A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rod of tobacco or the like enclosed by a paper strip is described, wherein a paper strip is supported and transported by a garniture tape and tobacco is deposited on the paper strip. The tobacco is compressed into a tobacco core and the paper strip is closed with its longitudinal edges parts around the compressed tobacco core. A channel is formed in the circumference of the tobacco rod during the compressing by means of an entrance finger with a ridge. A second longitudinal edge part of the paper strip is folded into the channel by a folding element and a first longitudinal edge part is subsequently laid over said channel.

A tobacco-filled smoking article adapted to produce a low proportion of toxic substances such as carbon monoxide in the gaseous products of combustion comprising a tobacco filling and means to confine said tobacco, wherein within the volume of tobacco, there is at least one tobaccoless region separated from the tobacco by a substantially air-impermeable partition.

This invention provides a smoke vector for a cigarette, and the like, for modifying or altering the mainstream smoke at or near the combustion zone or burning zone. The smoke vector comprises a thin walled elongated, impervious tube-like member or vector which is hollow and empty. The vector extends longitudinally through the cigarette and terminates with an impervious mouth end. During an indrawn breath by the smoker, the products of the combustion of tobacco in systemic heat is below the formation temperatures of temperature dependant hazardous chemicals.

A smoking article (10) is disclosed, in which a tube (12) of combustible, heat fusible material is surrounded by tobacco filler (14) and wrapper (16). Tube (12) extends from approximately 5 mm from the mouth end of the filter to within approximately 10 mm of the opposite end of smoking cylinder (17). By directing essentially unfiltered, undiluted smoke to the smoker during the initial puffs, tube (12) gives the impression of a stronger flavored cigarette. After the first several puffs, the tube (12) is melted shut and normal dilution occurs.

The present invention is directed to cigarettes and other smoking articles, as well as disposable cartridges for such smoking articles, which utilize compact carbonaceous fuel elements, and which provide low levels, i.e., less than about 10 mg, of carbon monoxide (CO) to the smoker. In general, these high density (about 0.7 to 1.5 g/cc) fuel elements have a plurality of passageways therein or thereon, and further comprise at least about 80-90% carbon by weight. The fuel elements are less than about 7 mm in length, preferably from about 3 to 6.5 mm, most preferably from about 5.5 to 6.0 mm, and less than about 7 mm in diameter, preferably from about 4.0 to 6.5 mm, and most preferably from about 4.8 to 6.0 mm.