How the Eclipse Is Designed
04/20/00
RJR Reynolds Tobacco is test-marketing a reduced-smoke cigarette that it claims is safer for smokers than other cigarettes.
It says the Eclipse heats tobacco to produce smoke, while most cigarettes burn tobacco.
RJR said its uses heated air in this process:
When a smoker lights an Eclipse, a carbon heat source at the tip of the cigarette is ignited. The heat source continues to burn as the cigarette is smoked, transferring heat and heated air through the cigarette as the smoker puffs.
RJR compared the process to a coffee maker, in which hot water releases the flavor and aroma of the coffee grounds as it passes through them. With Eclipse, the heat passes through the tobacco and forms smoke by releasing glycerin and natural and added flavors from the tobacco.