WO2008098815A1 - A method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles - Google Patents
A method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008098815A1 WO2008098815A1 PCT/EP2008/050553 EP2008050553W WO2008098815A1 WO 2008098815 A1 WO2008098815 A1 WO 2008098815A1 EP 2008050553 W EP2008050553 W EP 2008050553W WO 2008098815 A1 WO2008098815 A1 WO 2008098815A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tobacco rod
- plough
- head
- liquid additive
- furrow
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 claims abstract description 246
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 246
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 85
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 81
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 16
- 229940041616 menthol Drugs 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N (+)-Neomenthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 54
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 25
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-KXUCPTDWSA-N (-)-Menthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-KXUCPTDWSA-N 0.000 description 15
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000019506 cigar Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002472 Starch Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012467 final product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019698 starch Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008107 starch Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001864 tannin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001648 tannin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000018553 tannin Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019505 tobacco product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009827 uniform distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- A24C5/14—Machines of the continuous-rod type
- A24C5/18—Forming the rod
- A24C5/1892—Forming the rod with additives, e.g. binding agent, flavorants
Definitions
- the present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes and to a method and apparatus for the manufacture thereof.
- the additive can serve various purposes, for example, it may comprise a flavourant (e.g. menthol), an adhesive (e.g. starch), or some substance for controlling the burn characteristics of a cigarette.
- a flavourant e.g. menthol
- an adhesive e.g. starch
- Kaymich & Co of Sheffield, United Kingdom manufacture various systems for the application of additives to the different parts of a cigarette, such as the filter, the wrapping paper and the tobacco.
- the Kaymich CSSlOOO system can be used to apply adhesive to cigarette paper.
- WO 2006/010895 discloses one method of applying an additive to the filter material of a cigarette.
- the Kaymich UFAlOOO system is designed for the application of a flavourant, such as menthol, to various components of a cigarette, including the cigarette paper and the tobacco stream (rod).
- One known system for applying a flavourant to a tobacco rod includes an atomising applicator head that is positioned adjacent the passing tobacco rod.
- the flavourant in either solvent or undiluted form, is dispersed from the applicator head at a steady rate onto the passing tobacco rod.
- the applicator head retracts during a machine stop to prevent excess flavourant being applied to a particular location on the tobacco rod.
- the amount of flavouring or other additive that is applied to a tobacco rod is known as the loading. It has been found that in practice there is limit to the maximum loading for fiavourants such as menthol in order to avoid spotting. Thus if the loading is too high, excess menthol may accumulate and form (yellow) spots on the paper wrapping of the cigarette. Alternatively (or additionally), an excess of flavouring or other additive may produce (brown) spots by leaching substances such as tannins from the tobacco onto the paper wrapping.
- the maximum safe loading of menthol through the above-described application method to avoid spotting has been found to be approximately 5-6 mg per cigarette, although this is somewhat dependent on factors such as humidity and temperature (increased humidity and/or temperature may increase the tendency to spotting).
- flavourants Another option is to apply menthol to bulk tobacco, in other words before formation of the tobacco rod.
- the application of flavourants to bulk tobacco requires bulk processing, and is therefore not always cost-effective, especially for short production runs.
- bulk application of flavourant before the tobacco enters the manufacturing apparatus results in contamination by flavourant of the whole production line. This may cause problems in certain machinery, and also requires considerable time and resources to clean the production line if it is desired to switch to another flavourant (or to no flavourant).
- the apparatus includes a conveyor for a tobacco rod, wherein the direction of conveyance is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.
- the apparatus further includes an applicator for applying a liquid additive, such as menthol, to the tobacco rod on the conveyor.
- the applicator is configured such that liquid additive received into the tobacco rod has a distribution in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod that is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis.
- Known applicators involve dispersing an additive into a tobacco rod from one side. This leads to an asymmetric distribution of additive within the tobacco rod.
- providing a symmetric distribution of additive within the tobacco rod improves uniformity, and so helps to avoid peaks of additive concentration that might lead to spotting. This therefore allows a higher loading of additive to be achieved in the tobacco rod than can be obtained with known applicators (without increasing the risk of spotting). This higher loading in the tobacco rod then avoids having to apply (extra) additive to the filter or packaging, which would increase the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process.
- the applicator comprises a plurality of dispersion heads for applying the liquid additive to the tobacco rod.
- the dispersion heads may have a configuration which is rotationally symmetric about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod to provide the desired symmetrical distribution of additive in the tobacco rod.
- a pair of dispersion heads may be disposed.horizontally on opposite sides of the tobacco rod.
- Other embodiments may have a different number and/or configuration of heads.
- the applicator comprises a plough for forming a furrow in the tobacco rod downstream of the plough and a head for dispersing the liquid additive into the tobacco rod.
- the head is positioned so that in operation it is located within the furrow of the tobacco rod, which may extend to approximately the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. This configuration allows the head to disperse liquid deeper into the tobacco rod, and so helps to reduce the possibility of spotting on the surface of the tobacco rod. Furthermore, dispersing from the centre of the tobacco rod can help to produce a more uniform distribution of liquid within the tobacco rod.
- the plough is static. Such a plough generally has a pointed head directed upstream to face the oncoming tobacco rod. This allows the plough to cleave into the oncoming tobacco stream, thereby opening up the furrow without completely disrupting the tobacco rod.
- the plough may be rotary, for example, some form of cutting wheel that extends into the tobacco rod, where the rotation axis of the cutting wheel is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod. The cutting wheel may rotate so that it runs at substantially the same linear speed as the tobacco rod.
- the plough and the head are both positioned to enter the tobacco rod from above.
- the plough and head might alternatively enter the tobacco rod from below or from the side.
- each head of the applicator is configured to retract from the tobacco rod when the conveyor stops. This helps to reduce the risk of excess additive being dispersed into a fixed location of a stationary tobacco rod.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: a conveyor for a tobacco rod, wherein the direction of conveyance is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod; and an applicator for applying a liquid additive to the tobacco rod on the conveyor.
- the applicator has a plurality of heads for simultaneously dispersing the liquid additive into the tobacco rod.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides apparatus for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: a conveyor for a tobacco rod, wherein the direction of conveyance is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod; and an applicator for applying a liquid additive to the tobacco rod on the conveyor.
- the applicator comprises a plough for forming a furrow in the tobacco rod downstream of the plough and a head for dispersing the liquid additive into the tobacco rod.
- the head is positioned so as to be located within the furrow of the tobacco rod.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: conveying a tobacco rod in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod; and applying a liquid additive to the conveyed tobacco rod such that the liquid additive received into the tobacco rod has a distribution in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod that is substantially symmetrical about said central axis.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: conveying a tobacco rod in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod; and applying a liquid additive with an applicator to the conveyed tobacco rod, wherein the applicator has a plurality of heads for simultaneously dispersing the liquid additive into the tobacco rod.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for manufacturing a smoking article comprising: conveying a tobacco rod in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod; and applying a liquid additive with an applicator to the conveyed tobacco rod by forming a furrow in the tobacco rod with a plough, wherein the furrow is formed downstream of the plough, and dispersing the liquid additive from a head into the tobacco rod.
- the head being positioned so as to be located within the furrow of the tobacco rod.
- Another embodiment of the invention provides a smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar or cigarillo, as produced by the method or apparatus described above.
- the approach described herein achieves a higher loading of flavourant or other additive in tobacco, thereby avoiding adding flavourant to the filter and/or the packaging, and so saves time and resources. This allows easier processing and can help to improve quality (because it involves flavourant at only one stage of the processing), as well as providing easier cleaning and smaller volumes to be processed, leading to reduced waste.
- Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of cigarette manufacturing apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section through a portion of the manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of possible head positions for the manufacturing apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
- Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of cigarette manufacturing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5 is a schematic view illustrating the operation of the cigarette manufacturing apparatus of Figure 4 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS 6A-6D are schematic cross-sections through Figure 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view (not to scale) of cigarette manufacturing apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- the apparatus includes a hopper 40 of bulk tobacco which feeds tobacco into a tobacco rod (or stream) 65 formed by suction belt 60.
- the general flow of tobacco within stream 65, as it is conveyed by the vacuum of the suction belt 60, is in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1.
- the tobacco rod 65 is trimmed by a pair of ecreteur disks 70. Accordingly, the tobacco rod 65 leaving the ecreteur disks is slightly smaller than the tobacco rod entering the ecreteur disks. After passing through the ecreteur disks 70, the tobacco rod 65 arrives at a flavourant adder 72.
- the flavourant adder 72 may be located within the suction chamber (not shown) of a conventional cigarette manufacturing system.
- the tobacco rod 65, including the added flavourant, such as menthol, then progresses into the garniture area 80, where the tobacco rod is cut into portions and associated with filters for subsequent packaging.
- the upstream apparatus (such as ecreteur disks 70) avoids contamination by the flavourant This makes it easier to switch the production line to making cigarettes having a different added flavour (or having no added flavour), since relatively little apparatus on the production line needs to be cleaned and/or adjusted to effect such a change.
- applying the flavourant at a relatively late stage in the production reduces wastage (compared to applying the flavourant to bulk tobacco, for example, since a certain proportion of the bulk tobacco is expended in the general manufacturing process, and never reaches the final product).
- flavourant adder 72 includes a pair of heads 75 A, 75B disposed on either side of tobacco rod 65.
- the two heads 75 A, 75B are substantially conical (or needle-like) in shape.
- the two heads 75 A, 75B are used to atomise the flavourant, which is sprayed into the tobacco rod from both of the heads.
- the two heads 75 A and 75B are fed the flavourant in fluid form from a reservoir (not shown in Figure 1).
- each head is provided with its own reservoir (which then generally needs separate replenishment).
- both heads may share a common reservoir for the flavourant fluid.
- the two heads may be heated slightly to assist with dispersion of the flavourant (such heating may or may not be employed, depending on the properties of the particular flavourant being used).
- the amount of flavourant ejected from the heads is controlled in conjunction with the speed of conveyor 60.
- heads 75 A and 75B are retractable, and can be withdrawn from the tobacco rod 65 if the tobacco rod 65 stops moving - e.g. because the suction belt is switched off.
- each of the heads 75 A, 75B is inserted slightly into the tobacco rod 65. This then allows the atomised spray to be dispersed directly into the tobacco itself.
- the insertion distance is substantially less than the radius of tobacco rod 65 (to prevent splitting or other disruption of the tobacco rod 65).
- Figure 2 is a schematic vertical cross-section (not to scale) of a part of the apparatus of Figure I 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- This cross-section is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65; in other words, the plane of Figure 2 is orthogonal to arrow A in Figure 1.
- the tobacco rod 65 is shown as having an approximately square cross-section, but in other embodiments this cross-section may be round, rectangular, elliptical, or any other appropriate shape, depending upon how tobacco rod is formed and trimmed.
- each head 75 A, 75B of flavourant adder 72 are gravity-fed with flavourant to be added to tobacco rod 65 from reservoir 120.
- the feed to the heads may be power-assisted (by some suitable form of pump), and/or each head may be provided with its own, separate reservoir, as noted above.
- the approximate dispersion of the flavourant from head 75 A into tobacco rod 65 is depicted in Figure 2 by shaded area 11OA.
- the approximate dispersion of the flavourant from head 75B into tobacco rod 65 is depicted in Figure 2 by shaded area HOB.
- the dispersion of the flavourant is substantially symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65, as marked by a "+" with reference numeral 115 in Figure 2. This in turn reflects the fact that heads 75 A, 75B are likewise symmetrically disposed about the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65.
- the head configuration of Figure 2 allows for a more uniform dispersion of flavourant through the cross-section of tobacco rod 65 (compared to known machines which use a single head for adding flavourant to tobacco rod 65). This in turn helps to permit a higher concentration of flavourant, such as menthol, to be provided within tobacco rod 65 without increasing the risk of spotting. This is because spotting is generally most likely at regions of greatest concentration.
- the total loading of flavourant within tobacco rod 65 can be increased without raising the maximum concentration at any one point, thereby helping to avoid any increased risk of spotting.
- the two heads 75 A and 75B are disposed horizontally about the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65.
- the effect of gravity on the flavourant dispersion region 110 is the same for both heads 75 A, 75B, which can assist with uniformity and symmetry.
- a somewhat different configuration of heads might be used.
- the heads might be offset above or below the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65, or rotated around from the horizontal - e.g. one head pointing upwards from below the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65 and one head pointing downwards from above the central longitudinal axis of tobacco rod 65.
- FIGS. 3A-3C show a variety of such embodiments.
- the two horizontally directed heads 75 A, 75B from the embodiment of Figure 2 are supplemented by a third, downwardly directed head 75C, located above tobacco rod 65.
- the two horizontally directed heads 75 A, 75B from the embodiment of Figure 2 are supplemented by a third, downwardly directed head 75C, located above tobacco rod 65, and a fourth, upwardly directed head 75D, located below tobacco rod 65.
- the configuration of Figure 3 C has rotational symmetry (of order 4) about the central longitudinal axis of the tobacco rod.
- the skilled person will be aware of other possible configurations for heads 75, further to those shown in Figures 3 A-3C.
- heads 75 A and 75B in the configuration of Figure 3C may disperse one additive into tobacco rod 65, while heads 75C and 75D simultaneously disperse a second additive into the tobacco rod.
- the multiple additives may interact or combine with one another.
- one additive may be a binder to help a second additive, such as a flavourant, adhere to the tobacco.
- Adding extra heads 75 to the flavourant adder 72 can increase the uniformity and symmetry of the distribution of flavourant as provided within tobacco rod 65. This in turn may allow a higher loading of flavourant without (significantly) increasing the risk of spotting. On the other hand, adding extra heads 75 to the flavourant adder 72 also increases the complexity and cost of the flavourant adder 72.
- FIG 4 illustrates a manufacturing apparatus for smoking articles in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- the components of this embodiment are generally the same as those of Figure 1, except in relation to flavourant adder 72.
- flavourant adder comprises a single atomising head 92 for dispersing liquid additive within tobacco rod 65.
- the head 92 may be substantially the same as heads 75 A and 75B described in relation to the embodiment of Figure 1.
- head 92 may comprise a hypodermic needle (rather than an atomising spray). Head 92 may be connected to an appropriate reservoir of the liquid additive (not shown in Figure 4).
- the flavourant adder of Figure 4 also includes a plough 91 that is located upstream of the head 92.
- plough 91 and head 92 may be formed as a single unit.
- the plough 91 causes a furrow to open in the tobacco stream 65 that goes past the plough.
- Head 92 is located in the forrow (slipstream) created by plough 91.
- Figure 5 presents a further schematic illustration of the action of plough 91 and head 92 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 5 depicts tobacco rod 65 travelling in the direction of arrow A past plough 91.
- the plough opens up a forrow or gap 210 in the tobacco rod, which extends downstream of the plough.
- furrow 210 gradually narrows as it progresses further downstream from the plough, due to the natural dynamics and pressure within tobacco rod 65.
- the furrow closes (at the point indicated as 211 in Figure 5), whereupon tobacco stream 65 has returned substantially to its original geometry.
- the head 92 is located within the furrow 210 created by the plough. As previously described in relation to the embodiment of Figure 1, head 92 (and also potentially plough 91) may be configured to retract from tobacco stream 65 if the flow of tobacco by conveyor 60 stops.
- Figure 5 allows the head to penetrate more deeply into the tobacco stream 65 than for the embodiment of Figure 1. This in turn allows the head 92 to disperse liquid into the tobacco stream from close to the centre of the tobacco stream. Accordingly, a more uniform (rotationally symmetric) distribution of liquid within tobacco rod 65 can be obtained. This allows the loading of additive within the tobacco rod to be increased without raising the risk of spotting. Furthermore, because the additive is injected nearer to the centre of the tobacco rod, any excess concentration of additive that does occur will tend to be contained within the body of the tobacco rod, rather than migrating to the surface (where it could then manifest itself as visible spotting).
- Figures 6A-6D are schematic cross-sections through tobacco rod 65, corresponding to arrows C1-C4 respectively from Figure 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- a given portion of tobacco rod 65 passes through the stages of Figures 6 A, 6B > 6C and then 6D in succession as it travels along conveyor 60.
- tobacco rod 65 is assumed to have a substantially rectangular cross-section, although other embodiments may utilise a different cross-section for the tobacco rod - e.g. circular, ellipse, etc.
- Figure 6 A illustrates an upstream portion of the plough 91 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- This portion of the plough is relatively narrow, and also relatively shallow, so that it can cleave open the tobacco rod 65 to form furrow 210.
- Figure 6B illustrates a more downstream portion of the plough 91 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- This portion of the plough 91 is both wider and longer than in Figure 6 A, thereby increasing the width and depth of furrow 210.
- This streamlined configuration of plough 91 small at the front, larger at the rear, provides minimal disruption to the tobacco stream 65 flowing past the plough (other than to open furrow 210). Note that the deepest portion of furrow 210, as shown in Figure 6B, extends approximately to the centre of tobacco rod 65.
- Figure 6C illustrates the operation of head 92 within furrow 210 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Since the general tendency of furrow 210 is to close up as the tobacco progresses downstream of plough 91, furrow 210 in Figure 6C is narrower than shown in Figure 6B (but wider than shown in Figure 6A). Nevertheless, furrow 210 in Figure 6C is wide and deep enough to accommodate head 92, which is therefore able to disperse liquid from reservoir 120 internally into tobacco rod 65.
- head 92 disperses liquid into tobacco rod 65 from the tip of head 92, which is positioned at or close to the longitudinal central axis of tobacco rod 65. This leads to an approximate distribution of additive 220 within the tobacco rod 65 as shown in Figure 6C. It can be seen that the additive is concentrated within the central portion of tobacco rod 65, away from the surface of the tobacco rod, due to the central location of the point of injection from head 92. This helps to minimise spotting, which arises from excess additive adjacent to the surface of cigarettes.
- the central location of the internal point of injection from head 92 also allows a more uniform (or rotationally symmetric) distribution of additive within tobacco rod 65. This again helps to achieve an increased loading of additive within the tobacco rod (compared to known machines which inject additive from one side), since there is less risk of concentrations of additive forming in particular areas, which might then lead to spotting.
- head 92 itself penetrates slightly into the tobacco rod (i.e. beyond the bottom of furrow 210), analogous to the situation depicted in Figure 2. This penetration by head 92 can assist with dispersal of the additive into the tobacco (and also prevent dispersal of the additive into furrow 210, which might then migrate relatively easily to the surface of tobacco rod 65).
- the angle of dispersion from head 92 is fairly wide (compared to the narrower dispersion from heads 75A and 75B shown in Figure 2).
- the dispersion from heads 75 A, 75B occurs into a cone having a (half)-angle approximately in the range 20 and 65 degrees, e.g. approximately 30 degrees.
- the conical (half)-angle of dispersion from head 92 is greater than 120 degrees, and may approach 180 degrees (depending on the size and geometry of the head 92 itself and furrow 210).
- the angle and also shape of dispersion from heads 75A, 75B and 92 can be controlled by appropriate head design. (The dispersion shape may not necessarily be conical, bearing in mind the longitudinal motion of the tobacco rod past the head).
- the angle of dispersion from head 92 may be relatively small, for example with a conical half-angle of 50 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, or 15 degrees or less.
- a relatively narrow (constrained) output from head 92 is particularly suitable if it is desired to confine the additive to substantially the centre of the tobacco rod.
- the radius of the portion of the tobacco rod containing additive is small compared to the radius of the tobacco rod, for example perhaps only 50%, 30% or 15% of the radius of the latter.
- Figure 6D illustrates the tobacco rod downstream of head 92.
- furrow 210 is starting to close up, due to natural motion within the tobacco rod as it is drawn along conveyor 60.
- this closure of furrow 210 enhances the uniformity and symmetry of the additive distribution 220 within tobacco rod 65.
- the plough 91 and head 92 are shown entering the tobacco rod from the side. However, the plough 91 and head 92 may also enter the tobacco rod from the bottom or from the top (or from any other angle). Entry from the top may cause less disruption to the tobacco rod (apart from the creation of furrow 210).
- Figures 4-6 illustrate the use of a static plough
- a rotary plough might be used.
- the axis of rotation of such a plough is substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of tobacco rod 65.
- the operation of the plough could be considered as somewhat analogous to a circular saw cutting into the tobacco rod 65.
- the rotation speed of the plough cutting wheel is synchronised with the movement of the tobacco rod, so that the linear speed (velocity) of the edge of the wheel is the same as or similar to the speed of movement of the tobacco stream. This then provides comparatively little relative movement between the wheel and the tobacco rod at the point of cutting, which can help to avoid damage to the tobacco stream.
- the configuration and operation of plough 91 for a given tobacco stream can be arranged to provide the most stable, reliable, and best-shaped furrow for that particular tobacco stream (and dispensing head).
- the various embodiments described herein can be used to disperse a wide range of additives, including flavourants, such as menthol, binders or adhesives, and so on.
- the additive can be in any appropriate form, such as a solution, undiluted, etc.
- the type of head used for dispersing the additive e.g. atomising spray, hypodermic needle, etc
- the head may require heating for proper dispersal of the additive (for example, if the additive is otherwise rather viscous at room temperature).
Landscapes
- Manufacture Of Tobacco Products (AREA)
- Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)
- Cigarettes, Filters, And Manufacturing Of Filters (AREA)
Priority Applications (10)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL08701565T PL2117365T3 (pl) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | Sposób i aparat do wytwarzania artykułów dla palaczy |
DE602008005271T DE602008005271D1 (de) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung von rauchartikeln |
US12/526,480 US20100224202A1 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | Method and Apparatus for the Manufacture of Smoking Articles |
EP08701565A EP2117365B1 (de) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung von rauchartikeln |
CA002676152A CA2676152A1 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | A method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles |
CN2008800049504A CN101674738B (zh) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | 用于加工吸烟制品的方法和装置 |
JP2009548638A JP5261403B2 (ja) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | 喫煙品の製造方法および製造装置 |
AT08701565T ATE499849T1 (de) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung von rauchartikeln |
BRPI0806958-1A2A BRPI0806958A2 (pt) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | Aparelho e método para fabricar um artigo para fumar, e, artigo para fumar |
HK10106932.6A HK1140385A1 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2010-07-16 | A method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0702769.1A GB0702769D0 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2007-02-13 | A Method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles |
GB0702769.1 | 2007-02-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2008098815A1 true WO2008098815A1 (en) | 2008-08-21 |
Family
ID=37899236
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2008/050553 WO2008098815A1 (en) | 2007-02-13 | 2008-01-18 | A method and apparatus for the manufacture of smoking articles |
Country Status (18)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100224202A1 (de) |
EP (1) | EP2117365B1 (de) |
JP (1) | JP5261403B2 (de) |
KR (1) | KR20090121325A (de) |
CN (1) | CN101674738B (de) |
AR (1) | AR065340A1 (de) |
AT (1) | ATE499849T1 (de) |
BR (1) | BRPI0806958A2 (de) |
CA (1) | CA2676152A1 (de) |
CO (1) | CO6210784A2 (de) |
DE (1) | DE602008005271D1 (de) |
GB (1) | GB0702769D0 (de) |
HK (1) | HK1140385A1 (de) |
MY (1) | MY152121A (de) |
PL (1) | PL2117365T3 (de) |
RU (1) | RU2450778C2 (de) |
WO (1) | WO2008098815A1 (de) |
ZA (1) | ZA200905266B (de) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2012062345A1 (de) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-18 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Vorrichtung und verfahren zum zuführen von fluiden in einen strang sowie strangmaschine mit einer solchen vorrichtung |
WO2013117566A1 (de) * | 2012-02-08 | 2013-08-15 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Vorrichtung und verfahren zum bilden mindestens eines strangs der tabak verarbeitenden industrie sowie verteilervorrichtung zum beschicken einer strangmaschine |
US11206655B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2021-12-21 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Method for transmitting or receiving downlink control channel and device using same |
US20220411172A1 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2022-12-29 | Altria Client Services Llc | Re-sealable cigarette pack |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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BR112019008710B1 (pt) * | 2016-12-29 | 2022-12-06 | Philip Morris Products S.A | Método e aparelho para produzir um componente de um artigo gerador de aerossol |
KR20230081721A (ko) * | 2020-10-09 | 2023-06-07 | 필립모리스 프로덕츠 에스.에이. | 에어로졸 발생 로드 생산 시 반경방향 외측으로부터의 첨가제 적용 |
US11744278B2 (en) | 2021-02-12 | 2023-09-05 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Apparatus and method for applying an additive to a tobacco rod of a smoking article |
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US3817258A (en) * | 1971-11-11 | 1974-06-18 | Svenska Tobaks Ab | Method of producing cigarettes or the like filled with tobacco containing one or more aromatic liquid agents, and a device for carrying out the method |
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2008
- 2008-01-18 CA CA002676152A patent/CA2676152A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-01-18 WO PCT/EP2008/050553 patent/WO2008098815A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-01-18 AT AT08701565T patent/ATE499849T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-01-18 KR KR1020097019189A patent/KR20090121325A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-01-18 RU RU2009134220/13A patent/RU2450778C2/ru not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2008-01-18 CN CN2008800049504A patent/CN101674738B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-01-18 DE DE602008005271T patent/DE602008005271D1/de active Active
- 2008-01-18 EP EP08701565A patent/EP2117365B1/de not_active Not-in-force
- 2008-01-18 US US12/526,480 patent/US20100224202A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-01-18 PL PL08701565T patent/PL2117365T3/pl unknown
- 2008-01-18 JP JP2009548638A patent/JP5261403B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-01-18 MY MYPI20093250 patent/MY152121A/en unknown
- 2008-01-18 BR BRPI0806958-1A2A patent/BRPI0806958A2/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-02-13 AR ARP080100623A patent/AR065340A1/es not_active Application Discontinuation
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2009
- 2009-07-28 ZA ZA200905266A patent/ZA200905266B/xx unknown
- 2009-08-10 CO CO09082942A patent/CO6210784A2/es not_active Application Discontinuation
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GB2070409A (en) * | 1980-01-18 | 1981-09-09 | British American Tobacco Co | Filament, comprising smoke- modifying agent, in smoking article |
EP0274247A2 (de) * | 1986-12-16 | 1988-07-13 | Philip Morris Products Inc. | Einrichtung zum Einspritzen eines flüssigartigen Produktes in den Kanal einer Zigarettenherstellungsmaschine |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012062345A1 (de) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-18 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Vorrichtung und verfahren zum zuführen von fluiden in einen strang sowie strangmaschine mit einer solchen vorrichtung |
WO2013117566A1 (de) * | 2012-02-08 | 2013-08-15 | Hauni Maschinenbau Ag | Vorrichtung und verfahren zum bilden mindestens eines strangs der tabak verarbeitenden industrie sowie verteilervorrichtung zum beschicken einer strangmaschine |
US11206655B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2021-12-21 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Method for transmitting or receiving downlink control channel and device using same |
US11751215B2 (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2023-09-05 | Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute | Method for transmitting or receiving downlink control channel and device using same |
US20220411172A1 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2022-12-29 | Altria Client Services Llc | Re-sealable cigarette pack |
US11708212B2 (en) * | 2018-03-06 | 2023-07-25 | Altria Client Services Llc | Re-sealable cigarette pack |
US12060217B2 (en) | 2018-03-06 | 2024-08-13 | Altria Client Services Llc | Re-sealable cigarette pack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2117365B1 (de) | 2011-03-02 |
PL2117365T3 (pl) | 2011-07-29 |
KR20090121325A (ko) | 2009-11-25 |
ZA200905266B (en) | 2010-04-28 |
DE602008005271D1 (de) | 2011-04-14 |
GB0702769D0 (en) | 2007-03-21 |
AR065340A1 (es) | 2009-06-03 |
BRPI0806958A2 (pt) | 2014-04-08 |
HK1140385A1 (en) | 2010-10-15 |
MY152121A (en) | 2014-08-15 |
JP2010517548A (ja) | 2010-05-27 |
US20100224202A1 (en) | 2010-09-09 |
CA2676152A1 (en) | 2008-08-21 |
RU2009134220A (ru) | 2011-03-20 |
ATE499849T1 (de) | 2011-03-15 |
CN101674738A (zh) | 2010-03-17 |
RU2450778C2 (ru) | 2012-05-20 |
JP5261403B2 (ja) | 2013-08-14 |
CO6210784A2 (es) | 2010-10-20 |
EP2117365A1 (de) | 2009-11-18 |
CN101674738B (zh) | 2013-12-18 |
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