Altria Client Services Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160100630 | SLIDE PUSH PACK FOR SMOKING ARTICLES - A slide push pack for smoking articles and a method of packaging smoking articles are disclosed. The slide push pack includes an outer shell and an inner shell. The outer shell has a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, the back panel having a pair of guide rails and an inner channel, the front panel having a front finger window. The inner shell is configured to receive a pack of smoking articles. The inner shell includes an inner back panel, an outer back panel, a front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a hinged-lid. The hinged-lid has a hinged-lid back panel configured to attach the hinged-lid to the back panel of the inner shell, and wherein the inner back panel includes an upper tab, and the outer back panel includes a mid-tab and a lower retention tab. | 04-14-2016 |
20160031590 | DISPLAY CARTON - A display carton is disclosed, which includes a tray portion, the tray portion including a back panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, an inside front panel, a right back gusset panel, a left back gusset panel, a right side wall panel, a left side wall panel, a right front gusset panel, and a left front gusset panel; a display portion, the display portion including an extension panel, a display panel, and a top panel, the top panel foldably connected along a fold line to the back panel of the tray portion; and a removable front panel portion foldably connected along a fold line to the inside front panel. | 02-04-2016 |
20160021928 | CARTON FOR DISPLAYING ARTICLES ATTACHABLE TO A FLIP SIGN - A carton for displaying articles attachable to a flip sign is disclosed, which includes a box structure having a back panel, a bottom panel, a top panel, a pair of side panels, a top front panel, a bottom front panel, a first inner panel and a second inner panel, the first inner panel having a pair of slots configured to receive a pair of tabs on an outer free edge of the second inner panel. The first and second inner panels rest adjacent to the back panel upon placing a plurality of articles within a recess, which is formed between the top front panel, the bottom front panel, the back panel, and the pair of side panels. | 01-28-2016 |
20160000144 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING AN INNER PACK FRAME TO CONTAIN LOOSE ELONGATED SMOKING ARTICLES IN A HINGE LID PACK - A method of manufacturing a hinge lid pack for containing loose elongated smoking articles is disclosed, the method includes forming a box and a lid connected to the box about a hinge line extending across a back wall of the pack. The box can include a front wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall, and the lid can include a lid top wall, a lid left side wall, a lid right side wall, and a lid back wall. A perforation line is formed in a front panel of an inner frame, the inner frame including the front panel, a right side panel, and a left side panel, and at least a portion of the inner frame is glued to the front wall of the box of the hinge lid pack. | 01-07-2016 |
20150298849 | TWO CAN PACK SLEEVE AND METHOD - A method of packaging two cylindrical cans having the same height and diameter includes partially erecting a sleeve from a blank so as to have a single opening at the bottom of the sleeve; arranging the two cylindrical cans side-by-side in the partially erected sleeve such that a side of each cylindrical can extends beyond an outer periphery of the sleeve; securing the cans in the sleeve by folding a cross-panel over the opening at a location between the two cans such that the opening is divided into two smaller openings sized to prevent the cans from passing therethrough; and wherein a measured distance from the cross-panel to a side panel of the sleeve in the two smaller openings is less than a diameter of one of the cylindrical cans. | 10-22-2015 |
20150259634 | FLAVOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING SHERRY WINE LIKE BEVERAGES - A method of making a sherry wine-like beverage includes combining water, ethanol and a plurality of flavor compounds in an amount sufficient to impart the flavor of a sherry wine without the need for fermentation and/or aging. | 09-17-2015 |
20150257428 | FLAVOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING BEVERAGES - A method of making a flavored beverage includes combining water and a plurality of flavor compounds in an amount sufficient to impart the flavor of a wine, a whiskey or a beer. A kit for making a flavored beverage can include a plurality of flavor compounds, a quantity of yeast, a quantity of sugar and a container. | 09-17-2015 |
20150136152 | HIGH YIELDING TOBACCO WITH ORIENTAL TOBACCO CHARACTERISTICS - This application provides high yielding tobacco plants with Oriental tobacco aroma and flavor characteristics and development of these plants via breeding. This application also provides hybrid seeds that give rise to high yielding tobacco plants with Oriental tobacco aroma and flavor characteristics. This application provides methods of growing and harvesting high yielding tobacco plants with Oriental tobacco aroma and flavor characteristics. This application further provides tobacco products made from high yielding tobacco plants with Oriental tobacco aroma and flavor characteristics, and methods making such tobacco products. | 05-21-2015 |
20150048250 | OIL DETECTION PROCESS, APPARATUS AND TAGGANT THEREFOR - A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in a manufactured product (C), preferably a cigarette (C), the process comprising adding a fluorescent taggant to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for said product (C), conveying ( | 02-19-2015 |
20140283855 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - A smoking article such as an electronic cigarette is disclosed, which includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction; a capillary wick for holding liquid material; a micro pump system configured to pump a liquid material contained within a liquid supply reservoir through an outlet of the supply reservoir to the capillary wick; a heating arrangement operable to heat at least a portion of the capillary wick to a temperature sufficient to at least initially volatilize the liquid material held within the capillary wick; a power supply operable to apply voltage to the micro pump gas cell to generate a gas to pump the liquid material from the liquid supply reservoir into the capillary wick; at least one air inlet; and whereby air is mixed with the volatilized material to form an aerosol. | 09-25-2014 |
20140283165 | DEVELOPMENT OF TOBACCO VARIETIES WITH NO OR SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ANATABINE CONTENT - A process for producing a reduced tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) tobacco plant comprising reducing and/or eliminating anatabine biosynthesis in wild-type tobacco plant. In addition, use of such plants for discovery of molecular markers that are closely linked with genes required for anatabine biosynthesis and for discovery of genes required for anatabine biosynthesis. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the tobacco material. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278258 | ACCESSORY FOR ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - An exemplary accessory for an electronic smoking article includes a hollow body having inner and outer surfaces and a sensor in the body. The sensor is configured to detect an emission of the electronic smoking article. A processor is embedded in the body, where the processor is configured to generate smoking topography data based on the emission. A display generates an output based on the smoking topography data provided by the processor. | 09-18-2014 |
20140278250 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OBTAINING SMOKING TOPOGRAPHY DATA - An exemplary smoking topography circuit of an electronic aerosol smoking article, includes at least one sensor configured to measure user interaction with the smoking article, a processor, and memory. The processor is configured to detect a smoking event based an output of the at least one sensor, collect data associated with the smoking event, and arrange the data in a pattern that associates the smoking event to shifts in battery voltage. The memory is configured to store the data pattern in a structured multi-byte format. | 09-18-2014 |
20140274940 | USE OF PECTIN OR OTHER ANIONIC POLYMERS IN THE STABILIZATION AND CONTROLLED RELEASE OF NICOTINE IN ORAL SENSORIAL TOBACCO PRODUCTS OR NICOTINE CONTAINING NON-TOBACCO ORAL SENSORIAL PRODUCTS - The use of pectins and/or polymers to prevent nicotine oxidation in tobacco containing products is disclosed. These polymers may be naturally occurring anionic polymers or synthetic polymers. These pectins and/or polymers prevent nicotine from oxidizing into cotinine, nicotine-cis-N-oxide, nicotine-trans-N-oxide, and/or nicotine-1,1-di-N-oxide. Molluscicides, algaecides, pesticides, and stabilized nicotine compositions comprising nicotine and pectin, anionic polymers, or combinations thereof are disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272019 | DISPOSABLE BEVERAGE POD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING A BEVERAGE - A disposable beverage pod includes a first compartment containing a beverage concentrate in dry or semi-dry form and a second compartment containing ethanol. An apparatus for making a single serving beverage is operable to receive the disposable beverage pod and mix the contents thereof with water from a water reservoir and optionally pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source to form a single serving beverage. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272006 | FLAVOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING BEVERAGES - A method of making a flavored beverage includes combining water and a plurality of flavor compounds in an amount sufficient to impart the flavor of a wine, a whiskey or a beer. A kit for making a flavored beverage can include a plurality of flavor compounds, a quantity of yeast, a quantity of sugar and a container. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271999 | FUNCTIONAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE COMPOSITIONS WITH IMPROVED TASTE THROUGH THE USE OF SENSATES - The present application is directed to sensory technologies for beverages and other products that significantly reduce or fully mask bitterness and/or off-flavor associated with the presence of functional ingredients, such as caffeine or L-phenylalanine. In particular, reduction or masking of the bitterness and/or off-flavor in the beverage or food composition is achieved through the addition of trigeminal sensation-eliciting compounds, referred to herein as sensates, responsible for cooling, warming, tingling, or mouthfeel-type sensations. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271946 | MODIFYING TASTE AND SENSORY IRRITATION OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO AND NON-TOBACCO PRODUCTS - Tobacco products comprising smokeless tobacco products and active ingredients, including those that antagonize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the TRPV1 channel, and/or the TRPA1 channel are disclosed. Nicotine replacement therapies comprising active ingredients, including those that antagonize nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, the TRPV1 channel, and/or the TRPA1 channel. The active ingredient may reduce or eliminate sensory irritation arising due to use of the product. Analgesic compositions comprising active ingredients. Methods of reducing taste and sensory irritation by employing an active ingredient. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271873 | APPLICATION OF ENCAPSULATED CAPSAICIN AND ANALOGUES THEREOF FOR CONTROLLING CALORIE INTAKE - A zero-calorie to near-zero-calorie snacking product that, when consumed, provides a feeling of fullness prior to absorption of energy-providing food, i.e., pre-absorptive satiation is disclosed. The snacking product is based on the stimulation of vagal nerve endings in the gastro-intestinal tract by encapsulated capsaicin. The encapsulation of capsaicin avoids the burning sensation in the mouth which may be objectionable to some consumers. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271791 | ORAL ENERGY PRODUCTS INCLUDING ENCAPSULATED CAFFEINE - A composition for human consumption includes a base composition having a pH of about 2 to about 5 and encapsulated caffeine dispersed throughout at least a portion of the base composition. The encapsulated caffeine can be a caffeine complex. The base composition can include a liquid or a food. An oral pouch product includes a porous pouch wrapper, an inner botanical filling material contained within the pouch wrapper, and encapsulated caffeine dispersed throughout at least a portion of the oral pouch product. The encapsulated caffeine is included in the composition and/or the oral pouch product an amount sufficient to release about 50 mg to about 200 mg of caffeine. The composition can provide immediate release of caffeine and/or release of caffeine over an extended period of time. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262871 | DISPLAY PACKAGE - A display package configured to receive an elongate body, which includes a rectangular box portion having a side edge cavity formed between a front panel and a cavity side panel, wherein the side edge cavity includes a first cavity panel and a second cavity panel formed by an outer portion of the front panel and the cavity side panel, respectively, and wherein the rectangular box portion, the first cavity panel and the second cavity panel are perpendicular to the front panel and the cavity side panel, respectively. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261504 | SMOKELESS TOBACCO ARTICLE - A method for making a smokeless tobacco article can include combining thermoplastic polymer particles with tobacco particles to form a mixture of particles, compressing the mixture of particles within a pressing apparatus to form the mixture into a predetermined shape, separating the mixture from the pressing apparatus such that it retains the predetermined shape, and heating the mixture outside of the pressing apparatus to at least partially melt at least some of the thermoplastic polymer particles and form a matrix of polymer and tobacco particles. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261493 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a first section containing a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and operable to deliver the liquid material to the heater, and a second section containing a power supply. The first section is connected to the second section with a connection including a first connector piece and a second connector piece. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261492 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a heater in communication with a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material and operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to volatilize the liquid material contained therein and form an aerosol. The volatilized material flows through a sheath flow and aerosol promoter insert that is operable to cool the aerosol, reduce the particle size of the aerosol and increase the delivery rate of the aerosol. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261491 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLES - An electronic smoking article, a method of manufacturing an electronic smoking article, and a method of achieving a smoking experience without combusting tobacco are disclosed. The electronic smoking article includes an authenticated first section, which includes an aerosol generation unit having at least one heater; an authenticated second section, which includes a power supply operable to apply voltage to the at least one heater for heating a liquid in at least a portion of the aerosol generation unit to form an aerosol; and a conductive ink circuit embedded within the first and second sections, and wherein the power supply and the aerosol generation unit are electrically connected upon joining the first and second sections, and wherein each of the first and second sections has a portion of the conductive ink circuit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261490 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - A cartomizer for an electronic smoking article, an electronic smoking article capable of providing a smoking experience without combusting tobacco, and a method of achieving a smoking experience without combusting tobacco are disclosed. The cartomizer can include an annular fluid reservoir having an air flow channel therein; a liquid material within the fluid reservoir; and a heater, which surrounds the fluid reservoir and is operable to heat the fluid reservoir to a temperature sufficient to at least initially volatilize the liquid material contained within the fluid reservoir to form a saturated vapor within the air flow channel. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261489 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a first section containing a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and operable to deliver the liquid material to the heater, and a second section containing a power supply. The first section is connected to the second section at a breakaway connection. The breakaway connection includes a weakened region. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261488 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a first capillary aerosol generator and a second capillary aerosol generator. The first capillary aerosol generator produces an aerosol having a first particle size distribution and the second capillary aerosol generator produces an aerosol having a second particle size distribution. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261485 | INHIBITION OF SENSORY IRRITATION DURING CONSUMPTION OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS USING A COMBINATORIAL APPROACH - Combinations of compounds utilized to minimize the sensory irritating character of non-smokeable tobacco products or non-smokeable products containing tobacco extracts or materials derived from tobacco. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261484 | Product Portion Enrobing Process and Apparatus, and Resulting Products - A method of enrobing a product portion in polymer strands includes mounting at least one product portion on a holding device and passing the at least one product portion through a polymer enrobing zone. The polymer enrobing zone can include a flow of polymeric fibers produced by a polymer spray head. The polymer fibers can wraparound the at least one product portion to produce an enrobed product portion. The holding device can hold the at least one product portion by passing at least partially through the body of the product portion. At least a portion of the holding device is removed from the enrobed product portion. In some cases, the at least one product portion includes smokeless tobacco. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261480 | POUCH MATERIAL FOR SMOKELESS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS - A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 10 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4 mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261472 | FIBER-WRAPPED SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCT - A fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a plurality of polymeric fibers surrounding the smokeless tobacco. The polymeric fibers can have a basis weight of 5 gsm or less and a diameter of less than 100 microns. In some cases, the polymeric fibers are melt-blown polymeric fibers. In some cases, the polymeric fibers are centrifugal force spun polymeric fibers. A method of preparing a fiber-wrapped smokeless tobacco product includes melt-blowing or centrifugal force spinning a plurality of polymeric fibers to create an polymer deposition zone and passing a body comprising smokeless tobacco through the polymer deposition zone. In some cases, an electrostatic charge can be applied to the plurality of polymeric fibers, the body, or a combination thereof. In some cases, a spin is applied to the body when passing through the polymer deposition zone. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260329 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THERMOELECTRIC COOLING OF PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY AT RETAIL - A thermoelectrically cooled system and method is disclosed, which includes a thermoelectrically cooled sleeve, which is configured to hold one or more cylindrical cans of a retail product. The thermoelectrically cooled sleeve includes an outer cylindrical body, an inner cylindrical body, a thermoelectric element located between the outer cylindrical body and the inner cylindrical body, and at least one pair of electrical leads attachable to the thermoelectrically cooled sleeve, and upon application of a source of electrical power to the pair of electrical leads heat moves through the thermoelectric element from the inner cylindrical body to the outer cylindrical body of the thermoelectrically cooled sleeve. | 09-18-2014 |
20140238424 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply region including liquid material and a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element comprises a plurality of fused metal beads or particles. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238423 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply region including liquid material and a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element comprises two or more layers of electrically resistive mesh material. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238422 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply region including liquid material and a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element is formed of a carbon or graphite foam. | 08-28-2014 |
20140185039 | HEAT LAMP TEST FOR IDENTIFICATION OF OIL SPOTS - A system for differentiating between oil spots and non-oil spots in a wrapped article comprising a web and a wrapped material. The system includes a heat source that applies heat to a wrapped article for a predetermined amount of time when the wrapped article is placed in a sample area on a surface that is arranged at a predetermined distance away from a heating element of the heat source; and a light source that provides backlighting to the web of the wrapped article when the web has been separated from the wrapped material and placed on a viewing surface of the light source. A method for differentiating between oil spots and non-oil spots in wrapped articles and a field test kit are also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
20140137877 | BLENDING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS VIA HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING AND ANALYSIS - Provided is a method for blending of agricultural product utilizing hyperspectral imaging. At least one region along a sample of agricultural product is scanned using at least one light source of different wavelengths. Hyperspectral images are generated from the at least one region. A spectral fingerprint for the sample of agricultural product is formed from the hyperspectral images. A plurality of samples of agricultural product is blended based on the spectral fingerprints of the samples according to parameters determined by executing a blending algorithm. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137530 | APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING AGRICULTURAL ROW CROPS - An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks. The apparatus includes an inclined arm comprising a first section, the first section including: a stalk inlet arranged to receive stalks of row crops; and a cutter arranged to cut stalks received by the stalk inlet; the inclined arm further comprising: a biasing guide assembly disposed along the inclined arm, the biasing guide assembly comprising a plurality of individual biasing members; and a conveyor arranged to engage each received stalk and move each engaged stalk along the biasing guide assembly; the conveyor and the biasing guide assembly mutually arranged such that the biasing guide assembly is operative to apply an accommodating clamping force upon each engaged stalk sufficient to keep each engaged stalk substantially upright as it is conveyed along at least a portion of the arm; the accommodating clamping force accommodating possible differences in stalk diameters from one stalk to another, the plurality of individual biasing members arranged to maintain a substantially constant compressive force on each engaged stalk. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137518 | POLYMER COATED PAPERBOARD CONTAINER AND METHOD - A method of forming a coating on a cylindrical paperboard container having a closed end. The method includes the steps of heating a gas from a first temperature to a second temperature; providing the gas to a first inlet of a nozzle; providing a polymer in a liquid state at a third temperature; providing the polymer to a second inlet of the nozzle; and spraying the polymer onto the cylindrical paperboard container using the nozzle; wherein the second temperature is greater than the third temperature; and the second temperature and third temperature are such that the gas maintains the polymer in the liquid state at least until the polymer comes into contact with the cylindrical paperboard container. A system for applying a coating to a plurality of cylindrical paperboard containers and a container for a consumer product are also provided. | 05-22-2014 |
20140130818 | Preformed Smokeless Tobacco Product - Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include one or more preformed smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. In particular embodiments, each smokeless tobacco product can comprise a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a selected binder such that the final product is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130814 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 05-15-2014 |
20140122353 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAKING, TRACKING AND AUTHENTICATION OF PRODUCTS - Manufactured goods are marked or labelled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse. | 05-01-2014 |
20140048170 | DIRECT TO CONTAINER SYSTEM WITH ON-LINE WEIGHT CONTROL AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - An apparatus for tamping the contents of a container having a bottom surface prone to bending and/or cracking during tamping. The apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048083 | ROD FORMING APPARTUS - An apparatus for the formation of machine-made tobacco rods for use in the production of smoking articles, such as cigars, from tobacco comprising a tacky material. The apparatus includes a pair of transfer and compression belts for receiving and compressing the stream of tobacco, the transfer and compression; a pair of squeeze bars for compressing the tobacco in a direction perpendicular to the pair of transfer and compression belts, the pair of squeeze bars produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); a tongue for receiving the compressed tobacco, the tongue produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); and a folder for folding a wrapper material around the compressed tobacco so as to form a continuous rod of tobacco, the wrapper material provided from a source of wrapper material, the folder produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone). | 02-20-2014 |
20140047804 | DIRECT TO CONTAINER SYSTEM WITH ON-LINE WEIGHT CONTROL AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes. | 02-20-2014 |
20130334096 | Display Carton And System for Displaying a Plurality of Containers - A display carton for displaying a plurality of containers. The display carton includes a base having a front edge, and a back edge, a front side member extending perpendicularly from the front edge of the base and terminating at an upper edge thereof, a rear side member extending perpendicularly from the rear edge of the base and terminating at an upper edge thereof, the rear side member having a cover panel detachably affixed to the rear side member; an upper tray member having a front edge, and a back edge, the front edge extending perpendicularly from the upper edge of the front side member, the upper tray member having a plurality of first apertures; and a lower tray member, the lower tray member positioned along a plane substantially parallel to the upper tray member and the base and located therebetween, the lower tray member having a plurality of second apertures. | 12-19-2013 |
20130313311 | FOLDED DISPENSING UNIT AND BLANK - A folded dispensing unit and a blank therefor, wherein the blank is adapted to be glued and shipped in a folded condition and erected and further folded at a point of sale, and a method of erecting the glued and folded blank. The dispensing unit includes an interior slot adapted to receive a carton including a plurality of individual products to be dispensed. | 11-28-2013 |
20130313140 | FOLDED PACK FOR HOLDING THIN ELONGATE PRODUCTS - A folded, substantially wedge shaped pack useful for holding thin, elongate products such as tobacco sticks includes a back panel, inner front panel, top panel and front closure panel, the front closure panel including a tab at a free end thereof engageable with a closure slot in the inner front panel. The closure tab slides into the closure slot by sliding along a bearing surface and the top panel establishes a raised fulcrum effect which tends to maintain the closure tab in the closure slot when the pack is in a closed condition. | 11-28-2013 |
20130306088 | CIGARETTE WRAPPER WITH NOVEL PATTERN - A wrapper for a smoking article has a base web and a plurality of elements each having at least a pair of patch areas where diffusivity is in the range of 0 to about 0.2 cm/sec. Patches of adjacent elements are circumferentially offset from one another along the axis of a smoking article. The add-on material can be applied by gravure printing in a single pass in a chevron pattern such that an apex of the element is co-linear with substantially symmetrically spaced points on a trailing, outer edge of an adjacent element. Testing elements may be simultaneously printed with the add-on material to monitor diffusivity and/or presence of add-on material. | 11-21-2013 |
20130306087 | CIGARETTE WRAPPER WITH NOVEL PATTERN - A wrapper for a smoking article has a base web and a plurality of crenellated bands, each having a diffusivity value in the range of 0 to about 0.2 cm/sec. The add-on material can be applied by gravure printing in a single pass in a chevron pattern such that an apex of the element is co-linear with substantially symmetrically spaced points on a trailing, outer edge of an adjacent chevron element. Testing elements may be simultaneously printed with the add-on material to monitor diffusivity and/or presence of add-on material. | 11-21-2013 |
20130306082 | NOVEL BANDED CIGARETTE WRAPPER WITH OPENED-AREA BANDS - A wrapper of a smoking article comprising a base web and banded regions comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge and a plurality of material-free openings between said leading edge and said trailing edge. The openings establish a predetermined, nominal opened-area within said banded regions to control diffusivity. The add-on material can be applied by a gravure roller comprising a surface region with cells, cell-free areas and a chevron shape. | 11-21-2013 |
20130213419 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE AND IMPROVED HEATER ELEMENT - An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater. The heater is formed of a mesh material. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213418 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic cigarette includes a capillary tube in communication with a liquid supply including liquid material and a heater operable to heat the capillary tube to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material contained therein and form an aerosol. The liquid supply is adapted to be squeezed or otherwise compressed so as to allow a smoker to manually pump liquid to the capillary tube and simultaneously activate the heater. | 08-22-2013 |
20130192623 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192622 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and an aroma carrier on an outer surface of the outer tube. The aroma carrier includes fragrance material and is operable to deliver fragrance during smoking. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192621 | ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - An electronic smoking article comprising an aerosol generator and a mechanical aerosol converter insert having the capacity to improve characteristics of aerosol produced by the aerosol generator, including sensory attributes. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192620 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a fibrous element downstream of the heater. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192619 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE AND METHOD - An electronic smoking article includes an outer tube extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner tube within the outer tube and including a pair of opposing slots, a liquid supply comprising a liquid material, a coil heater, a wick and a mouth end insert. The coil heater is located in the inner tube. The coil heater is formed of an iron-free, nickel-chromium alloy and has substantially uniformly spaced windings. The wick is surrounded by the coil heater such that the wick delivers liquid material to the coil heater and the coil heater heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol in the inner tube. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192616 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE AND METHOD - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, and at least one air inlet operable to establish a predetermined resistance to draw under a prescribed test of said smoking article. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192615 | ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE - An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. | 08-01-2013 |
20130189333 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and an additive dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the additive from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186419 | ORAL TOBACCO PRODUCT - An oral tobacco product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix and tobacco fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral tobacco product can be formed by extruding a mixture of mouth-stable polymer and tobacco fibers. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186418 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-soluble polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-soluble polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186417 | ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, cellulosic fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the nicotine or derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130186416 | EXHAUSTED-TOBACCO ORAL PRODUCT - An oral product includes a body that is wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a mouth-stable polymer matrix, exhausted tobacco fibers embedded in the mouth-stable polymer matrix, and an additive dispersed in the mouth-stable polymer matrix. The oral product is adapted to release the additive from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity and exposed to saliva. | 07-25-2013 |
20130091806 | AIR ACCELERATOR DOSING TUBE - An air accelerator dosing tube for a form/fill/seal machine used to package fine cut tobacco material includes an axially-adjustable annular venturi communicating with the particulate material passage. A lining of polyether ether ketone optionally covers surfaces exposed to the particulate material. A metering assembly for delivering predetermined quanitites of particulate material at predetermined time intervals may also be fabricated from polyether ether ketone. Each dosing tube is adapted for calibration by adjustment of the annular venturi to produce a predetermined force at a predetermined stand-off distance. In operation, consistent simultaneous operation of multiple dosing tubes, each of which has been calibrated, gives substantially uniform deposit of particulate material in pouch-type packages. The particulate material may include finely cut tobacco in addition to humectants, flavorants, and other tacky substances. | 04-18-2013 |
20130087161 | ALTERNATING PATTERNS IN CIGARETTE WRAPPER, SMOKING ARTICLE AND METHOD - A cigarette wrapper includes transversely extending banded regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The banded regions may be applied in a one or more application of a printing composition that may be an aqueous starch solution also containing an anti-wrinkling agent such as propylene glycol, and calcium carbonate. The pattern of banded regions may be bands or stripes and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The banded regions may be solid or contain any number of cross-web and/or longitudinal discontinuities. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087159 | SWEET CIGAR - A cigar comprises a mouth end; a tobacco section comprising tobacco material; at least one sweetener dispersed throughout the tobacco section; and/or a flavor potentiator and/or a taste modifier on an outer surface of the mouth end for enhancing the sweet taste of the cigar. | 04-11-2013 |
20130082173 | OIL DETECTION PROCESS AND APPARATUS - A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in a manufactured product, the process comprising adding a fluorescent taggant to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for said product, conveying said product past an infrared detection apparatus, irradiating said product with infrared radiation from said detection apparatus as it passes the detection apparatus, and detecting infrared radiation emitted from said irradiated product. | 04-04-2013 |
20120329536 | APPARATUS FOR STRIPPING AND SORTING LEAVES FROM AGRICULTURAL CROPS - An apparatus for stripping and sorting leaves from stalks of agricultural crops. The apparatus includes a base frame having a first longitudinal member, said first longitudinal member having a first end and a second end, and a second longitudinal member in a parallel spaced-relationship with said first longitudinal member, a plurality of cross members arranged perpendicularly along at least said first longitudinal member, each of said plurality of cross members having a lower stripping member for receiving the stalk of an agricultural crop, a plurality of upper stripping members, each upper stripping member positionable to cooperate with a corresponding lower stripping member to substantially encircle the stalk and means for engaging and conveying the stalk along the apparatus in a direction from said first end to said second end of said first longitudinal member. | 12-27-2012 |
20120317952 | APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING AGRICULTURAL ROW CROPS - An apparatus for harvesting agricultural row crops having stalks, comprising a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, the frame configured for traversing along a field of row crops; a hollow arm mounted adjacent an upper section of the front portion of the frame, the hollow arm comprising a first section disposed along an incline formed by the upper section of the front portion of the frame and the ground, the first section having a first end and a second end; an inlet positioned adjacent the first end of the first section of the hollow arm, the inlet for receiving stalks of row crops; means for cutting stalks of row crops, the means for cutting stalks mounted within the first section of the hollow arm; means for engaging and conveying the stalks along the hollow arm; and a biased guide assembly for accommodating stalks of varied diameters. | 12-20-2012 |
20120305010 | BIODEGRADABLE CIGAR TIP - A biodegradable cigar tip comprises an open upstream end configured to surround a downstream end of a cigar, the cigar tip having a mouth end optionally comprising a substantially flat cross-section, the cigar tip comprising a molded biodegradable material. The biodegradable material may consist of pressed cellulosic fibers with an outer surface of the cigar tip coated with a plastic film, wax coating or other waterproof coating such as a sugarcane pulp film. Alternatively, the biodegradable material may consist of an injection molded biodegradable resin such as a starch-filled resin wherein the starch-filled resin includes polypropylene or polyethylene and non-soluble starch selected from corn, tapioca, wheat, potato, plant sourced oligomer, or plant sourced polysaccharide or mixture thereof. | 12-06-2012 |
20120302474 | OIL SOLUBLE TAGGANTS - A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in the production of an article by adding a Stokes-shifting taggant to an oil or lubricant of a machine utilized to produce the article or a component thereof, irradiating the articles produced with a first wavelength of radiation, and monitoring the articles for emission of radiation at a second wavelength. The taggant can be in the form of a composition containing a Stokes-shifting taggant, which absorbs radiation at a first wavelength and emits radiation at a second wavelength, different from said first wavelength, dissolved or dispersed in an oil or lubricant. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298121 | SMOKELESS COMPRESSED TOBACCO PRODUCT FOR ORAL CONSUMPTION - A consumable compressed tobacco product adapted to dissolve in an oral cavity. The compressed tobacco product is formed from a composition that includes at least one tobacco component, at least one flavorant, at least one filler-binder, at least one lubricant, at least one desiccant and at least one glidant. The compressed tobacco products are adapted to dissolve and provide tobacco satisfaction. A method of making a dissolvable compressed tobacco product is also provided. | 11-29-2012 |
20120291401 | HINGED LID PACKAGING - A pack for consumer goods includes an outer packaging container and an inner packaging container. The outer packaging container includes a lower box portion with an upper lid portion hingedly connected thereto. The inner packaging container includes a dispensing opening with a resealable closure, a front panel, a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, and opposing side panels; each side panel having an inner panel and an outer panel, the inner panel having a first width defining a width of the inner packaging container, and the outer panel including at least a portion having a second width defining flanges having a width greater than the first width. The inner packaging container is insertable within the outer packaging container, the flanges on the back panel of the inner packaging container exert biasing forces on the hinged lid of the outer packaging container to assure lid closure is maintained. | 11-22-2012 |
20120285477 | PROCESS OF PREPARING PRINTING SOLUTION AND MAKING PATTERNED CIGARETTE WRAPPERS - A process for making patterned cigarette wrapper includes the steps of: preparing a printing solution including the steps of: mixing at least water and a starch to form a starch mixture, heating the starch mixture to a temperature of at least about 180° F. preferably for at least about 30 minutes to release amylopectin and amylose, adding propylene glycol to the starch mixture, and mixing the starch mixture and propylene glycol to form a printing solution, wherein the solution is maintained and applied at elevated temperature (120° F. to 150° F.). The process also includes providing a base web of wrapper and applying the printing solution to the wrapper in a predetermined pattern. | 11-15-2012 |
20120279178 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STAINING A TOBACCO POUCH PRODUCT - An apparatus for distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets. The apparatus includes a turret wheel assembly comprising a rotatable turret wheel having a plurality of cups for receiving containers for tobacco sachets, a sensor for verifying the presence a container within a cup of the rotatable turret wheel, a hydraulic injector for injecting water into a container having a plurality of tobacco sachets, means for tamping tobacco sachets, and means for agitating and stirring the plurality of tobacco sachets to lift and stir tobacco sachets from the bottom of the container. A method of distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets is also provided. | 11-08-2012 |
20120222689 | TOBACCO INBRED PLANTS ALBEX1F AND ALBEX1MS - The present invention provides tobacco inbred plants ALBEX1F and ALBEX1MS. The present invention also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present invention also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids. | 09-06-2012 |
20120024301 | Preformed Smokeless Tobacco Product - Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include one or more preformed smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. In particular embodiments, each smokeless tobacco product can comprise a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a selected binder such that the final product is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile. | 02-02-2012 |
20120000165 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MOIST SMOKELESS TOBACCO - An apparatus for accurately dosing moist smokeless tobacco includes a dosing assembly and a dosing air source. The dosing assembly defines a loading chamber and a dosing chamber for containing a quantity of moist smokeless tobacco material. The dosing assembly also includes a discharge opening communicating with the dosing chamber. The dosing air source communicates with the dosing chamber and is operable to deliver compressed air to the dosing assembly so as to move moist smokeless tobacco material from the dosing chamber to the discharge opening. A method of pouching moist smokeless tobacco includes placing a predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco in a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume, and ejecting the predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco to pouching apparatus using compressed air. | 01-05-2012 |
20110303232 | POUCH PRODUCT WITH IMPROVED SEAL AND METHOD - A pouch product includes a pouch wrapper formed of a web having a longitudinal integrated fin and lap seal. The pouch wrapper contains a filling material including tobacco or non-tobacco material and optional additives. The longitudinal integrated fin and lap seal is formed on a forming collar incorporated in a pouching apparatus. | 12-15-2011 |