US20230126431A1

US20230126431A1 - Taggant detection and rejection method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20230126431A1
Application number: US17/790,856
Authority: US
Inventors: Michel BESSANT; Anna Canal Ponsico; Chrystophe Schaller
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2020-01-07
Filing date: 2020-12-24
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: KR20220124699A; CN114828665A; EP4087415A1; WO2021140038A1; JP2023509457A; BR112022011739A2

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article including a taggant is provided, the method including the steps of: applying the taggant to the component; detecting an amount of the taggant that the component comprises; determining whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount; and rejecting the component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount. An apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article including a taggant is also provided. A kit of parts is also provided.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising a taggant. The present disclosure further relates to a kit of parts, comprising a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses suitable for the manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article.
Aerosol-generating articles and other consumables are designed for use with specific aerosol-generating products. For example, externally heated tobacco products comprise a holder and a tobacco stick that is designed to be inserted into the holder. Genuine compatible products are typically rigorously tested to ensure the best performance and user experience. The use of non-genuine products may reduce the overall performance and user experience. Moreover, the use of a non-genuine part or component may give rise to problems such as damaging the holder device, for example.
It would be desirable to provide a method (or apparatus) for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article that improves quality assurance.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant. The method comprises the step of applying taggant to a component. The method also comprises the step of detecting an amount of the taggant that the component comprises. The method comprises the step of determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount. The method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount. The taggant may be a gel, a slurry, a powder, or a foam, for example. The taggant may comprise a uniquely encoded material.
Thus, a taggant is applied to a component, acting as an internal signature of the component that is used for product identification. The taggant of the component may be used to determine, by recognition, whether a component for an aerosol-generating article, and therefore the aerosol-generating article, is a genuine product. This may ensure a suitable product performance and user experience. By having a first-predetermined amount of taggant that, which if not met, the component is rejected, this ensures that all components have a suitable amount of taggant for component recognition, enabling genuine products to be identified. It is particularly advantageous to have a method comprising the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount, since the rejected component is removed from the manufacturing process before the completion of the final product. The rejection system also ensures that all produced consumables that are provided to the consumers will contain the correct concentration of taggant that may allow the aerosol-generating device to recognise the consumable accordingly. The provision of the detection and rejection system also reduces waste materials used on a product.
In some embodiments, instead of detecting and quantifying an amount of the taggant that the component comprises, the method comprises the step of detecting whether the component comprises a taggant. In some embodiments the method comprises the step of detecting whether the component comprises a taggant. In some embodiments the method comprises the step of detecting the presence of taggant. In some embodiments the method comprises the step of detecting the presence of taggant in the component. The method may further comprise the step of rejecting a component when a taggant is not detected. This is advantageous because this ensures that all components have the presence of a taggant for component recognition, allowing genuine products to be identified.
In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount comprises determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a non-zero amount. In this way, the method not only detects the presence of a taggant, but also if there is an insufficient amount of taggant present, therefore identifying faulty components. Those components can then be rejected. The non-zero amount may be a threshold amount, above which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience. By comparing the amount of taggant present with a threshold amount in this way, it can be predicted whether the correct components are in place during manufacture.
For example, in a particular component the amount of taggant detected may be 15 milligrams per square metre and the first-predetermined amount is 20 milligrams per square metre. Since the detected amount is less than the first-predetermined amount, it is determined that the component with less than 20 milligrams per square metre of taggant is faulty and therefore may not have a suitable product performance, and the component is rejected from the manufacturing line.
In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant, comprises the step of determining if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is greater than a second-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is greater than the second-predetermined amount. Therefore, in this way there is provided a range of taggant amounts where the component is rejected. This allows the final products to have a taggant amount that is within an acceptable range. Therefore, product outliers having taggant amounts outside the acceptable range are removed. This allows a taggant detection system to be provided having greater precision, and that is better calibrated for genuine product recognition.
For example, in a particular component the amount of taggant detected may be 450 milligrams per square metre and the second-predetermined amount is 400 milligrams per square metre. Since the detected amount is greater than the second-predetermined amount, it is determined that the component with an amount of taggant that is greater than 400 milligrams per square metre is faulty and therefore may not have a suitable product performance, and the component is rejected from the manufacturing line. The detection of a taggant amount greater than the second-predetermined amount may, for example, show that too much of a particular component is present. In one specific embodiment, the presence of an amount of taggant detected within the tipping paper adhesive may show that too much tipping paper adhesive is applied. It is envisaged that instead of tipping paper adhesive, excess taggant may also be detected when applied to a filter, wrapper, tipping paper, filter plug wrap, susceptor, mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, tobacco element, flavourant element, heat source, aerosol-generating element, or a combination of one or more of these components.
In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant, comprises the step of determining if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In this way, a component having a taggant amount that is outside of the range between the first-predetermined amount and the second-predetermined amount is rejected. This allows final products to have a taggant amount that is within an acceptable range. The first-predetermined amount may be a threshold amount, above which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience. The second-predetermined amount may be a threshold amount, below which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience By comparing the amount of taggant present with a threshold amounts in this way, it can be assured that the amount of taggant present is within an acceptable range, and the component containing the taggant provides a suitable product performance and user experience. By comparing the amount of taggant present with the acceptable range, it can be predicted whether the correct components are in place during manufacture.
In some specific embodiments, the method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant, comprises the step of determining if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount, wherein the first-predetermined amount is a non-zero amount. In this way, the method not only detects the presence of a taggant, but an amount of taggant within a component, and rejects the component if the taggant amount is outside of an acceptable range.
For example, the first-predetermined amount of taggant may be 30 milligrams per square metre and the second pre-determined amount of taggant may be 300 milligrams per square metre. If the measured amount of taggant for a component is 200 milligrams per square metre, this value is compared with the acceptable range of values between 30 milligrams per square metre and 300 milligrams per square metre, and it is determined that the component provides a suitable product performance. If however, if the measured amount of taggant for a component is outside of this acceptable range, for example 15 milligrams per square metre or 380 milligrams per square metre, this value is compared with the acceptable range of values, and it is determined that the component does not provide a suitable product performance. This component is rejected from the manufacturing line.
In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 10 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 20 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 50 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 100 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is 500 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 400 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 300 milligrams of taggant per square metre. In some embodiments, the second-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 250 milligrams of taggant per square metre.
In some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is between 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre and 500 milligrams of taggant per square metre the component is not rejected. In other words, in some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is, less than 5 milligrams of taggant or greater than 500 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is rejected.
In some specific embodiments, there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is between 10 milligrams of taggant per square metre and 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is not rejected. In otherwords, in some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is, less than 10 milligrams of taggant or greater than 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is rejected.
In some embodiments, there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is between 25 milligrams of taggant per square metre and 200 milligrams of taggant per square metre the component is not rejected. In other words, in some specific embodiments there is provided a range that where the detected amount of taggant of the component is, less than 25 milligrams of taggant or greater than 450 milligrams of taggant per square metre, the component is rejected.
The range between the first-predetermined amount and the second-predetermined amount may be any desired range. For example, the first-predetermined amount may be 20 milligrams of taggant per square metre and the second-predetermined amount may be 100 milligrams of taggant per square metre. Other ranges for between the first-predetermined amount of taggant and the second-predetermined amount of taggant are also possible.
In some embodiments, the method of manufacturing a component comprises the step of applying taggant to a component, wherein the component is a filter. Alternatively, or in addition, in some embodiments the taggant is applied to other components. In some embodiments, the component is a wrapper. In some embodiments, the component is a tipping paper. In some embodiments, the component is an adhesive. In some embodiments, the component is a tipping paper adhesive. In some embodiments, the component is a filter plug wrap. In other embodiments, the component is a combination of the mentioned components. The component may be a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element, or any combination of these. Advantageously, the more components that have taggant applied to, the greater the signature marking may be for product identification.
In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of applying the taggant to an interface between a tobacco-rod component and a filter component. By applying the taggant to an interface between the tobacco-rod component and a filter component, the taggant is applied away from the ends. Thus, the taggant is applied on the aerosol-generating article at an interface between the tobacco-rod component and filter component, rather than at the interface between two individual aerosol-generating articles, for example, at an end of adjacent aerosol-generating article. This is advantageous as this enables individual aerosol-generating articles to be distinguished from one another, and taggant amounts for individual aerosol-generating articles to be detected. This enables taggant amounts to be matched more easily to their corresponding aerosol-generating article.
In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of applying the taggant to an inner surface of a tipping paper component. In some embodiments, the taggant is applied to an outer surface of a tipping paper component. In some embodiments, the taggant is applied to both an inner surface of a tipping paper component, and to an outer surface of a tipping paper component.
In specific embodiments, the method comprises the step of applying a taggant substantially around the circumference of the component. In some embodiments, the taggant may be applied around the entire circumference of the component. In other embodiments, the taggant is applied partially around the circumference of the component. It is particularly beneficial to apply the taggant at least substantially around the circumference of the component as this allows taggant to be detected in all orientations of the components. For example, even if during the manufacturing process where the component is to be transferred on a roller, the surface facing the roller may not be exposed to a taggant sensor or reader, having taggant applied substantially around the circumference of the component enables taggant to be detected despite not all surfaces of the component being exposed to sensors.
In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of repeating the detecting and determining steps. Advantageously, the detecting and determining steps are repeated to provide more than one data reading. In some embodiments, the repeat of the detecting and determining steps are carried out on the same aerosol-generating article. Optionally in specific embodiments, the method comprises the step of repeating the rejection step. The method may comprise the steps of repeating the detecting, determining and rejection steps. Repeating the detecting and determining steps is particularly beneficial since this provides an improved reliability of readings. The repeat readings can also be used to determine whether any outliers in data (for example, abnormal or erroneous data) are present. The detecting and determining steps may be repeated, and an average amount of taggant is determined.
In some embodiments, the method comprises the step of detecting the amount of taggant that the component comprises, after the manufacturing step of applying and securing the tipping paper component to another component.
In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of detecting the amount of taggant and determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount, and the steps are repeated at different stages of the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of detecting the amount of taggant and determining whether the detected amount of taggant is greater than a second-predetermined amount, and the steps are repeated at different stages of the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of detecting the amount of taggant and determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount, and the steps are repeated at different stages of the manufacturing process. It is particularly beneficial to repeat the detecting and determining steps since the amount of taggant may change as the component moves along the manufacturing line. Repeating these steps ensures that the product performance remains suitable. Moreover, it can be determined that the correct components are in place at different stages of the manufacturing process.
In some embodiments the taggant may be present in the adhesive, and by detecting the amount of taggant and rejecting components with too little or too much taggant, where the amount of taggant is not between the first-predetermined amount of taggant and the second predetermined amount of taggant, may indicate components with too little or too much adhesive and thus may be faulty. Components with too little adhesive may not hold together adequately. Components with too much adhesive may be of a different shape.
In other embodiments the taggant may be present in the wrapping paper and by detecting the amount of the taggant may indicate where too little or too much wrapping paper was used to wrap the component. Too little wrapping paper may result in the component falling apart prematurely. Too much wrapping paper may produce a component that is thicker and not easily handled.
Also, according to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant. The apparatus comprises a dispenser configured to apply taggant to a component. The apparatus also comprises a sensor configured to detect an amount of the taggant that the component comprises. The apparatus comprises a controller for determining whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount. The apparatus further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.
Thus, the apparatus applies taggant to a component, which acts as an internal signature of the component that is used for product identification. The taggant of the component is used to determine, by recognition, whether a component for an aerosol-generating article, and therefore the aerosol-generating article, is a genuine product. The sensor of the apparatus detects the amount of taggant that the component comprises, and the controller compare the detected amount of taggant with a first-predetermined amount of taggant, which if not met, the component is rejected by the rejection system. This apparatus ensures that all components have a suitable amount of taggant for component recognition, enabling genuine products to be identified. It is particularly advantageous to have an apparatus having a rejection system that rejects a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount, since the rejected component is removed from the manufacturing process before the completion of the final product. This reduces waste materials used on a product which, in any case, is later to be discarded.
In some specific embodiments, the apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to determine whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount, wherein the first-predetermined amount is a non-zero amount. Therefore, not only does the apparatus determine whether a taggant is present, but also if there is an insufficient amount of taggant present, therefore identifying faulty components. Those components can then be rejected. The non-zero amount may be a threshold amount, above which, the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience. By having a controller which determines the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined non-zero amount in this way, the non-zero amount is used as a threshold amount, above which, it can be determined that the component provides a suitable product performance and user experience. By comparing the amount of taggant presence with a threshold amount in this way, it can be predicted whether the correct components are in place during manufacture. If it is determined that the amount of taggant present is below the first-predetermined amount of taggant, the component is determined as being faulty, and is rejected from the manufacturing line.
In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a rejection system that rejects a component when the detected amount of the taggant that the component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. In this way, when a component contains a taggant amount that is outside of the range between the first-predetermined amount and the second-predetermined amount, that component is rejected. This allows final products to have a taggant amount that is within an acceptable range.
In some specific embodiments, the controller is configured to determine if the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount, wherein the first-predetermined amount is a non-zero amount. In this way, the apparatus not only detects the presence of a taggant, but an amount of taggant within a component, and rejects the component if the taggant amount is outside of an acceptable range.
In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus comprises multiple sensors, each sensor being configured to detect an amount of the taggant. By having multiple sensors that are each configured to detect an amount of the taggant, the amount of taggant can still be detected if, for example, one of the sensors is inoperable. Another reason why this setup is advantageous is because the sensors are placed in different areas, and are thus capable of detecting the amount of taggant at different points in time, or in different locations of the component. For example, the sensors may be used to determine the amount of taggant at different points along the manufacturing process. The sensors may additionally, or alternative be positioned directed towards a different part of the component.
In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least a sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after the application and securing of a tipping paper component to another component.
In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after wrapping of the component. The component that is wrapped may be a filter component, for example.
In specific embodiments, the apparatus comprises at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after manufacture of a component. The component that is manufactured may be an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco plug component, for example.
In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises multiple sensors, each of which are positioned at different stages of the manufacturing process. In some specific embodiments, the sensors detect the amount of taggant. In some embodiments, the amount of taggant is measured by the sensors at different stages of the manufacturing process and the controller determines whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the amount of taggant is measured by the sensors at different stages of the manufacturing process and the controller determines whether the detected amount of taggant is greater than a second-predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the amount of taggant is measured by the sensors at different stages of the manufacturing process and the controller determines whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount or greater than a second-predetermined amount. By having multiple sensors, each of which are positioned at different stages of the manufacturing process, it can be ensured whether the product performance remains suitable. If it is determined that the product performance is not suitable, then the rejection system of the apparatus may reject the component. Moreover, it can be determined that the correct components are in place at different stages of the manufacturing process.
In specific embodiments, the sensor comprises an emitter and a reader. In some embodiments, the emitter emits a signal and the reader reads a return signal from the taggant. By having a sensor which has both an emitter and a reader, the required number of sensors within the system is reduced.
In some embodiments the sensor does not have an emitter but reads signals from the taggant directly.
In some embodiments the signal comprises a spectroscopic signal. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments the signal comprises a light signal, a phosphorescent signal, an electromagnetic signal or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an adhesive dispenser for dispensing adhesive. In some embodiments, the adhesive dispenser comprises a glue application roller. In some embodiments, the glue application roller comprises grooves.
In some specific embodiments, the dispenser further comprises a mask configured to shield the dispensed taggant from reaching undesired areas. For example, the mask may shield the dispensed taggant from reaching and therefore filling perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article. This is particularly beneficial because perforation holes will not be blocked.
Further, according to the present invention there is provided a kit of parts. The kit of parts, of the present invention, comprises a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses suitable for the manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article. The kit of parts, of the present invention, also comprises at least one sensor suitable for the detection of an amount of taggant that a component manufactured comprises. The kit of parts, of the present invention, comprises a controller to determine whether the amount of taggant that a component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount. The kit of parts, of the present invention, further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component that has a taggant amount less than the first-predetermined amount.
As used herein, the term “adhesive” is used to describe a substance used for adhering or sticking to a surface of a component or a material.
As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” is used to describe an article that is able to generate, or release, an aerosol.
As used herein, the term “amount” is used to describe a quantity of a material, component or object. An amount may be used to describe a number, a mass, extent or size in a quantitative manner.
As used herein, the term “apply” is used to describe a process of supplying or dispensing a material to another material, for example, on a material or within a material.
As used herein, the term “component” is used to describe an element of a larger whole. For example, component is used to describe a part of an aerosol-generating article. Component may also refer to more than one part of an aerosol-generating article.
As used herein, the term “concentration” is used to describe an amount of a substance per unit area, or volume. For example, the concentration is used to quantify an amount or density of a substance within a component.
As used herein, the term “detect” is used to describe a process of identifying the presence of a substance.
As used herein, the term “dispenser” is used to describe a device or a means which is able to dispense, or apply, a substance to a material, for example, to a surface of a material, or within a material.
As used herein, the term “emitter” is used to describe a device that emits a signal.
As used herein, the term “faulty” as in “faulty component”, is used to describe any component that does not have the desired characteristics. As used herein, the term “interface” is used to describe the overlapping portion or boundary between two components. The interface may also be used to describe a further component that joins two components together. For example, the tipping paper of an aerosol-generating article may form an interface between the filter component and the aerosol-forming substrate.
As used herein, the term “predetermined” is used to describe a parameter that is established in advance. For example, a predetermined amount of taggant is established before the detection step of the amount of taggant.
As used herein, the term “reject” is used to describe a process of discarding a component. The term reject is also used to describe the process of preventing the component from proceeding downstream in a manufacturing process.
As used herein, the term “rod” is used to describe a component, segment or element, having a generally cylindrical cross-section, for use in an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a number of different rods, for example, a filter rod. The cylindrical cross-section may be a circular cross-section or an oval cross-section, for example.
As used herein, the term “sensor” is used to describe a device which is used to measure a physical property of an environment. For example, the sensor may be a device that is used in the manufacturing process for measuring a physical property of a component for an aerosol-generating article, to identify the component.
As used herein, the term “taggant” is used to describe a marker used to identify a component.
As used herein, the term “threshold” is used to describe a limit or boundary of an amount of taggant, which determines the suitability of the component which comprises the taggant. For example, below a threshold of 20 milligrams per square metre of taggant present in a component, it is determined that a component is not suitable. Components having less than 20 milligrams per square metre of taggant may be rejected as being faulty.
As used herein, the phrase “undesired area” is used to describe a part or a portion of a component where taggant is not wanted.
Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Example Ex1: A method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising taggant, the method comprising the step of applying taggant to a component. The method comprises the step of detecting an amount of the taggant that the component comprises. The method also comprises the step of determining whether the detected amount of taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount. The method comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.
Example Ex2: A method of manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, or component thereof, according to Example Ex1, further comprising the step of determining if the amount of the taggant on, or within, the component is greater than a second-predetermined amount. The method further comprises the step of rejecting a component when the detected amount of the taggant on, or within the component is greater than the second-predetermined amount.
Example Ex3: A method of manufacturing a component, according to Example Ex1 or Example Ex2, wherein the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre.
Example Ex4: A method of manufacturing a component, according to any one of the preceding Examples, further comprising the step of applying taggant to a component wherein the component is: a filter, a wrapper, a tipping paper, an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or any combination of the before mentioned components.
Example Ex5: A method of manufacturing a component, according to Example Ex4, wherein the component is: a susceptor, a mouth piece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element, or any combination of the before mentioned components.
Example Ex6: A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to an interface between a tobacco-rod component and a filter component.
Example Ex7: A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to an inner surface of a tipping component.
Example Ex8: A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: applying a taggant substantially around the circumference of the component.
Example Ex9: A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: repeating the detecting and determining steps, and if applicable, the rejection step.
Example Ex10: A method of manufacturing a component, according to any preceding Example, further comprising the step of: detecting the amount of taggant that the component comprises, after the manufacturing step of applying and securing the tipping paper component to another component.
Example Ex11: An apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising a taggant, the apparatus comprising a dispenser configured to apply taggant to a component. The apparatus also comprises a sensor configured to detect an amount of the taggant that the component comprises. The apparatus comprises a controller for determining whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount. The apparatus further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount.
Example Ex12: An apparatus according to Example Ex11, comprising multiple sensors, each sensor being configured to detect an amount of the taggant.
Example Ex13: An apparatus according to Example Ex11 or Example Ex12, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after the application and securing of a tipping paper component to another component.
Example Ex14: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex13, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after wrapping of the component.
Example Ex15: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex14, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after manufacture of a tobacco plug component.
Example Ex16: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex15, wherein the sensor comprises an emitter and a reader, wherein the emitter emits a signal and the reader reads a return signal from the taggant.
Example Ex17: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex16, further comprising an adhesive dispenser for dispensing adhesive.
Example Ex18: An apparatus according to Example Ex17, wherein the adhesive dispenser comprises a glue application roller.
Example Ex19: An apparatus according to Example Ex18, wherein the glue application roller comprises grooves.
Example Ex20: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex11 to Ex19, wherein the dispenser further comprises a mask configured to shield the dispensed taggant from reaching undesired areas.
Example Ex21: A kit of parts, comprising a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses suitable for the manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article. The kit of parts also comprises at least one sensor suitable for the detection of an amount of taggant that a component manufactured comprises. The kit of parts comprises a controller to determine whether the amount of taggant that a component comprises, is less than a first-predetermined amount. The kit of parts further comprises a rejection system configured to reject a component that has a taggant amount less than the first-predetermined amount.
Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components, steps and the like. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number. In addition, the use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Schematic drawings presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile of an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile and a partial section view of an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile of an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away cross-sectional schematic side profile and a partial section view of an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of another example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of an example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of a further example embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 101. The aerosol-generating article 101 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. The aerosol-generating article 101 has an aerosol-forming substrate 106 located at the distal end 104. The aerosol-generating article 101 has a means for heating the aerosol-forming substrate 106 to a temperature to form an aerosol. To heat the aerosol-forming substrate 106, the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with a heating element that, at least partially, surrounds, and is adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the aerosol-forming substrate 106. The heating element may be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 106.
On the proximal end 102, the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with a filter 108. The aerosol-forming substrate 106 is heated and forms an aerosol. When a negative pressure is applied to the proximal end 102 of the aerosol-generating article 101, the aerosol is drawn through the filter 108 at the proximal end 102.
The aerosol-generating article 101 has a hollow acetate tube 112 that is positioned in between the filter 108 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106. The hollow acetate tube 112 is placed in coaxial alignment with the filter 108 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106. The filter 108, hollow acetate tube 112 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 are assembled within a tipping paper 110. In this example, the tipping paper 110 is arranged over the filter 108 at the proximal end 102 of the aerosol-generating article 101. The tipping paper 110 covers the entirety of the hollow acetate tube 112. The tipping paper 110 partially covers the aerosol-forming substrate 106 at an end opposite the distal end 104 of aerosol-generating article 101. In some examples, the filter 108 is wrapped in a filter plug wrapper. In some examples, the hollow acetate tube 112 is wrapped in a hollow acetate tube plug wrapper. Additionally, or alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate 106 may be wrapped in an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrapper. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 101 is provided with one or more of: a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, an aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating article 101 may be provided with any combination of these.
Referring now to FIG. 2 , there is provided an aerosol-generating article 201. Aerosol-generating article 201 is substantially the same as aerosol-generating article 101 in FIG. 1 . Aerosol-generating article 201 is provided with tipping paper 210 that is arranged over the filter 208 at the proximal end 202, over the hollow acetate tube 212, and partially over the aerosol-forming substrate 206. FIG. 2 illustrates a section view of the tipping paper 210 from one end at the proximal end 202 of the aerosol-generating article 201 to the opposite end that partially covers the aerosol-forming substrate 206. An inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with a coating of adhesive 220. The adhesive 220 is provided to attach the tipping paper 210 to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 201. The adhesive 220 in this example is a glue 220. Glue 220 is applied on the inner surface of the tipping paper 210. The glue 220 contains a taggant. The taggant has a concentration of 150 milligrams per square metre. It is envisaged that the taggant may have any concentration between 5 milligrams per square metre to 500 milligrams per square metre. In this particular example, the glue 220 is sprayed onto the inner surface of the tipping paper 210. In this example, the taggant is mixed with the glue 220 prior to the application of the glue 220 onto the inner surface of the tipping paper. In some examples, the glue 220 is applied using a roller, such as a roller having grooves. The glue 220 may alternatively be applied by printing.
Thus, the inner surface of the tipping paper 210 is provided with an adhesive 220 containing taggant. It is also envisaged that in some examples, the inner surface of the tipping 210 is provided with a taggant directly applied using a spray nozzle, or by printing, or by using a roller. The tipping paper 210 is provided with a glue line 214 at a location where the tipping paper 210 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 206. The tipping paper 210 is also provided with a reinforced glue line 216 at the location where the tipping paper 210 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 206. The glue line 214 and the reinforced glue line 216 are provided to assist the attachment of the tipping paper 210 to the aerosol-forming substrate 206. In some examples, glue line 214 is provided. In other examples, reinforced glue line 216 is provided. In yet other examples, both glue line 214 and reinforced glue line 216 are provided so as to attach the tipping paper 210 to the aerosol-forming substrate 206. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , the tipping paper 210 is provided with a glue free zone 218. The glue free zone 218 is an area 218 that is absent of glue 220. This is so that the glue 220, does not block perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article 201, for example. In some examples, the glue free zone 218 has substantially less glue 220 relative to that on the inner surface of the tipping paper 210.
FIG. 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 301. The aerosol-generating article 301 has a proximal end 302 and a distal end 304. The aerosol-generating article 301 has an aerosol-forming substrate 306 located at the distal end 304. The aerosol-generating article 301 is provided with a heating source 324 that is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 306 to a temperature to form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article 301 is also provided with a heat-conducting element 326 arranged around and in direct contact with the heating element 324 and a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 306 located near the distal end 304 of the aerosol-generating article 301. The heat-conducting element 326 in this example is a stainless-steel tube 326 but it is envisaged that the heat-conducting element 326 may be any suitable heat-conducting material.
The proximal end 302 of the aerosol-generating article 301 is provided with a filter 308. The aerosol-forming substrate 306 is heated by the heating element 324 by conduction. This transfers heat energy to the aerosol-forming substrate 306 to produce an aerosol. The aerosol is drawn through the filter 308 at the proximal end 302, when a negative pressure is applied to the proximal end 302 of the aerosol-generating article 301.
The aerosol-generating article 301 is provided with a hollow acetate tube 312 that is positioned in between the filter 308 and the aerosol-forming substrate 306. The hollow acetate tube 312 is placed in coaxial alignment with the filter 308 and the aerosol-forming substrate 306. The filter 308, hollow acetate tube 312 and the aerosol-forming substrate 306 are assembled within a tipping paper 310. The tipping paper 310 is arranged to cover the filter 308, cover the hollow acetate tube 312, and arranged to partially cover the aerosol-forming substrate 306. The inner surface of the tipping paper 310 is provided with a coating of glue 320 to attach to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 301. As can be seen from FIG. 3 , the glue 320 is applied in two distinct areas on the circumference of the aerosol-generating article 301, separated from one another along the length of the aerosol-generating article 301. The glue 320 application areas are separated by a glue free zone 318. The glue free zone 318 is absent of glue 320. This is so that the glue 320, does not block perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article 301, for example. In some examples, the glue free zone 318 has substantially less glue 320 than the glue 320 application areas. The glue 320 contains a taggant. More specifically, the inner surface of the tipping paper 310 is provided with glue 320 containing taggant.
In other embodiments, other components of the aerosol-generating device 301 may instead or additionally be provided with a taggant. For example, a taggant may be applied by spraying, by printing, or by rolling, to the components of the aerosol-generating device 301. The taggant may be applied to any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive 320, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap. It is further envisaged that the taggant may be applied to any or a combination of: a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source 324, or an aerosol-generating element. The taggant may alternatively or additionally incorporated into the raw materials that are used to manufacture, for example, any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive 320, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source 324, or an aerosol-generating element. The raw materials may constitute the components of the aerosol-generating article 301. Taggants are uniquely encoded materials or chemistries that are virtually impossible to duplicate. Taggants can be used to identify the origin for a product, such as the aerosol-generating article 301, for example.
For illustrative purposes, the area denoted by 322 indicates a taggant detection zone 322 located at the junction between the aerosol-forming substrate 306 and the hollow acetate tube 312. The taggant detection zone 322 may be located at any part of the aerosol-generating article 301 that comprises a taggant. For example, the taggant detection zone 322 may be at a location containing the component which has a taggant, for example any or a combination of: an adhesive 320, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source 324, or an aerosol-generating element. It is envisaged that there may be provided more than one taggant detection zone 322 on the aerosol-generating article 301.
A corresponding detection system on an apparatus is provided. The apparatus will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 . The apparatus is provided with a sensor that detects the amount of the taggant that the component comprises. In this particular example, the sensor of the apparatus detects the amount of taggant which is contained in the taggant detection zone 322. Although the taggant detection zone 322 in this example is positioned at the junction between the aerosol-forming substrate 306 and the hollow acetate tube 312, it is envisaged that the taggant detection zone 322 may be located elsewhere on the aerosol-generating article 301 that comprises a taggant.
FIG. 4 shows an aerosol-generating article 401. Aerosol-generating article 401 is substantially the same as aerosol-generating article 201 in FIG. 2 and comprises a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404. Aerosol-generating article 401 is provided with tipping paper 410 that is arranged over the filter 408 at the proximal end 402, over the hollow acetate tube 412, and partially over the aerosol-forming substrate 406. An inner surface of the tipping paper 410 is provided with a coating of adhesive 420. The adhesive 420 is provided to attach tipping paper 410 to the rod of the aerosol-generating article 401. The adhesive 420 in this example is a glue 420. Glue 420 is applied on the inner surface of the tipping paper 410. The glue 420 contains a taggant. The taggant has a concentration of 150 milligrams per square metre. It is envisaged that the taggant may have any concentration between 5 milligrams per square metre to 500 milligrams per square metre. In this particular example, the glue 420 is sprayed onto the inner surface of the tipping paper 410.
The inner surface of the tipping paper 410 is provided with an adhesive 420 containing taggant. The tipping paper 410 is provided with a glue line 414 at a location where the tipping paper 410 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 406. The tipping paper 410 is provided with a reinforced glue line 416 at the location where the tipping paper 410 overlaps the aerosol-forming substrate 406. The glue line 414 and the reinforced glue line 416 are provided to attach the tipping paper 410 to the aerosol-forming substrate 406. The tipping paper 410 is provided with a glue free zone 418. The glue free zone 418 is an area 418 that is absent of glue 420. This is so that the glue 420, does not block perforation holes in the aerosol-generating article 401, for example. In some examples, the glue free zone 418 has substantially less glue 420 relative to that on the inner surface of the tipping paper 410.
The tipping paper 410 is provided with an additional glue line 419 comprising taggant. Glue line 419 is sprayed onto the tipping paper 410 to increase the concentration of taggant. The quantity of taggant may be increased. The increase of the concentration or the quantity of taggant improves the ease of detection of the taggant. In this example, the additional glue line 419 is sprayed by an adhesive nozzle. The additional glue line 419 has a width off 4 millimetres. Alternatively or in addition, the taggant may be incorporated in the raw materials that are manufactured to form any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive 420, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source 424, or an aerosol-generating element.
FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an apparatus 500. The apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence and quantity of the taggant in glue. In this example, the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence and quantity of the taggant in glue applied to tipping paper 110 (not shown). The apparatus 500 has a series of transport drums 550,552,554,556 configured to transport along them, a component for an aerosol-generating article. In this example, the transport drums 550,552,554,556 are arranged to transport tipping paper 110 towards another part of the manufacturing process where the tipping paper 110 is assembled with other components (not shown) to produce an aerosol-generating article.
The apparatus 500 is provided with a guiding roller 566 which receives the tipping paper 110 from a transport drum 554. The guiding roller 566 directs the tipping paper 110 to a combiner 560 downstream towards an assembly station (not shown), where the tipping paper 110 is assembled with other components to form an aerosol-generating article. Between the guiding roller 556 and the combiner 560, a sensor 562 is arranged directed towards the tipping paper 110. The sensor 562 emits a sensing signal 564 that is used to determine whether the tipping paper 110 comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present. In some examples, the sensor 562 detects the taggant concentration that the tipping paper 110 comprises. More specifically, the sensor 562 emits a signal 564 towards the tipping paper 110. In this particular example, the signal 564 is a spectroscopic signal. The taggant in this example has an identifiable spectroscopic signature. When the taggant is exposed to the emitted signal 564, the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 564 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked up by the sensor 562. The return signal is used to identify the taggant on the tipping paper 110 and its amount. It is envisaged that the signal 564 may be a light signal, a phosphorescent signal, an electromagnetic signal, or any suitable signal that may identify the taggant. In one example, the sensor 562 emits a light signal 564 which causes the taggant to absorb a specific wavelength, for example 1000 nanometres, or a wavelength range, for example between 930 nanometres and 1020 nanometres. The wavelengths of the light return signal received by the sensor 562 determines the absorbed wavelength of light and determines the taggant by reading the absent wavelength(s). The emitter of the sensor 562 may be a light-emitting diode. The receiver of the sensor 562 may be a photodiode. Other wavelengths are envisaged. In such cases, the emitter and receiver of the sensor 562 are tuned to the absorption and emission properties of the taggant. Additional optics, such as for example, a lens or a filter, may be provided to the sensor or in front of the sensor 562 to improve its sensitivity.
The apparatus 500 is capable of rejecting a component if it comprises an amount of taggant that is less than a predetermined amount. The apparatus 500 is provided with a control (not shown) which determines whether the amount of taggant detected by the sensor 562 is below a first-predetermined amount. In some examples, the control determines whether the amount of taggant detected by the sensor 562 is greater than a second-predetermined amount. The apparatus 500 in this example is provided with a rejection system (not shown). The rejection system is designed to reject a component if it comprises an amount of taggant that is less than a first-predetermined amount. The rejection system is designed also to reject a component if it comprises an amount of taggant that is greater than a second-predetermined amount. In this particular example, the tipping paper 110 is rejected if it comprises a taggant having a concentration of less than 5 milligrams per square metre. The tipping paper 110 is rejected if it comprises a taggant having a concentration of more than 500 milligrams per square metre. In some examples, the rejection system is designed to reject a component if it comprises having a concentration, or amount, of less than a first-predetermined amount, for example 20 milligrams per square metre. Not only is a component rejected if it does not contain a taggant, but a component is also rejected if it does not comprise a suitable amount of taggant. That is, is a component has an amount of taggant which is below a threshold amount of taggant of 20 milligrams per square metre, then it is determined that the component is faulty and does not provide suitable product performance. For example because some components are not present. In a similar way, in other examples, the rejection system is designed to reject a component if it comprises having a concentration, or amount, of greater than a second-predetermined amount, for example 550 milligrams per square metre. Above the threshold amount, it is determined that the component is faulty and would not provide a suitable product performance. An excess amount of taggant may indicate too much of a particular component is present. For example, if a high concertation of taggant is present in a component, where the taggant is present in glue, then it may be determined that too much glue is applied to the component.
After the sensor 562 detects the amount of taggant, a controller compares the detected amount of taggant with a predetermined amount of taggant. In this particular example, the controller determines whether the amount of taggant detected by the sensor 562 is within the range of 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre. If the detected amount of taggant is within the range of 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre, a positive signal is provided. The range in this particular example is 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre, but it is envisaged that other ranges may be applicable. For example, the range may be from 10 milligrams per square metre to 500 milligrams per square metre, or from 5 milligrams per square metre to 200 milligrams per square metre, or from 20 milligrams per square metre to 100 milligrams per square metre, for example. The positive signal is interpreted to mean that the tipping paper 110 comprises a suitable amount of taggant. However, if the detected amount of taggant is outside of the range of 5 milligrams per square metre and 500 milligrams per square metre, a negative signal is provided by the sensor 562. This negative signal indicates that the tipping paper 110 is to be rejected. The tipping paper 110 part corresponding to the negative signal is discarded and prevented from further being processed in the apparatus 500. The tipping paper 110 is removed from the apparatus. The portion of the tipping paper 110 corresponding to the negative signal may be rejected. In some examples, the full batch of the tipping paper 110 is rejected. In some examples, the machinery is stopped when a negative signal is detected, and the operator carries out a corrective action. The corrective action may be to change the source of the component, to change the glue tank, or to verify that the machine applies glue to the component, or that the machine applies glue evenly to the component, for example. In this example, the taggant is applied to and detected from the tipping paper 110, but it is envisaged that the taggant may be applied to and detected from any or a combination of: an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, a tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source, or an aerosol-generating element, for example.
It is also envisaged that in some examples, the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence of the taggant in glue. That is, the sensor 562 detects whether the tipping paper 110 comprises taggant. The sensor 562 emits a signal 564 towards the tipping paper 110 in the form a spectroscopic signal. The taggant has an identifiable spectroscopic signature. If a taggant is present, the taggant is exposed to the signal 564 emitted from the sensor 562. The taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 564 such that the spectroscopic signal is modified. When the signal 564 is reflected and picked up by the sensor 562, the sensor 562 determines that the tipping paper 110 comprises a taggant (that is, a taggant is present). Depending on whether the presence of a taggant is detected, the apparatus is designed to either reject the component or to keep the component. In this particular example, the tipping paper 110 is rejected if no taggant is detected by the sensor 562. In some examples, the entire component containing the tipping paper 110 is rejected if no taggant is detected by the sensor 562. By rejecting the tipping paper 110 or the entire component, the part is prevented from being further processed in the apparatus 500. In one example, the apparatus 500 is used for detecting the presence of the taggant in glue applied to tipping paper 110 (not shown). In other examples, the taggant may be applied to and detected from any or a combination of: an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a mouthpiece filter, spacer tube, tobacco element, flavourant element, a heat source or an aerosol-generating element.
FIG. 6 shows an apparatus 600 having a plurality of transport rollers 650,652,654,656 used to transport an aerosol-generating article (not shown) along them. The apparatus 600 detects the presence and quantity of the taggant applied to the aerosol-generating article. More specifically, in this example, the apparatus 600 is used to detect the presence and quantity of the taggant in the filter of the aerosol-generating article. In other examples, it is envisaged that the taggant is included in any or a combination of: a wrapper, an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or an aerosol-forming substrate plug wrap, a susceptor, a spacer tube, a tobacco element, a flavourant element, a heat source, or an aerosol-generating element. The transport rollers 650,652,654,656 are provided with a grooved surface that is designed to receive the aerosol-generating article. The apparatus 600 is provided with a first sensor 662 directed towards roller 650. The apparatus 600 is provided with a second sensor 672 downstream from the first sensor 662. The second sensor 672 is directed towards roller 652.
The first sensor 662 emits a first sensing signal 664 towards the filter component on drum 650 that is used to determine whether the filter component comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present. When the taggant in the filter is exposed to the emitted signal 664, the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 664 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked up by the first sensor 662. The return signal is used to identify the taggant in the filter and its amount. The second sensor 672 emits a second sensing signal 674 towards the filter component on drum 652 that is used to determine whether the filter component comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present. When the taggant in the filter is exposed to the emitted signal 674, the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 674 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked up by the second sensor 672. In some examples, the sensors 662,672 are angularly offset from one another. In some examples, a different number of sensors 662,672 are provide, directed towards any of transport rollers 650,652,654,656 provided in the apparatus 600. A sensor may be desired after most or all manufacturing steps where taggant is present, and it is desired to determine whether taggant is present in desired amounts or concentrations. Thus, faulty components may be rejected. It is particularly beneficial to have additional sensors for important or costly manufacturing steps, where faulty components would constitute a longer downtime or have large associated costs.
The apparatus 600 is provided with a control (not shown) which determines whether the amount of taggant detected by any or both of the sensors 662,672 is below a first-predetermined amount. In some examples, the control determines whether the amount of taggant detected by any or both of the sensors 662,672 is greater than a second-predetermined amount. In other examples, the control determines an average amount of taggant detected between the sensors 662,672 and compares the average amount to the predetermined amount. The apparatus 600 in this example is provided with a rejection system (not shown). The rejection system is designed to reject an aerosol-generating article if the filter comprises an amount of taggant that is less than a first-predetermined amount. The rejection system is designed also to reject an aerosol-generating article if the filter comprises an amount of taggant that is greater than second-predetermined amount. The sensors 662,672 each detect the amount of taggant in the same way as sensor 562 in the above example. However, since two sensors 662,672 are provided, each sensor 662,672 can operate individually to detect an amount of taggant simultaneously at different locations of the same aerosol-generating article. In some examples, each sensor 662,672 can operate to detect an amount of taggant simultaneously on different aerosol-generating articles. In some examples, additional sensors may be positioned at different stages along the manufacturing process, to ensure that the amount of taggant present in the component remains within an acceptable range as the component moves along the manufacturing line. This ensures that the product performance remains suitable.
FIG. 7 shows a portion of an apparatus 700 having a drum 752. The drum 752 has a central axis 753 about which the drum 752 rotates. The drum 752 has a plurality of grooves disposed around the circumference, in which aerosol-generating articles 101 are received. The aerosol-generating articles 101 are provided with a hollow acetate tube (not shown). The hollow acetate tube is formed from raw materials mixed with a taggant. Thus, the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 contains a taggant. As the drum 752 rotates about its axis 753, the aerosol-generating articles 101 are transported on a path along the circumference of drum 752. A first sensor 762 is arranged to emit a first signal 764 towards the aerosol-generating articles 101 as they are transported on drum 752. A second sensor 772 is arranged downstream from the first sensor 762. The second sensor 772 is arranged to emit a plurality of second signals 774 towards the aerosol-generating articles 101 at a location downstream of the first signal 764. When an aerosol-generating article 101 is transported on the drum 752, the aerosol-generating article 101 passes by the first sensor 764 to be sensed, and then passes by the second sensor 772, to be sensed.
The first sensor 762 emits a first signal 764 towards the aerosol-generating article 101 on the drum 752. The first sensor 762 determines whether the aerosol-generating article 101 comprises a taggant and if so, the amount of taggant that is present. When the taggant in the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 is exposed to the emitted first signal 764, the taggant absorbs a portion of the signal 764 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked by the first sensor 762. The return signal is used to identify the taggant in the aerosol-generating article 101, and its amount. The second sensor 772 emits a plurality of second signals 774 towards the aerosol-generating articles 101 on drum 752 to determine whether the aerosol-generating article 101 comprises a taggant, and the amount of taggant present. When the taggant in the hollow acetate tube of the aerosol-generating article 101 is exposed to the emitted second signal 774, the taggant absorbs a portion of the emitted signal 774 and alters the spectroscopic signal. The signal is reflected and picked by the second sensor 772. In this particular example, the second sensor 772 is designed to emit three signals 774. The provision of multiple signals 774 emitted by a single sensor 772 allows the aerosol-generating articles 101 to be detected at higher speeds. For example, the second sensor 772 is capable of detecting the amount of taggant comprised in the aerosol-generating articles 101 at a maximum speed of 10,000 articles per minute, or approximate 6 milliseconds per article. In some examples, an average signal between each of the multiple signals 774 of the second sensor 772 is provided.
After the sensors 762,772 detect the amount of taggant comprised in the aerosol-generating articles 101, a controller compares the detected amount of taggant with a predetermined amount of taggant in substantially the same way as described with reference to FIG. 6 . However, in this example, the controller determines whether an average amount detected by sensors 762,772 is within the range of taggant amounts corresponding to a positive signal.
FIG. 8 shows a portion of an apparatus 800 having a first drum 850 and a second drum 852. The first drum 850 has a first central axis 851 about which the first drum 850 rotates. The second drum 852 has a second central axis 853 about which the second drum 852 rotates. The second drum 852 has a plurality of protuberances 882 raised from the surface of the second drum 852. The protuberances 882 are spaced apart about the circumference of the second drum 852. The protuberances 882 are designed to engage an aerosol-generating article 101 so as to transport the aerosol-generating article 101 on a path along the circumference of the second drum 852. At a point where the aerosol-generating article 101 passes through and between the first drum 850 and the second drum 852, the first drum 850 engages the aerosol-generating article 101. This rotates the aerosol-generating article 101 rotates about its own axis in the direction denoted by the arrow 103.
A sensor 862 is provided at a location that allows the sensor 862 to be directed towards the aerosol-generating article 101 positioned between the first drum 850 and the second drum 852. When the aerosol-generating article 101 is rotated about its axis, sensor 862 emits a signal 864 towards the aerosol-generating article 101 as the article 101 rotates. This allows the aerosol-generating article 101 to be exposed to the sensor 862 in more than one position. There is provided visibility about the circumference of the aerosol-generating article 101. The sensor 862 determines whether the aerosol-generating article comprises a taggant, and the concentration of taggant present. When the taggant in the article 101 absorbs the emitted signal 864, the spectroscopic signal is altered. The signal reflects back at and is picked by the sensor 862. The return signal is used to determine the taggant in the aerosol-generating article 101, and the concentration of taggant present. The signal is then compared with a predetermined concentration of taggant in substantially the same way as described with reference to FIG. 6 .
All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including, alternatively or in addition, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, “have”, “having”, “include”, “including”, “comprise”, “comprising” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean “including, but not limited to”. It will be understood that “consisting essentially of”, “consisting of”, and the like are subsumed in “comprising,” and the like.
The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and, is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.
Any direction referred to herein, such as “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and other directions or orientations are described herein for clarity and brevity are not intended to be limiting of an actual device or system. Devices and systems described herein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.
The embodiments exemplified above are not limiting. Other embodiments consistent with the embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A method of manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising a taggant, the method comprising the steps of:

applying the taggant to the component;

detecting an amount of the taggant that the component comprises;

determining whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount; and

rejecting the component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.

17. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, wherein the first-predetermined amount of the taggant is a concentration of 5 milligrams of taggant per square metre.

18. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to the component wherein the component is: a filter, a wrapper, a tipping paper, an adhesive, a tipping paper adhesive, a filter plug wrap, or any combination thereof.

19. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to an interface between a tobacco-rod component and a filter component.

20. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant to an inner surface of a tipping paper component.

21. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: applying the taggant substantially around a circumference of the component.

22. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: repeating the detecting and the determining steps, and, if applicable, the rejection step.

23. The method of manufacturing a component according to claim 16, further comprising the step of: detecting the amount of taggant that the component comprises, after a step of applying and securing a tipping paper component to another component.

24. An apparatus for manufacturing a component for an aerosol-generating article, comprising a taggant, the apparatus comprising:

a dispenser configured to apply the taggant to the component;

a sensor configured to detect an amount of the taggant that the component comprises;

a controller configured to determine whether the detected amount of the taggant is less than a first-predetermined amount; and

a rejection system configured to reject the component when the detected amount of the taggant is less than the first-predetermined amount.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising multiple sensors, each sensor being configured to detect the amount of the taggant.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising at least a sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after a tipping paper component is applied and secured to another component.

27. The apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising at least one sensor positioned in the manufacturing line after a wrapping of the component.

28. The apparatus according to claim 24,

further comprising an adhesive dispenser configured to dispense adhesive,

wherein the adhesive dispenser comprises a glue application roller, and

wherein the glue application roller comprises grooves.

29. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the dispenser comprises a mask configured to shield the dispensed taggant from reaching undesired areas.

30. A kit of parts, comprising:

a plurality of manufacturing apparatuses configured for manufacturing of a component for an aerosol-generating article;

at least one sensor configured to detect an amount of a taggant that a component manufactured comprises;

a controller configured to determine whether the amount of the taggant that the component comprises is less than a first-predetermined amount; and

a rejection system configured to reject the component that has the taggant amount less than the first-predetermined amount.