such as aluminum, zirconium, mullite, corderite, spinel, fosterite, their combinations and the like. It is recommended that the zirconium or other ceramics used have a thermal coefficient of expansion that closely matches that of the metals of the underlying heater metal formations, to avoid differences in the rate of expansion and contraction during heating and cooling, and with them the possibility of cracking and/or separation layers during use. The ceramic layer remains physically and chemically stable during heating of the heater. A thickness of, eg, approximately 0.1 to 10 millimeters, or approximately 0.5-6 millimeters, more preferably 1-3 millimeters, is recommended for the electrical insulator. It is recommended that part of the end 122 not be coated. The positive pins 104B are then connected to this exposed part in the described manner. To facilitate masking, the corresponding part of section 115 is not coated with ceramic.

Ceramics can also be applied, using the same plasma spraying process, e.g. on the crack 127 between the ends 122 and the sections 115 of the first legs 116A, or in the crack 126 between the ends 122 and the center 110, which creates a ceramic central formation whose presence increases the mechanical integrity of the heater assembly, as shown in Fig. 15. The size of this ceramic central formation can be larger than shown. With or without this additional application of ceramics, the ceramic sheath electrically insulates the positive bonding ends 122, so the widths of the cracks 127 and 125 can be reduced with this short circuit protection. Accordingly, end section 122 and section 115 of first leg 116A may be of increased circumference, thereby providing further reinforcement to the receiver and, in the case of a ceramic core, stiffening the skeleton and providing further reinforcement to the heater assembly. In addition, this ceramic wrapper softens the sharp edges of cracks 125 and 127 and thereby reduces the possibility of damaging the cigarette, especially during insertion, removal and any adjustment by the smoker. According to another approach, the entire plate 121, especially the first and second legs 116A and 116B, are completely coated on one surface, for example on the outer surface facing the cigarette, on both surfaces - inner and outer, and/or on the edges that border the cracks with a ceramic layer, for example about 2 mil zirconia, to strengthen the heater plates while maintaining cracks if desired. Plates 121 can therefore be thinner, e.g. approximately 2 to approximately 6 mils, thereby increasing the resistance of the heater path and allowing the plates to be wider to increase thermal contact with the inserted cigarette 23, while maintaining the same overall plate resistance. This increased width of the plates, together with the ceramic layer, further strengthens the structure of the heater. Also, the ceramic coating on the outer surface of the plate 121 facing the cigarette can prevent heat loss from the heated plate to the environment. Ceramics are recommended to be applied by plasma spraying or some other process described in the corresponding patent applications, and it is recommended to apply them through physical vapor deposition with an electron beam in order to avoid the occurrence of other disturbances that may occur during plasma spraying procedures due to surface influence and/or particle influence .

Each plate 121 forms a resistance heating body. More precisely, the first end 115 of the first section of the plate 116A is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the power source, and even more precisely, it is an integral extension of the center 111 or a mechanical or electrical connection of the center 111, which in turn is electrically or mechanically connected to the negative end pin 104A by means of a wedge joint or some other method, such as welding or brazing. It is recommended that the two end pins 104A be used to provide balanced support, since the negative and positive connections also serve to mechanically support the heater. The center 111 therefore acts as an electrical denominator for all heater plates 121.

In all forms, the negative connection for each heater can be made individually, e.g. by means of a suitable negative contact located at the end of the heater opposite the corresponding areas of the positive contact 122.

The corresponding positive connection for each heater plate 121 is placed on the binding end section 122C of the second plate section as described. The bonding end section of each heater plate is electrically separated or isolated from the common center 110 by a crack 127; from the first section of the plate 116A, and especially from the first end 115 of the associated heater plate 120 through the crack 125; and from the adjacent heater plate 120 through the crack 131, all with the purpose of avoiding short circuits and enabling thermal expansion. In addition, ceramic covers can be applied if desired. Alternatively, the binding end sections 122C are connected to ground.

The discussed positive and negative connections provide a path with resistance, or rather a circuit, for current applied from an electrical energy source, e.g. via the control circuit, to individual panels 120, after activating the smoking system by drawing smoke from the smoker. The primary heated area of the plate consists of the first plate leg 116A, the edge portion 118A, and the second plate leg 116B. Accordingly, the part of the inserted cigarette 23 which lies below and comes into contact with the activated plate 121 extending along it will be heated on its outer surface in a shape corresponding to the heated part of the plate, i.e. in the shape of an elongated letter U, which corresponds to the plate above care, and heating is done primarily by conduction and radiation, and some convection is also possible. In addition, the portion of the inserted cigarette between the legs, that is, that which lies below the crack 125, is heated by overlapping or cutting, cumulative radiation and conduction heat transfer from the leg 116A as well as the leg 116B. If the crack 125 is too large, the desired overlap will not occur and the part of the inserted cigarette lying below the crack 125 will not be adequately heated. In addition, radiation and conduction heat will heat the ribbon portions of the inserted cigarette slightly beyond the outer edges of the heater plate legs 116A and 116B. The various heated parts together form a heated area of the cigarette 23 which extends from slightly behind the outer edge of the foot 116A, below the foot 116A and slightly above the foot 116B of the actuated plate 121, corresponding to the smoke generated tobacco flavoring.

The extent of the heated part depends on the geometry of the plate and the properties of the heater, as well as on the amount and duration of the energy pulse. It is recommended that the heater plate be of such a size and thermal properties that it primarily heats the section of the inserted cigarette of sufficient size, e.g. 18 square millimeters, for the smoker to achieve an acceptable smoke in relation to the pulse of energy activated by the smoke.

The relatively large end regions of the path forming plates 115 and 122 do not heat to operating temperatures, because their relatively larger volumes reduce the current density and thus reduce ohmic heating. The section of the binding end section 118 does not heat up to operating temperatures, because the heating path tends to follow the edge 118A, and this section represents a relatively larger volume, and consequently has a lower current density, and thus less ohmic heating than the edge 118A and the sections in the immediate vicinity. To further reduce unwanted heating of the remainder of the bonding portion 118, the thickness of the monolithic material of the dial 118 relative to the curved edge 118A in region 118C may be increased to further reduce current density and ohmic heating, as shown in FIG. Sl. 5, (2) perforate portion 118 to reduce ohmic as well as heat conduction paths, and/or (3) add additional drain materials for the purpose of reducing heat transfer to that portion, as shown in FIG. 6. In order to achieve this conduction function, a thermally non-conductive substance is applied, e.g. thermal insulator such as ceramics. Examples of suitable ceramics include zirconium, a mixture of aluminum and zirconium, mullite, etc. as in the case of the heater plate coating. Each of these modifications must be checked for unwanted effects on the mechanical integrity of the fasteners 118 that support the heater assembly 100 and limit the opening for inserting the cigarette.

After activation of the heater plate 121, there is a predetermined minimum time after which the next smoke can follow. Premature heating of a portion of the cigarette could also result in unwanted and/or partial aerosolization or heat-induced wear of the cigarette before the desired heating occurs. As a result, reheating a previously heated part may result in the development of unwanted odors and tastes.

If it is desired to achieve a smoke that is longer than that obtained by a single activation of the heater, a logical mechanism is added that activates a second heater or additional heater plates immediately after the activation of the initial heater plate or during the final part of its activity, with the purpose of heating the second segment of the cigarette. The additional heater plate can be the immediately following heater plate or another heater plate. The heater plates can be sized to achieve the total desired number of smokes of the desired duration.

In one embodiment, the number of heater plates 121 corresponds to the desired number of fumes, eg eight. In another embodiment, the number of shaped heater plates 121 is twice the number of fumes, e.g. there are sixteen sections with heaters for eight cigarette smokes. This arrangement allows activation sequences other than the usual sequential activation of approximately 2 seconds, and a radial beam activation sequence is recommended for the embodiment of the invention where the number of heater plates 121 corresponds to the number of smokes. For example, the logic circuit can control the simultaneous activation of two circumferentially opposite heater plates 121, that is, heater plates separated by 180° in the tube, so that they jointly heat an appropriate amount of cigarette for the purpose of obtaining smoke.

In another way, after the first sequence of activation of every other heater plate 121, for a cigarette there is a second sequence of activation of the heater plates 121 located between the previous ones for the next cigarette. Alternatively, this first activation sequence can be repeated for a predetermined cycle of a number of cigarettes, after which the second activation sequence begins. Any combination of heater plates can be used. The number of heater plates can be less, equal or greater than the number of smokes of a single used cigarette. For example, a nine-plate system may be used for a six-smoke cigarette, with a different order of the six heaters being activated for each individual cigarette, and the additional three heaters not being activated.

The heater assembly 100 is electrically and mechanically relatively secured at one end by welded studs (one or more) 104A to the center 110, and from studs 104B to the ends 122. Studs 104A and 104B are preferably pre-molded in the plastic center, or on some other way firmly connected to it, preferably in a way that will reduce air leakage. It is recommended that this fixed end be opposite the insertion opening 360. The binding sections 118, particularly the opposite ends 118B on the opposite side from the connecting edges 118A, define the insertion opening 360. The end sections 118B may extend outwardly to form a throat region 365. Plates 121 taper from this throat region forming an inner diameter that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the inserted cigarette 23 in the region of, e.g., the middle of the plate, to enable the desired thermal contact between the plates and the cigarette. The end sections 118B can expand freely during heating, that is, the end sections are not attached. More specifically, each end 118B is located within a corresponding channel 210 located in the inner wall 201 of the end cap 83 of the lighter. More specifically, radial outward movement of the inwardly facing end portions 118B of the plates 121 is prevented by the ends 118B radially contacting the outer walls of the channel 210, thereby providing a connection for tilting and forming an internal slope. This internal camber can be assembled from the internal factory camber as discussed above. As shown, the inner wall 201 extends outwardly to allow insertion of the termination portion of the plate 118B. The radial outer wall of the contact end 118B of the channel 200 is shaped and sized to allow entry of an adequate amount of plate termination 118B such that the plate termination does not exit the channel 210 during heating or cooling of the plate or insertion or removal of a cigarette. If desired, this radial outer wall of the channel can be formed with a bed, e.g. by a trapezoid that is in contact with the ends of 118B. In another embodiment, the end portion 118D of the plate 118B is circular in shape, more specifically ovoid, on the portion of the previously inserted end portion 118B. This circular portion 118D allows the insert portion to wedge within the channel 210 in response to thermally or mechanically induced situations, thereby maintaining the insert portion of the plate termination within the channel 210. In addition or instead, the plate terminations 118B are more circular in shape.

In the first form, which is shown in Fig. 3, the channel 210 is of such a size that the end 118B of the heater plate 121 can be extended in the sense of extension, that is, towards the rear side 202 of the channel 210, above the place for inserting the cigarette 23 and/or the heater plate, so that the desired contact between the cigarette and panel. This arrangement, where one end of the plate is free in relation to the opposite center, enables mechanical movement and/or thermal expansion and contraction of the heater plates 121 in the longitudinal direction during the insertion/removal of the cigarette and/or heating/cooling of the plate, and way to reduce loads. In another form of this invention, which is shown in FIG. 14, the bed 204, which may be trapezoidal, is located inside the channel 210 so that, during the thermal expansion of the heater plate 121 after heating or its movement due to the insertion of the cigarette 23, the end 118B comes into contact with the bed 204 and achieves a locking point that allows the plate 121 directing inwards, towards the inserted cigarette 23, and in this way the loads on the plate are reduced and the desired thermal response is increased, i.e. the compression forces between the plate and the cigarette. Up to the point of engagement, the plate 121 is thought to rotate freely, but preferably not translate, in the bearing 204.

The heater assembly 100 is preferably of a monolithic structure, and can be coated with ceramic, as described earlier, if desired. The core 111 and the heater plates 121 are manufactured from a material having the desired electrical resistance and strength. For example, substances having an electrical resistivity in the range of about 50 to about 500 μΩcm, preferably between 100 and 200 μΩcm, are recommended so that temperatures from about 200°C to about 1000°C, more preferably from about 400°C to approximately 950°C, and more preferably from approximately 300°C to 850°C, are reached by the activated plate 120 in approximately 0.2 s to approximately 2.0 s, with an energy pulse of approximately 10 to approximately 50 joules, preferably approximately 10 to approximately 25 joules, and even better approximately 20 joules. The material must be able to withstand approximately 1800 to 10000 such pulses without failure, significant damage or unwanted distortion of the plate 121.

The materials from which the heater plates 121 are made are preferably selected to ensure reliable repeated use with at least 1800 on/off cycles without failure. It is recommended that the heater assembly 39 be available separately from the igniter 25 including the power source and circuit 37, which are usually removed after 3600 or more cycles. The heater materials and other metal parts are also selected based on their resistance to oxidation and general, non-reactivity, so that they do not oxidize or otherwise react with the cigarette 23 at any of the temperatures that may develop. If desired, the heater plates 121 and other metal parts can be coated with an inert heat conducting material, such as suitable ceramics, to further avoid oxidation and other reactions.

It is even better to make the heater plates 121 and other metal parts from heat-resistant alloys, the use of which achieves a combination of high mechanical strength and resistance to surface oxidation, corrosion and damage at high temperatures. It is recommended to make heater plates 121 from substances that show high strength and surface stability at temperatures higher than 80 percent of their melting point temperature. Such alloys include those commonly referred to as superalloys and are generally based on nickel, iron or cobalt. For example, alloys primarily of iron or nickel with aluminum and yttrium are suitable. It is recommended that the alloy plate of the heater 121 includes aluminum, to further improve the properties of the heating element, e.g. by preventing resistance to oxidation.

Recommended substances include iron and nickel aluminides, particularly the alloys described in the oft-cited US patent application series. no. 08/365952 of December 29, 1994, as well as series. no. ---------------------- of the same date and entitled "Iron aluminide alloys suitable for the manufacture of electrically resistant heating elements" (official number PM 1769) which are here in incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Several elements can be taken in addition to Ni3Al alloys. B and Si are the basic additions to the alloy of the heater layer 122. B is considered to increase the bonding strength of the composition and is most effective when Ni3Al is rich in nickel, that is, when Al≤24 at.%. Si is not added to Ni3Al alloys in larger quantities because the addition of Si beyond the maximum of 3 wt.% will lead to the formation of nickel silicide, and after oxidation, SiOx will be formed. The addition of Mo increases the strength at high and low temperatures. Zirconium participates in increasing the resistance of oxides to splitting during thermal cycles. In addition, Hf can be added to improve strength at high temperatures. The recommended Ni3AI alloy used as substrate 300 and heater with a resistance of 122 is called IC-50 and is described as containing approximately 77.92% Ni, 21.73% Al, 0.34% Zr and 0.01% B in the book "Processing of Intermetallic Aluminides", V. Sikka, Intermetallic Metallurgy and Processing Intermetallic Compounds, ed. Stoloff et al., Van Nestrand, Reinhold, N.Y. , 1994, Table 4. Various elements can be added to iron aluminide. Possible additions include Nb, Cu, Ta, Zr, Ti, Mn, Si, Mo and Ni. The heater material may also be Haynes® Alloy b. 214, a nickel alloy containing 16.0 percent chromium, 3.0 percent iron, 4.5 percent aluminum, trace yttrium, and other (approximately 75 percent), commercially available from Haynes International of Kokomo, Indiana), Inconel 702 alloy, McrA1Y alloy, FeCrA1Y, Nichrome® 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 contains 60% nickel, 25% iron, 11% chromium and 2% manganese; Nichrome II contains 75% nickel, 22% iron, 11% chromium and 2% manganese; Nichrome III is a heat-resistant alloy containing 85% nickel and 15% chromium), as described in the oft-cited patent application series. no. 08/380718 dated January 30, 1995 and US patent no. 5388594, as well as substances that have similar properties.

As shown in Fig. 12, the arrangement of the heater plates 121 is such that they extend symmetrically from the center 111. According to another approach, an asymmetric arrangement is used. For example, most (e.g. six or eight) heater plates 121 can be divided into, e.g. two equal groups, e.g. three or four heater plates. The heater plates of each sub-group are separated by slits 131 as described earlier. The subgroups are separated by a wider crack 135, as shown in FIG. 19 in a straight, untwisted state. The crack 135 is shaped in such a way as to reduce as much as possible the conductive and, in particular, the radiative transfer of heat from the neighboring plates 121 of the neighboring subgroups to the part of the cigarette 23 located below the crack 135. Therefore, the crack 135 allows a wider unheated and massive part of the cigarette that is stronger from the unheated portions of the cigarette located below the narrower slits 131, wherein the strength of the cigarette column 23 is improved to aid in the removal of the cigarette after smoking and the consequent heating and weakening of the portions. Optionally, the logic circuit can activate more than one heater simultaneously, in a symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangement.

This invention in a form containing two heater legs 116A and 116B separated by a gap 125 provides significant improvements in the amount of aerosol generated compared to the amount generated with a single heater. One heater achieves good heat transfer with the cigarette; nevertheless, the massive passage of aerosols into the air flow is hindered by solid formations that block the optimal entry of air from outside the cigarette into the cigarette, especially if this smoking system housing is used with perforations that enable communication of air outside the envelope with the outer surface of the cigarette. A heater according to this invention having the same volume as a single heater, but having a larger outer diameter, leads to a greater possibility of air ingress, e.g. thanks to the gap 125, resulting in an increased aroma yield per unit of energy supplied to the plate 121. As discussed, the gap 125 should be sized to allow for optimal radiation overlap for a given plate geometry. Since a larger amount of aerosol is produced, the required mass of the plates can be reduced while producing the same desired amount of aroma, resulting in less overall weight and less energy required to adequately heat the heater plates 121 and the inserted cigarette, which leads to a further reduction in the weight of the device , because the energy source, for example batteries, can be smaller. By way of non-limiting example, the crack 125 may be approximately 0.020 inches ± approximately 0.005 inches wide; plate legs 116A and 116B may be approximately 0.0125 inches to approximately 0.017 inches ± approximately 0.005 inches wide and approximately 0.55 inches ± approximately 0.005 inches long; approximately 0.008 inch to approximately 0.010 inch ± approximately 0.005 inch thick; the length from the center 110 of the rim to the top of the binding section 118 may be approximately 1.062 inches ± approximately 0.0625 inches.

It was found that a primarily transverse or radial flow of air in relation to the inserted cigarette results in the formation of more desirable smoke than a primarily longitudinal flow. Cracks 125, 127 and 131 provide air paths through which air comes into contact with inserted cigarettes. Additional air paths are created in order to achieve optimal transverse air flow through the perforated parts of the heater plates.

A further shape of the plate geometry is shown in Fig. 16, where both the first leg 116A and the second leg 116B are of a spiral shape. The spiral shapes of the legs 116A and 116B are parallel, so that the legs are straight and the crack 125 is also in a spiral shape. This spiral shape increases the outer diameter of the plate, thereby increasing the amount of aerosols. This coiled shape is described in more detail in the aforementioned EP-A-0615411, as well as in the oft-cited patent application series. no. 08/380718 from January 30, 1995 and in the US patent no. 5388594.

The following is a description of the first recommended production process, and SI is related to it. 18 and 19. The production steps described herein can be performed in any desired order, to achieve production speed, material savings, etc.

A sheet or strip of suitable material having a thickness of, e.g., approximately 2 to approximately 10 millimeters is formed, from which a plurality of panels 121 are formed which generally extend vertically over respective sections of first panel 116A, particularly over respective first ends of sections 115, of generally flat section 11A in a honeycomb arrangement. The plates 121 are basically parallel to each other and to the cracks 131 which are located between the opposite edges of the sections of the second plate 116B of one plate and the sections of the first plate 116A of the adjacent plate. As discussed, the plates 121 are either symmetrically arranged, with equally spaced gaps 131 as shown in FIG. 18, or they are arranged asymmetrically, e.g. with equal cracks 131 between adjacent panels 121 comprising sub-groups of panels 121A and 121B and a greater distance 133 between the two sub-groups of width X as shown in FIG. 19. It should be noted that the straight section 111A has two end ends whose width is at least half the width of half X, and the twisting creates a second distance 133. These end pieces should be longer than X to achieve overlap for bonding. By way of non-limiting example, the crack 131 may be 0.040 inch to 0.005 inch wide in either shape, and the crack 135 may be approximately 0.125 inch to 0.005 inch wide in the asymmetric shape.

The panels are shaped in the manner previously described, that is, to create the binding section 118 and the legs 116A and 116B.

This shaping of the sheet or strip of material into the shape described is carried out by any conventional process, such as embossing or cutting, eg by means of a CO2 or Yag laser.

If a ribbon form is used, the number of heater plates 121 obtained from a single ribbon may exceed the number required for a single cylindrical heater arrangement. The flat strip is then cut, if necessary, to provide blanks 111A having the desired number of heater plates 121. If used, the forming steps of blanks 122A, 122B, and 122C are accomplished by embossing. Then, if provided, a ceramic coating 300 is used, by masking the stamped profile and, for example, by thermal spraying on the sections 111A, 115, 122 or on the entire panel or any part thereof, thereby achieving the desired effect such as previously described. Alternatively, the ceramic coating can be carried out after the twisting step in the same process or, if desired, before forming the panels. As is known, appropriate masking is performed before performing any of the heater and ceramic storage steps, in order to determine the application areas.

Section 111A is then twisted to produce a flat center 111. Section 111A can be twisted in any direction. It is recommended that the section 111A be twisted so that the positive contacts 122C on the end section 122 come to the outer surface of the cylindrical support so shaped, that is, the side opposite the cigarette, to simplify the connection with the pins 104B and to avoid damage during the insertion and removal of the cigarette . The twisted section can be twisted to a smaller diameter than necessary and inserted into the heater. The twisted section then expands and continues to maintain its shape with electrical connections. Alternatively, the twisted section is joined by any joining technique, such as spot welding or laser joining, creating a 111 center.

It is recommended to insert a chamfer on each side of the plate 121 so that the legs 116A and 116B, as well as the binding edge, exert a pressure force on the inserted cigarette when the heater assembly is formed, as shown in FIG. 13. It is recommended to create a bevel before twisting, although it can be done after. The creation of the bevel enhances the thermal contact between the heater plate and the inserted cigarette, thus increasing the efficiency of heat transfer.

Heat transfer efficiency is also increased by creating an optimally sized surface area of the leg plates 116A and 116B that are in effective contact with the underlying cigarette. As seen in Fig. 17A, the lower sides 117 of the legs 116A and 116B (the leg 116A is shown as an example) are flat, that is, flat in the transverse direction of the plate leg in the form in question.

In order to improve the heat transfer ratio, the bottom side 117 is shaped with different bumps, e.g. angles and curvatures, in order to achieve the largest possible area of the surface of the heated leg that is in relation to the cigarette, without an unwanted increase in volume, and the consequent unwanted decrease in current density and ohmic heating of the heater leg, as shown in Fig. 17B and 17C. The shaped lower side 117 does not pierce any part of the cigarette 23, so it does not lead to weakening and possible cracking of the cigarette during insertion, adjustment or removal. Rather, the middle or tip of the bottom side 117 is in contact with or in close thermal proximity to the cigarette 23, and the remainder of the bottom side 117 is in radiation thermal relationship with the cigarette 23.

It is recommended that this shape of the lower side is achieved by pressing the legs 116A and 116B of the plates 121 in the untwisted state. This embossing can be carried out simultaneously with the embossing to achieve the bevel described above. This molding also increases the strength of legs 116A and 116B, helping to avoid unwanted shorts and distortion.

The following is a description of the second production process. A pipe of suitable material is required. Plates can be formed from it using any technique, e.g. by laser cutting. In another way, the panels are shaped using a mold technique, where the inner mandrel is inserted into the tube and represents the shape of the required panel profiles, and the profiles are cut with another mold, either from the outside or from the inside. Ceramic coating 300, if necessary, is applied to the profiled pipe as described.

This invention also reduces potential thermal loads that could cause damage. Since the plates of the heater 121 and the center 111 are monolithic, the loads caused by the interconnections of small parts of the heating body are avoided.

Various embodiments of the present invention have been created to provide an effective amount of aromatic tobacco response to the smoker under normal conditions of use. In particular, it became clear that the desired yield is between 5 and 13 mg, better between 7 and 10 mg of aerosol to the smoker during 8 smokes, with each smoke having a volume of 35 mL and a duration of two seconds. It was found that, in order to achieve this yield, the heating bodies 121 should transfer heat in the described manner when in a heat transfer relationship with the cigarette 23. Furthermore, it is recommended that the heater plates 121 receive the described amount of energy. Lower energy requirements are achieved by the heater plates 121 which are bent from the inside towards the cigarette 23 to improve the heat transfer ratio.

It is understood that the resistance of the heater is also determined by the particular energy source 37 used to obtain the necessary electrical energy for heating the heater plates 121. For example, the mentioned resistances of the heating bodies correspond to the form of the invention where the energy source is four series-connected nickel-cadmium batteries whose is the total voltage at the source approximately 4.8 to 5.8 volts. Alternatively, six or eight such series-connected batteries may be used, in which case it is recommended that the resistance of the heater plates 121 be between 3Ω and 5Ω, respectively between 5Ω and 7Ω.

Another embodiment 450 of this invention is shown in FIG. 20 and 21, and represents a plurality of heating elements 451. Each heating element 451 is in the shape of an elongated letter "U", each having both its ends 452, 453 corresponding legs connected to the cavity wall 430 near the end wall 443 of the cavity 430. Each corresponding end 452 is individually connected to the control circuit and, necessarily, to the source of electricity, which enables individual activation of the heating bodies 451, while the ends 453 are jointly connected to the ground. Although the ends 454 located near the end of the cavity 430 facing the smoker's mouth are not electrically connected, and thus do not require contact with the side wall of the cavity 430, they are directed toward the side wall of the cavity 430, as shown in FIG. 20 and 21, to create a conduit for the part to be discarded, that is, the inserted cigarette, as described earlier. It should be noted that in Fig. 21 uppermost and lowermost heating elements 451 shown in section through their U-shaped tips 454.

In the following form 470 which is shown in Fig. 22 and 23, the heating elements 471 are located slightly away from the wall of the cavity 430, and each has a slightly sharper, "V" tip 472, as well as a corrugation 473 that increases strength. In this way, the heating elements 471 actually penetrate the rejected part, with the purpose of achieving the desired close thermal contact. The foam structure with open cracks, which was described earlier, is particularly suitable for this form. In this form, because the heating elements 471 are located 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 443. It is recommended that the connections of the ends 452, 453 to the end wall 443 be made using spacers 480, where the scraps are not reheated, as more fully described in US Pat. 5249586. Perforations 412 in the wall allow outside air to enter through portion 420, as described more fully in US Pat. 5249586, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Many modifications, alterations and improvements may be apparent to one skilled in the art which, however, do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described herein and in the following claims.

Claims (87)

1. A cigarette (23), characterized in that it consists of a tobacco roll, and said tobacco roll (60) contains a tubular tobacco stick (66) and a tobacco plug (80) placed inside said tobacco stick, said tobacco roll having a free end ( 78) and the opposite end (72), the said tubular tobacco stick contains a base of the stick (68) and a layer (70) of tobacco aromatic substance fixed by said base of the stick, said base of the stick is adapted to transfer heat from the electric heating body (37) to said tobacco aromatic substance, said tobacco roll (60) is adapted to receive an electric heating body (37) along said tobacco roll (60) at a location between said free end (78) and said opposite end (72), said tobacco plug (80) which is placed near said free end, said tobacco plug which is separated from said opposite end so as to delimit an unfilled portion (91) between said tobacco plug and said nasu front end. 2. Cigarette according to claim 1, characterized in that said area along said tobacco roll is such that at least one part of said unfilled part (91) overlaps and at least one part of said tobacco cap (80) overlaps. 3. A cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said tobacco roll includes a free-flow filter (74) near said opposite end, with said free-flow filter being separated from said tobacco plug (80), so as to form said the unfilled space (91) between said free-flow filter and said tobacco plug. 4. A cigarette and a lighter adapted to operate as an electric smoking system, characterized in that the cigarette consists of a tobacco stick tube, partially filled with a cut tobacco insert so as to form a filled part of the tobacco roll and an unfilled part of the tobacco roll (91), and said cigarette (23) and said lighter (25) are mutually adapted so that the electrical heating body of the lighter is at least partially superimposed on at least one of the filled and unfilled parts of the tobacco roll when the cigarette is in the working position in said lighter. 5. A cigarette according to claim 4, characterized in that said filled part of the tobacco roll includes a tobacco plug, and said electric heater is at least partially superimposed on said tobacco plug when the cigarette is in said working position in the lighter. 6. A cigarette according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it contains a free end, said tobacco plug is located near said free end, said cigarette includes a tubular part separated from said tobacco plug so as to form said unfilled part of the tobacco roll between said free filter course and the aforementioned tobacco plug. 7. A cigarette according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tubular part (74) is a filter. 8. Cigarette according to claim 7, characterized in that said tubular part (74) is made of material that is plasticized rope. 9. The cigarette of claim 7, characterized in that the free-flow filter (74) is made of molded material. 10. A cigarette according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a filter tip (62) near said opposite end. 11. A cigarette according to claim 10, characterized in that said tip (62) consists of a second free flow filter (102) near said opposite end, and said cigarette further comprises paper (64) on the tip, which secures said second free flow filter flow (102) for said opposite end. 12. A cigarette according to claim 11, characterized in that said tip further contains a filter plug (104) that enters the mouth near said free flow filter (102). 13. Cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that said free-flow filter (74) of said tobacco stick (66) contains a first passage (75), and the second free-flow filter (102) contains a second passage, whereby the first and second passages connect said unfilled space (91) of said tobacco roll with said through said filter cap coming into the mouth (104), where the second passage has a second inner radius that is greater than the first inner diameter of said first passage (75). 14. Cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that said tobacco roll further represents a return flow filter (200") at said free end. 15. A cigarette according to claim 12, characterized in that said tobacco plug (80b) includes a first part (320b) near said free end (78b) whose density is greater than the second part (310b) of said tobacco plug, which is further away from said free end. 16. A cigarette (23), characterized in that it comprises a tobacco roll (60) having a free end (78) resistant to backflow and an opposite end (72), wherein said tobacco roll comprises a tubular tobacco stick (66) including a layer of tobacco substance (78), a flow constriction (74) operating at said opposite end of said tubular rod, and tobacco (78, 80) disposed adjacent said free end and separate from said flow constriction, said tobacco consisting of a cut insert which partially fills said tobacco stick, so as to form a part of the stick filled with tobacco and a part of the stick not filled with tobacco, and that unfilled part is located near the flow constriction, said tubular stick is shaped so as to allow the transfer of heat received from said tubular stick to said tobacco, with the fact that the said tobacco roll (60) is made so that, during the smoke of the said cigarette, by applying heat along the area of the said tubular stick , causes the release of tobacco aerosol from at least part of the tobacco, and this aerosol passes through the mentioned narrowing of the flow. 17. Cigarette according to claim 16, characterized in that said flow narrowing (74) is bounded by a tubular part. 18. Cigarette according to claim 17, characterized in that said tubular part consists of a first free-flow filter (74), said first free-flow filter delimiting a first passage (75) through it, and said cigarette further consists of a tip (62 ), wherein said tips include a second tubular free-flow filter (102) which is located adjacent to said first free-flow filter of said tobacco roll, and said second tubular free-flow filter forms a second passage therethrough, said first passage of said first free-flow filter is narrower than said unfilled portion (91) of said tobacco roll and narrower than said second passage of said second free flow filter (102). 19. Cigarette according to claim 18, characterized in that said cut tobacco insert forms a plug resistant to backflow. 20. Cigarette according to claim 19, characterized in that said part of the cut tobacco insert (80) is located at said free end (78), and its density is greater than the rest of the cut tobacco insert distal to said free end. 21. The cigarette of claim 20, characterized in that said tip (62) includes a portion of a filter (104) that enters the mouth near said second free-flow filter (102). 22. The cigarette of claim 20, characterized in that said tubular stick includes the cigarette holder (71) around said tobacco roll (60), and said tip is attached to said tobacco roll with tip paper (64). 23. Cigarette according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said tobacco or tobacco plug (80) represents a cut tobacco insert. 24. Cigarette according to claim 23, characterized in that said tobacco or tobacco plug (80) is a mixture of cut tobacco insert, wherein said mixture is a combination of at least two of light, strong and oriental tobacco. 25. Cigarette according to claims 23 and 24, characterized in that said tobacco cap includes a cap ring (84) around said cut tobacco insert (80). 26. Cigarette according to claims 23 and 24, characterized in that said tobacco (70) is located along the inner surface of said tubular tobacco stick (66). 27. Cigarette according to claim 26, characterized in that said tobacco roll contains this (71) around the outer surface of said tobacco roll or part of a roll. 28. A method for improving the smoke yield of a cigarette (23) used with an electronic lighter, wherein said cigarette comprises a tubular stick (66) having a free end (78) and an opposite end (72), and the smoke is pulls from the mentioned opposite end, and such a procedure consists of the following steps: placing an unfilled portion along said tubular stick at a location adjacent said opposite end, and a tobacco-filled portion along said tubular stick at a location adjacent said free end; and superimposing the electric heating body of said electric lighter at least partially over said filled portion of said tubular stick during the activation of said electric heating bodies, so that smoke ingredients are released from said tobacco. 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that said superimposing step includes superimposing said electric heating body partially over said filled part of said tubular stick, as well as over said unfilled part of said tubular stick during activation of said electric heating body. 30. The method of claim 28 or 28, further comprising the step of passing said released tobacco ingredients through a constriction located near said opposite end. 31. Tobacco stick, characterized in that it is adapted to roll into a tubular tobacco roll (60) a cigarette (23) used with an electric cigarette lighter (25); said tobacco stick comprises a stick base (68) and a tobacco substance (70) arranged along the first side of said stick base; said stick base consists of a combination of tobacco fibers and cellulose fibers, which are mixed in a ratio of approximately 2:1 to 4:1, and said stick base has a basis weight in the range of approximately 35 to 45 g/m2; said tobacco substance has a weight that is at least double the basic weight of said stick base, said tobacco substance contains fine base tobacco and extracted tobacco solids in a ratio ranging from approximately 3:1 to 9:1, and a humectant at a level of approximately 5% to 20% by weight of said substance. 32. Tobacco stick according to claim 31, indicated by the fact that the basic weight of the tobacco substance is approximately three to four times greater than the weight of the mentioned base of the stick. 33. Tobacco stick according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the tobacco substance further contains pectin, in a co-amount of above approximately 2% of the weight of said tobacco substance. 34. Tobacco stick according to claim 33, characterized in that said base of the stick represents approximately 28 g/m2 of tobacco fibers and approximately 12 g/m2 of cellulose fibers from wood or flax heartwood, or tobacco stem heartwood. 35. The tobacco stick according to claim 34, characterized in that said tobacco substance contains approximately 66 to 71% by weight of tobacco particles, approximately 16 to 20% by weight of extracted tobacco solids, approximately 10 to 14% by weight of glycerin and approximately 1 to 2% of pectin . 36. A tobacco stick adapted to roll into a tubular tobacco roll (60) a cigarette (23) used with an electric cigarette lighter (25), wherein said stick comprises a stick base (68) and a tobacco substance (70). distributed along the first side of the mentioned stick base; said stick base consists of a combination of tobacco fibers with an approximate basis weight of 20 to 30 g/m2, carbon fibers with an approximate basis weight of 2 to 9 g/m2 and pectin with an approximate basis weight of 1 g/m2; said tobacco substance has a basis weight three to four times greater than the weight of said stick base, wherein the tobacco substance is fine base tobacco and extracted tobacco solids in a ratio ranging from approximately 3:1 to 9:1, and humectants in quantity from approximately 5 to 20% of the weight of said tobacco substance. 37. A cigarette for use with an electric cigarette lighter, said cigarette comprising a tubular tobacco roll (60) formed from a tobacco stick according to any one of claims 31 to 36. 38. A cigarette according to claim 37, characterized in that it further comprises a plug of cut insert (80) near the free end (78) of said tobacco roll (60), at least one tubular free-flow filter (74) near the opposite end (72). of said tobacco roll and a gap without an insert (91) which is located between said cap of the cut insert and said tubular free-flow filter. 39. The method, characterized by the fact that it is used for the production of a tobacco stick (66) consisting of a base of the stick (68) and a layer of tobacco substance (70), whereby the tobacco stick can be bent into a tubular shape as part of a cigarette (23) which is used with an electric cigarette lighter (25), and the mentioned procedure includes the following steps: separation of soluble substances (124) from the fibers of the tobacco raw material, which are soluble substances in a solution containing 5 to 10% by weight of dissolved tobacco ingredients; production (128) of said stick base by forming a mixture of said separate tobacco substances, by mixing said tobacco-fiber mixture with a mixture of means for solidification, whereby the desired mixture is obtained, and casting (130) of said mixture by means of a base molding device; production (146) of the mentioned tobacco substance by mixing the mentioned 5 to 10% solution of tobacco ingredients and additional tobacco particles, glycerine and pectin, to form a dispersion of the tobacco substance, and adjusting the water content so that the concentration of solids in the said dispersion is reached in the range of approximately 20 to 30%; application (144) of this dispersion of tobacco substance along said base of the stick thereby forming a sheet of tobacco stick; drying (146) said sheet of said tobacco stick to a moisture content in the range of approximately 8.5 to 12%; cooling (148) said sheet of said tobacco stick to a temperature in the range of approximately 70 to 80°F; flattening (150) said sheet of said tobacco stick; twisting (152) said sheet of said tobacco stick to form a tobacco stick wrapper; and cutting (154) said tobacco stick wrapper to obtain tobacco stick coils. 40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the mentioned solution of tobacco soluble substances represents approximately 7 to 8% of the weight of the dissolved tobacco ingredients. 41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that the amount of water is adjusted so that at the end of the mixing step a dispersion of approximately 24 to 26% solids content is achieved. 42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that the tobacco particles are in the range of 100 to 220 mesh. 43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that the tobacco particles are approximately 120 mesh. 44. The method according to any one of claims 40 to 43, characterized in that the mixture of the fixing agent contains at least one of the following ingredients: wood heart, flax heart and tobacco stem heart. 45. The method according to any one of claims 40 to 44, characterized in that the step of application includes the application of said tobacco substance dispersion to said stick base with a wet weight ratio of at least 2:1. 46. The method according to any of claims 40 to 45, characterized in that said application step includes applying said tobacco substance dispersion to said stick base at a dry weight ratio of at least 3:1. 47. Tobacco stick according to claim 36, characterized in that said tobacco fibers have a basis weight of approximately 24 to 28 g/m2, carbon fibers have a basis weight of 2.5 to 1.5 g/m2. 48. Heater (39), characterized in that it is used in smoking systems that have a source of electrical energy for heating the cigarette, and the heater consists of: a plurality of electrically resistive heater plates (121) defining a receptacle that accepts an inserted cigarette and extending along the inserted cigarette, each plate consisting of a first heater plate leg (116A) having at its first end and at its second end, a second heater plate leg ( 116B) which has a first end and a second (122) end, and a binding section (118) that connects the second end of said leg of the heater plate and the first end of said second leg of the heater plate; wherein the first and second heater plate legs of each heater plate are separated by a corresponding gap (125); and where the first ends are mentioned first. heater plate legs adapted for electrical connection to a power source, and respective resistance heating paths are formed to include said first heater plate leg, said binding edge section and said second heater plate leg, and which heat each respective electrically resistive heater plate which consequently heats the inserted cigarette. 49. The heater according to claim 48, characterized in that the other end (122) of said second legs of the heater plates (116B) is grounded. 50. Heater according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the other ends of said second legs of the heater plates are connected together. 51. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 50, characterized in that the crack (125) separating said first and second legs of the heater plate is of such a size as to allow air to enter the heated cigarette when the smoke is drawn by the smoker. 52. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 51, characterized in that it also comprises a support center (111), the first ends of each of said first legs of the heater plates (116A) extending from said support center; wherein said support center is shaped to be in electrical contact with a source of electrical energy thereby forming a joint for the first ends of said first legs of the heater plate. 53. The heater according to claim 52, characterized in that the other ends of said second legs of the heater plates (116B) are adapted to make appropriate electrical contact with the source of electrical energy, thereby creating corresponding heating circuits with resistance, containing said first leg of the heater plate, said binding section and said second heater plate respectively heating each of said electrically resistive heater plates (121), which consequently heats the inserted cigarette. 54. Heater according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that the other ends (122) of said second legs of the heater plate (116B) extend towards said support center (111), and are electrically isolated from it. 55. Heater according to claim 52 or 53, characterized in that the other ends (122) of said second legs of the heater plate (116B) are separated from said center by a crack. 56. The heater according to claim 52, characterized in that it also contains an electrical insulator that is applied to at least one of these parts: said center and said other ends of said other legs of the heater plate. 57. The heater according to claim 52, characterized in that it also contains an electrical insulator applied to at least one of these parts: second ends of said second legs of the heater plate and first ends of said first legs of the heater plate. 58. Heater according to claim 52, characterized in that it also contains an electrical insulator (300) which forms a ceramic support structure around said support center (111), second ends (122) of said second legs of the heater plate (116B) and first ends of said first legs heater plates (116B). 59. A heater according to any of claims 52 to 58, characterized in that the support center and said plates are monolithic. 60. The heater according to any of claims 48 to 59, characterized in that said binding section (118) also contains a free end (118 61.B) for the purpose of compensating thermal expansion during heating of the heating body. 61. The heater according to claim 60, characterized in that it also contains a support structure (83) which is immovably located inside the smoking system and forms channels (210) which receive the free ends (118B) of said binding sections of said plates (121). 62. Heater according to claim 61, characterized in that said channels (210) are arranged so as to enable alternate thermal expansion and contraction of said heater plates. 63. The heater according to claim 61 or 62, indicated by the fact that it also contains a bearing point (204) in each of the mentioned channels, located so that the free end (118B) of the mentioned binding section rests around the bearing point and creates an inclination of the mentioned first and second plate legs of the heater (116A,B) inwards towards the inserted cigarette, when heating the corresponding heater plate. 64. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 63, characterized in that parts of said first leg of the heater plate (116A) or said second leg of the heater plate (116B) or both of those parts are coated with ceramic (300) for the purpose of strengthening and electrical insulation coated parts. 65. The heater according to claim 64, characterized in that the part of said second leg of the heater plate (116B) in the vicinity of said ceramic is adapted to be in electrical contact with the source of electrical energy. 66. Heater according to any of claims 48 to 65, characterized in that said plates (121) are arranged to receive the inserted cigarette by sliding it. 67. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 66, characterized in that the other end of said second leg of the heater plate is of a stepped shape, and this shape also includes an end section (122C) adapted for electrical connection with a source of electrical energy. 68. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 67, characterized in that said first and second heater plate legs (116A,B) of the corresponding heater plate are parallel. 69. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 68, characterized in that the connecting section is bent between 160 and 200°. 70. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 69, characterized in that the underside of at least one of said first and second heater plate legs (116A,B) facing the inserted cigarette is not flat in the transverse direction of said heater plate leg. 71. Heater according to claim 70, characterized in that the mentioned lower side is curved. 72. Heater according to claim 70, characterized in that the mentioned lower side is angular. 73. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 72, characterized in that the numerous electric resistance heater plates (121) are arranged in groups, the gaps (133) between the groups being of such a size as to allow the unheated parts of the inserted cigarette to have strength due to easier removal of the cigarette after smoking. 74. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 73, characterized in that at least one of said first and second legs of the heater plate (116A,B) is of a spiral shape. 75. Heater according to claim 74, characterized in that both the first and second legs of the heater plate are spiral and parallel to each other, so that the space between the legs is spiral. 76. Heater according to claim 48, characterized in that at least one end of at least one plate (121, 122) is wider than the nearby active part of said at least one leg, wherein the end of said leg has a lower current density and less ohmic heating than the active part of said legs. 77. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 76, characterized in that said binding section (119) is perforated. 78. The heater according to any one of claims 48 to 77, characterized in that the first and second legs of the heater plate (116A,B) are inclined inwardly, towards the inserted cigarette. 79. The heater according to any one of claims 48 to 78, characterized in that said first and said second legs of the heater plate (116A,B), as well as said binding edges have a resistance of approximately 100 to approximately 200 μΩ.cm. 80. A heater according to any one of claims 48 to 79, characterized in that said first and said second legs of the heater plate (116A,B) as well as said binding edges have a resistance of approximately 50 to approximately 500 μΩ.cm. 81. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 80, characterized in that said first and said second legs of the heater plate (116A,B) as well as said binding edges can reach temperatures of approximately 200 to approximately 1000°C in approximately 0.2 to approximately 2.0 seconds, with an energy pulse of approximately 10 to approximately 50 joules. 82. The heater according to claim 81, characterized in that said first and said second legs of the heater plate (116A,B), as well as said binding edges, can be heated to such temperatures by the action of approximately 1800 to 10000 such pulses. 83. The heater according to claim 48, characterized in that the crack (125) that separates the mentioned first and second legs of the heater plate (116A,B) is of such a size that it enables maximum communicative radiation heating of the part of the inserted cigarette that lies below the crack, by each of of the mentioned first and second legs of the heater plate of the respective heater plate. 84. A heater according to any of claims 48 to 83, characterized in that said first and second legs of the heater plate (116A,B), as well as said binding edges, are made of an electrically resistant material selected from the group consisting of iron aluminides and nickel aluminide. 85. An electric smoking system comprising a cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and a lighter comprising a plurality of resistance heater plates forming a receptacle for inserting the heater plates, the plates at least partially overlapping with with a tobacco plug when inserting said cigarette into said receiver. 86. An electric smoking system according to claim 85, characterized in that said heater plates extend along said tobacco plug and partially overlap said unfilled space. 87. An electric smoking system according to claim 85 or 86, characterized in that the lighter includes a heater according to any of claims 48 to 84.