RU2675468C2 - Pulse flow releasing smoking article - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to flow releasing article for supply of gas flow in user's mouth, which is a smoking product containing a flow control unit for controlling the passage of at least one flow while ensuring the formation of a group of peaks of the discharge of the flow at the outlet of said product during the execution of a puff on it.

EFFECT: technical result is to provide a pulsed supply of smoking composition.

33 cl, 24 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to an outlet product. More specifically, the invention relates to a smoking room with a pulsed flow output.

State of the art

Known cigarettes comprise a segment of a cigarette stick and one or more filter parts connected to a cigarette stick by a wrapper called a rim paper. These cigarettes emit smoke in a continuous stream in proportion to the suction force provided by the smoker. With the flue stream, air mixed with the flue stream can also be drawn in through the ventilation inlets on the outer surface of the cigarette filter.

Disclosure of invention

The present invention provides a flow delivery article related to a smoking article, including a non-combustible product, an electronic cigarette and other smoking articles emitting aerosol / liquid dust / vapor. The effluent article may include a tobacco product, for example, a cigarette or an electronic cigarette.

The stream created by the stream-dispensing article is a gas stream. The effluent article may supply a stream in the form of smoke, aerosol, air, steam, liquid dust, or a mixture thereof. The gas stream may contain solid particles entrained in the stream.

The present invention provides a stream-output product for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a smoking article and a flow control unit (component) for controlling the passage of at least one stream to form a group of pulse emissions (peaks) of the stream.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a flow-dispensing article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising as many flow passages as possible, and a flow control assembly for repeatedly repeating changes in the relative magnitude of the flow through these passages.

In embodiments, the present invention provides a flow-dispensing article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly for generating at least one stream in a tightening process from the flow-dispensing article, said at least one stream comprising a corresponding group of pulsed emissions flow. At least one stream may contain several different streams, each of which contains corresponding groups of pulse emissions of the stream.

At least one stream may be at least a stream of smoke, or a stream of air, or a stream of flavor, or a mixture of smoke / air / flavor.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a flow-dispensing article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly configured to make several flow changes to thereby produce a time-varying flow. Each change in flow can be a change in the relative magnitude of the flow through different passages for the flow.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a flow-dispensing article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly capable of generating at least three consecutive flow pulses.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a flow-dispensing article for supplying a gas stream to a user's mouth, comprising a flow control assembly for controlling flow passage to generate at least three consecutive flow pulses. Each of these three consecutive flow pulses may be different from the others.

As used herein, the term “effluent article” encompasses products that emit a gas stream, such as smoking articles, non-combustible products, electronic cigarettes, and aerosol / liquid dust / vapor emitting products. Preferably, the stream-dispensing article is a tobacco product, for example, a cigarette or an electronic cigarette. The stream created by the stream-dispensing article contains a gas stream.

The effluent article may emit a stream in the form of smoke, aerosol, air, steam, liquid dust, or a mixture thereof. In some examples, several flow sources may include a smoke source having a first flavor and a smoke source having a second flavor.

In various embodiments, the flow control assembly comprises a movable element, wherein moving the movable element changes the relative magnitude of the flow through different flow passages. The movable member may be configured such that the incoming flow causes the movable member to move.

The movable element may include a rotating element, designed so that the rotation of the rotating element changes the relative magnitude of the flow through said passageways for flow.

The rotating element may be a rotating element, driven by the flow, having one or more parts interacting with the flow, configured to drive the rotating element into rotation upon receipt of the flow.

In an embodiment, the flow control assembly comprises a screw device.

In an embodiment, the movable member comprises a first flow-interacting portion for driving the rotation of the rotating member upon receipt of the first flow, and a second flow-interacting portion for driving the rotation of the rotating member upon arrival of the second flow.

The first part interacting with the flow may be a spiral element, and the second interacting with the flow part may be a spiral element.

The first part interacting with the stream may be one or more blades, and the second interacting with the stream part may be one or more blades.

The proposed flow-out product comprises (constitutes) a smoking article.

The smoking article may comprise a cigarette stick and a filter comprising a flow control assembly.

The flow control assembly may be located between the filter and the cigarette stick. Alternatively, the flow control assembly may be located inside the filter.

In various embodiments, the flow control assembly is located at the mouthpiece end of the smoking article.

In an embodiment, the movable element comprises an impeller located so that the incoming stream causes its rotation. The smoking article may further comprise a holder for holding the movable member in the stream.

The movable element may include a rotating hole configured to allow the flow to pass through the first flow passage in the first angular position, and through the second flow passage in the second angular position.

The movable element may include a valve (valve).

The flow control unit may be configured to form a stream containing a train of pulses.

The flow-generating article may contain a flavoring component for flavoring at least some of said pulses.

The flow control unit may be configured to generate vibration to transmit tactile effects to the user.

In various embodiments, the flow-dispensing article is in the form of a smoking article comprising any of the various flow control units of the present invention.

As used herein, the term “smoking article” includes products for smoking, for example, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, loose tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes, as well as non-combustible products.

In some embodiments, the smoking article may be a smoking article using combustion, such as a cigarette. Alternatively, the smoking article may not use combustion, such as an electronic cigarette, or other non-burning article used for smoking.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for generating at least one stream while being puffed by a smoking article comprising a corresponding group of pulsed flow emissions. At least one stream may contain several different streams, each of which contains a corresponding group of pulse emissions of the stream.

In an embodiment, the invention provides a smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for controlling the passage of at least one flow to form a group of pulsed flow emissions. At least one stream may be at least a stream of smoke, or a stream of air, or a stream of flavor, or a mixture of smoke / air / flavor.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smoking article comprising a flow control assembly configured to make several flow changes when puffed by a smoking article to produce a time-varying flow.

Each change in flow can be a change in the relative magnitude of the flow through different passages for the flow.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for generating at least three consecutive flow pulses.

The invention also provides a smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for controlling flow passage, for generating at least three consecutive flow pulses. Each of these three consecutive flow pulses may be different from the others.

The flow control unit may be configured to form a repeating group of said three consecutive flow pulses.

As used herein, the terms “flavoring agent” and “flavoring agent” refer to materials that, in accordance with local law, can be used to impart a desired taste or aroma to a product. These may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white-stem magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, spicy herbs, wintergreen, cherries and other berries, peach, apple, Drambui liquor, whiskey Bourbon, Scotch whiskey and other brands of whiskey, peppermint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascar oil, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, acacia, cumin cognac jasmine ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, allspice, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil of any genus Mentha), aroma corrective substances, bitterness suppressants, sensory enhancers, sugar and (or) sugar substitutes (for example , sucralose, potassium acesulfame, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or beckon) and other additives, for example, activated carbon, chlorophyll, minerals, plant substances, breath fresheners. They may be artificial, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid or powder.

The present invention also provides a filter for a smoking article comprising any of various flow control units in accordance with the present invention.

In various embodiments, the flow control unit is configured to generate pulses with a frequency in the range from 50 to 150 Hz, for example, from 60 to 100 Hz, or about 70 Hz, or about 80 Hz. In embodiments, the frequency of the generated pulses may be in the range from 30 to 1000 Hz, for example, from 50 to 200 Hz, or, for example, from 60 to 70 Hz.

For a better understanding of the invention presented here, the following is an example of a description of its options, with reference to the attached drawings, on which:

in FIG. 1 is an axial sectional view of a particular embodiment of a smoking article in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of an axial section of a flow control unit of a particular embodiment of a smoking article;

in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a smoking article with a portion removed, illustrating a particular embodiment of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a flow control assembly with a cover removed, showing a rotor assembly in a first position;

in FIG. 4a shows the stator portion of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of a flow control assembly with a cover removed, showing a rotor assembly in a second position;

in FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of a pulsed flow;

in FIG. 7 shows particular embodiments of a rotating disk of a rotor assembly;

in FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cigarette comprising a flow control assembly located between a cigarette stick and a filter insert;

in FIG. 9a shows the smoke channel of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 9b shows the air channel of the flow control assembly;

in FIG. 10 shows the impeller of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a cigarette comprising a flow control assembly located at a mouth end near a filter insert;

in FIG. 11b, the flow control assembly of FIG. 11a is shown in more detail;

in FIG. 12a shows a rotating element with its part removed, with the shown internal spiral screw;

in FIG. 12b shows a support element;

in FIG. 13a-c show a rotating member in different positions within a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a cigarette comprising a flow control assembly located at a mouth end near a filter insert;

in FIG. 14b, the flow control assembly of FIG. 14a is shown in more detail;

in FIG. 14c shows a portion of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 14g is a perspective view of a spiral rotor of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 14d shows a mouthpiece portion of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 14e is a view of a channel housing for flow of a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 15a-c show various rotor positions within a flow control assembly;

in FIG. 16a-d show various designs of flow control units;

in FIG. 17 is another particular example of a flow-producing product in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 18 is a separate illustration of the smoke and air nodes of the flow of a private variant of the pulsed flow;

in FIG. 19 is another particular example of a flow-producing product in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 20 shows separate illustrations of the smoke and air units of the flow of a private embodiment of a pulsed flow;

in FIG. 21 is another particular example of a flow-producing product in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 22 is another particular example of a flow control assembly in accordance with the present invention;

in FIG. 23 is a version of a particular embodiment of the flow control assembly shown in FIG. 13.

By way of illustration not limiting the invention, in FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a flow-generating article in the form of a cigarette 1. The drawing shows that the cigarette 1 contains a smoke generator in the form of a cigarette stick 2, and the first and second links 3, 4 of the filter insert. Cigarette 1 also contains a flow control unit 5 located between two links 3, 4 of the filter insert. It can be seen that the cigarette stick 2, the filter links 3, 4 and the flow control unit 5 are aligned and wrapped with rim paper 6 for fastening them to each other.

As shown in FIG. 2-4, the flow control assembly 5 includes a movable member in the form of a rotor assembly 7 mounted rotatably between the first and second stator parts 8, 9. It can be seen that the rotor assembly 7 contains an impeller 10, driven into rotation by a stream of air and smoke, drawn in by the smoker from the air and smoke channels 11, 12 formed in the second part 9 of the stator. The rotor assembly has openings 13, which are alternately aligned with the air channel 11 and the smoke channel 12 during rotation so that a pulsed stream is formed containing alternating pulses of air and smoke.

In FIG. 2 and 3, the flow control unit 5 is shown in more detail. The rotor assembly 7 has a shaft 14 that is rotatably fixed in the stator parts 8, 9. In a particular embodiment, the rotor assembly 7 and the stator parts 8, 9 are enclosed in a casing, which is a dense cylindrical sleeve 15, shown in FIG. 2 and 3. In FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sleeve 15 removed. FIG. 4a, part 9 of the stator is shown separately.

As shown in FIG. 4, the blades 16 are attached to the shaft 14 and move away from it, forming the impeller 10. The rotating disk 17 is attached to the shaft 14 at a point longitudinally spaced with the impeller 10. The rotating disk 17 includes a hole 13, which, in use, rotates with the rest node 7 of the rotor.

As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the shaft 14 is rotatably fixed in the hub region 18 of the first stator portion 8. The opposite end of the shaft is rotatably fixed in the hub region 9 of the second stator part 9. To facilitate rotation of the rotor assembly 7, bearings can also be mounted in the hub regions 18, 19.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first stator part 8 is disk-shaped and has two windows 20, 21 for passing a stream through the stator part 8. The second stator part 9 shown in FIG. 3, forms two separate channels 11, 12 for air and smoke. It is shown that the air and smoke channels 11, 12 are separated by an L-shaped partition 22.

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, air inlets 23 are formed on the side surface of the cigarette 1, allowing air to flow into the air channel 11. The air inlets are several through holes on one side of the casing 15. The air inlets also include holes formed in the rim paper 6, aligned with the holes in the casing 15. In some embodiments, the casing 15 may not be used. In some embodiments, the rim paper may be formed of breathable material so that air passes through the paper.

When the hole 13 in the rotary disk 17 is aligned with the air channel 11 in the position shown in FIG. 4, a passage is formed for the air flow from the air inlets 23 in the side surface of the filter into the air channel 11 and then through it and through the hole 13 to the impeller 10. In this case, air can be drawn in by the smoker through the passage for air flow to come into contact with impeller 10 and bringing it into rotation. The air passing by the impeller 10 exits through the windows 20, 21 in the first part of the stator and then through the mouthpiece link 4 of the filter into the smoker's mouth.

When the hole 13 is in the position shown in FIG. 4, the rotation of the disk 17 prevents the passage of smoke through the smoke channel 12. In addition, the passage of 22 prevents the passage of smoke into the air channel 11. As a result, in this position, the flow drawn from the cigarette 1 is mainly or entirely air. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to mix a certain amount of smoke into the air stream, in which case a longitudinal clearance may be left between the rotary disk 17 and the second part 9 of the stator, allowing some smoke to pass from the smoke channel 12 along the bypass to the hole 13. In others alternatively, the longitudinal gap between the rotary disk 17 and the second part of the stator can be made small enough so that only air is drawn in from the cigarette in the position shown in FIG. four.

When the opening 13 is aligned with the smoke channel 12, as shown in FIG. 5, a smoke flow passage is formed from the cigarette stick 2 through the filter section 3, through the smoke channel 12 and through the opening 13. In this case, the smoker can be drawn in from the cigarette stick 2 through the smoke flow passage so as to come into contact with the impeller 10 and bring it into rotation. The smoke passing through the impeller 10 follows through the windows 20, 21 into the first part of the stator, then through the mouthpiece link 4 of the filter and then into the mouth of the smoker.

When the hole 13 is in the position shown in FIG. 5, the rotation of the disk 17 prevents the passage of air through the air channel 11. In addition, the air does not allow the partition 22 to pass into the smoke channel 12. As a result, in this position, the flow drawn from the cigarette 1 is mainly or entirely smoke. In some embodiments, a small amount of air may flow from the air duct 11 along the bypass path to the hole 13 through a longitudinal gap between the rotary disk 17 and the second stator part 9 so as to mix with the flue stream drawn through the flue duct 12. In other embodiments, the longitudinal gap between the rotary disk 17 and the second part of the stator can be small enough so that in the position shown in FIG. 5, only smoke was drawn from the cigarette.

In use, the smoker is pulled by a cigarette, and the resulting stream rotates the impeller 10, thereby causing the rotation of the hole 13. The stream in the form of smoke or air reaches the impeller and causes rotation regardless of whether the hole 13 is aligned with the air channel 11, as shown in FIG. 4, or smoke duct 12, as shown in FIG. 5. In the intermediate position, where the hole 13 overlaps the end region 22a of the partition 22, part of the hole 13 is aligned with the air channel, and part is aligned with the smoke channel. In this position, through the opening 13 there is a passage for the flow of smoke and also a passage for the flow of air, so both air and smoke pass and rotate the impeller 10 before entering the smoker's mouth.

Thus, when the smoker is pulled by a cigarette, the rotating hole is alternately aligned with the air and smoke channels 11, 12. The flow control unit acts as a valve, alternately switching the flow between the smoke and air passages for the stream. As a result, the smoker is provided with a pulsed stream containing alternating pulses of smoke and air flow.

In FIG. 6 schematically shows an example of a pulsed flow during tightening, in accordance with an embodiment. It can be seen that the total flow includes a smoke component of the stream containing several smoke pulses 24a and an air component of the stream containing several air pulses 24b. Each smoke pulse 24a is followed by an air pulse 24b, therefore, smoke and air pulses 24a, 24b alternate in the pulse stream. Thus, a sequence of alternating pulses of air and smoke flow is formed. Despite the fact that the smoke consumption can in some cases fall to zero at certain points in time, as shown in FIG. 6, this is not considered a limiting sign of pulsed smoke flow. In some embodiments, each air pulse 24b may mainly comprise air, but may also include a certain amount of smoke, for example, being pulled along the bypass from the smoke duct 12, as described above with reference to FIG. 4. Likewise, in some embodiments, each smoke pulse may include some amount of air drawn in along the bypass from the air duct 11, as described above with reference to FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, as the smoke pulse increases, the previous air pulse decreases, or vice versa, so that the total flow (i.e., the smoke and air pulse flows together) can, in some embodiments, remain constant or substantially constant when the hole 13 rotates As shown in FIG. 4, in some angular positions, the opening 13 can be partially blocked by the end part of the partition 22a so that the total flow decreases and then grows again during rotation. The width of the end part of the partition 22a can be selected so as to obtain the desired degree of change in the total flow.

As shown in FIG. 6, each smoke pulse 24a forms a pulse emission 25a of the smoke stream. Similarly, each air pulse 24b forms a pulsed emission 25b of air flow. Pulse emissions 25b of the air flow are offset in time relative to each other. Similarly, the pulsed emissions 25a of the flue stream are offset from one another in time, creating a pulsed flue stream.

Numerous design options are available for flow control assembly 5. For example, although shown in FIG. 4, the hole 13 has a circular shape; in the alternative, the hole may have a different size or shape. In addition, instead of a single hole, in the alternative, multiple holes may be used. By changing the size, shape and (or) the number of holes, the characteristics of the air and smoke pulses of the flow in FIG. 6. For example, the hole 13 can be changed so that the amplitude of the pulses, the duration of the pulses, and / or the shape of the pulses change. In FIG. 7a, 7b, and 7c show three particular embodiments of the opening 13.

In some cases, for example, as shown in FIG. 7a, the hole may be sufficiently small so that in some angular positions the entire cross section of the hole 13 is overlapped by the end region of the partition 22. Although with this shape of the hole, there may be a period of time when a very weak flow enters the impeller 10, due to the moment of inertia of the impeller 10, the hole 13 will continue to rotate until it is again aligned with the channels 11, 12 for flow, again causing the impeller to rotate. In some embodiments, due to the shape of the hole shown in FIG. 7a, after each smoke or air pulse, a gap is introduced when there is no flow at the exit of the cigarette. Such “no flow” gaps between adjacent pulses of air and smoke flow provide new sensations to the smoker that may be of interest to the consumer.

In FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cigarette 1 having a flow control unit 26 interposed between the cigarette stick 2 and the filter insert 3. As shown, the cigarette stick 2, the filter insert 3 and the flow control unit 26 are aligned and wrapped in a casing paper 6.

The assembly 26 has first and second parts 27, 28, of which the first part 27 represents the smoke channel part 27, and the second part 28 represents the air channel part 28. The assembly 26 also includes a rotating element 29 in the form of a cylindrical turbine, or impeller 29, made with the possibility of rotation relative to parts 27, 28 of the channel. The impeller 29 is rotatably mounted within two channel parts 27, 28.

In FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a portion of the smoke channel 27 within which the impeller 29 is located. FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a portion 28 of the air passage within which the impeller 29 is located. FIG. 10, the impeller 29 is shown separately.

As shown in FIG. 9a and 9b, the outer surface of each of the two channel parts 27, 28 is half cylinder so that when combined, the two channel parts 27, 28 form a cylindrical flow control unit 26. In some embodiments, execution, the two parts 27, 28 of the channels can be located in the casing, which is a dense cylindrical sleeve. At least one part of the channel, in this case, part 27 of the second channel, comprises a partition 30. As shown in FIG. 8, when combined to form the component 26, the first and second channel parts 27, 28 form separate channels for the smoke stream and air stream, while the channels of the smoke stream and air stream are separated by a partition 30. The shape of the partition 30 ensures the placement of the impeller 29. Between parts of the channel essentially no leakage of flow.

Each of the two channel parts 27, 28 has a tobacco end 27a, 28a and a mouthpiece end 27b, 28b. An inlet section 31, 32 having a cavity for receiving flow into the assembly 26 is located between the end of the channel portion 27a, 28a of the cigarette stick side and the impeller 29. The outlet section 33, 34 is located between the impeller 29 and the mouthpiece end of the channel part 27, 28 .

To increase the moment applied by the air stream and the smoke stream to the impeller 29, the shape of the inner surface 35, 36 of the two channel parts 27, 28 is selected so as to direct air or smoke mainly to the side or around the side surface of the impeller 29. Between the parts 27 28 of the channel and the impeller 29 can be a gap allowing to draw in air or smoke around the impeller 29. The inner surface 35, 36 of the parts 27, 28 of the channel also has a narrowed region 37, 38, which can create the effect of a venturi, increasing the speed growth airflow or smoke.

The impeller 29 is shown in detail in FIG. 10. The impeller 29 has a generally cylindrical shape, and its first end 39 and second end 40 are fixedly connected to each other. The impeller 29 is mounted inside two duct parts 27, 28 so that the first end 39 of the impeller 29 is located inside the smoke duct part 27 and the second end 40 of the impeller 29 is located inside the air duct part 28.

The first and second ends 39, 40 of the impeller 29 are aligned and in the shown embodiment are identical to each other, except that they are formed with 180 ° rotation relative to each other.

The first and second ends 39, 40 each comprise a corresponding region of the blades having several blades 41, 42. As shown in FIG. 9a, 9b and 10, the region of the blades of the first end is formed rotated 180 ° relative to the region of the blades of the second end.

As shown, the end 39 also has a continuous semi-cylindrical portion 43 in which the vanes 41 are not formed. The radius of part 43 is approximately equal to the radius of the arc formed by the ends of the blades 41.

Similarly, the end 40 also has a continuous semi-cylindrical part in which the blades 42 are not formed. The radius of the part 44 is approximately equal to the radius of the arc formed by the ends of the blades 42.

As will be described in more detail below, the parts 43, 44 act as flow blocking sections that periodically block the flow through the respective flow channels while the impeller 29 is rotating. When the blocking flow section 43 of the first end 39 blocks the smoke channel, the air flow in the air channel causes it to rotate the area of the blades of the second end 40 to rotate the impeller 29. Similarly, when part 44 of the second end 40 blocks the air channel, the smoke flow in the smoke channel causes the area of the blades of the first ca 39 to rotate the impeller 29. In this way, the impeller 29 is constantly driven in rotation by the flow drawn in by the smoke and air channels.

Although in FIG. 8, 9a, 9b and 10 show regions 43, 44, each of which has a smooth curved side surface, in some embodiments, each region 43, 44 may have several low ridges located on its circumference.

The smoke channel portion 27 is shown in detail in FIG. 9a. When the blades 41 of the impeller 29 are aligned with the narrowed region 37 of the smoke duct part 27, a passage is formed for flow from the cigarette stick 2 into the inlet section 31 of the smoke duct so as to enter the blades 41 of the first end 39 of the impeller 29. During use, smoke can be pulled by the smoker through the passage for the smoke stream so as to come into contact with the blades 41 and cause the impeller 29 to rotate. In this case, the impeller 29 is driven into rotation by a stream of smoke drawn by the user. Smoke passing by the impeller 29 passes through the exhaust section 33 of the smoke channel and further into the smoker's mouth.

At any given moment, some of the blades 41, 42 or all of the blades of the first or second ends 39, 40 of the impeller 29 are aligned with the narrowed region 37, 38, and a flow drawn by the user can be directed towards them. Moreover, when the user puffs on the cigarette, the resulting stream in the form of smoke or air drives the impeller 29.

When the blades 41 are aligned with the narrowed region 37 of the smoke channel portion 27, the flow blocking section 44 is aligned with the narrowed region 38 of the air channel portion 28. This prevents the passage of air through part 28 of the air channel. In addition, the partition 30 also prevents the passage of air into the part 27 of the smoke channel. As a result, in this position, the stream drawn from the cigarette 1 is mainly or completely smoke. This flow rotates the impeller 29, which leads to the alignment of the blocking flow section 43 with the narrowed region 37 of the part 27 of the smoke channel, thereby preventing further passage of the smoke stream. Also, the partition 30 prevents the passage of smoke into part 28 of the air channel. As a result, in this position, the smoke essentially cannot be pulled out of the cigarette 1.

The rotation of the impeller 29 leads to the alignment of the blades 42 with the narrowed region 38 of the part 28 of the air channel 28. This air flow causes further rotation of the impeller 29.

Thus, when the smoker is sucked in with a cigarette, the resulting rotation of the impeller 29 leads to alternately aligning the blades 41, 42 with the air and smoke channels 27, 28. In this case, the flow control unit acts as a valve that performs repeated switching of the flow between smoke and air passages for flow. Thus, the smoker is provided with a pulsed stream containing alternating pulses of smoke and air flow.

Numerous variations of the flow control assembly 26 are possible. In some embodiments, there may be a gap between the impeller 29 and one or both of the parts 27, 28. In addition to or alternatively, the flow blocking sections 43, 44 may comprise a series of low ridges. In these embodiments, some passage of the air or smoke stream can occur even when the blades 41, 42 are not aligned with the corresponding air or smoke channels 27, 28. Such leakage of the stream can improve the rotation characteristics of the impeller 29.

In the illustrated embodiment, the baffle 30 prevents any mixing of the air and smoke streams until the streams exit the outlet sections 33, 34. In other embodiments, the outlet sections 33, 34 may be adapted to modify the pulsed air and smoke streams. For example, the exhaust sections may be configured such that air and smoke flows are combined to form a single pulsed flow within the flow control assembly 26. In other embodiments, exhaust sections 33, 34 may allow flavoring to be introduced into pulsed air and smoke flows.

In some embodiments, the flow control assembly may include three channels, for example, for the pulsed delivery of smoke, air and flavor. In these embodiments, the assembly may have separate portions of the smoke channel, air channel, and flavor channel. In addition, the impeller can be divided in length into three parts, where each third is made so that one third of its circumference has blades, and two thirds have a flow blocking section. During use, a stream of smoke, air or flavor, drawn in by the user, drives the impeller to rotate, forming a pulsed stream of smoke, air or flavor.

Numerous changes to the flow control unit 26 are possible. In the embodiment of FIG. 8-10, the rotational axis of the impeller 29 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article 1. However, in other embodiments, the impeller 29 can be set at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article 1. In these embodiments, to increase the torque applied by the flow smoke to the impeller 29, the blades 41, 42 may be in the form of a spiral extending along the circular surface of the impeller 29. In these embodiments, the impeller can be rotatably fixed a hollow cylindrical hub. The hub may comprise an additional flow passage, which may be adapted to provide a pulsed flow.

In some embodiments, instead of a cylindrical impeller, a movable member having an approximately spherical or oval shape may be used. The advantage of the spherical shape is that it allows you to optimize the volume of flow used to rotate the movable element, especially when used in combination with a substantially cylindrical channel, due to the optimization of the interaction between smoke and the movable element.

In FIG. 11a shows another flow control unit 50 located on the mouth end of the cigarette 1. Cigarette 1 also contains a cigarette stick 2 and a filter insert 3. As shown, the cigarette stick 2, filter insert 3 and the flow control unit 50 are aligned and wrapped to hold them together. Banding paper 6.

In FIG. 11b, the flow control assembly 50 is shown in more detail. The assembly 50 is in the form of an axial turbine comprising a rotating member 51, shown separately in FIG. 12a. The rotating member 51 comprises a smoke stream channel 52 and an air stream channel 53. In use, the rotating member 51 is driven into rotation by a stream of air and smoke drawn in by the user. The rotating member 51 rotates relative to the support member 54, shown separately in FIG. 12b. The support element 54 has several windows 62, 63, 64. When the rotating element 51 rotates, the channels 52, 53 of the air and smoke streams are alternately aligned with the windows so that a pulsed stream containing air and smoke pulses is formed.

In FIG. 12a shows a rotating element 51. The rotating element 51 comprises a cylindrical tube 56. Inside the tube 56 there is a spiral screw 57 forming a spiral channel 52 of the smoke stream through the pipe 56. During use, the smoke stream can be drawn in from the cigarette stick 2 through the filter insert 3 and through channel 52 of the smoke stream. The flow of smoke causes the spiral screw 57 to rotate, thereby causing the rotating member 51 to rotate.

The rotating element 51 also contains one or more spiral blades 58 extending in a spiral along the outer circular surface. As shown in FIG. 11b, the rotating member 51 is enclosed internally and rotates relative to the casing, which is a dense cylindrical sleeve 59. An air flow channel is formed between the rotating member 51 and the sleeve 59.

Air inlets 60 are formed in the side surface of the smoking article 1 so that during use, air can be drawn into the air flow passage 53. The air inlets 60 include several through holes in the side of the sleeve 59. The inlets 60 also include holes formed in the rim paper 6 so that they are aligned with the holes in the sleeve 59. In some embodiments, the rim paper may be made of non-perforated breathable material so that air penetrates through the paper.

In use, air can be drawn in through the air inlets 60 and along the cavity formed between the rotatable member 51 and the sleeve 59. In this case, the smoke flow acts on the spiral blades 58, causing the rotatable rotatable member 51 to rotate.

As shown in FIG. 12a, the mouthpiece end of the rotating member has a first plug 61 in the form of a sector of a flat disk with an angular size of 240 °. As shown in FIG. 11b, when the rotating member 51 is located inside the sleeve 59, two-thirds of the surface area of the smoke duct 52 and two-thirds of the surface area of the air duct 53 are covered by a plug 61.

As shown in FIG. 11b, the assembly 50 also has a support member 54 at the mouth end. In FIG. 12b, the support member 54 is shown separately. A rotating member 51 is rotatably mounted on the mouth end in the support member 54.

The fixed support element 54 has first, second and third windows 62, 63, 64. The first window 62 is a window for smoke flow and forms a passage through which smoke can be drawn from the channel 52 of the smoke stream into the mouth of the user. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13a, when the rotating member 51 is positioned so that the plug 61 does not block the first window 62, smoke can be drawn into the mouth of the user. In this case, the smoke stream acts on the spiral screw 57, causing the rotating element 51 to rotate. By rotating the rotating element 51, the plug 61 is aligned with the first window 62 and blocks it, preventing the passage of smoke through this window. At the same time, as the rotating member 51 rotates, the plug 61 is out of alignment with the second window 63, as shown in FIG. 136. As a result, air can be drawn into the user's mouth through the air flow channel 53 and through the second window 63. This air flow acts on the spiral blades 58, providing further rotation of the rotating element 51. The rotation of the rotating element 51 rotates the plug 61 to the position where the first and second windows 62, 63 are overlapped and where a flow passage is formed through the third window 64, as shown in FIG. 13th century The third window 64 allows for simultaneous passage into the user's mouth of a stream of smoke from the channel 52 of the smoke stream and air from the channel 53 of the air stream. The flow of smoke and air through the third window 64 provides further rotation of the rotating element. Thus, when the user puffs on the cigarette, the resulting rotation of the rotating element leads to the alternate combination of the smoke and (or) air channels 52, 53 with the windows 62, 63, 64. In this case, the flow control unit acts as a valve (valve), alternately switching flow between flue, air and smoke and air passages for flow.

In other embodiments, the flow control assembly may comprise a third passage for a flow, for example, containing a flavor. This can be accomplished, for example, by dividing the inner space of the cylindrical tube 56 into an inner core containing a first spiral screw and an outer core containing a second spiral screw. By changing the windows 62, 63, 64 in the support member 54, flow pulses can be issued alternately from each of the flow passages.

In other embodiments, pulsed flux can be obtained in other ways. For example, the flow control assembly may comprise a second cylindrical sleeve having air inlets that is attached to the rotating member and rotates with the first cylindrical sleeve. In these embodiments, air can be drawn into the air flow channel by aligning the air inlets in two cylindrical sleeves. When the air inlets are not aligned, there is no air flow. In these embodiments, a constant stream of smoke can be drawn in. In addition, the windows in the support element may have any suitable shape.

In some embodiments, the rotating member 51 may have an eccentric mass distribution to vibrate the assembly in addition to the pulsed flow. For example, the rotating member 51 may have an eccentric mass distribution by introducing an unbalanced mass, for example, into the spiral blade 58. In addition, or alternatively, the axis around which the rotating member 51 rotates can be offset from its center, resulting in its eccentric rotation occurs. In general, in such embodiments, the rotatable element 51 can be positioned so that its center of mass does not lie on the axis of rotation.

In FIG. 14a shows another flow control assembly 70 located near the filter insert section 3 at the mouth end of the smoking article 1. The cigarette stick 2, the filter insert 3 and the flow control assembly 70 are longitudinally aligned and wrapped with rim paper 6 for fastening to each other. The flow control assembly 70 is a screw device.

Screw devices (for example, a pump with an eccentric screw, also known as a screw pump or a Muano pump) are well known per se and will not be described in detail. Briefly, a screw device comprises a rotating element configured to move, during rotation, one or more cavities along the device, thereby transferring the flow.

It is known to use a screw device as a pumping device for conveying a fluid or as an engine, for example, in oil production. The screw device 70 shown in FIG. 14a, in contrast, is a turbine driven into rotation by a flow drawn from a smoking article 1.

According to a more detailed description of the flow control assembly 70 shown in FIG. 14b, it comprises a spiral rotor 71 and a stator housing 72. The stator housing 72 has an inner surface 73 defining a smoke channel.

In FIG. 14c is a view of a part of an assembly of a screw device. In the shown embodiment, the rotor 71 has a circular cross section. The inner surface 73 of the stator housing 72 is in the form of a two-leaf helix, with several cavities 74 of a certain size formed in each specific angular position of the rotor inside the housing 72 between the rotor 71 and the inner surface 73 of the housing.

As shown in detail in FIG. 14g and 14d, the flow control assembly 70 also includes support members 75a, b fixedly mounted relative to the stator housing 72 and the flow channel housing 78. As shown, the rotor 71 is rotatably mounted by means of an elongated slot 76b formed in the support member 75b, and by means of a support bar 76a formed in the mouth piece support member 75a. As shown in FIG. 14g, the end of the rotor 71 comprises a protruding element 77 arranged to move within the elongated slot 76b. In use, during the rotation of the rotor 71, the protruding element 77 at the end of the rotor oscillates back and forth, blocking part of the elongated slot 76b. The protruding member may have bearings to facilitate rotation of the rotor 71. The other end of the rotor moves back and forth as the rotor rotates along the bar 76a of the support member.

The mouthpiece support member 75 a is shown in detail in FIG. 14d The gas flow passage is formed from the lumen of the stator casing 72 around the support element bar 76a and then through the mouthpiece support element 75a.

The flow control assembly 70 also has a flow passage casing 78, which is shown separately in FIG. 14th. Separate channels 79, 80 for smoke and air are formed in the casing 78 of the flow channel. It is shown that the smoke stream channel 79 and the air stream channel 80 are separated by an L-shaped partition 81. Due to the L-shaped partition 81, tobacco smoke can be drawn into the smoke stream channel 79, but cannot enter the air stream channel 80.

The inlet openings 82 are formed on the side surface of the cigarette 1, allowing air to enter the air channel 80. The air inlets comprise several through holes on one side of the side wall of the casing 78 of the flow channel. The air inlets also include holes formed in the rim paper 6, which are aligned with the holes in the casing 78 of the flow channel. In some embodiments, the rim paper may be formed of breathable material, whereby air passes through the paper.

The casing 78 of the flow channel also has first and second windows 83, 84 aligned with the elongated slot 76a of the support member 75a. A first window 83 is located at the end of the flue channel 79, and a second window 84 is located at the end of the air stream channel 80.

During use, when the smoker puffs the smoking article 1, the cavities 74 formed between the rotor 71 and the inner surface 73 of the stator housing 72 are pulled to the support member 75a of the mouthpiece end of the flow control unit 70, causing the rotor 71 to rotate. When the rotor rotates, the end of the rotor moves back and forth along the elongated slot 76a, alternately aligning with the first and second windows 83, 84 in the casing 78 of the flow channel and blocking them.

In FIG. 15a, 15b, 15c show the position of the rotor 71 relative to the casing 78 of the flow channel. When the rotor 71 is aligned with the first window, as shown in FIG. 15a, from the air inlets 82, through the air flow channel 80, through the second window 84 and further into the casing 72 of the stator assembly of the screw device, an air flow passage is formed. In this case, air can be drawn in by the user through the air flow passage so as to come into contact with the rotor 71 and cause it to rotate. Air drawn in along the stator housing 72 passes around the support member bar 76a, through the mouthpiece support member 75a, and further into the user's mouth.

When the rotor 71 is in the position shown in FIG. 15a, the first window 83 is blocked by the rotor 71, as a result of which smoke cannot pass into the stator casing 72. In addition, the baffle 81 prevents the passage of smoke into the air passage 80. As a result, in this position, the flow drawn from the cigarette 1 is mainly or entirely air.

When the rotor 71 is aligned with the second window 84 in the casing 78 of the flow channel, as shown in FIG. 15b, a passage for smoke flow is formed from the smoke stream channel 79 and through the first window 83 into the casing 72 of the screw device stator. In this case, the smoke can be drawn in by the user through the passage for the smoke stream so as to come into contact with the rotor 71 and cause it to rotate. Smoke drawn along the stator housing 72 extends around the support member bar 76a, through the mouthpiece support member 75a, and further into the user's mouth.

When the rotor 71 is in the position shown in FIG. 15b, the second window 84 is blocked by the rotor 71, as a result of which air cannot pass into the casing 72 of the stator. In addition, the partition 81 prevents the passage of air into the smoke channel 79. As a result, in this position, the flow drawn from the cigarette 1 is mainly or entirely smoke.

In the process of use, the smoker puffs the cigarette, and the resulting flow causes the rotor 71 to rotate. The stream in the form of smoke or air enters the rotor 71 and rotates it regardless of whether the rotor 71 is aligned with the first window 83, as this is shown in FIG. 15a, or with a second window 84, as shown in FIG. 15b. In the intermediate position shown in FIG. 15c, a smoke passage is formed through the first window 83 and also an air passage through the second window 84. When the rotor is in this position, both air and smoke can enter the rotor 71 and rotate it before passing into the user's mouth.

Thus, when the user puffs on the cigarette, the rotor 71 is alternately aligned with the air and smoke channels 79, 80. In this case, the flow control unit acts as a valve, alternately switching the flow between the smoke and air passages for the stream. As a result, the smoker is provided with a pulsed stream containing alternating and overlapping pulses of smoke and air flows. Numerous changes to the flow control assembly 70 are possible. For example, by changing the size and (or) the shape of the windows 83, 84, it is possible to change the characteristics of the pulses of air and smoke streams.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and 15, the rotor 71 has a circular cross section, and the inner surface 73 of the stator housing 72 is a two-leaf spiral. In general, any screw device may be used in which the inner surface 73 of the casing 72 has one lobe larger than the rotor 71. For example, the flow control assembly may comprise a two-leaf rotor located inside the three-leaf cavity, or a three-leaf rotor located inside the four-leaf cavity, or a four-leaf rotor located in a five-leaf cavity. These alternative designs can be used to create additional flow passages. For example, in addition to passageways for air and smoke flows, a third passage for flavoring flow can be created by using a two-leaf rotor located in a three-leaf cavity. In the case of using two-, three- or four-leaf rotors, the casing of the flow channel and, in particular, the number and arrangement of windows 83, 84 must be changed so that the rotation of the rotor causes the windows to overlap and unlock in turn. In FIG. 16a shows the configuration of the rotor 71, the stator housing 72 and the windows 83, 84 in the case of the single-leaf rotor shown in FIG. 14 and 15. In FIG. 16b, 16c and 16d show the configuration of the rotor 85, the stator housing 86 and the windows 87 in the case of two-, three- and four-leaf rotors, respectively.

Embodiments comprising screw device assemblies are volume displaced devices. This means that essentially no flow is drawn through the device in the absence of rotation of the device. As a result, the time delay between the moment of tightening by the smoker and the appearance of a sensation of impulse flow is minimized.

In addition, it was found that embodiments containing assemblies of a screw device also create vibration during rotation. Vibration of devices can be enhanced if necessary. For example, the rotor 71 may have an eccentric mass distribution, and forces arising from imbalance can be further adjusted by changing both the diameter of the rotor and / or its pitch.

Numerous design options are possible nodes 5, 26, 50, 70 flow control. For example, although the rotating elements 7, 29, 51, 71 described above are driven into rotation by a stream of air and / or smoke drawn in by a smoker, alternatively they can be driven into rotation by other means. For example, a small electric motor with a battery can be used to rotate the rotating elements 7, 29, 51, 71. Suitable motors, batteries, and structures for driving the rotating elements can be known to those skilled in the art.

Further, although movable elements in the form of rotating elements have been described, other flow control units may be proposed for selectively controlling the passage of one or more streams. For example, in some embodiments, the flow control assembly may comprise one or more solenoid valves controlled by electric current through a solenoid. Valve (s) may be actuated to repeatedly turn on and off a single stream. Moreover, in some embodiments, the product flowing out of the product may form only one stream, for example, a stream of smoke or air or a mixture thereof, and may include a valve for repeatedly turning this stream on and off in order to form an intermittent pulse stream. In other flow-output products, a valve may be used to repeatedly switch between different streams, for example, repeatedly switch between smoke and air.

Thus, according to various embodiments, a smoking article is proposed in which smoke is emitted by a pulsed stream. Pulse smoke flow provides a new smoking experience that may be of interest to consumers.

In the process of constant stimulating effects from a source, for example, temperature, taste or smell, the body becomes less sensitive. For example, the first bite of an apple, or the first sip of wine may have a stronger taste than the fourth. Changes in sensation, such as temperature, can be perceived more acutely when the change occurs quickly, such as entering a sauna, or leaving an airplane in very different climatic conditions.

It is believed that surfaces exposed to pulses of smoke from the smoking article 1 (for example, the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, mainly in the back of the mouth / throat), can regularly refresh themselves with intermediate pulses of air. Due to this, the decrease in the sensitivity to exposure surfaces to smoke can be slowed down, and the sensory perception of smoking can be changed.

Other numerous changes to the flow control nodes described above are possible. For example, although the flow control units shown in the drawings are typically located between the cigarette stick 2 and the filter stick 3, in the alternative, the flow control unit may be formed inside the filter stick, for example, located between two links of the filter stick. In some embodiments, the flow control assembly may be located at the very end of the mouthpiece of the smoking article, for example, adjacent to a link of a filter stick.

Flow control units can, for example, be formed from suitable biodegradable materials, for example, polyethylene (PE) polyhydroxyalkonates (PHA), polylactides (PLA), polyvinyl alcohols (PVA) or starch based materials. Other materials may also be used, for example, polyamides, polyether ether ketones (PEEK), polyurethanes (PU), polyoxymethylene (POM), cellulose-based materials, or other suitable materials may be used. In some embodiments, the nodes may contain carbon.

In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, in a particular embodiment, the flow control units can generate a pulsed flow with a frequency of from 3 to 1000 Hz. In embodiments, the pulse frequency may be from 50 to 150 Hz, for example, from 60 to 100 Hz, or about 70 Hz, or about 80 Hz can be generated. In embodiments, pulses can be generated with a frequency in the range from 30 to 1000 Hz, for example, from 50 to 200 Hz, or, for example, from 60 to 70 Hz. In some embodiments, vibration may produce an offset of ± 0.1 mm.

In FIG. 17, another example of a flow-generating article in the form of a smoking article 90 is shown schematically. This smoking article 90 is shown to comprise a cigarette stick unit (section) 91 and a single filter insert unit 92. The smoking article 90 has a flow control assembly comprising a flow switch 93. The flow switch comprises one or more valves, for example, an electromagnetic valve (s), which cyclically switch between the flow of air and smoke. Suitable means of actively acting on the flow switch for cyclic switching between smoke and air, for example, an electrical signal, should be understood by those skilled in the art. As shown, the flow switch 93 is adapted to alternately switch between the flows supplied through the air channel 94 and the smoke channel 95. By analogy with the air and smoke channels in the smoking article of FIG. 1, the air channel 94 receives air from the air inlet 96 on the side surface of the smoking article 90, and the smoke channel 95 receives smoke from the cigarette stick 91. A partition can be used to separate the air and smoke channels 94, 95.

During inhaling by the smoking article 90, the flow switch 93 performs cyclic switching between the air and smoke flows so that an impulse flow is formed at the output of the flow switch 93, passing through the filter unit 92 and further into the user's mouth. As shown in FIG. 18, the pulsed stream 97 contains alternating pulses of smoke and air.

In FIG. 18 individually shows the components of the smoke and air streams of the pulse stream 97 during the period P. As shown, the smoke stream contains a group of pulse emissions 97a of the smoke stream, and the air stream contains the group of pulse emissions 97b of the air stream.

In FIG. 19 shows another smoking article 100. The smoking article 100 is similar to the smoking article 90 in FIG. 17, except for the differences described below. Identical elements retained the corresponding numerical designations.

As shown in FIG. 19, the flow switch 104 of the smoking article 100 switches three input streams instead of two. The smoking article 100 comprises first and second air channels 94, 101 having air inlets 96, 102 on the side surface of the smoking article 100. The second air channel 101 contains a flavoring element (for example, one or more flavoring granules) to give a taste (for example, menthol flavor) to the air drawn in through the channel 102. As shown, the smoking article 100 also includes a smoke channel 95 into which smoke from a cigarette stick 91 is supplied.

The control of the flow switch 104 is such that during the puff of the smoking article 100, a pulse stream 103 is formed containing a periodically repeating triple of pulses, as shown in FIG. 19. It can be seen that each triple contains a smoke pulse pulled from the cigarette stick 91, an air pulse pulled from the air inlet 96, and a flavored pulse pulled from the inlet 102 and flavored in the channel 101.

In FIG. 20, the smoke, air, and aromatic components of the pulse stream 103 are shown separately. It is seen that the smoke stream contains a group of pulse emissions 103a of a smoke stream, the air stream contains a group of pulse emissions 103b of an air stream, and the aromatic stream contains a group of pulse emissions 103c of a aromatic stream.

In FIG. 21 shows another smoking article 110. The smoking article 110 is generally similar to the smoking article 90 shown in FIG. 17, except that the smoking article 110 includes an aroma adding portion 111 located between the flow switch 93 and the filter unit 92, and introducing flavor into the pulses generated at the output of the flow switch 93. The aroma adding part may contain a flavor, for example, menthol contained within a cavity having an inlet for flow and an outlet for flow. In this case, the flow drawn from the output of the flow switch 93 enters the aroma adding part 111, aromatizes, and then passes through the filter unit 111 into the smoker's mouth. In this case, the pulse flow obtained at the output of the smoking article 110 contains alternating pulses of flavored smoke and flavored air.

In FIG. 22 is another exemplary embodiment of a flow control assembly 120. It is shown that the flow control assembly 120 comprises a movable member 121 located within the passage for smoke and (or) air drawn through the flow control assembly 120. The movable element 121 is configured so that the flow of smoke / air causes it to move. As a result of this movement, the fluid flow is alternately predominantly directed either from the smoke or from the air channels 122, 123.

It is shown that the movable element in FIG. 22 is a cylindrical element cantilevered to a holder 124. The holder is made of a flexible, resilient material that allows the movement of the movable element relative to the outlet 125 for flow. In embodiments, upstream of the movable element 121 may be part, for example, part 9 (see Fig. 4a), for the formation of separate air and smoke channels, and the end of the holder 124 can be attached to the center of the end region 22a of part 9.

In embodiments, the movable element may be a spherical ball, instead of a cylindrical element. The width of the holder 124 can be selected so as to form a partition for separating the smoke and air channels 122, 123.

Element 121 and holder 124 may be formed of lightweight material so that smoke / air flow can easily move them. Moreover, during use, smoke and air drawn through the smoke and air channels 122, 123, jerk the movable element 121. In embodiments, the holder may be a spring.

Element 121 may move toward the top of the page in FIG. 22 to a position where the flow of air from the air duct 123 is restricted, whereby the flow through the outlet 125 is mainly directed from the smoke duct. Element 124 can also move toward the bottom of the page in FIG. 22 to a position where the flow of smoke from the flue duct 122 is restricted, whereby the flow through the exhaust port 125 is mainly directed from the air duct. During use, the flow of smoke and air causes the movable element 121 to move between these two positions, so that a pulsed flow exits through the outlet. As shown in FIG. 22, the movable element 121 moves in the narrowed region 130, which creates the effect of a venturi, increasing the flow rate in this region.

In embodiments, the movable element 121 may be an aerodynamic element adapted to form vortices, vibrations, or other instabilities of the dynamic flow. In this case, the smoke / air stream can cause continuous movement of the movable element, which directs the flow mainly from the smoke / air channels. The parameters of the holder 124 and the aerodynamic element 121 (for example, the mass of the aerodynamic element 121 and / or the elasticity of the holder 124) can be chosen so as to obtain a resonance system, for example, a simple harmonic resonance system.

In some applications, a ball or cylinder suspended inside a stream causes the vortices to break off from opposite sides of its surface at a certain smoke flow rate. These vortices can occur at a predetermined frequency proportional to the flow velocity. Due to the breakdown of each vortex, a corresponding change in pressure occurs, leading to the effect of a lifting force directed perpendicularly to the fluid flow. Since the breakdown of the vortices occurs on opposite sides of the ball / tube with alternation, the corresponding force is approximately sinusoidal, creating regular disturbing influences. The frequency of disturbances can be matched with the resonant frequency of the moving element and the supporting element for resonant amplification.

It is believed that the phenomenon of disruption of the vortices can also be caused by the imitation of the "floating" movement of known fish baits when they are pulled through water, as, for example, described in US 2002/0194770, US 2005/0193620 and US 2009/0126255. In some embodiments, the element 121 and the holder 124 of the flow control assembly 120 may be formed from a material similar to the material of such fish lures, for example, a suitable flexible soft plastic material, and may have a similar shape so as to “float” in the smoke stream and air. In some embodiments, element 121 and holder 124 may be integral. In some embodiments, the holder is made of a soft, easily bendable material, providing free attachment of the movable element 121.

In FIG. 23 shows a design variant in which the movable element 121 is a ball 125, the surface of which is adapted for heavy movement in a stream of smoke and air. It can be seen that on the ball 125 there is a protruding ridge 126 extending around the ball along its diameter. Crest 126 divides the ball into two halves 126a and 126b. One half 126a has a smooth (e.g., polished) surface, and the other half 126b has a rougher, more uneven surface. As a result, the opposite sides of the ball have different aerodynamic properties. As shown in the drawing, the ball 125 is movably connected so that the ridge 126 makes an angle a (for example, 45 °) with the holder 124. The different texture of the surfaces from opposite sides can enhance the movement. In some designs, increased movement may occur due to the fact that a different surface texture causes an unstable and turbulent air flow, causing the vortices to stall at different places around the surface of the ball. The impact of shocks on the ball leads to further instability, the process continues and intensifies. In some embodiments, the nature and frequency of the breakdown of the vortices may depend on temperature, humidity, and smoke flow rate.

In some embodiments, the movable member may repeatedly strike walls in the region 110, thereby causing vibration of the flow control assembly. This vibration can be transmitted to the filter and / or cigarette stick of the smoking article so that it will be perceived by the lips or fingers of the smoker.

Summary

(This section of the disclosure forms part of the description, not the formula)

1. A smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for generating at least one stream when puffed by a smoking article comprising a corresponding group of pulsed flow emissions.

2. The smoking article described in par. 1, in which the flow control unit is configured to generate several different flows, each of which contains a corresponding group of pulsed flow emissions.

3. A smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for controlling the passage of at least one stream to form a group of pulsed flow emissions.

4. A smoking article as described in any preceding paragraph, wherein the flow control assembly is configured to provide at least a smoke stream or air stream or a flavored stream or a mixture of smoke, air and flavor streams.

5. A smoking article comprising a flow control assembly configured to make several flow changes while tightening the smoking article, thereby forming a flow that varies over time.

6. The smoking article described in par. 5, containing several passages for the flow, in which with each change in flow, the relative value of the flow through the passages for the flow changes.

7. A smoking article comprising a flow control assembly configured to generate at least three consecutive flow pulses when puffed by the smoking article.

8. A smoking article comprising a flow control assembly for controlling flow passage, for generating at least three consecutive flow pulses.

9. The smoking article described in par. 7 or 8, in which each of the three consecutive pulses of the flow is different from the others.

10. A smoking article described in any one of the pairs. 7-10, in which the flow control unit is configured to form a repeating group of three consecutive flow pulses.

11. A smoking article described in any previous paragraph, having first and second passages for flow, wherein the flow control unit comprises a movable element, the movement of which changes the relative magnitude of the flow through these flow passages.

12. The smoking article described in par. 11, in which the movable element is located so that the incoming stream causes its movement.

13. The smoking article described in par. 12, in which the movable element is an impeller located so that the incoming stream causes its rotation.

14. The smoking article described in par. 12, further comprising a support member for holding the movable member in the stream.

15. A smoking article described in any one of paragraphs. 11-14, in which the movable element comprises a rotatable hole configured to allow flow to pass through the first flow passage in a first angular position, and through a second flow passage in a second angular position.

16. A smoking article described in any previous paragraph in which the movable element comprises a valve.

17. A smoking article described in any previous paragraph, wherein the flow control assembly is configured to form a flow comprising a train of pulses.

18. The smoking article described in par. 17, comprising a flavoring component for flavoring at least some of said pulses.

19. A smoking article as described in any previous paragraph, wherein the flow control assembly is configured to generate vibration to transmit tactile effects to the user.

20. A flow-generating article for supplying a gas stream to a user's mouth, comprising several flow passages and a flow control assembly for cyclically changing a relative amount of flow through these passages.

21. A stream-output product for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly for generating at least one stream while tightening the stream-output product, wherein at least one stream contains a corresponding group of pulsed stream emissions.

22. A flow-generating article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly for controlling the passage of at least one stream to form a group of pulsed flow emissions.

23. A flow-generating article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly configured to make several flow changes to thereby form a time-varying flow.

24. A stream-output product for supplying a gas stream to a user's mouth, comprising a flow control assembly configured to generate at least three consecutive flow pulses when puffed by a stream-output product.

25. A flow-generating article for supplying a gas stream to a user’s mouth, comprising a flow control assembly for controlling flow passage, for generating at least three consecutive flow pulses.

26. The flow-producing article described in any one of the pairs. 20-25, in which the gas stream contains an aerosol.

27. The flow-producing product described in par. 26, in which the aerosol is smoke.

28. The flow-producing article described in any one of the pairs. 20-27, in which the gas stream contains a flavored stream.

29. The flow-producing article described in any one of the pairs. 20-28, which is a smoking article.

30. A flow control assembly for a flow-dispensing product, generally as described herein with reference to FIG. 4 and 5.

Many other changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, covered by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (33)

1. A stream-feeding article for supplying a gas stream to a user's mouth, which is a smoking article and comprising a flow control assembly for controlling the passage of at least one stream to provide a group of flow ejection peaks at the outlet of said article while it is being puffed. 2. The flow-producing article of claim 1, wherein the flow control assembly is configured to form at least a smoke stream or an air stream, or a flavored stream, or a mixture of smoke, air and flavor streams. 3. The product issuing the flow according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow control unit is configured to make several changes to the flow while tightening the flow-issuing product, thereby forming a time-varying flow. 4. The product issuing the stream according to claim 3, containing several passages for the flow and in which with each change in flow, the relative value of the flow through the passages for the flow changes. 5. The product issuing the stream according to claim 1, in which the node flow control provides the formation of at least three consecutive pulses of the stream. 6. The flow-producing article of claim 5, wherein each of the three consecutive flow pulses is different from the others. 7. The product issuing the flow according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the flow control unit is configured to form a repeating group of three consecutive flow pulses. 8. The product issuing the stream according to claim 1, having first and second passages for flow, wherein the flow control unit comprises a movable element, the movement of which changes the relative magnitude of the flow through these flow passages. 9. The product issuing the stream according to claim 8, in which the movable element is located so that the incoming stream causes its movement. 10. The flow-producing article of claim 8 or 9, wherein the movable element comprises a rotating element configured to rotate when the relative magnitude of the flow through the flow passages changes. 11. The flow-producing article of claim 10, wherein the rotating member is a flow-driven rotating member having one or more parts interacting with the flow and configured to cause rotation of the rotating member upon receipt of the flow. 12. Issuing a stream of product according to any one of paragraphs. 8, 9, and 11, wherein the flow control assembly comprises a screw device. 13. Issuing the stream product according to any one of paragraphs. 8, 9, and 11, in which the movable element comprises a first part interacting with the flow to drive the rotation of the rotating element upon receipt of the first flow, and a second interacting with the stream part to bring the rotation of the rotating element upon receipt of the second flow, the first passage for a stream is a passage for a first stream, and a second passage for a stream is a passage for a second stream. 14. The flow-producing article of claim 13, wherein the first interacting with the flow part is a spiral element and the second interacting with the flow part is a spiral element. 15. The flow-producing article of claim 13, wherein the first interacting with the flow part is one or more blades, and the second interacting with the flow part is one or more blades. 16. The flow-producing article of claim 9, wherein the movable member comprises an impeller mounted so that the incoming flow causes it to rotate. 17. The flow-producing article of claim 16, further comprising a support member for holding the movable member in the stream. 18. The flow product according to any one of paragraphs. 8, 16, and 17, in which the movable element comprises a rotating hole configured to allow flow to pass through a first flow passage in a first angular position, and through a second flow passage in a second angular position. 19. The flow product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, in which the movable element comprises a valve. 20. The flow-producing product according to claim 1, wherein the flow control assembly is configured to form a flow comprising a train of pulses. 21. The flow-producing article of claim 20, comprising a flavoring component for flavoring at least some of said pulses. 22. The flow product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, in which the flow control unit is configured to generate vibration to transmit tactile effects to the user. 23. The flow-producing product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, containing several passages for flow and a flow control unit for repeating changes in the relative magnitude of the flow through these passages. 24. Issuing the stream product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, in which the flow control unit is configured to make several flow changes, thereby forming a time-varying flow. 25. The flow-producing article of claim 1, wherein the gas stream contains an aerosol. 26. The flow-producing article of claim 25, wherein the aerosol is smoke. 27. The flow product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, 25, in which the gas stream contains a flavored stream. 28. Issuing a stream of product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, 25, containing a source of respirable substance and a flow control unit adjacent longitudinally to the source of respirable substance or separated from it by a longitudinal gap. 29. The flow product of claim 1, comprising a cigarette stick and a filter, the filter comprising a flow control assembly. 30. The effluent article of claim 29, wherein the flow control assembly is located between the filter and the cigarette stick. 31. The flow product according to claim 29, wherein the flow control unit is located inside the filter. 32. Issuing a stream of product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, 25, 29, in which the flow control unit is located at the mouthpiece end of the smoking article. 33. Issuing a stream of product according to any one of paragraphs. 1, 2, 5, 8, 20, 25, 29, in which the flow control unit is configured to generate a pulsed flow with a pulse frequency of 3 to 1000 Hz.

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