The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 14, 1997
Filed:
Jun. 25, 1993
Ernest G Farrier, Winston-Salem, NC (US);
Joseph J Chiou, Clemmons, NC (US);
Richard L Lehman, Franklin Park, NJ (US);
Chandra K Banerjee, Pfafftown, NC (US);
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Winston-Salem, NC (US);
Abstract
Electrochemical heat sources, materials used to make electrochemical heat sources and methods of forming electrochemical heat sources are disclosed. The electrochemical heat sources includes at least two metallic agents capable of interacting electrochemical with one another, such as magnesium and iron or nickel. The metallic agents may be provided in a variety of forms, including a frozen melt, a bimetallic foil, wire of a first metal wrapped around strands of a different metal, and a mechanical alloy. The metallic agents may be in the form of a powder filling a straw, or small particles extruded with a binder or pressed to form a rod. The powder filled straw or rod may be placed in a heat chamber surrounded by tobacco in a smoking article. An electrolyte solution contacts the metallic agents in the heat chamber to initiate the electrochemical interaction, generating heat which in turn may be used to volatilize nicotine and flavor materials in the tobacco. The heat sources may also be used to heat foods or beverages, in hand warmers, and to heat equipment or materials.