U.S. patent application number 11/536032 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for method for producing a smokable article.
This patent application is currently assigned to HAUNI MASCHINENBAU AG. Invention is credited to Franz-Peter KOCH, Joachim KREIDELMEYER, Andreas MIESZALA, Joerg TOBIAS.
Application Number | 20070017536 11/536032 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34962696 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOBIAS; Joerg ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
METHOD FOR PRODUCING A SMOKABLE ARTICLE
Abstract
Method for operating a rod maker of the tobacco-processing
industry. In order to place additives, e.g., flavoring agents, in a
cigarette in a location-dependent manner, a tobacco cake or tobacco
web is formed from deposited tobacco. Furthermore, an extrudate is
formed. The extrudate is applied to the deposited tobacco. The
extrudate contains a basic component. An additive is fed to the
basic component in a discontinuous manner. The invention also
relates to a device for producing a tobacco rod that contains an
extrudate.
Inventors: |
TOBIAS; Joerg; (Drage,
DE) ; KOCH; Franz-Peter; (Schwarzenbek, DE) ;
KREIDELMEYER; Joachim; (Hamburg, DE) ; MIESZALA;
Andreas; (Hamburg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
HAUNI MASCHINENBAU AG
Kurt-A. -Koerber-Chaussee 8-32
Hamburg
DE
|
Family ID: |
34962696 |
Appl. No.: |
11/536032 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP05/02355 |
Mar 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
11536032 |
Sep 28, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
131/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24C 5/1892 20130101;
A24C 5/1821 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/290 |
International
Class: |
A24B 15/00 20060101
A24B015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 2004 |
DE |
10 2004 017 618.3 |
Claims
1. A method for producing a smokable article comprising: depositing
tobacco; forming an extrudate containing at least one basic
component; applying the extrudate onto the deposited tobacco; and
discontinuously feeding an additive to the at least one basic
component.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the additive is
discontinuously fed to the basic component via a switchable
device.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one basic
component comprises several different basic components.
4. The method according claim 1, further comprising mixing the at
least one basic component and the additive in a mixing device to
form an extrudate mixture.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the extrudate is
applied onto the deposited tobacco via a nozzle device.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deposited tobacco
contains short tobacco particles.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the additive is a
flavoring agent.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the deposited tobacco
is transported at a tobacco conveyor speed, and wherein the
extrudate is applied onto the deposited tobacco at a speed
essentially the same as the tobacco conveyor speed.
9. A device for producing a tobacco rod containing an extrudate,
comprising: a suction rod conveyor for suctioning tobacco; an
extrusion device for forming the extrudate and for applying the
extrudate onto the tobacco; and a device for discontinuously
feeding an additive to a basic component insertable into the
extrusion device.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the extrusion device
comprises a mixing device and the additive is insertable into the
mixing device.
11. The device according to claim 9, further comprising a nozzle
device for feeding the extrudate to the tobacco.
12. The device according to claim 9, wherein the discontinuous
feeding device comprises a switchable valve.
13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the switchable valve
comprises a piezoelectric element.
14. The device according to claim 9, wherein the extrusion device
includes the discontinuous feeding device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of International
Patent Application No. PCT/EP2005/002355 filed Mar. 5, 2005, and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 of German Patent
Application No. 10 2004 017 618.3, filed on Apr. 7, 2004. Moreover,
the disclosure of International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2005/002355 is expressly incorporated by reference herein in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a method for producing a smokable
article, in which tobacco is deposited and an extrudate is formed,
the extrudate being applied onto the deposited tobacco.
[0004] The invention also relates to a device for producing a
tobacco rod containing an extrudate, having a suction rod conveyor
for suctioning tobacco, an extrusion device for forming the
extrudate and for applying the extrudate onto the deposited
tobacco.
[0005] 2. Discussion of Background Information
[0006] A method for producing a cigarette is known from DE 33 11
886 C2, in which a mixture of expanded tobacco paste is placed onto
a tobacco layer. Furthermore, it is disclosed that the expanded
tobacco paste can also be provided with a Savoring agent, for
example, menthol.
[0007] A method for producing a cigarette is known from GB 2 070
409 A in which a filament, which can also comprise a tobacco sheet
and which is loaded with flavoring agents, is drawn off from a
bobbin and inserted into the tobacco rod before the garniture
intake.
[0008] It is known to add flavoring agents to cigarettes. These
flavoring agents are released during smoking. Since the burn-off
temperature is higher when the cigarette is being lit than during
smoking, it is desirable to not yet release the flavoring agents
while the cigarette is being lit.
[0009] Moreover, it is important that the insertion of a flavoring
agent into a cigarette does not perceptibly change the consistency
of the tobacco in the cigarette or negatively impacts the burn-off
properties of the cigarette and the ash formation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a method for operating
a rod maker (rod-making machine) which makes it possible to place
an additive in a cigarette in a location-dependent manner. Further,
the invention is directed to a device for producing a tobacco rod,
with which an additive can be placed in a smokable article in a
location-dependent manner.
[0011] The method for operating a rod maker of the
tobacco-processing industry includes depositing tobacco; forming an
extrudate, applying the extrudate to the deposited tobacco, whereby
the extrudate contains a basic component, and feeding an additive
to the basic component in a discontinuous manner.
[0012] Furthermore, the invention also provides for a device for
producing a tobacco rod containing an extrudate. The device
includes a suction rod conveyor for suctioning tobacco, and an
extrusion device for forming the extrudate and applying the
extrudate onto deposited tobacco. The extrusion device also
includes a device for the discontinuous feeding of an additive to a
basic component that can be inserted into the extrusion device.
[0013] A location-dependent positioning of an additive in a tobacco
rod and also in the cigarette subsequently formed from the tobacco
rod is possible using embodiments of the invention. The
disadvantage of the prior art that, if an additive is mixed into an
extrudate continuously, the additive is released as soon as the
cigarette is lit, can thus be avoided. Since the speed at which the
tobacco rod or tobacco is conveyed, as well as the speed at which
the extrudate is applied onto the deposited tobacco are known in
terms of process engineering, a precise positioning of the additive
in the extrudate and thus later in the cigarette can be achieved by
a discontinuous feeding of the additive to the basic substance. A
location-dependent placing or positioning of the additive in the
finished cigarette is thus achieved. This ensures that the time of
the release or the burning off of the additive can be influenced by
the discontinuously controllable adding of the additive to the
basic component. For example, it can be necessary for an additive
to be placed over the entire length of a cigarette, or it can be
necessary to release another additive only upon lighting This
additive should be placed only in a very short area at the
beginning of the cigarette. These different requirements can be met
with the method described herein.
[0014] Within the scope of the invention, tobacco can be used
solely or contain other smokable material. In an advantageous
embodiment of the invention, the additive is fed to the basic
component via a switchable device. The ability to influence the
discontinuous feed of the additive is thus made possible.
Reconstituted tobacco in a pasty consistency, for example, is
suitable as a basic component. Reconstituted tobacco usually
comprises water, tobacco dust and a binder. The consistency of the
mass is influenced via the water content. Methylcellulose, dextrin
adhesive, starch, polyvinyl acetate adhesive, polyvinyl alcohol or
modified starch are suitable as a binder. In another embodiment of
the invention, it is possible for the extrudate to be made from
several different basic components. These are then combined with
one or optionally also several additives. If the extrudate is to be
foamed, it is advantageous to mix it from two basic components. One
of these can contain, e.g., calcium carbonate, and the other can
contain citric acid.
[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
additive is added to the basic compound in a mixing device. A
steady addition of the additive to the basic component to form the
extrudate mixture is thus rendered possible through the embodiment
of the mixing device. Furthermore, it is advantageously provided
that the extrudate of the basic component and additive is added to
the deposited tobacco via a nozzle device. The nozzle device is
preferably downstream of the mixing device or integrated therein so
that the finished extrudate can exit the nozzle device. In this
way, the extrudate is applied onto the deposited tobacco.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the additive is
intermittently sprayed onto the extrudate.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the deposited
tobacco preferably contains short tobacco particles. Short tobacco
particles, which are a term of art, would be understood as tobacco
particles which are shorter than the normally used tobacco
particles or fresh used tobacco particles to produce a tobacco rod.
The tobacco particles have preferably a length being shorter than 5
mm.
[0018] The additive that is added to the basic component can be, in
particular, a flavoring agent, e.g., sugar, menthol, licorice,
amino acid, cocoa or another substance influencing the taste or the
burn-off behavior.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the
extrudate is fed to the tobacco at a speed that corresponds
approximately to the speed at which the tobacco is conveyed on the
suction rod conveyor. The control of the position of the additive
in the extrudate and later in the tobacco rod is carried out via
suitable devices that are arranged downstream of the suction rod
conveyor, e.g., via the cutting device of a rod maker.
[0020] The extrusion device preferably comprises a mixing device,
whereby the additive can be inserted into the mixing device.
[0021] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device for
producing the tobacco rod with the extrudate includes a switchable
valve with which the additive can be fed discontinuously to the
basic component. This valve is embodied in particular as a
rapid-action valve in order to carry out the positioning of the
additive in the extrudate with precision. In particular, a
piezoelectric element is suitable therefore. Such an element can be
toggled by a control such that the feeding of the additive is
carried out precisely for the section of the extrudate that is to
contain the additive in the later cigarette. After the extrudate
has been applied to the deposited tobacco, more tobacco can be
deposited. The tobacco web thus formed is subsequently trimmed and
wrapped with a wrapping material. It is then formed into a shaped
tobacco rod in a rod-forming device.
[0022] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present
invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure
and the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention is further described in the detailed
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, in which like reference numerals
represent similar parts throughout the several views of the
drawings, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a device
according to the invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of a part of
another embodiment of a device according to the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 3 a process flow chart.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0027] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention. The
description taken with the drawings make apparent to those skilled
in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be
embodied in practice.
[0028] The diagrammatic representation shown in FIG. 1 of the
device for producing a tobacco rod in which an extrudate is
inserted, includes a suction rod conveyor 22 that continuously
suctions tobacco 10 and thus forms a growing deposit of tobacco 11
over its length. The tobacco 10 is fed to the suction rod conveyor
22 via a feed device 27. An extrusion device 13 is allocated and/or
arranged adjacent to the suction rod conveyor 22 and is responsible
for forming or producing the extrudate 12. Furthermore, the
extrudate 12 is applied to the deposited tobacco 11 via or from the
extrusion device 13. The extrusion device 13 includes a mixing
device 14 to which a basic component 16 is fed. The basic component
16 is conveyed, e.g., via a pump 23, from a storage container 25 to
the mixing device 14.
[0029] The extrusion device 13 also includes a storage container 24
in which the additive 17, e.g., a flavoring agent, is stored. The
additive 17 is fed via a pump 23 to a switchable device or valve
20. The device 20 is regulated by a control 21 so that the additive
17 can be fed to the mixing device 14 in a discontinuous manner.
The switchable device 20 is embodied preferably as a piezoelectric
element. This allows an exact feed amount of the additive 17 to be
properly regulated and/or controlled. Moreover, the arrangement of
the invention allows another basic component 26 to be fed to the
mixing device 14. The basic component 26 is stored in another
storage container 25, and is likewise fed via a pump 23 to the
mixing device 14. The basic component 16 (and also component 26)
and the additive 17 are combined or mixed in the mixing device
14.
[0030] In embodiments, the extrudate can be already formed in its
basic consistency and the additive sprayed onto the extrudate in
the mixing device 14. The mixing device 14 is coupled to a nozzle
device 15. The nozzle device 15 ejects the finished extrudate 12 at
a predetermined extrudate speed v2. The extrudate 12 is fed to the
developing tobacco web 11 on the suction rod conveyor 22.
Furthermore, in embodiments, the additive is applied onto the
extrudate 12 in the nozzle device 15, or the additive 17 can be
sprayed into the extrudate 12 after it has exited from the nozzle
device 15. After the extrudate 12 has been applied to the deposited
tobacco 11, additional tobacco 11' is deposited onto the tobacco 11
and the extrudate 12.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a section of an embodiment of a device
according to the invention in which, in particular, the application
of the extrudate 12 onto the deposited tobacco 11 is shown. The
tobacco 11, which can also be embodied as a fiber cake or web, runs
along a suction rod conveyor 22 at a tobacco conveyor speed of v1.
The exiting extrudate 12 is applied onto the deposited tobacco 11
at a suitable point at which the tobacco 11 has attained an
adequate height. The position of the extrudate 12 on the tobacco 11
can, as a result, be influenced by the alignment of the nozzle
device 15. The diameter or the shape of the exiting extrudate 12
can be adjusted likewise through the corresponding characteristics
of the nozzle device 15. FIG. 2 also shows how the additive 17 is
fed to the nozzle device.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a process flow chart for operating a rod maker
of the tobacco-processing industry. In step S11 finished tobacco is
suctioned and tobacco 11 is deposited by the suction rod conveyor
22, so that a web is formed. The tobacco 11 is transported on the
suction rod conveyor at a tobacco conveyor speed v1. Parallel
thereto, in the extrusion device 13 in step S12, the basic
component 16 or several basic components 16, 26 are fed to the
mixing device 14. Depending on the desired placement of the
additives 17 in the later cigarette, the rapid-action valve 20 is
actuated by a control 21, through which the additive 17 is added
discontinuously to the basic component 16 (S13). In step S14 the
finished extrudate 12 is discharged from the nozzle device 15. In
step S15 the extrudate 12 exiting the nozzle device 15 is applied
onto the tobacco 11. In step S16 further processing steps are
carried out with the tobacco rod including the tobacco 11 and 11'
and the extrudate 12, which are downstream of the suction rod
conveyor 22. This includes, e.g., wrapping with a wrapping
material. In step S17 the tobacco rod 11 is cut according to the
position of the additive 17 in the extrudate 12, so that cut
tobacco rods wrapped with wrapping material are formed (S18) in
which the additive, in particular, a flavoring agent 17 is
positioned in a location-dependent manner and thus not yet
released, e.g., when a finished cigarette is fit, but only when the
cigarette is smoked.
[0033] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided
merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be
construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present
invention has been described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used
herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words
of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the
appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its
aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular methods, materials and embodiments,
the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends
to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such
as are within the scope of the appended claims. TABLE-US-00001 List
of Reference Numbers 10 Tobacco 11 Deposited tobacco 11' Deposited
tobacco 12 Extrudate 13 Extrusion device 14 Mixing device 15 Nozzle
device 16 Basic component 17 Additive 20 Device/fast-acting valve
21 Control 22 Suction rod conveyor 23 Pump 24, 25 Storage container
26 Basic component 27 Feed device v1 Tobacco conveyor speed v2
Extrudate speed S11 Tobacco suctioned, tobacco deposited S12 Basic
component fed to the mixing device S13 Additive fed to the basic
component in a discontinuous manner S14 Extrudate ejected from
nozzle device S15 Extrudate applied to tobacco S16 Further
processing steps on tobacco rod S17 Tobacco rod separated S18
Cigarette blank with additive placed in a location-dependent
manner
* * * * *