ES2412182T3 - Flavored carbon useful as a smoking article filter material - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for preparing flavored carbon particles, the process comprising: (i) introducing activated carbon particles (212) into a container (200) (240); (ii) introducing a fluidizing gas into the vessel (200) (240) to fluidize the activated carbon particles (212) (242); and (iii) introducing a liquid flavoring agent into the container (200) (240) while the activated carbon particles (212) (242) are in a fluidized state, the liquid flavoring agent being absorbed and / or adsorbed onto the carbon particles. activated, the procedure of which is carried out without heating the activated carbon particles while they are in a fluidized state.

Description

Flavored carbon useful as a smoking article filter material

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the treatment of carbon particles with a flavoring agent and the use of flavored carbon as a filtering material in a smoking article.

Background

Cigarette filters, which incorporate various materials that mechanically, chemically and / or physically eliminate components of the mainstream of cigarette smoke have the disadvantage of non-selectively filtering components of the mainstream of smoke, even those components that They contribute to the aroma. The result may be a cigarette with an unsatisfactory taste. In U.S. Patent Nos. 3,236,244; 3,972,335; 4,281,671; 4,549,875; 4,567,850; 4,662,384; 4,715,390; 4,768,526; 5,012,829; 5,016,654; 5,144,967; 5,356,704; 5,588,446; and 5,598,868 efforts have been described to improve the taste of cigarettes by incorporating a flavoring agent in the cigarette.

US Patent No. 3,236,244 describes a cigarette filter in which activated carbon is used to release a flavoring agent while smoking a cigarette. The '244 patent states that there is no significant release of the flavoring agent adsorbed by volatilization or otherwise during storage and that a filter element containing adsorbed menthol does not evidence the characteristic smell of the flavoring agent. In the only example of the '244 patent, activated carbon was added to a solution of menthol-ethyl alcohol and water, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours, the carbon was filtered off and washed three times with water with 20% alcohol content, and the washed carbon was dried for 20 minutes in an oven at 104 ° C (220 F). The carbon product was dispersed in a cellulosic carrier base and transformed into a sheet of paper that weighed approximately 16 grams per square meter.

U.S. Patent No. 3,972,335 describes a cigarette filter containing menthol or another smoke flavoring agent in which granular activated carbon is impregnated with a porosity modifying agent such as sucrose capable of blocking the most retained parts of activated carbon, and Less retentive parts of activated carbon are available for adsorption of the flavoring agent. According to the '335 patent, the activated carbon includes from 0.2 to 20, preferably from 2 to 10% by weight of menthol or other smoke flavoring agent. The porosity modifying agent is added in amounts of 1 to 40, preferably 5 to 30% by weight of the original weight of the activated carbon, such amounts being less than the maximum amount that could be impregnated in the carbon. The '335 patent states that the porosity modifying agent will occupy at least 50% of the pore volume and at least 60% of the surface area. Porosity modifying agent materials are preferably organic compounds that are not solvents for menthol or other smoke flavoring agent. Similarly, the porosity modifying agent should not be soluble in the solvent system used to incorporate menthol or other smoke flavoring agent when subsequently added to activated carbon. The pore modifying agent can be sprayed on the activated carbon or the activated carbon can be immersed in the solution, after which the treated carbon is dried at about 80 to 110 ° C. The menthol can be liquefied by heating and sprayed on the carbon, a concentrated solution of menthol in a solvent such as ethanol can be sprayed on the activated carbon.

U.S. Patent No. 4,256,773 describes a container that can be closed which includes a carbonaceous molecular sieve that carries adsorbed bromide thereon. The bromide adsorption on the carbonaceous molecular sieve can be carried out by contacting the expensive molecular sieve with a carrier gas containing gaseous bromide, by immersion of the carbonaceous molecular sieve in aqueous bromide, or by spraying the carbonaceous molecular sieve directly with liquid bromide .

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2001/0002387 describes an activated carbon impregnated with bromide in which the activated carbon can be impregnated with bromide using any of the techniques described above in relation to U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,773

U.S. patents No. 4,163,452 and 4,363,333 describe the use of porous particles of activated carbon as a filter material in cigarette filters. The '452 patent describes that the activated porous carbon is treated with 0.5 to 25% nitroxide and is used in a central section of a triple filter. The '333 patent describes that the activated porous carbon is treated with 2 to 15% of a C-nitroso compound and the treated carbon is used in the central cavity of a triple filter having at each end 5 mm length filter plugs of cellulose acetate.

In U.S. patents No. 3,091,550; 3,217,715; 3,652,461; 4,062,368; 5,344,626; 5,496,785; 5,538,929; 5,614,459; 5,705,269; 5,880,061; and 6,117,810 describe various modified forms of activated carbon. The production of said modified activated carbon typically requires additional process steps, such as coating the activated carbon with solutions, filtration, drying and / or crystallization. US Patent No. 5,792,720 describes a method of manufacturing activated carbon impregnated with TEDA in a fluidized bed absorption tower in which hot air and steam from TEDA are supplied to the bottom of the tower.

U.S. Patent No. 4,068,389 describes a distribution plate of a fluidized bed apparatus. In "Controlling particle size and release properties" by David M. Jones (see chapter 17 of the Encapsulation of Flavor, ACS

5 Symposium Series 370, 1988, pages 158-176), fluidized beds used to dry, granulate, spray coat, agglomerate and the like are described. Despite several developments in adsorbent and filtration materials, an economical technique for the production of flavor-impregnated carbon would be desirable.

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a process for manufacturing a flavored carbon that is

10 can use as a flavor release component of a cigarette. The method comprises (i) introducing activated carbon particles into a container, (ii) introducing a fluidization gas into the container in order to fluidize the activated carbon particles, and (iii) introducing a flavoring liquid into the container while The activated carbon particles are in a fluidized state, the flavoring liquid being applied to the carbon particles by adsorption and / or absorption. The process of the invention is carried out without

15 heat the activated carbon particles in the fluidized state.

Preferably, the activated carbon comprises at least about 80% micropores, has an average particle size of about 10 mesh to about 70 mesh, and / or has an average particle size of about 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The micropore volume of the activated carbon is preferably at least 0.2 cc / g, more preferably 0.2 to 0.4 cc / g.

An embodiment of the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cigarette filter, said method comprising: (i) providing flavored carbon particles as described above, and (ii) incorporating the carbon particles flavored in a cigarette filter.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cigarette, said method comprising: (i) providing a cut filter to a cigarette maker to form a rod of

Tobacco, (ii) place a paper wrap around the tobacco rod, (iii) provide a cigarette filter that includes flavored carbon particles as described above, and (iv) attach the cigarette filter to the wand. tobacco to form the cigarette.

Brief description of the drawings

Various features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description 30 of the preferred embodiments thereof in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram of a batch or batch type fluidized bed apparatus that can be used to treat carbon particles with a flavoring additive.

Figure 2 is a diagram of a continuous type fluidized bed apparatus that can be used to treat carbon particles with a flavoring additive.

Figure 3 is a perspective view with cut and separated parts of a cigarette incorporating an embodiment of the present invention, in which folded paper containing the modified surface adsorbent is inserted into a hollow part of an element of Tubular cigarette filter.

Figure 4 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated into folded paper and inserted into a hollow part 40 of a first free-flowing sleeve. of a tubular filter element next to a second free flow sleeve.

Figure 5 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated in a plug-space-type filter element.

Figure 6 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present

The invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated into a three-piece filter element having three plugs.

Figure 7 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated into a four-piece filter element having a plug-space arrangement. plug and a hollow sleeve.

Figure 8 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated in a three-part filter element, with two plugs and a hollow sleeve .

Figure 9 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated into a two-part filter element, with two plugs.

Figure 10 is a perspective view with parts cut and separated from another embodiment of the present invention, in which the modified surface adsorbent is incorporated into a filter element that can be used in a smoking article.

Detailed description

The invention provides a process for the manufacture of flavored carbon particles, in which a flavoring agent that includes one or more flavor ingredients is applied to activated carbon particles in a fluidized state. The invention also relates to processes incorporating flavored carbon particles.

The flavored carbon particles can be used as a means of flavor release and a filtering agent. In particular, the flavored carbon particles of the invention could be used to release flavor, while filtering one or more selected components in the mainstream smoke. The term "mainstream" of smoke includes the mixture of gases that pass through the tobacco rod and emerge through the end of the filter, that is, the amount of smoke that comes out or is removed from the nozzle part of an article of smoking while smoking the smoking article. The mainstream smoke contains smoke that is sucked through both the lit region of the smoking article, as well as through the paper wrapper.

Activated carbon is available in different forms of particles, such as granules, globules, powders, or the like and can be made from various sources, including bituminous coal, brown coal, coconut shells, wood, olive bones, peat, synthetic polymers, petroleum pitch, petroleum coke and coal tar pitch. Carbon can be activated by steam treatment or chemically, for example, by thermally treating sawdust with phosphoric acid as a catalyst. The activation treatment develops the porosity of carbon and the activated carbon can be provided with a wide range of pore sizes or the pore sizes can be controlled to provide a desired pore size distribution. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,880,061 describes a process for providing carbon based carbon with a pore size distribution of at least 0.25 ml / g of pore sizes below 15 angstroms, representing at least 40% of the total volume of pores, of pores of up to 300 angstroms, and at least 10% of the total pore volume of up to 300 angstroms that have pore sizes of 100 to 300 angstroms. In general, it is desirable that the active carbon has a pore volume of at least 0.2 cc / g and a BET specific surface area of at least 100 m2 / g, preferably of at least 250 m2 / g and more preferably of at minus 500 m2 / g, for example, 1000 to 2000 m2 / g. Activated carbon is available in various particle sizes, such as 12x20 mesh or 16x35 mesh and U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,452 and 4,363,333 describe the use of 100 g of activated carbon particles in the cavity of a triple filter in order to reduce the NO level in the mainstream of the smoke. In accordance with the present invention, the flavoring agent can be applied to commercially available activated carbon or specially prepared activated carbon.

The flavored carbon particles can be manufactured by the following procedure, in which a fluidized bed is used to apply a flavoring agent to the activated carbon particles. In the process, activated carbon particles are introduced into a container. In order to fluidize the particles, a gas such as nitrogen is introduced into the bottom of the container. While the particles are in a fluidized state, a flavoring agent such as a conventional or private aroma solution containing one or more aroma ingredients is introduced into the container. The liquid flavoring is sprayed or dripped onto the fluidized particles, while keeping the particles at room temperature, that is, the process is carried out without heating the particles. Although the liquid flavoring agent is applied to the upper surface of the fluidized bed, the agitation of the carbon particles distributes the flavoring agent throughout the entire bed of carbon particles.

A particularly preferred activated carbon is marketed by PICA USA, Inc., Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Activated carbon could also be manufactured by any suitable method known in the art. Such methods include, for example, carbonization of coconut shell, coal, wood, resin, cellulose fibers, or polymer fibers. Carbonization is usually carried out at high temperatures, that is, 200-800 ° C in an inert atmosphere, followed by activation under reducing conditions. The activated carbon particles produced can be in the form of globules, granules, fragments, dust or fibers.

In a preferred embodiment, the activated carbon comprises granulated carbon having particles of a size ranging from about 0.1 mm to 5 mm. For example, the carbon particles can be carbon pellets having sizes from 0.5 to 5 mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the activated carbon particles range in size from about 0.2 mm to 1 mm. In terms of Tyler sieve mesh size, the carbon particles are preferably about 6 mesh to 70 mesh, preferably 10 mesh to 70 mesh, and more preferably about 14 mesh to 35 mesh.

The carbon particles can have any desired pore size distribution, such as micropores, mesopores and macropores. The term "microporous" generally refers to materials having pore sizes of about 20 or less, while the term "mesoporous" generally refers to materials with pore sizes of about 20-500 A. In a form of preferred embodiment, the ratio of micropores to mesopores will be approximately 20 to 80% micropores and 80 to 20% mesopores. In a more preferred embodiment, the pores of the activated carbon comprise at least 80% micropores. The relative proportion of micropores, mesopores and macropores can be provided in such a way that certain selected gaseous components can be removed from the tobacco smoke stream. Therefore, pore sizes and pore distribution can be adjusted according to the needs for a given application.

Activated carbon can be chosen to have a sufficient surface area to preferentially adsorb selected components of cigarette smoke. Although the surface area is inversely proportional to the particle size, when used as a cigarette filter material, particles of activated carbon of small particle size can be packaged excessively dense to allow the flow of the mainstream of smoke to through the filter while smoking. If the particle size is too large, the surface area may be insufficient to achieve the desired degree of filtration. Therefore, such factors can be taken into consideration when selecting an activated carbon having a particular particle size.

The flavoring agent used in the manufacture of the flavored carbon particles can be adsorbed and /

or absorbed by activated carbon, for example, the flavoring agent may be located on the outer and / or inner surfaces of the activated carbon. However, it is desirable to apply the flavoring agent in a manner that does not block all pores to thereby allow selective removal of one or more gaseous components of tobacco smoke. For example, the flavoring agent can be applied in a manner that allows the aromatized carbon to reduce the content of one or more gaseous components such as 1,3-butadiene, acrolein, isoprene, propionaldehyde, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, styrene, acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. For example, the activated carbon particles can be provided with a load of 0.1 to 20% by weight of the flavoring agent. A preferred filler is 1 to 5% of the flavoring agent. Due to the volatility of the flavoring agent, the flavoring agent is applied without heating during or after the fluidized bed treatment.

In the fluidization treatment, an inert gas such as nitrogen is used to fluidize the carbon particles. The flow rate of the fluidization gas will depend on the size of the fluidized bed. In a preferred embodiment, the flow rate is at least 0.1 m3 / minute (5 ft3 / minute), more preferably 0.3 to 0.6 m3 / minute (10 to 20 ft3 / minute). The flow rate of the flavoring agent on the carbon particles will depend on the amount of carbon being treated and / or the duration of the fluidized bed treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the flavoring agent is applied in the form of a liquid with a flow rate of at least 10 g / minute, for example, 15 to 25 g / minute for a batch of 11 kg (25 pounds) of carbon . The flavoring agent may be dissolved or suspended in an excipient, such as propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol, ethanol, water, glycerin or the like, for example, an aqueous solution containing flavoring agent and ethanol. After the flavoring agent is applied to the carbon in the fluidized bed, the fluidization action can be continued to promote the complete distribution of the flavoring agent in the fluidized bed. As an example, the flavoring agent can be applied to the carbon particles for a period of 15 minutes and the fluidization action can be continued for another 5 minutes later. Although it is not desired to be bound by theory, it is believed that the fluidization gas is effective in causing the flavoring agent to be distributed throughout all carbon particles by mass transfer and / or particle collisions.

According to a preferred embodiment, the flavored carbon according to the invention is prepared in a fluidizing bed apparatus. Any suitable container that is capable of keeping the activated carbon particles in a fluidized state can be used. Such containers can be designed as batch or continuous process apparatus.

An exemplary fluidized bed arrangement of the batch type is shown in Figure 1 and an example of a continuous type fluidized bed arrangement is shown in Figure 2. A very advantageous feature of the fluidized bed technique for the application of the carbon flavoring agent is that carbon can provide aroma while performing an additional function of reducing the content of at least one gaseous component in tobacco smoke, including the at least one 1,3-butadiene, acrolein, isoprene, propionaldehyde, acrylonitrile, benzene, toluene, styrene, acetaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide gas component.

In the arrangement of Figure 1, a container 200 is loaded with activated carbon 212 and a fluidizing gas flows upwardly through openings in a distribution plate 214. The gas preferably comprises an inert gas such as nitrogen supplied through the feed pipe 216. After passing through the bed of carbon particles, the fluidizing gas is removed from the vessel through the exhaust pipe 218, after passing through filters 220, 222. The carbon particles they can be supplied to the container 210 through the feed port 224. To clean the accumulated material, such as fine carbon particles, a cleaning gas, such as nitrogen, can be blown through the filters of 220, 222 via the feed pipe 226. A series of valves can be used to isolate the exhaust pipe 218 from the feed pipe 226, thereby preventing The nitrogen flows into the supply pipe 226 when the gases are removed through the exhaust duct 218. Similarly, the valves can isolate the exhaust pipe 218 from the insufflated gas supplied by the feed pipe 226 during the cleaning the filters 220, 222. The cleaning of the filter can be carried out during the treatment of the carbon, for example, the nitrogen can be blown periodically while the carbon is in a fluidized state. By way of

For example, if the carbon is treated for 15 minutes, the nitrogen insufflation can be carried out in pulses of 2 seconds every 60 seconds during the carbon treatment. The liquid flavoring agent in the reservoir 228 can be extracted with a pump 230 that sends the liquid flavoring agent through the feed line 232 and into the container after passing through the nozzles 234, 236. The treated carbon can be removed from the container through a discharge pipe 238.

In the arrangement of Figure 2, a compartmentalized vessel 240 with activated carbon 242 is loaded and a fluidizing gas flows upward through openings in a distribution plate (not shown). The gas preferably comprises nitrogen supplied through the feed line 246. After passing through the bed of carbon particles, the fluidization gas is removed from the vessel through the exhaust line 248 after passing through filters. 250, 251, 252, 253. Carbon particles can be supplied to the

15 container 240 through the feed line 254.

To clean the accumulated material, such as fine carbon particles, a cleaning gas, such as nitrogen, can be blown through the filters 250, 252 through the supply line 256. A series of valves can be used to isolate the exhaust pipe 248 from the feed pipe 256, whereby nitrogen is prevented from flowing into the feed pipe 256 when the gases are removed through the exhaust pipe 20 248. Similarly, the valves can isolate the exhaust pipe 248 of the insufflated gas that is supplied by the supply line 256 during the cleaning of the filters 250, 253. The cleaning of the filter can be carried out during the treatment of the carbon, for example, the nitrogen blowing periodically while the carbon is in a fluidized state. As an example, if the carbon is treated for 15 minutes, the subsequent nitrogen insufflation can be carried out in pulses of 2 seconds every 60 seconds during the

25 carbon treatment.

The flavoring liquid in the reservoir 258 can be extracted with a pump 260 that sends the liquid flavoring agent through the feed line 262 into the container after passing through the nozzles 264, 265, 266, 267. The carbon treated can be removed from the container through a discharge pipe

268. The container 240 may have any desired number of compartments, for example, in the form of

In the embodiment shown, the container includes 6 compartments 270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280, separated by partitions 282, 284, 286, 288, 290. The liquid flavoring agent can only be supplied to the intermediate compartments 272, 274, 276, 278, whereby the first compartment 270 can be used as a cargo compartment and the last compartment 280 can be used as a discharge compartment.

The passage of carbon particles from one compartment to the next is achieved by arranging one or more openings

35 in partitions 282, 284, 286, 288, 290. For example, a single opening can be arranged at the bottom of each partition, for example, a rectangular opening of 2.5 - 5 cm (1-2 inches) by 5 - 10 cm (2-4 inches). To prevent carbon particles from flowing directly from one compartment to the next, it is convenient to move the openings, for example, the first partition 282 can have an opening near one side of the container and the next partition 284 can have an opening near the opposite side of the container, and so on,

40 to provide a tortuous trajectory of carbon displacement through the vessel.

The fluidized bed of carbon particles behaves like a liquid, being a part of the fluidized particles driven upwards by the fluidization gas, and some of the particles being transferred from the first compartment 270 to the second compartment 272 as it flows through of an opening (for example, 2.5 by 5 cm (1 by 2 inch) opening) between the compartments 270, 272 in the lower part of the partition 282. 45 In the same way, the particles move from compartment to compartment until they reach the discharge compartment. Therefore, the particles are moved from compartment to compartment while in a fluidized state and finally removed from the container after a predetermined residence time. The residence time may vary depending on the size of the container and the number of compartments. In a preferred embodiment, the residence time may vary from 5 to 60 minutes,

50 more preferably 10 to 20 minutes.

The sizes of the container compartments are preferably the same and the liquid flavoring agent can be distributed in the intermediate compartments by means of 2 or more outlets in each compartment. The liquid flavoring agent is preferably supplied to each compartment at a flow rate that achieves a uniform distribution of the flavoring agent on the carbon particles. For example, the flavoring can be supplied at a flow rate that results in liquid droplets, liquid spraying, or a continuous flow of liquid onto the bed of fluidized particles. If sprayed, it is desirable that the flavoring agent is not atomized to the point that the volatile flavoring agent (s) is conducted out of the container rather than applied to Carbon particles Although it is not desired to be bound by theory, it is believed that the uniform distribution of the flavoring agent is helped with the fluidization gas, which aids in the transfer of 60 mass of the flavoring agent from particle to particle while the particles move in vertical and / or horizontal directions in the fluidized bed. A preferred output arrangement provides an output for the

distribution of flavoring agent over an area of 130 to 350 cm2 (20 to 60 inches2), for example, about 190 to 260 cm2 (30 to 40 inches2) on the upper surface of the fluidized bed.

The flavoring agent can be applied to the fluidized particles at any desired temperature. In a preferred embodiment, the bed is not heated and the particles may be at a temperature in the range of 4 to 5 20 ° C (40 to 70 ° F), preferably 7 to 18 ° C (45 to 65 ° F). It is not necessary to heat the carbon particles during the treatment because proper impregnation of the particles with the flavoring agent can be achieved without heating. In fact, depending on the composition of the flavoring agent, heating of the fluidized particles could result in the loss of flavoring through evaporation of the flavoring agent. In a preferred embodiment, substantially all of the flavoring agent introduced into the container is impregnated in the carbon particles. In terms of added weight, the carbon particles can be treated to include 0.1 to 20% of the flavoring agent, preferably 1 to 5% of flavoring agent. The flavoring agent preferably masks the taste of the carbon particles and introduces acceptable aroma and flavor characteristics when used in a cigarette filter. In addition, it is desirable that the treated carbon particles do not have an unpleasant odor, that is, the treated carbon particles are essentially

15 odorless However, when incorporated into a cigarette filter, the treated carbon particles preferably release some of the flavoring agent (through the displacement of the molecules), while removing gaseous components from the passing tobacco smoke stream. Through the filter.

Flavored carbon particles can be used in a variety of applications, including smoking articles, sting filler compositions and cigarette filters. Therefore, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a smoking article comprising flavored carbon particles. The smoking article can be any article containing smoking material, such as a cigarette, a pipe, a cigar and a non-traditional cigarette. Non-traditional cigarettes include, for example, cigarettes for electric smoking systems such as those described in U.S. Pat. ceded in common, No. 6,026,820; 5,988,176; 5,915,387; 5,692,526; 5,692,525; 5,666,976; and 5,499,636. The flavored carbon particles may be

25 located in a filter and / or dispersed in the smoking material itself. Typical smoking articles are included from about 10 mg to about 200 mg of the flavored carbon particles, although the necessary amount can also be easily determined by routine experimentation and / or adjusted accordingly.

The invention further relates to cigarette filters comprising flavored carbon particles.

30 Any conventional or modified filter can incorporate the flavored carbon particles. In one embodiment, the flavored carbon particles are incorporated into or on a support such as paper (for example, nozzle-forming paper) that is located along a filter part of a cigarette. As those skilled in the art will recognize, said paper can be used, for example, as a wrapper or a liner of a cigarette filter part. Flavored carbon particles can also be loaded on such a support

35 as slightly folded or tight paper inserted into a hollow part of the cigarette filter. The support is preferably in the form of a sheet material such as crepe paper, filter paper, or nozzle forming paper. However, other suitable support materials, such as compatible organic or inorganic cigarette materials, can also be used.

Figure 3 illustrates a cigarette 2 having a tobacco rod 4, a filter portion 6, and a filter cap 8 of

40 nozzle As shown, the flavored carbon particles can be loaded onto folded paper 10, inserted into a hollow cavity such as the inside of a free-flowing sleeve 12 that forms part of the filter portion 6.

Figure 4 shows a cigarette 2 having a tobacco rod 4 and a filter portion 6, in which the folded paper 10 is located in the hollow cavity of a first free-flowing sleeve 13 located between the filter 8 of the nozzle and a second free-flowing sleeve 15. Paper 10 can be used in other forms than a folded sheet. For example, paper 10 can be deployed as one or more individual strips, a roll, etc. However, a certain amount of flavored carbon particles can be provided in the cigarette filter portion by adjusting the amount of flavored carbon particles coated per unit of paper surface and / or the total area of the coated paper used. in the filter (for example, can be provided

50 larger amounts of adsorbed modified surface simply using larger pieces of coated paper). In the cigarettes shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tobacco rod 4 and the filter part 6 are joined together with nozzle forming paper 14. In both cigarettes, the filter portion 6 can be held together by the envelope 11 of the filter.

Flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into the filter paper in various ways. For example, it

55 can mix the flavored carbon particles with water to form a liquid sludge. Then the liquid sludge can be spread on a preformed paper filter and allowed to dry. The filter paper can then be incorporated into the filter part of a cigarette in the manner shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Alternatively, the dried paper can be rolled up in a plug and inserted into a filter portion of the cigarette. For example, the paper can be rolled up as a stopper and inserted as a stopper inside a free-flowing filter element, such

60 as a polypropylene or cellulose acetate sleeve. In another arrangement, the paper may comprise an inner liner of said free flow filter element.

Alternatively, the flavored carbon particles are added to the filter paper during the papermaking process. For example, flavored carbon particles may be mixed with bulk cellulose to form a mixture of cellulose pulp. The mixture can then be transformed into filter paper according to methods known in the state of the art.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flavored carbon particles are incorporated into the fibrous material of the cigarette filter portion itself. Such filter materials include, but are not limited to, fibrous filter materials that include paper, cellulose acetate fibers and polypropylene fibers. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5, which shows a cigarette 2 composed of a tobacco rod 4 and a filter portion 6 in the form of a plug-space-stopper filter having a nozzle filter 8, a stopper 16, and a space 18.

The plug 16 may comprise a tube or solid piece of material such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene fibers. The tobacco rod 4 and the filter portion 6 are joined together with nozzle forming paper

14. The filter portion 6 may include a wrapper 11 of the filter. The filter envelope 11 containing traditional fibrous filter material and the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into or onto the filter envelope 11 as coating the mime. Alternatively, the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into the

15 nozzle filter 8, in the cap 16, and / or in the space 18. In addition, the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into any element of the filter portion of a cigarette. For example, the filter portion may consist only of the nozzle filter 8 and the flavored carbon particles may be incorporated in the nozzle filter 8 and / or in the nozzle-forming paper 14.

Figure 6 shows a cigarette 2 composed of a tobacco rod 4 and part of the filter 6. This arrangement is

20 similar to that of Figure 3, except that the space 18 is filled with flavored carbon particles or with a plug 15 made of a material such as polypropylene or fibrous cellulose acetate containing the flavored carbon particles. As in the previous embodiment, the cap 16 can be hollow or solid and the tobacco rod 4 and the filter portion 6 are joined together with nozzle-forming paper 14. There is also a filter wrap 11.

25 Figure 7 shows a cigarette 2 composed of a tobacco rod 4 and a filter portion 6 in which the filter portion 6 includes a nozzle filter 8, a nozzle-forming filter wrapper 11 for joining the tobacco rod 4 and the filter portion 6, a space 18, a plug 16, and a hollow sleeve 20. The flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into one or more elements of the filter portion 6. For example, The modified adsorbent surface can be incorporated into the sleeve 20 or the flavored carbon particles

30 can fill the space inside the sleeve 20. If desired, the cap 16 and the sleeve 20 can be made of a material such as fibrous polypropylene or cellulose acetate containing flavored carbon particles. In the same way as in the previous embodiment, the plug 16 can be hollow or solid.

Figures 8 and 9 show other modifications of the filter portion 6. In Figure 6, the cigarette 2 is composed of a tobacco rod 4 and a filter portion 6. The filter portion 6 includes a nozzle filter 8, a wrap

Filter 11, a plug 22, and a sleeve 20, and the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into one or more of these filter elements. In Figure 9, the filter portion 6 includes a nozzle filter 8 and a cap 24, and the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into one or more of these filter elements. Like plug 16, plugs 22 and 24 can be solid or hollow. In the cigarettes shown in Figures 6 and 7, the tobacco rod 4 and the filter portion 6 are joined together by means of nozzle-forming paper 14.

Various techniques can be used to apply the flavored carbon particles to filter fibers or other substrate supports. For example, flavored carbon particles can be added to the filter fibers before they are transformed into a filter cartridge, for example, a cigarette tip. Flavored carbon particles can be added to the filter fibers, for example, in the form of a dry powder or a liquid sludge by methods known in the art. If the flavored carbon particles are applied in the form of mud

45 liquid, the fibers are allowed to dry before transforming them into a filter cartridge

In another preferred embodiment, the flavored carbon particles are employed in a hollow portion of a cigarette filter. For example, some cigarette filters have a plug / space / plug configuration in which the caps comprise a fibrous filter material and the space is simply a gap between the two filter caps. That vacuum can be filled with the flavored carbon particles of the present invention.

50 An example of this embodiment is shown in Figure 5. The flavored carbon particles can be used in granular form or loaded onto a suitable support, such as a fiber or strand.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flavored carbon particles are employed in a filter portion of a cigarette for use with a smoking device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,525, the complete content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 10 illustrates a type of construction of a cigarette 100 that can be used with an electric smoking device. As shown, the cigarette 100 includes a tobacco rod 60 and a filter portion 62 joined by nozzle-forming paper 64. The filter portion 62 preferably contains a free flow tubular filter element 102 and a nozzle filter plug.

104. The free flow filter element 102 and the nozzle filter plug 104 may be joined together as a

Combined cap 110 with cap wrap 112. The tobacco rod 60 may have various shapes 60 incorporating one or more of the following elements: a wrapper 71, another free-flowing tubular filter element 74, a cylindrical tobacco plug 80 preferably wrapped in a plug wrap 84, a tobacco band 66 comprises a base band 68 and flavored tobacco material 70, and an empty space 91. The free flow filter element 74 provides a structural definition and support at the end tip 72 of the tobacco rod

60. At the free end 78 of the tobacco rod 60, the tobacco web 66 together with the wrap 71 is rolled up

5 around the cylindrical tobacco plug 80. Various modifications can be made to the arrangement of a filter for a cigarette incorporating the flavored carbon particles of the invention.

In said cigarette, the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated in various ways, such as loading onto another paper substrate material that fits within the passage of the free-flowing tubular filter element 102 thereof. Flavored carbon particles can also be deployed as a liner or a

10 plug inside the free flow tubular filter element 102. Alternatively, the flavored carbon particles may be incorporated into the fibrous wall portions of the free flow tubular filter element 102. For example, tubular filter element of Free flow or sleeve 102 may be made of suitable materials, such as cellulose acetate or polypropylene fibers and the flavored carbon particles may be mixed with such fibers previously or as part of the sleeve forming process.

In another embodiment, the flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into the filter cap 104 of the nozzle instead of the element 102. However, as in the embodiments described above, according to the invention, the Flavored carbon particles may be incorporated in more than one component of a filter portion, such as incorporated in the nozzle filter plug 104 and in the free-flowing tubular filter element 102.

The filter portion 62 of Figure 10 can also be modified to create an empty space in which the flavored carbon particles can be inserted.

As explained above, flavored carbon particles can be incorporated into various support materials. When the flavored carbon particles are used in filter paper, the particles may have an average particle diameter of 10 to 100 m, preferably 30 to 80 m. When the adsorbent

25 modified surface is used in filter fibers or other mechanical supports, larger particles can be used. Said particles preferably have a mesh size of 10 to 70, and more preferably 20 to 50 meshes.

The amount of flavored carbon particles used in the cigarette filter by means of incorporation into a suitable support, such as filter paper and / or filter fibers, depends on the amount of constituents in the

30 tobacco smoke and the amount of constituents to be eliminated. By way of example, the filter paper and the filter fibers may contain from 10% to 50% by weight of the flavored carbon particles.

An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cigarette filter, said method comprising: (i) providing flavored carbon particles as described above, and (ii) incorporating the flavored carbon particles into A cigarette filter. It can be used

Any conventional or modified method for manufacturing a filter to incorporate the flavored carbon particles.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cigarette, said method comprising: (i) providing a bite filling to a cigarette maker to form a tobacco rod;

(ii) put a paper wrap around the tobacco rod; (iii) provide a cigarette filter that

40 comprises flavored carbon particles as described above; and (iv) attach the cigarette filter to the tobacco rod to form the cigarette. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cigarette, said method comprising: (i) adding flavored carbon particles as described above to a sting fill; (ii) provide the bite filling, which comprises the flavored carbon particles, to a cigarette maker to form a tobacco rod; and (iii)

45 Place a paper wrap around the tobacco rod to form the cigarette.

Examples of suitable types of tobacco materials that can be used include smoke-cured tobacco, Burley, Maryland or eastern tobacco, unusual or special tobacco, and mixtures thereof. The tobacco material can be provided in the form of tobacco leaf; treated tobacco materials, such as swollen or expanded volume tobacco, treated tobacco stalks such as rolled bite stems or swollen bites, materials

50 of reconstituted tobacco, or mixtures thereof. The invention can also be practiced with tobacco substitutes.

In the manufacture of cigarettes, tobacco is normally used in the form of a bite filling, that is, in the form of fragments or strands cut in widths ranging from about 0.25 to 0.13 cm or even 0.06 cm (1 / 10 to 1/20 inches or even 1/40 inches). The lengths of the strands vary from about 0.6 to

55 7.6 cm (0.25 to 3.0 inches). Cigarettes may further comprise one or more flavoring agents or other additives (for example, combustion additives, combustion modifying agents, coloring agents, binders, etc.) known in the state of the art.

Cigarette manufacturing techniques are known in the state of the art, and can be used to incorporate the modified surface adsorbent. The resulting cigarettes can be manufactured to any desired specification using standard and modified cigarette manufacturing techniques and equipment. The cigarettes of the invention can vary from about 50 mm to about 120 mm in length. 5 Generally, a regular cigarette is approximately 70 mm long, a "King Size" is approximately 85 mm long, a "Super King Size" is approximately 100 mm long. mm in length, and a "Long" is normally about 120 mm in length. The circumference is about 15 mm to 30 mm, and preferably about 25 mm. The packing density is typically in the range from about 100 mg / cm3 to 300 mg / cm3, and preferably from 150 mg / cm3 to

10 approximately 275 mg / cm3.

Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that variations and modifications can be resorted to, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (8)

1. A process for preparing flavored carbon particles, the process comprising: (i) introducing activated carbon particles (212) into a container (200) (240); (ii) introducing a fluidization gas into the container (200) (240) to fluidize the activated carbon particles (212) (242); Y (iii) introducing a liquid flavoring agent into the container (200) (240) while the activated carbon particles (212) (242) are in a fluidized state, the liquid flavoring agent being absorbed and / or adsorbed onto the particles of activated carbon, whose procedure is carried out without heating the activated carbon particles while they are in the fluidized state.

2.

The process of claim 1, the process of which is carried out in batches or continuously to provide 0.1 to 20% by weight of flavoring agent to the particles (212) (242) of activated carbon.

3.

The method of claim 2, the process of which is carried out in the form of a batch procedure.

The method of claim 2, the process of which is carried out in a continuous manner, the container (240) containing a plurality of compartments (270, 272, 274, 276, 278, 280) through which they pass carbon particles sequentially activated while in a fluidized state.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon has an average particle size of about 10 mesh to 70 mesh.

The method of claim 1, wherein the activated carbon has an average particle size of about 0.2 mm to 1 mm.

7.

The process of claim 1, wherein the fluidization gas is nitrogen.

8.

The method of claim 1, wherein the container includes a gas exhaust duct (218)

(248) separated from the inside of the container by a filter (220, 222) (250, 251, 252, 253), including the method 25 periodically blowing gas through the filter to clean the active carbon particles of the filter.

9.

The method of claim 1, the process of which is carried out for 10 to 60 minutes.

10.

A method of manufacturing a cigarette filter (6), said method comprising:

(i) providing flavored carbon produced according to the method of claim 1, and (ii) incorporate the flavored carbon in a cigarette filter (6). A method of manufacturing a cigarette (2), said method comprising: i) provide a bite filling to a cigarette maker to form a tobacco rod (4); (ii) put a paper wrap around the tobacco rod; (iii) providing a cigarette filter (6) according to claim 10; and 35 (iv) attach the cigarette filter (6) to the tobacco rod (4) to form the cigarette (2).