Tobacco Documents Online

Public statement by B&W addressing Barclay controversy and use of Actron filter. Claims that the Actron filter improves taste delivery through unique smoke swirl impacting a large number of taste sensors in the mouth simultaneously. Discusses deficiencies of FTC machine testing system, and argues against singling out Barclay cigarettes for exclusion from this test methodology given the many modes of compensation possible among brands for human smokers.

Background materials describing TSB product development, including experimental design of consumer test, plan timeline (1985-1986) and previous product testing. Describes Project TSB objective to "fully explore potential of new technology that offers capability of manufacturing cigarettes containing two, distinct blends." Provides background including obtaining of TSB equipment from Hauni in 1982, formation of task force, secured exclusivity agreement, and direction of early product exploratories. Presents findings of modified puff-by-puff delivery curves leading to modification of strength related attributes, resulting in "products with characteristics not achievable bu use of conventional technology." Provides results of 1984 product development that concludes XG proposition inappriate for TSB. Describes plans for future testing (1985) "independent of a specific marketing strategy", to include internal sensory testing, consumer testing, and pilot consumer test.

Product delivery assessment for initial TSB experimental prototypes. Provides strategy for exploring how nicotine deliveries and perception (harshness, strength, impact, and tongue bite) can be modified with segmented technology. Suggests samples for experimentation and analysis.

Summary of Project Aries, a case study of a low tar cigarette achieved by ventilation alone, developed in response to the hypothesis that "unfiltered smoke represents the ultimate smoking experience." Found that although initial product reaction was favorable, the Aries cigarette was perceived as excessively irritating upon sustained smoking. Describes results of smoking behavior studies demonstrating that consumers smoked Aries more intensely and "were unable to adjust to the novel product." Evaluates smoke produced by Aries which has steep delivery profile, nicotine enrichment in latter puffs, and larger smoke particles. Concludes that intense smoking behavior coupled with suggested greater sensory impact of smoke resulted in unacceptable consumer product (too strong/ irritating). Notes that Project Aries findings "have been incorporated in the design of unique next generation filters."

Summary of "the history of swirl" and its sensory benefits. Describes shift in BAT filter research from control of smoke components to enhancement of sensory properties of smoke. Explains use of filters to swirl smoke as it emerges from filter and into smoker's mouth, enhancing smoke taste. Describes development of early grooved filter prototype, the Actron filter, which became one of the features of the Barclay cigarette. Notes Actron filter keeps smoke stream and ventilating stream apart until they exit from the cigarette, creating a more turbulent flow pattern. Links use of the Actron filter to "spatial summation", "when the highest number of neurons can be caused to fire at the highest rate, i.e. the given dose of smoke in this case has been caused to reach as many active receptor sites as possible as fast as possible, thus causing the maximum stimulus to the smoker." Describes delivery controversy resulting from introduction of Barclay (due to differences in machine and human smoking conditions) and introduction of Actron Plus and a number of prototypes developed under Project Kilt in response. Prototypes include tube filters, slot filters, and center-jet filters. Summarizes BAT "swirl conference" presentations concluding that swirl offers "demonstrable sensory benefits."

Notes lack of first puff taste is major concern in low delivery products. Evaluates use of different papers to address problem. Results suggest that permeability has greater influence on first puff taste than citrate. Low permeability yields higher taste (as wll as greater CO deliveries). Notes further investigation will be conducted.

Examines the influence of directed flows of smoke on sensory perception, describes the fabrication of various mouthpieces and states smoke stream direction under different angles to the axis of the cigarette rod influences mouthful and impact.

Reports flow and pressure drop measurements gathered using a liquid displacement flow system on filter rods, tobacco columns and multi-capillary pressure drop standards. Seeks outcomes on pressure drop of laminar and inertial flow, and entry and exit effects. Controls for equivalent flow at a common point in the rod. Uses regression equations to identify laminar or viscous flow as the major pressure drop component.

Presents speech introducing Barclay cigarette. Discusses the grooved filter design which provides ultra low tar with easy draw and good taste. Mentions test markets and plans to unveil the product on a national level. Relays Philip Morris' attempts at blocking the product's development, including a claim that the patent was Philip Morris', as well as a claim that the grooved filter was faulty in mechanism, therefore providing more tar than the ultra low tar levels Brown and Williamson cited. Includes hand written chart of Consumer Ratings of Strength and Flavor which ranks Barclay 85 higher than Merit 85 in strength. Includes marginalia.

Suggests changes to the application of burn additives to cigarette paper giving a checkerboard pattern. Hypothesizes the burn line region is a high pressure drop area, and the addition of a ventilation hole "should provide much less ventilation." Indicates increasing the width of the check should result in increased ventilation.