System for analyzing a filter element associated with a smoking article, and associated method

US8186359B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Balager Ademe · Winston-Salem, US
• Vernon Brent Barnes · Clemmons, US
• Travis Eugene Howard · Clemmons, US
• Robert William Benford · Kernersville, US
• Franklin Forrest Brantley · Winston-Salem, US
• Brent Walker Carter · High Point, US
• William Robert Collett · Lexington, US
• Darrell Thomas Dixon · Rolla, US
• Larry McCann · King, US
• John Larkin Nelson · Lewisville, US
• Gregory J. Roberts · Alameda, US
• Timothy Frederick Thomas · High Point, US
• Calvin W. Henderson · Winston-Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 1, 2008
• Grant date: May 29, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 24, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S131/907
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A system and associated method for analyzing a filter element of at least one of a filter rod and a smoking article is provided. At least one sensor element is adapted to interact with the filter element so as to determine an object insertion status with respect thereto and to generate an output signal in response. The object insertion status includes at least one of an object presence within the filter element, an object absence from the filter element, a proper insertion of an object into the filter element, a defective insertion of an object into the filter element, a proper object within the filter element, and a defective object within the filter element. An analysis unit is in communication with the at least one sensor element and responsive to the output signal therefrom to generate an indicia corresponding to the object insertion status.