US20230126431A1 - Taggant detection and rejection method and apparatus - Google Patents

Taggant detection and rejection method and apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230126431A1
US20230126431A1 US17/790,856 US202017790856A US2023126431A1 US 20230126431 A1 US20230126431 A1 US 20230126431A1 US 202017790856 A US202017790856 A US 202017790856A US 2023126431 A1 US2023126431 A1 US 2023126431A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
taggant
component
amount
aerosol
manufacturing
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US17/790,856
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English (en)
Inventor
Michel BESSANT
Anna Canal Ponsico
Chrystophe Schaller
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Philip Morris Products SA
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Philip Morris Products SA
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Assigned to PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A. reassignment PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A. DECLARATION NOTICING ASSIGNMENT BY OPERATION OF LAW Assignors: SCHALLER, Chrystophe
Assigned to PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A. reassignment PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PONSICO, Anna Canal, BESSANT, Michel
Publication of US20230126431A1 publication Critical patent/US20230126431A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/01—Making cigarettes for simulated smoking devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
    • A24C5/34—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes
    • A24C5/345—Removing defective cigarettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C1/00—Elements of cigar manufacture
    • A24C1/16—Treating bunches
    • A24C1/18—Moulds or presses for cigar bunches
    • A24C1/20—Rotating moulds for cigar bunches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
    • A24C5/34—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/60—Final treatment of cigarettes, e.g. marking, printing, branding, decorating
    • A24C5/601—Marking, printing or decorating cigarettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/20—Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/005—Treatment of cigarette paper
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/56—Making tipping materials, e.g. sheet cork for mouthpieces of cigars or cigarettes, by mechanical means
    • A24C5/565—Making tipping materials, e.g. sheet cork for mouthpieces of cigars or cigarettes, by mechanical means by treating the tipping material with a liquid or viscous solution, e.g. paraffine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A24C5/60—Final treatment of cigarettes, e.g. marking, printing, branding, decorating
    • A24C5/608—Treating cigarettes with a liquid or viscous solution

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising a taggant. The present disclosure further relates to a kit of parts, comprising a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses suitable for the manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • Aerosol-generating articles and other consumables are designed for use with specific aerosol-generating products.
  • externally heated tobacco products comprise a holder and a tobacco stick that is designed to be inserted into the holder.
  • Genuine compatible products are typically rigorously tested to ensure the best performance and user experience.
  • the use of non-genuine products may reduce the overall performance and user experience.
  • the use of a non-genuine part or component may give rise to problems such as damaging the holder device, for example.
  • a method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article comprising taggant.
  • the method comprises the step of applying taggant to a component.
  • the method also comprises the step of detecting an amount of the taggant that the component comprises.
  • the method comprises the step of determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.
  • the taggant may be a gel, a slurry, a powder, or a foam, for example.
  • the taggant may comprise a uniquely encoded material.
  • a taggant is applied to a component, acting as an internal signature of the component that is used for product identification.
  • the taggant of the component may be used to determine, by recognition, whether a component for an aerosol-generating article, and therefore the aerosol-generating article, is a genuine product. This may ensure a suitable product performance and user experience. By having a first-predetermined amount of taggant that, which if not met, the component is rejected, this ensures that all components have a suitable amount of taggant for component recognition, enabling genuine products to be identified.
  • the rejection system also ensures that all produced consumables that are provided to the consumers will contain the correct concentration of taggant that may allow the aerosol-generating device to recognise the consumable accordingly.
  • the provision of the detection and rejection system also reduces waste materials used on a product.
  • the method comprises the step of detecting whether the component comprises a taggant. In some embodiments the method comprises the step of detecting whether the component comprises a taggant. In some embodiments the method comprises the step of detecting the presence of taggant. In some embodiments the method comprises the step of detecting the presence of taggant in the component. The method may further comprise the step of rejecting a component when a taggant is not detected. This is advantageous because this ensures that all components have the presence of a taggant for component recognition, allowing genuine products to be identified.
  • the step of determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount comprises determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a non-zero amount.
  • the non-zero amount may be a threshold amount, above which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience.
  • the amount of taggant detected may be 15 milligrams per square metre and the first-predetermined amount is 20 milligrams per square metre. Since the detected amount is less than the first-predetermined amount, it is determined that the component with less than 20 milligrams per square metre of taggant is faulty and therefore may not have a suitable product performance, and the component is rejected from the manufacturing line.
  • the method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant comprises the step of determining if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is greater than a second-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is greater than the second-predetermined amount. Therefore, in this way there is provided a range of taggant amounts where the component is rejected. This allows the final products to have a taggant amount that is within an acceptable range. Therefore, product outliers having taggant amounts outside the acceptable range are removed. This allows a taggant detection system to be provided having greater precision, and that is better calibrated for genuine product recognition.
  • the amount of taggant detected may be 450 milligrams per square metre and the second-predetermined amount is 400 milligrams per square metre. Since the detected amount is greater than the second-predetermined amount, it is determined that the component with an amount of taggant that is greater than 400 milligrams per square metre is faulty and therefore may not have a suitable product performance, and the component is rejected from the manufacturing line.
  • the detection of a taggant amount greater than the second-predetermined amount may, for example, show that too much of a particular component is present. In one specific embodiment, the presence of an amount of taggant detected within the tipping paper adhesive may show that too much tipping paper adhesive is applied.
  • tipping paper adhesive instead of tipping paper adhesive, excess taggant may also be detected when applied to a filter, wrapper, tipping paper, filter plug wrap, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, tobacco element, flavourant element, heat source, aerosol-generating element, or a combination of one or more of these components.
  • the method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant comprises the step of determining if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In this way, a component having a taggant amount that is outside of the range between the first-predetermined amount and the second-predetermined amount is rejected. This allows final products to have a taggant amount that is within an acceptable range.
  • the first-predetermined amount may be a threshold amount, above which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience.
  • the second-predetermined amount may be a threshold amount, below which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience
  • the method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant comprises the step of determining if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount, wherein the first-predetermined amount is a non-zero amount. In this way, the method not only detects the presence of a taggant, but an amount of taggant within a component, and rejects the component if the taggant amount is outside of an acceptable range.
  • the first-predetermined amount of taggant may be 30 milligrams per square metre and the second pre-determined amount of taggant may be 300 milligrams per square metre. If the measured amount of taggant for a component is 200 milligrams per square metre, this value is compared with the acceptable range of values between 30 milligrams per square metre and 300 milligrams per square metre, and it is determined that the component provides a suitable product performance. If however, if the measured amount of taggant for a component is outside of this acceptable range, for example 15 milligrams per square metre or 380 milligrams per square metre, this value is compared with the acceptable range of values, and it is determined that the component does not provide a suitable product performance. This component is rejected from the manufacturing line.
  • the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 10 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 20 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 50 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 100 milligrams of taggant per square metre.
  • the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is 500 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 400 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 300 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 250 milligrams of taggant per square metre.
  • the detected amount of taggant of the component is between 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre and 500 milligrams of taggant per square metre the component is not rejected. In other words, in some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is, less than 5 milligrams of taggant or greater than 500 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is rejected.
  • the detected amount of taggant of the component is between 10 milligrams of taggant per square metre and 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is not rejected. In otherwords, in some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is, less than 10 milligrams of taggant or greater than 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is rejected.
  • the detected amount of taggant of the component is between 25 milligrams of taggant per square metre and 200 milligrams of taggant per square metre the component is not rejected. In other words, in some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is, less than 25 milligrams of taggant or greater than 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is rejected.
  • the range between the first-predetermined amount and the second-predetermined amount may be any desired range.
  • the first-predetermined amount may be 20 milligrams of taggant per square metre and the second-predetermined amount may be 100 milligrams of taggant per square metre.
  • Other ranges for between the first-predetermined amount of taggant and the second-predetermined amount of taggant are also possible.
  • the method of manufacturing a component comprises the step of applying taggant to a component, wherein the component is a filter.
  • the taggant is applied to other components.
  • the component is a wrapper.
  • the component is a tipping paper.
  • the component is an adhesive.
  • the component is a tipping paper adhesive.
  • the component is a filter plug wrap.
  • the component is a combination of the mentioned components.
  • the component may be a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element, or any combination of these.
  • the more components that have taggant applied to, the greater the signature marking may be for product identification.
  • the method comprises the step of applying the taggant to an interface between a tobacco-rod component and a filter component.
  • the taggant is applied away from the ends.
  • the taggant is applied on the aerosol-generating article at an interface between the tobacco-rod component and filter component, rather than at the interface between two individual aerosol-generating articles, for example, at an end of adjacent aerosol-generating article. This is advantageous as this enables individual aerosol-generating articles to be distinguished from one another, and taggant amounts for individual aerosol-generating articles to be detected. This enables taggant amounts to be matched more easily to their corresponding aerosol-generating article.
  • the method comprises the step of applying the taggant to an inner surface of a tipping paper component.
  • the taggant is applied to an outer surface of a tipping paper component.
  • the taggant is applied to both an inner surface of a tipping paper component, and to an outer surface of a tipping paper component.
  • the method comprises the step of applying a taggant substantially around the circumference of the component.
  • the taggant may be applied around the entire circumference of the component.
  • the taggant is applied partially around the circumference of the component. It is particularly beneficial to apply the taggant at least substantially around the circumference of the component as this allows taggant to be detected in all orientations of the components. For example, even if during the manufacturing process where the component is to be transferred on a roller, the surface facing the roller may not be exposed to a taggant sensor or reader, having taggant applied substantially around the circumference of the component enables taggant to be detected despite not all surfaces of the component being exposed to sensors.
  • the method comprises the step of repeating the detecting and determining steps.
  • the detecting and determining steps are repeated to provide more than one data reading.
  • the repeat of the detecting and determining steps are carried out on the same aerosol-generating article.
  • the method comprises the step of repeating the rejection step.
  • the method may comprise the steps of repeating the detecting, determining and rejection steps. Repeating the detecting and determining steps is particularly beneficial since this provides an improved reliability of readings.
  • the repeat readings can also be used to determine whether any outliers in data (for example, abnormal or erroneous data) are present.
  • the detecting and determining steps may be repeated, and an average amount of taggant is determined.
  • the method comprises the step of detecting the amount of taggant that the component comprises, after the manufacturing step of applying and securing the tipping paper component to another component.
  • the method comprises the steps of detecting the amount of taggant and determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount, and the steps are repeated at different stages of the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of detecting the amount of taggant and determining whether the detected amount of taggant is greater than a second-predetermined amount, and the steps are repeated at different stages of the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of detecting the amount of taggant and determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount, and the steps are repeated at different stages of the manufacturing process.
  • the taggant may be present in the adhesive, and by detecting the amount of taggant and rejecting components with too little or too much taggant, where the amount of taggant is not between the first-predetermined amount of taggant and the second predetermined amount of taggant, may indicate components with too little or too much adhesive and thus may be faulty. Components with too little adhesive may not hold together adequately. Components with too much adhesive may be of a different shape.
  • the taggant may be present in the wrapping paper and by detecting the amount of the taggant may indicate where too little or too much wrapping paper was used to wrap the component. Too little wrapping paper may result in the component falling apart prematurely. Too much wrapping paper may produce a component that is thicker and not easily handled.
  • an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article comprising taggant.
  • the apparatus comprises a dispenser configured to apply taggant to a component.
  • the apparatus also comprises a sensor configured to detect an amount of the taggant that the component comprises.
  • the apparatus comprises a controller for determining whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus applies taggant to a component, which acts as an internal signature of the component that is used for product identification.
  • the taggant of the component is used to determine, by recognition, whether a component for an aerosol-generating article, and therefore the aerosol-generating article, is a genuine product.
  • the sensor of the apparatus detects the amount of taggant that the component comprises, and the controller compare the detected amount of taggant with a first-predetermined amount of taggant, which if not met, the component is rejected by the rejection system. This apparatus ensures that all components have a suitable amount of taggant for component recognition, enabling genuine products to be identified.
  • the apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to determine whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount, wherein the first-predetermined amount is a non-zero amount. Therefore, not only does the apparatus determine whether a taggant is present, but also if there is an insufficient amount of taggant present, therefore identifying faulty components. Those components can then be rejected.
  • the non-zero amount may be a threshold amount, above which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience.
  • the non-zero amount is used as a threshold amount, above which, it can be determined that the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience.
  • a threshold amount By comparing the amount of taggant presence with a threshold amount in this way, it can be predicted whether the correct components are in place during manufacture. If it is determined that the amount of taggant present is below the first-predetermined amount of taggant, the component is determined as being faulty, and is rejected from the manufacturing line.
  • the controller is configured to determine if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus comprises a rejection system that rejects a component when the detected amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In this way, when a component contains a taggant amount that is outside of the range between the first-predetermined amount and the second-predetermined amount, that component is rejected. This allows final products to have a taggant amount that is within an acceptable range.
  • the controller is configured to determine if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount, wherein the first-predetermined amount is a non-zero amount. In this way, the apparatus not only detects the presence of a taggant, but an amount of taggant within a component, and rejects the component if the taggant amount is outside of an acceptable range.
  • the apparatus comprises multiple sensors, each sensor being configured to detect an amount of the taggant.
  • the amount of taggant can still be detected if, for example, one of the sensors is inoperable.
  • Another reason why this setup is advantageous is because the sensors are placed in different areas, and are thus capable of detecting the amount of taggant at different points in time, or in different locations of the component.
  • the sensors may be used to determine the amount of taggant at different points along the manufacturing process.
  • the sensors may additionally, or alternative be positioned directed towards a different part of the component.
  • the apparatus comprises at least a sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after the application and securing of a tipping paper component to another component.
  • the apparatus comprises at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after wrapping of the component.
  • the component that is wrapped may be a filter component, for example.
  • the apparatus comprises at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after manufacture of a component.
  • the component that is manufactured may be an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco plug component, for example.
  • the apparatus comprises multiple sensors, each of which are positioned at different stages of the manufacturing process.
  • the sensors detect the amount of taggant.
  • the amount of taggant is measured by the sensors at different stages of the manufacturing process and the controller determines whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the amount of taggant is measured by the sensors at different stages of the manufacturing process and the controller determines whether the detected amount of taggant is greater than a second-predetermined amount.
  • the amount of taggant is measured by the sensors at different stages of the manufacturing process and the controller determines whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount.
  • the rejection system of the apparatus may reject the component. Moreover, it can be determined that the correct components are in place at different stages of the manufacturing process.
  • the senor comprises an emitter and a reader.
  • the emitter emits a signal and the reader reads a return signal from the taggant.
  • the senor does not have an emitter but reads signals from the taggant directly.
  • the signal comprises a spectroscopic signal.
  • the signal comprises a light signal, a phosphorescent signal, an electromagnetic signal or any combination thereof.
  • the apparatus further comprises an adhesive dispenser for dispensing adhesive.
  • the adhesive dispenser comprises a glue application roller.
  • the glue application roller comprises grooves.
  • the dispenser further comprises a mask configured to shield the dispensed taggant from reaching undesired areas.
  • the mask may shield the dispensed taggant from reaching and therefore filling perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article. This is particularly beneficial because perforation holes will not be blocked.
  • kits of parts comprising a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses suitable for the manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • the kit of parts, of the present invention also comprises at least one sensor suitable for the detection of an amount of taggant that a component manufactured comprises.
  • the kit of parts, of the present invention comprises a controller to determine whether the amount of taggant that a component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the kit of parts, of the present invention further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component that has a taggant amount less than the first-predetermined amount.
  • adheresive is used to describe a substance used for adhering or sticking to a surface of a component or a material.
  • aerosol-generating article is used to describe an article that is able to generate, or release, an aerosol.
  • the term “amount” is used to describe a quantity of a material, component or object. An amount may be used to describe a number, a mass, extent or size in a quantitative manner.
  • the term “apply” is used to describe a process of supplying or dispensing a material to another material, for example, on a material or within a material.
  • component is used to describe an element of a larger whole.
  • component is used to describe a part of an aerosol-generating article.
  • Component may also refer to more than one part of an aerosol-generating article.
  • concentration is used to describe an amount of a substance per unit area, or volume.
  • concentration is used to quantify an amount or density of a substance within a component.
  • detect is used to describe a process of identifying the presence of a substance.
  • the term “dispenser” is used to describe a device or a means which is able to dispense, or apply, a substance to a material, for example, to a surface of a material, or within a material.
  • the term “emitter” is used to describe a device that emits a signal.
  • the term “faulty” as in “faulty component”, is used to describe any component that does not have the desired characteristics.
  • the term “interface” is used to describe the overlapping portion or boundary between two components. The interface may also be used to describe a further component that joins two components together.
  • the tipping paper of an aerosol-generating article may form an interface between the filter component and the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • predetermined is used to describe a parameter that is established in advance. For example, a predetermined amount of taggant is established before the detection step of the amount of taggant.
  • reject is used to describe a process of discarding a component.
  • reject is also used to describe the process of preventing the component from proceeding downstream in a manufacturing process.
  • the term “rod” is used to describe a component, segment or element, having a generally cylindrical cross-section, for use in an aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-generating article may comprise a number of different rods, for example, a filter rod.
  • the cylindrical cross-section may be a circular cross-section or an oval cross-section, for example.
  • the term “sensor” is used to describe a device which is used to measure a physical property of an environment.
  • the sensor may be a device that is used in the manufacturing process for measuring a physical property of a component for an aerosol-generating article, to identify the component.
  • marker is used to describe a marker used to identify a component.
  • threshold is used to describe a limit or boundary of an amount of taggant, which determines the suitability of the component which comprises the taggant. For example, below a threshold of 20 milligrams per square metre of taggant present in a component, it is determined that a component is not suitable. Components having less than 20 milligrams per square metre of taggant may be rejected as being faulty.
  • the phrase “undesired area” is used to describe a part or a portion of a component where taggant is not wanted.
  • Example Ex1 A method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant, the method comprising the step of applying taggant to a component.
  • the method comprises the step of detecting an amount of the taggant that the component comprises.
  • the method also comprises the step of determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.
  • Example Ex2 A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, or component thereof, according to Example Ex1, further comprising the step of determining if the amount of the taggant on, or within, the component is greater than a second-predetermined amount. The method further comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant on, or within the component is greater than the second-predetermined amount.
  • Example Ex3 A method of manufacturing a component, according to Example Ex1 or Example Ex2, wherein the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre.
  • Example Ex4 A method of manufacturing a component, according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising the step of applying taggant to a component wherein the component is: a filter, a wrapper, a tipping paper, an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or any combination of the before mentioned components.
  • Example Ex5 A method of manufacturing a component, according to Example Ex4, wherein the component is: a susceptor, a mouth piece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element, or any combination of the before mentioned components.
  • the component is: a susceptor, a mouth piece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element, or any combination of the before mentioned components.
  • Example Ex6 A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to an interface between a tobacco-rod component and a filter component.
  • Example Ex7 A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to an inner surface of a tipping component.
  • Example Ex8 A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: applying a taggant substantially around the circumference of the component.
  • Example Ex9 A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: repeating the detecting and determining steps, and if applicable, the rejection step.
  • Example Ex10 A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: detecting the amount of taggant that the component comprises, after the manufacturing step of applying and securing the tipping paper component to another component.
  • Example Ex11 An apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising a taggant, the apparatus comprising a dispenser configured to apply taggant to a component.
  • the apparatus also comprises a sensor configured to detect an amount of the taggant that the component comprises.
  • the apparatus comprises a controller for determining whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • Example Ex12 An apparatus according to Example Ex11, comprising multiple sensors, each sensor being configured to detect an amount of the taggant.
  • Example Ex13 An apparatus according to Example Ex11 or Example Ex12, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after the application and securing of a tipping paper component to another component.
  • Example Ex14 An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex13, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after wrapping of the component.
  • Example Ex15 An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex14, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after manufacture of a tobacco plug component.
  • Example Ex16 An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex15, wherein the sensor comprises an emitter and a reader, wherein the emitter emits a signal and the reader reads a return signal from the taggant.
  • Example Ex17 An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex16, further comprising an adhesive dispenser for dispensing adhesive.
  • Example Ex18 An apparatus according to Example Ex17, wherein the adhesive dispenser comprises a glue application roller.
  • Example Ex19 An apparatus according to Example Ex18, wherein the glue application roller comprises grooves.
  • Example Ex20 An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex19, wherein the dispenser further comprises a mask configured to shield the dispensed taggant from reaching undesired areas.
  • Example Ex21 A kit of parts, comprising a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses suitable for the manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • the kit of parts also comprises at least one sensor suitable for the detection of an amount of taggant that a component manufactured comprises.
  • the kit of parts comprises a controller to determine whether the amount of taggant that a component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the kit of parts further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component that has a taggant amount less than the first-predetermined amount.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile of an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile and a partial section view of an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile of an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile and a partial section view of an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of another example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a further example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 101 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 has an aerosol-forming substrate 106 located at the distal end 104 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 has a means for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 106 to a temperature to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with a heating element that, at least partially, surrounds, and is adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the aerosol-forming substrate 106 .
  • the heating element may be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 106 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 On the proximal end 102 , the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with a filter 108 .
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 106 is heated and forms an aerosol.
  • a negative pressure is applied to the proximal end 102 of the aerosol-generating article 101 , the aerosol is drawn through the filter 108 at the proximal end 102 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 has a hollow acetate tube 112 that is positioned in between the filter 108 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 .
  • the hollow acetate tube 112 is placed in coaxial alignment with the filter 108 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 .
  • the filter 108 , hollow acetate tube 112 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 are assembled within a tipping paper 110 .
  • the tipping paper 110 is arranged over the filter 108 at the proximal end 102 of the aerosol-generating article 101 .
  • the tipping paper 110 covers the entirety of the hollow acetate tube 112 .
  • the tipping paper 110 partially covers the aerosol-forming substrate 106 at an end opposite the distal end 104 of aerosol-generating article 101 .
  • the filter 108 is wrapped in a filter plug wrapper.
  • the hollow acetate tube 112 is wrapped in a hollow acetate tube plug wrapper.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 106 may be wrapped in an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrapper.
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with one or more of: a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element.
  • the aerosol-generating article 101 may be provided with any combination of these.
  • Aerosol-generating article 201 is substantially the same as aerosol-generating article 101 in FIG. 1 .
  • Aerosol-generating article 201 is provided with tipping paper 210 that is arranged over the filter 208 at the proximal end 202 , over the hollow acetate tube 212 , and partially over the aerosol-forming substrate 206 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of the tipping paper 210 from one end at the proximal end 202 of the aerosol-generating article 201 to the opposite end that partially covers the aerosol-forming substrate 206 .
  • An inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with a coating of adhesive 220 .
  • the adhesive 220 is provided to attach the tipping paper 210 to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 201 .
  • the adhesive 220 in this example is a glue 220 .
  • Glue 220 is applied on the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 .
  • the glue 220 contains a taggant.
  • the taggant has a concentration of 150 milligrams per square metre. It is envisaged that the taggant may have any concentration between 5 milligrams per square metre to 500 milligrams per square metre.
  • the glue 220 is sprayed onto the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 .
  • the taggant is mixed with the glue 220 prior to the application of the glue 220 onto the inner surface of the tipping paper.
  • the glue 220 is applied using a roller, such as a roller having grooves.
  • the glue 220 may alternatively be applied by printing.
  • the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with an adhesive 220 containing taggant. It is also envisaged that in some examples, the inner surface of the tipping 210 is provided with a taggant directly applied using a spray nozzle, or by printing, or by using a roller.
  • the tipping paper 210 is provided with a glue line 214 at a location where the tipping paper 210 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 206 .
  • the tipping paper 210 is also provided with a reinforced glue line 216 at the location where the tipping paper 210 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 206 .
  • the glue line 214 and the reinforced glue line 216 are provided to assist the attachment of the tipping paper 210 to the aerosol-forming substrate 206 .
  • glue line 214 is provided.
  • reinforced glue line 216 is provided.
  • both glue line 214 and reinforced glue line 216 are provided so as to attach the tipping paper 210 to the aerosol-forming substrate 206 .
  • the tipping paper 210 is provided with a glue free zone 218 .
  • the glue free zone 218 is an area 218 that is absent of glue 220 . This is so that the glue 220 , does not block perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article 201 , for example.
  • the glue free zone 218 has substantially less glue 220 relative to that on the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 .
  • FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 301 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 301 has a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 301 has an aerosol-forming substrate 306 located at the distal end 304 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 301 is provided with a heating source 324 that is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 306 to a temperature to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-generating article 301 is also provided with a heat-conducting element 326 arranged around and in direct contact with the heating element 324 and a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 306 located near the distal end 304 of the aerosol-generating article 301 .
  • the heat-conducting element 326 in this example is a stainless-steel tube 326 but it is envisaged that the heat-conducting element 326 may be any suitable heat-conducting material.
  • the proximal end 302 of the aerosol-generating article 301 is provided with a filter 308 .
  • the aerosol-forming substrate 306 is heated by the heating element 324 by conduction. This transfers heat energy to the aerosol-forming substrate 306 to produce an aerosol.
  • the aerosol is drawn through the filter 308 at the proximal end 302 , when a negative pressure is applied to the proximal end 302 of the aerosol-generating article 301 .
  • the aerosol-generating article 301 is provided with a hollow acetate tube 312 that is positioned in between the filter 308 and the aerosol-forming substrate 306 .
  • the hollow acetate tube 312 is placed in coaxial alignment with the filter 308 and the aerosol-forming substrate 306 .
  • the filter 308 , hollow acetate tube 312 and the aerosol-forming substrate 306 are assembled within a tipping paper 310 .
  • the tipping paper 310 is arranged to cover the filter 308 , cover the hollow acetate tube 312 , and arranged to partially cover the aerosol-forming substrate 306 .
  • the inner surface of the tipping paper 310 is provided with a coating of glue 320 to attach to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 301 . As can be seen from FIG.
  • the glue 320 is applied in two distinct areas on the circumference of the aerosol-generating article 301 , separated from one another along the length of the aerosol-generating article 301 .
  • the glue 320 application areas are separated by a glue free zone 318 .
  • the glue free zone 318 is absent of glue 320 . This is so that the glue 320 , does not block perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article 301 , for example.
  • the glue free zone 318 has substantially less glue 320 than the glue 320 application areas.
  • the glue 320 contains a taggant. More specifically, the inner surface of the tipping paper 310 is provided with glue 320 containing taggant.
  • a taggant may be applied by spraying, by printing, or by rolling, to the components of the aerosol-generating device 301 .
  • the taggant may be applied to any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive 320 , a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap. It is further envisaged that the taggant may be applied to any or a combination of: a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source 324 , or an aerosol-generating element.
  • the taggant may alternatively or additionally incorporated into the raw materials that are used to manufacture, for example, any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive 320 , a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source 324 , or an aerosol-generating element.
  • the raw materials may constitute the components of the aerosol-generating article 301 .
  • Taggants are uniquely encoded materials or chemistries that are virtually impossible to duplicate. Taggants can be used to identify the origin for a product, such as the aerosol-generating article 301 , for example.
  • the area denoted by 322 indicates a taggant detection zone 322 located at the junction between the aerosol-forming substrate 306 and the hollow acetate tube 312 .
  • the taggant detection zone 322 may be located at any part of the aerosol-generating article 301 that comprises a taggant.
  • the taggant detection zone 322 may be at a location containing the component which has a taggant, for example any or a combination of: an adhesive 320 , a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source 324 , or an aerosol-generating element. It is envisaged that there may be provided more than one taggant detection zone 322 on the aerosol-generating article 301 .
  • a corresponding detection system on an apparatus is provided.
  • the apparatus will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .
  • the apparatus is provided with a sensor that detects the amount of the taggant that the component comprises.
  • the sensor of the apparatus detects the amount of taggant which is contained in the taggant detection zone 322 .
  • the taggant detection zone 322 in this example is positioned at the junction between the aerosol-forming substrate 306 and the hollow acetate tube 312 , it is envisaged that the taggant detection zone 322 may be located elsewhere on the aerosol-generating article 301 that comprises a taggant.
  • FIG. 4 shows an aerosol-generating article 401 .
  • Aerosol-generating article 401 is substantially the same as aerosol-generating article 201 in FIG. 2 and comprises a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404 .
  • Aerosol-generating article 401 is provided with tipping paper 410 that is arranged over the filter 408 at the proximal end 402 , over the hollow acetate tube 412 , and partially over the aerosol-forming substrate 406 .
  • An inner surface of the tipping paper 410 is provided with a coating of adhesive 420 .
  • the adhesive 420 is provided to attach tipping paper 410 to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 401 .
  • the adhesive 420 in this example is a glue 420 .
  • Glue 420 is applied on the inner surface of the tipping paper 410 .
  • the glue 420 contains a taggant.
  • the taggant has a concentration of 150 milligrams per square metre. It is envisaged that the taggant may have any concentration between 5 milligrams per square metre to 500 milligrams per square metre.
  • the glue 420 is sprayed onto the inner surface of the tipping paper 410 .
  • the inner surface of the tipping paper 410 is provided with an adhesive 420 containing taggant.
  • the tipping paper 410 is provided with a glue line 414 at a location where the tipping paper 410 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 406 .
  • the tipping paper 410 is provided with a reinforced glue line 416 at the location where the tipping paper 410 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 406 .
  • the glue line 414 and the reinforced glue line 416 are provided to attach the tipping paper 410 to the aerosol-forming substrate 406 .
  • the tipping paper 410 is provided with a glue free zone 418 .
  • the glue free zone 418 is an area 418 that is absent of glue 420 . This is so that the glue 420 , does not block perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article 401 , for example. In some examples, the glue free zone 418 has substantially less glue 420 relative to that on the inner surface of the tipping paper 410 .
  • the tipping paper 410 is provided with an additional glue line 419 comprising taggant.
  • Glue line 419 is sprayed onto the tipping paper 410 to increase the concentration of taggant.
  • the quantity of taggant may be increased.
  • the increase of the concentration or the quantity of taggant improves the ease of detection of the taggant.
  • the additional glue line 419 is sprayed by an adhesive nozzle.
  • the additional glue line 419 has a width off 4 millimetres.
  • the taggant may be incorporated in the raw materials that are manufactured to form any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive 420 , a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source 424 , or an aerosol-generating element.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an apparatus 500 .
  • the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence and quantity of the taggant in glue.
  • the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence and quantity of the taggant in glue applied to tipping paper 110 (not shown).
  • the apparatus 500 has a series of transport drums 550 , 552 , 554 , 556 configured to transport along them, a component for an aerosol-generating article.
  • the transport drums 550 , 552 , 554 , 556 are arranged to transport tipping paper 110 towards another part of the manufacturing process where the tipping paper 110 is assembled with other components (not shown) to produce an aerosol-generating article.
  • the apparatus 500 is provided with a guiding roller 566 which receives the tipping paper 110 from a transport drum 554 .
  • the guiding roller 566 directs the tipping paper 110 to a combiner 560 downstream towards an assembly station (not shown), where the tipping paper 110 is assembled with other components to form an aerosol-generating article.
  • a sensor 562 is arranged directed towards the tipping paper 110 .
  • the sensor 562 emits a sensing signal 564 that is used to determine whether the tipping paper 110 comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present. In some examples, the sensor 562 detects the taggant concentration that the tipping paper 110 comprises.
  • the sensor 562 emits a signal 564 towards the tipping paper 110 .
  • the signal 564 is a spectroscopic signal.
  • the taggant in this example has an identifiable spectroscopic signature. When the taggant is exposed to the emitted signal 564 , the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 564 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked up by the sensor 562 . The return signal is used to identify the taggant on the tipping paper 110 and its amount.
  • the signal 564 may be a light signal, a phosphorescent signal, an electromagnetic signal, or any suitable signal that may identify the taggant.
  • the sensor 562 emits a light signal 564 which causes the taggant to absorb a specific wavelength, for example 1000 nanometres, or a wavelength range, for example between 930 nanometres and 1020 nanometres.
  • the wavelengths of the light return signal received by the sensor 562 determines the absorbed wavelength of light and determines the taggant by reading the absent wavelength(s).
  • the emitter of the sensor 562 may be a light-emitting diode.
  • the receiver of the sensor 562 may be a photodiode. Other wavelengths are envisaged. In such cases, the emitter and receiver of the sensor 562 are tuned to the absorption and emission properties of the taggant. Additional optics, such as for example, a lens or a filter, may be provided to the sensor or in front of the sensor 562 to improve its sensitivity.
  • the apparatus 500 is capable of rejecting a component if it comprises an amount of taggant that is less than a predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus 500 is provided with a control (not shown) which determines whether the amount of taggant detected by the sensor 562 is below a first-predetermined amount. In some examples, the control determines whether the amount of taggant detected by the sensor 562 is greater than a second-predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus 500 in this example is provided with a rejection system (not shown).
  • the rejection system is designed to reject a component if it comprises an amount of taggant that is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the rejection system is designed also to reject a component if it comprises an amount of taggant that is greater than a second-predetermined amount.
  • the tipping paper 110 is rejected if it comprises a taggant having a concentration of less than 5 milligrams per square metre.
  • the tipping paper 110 is rejected if it comprises a taggant having a concentration of more than 500 milligrams per square metre.
  • the rejection system is designed to reject a component if it comprises having a concentration, or amount, of less than a first-predetermined amount, for example 20 milligrams per square metre. Not only is a component rejected if it does not contain a taggant, but a component is also rejected if it does not comprise a suitable amount of taggant.
  • the rejection system is designed to reject a component if it comprises having a concentration, or amount, of greater than a second-predetermined amount, for example 550 milligrams per square metre. Above the threshold amount, it is determined that the component is faulty and would not provide a suitable product performance.
  • An excess amount of taggant may indicate too much of a particular component is present. For example, if a high concertation of taggant is present in a component, where the taggant is present in glue, then it may be determined that too much glue is applied to the component.
  • a controller compares the detected amount of taggant with a predetermined amount of taggant. In this particular example, the controller determines whether the amount of taggant detected by the sensor 562 is within the range of 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre. If the detected amount of taggant is within the range of 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre, a positive signal is provided.
  • the range in this particular example is 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre, but it is envisaged that other ranges may be applicable.
  • the range may be from 10 milligrams per square metre to 500 milligrams per square metre, or from 5 milligrams per square metre to 200 milligrams per square metre, or from 20 milligrams per square metre to 100 milligrams per square metre, for example.
  • the positive signal is interpreted to mean that the tipping paper 110 comprises a suitable amount of taggant.
  • a negative signal is provided by the sensor 562 . This negative signal indicates that the tipping paper 110 is to be rejected.
  • the tipping paper 110 part corresponding to the negative signal is discarded and prevented from further being processed in the apparatus 500 .
  • the tipping paper 110 is removed from the apparatus.
  • the portion of the tipping paper 110 corresponding to the negative signal may be rejected.
  • the full batch of the tipping paper 110 is rejected.
  • the machinery is stopped when a negative signal is detected, and the operator carries out a corrective action.
  • the corrective action may be to change the source of the component, to change the glue tank, or to verify that the machine applies glue to the component, or that the machine applies glue evenly to the component, for example.
  • the taggant is applied to and detected from the tipping paper 110 , but it is envisaged that the taggant may be applied to and detected from any or a combination of: an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source, or an aerosol-generating element, for example.
  • the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence of the taggant in glue. That is, the sensor 562 detects whether the tipping paper 110 comprises taggant. The sensor 562 emits a signal 564 towards the tipping paper 110 in the form a spectroscopic signal. The taggant has an identifiable spectroscopic signature. If a taggant is present, the taggant is exposed to the signal 564 emitted from the sensor 562 . The taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 564 such that the spectroscopic signal is modified.
  • the sensor 562 determines that the tipping paper 110 comprises a taggant (that is, a taggant is present). Depending on whether the presence of a taggant is detected, the apparatus is designed to either reject the component or to keep the component. In this particular example, the tipping paper 110 is rejected if no taggant is detected by the sensor 562 . In some examples, the entire component containing the tipping paper 110 is rejected if no taggant is detected by the sensor 562 . By rejecting the tipping paper 110 or the entire component, the part is prevented from being further processed in the apparatus 500 .
  • the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence of the taggant in glue applied to tipping paper 110 (not shown).
  • the taggant may be applied to and detected from any or a combination of: an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source or an aerosol-generating element.
  • FIG. 6 shows an apparatus 600 having a plurality of transport rollers 650 , 652 , 654 , 656 used to transport an aerosol-generating article (not shown) along them.
  • the apparatus 600 detects the presence and quantity of the taggant applied to the aerosol-generating article. More specifically, in this example, the apparatus 600 is used to detect the presence and quantity of the taggant in the filter of the aerosol-generating article.
  • the taggant is included in any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, or an aerosol-generating element.
  • the transport rollers 650 , 652 , 654 , 656 are provided with a grooved surface that is designed to receive the aerosol-generating article.
  • the apparatus 600 is provided with a first sensor 662 directed towards roller 650 .
  • the apparatus 600 is provided with a second sensor 672 downstream from the first sensor 662 .
  • the second sensor 672 is directed towards roller 652 .
  • the first sensor 662 emits a first sensing signal 664 towards the filter component on drum 650 that is used to determine whether the filter component comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present.
  • the taggant in the filter is exposed to the emitted signal 664 , the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 664 and alters the spectroscopic signal.
  • the signal is reflected and picked up by the first sensor 662 .
  • the return signal is used to identify the taggant in the filter and its amount.
  • the second sensor 672 emits a second sensing signal 674 towards the filter component on drum 652 that is used to determine whether the filter component comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present.
  • the taggant in the filter When the taggant in the filter is exposed to the emitted signal 674 , the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 674 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked up by the second sensor 672 .
  • the sensors 662 , 672 are angularly offset from one another. In some examples, a different number of sensors 662 , 672 are provide, directed towards any of transport rollers 650 , 652 , 654 , 656 provided in the apparatus 600 .
  • a sensor may be desired after most or all manufacturing steps where taggant is present, and it is desired to determine whether taggant is present in desired amounts or concentrations. Thus, faulty components may be rejected. It is particularly beneficial to have additional sensors for important or costly manufacturing steps, where faulty components would constitute a longer downtime or have large associated costs.
  • the apparatus 600 is provided with a control (not shown) which determines whether the amount of taggant detected by any or both of the sensors 662 , 672 is below a first-predetermined amount. In some examples, the control determines whether the amount of taggant detected by any or both of the sensors 662 , 672 is greater than a second-predetermined amount. In other examples, the control determines an average amount of taggant detected between the sensors 662 , 672 and compares the average amount to the predetermined amount.
  • the apparatus 600 in this example is provided with a rejection system (not shown). The rejection system is designed to reject an aerosol-generating article if the filter comprises an amount of taggant that is less than a first-predetermined amount.
  • the rejection system is designed also to reject an aerosol-generating article if the filter comprises an amount of taggant that is greater than second-predetermined amount.
  • the sensors 662 , 672 each detect the amount of taggant in the same way as sensor 562 in the above example. However, since two sensors 662 , 672 are provided, each sensor 662 , 672 can operate individually to detect an amount of taggant simultaneously at different locations of the same aerosol-generating article. In some examples, each sensor 662 , 672 can operate to detect an amount of taggant simultaneously on different aerosol-generating articles. In some examples, additional sensors may be positioned at different stages along the manufacturing process, to ensure that the amount of taggant present in the component remains within an acceptable range as the component moves along the manufacturing line. This ensures that the product performance remains suitable.
  • FIG. 7 shows a portion of an apparatus 700 having a drum 752 .
  • the drum 752 has a central axis 753 about which the drum 752 rotates.
  • the drum 752 has a plurality of grooves disposed around the circumference, in which aerosol-generating articles 101 are received.
  • the aerosol-generating articles 101 are provided with a hollow acetate tube (not shown).
  • the hollow acetate tube is formed from raw materials mixed with a taggant.
  • the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 contains a taggant.
  • a first sensor 762 is arranged to emit a first signal 764 towards the aerosol-generating articles 101 as they are transported on drum 752 .
  • a second sensor 772 is arranged downstream from the first sensor 762 .
  • the second sensor 772 is arranged to emit a plurality of second signals 774 towards the aerosol-generating articles 101 at a location downstream of the first signal 764 .
  • the first sensor 762 emits a first signal 764 towards the aerosol-generating article 101 on the drum 752 .
  • the first sensor 762 determines whether the aerosol-generating article 101 comprises a taggant and if so, the amount of taggant that is present.
  • the taggant in the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 is exposed to the emitted first signal 764 , the taggant absorbs a portion of the signal 764 and alters the spectroscopic signal.
  • the signal is reflected and picked by the first sensor 762 .
  • the return signal is used to identify the taggant in the aerosol-generating article 101 , and its amount.
  • the second sensor 772 emits a plurality of second signals 774 towards the aerosol-generating articles 101 on drum 752 to determine whether the aerosol-generating article 101 comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present.
  • the taggant in the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 is exposed to the emitted second signal 774 , the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 774 and alters the spectroscopic signal.
  • the signal is reflected and picked by the second sensor 772 .
  • the second sensor 772 is designed to emit three signals 774 . The provision of multiple signals 774 emitted by a single sensor 772 allows the aerosol-generating articles 101 to be detected at higher speeds.
  • the second sensor 772 is capable of detecting the amount of taggant comprised in the aerosol-generating articles 101 at a maximum speed of 10,000 articles per minute, or approximate 6 milliseconds per article. In some examples, an average signal between each of the multiple signals 774 of the second sensor 772 is provided.
  • a controller compares the detected amount of taggant with a predetermined amount of taggant in substantially the same way as described with reference to FIG. 6 . However, in this example, the controller determines whether an average amount detected by sensors 762 , 772 is within the range of taggant amounts corresponding to a positive signal.
  • FIG. 8 shows a portion of an apparatus 800 having a first drum 850 and a second drum 852 .
  • the first drum 850 has a first central axis 851 about which the first drum 850 rotates.
  • the second drum 852 has a second central axis 853 about which the second drum 852 rotates.
  • the second drum 852 has a plurality of protuberances 882 raised from the surface of the second drum 852 .
  • the protuberances 882 are spaced apart about the circumference of the second drum 852 .
  • the protuberances 882 are designed to engage an aerosol-generating article 101 so as to transport the aerosol-generating article 101 on a path along the circumference of the second drum 852 .
  • the first drum 850 engages the aerosol-generating article 101 . This rotates the aerosol-generating article 101 rotates about its own axis in the direction denoted by the arrow 103 .
  • a sensor 862 is provided at a location that allows the sensor 862 to be directed towards the aerosol-generating article 101 positioned between the first drum 850 and the second drum 852 .
  • sensor 862 emits a signal 864 towards the aerosol-generating article 101 as the article 101 rotates. This allows the aerosol-generating article 101 to be exposed to the sensor 862 in more than one position. There is provided visibility about the circumference of the aerosol-generating article 101 .
  • the sensor 862 determines whether the aerosol-generating article comprises a taggant, and the concentration of taggant present. When the taggant in the article 101 absorbs the emitted signal 864 , the spectroscopic signal is altered.
  • the signal reflects back at and is picked by the sensor 862 .
  • the return signal is used to determine the taggant in the aerosol-generating article 101 , and the concentration of taggant present.
  • the signal is then compared with a predetermined concentration of taggant in substantially the same way as described with reference to FIG. 6 .
  • any direction referred to herein, such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and other directions or orientations are described herein for clarity and brevity are not intended to be limiting of an actual device or system. Devices and systems described herein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Labeling Devices (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
US17/790,856 2020-01-07 2020-12-24 Taggant detection and rejection method and apparatus Pending US20230126431A1 (en)

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EP20150490 2020-01-07
EP20150490.9 2020-01-07
PCT/EP2020/087875 WO2021140038A1 (en) 2020-01-07 2020-12-24 Taggant detection and rejection method and apparatus

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EP (1) EP4087415A1 (ja)
JP (1) JP2023509457A (ja)
KR (1) KR20220124699A (ja)
CN (2) CN118697095A (ja)
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CA3235996A1 (en) * 2021-10-25 2023-05-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Aerosol-generating article with taggant
WO2024002982A1 (en) * 2022-06-29 2024-01-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Taggant inspection system

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US5237307A (en) * 1991-11-27 1993-08-17 The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy Non-contact tamper sensing by electronic means
WO2013181286A1 (en) * 2012-05-29 2013-12-05 Altria Client Services Inc. Oil detection process
IL279066B (en) * 2013-12-03 2022-09-01 Philip Morris Products Sa An item for producing a spray and an electrically operated system that incorporates a taggant
TWI697289B (zh) * 2014-05-21 2020-07-01 瑞士商菲利浦莫里斯製品股份有限公司 氣溶膠形成製品、電熱氣溶膠產生裝置及系統、及操作該系統之方法

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WO2021140038A1 (en) 2021-07-15
KR20220124699A (ko) 2022-09-14
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CN114828665A (zh) 2022-07-29
CN118697095A (zh) 2024-09-27
BR112022011739A2 (pt) 2022-08-30
JP2023509457A (ja) 2023-03-08

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