ES2970265A1 - MACHINE, MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE AND FILTER FOR REDUCING TAR AND TOXIC COMPOUNDS IN TOBACCO - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine (3) and manufacturing method of a filter (1) that reduces tar and toxic compounds from tobacco smoke, where said filter (1) comprises a primary membrane (M1) intended to be in intimate contact with a distal end of a tobacco column (T), and comprising a disc of impermeable or semipermeable material, cylindrical in shape, which is perforated by at least one hole (2) that passes through it in a direction perpendicular to the cross section of the primary membrane (M1) , in such a way that the perforated surface has a free passage section of between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of the primary membrane (M1), where the primary membrane (M1) is inseparably sealed. with a distal end of a fibrous membrane (M3). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

MACHINE, MANUFACTURING PROCEDURE AND REDUCING FILTER

TAR AND TOXIC COMPOUNDS IN TOBACCO

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can be included within the technical field of cigarette filters, in particular combined filters and machines and procedures for their manufacture. More specifically, the object of the invention refers to the machine, process and filter as a final product, where the resulting filter comprises a primary membrane of impermeable or semipermeable material intended to be in intimate contact with one end of a column of tobacco. , which is perforated by at least one hole, and said primary membrane is inseparably sealed with the classic fibrous membrane of traditional filters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tobacco smoke contains more than 8000 chemical compounds [J.P. Schaller, D. Keller, L. Poget, P. Pratte, E. Kaelin, D. McHugh, G. Cudazzo, D. Smart, A.R. Tricker, L. Gautier, M. Yerly, R. Pires, S. Le Bouhellec, D. Ghoh, Hofer, I. García, E. Vanscheeuwijck, S. Maeder Evaluation of the Tobacco Heating System 2.2. Part 2: Chemical Composition, Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, and Physical Properties of the Aerosol, Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol., (81) (2016), pp. S27-S47, DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.10.001] and more continue to be identified as different studies are concluded and more sensitive analytical equipment becomes available. Many of them, around 100 (Federal Register /Vol. 77, No. 64 /Tuesday, April 3, 2012) are considered toxic and/or carcinogenic. For this reason, tobacco consumption represents a major public health problem worldwide, but it also represents an important business, which has generated for many years an enormous conflict of sociological, political, economic and scientific interests. In this way, both tobacco companies and numerous researchers are developing interesting research work aimed at reducing the toxicity of tobacco smoke, reducing the doses inhaled by smokers, developing new substitute products and even legal limitations on additives, emissions and even their use.

All the constituents of cigarettes have been intensively studied, from paper, additives, tobacco and filters.

For example, the effect of paper permeability has been studied (“Effect of potassium inorganic and organic salts on the pyrolysis kinetics of cigarette paper” by Deqing Zao and collaborators, (Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 102 (2013) 114- 123). Papers that self-extinguish combustion have been developed (for example, that described in PCT/KR2009/003425).

Genetic modifications of tobacco have been studied to reduce the generation of nicotine and tars (WHO study group on tobacco prodcut regulation, Report on the scientific basis of tobacco product regulations: Fifth report of a WHO group study, ISBN 9789224 1209892, 2015), as well as such as the use of additives or catalysts capable of reducing the emission of toxic products (Reduction of tobacco smoke components yield in commercial cigarette brands by addition of HUSY, NaY and Al-MCM-41 to the cigarette rod, A. Marcilla et al., Toxicology Reports (Open access), 2 (2015b) 152-164), or tobacco-specific nitrosamines (J. Asensio, Doctoral thesis 2020, Thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of nicotine and NNK and NNN, two tobacco-specific nitrosamines).

The effect produced by the interposition of an orifice in a steam stream has been known for a long time. The use of this system for the condensation of tar from tobacco smoke has also been known for a long time, and numerous patents have been registered on the subject, dating back to the initial ones in the 60s of the last century (Tamag Basel AG, Patent Specification 996,891 Date of Application and Filing Complete Specification April 121962 No. 14139/62 Application made in Austria (N0.2969) April 14, 1961 Filter Suitable for Cigarettes Cigars or Filter Cartridges) which involved the interposition of a perforated membrane in the flow of the smoke and which was located between the conventional filter and the tobacco column, to more or less sophisticated systems that include special designs of mouthpieces to be placed after the conventional cigarette filter. These systems respond to later patents, although they use the same principle as the first patent, that is, passing the smoke stream through an orifice. Just as these systems, based on the same physical principle as the initial patent, have been marketed and there are a series of very similar products on the market, based on the same concepts and including slight variants and all of them protected by their corresponding patent, they are not There is no known product that uses exactly what is reflected in the above-mentioned application.

The filters have been studied intensively, both their design and the materials that make them up. Cellulose acetate is the material that has prevailed and its use is the most widespread. Different configurations have been described that modify the path of the smoke through the filter, where active substances, adsorbents capable of reducing the inhalation of tar, are used, for example WO2008142420 and WO2008018617 where the active elements are on supports of granular materials.

Numerous special designs have been described such as those that include concentric cylinders of adsorbent material within the cellulose acetate filter; ventilated structures with different membranes (DE19924205658); or with helix-shaped grooves with adsorbents, (EA200401360). The hydrodynamics of the filtration process and the different mechanisms involved have also been studied in depth, thus very effective systems have been developed such as the well-known "tar gard" system, protected by a large number of patents (for example: US3434480).

All of them also have a common characteristic that is a high cost, since they are plastic parts with a more or less complex design that includes more than one piece. However, there is no record of any commercial system of the type described in the 1961 patent. This system could be much more economical than those marketed later. The reason for this lack of presence in the market may be due to various causes. The main one could be the lack of a machine capable of manufacturing these filters that incorporate these membranes, which, together with the increase in resistance to smoking that this obstacle represents in the mainstream of smoke, has prevented this product from reaching the market.

The fundamental fact that could explain the absence of a product with these characteristics on the market may be the difficulty of adapting conventional filter manufacturing machines for its incorporation, which are not designed to incorporate this type of membranes in conventional filters, nor in cigarettes. This difficulty could be overcome by RYO or MYO tobacco users, who could incorporate them manually when making their cigarettes, but this obviously represents a serious handicap for their marketing.

Numerous patents have subsequently appeared claiming the maintenance of smoking resistance by increasing the number of puffs (for example: EP 0364256 A1 of 19899 by Liew, Tow Pin by Rothmans Internatrional Tobacco (UK) Limited, Cigarette filter rod elements and cigarettes incorporationg such filter rod elements). However, none of them have been translated into a commercial product and their costs are high.

An interesting study, "The intractable cigarette 'filter problem' (by B Harris, Tobacco Control, 2011 20 suppl 1, i10-i16) analyzes the history and problems of filters and reveals the existence of a conflict of interest In addition to the technical difficulties in their design, the strategies of the different actors, tobacco companies, authorities, etc., are addressed, as well as the cost problem in many of the most sophisticated designs. All the solutions adopted present possible solutions. advantages and disadvantages and concludes the effectiveness of cellulose acetate filters, which are the ones that have been commercially imposed, as well as the effectiveness of the ventilation in them. However, this article shows that the problem is still unknown. solve, so it is necessary to develop new solutions

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention describes a machine for the manufacture of filters of the type that incorporate a primary membrane that is impermeable or semi-impermeable and comprises at least one orifice, where said membrane is sealed inseparably to a fibrous membrane that can be , for example, cellulose acetate.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a carousel configured to rotate on itself, provided with a plurality of cavities that allow the fibrous membranes to be housed (typically conventional cellulose acetate filters).

The machine may have a plate to pierce the membranes. Said drilling plate can be movable and is arranged along a circumferential portion parallel to the housings of the carousel.

For example, said punching plate may be provided with a plurality of spikes that are coaxial to at least a plurality of the housings of the carousel.

These perforations can be made by mechanical means or by laser radiation or any other procedure, such as the use of cores or inserts. However, said perforation cannot have any diameter or length, since increasing any of these magnitudes decreases its effectiveness. Consequently, the drilling plate, instead of spikes, may have other mechanical means such as those set out above.

More particularly, the perforation elements are sized to perforate between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of a waterproof membrane adhered to the fibrous membranes in the mold.

The perforation can be circular in section, and have a diameter (or equivalent) between 0.5 and 2 mm, preferably between 0.8 and 1.2 mm.

The length of the cut can be the thickness of the watertight membrane and can penetrate up to an additional 5 mm into the fibrous membrane.

Preferably, the perforation plate is arranged along a circumferential portion parallel to the housings of the carousel.

In the embodiment with punching spikes, the spikes are coaxial to at least a plurality of the carousel housings within the circumferential section covering the punching plate.

Furthermore, the machine may be provided with sealing elements arranged along a second circumferential portion parallel to the housing, where said second circumferential portion is different from the first circumferential portion, and the sealing elements inseparably seal the waterproof membrane. with the fibrous membrane.

There are multiple alternatives to solve the problem stated above, namely, that of inseparably joining the main membrane with the fibrous membrane.

In a first example, the sealing elements can be movable heating elements configured to come into intimate contact with the sealed membrane, where said heating elements are heated to temperatures between 180 to 300°C. Therefore, the watertight membrane (unperforated membrane) is placed in the mold adjacent to the fibrous membrane and, subsequently, the sealing is carried out.

In a variant of this first example of embodiment, alternatively, said heating element is placed in intimate contact with the fibrous membrane to melt and seal one end of it, which would also remain inseparably attached to the membrane, where said heating element is heated. at temperatures between 180 and 350°C. Note that, in this variant, the waterproof membrane is formed by casting and, consequently, placing a waterproof membrane in the mold is omitted.

In a second example, the sealing elements comprise a dispenser comprising a roller that impregnates a film of a waterproof sealant at one end of the fibrous membrane arranged in the mold, in such a way that said film forms the waterproof membrane. The sealant film has adhesive and waterproof properties and has a viscosity between 5000cp and 25000cp,

In a third example, the sealing elements are materialized by a movable actuator that comprises a plurality of projections whose ends are adhered to a waterproof membrane provided with two adhesive faces, and where the actuator moves so that the end exerts pressure on the fibrous membrane thus joining the watertight membrane to the fibrous membrane.

Regarding the admission and reception of the fibrous membranes until they are housed in the carousel, the present invention contemplates a plurality of options.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine also comprises an intake disc provided with a plurality of intake housings of semi-cylindrical configuration, where said intake housings comprise internal molds that receive the fibrous membranes.

Depending on the type of sealing element, the mold can also house the sealing membrane arranged contiguously and in intimate contact with the fibrous membranes.

Preferably, the machine comprises a hopper with an inverted pyramidal configuration, provided with a lower opening, where said hopper receives the fibrous membranes and dispenses them into the intake housings through the lower opening.

The carousel rotates on itself, preferably by means of a motor, and the intake housings fill with fibrous membranes. When the sealing is carried out by adhesion of waterproof membranes, said waterproof membranes may already be arranged in the mold and the fibrous membranes fall adjacent to them.

Preferably, an actuator pushes the assembled mold with the sealed membrane and the fibrous membrane to the carousel housings for subsequent sealing. Alternatively, the actuator pushes the mold comprising only the fibrous membrane.

The machine may be provided with a rear alignment disc comprising a plurality of holes coaxial to the intake housings and the housings, such that the actuator moves coaxially to said holes to push the mold.

Likewise, the machine may be provided with extraction elements arranged along a third circumferential portion parallel to the housing, said third circumferential portion distinct from the first and second circumferential portions, where the extraction elements extract the filters from the housing.

Accordingly, the intake disc can rotate until filled, the actuator pushes the molds to the carousel, and a sealing stage, a perforation stage, and an extraction stage are executed on the carousel. By partially rotating the carousel, a plurality of sealed membranes and/or fibrous membranes can execute one stage or another and move from one stage to another, significantly increasing the production capacity of the filters.

Preferably, a motor rotates the carousel and control elements regulate the rotation of said motor, executing rotation angles that are defined for the first circumferential portion (drilling stage) and the second circumferential portion (sealing stage).

Note that a plurality of membranes can be sealed, then pierced and finally removed. While that plurality of membranes is perforated, another plurality of membranes in another circumferential portion can be sealed, and another plurality comprising the finished filters can be removed.

The machine may have cutting elements, for example in the form of bovines, that cut the fibrous membrane from its distal or rear portion once the primary membrane (with hole) has been sealed to it.

A second aspect of the invention describes a manufacturing process for the filter that reduces tar and toxic compounds in tobacco smoke that has been described above.

More particularly, the procedure comprises the steps of:

to. ) provide at least one mold,

b. ) place at least one fibrous membrane in the mold,

c. ) inseparably sealing the fibrous membrane with a watertight membrane at at least one end thereof, where the sealing is carried out by a step selected from a group consisting of:

- impregnate a film of a sealant with adhesive and waterproof properties with a viscosity between 5000cp and 25000cp, thus forming the waterproof membrane directly on the fibrous membrane, - place a heating element in intimate contact with the waterproof membrane until it seals inseparably. said membrane seals with the fibrous membrane; or alternatively, putting said heating element in intimate contact with the fibrous membrane to melt and seal that end, thus forming the watertight membrane that would also be inseparably linked to the membrane, where said heating element is heated to temperatures between 180 and 350°. C,

- actuating at least one stem that has an end that is adhered to the waterproof membrane, which in turn comprises a face with an adhesive that is attached under pressure to one end of the fibrous membrane by means of an axial force of the stem on it,

d) drill at least one hole in the waterproof membrane, said hole having a section of between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of the waterproof membrane.

In an exemplary embodiment, the procedure comprises sealing a waterproof membrane at both ends of the fibrous membrane and cutting said fibrous membrane in half, thus generating two filters in each step.

In another example of embodiment, the fibrous membrane that is arranged in the mold is elongated with longitudinal dimensions suitable for manufacturing a plurality of filters from it, and the procedure further comprises:

- cut a portion of the fibrous membrane (M3) once the watertight membrane (M4) has been sealed to it and has been perforated forming the hole (2),

- extract a first filter (1) with the primary membrane (M1) sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3),

- repeat stages b.) to d.),

- cut a second portion of the fibrous membrane (M3),

- extract a second filter (1) with the primary membrane (M1) sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3),

- repeat until the fibrous membrane (M3) is exhausted.

The procedure described above would be the one that must be executed to carry out the sealing for each of the filters formed in each housing of the machine carousel. As a consequence, the implementation of the machine described above to execute said procedure significantly increases the filter manufacturing capacity. Likewise, the stages can be carried out simultaneously on the machine for different membranes.

Preferably, the sealant film comprises at least one material selected from a list consisting of:

- cellulose acetate dissolved in acetone,

- polyhydroxybutyrate,

- polylactic acid,

- guar gum,

- starch,

- paintings.

In a third aspect, the present invention describes a filter suitable for being manufactured with the machine or process described above, which comprises a primary membrane intended to be in intimate contact with a distal end of a column of tobacco, and which comprises a disc of material impermeable or semipermeable, of cylindrical shape, which is perforated by at least one hole that passes through it in a direction perpendicular to the cross section of the primary membrane, in such a way that the perforated surface has a free passage section of between 0.2 % and 30% of the total primary membrane section, where the primary membrane is inseparably sealed with a distal end of a fibrous membrane.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary membrane comprises a waterproof paint.

Alternatively, the primary membrane comprises cellulose acetate, formed by the evaporation of a solvent from a concentrated solution thereof.

According to embodiments of the filter where the main membrane is formed through a film of a sealant, the resulting thickness is between 200 to 500 microns, preferably between 50 and 200 microns.

In other embodiments, the waterproof membrane could be up to 5000 microns.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of its practical implementation, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1a.- Shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the filter that reduces tar and toxic compounds from tobacco smoke according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1b.- Shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a front view of a preferred embodiment of the machine for manufacturing the filter of Figure 1, which includes heating elements for sealing the waterproof membrane.

Figure 3.- Shows an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of Figure 2.

Figure 4.- Shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a machine for manufacturing the filter of Figure 1, which includes a sealing film dispenser for forming the waterproof membrane.

Figure 5.- Shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a machine for manufacturing the filter of Figure 1, which comprises cutting elements and an elongated fibrous membrane suitable for the manufacture of a plurality of filters according to the figure. 1.

Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a machine for manufacturing the filter of Figure 1, which comprises an actuator to pressure seal the primary membrane with an adhesive surface.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1a shows a perspective view of the filter (1) that reduces tar and toxic compounds from tobacco smoke, object of the present invention, which comprises a primary membrane (M1) intended to be in intimate contact with a distal end of a tobacco column (T), and comprising a disc of impermeable or semipermeable material, cylindrical in shape, which is perforated by at least one hole (2) that passes through it in a direction perpendicular to the cross section of the primary membrane (M1) , in such a way that the perforated surface has a free passage section of between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of the primary membrane (M1), where the primary membrane (M1) is inseparably sealed. with a distal end of a fibrous membrane (M3).

Figure 1b comprises a filter according to the present invention, of the type that further comprises a secondary membrane (M2) inseparably attached to the opposite end of the fibrous membrane (M3) which in turn comprises a weakened section so that a user makes the cut through said weakened section.

The filter (1) of Figure 1b can also be an intermediate product of the process that will be described later, which includes cutting the fibrous membrane (M3) in half, generating two filters (1) of the type represented in the Figure 1a, said filters (1) ready to be used by the user or smoker, or in conventional cigarette making machines.

Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the machine (3) for manufacturing any of the filters (1) of Figure 1a or 1b.

More particularly, according to the preferred embodiment of Figure 2, the machine (3) for manufacturing a filter (1), comprises a carousel (4) configured to rotate on itself, provided with a plurality of housings (5). ) that receive or comprise a mold with fibrous membranes (M3),

Likewise, in said preferred embodiment, the machine (3) has a movable drilling plate (8) that is arranged along a first circumferential portion parallel to the housings (5).

The drilling plate (8) may have mechanical means or laser radiation or any other element capable of drilling the hole (2) with the proportions described above.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated by way of example, the drilling plate (8) comprises a plurality of spikes that are coaxial to at least a plurality of the housings (5) of the carousel (4). Particularly to the housings (5) of the first circumferential portion that covers the drilling plate (8).

The machine (3) also includes a hopper (6) with an inverted pyramidal configuration, equipped with a lower opening (7), where said hopper (6) receives the fibrous membranes (M3) and dispenses them into intake housings ( 16) of an admission disc (15) represented in Figure 3.

Figure 2 also shows that the machine comprises movable heating elements (10) arranged along a second circumferential portion different from the first circumferential portion where the drilling plate (8) is arranged, and said heating elements (10) ) are configured to come into intimate contact with a plurality of waterproof membranes (M4) arranged in the housings (5) adjacent to the fibrous membranes (M3), where said heating elements (10) are heated to temperatures between 180 to 300° c.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment described. More particularly, it illustrates that the intake disc (15) is provided with a plurality of intake housings (16) of semi-cylindrical configuration, where said intake housings (16) comprise internal molds that receive the fibrous membranes (M3), and the machine (3) also comprises an actuator (not shown) that pushes the mold with the fibrous membrane (M3) and the watertight membrane (M4) to the housings (5) of the carousel (4) for subsequent sealing.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 3, the machine (3) comprises a rear alignment disc (17) that comprises a plurality of holes (18) coaxial to the intake housings (16) and the housings (5), of such that the actuator moves coaxially to said housings (5) to push the mold.

According to the present invention, the sealed membrane (M4) is the primary membrane (M1) before drilling the hole (2).

As illustrated in Figure 3, in the preferred embodiment described, the machine (3) also comprises extraction elements (9) arranged along a third circumferential portion parallel to the housing (5), said third circumferential portion different from the first and second circumferential portion, where the extraction elements are configured to extract the filters (1) from the housings (5).

In the preferred embodiment, the extraction elements (9) comprise suction cups (9') or a negative pressure element, which allows the already formed filters (1) to be extracted through the third circumferential portion.

Alternatively, the actuators that introduce the molds into the housings (5) can selectively expel the already formed filters (1) from the housings (5) arranged in the third circumferential portion.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the machine (3), particularly regarding the sealing elements to inseparably seal the fibrous membrane (M3) with the watertight membrane (M4).

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the sealing elements are materialized by a dispenser (11) that comprises a roller (11') that in turn comprises a film of a waterproof sealant that is dispensed by the ends of the fibrous membrane ( M3) in the mold, in such a way that said sealing film forms the waterproof membrane (M4).

In said preferred embodiment, the machine (3) can be equipped with drying elements (12), which can be by blowing hot air, or in the form of heating elements, any of them configured to facilitate the drying of the sealant film.

Figure 5 shows another example of embodiment where the fibrous membrane (M3) is of the elongated type suitable for forming a plurality of filters (1), and the machine (3) comprises a cutting element (13) to cut the filter (1). ) once the watertight membranes (M4) have been perforated and sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3).

In this way, the machine executes an iterative process of sealing, perforation, cutting and extraction, without the need to constantly feed new fibrous membranes (M3). It is fed through the hopper only when the elongated column of fibrous material is exhausted.

Figure 6 shows another embodiment example that differs only in the elements used for sealing. More particularly, in this embodiment, the sealing elements comprise a movable actuator (14) that comprises a plurality of projections (19) whose ends are adhered to a watertight membrane (M4) provided with two adhesive faces, and where the actuator ( 14) moves and exerts pressure on the fibrous membrane (M3), thus joining the watertight membrane (M4) to the fibrous membrane (M3).

Next, a process is described to manufacture the filter (1), executable by the machine (3) in any of its embodiments described above, where said procedure includes the steps of:

to. ) provide at least one mold,

b. ) place at least one fibrous membrane (M3) in the mold,

c. ) inseparably sealing the fibrous membrane (M3) with a watertight membrane (M4) at at least one end thereof, where the sealing is carried out by a step selected from a group consisting of:

- impregnate a film of a sealant with adhesive and waterproof properties with a viscosity between 5000cp and 25000cp, thus forming the waterproof membrane (M4) directly on the fibrous membrane (M3), - place a heating element (10) in intimate contact. with the watertight membrane (M4) until said watertight membrane (M4) is inseparably sealed with the fibrous membrane (M3); or alternatively, putting said heating element in intimate contact with the fibrous membrane (M3) to melt and seal that end, thus forming the watertight membrane (M4), which would also be inseparably linked to the membrane (M3), where said heating element (10) is heated to temperatures between 180 and 350°C, - actuate at least one stem that has one end that is adhered to the watertight membrane (M4) which in turn comprises a face with an adhesive that joins under pressure to one end of the fibrous membrane (M3) by an axial force exerted by the stem on it,

d) drill at least one hole (2) in the waterproof membrane (M4), said hole (2) having a section of between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of the waterproof membrane (M4).

Preferably, the method comprises sealing a watertight membrane (M4) at both ends of the fibrous membrane (M3) and then cutting substantially in half.

To do this, the thickness of the carousel (4) could be that necessary for two filters (1), and could include the sealing elements and the perforation plate (8) on both sides. Finally, the fibrous membrane is cut in half, thus generating two final filters (1) for each housing.

In another example of carrying out the procedure, it comprises:

- provide an elongated fibrous membrane (M3) with longitudinal dimensions suitable for manufacturing a plurality of filters (1) from it,

- cut a portion of the fibrous membrane (M3) once the watertight membrane (M4) has been sealed to it and has been perforated forming the hole (2),

- extract a first filter (1) with the primary membrane (M1) sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3),

- repeat stages b.) to d.),

- cut a second portion of the fibrous membrane (M3),

- extract a second filter (1) with the primary membrane (M1) sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3),

- repeat until fibrous membrane is exhausted (M3).

EXAMPLES

To illustrate the effect of these membranes, as well as possible manufacturing and use methods, various smoking experiments have been carried out with 3R4F tobacco from the University of Kentucky. The conditioning and smoking conditions described in the ISO 3308 standard have been used, both for the reference cigarettes and for those that use the different membranes of the examples. To prepare the cigarettes, the tobacco has been emptied from the 3R4F cigarettes. The same 3R4F tubes to which the described filters have been incorporated have always been used, either the filters themselves (they have been removed and re-incorporated) or the filters including the corresponding membrane (M1). A smoking machine has been used in accordance with the specifications of the ISO 3308 standard. The gases obtained have been analyzed, as well as the composition of the condensed matter in Cambridge filters located after the filters studied, which corresponds to the tars that the smoker would inhale. Different experiments have been carried out with membranes of paper, cardboard, 2 mm thick EVA foam sheet, all obtained by die-cutting, which have been arranged in the appropriate position in the tubes of 3R4F cigarettes, as well as with membranes obtained by superficial melting of the end of the filter in contact with the tobacco and subsequent perforation, by deposition of a film of a cellulose acetate solution on the same end of the filter and subsequent perforation, by painting with an acrylic paint and subsequent perforation, as well as other realizations. All of them have provided the same results depending on the diameter of the holes, so only some of them are presented.

In all cases, 15 cigarettes have been smoked following the specifications of the ISO 3308 standard (puffs lasting 2 s, volume inhaled 35 mL, puff frequency 60 s and pressure loss in the puff less than 300 Pa, smoking up to 4 mm of the filter). All samples have generated pressure losses lower than those specified.

The cigarettes are conditioned at room temperature and 60% relative humidity, keeping them in a desiccator provided with a saturated solution of sodium nitrite, for at least 48 hours before being smoked.

The condensable products retained in the trap after the filter are extracted with 2-propanol, ensuring that all the compounds retained in the trap are recovered. The extract is then dried with sodium sulfate and reserved for subsequent analysis by GC.

The determination of the CO and CO<2>content in the non-condensable fraction is carried out by GC, using a thermal conductivity detector (GC-TCD) and a CTRI concentric column, in a SHIMADZU GC-14A equipment, using a calibrated using external standards. The quantification has been carried out by calculating the response factor.

The compounds present in the condensed fraction are analyzed by GC with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS), using an HP-5MS column.

Compounds have been identified using the Wiley MS library.

Next, we will describe some embodiments as an example of the result of using this type of systems in smoking experiments.

Embodiment 1

The first example shows the result of using a membrane consisting of a circle of filter cardboard 8 mm in diameter with a 1 mm diameter perforation. This primary membrane is located between the tobacco column (T) and the 8 mm diameter, 17 mm long cellulose acetate filter of 3R4F cigarettes.

Significant tar condensation occurs immediately after the hole. The end of the conventional filter in contact with the smoker is considerably less dirty than if the perforated membrane is not used. Table 1 shows the nicotine, tars and carbon monoxide collected in the gas stream and in the condensed matter in the Cambridge filter located downstream of the cigarette. As well as that of a series of major compounds in the chromatogram corresponding to gases and condensed products. The perforated membrane has generated a reduction of around 57% in nicotine and tar. In the case of CO and other compounds present in gases, the reduction obtained is smaller.

Table 1. Reductions obtained when using the perforated cardboard membrane of 8mm diameter and a 1mm diameter hole and conventional filter (MF), compared to using only the conventional filter (F). (Reduction=100x(mass of product using F-mass of product using MF)/mass of product using F)

Embodiment 2

Cigarettes have been smoked using filters of the same type as those described in the first embodiment but with holes of different diameters (0.8, 0.9, 1.0 and 1.1 mm). It has been observed that the reductions increase with decreasing orifice diameter, but the pressure loss increases considerably, so it would not be feasible to use a single perforation of less than 0.9 mm in diameter. It has also been tried to increase the number of holes of the same diameter, and it has been proven that the reductions decrease as the number of them increases.

Table 2. Reductions (%) obtained with filters with membranes with a 0.8 orifice,

0.9.1 and 1.1 mm.

Embodiment 3

Modified filters have been prepared for the inclusion of the perforated membrane by two procedures, the first of which has been carried out in a prototype machine that includes a mold where the filter is positioned, a hot iron with a controlled temperature that allows partial fusion of the filter material. filter and a tool that allows perforation of the molten layer. Another alternative procedure has consisted of the preparation of a concentrated solution of cellulose acetate in acetone, the impregnation of one of the outsides of the filter with said concentrated solution and the subsequent evaporation of the solvent, to generate the impermeable film (membrane). The membrane was subsequently pierced with the tool described above. The results obtained with these filters, which include the membrane with a 1 mm hole, have been completely analogous to those described in embodiment 1. This system has the additional advantage that the membrane is inseparable from the filter, which is an aspect very important for the user, it allows the mass production of these filters and is the main advance of the present invention.

Claims (22)

1. - Machine for manufacturing a filter (1) that reduces tar and toxic compounds in tobacco smoke, characterized in that it comprises: - a carousel (4) configured to rotate on itself, provided with a plurality of housings (5) that receive or comprise a mold with fibrous membranes (M3), - a movable drilling plate (8) that is arranged along a circumferential portion parallel to the housings (5), said drilling plate (8) provided with a plurality of spikes that are coaxial to at least a plurality of the housings (5) of the carousel (4), and are sized to perforate between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of a watertight membrane (M4) adjacent to the fibrous membranes (M3) in the mold, - sealing elements arranged along a second circumferential portion parallel to the housing (5), said second circumferential portion distinct from the first circumferential portion, where said sealing elements inseparably seal the watertight membrane (M4) with the fibrous membrane (M3). 2. - The machine of claim 1, wherein in each housing (5), the watertight membrane (M4) is placed in the mold adjacent to the fibrous membrane (M3) and the sealing elements comprise heating elements (10) movable elements configured to come into intimate contact with the sealed membrane (M4), where said heating elements (10) are heated to temperatures between 180 to 300°C, 3. - The machine of claim 1, wherein the sealing elements comprise movable heating elements (10) configured to come into intimate contact with the fibrous membrane (M3) to melt and seal that end, thus forming the watertight membrane (M4). ), which would remain inseparably attached to the fibrous membrane (M3), 4. - The machine of claim 1, wherein the sealing elements comprise a dispenser (11) comprising a roller (11') which in turn comprises a film of a waterproof sealant that is dispensed at one end of the fibrous membrane (M3) that is arranged in the mold, where said film forms the watertight membrane (M4). 5. - The machine of claim 4, in which it is provided with drying elements (12) configured to facilitate drying of the sealant film. 6. - The machine of claim 1, wherein the sealing elements comprise a movable actuator (14) comprising a plurality of projections (19) whose ends are adhered to a watertight membrane (M4) provided with two adhesive faces, and where the actuator (14) moves and exerts pressure on the fibrous membrane (M3), thus joining the waterproof membrane (M4) to the fibrous membrane (M3). 7. - The machine of any one of claims 3 to 6, which comprises an admission disc (15) provided with a plurality of admission housings (16) of semi-cylindrical configuration, where said admission housings (16) comprise molds internals that receive the fibrous membranes (M3), and an actuator that pushes the mold with the fibrous membrane (M3) to the housings (5) of the carousel (4) for subsequent sealing. 8. - The machine of claim 2, which comprises an intake disc (15) provided with a plurality of intake housings (16) of semi-cylindrical configuration, where said intake housings (16) comprise internal molds that receive the membranes. fibrous membranes (M3) adjacent to the sealed membranes (M4) that are arranged in said mold, and the machine (3) also comprises an actuator that pushes the mold assembled with the sealed membrane (M4) and the fibrous membrane ( M3) to the housings (5) of the carousel (4) for subsequent sealing. 9. - The machine of any one of claims 7 or 8, comprising a rear alignment disc (17) which in turn comprises a plurality of holes (18) coaxial to the intake housings (16) and the housings ( 5), in such a way that the actuator is movable coaxially to said housings (5) to push the mold. 10. - The machine of any one of claims 7 to 9, which comprises a hopper (6) with an inverted pyramidal configuration, provided with a lower opening (7), where said hopper (6) receives the fibrous membranes (M3) and It dispenses them into the intake housings (16) through the lower opening (7). 11. - The machine of any one of the preceding claims, which comprises extraction elements (9) arranged along a third circumferential portion parallel to the housing (5), said third circumferential portion distinct from the first and second circumferential portion. , where the extraction elements are configured to extract the filters (1) from the housings (5). 12. - The machine of any one of the preceding claims, which comprises one or more cutting elements (13) arranged in a fourth circumferential portion different from the first and second circumferential portion, where said cutting elements (13) are configured to Cut the filter (1) once the watertight membranes (M4) have been sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3). 13. - The machine of any of the preceding claims, which comprises a motor that rotates the carousel (4) and control elements configured to control the motor and rotate the carousel at rotation angles that are defined by at least the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion. 14. - Procedure for manufacturing a filter (1) that reduces tar and toxic compounds in tobacco smoke, which includes: to. ) provide at least one mold, b. ) place at least one fibrous membrane (M4) in the mold, c. ) inseparably sealing the fibrous membrane (M3) with a watertight membrane (M4) at at least one end thereof, where the sealing is carried out by a step selected from a group consisting of: - impregnate a film of a sealant with adhesive and waterproof properties with a viscosity between 5000cp and 25000cp, thus forming the waterproof membrane (M4) directly on the fibrous membrane (M3), - place a heating element (10) in intimate contact. with the watertight membrane (M4) until said watertight membrane (M4) is inseparably sealed with the fibrous membrane (M3); or alternatively, putting said heating element in intimate contact with the fibrous membrane (M3) to melt and seal that end, thus forming the watertight membrane (M4), which would be inseparably linked to the membrane (M3), where said heating element ( 10) is heated to temperatures between 180 and 350°C, - actuate at least one stem that has one end that is adhered to the waterproof membrane (M4) which in turn comprises a face with an adhesive that is attached under pressure to one end of the fibrous membrane (M3) by the push of the stem on it, d) drill at least one hole (2) in the waterproof membrane (M4), said hole (2) having a section of between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of the waterproof membrane (M4). 15. - The procedure of claim 14, which comprises sealing a watertight membrane (M4) at both ends of the fibrous membrane (M3). 16. - The procedure of claim 14, wherein the fibrous membrane (M3) is elongated with longitudinal dimensions suitable for manufacturing a plurality of filters (1) from it, and the procedure further comprises: - cut a portion of the fibrous membrane (M3) once the watertight membrane (M4) has been sealed to it and has been perforated forming the hole (2), - extract a first filter (1) with the primary membrane (M1) sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3), - repeat stages b.) to d.), - cut a second portion of the fibrous membrane (M3), - extract a second filter (1) with the primary membrane (M1) sealed to the fibrous membrane (M3), - repeat until fibrous membrane is exhausted (M3). 17. - The method of claim 14, wherein the sealant film comprises at least one material selected from a list consisting of: - cellulose acetate dissolved in acetone, - polyhydroxybutyrate, - polylactic acid, - guar gum, - starch, - paintings. 18. - Filter (1) manufactured by the procedure of claim 1, which comprises a primary membrane (M1) intended to be in intimate contact with a distal end of a tobacco column (T), and which comprises a disc of material impermeable or semipermeable, cylindrical in shape, which is perforated by at least one hole (2) that passes through it in a direction perpendicular to the cross section of the primary membrane (M1), in such a way that the perforated surface has a free passage section between 0.2% and 30% of the total section of the primary membrane (M1), where the primary membrane (M1) is inseparably sealed with a distal end of a fibrous membrane (M3). 19. - The filter of claim 18, wherein two primary membranes (M1) are inseparably attached to both ends of the fibrous membrane (M3) which in turn comprises a weakened section so that a user makes the cut through through said weakened section. 20. - The filter of claim 18, wherein the primary membrane (M1) comprises a waterproof paint. 21. - The filter of claim 18, wherein the primary membrane (M1) comprises cellulose acetate plasticized by the evaporation of a solvent. 22. - The filter of claim 20 or 21, wherein the primary membrane (M1) has a thickness of between 200 to 500 microns.