Cigarette filter and process for manufacturing the same

Abstract

Filter and process for producing filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry. The filter includes at least one filter component of multiple-component fibers. The multiple-component fibers have lengths shorter than a length of the filter. The process includes producing a rod including at least one type of multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of the filter to be produced. Further, the multiple-component fibers have a casing. The process further includes heating the rod to a temperature above a melting temperature of the casing, and cooling the rod to a temperature below the melting temperature of the casing. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of German Patent Application No. 102 17 410.5, filed on Apr. 18, 2002, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry, e.g., for cigarettes, that includes at least two filter components, in which one filter component is a sort of multiple-component fiber. The invention further relates to a process for producing a corresponding filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular for cigarettes.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Background Information

[0005] A process for producing a filter mass, e.g., for cigarette filters, is known from German Patent Application No. DE-30 28 328 A1. The process starts from a mass containing fibers, in which the mass appears as a homogenous mixture of fibers of different types. To this end, the mixture includes a synthetic fiber that melts at relatively low temperature and thereby effectuates adhesion and, moreover, a more heat-resistant fiber that absorbs harmful substances from tobacco smoke. The mixture is shaped into a cylindrical body, having dimensions of, e.g., a cigarette filter, before heat is applied. It is hereby achieved that the draw resistance is improved with increased filter effect. The process uses at least two different types of fibers, one of which is insensitive to the heat applied, but absorbs harmful substances in the smoke. The second fiber melts completely under the applied heat, through which the space originally occupied by this fiber forms a network of interconnected pores extending in all directions, which remains open for the smoke to pass through. The melted mass forms droplets at the intersections of the absorbing fibers, connecting them.

[0006] The filters produced in this way have the disadvantage that an inhomogeneous distribution of the draw resistance is caused via the filter produced. Furthermore, the fibers absorbing the tobacco smoke or the components from the tobacco smoke are partially covered by the melted components so that the absorption properties are impaired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In contrast, the present invention provides a filter that features a homogeneous structure, that can be produced simply and that can be very variably adjusted by the filter properties. Furthermore, the present invention provides a process with which the filter can be produced in a simple, effective and correspondingly variable and homogenous manner.

[0008] The present invention is directed to a filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry, in particular for cigarettes, comprising at least two filter components. The filter is further developed in that one filter component is a sort of multiple-component fiber, in which a length of the multiple-component fibers is smaller than the length of the filter.

[0009] Through the further development of the known filter according to the invention, this can be embodied in a very homogenous way, whereby a corresponding variability is rendered possible as well as a simple production. The length of the multiple-component fibers is preferably between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. Further, the length of the multiple-component fibers is also preferably between 2 mm and 8 mm and in particular between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0010] The multiple-component fibers include a core and a casing composed of different materials. According to the exemplary embodiment, the casing material features a lower melting point than the core material, such that a very secure bonding of the fibers in the filter can be produced. In this regard, the filter or the mixture of fibers from which the filter is made is brought to a temperature that is somewhat above the melting point of the casing material, so that a corresponding adhesion of filter components is rendered possible. The multiple-component fiber is preferably a bi-component fiber. With a corresponding bi-component fiber, the casing can be of polyethylene (PE) and the core, e.g., of polyester or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The melting point of such a casing is then 127° C. and the melting point of such a core is 256° C. In this way, a very dimensionally stable bi-component fiber is formed, in which the casing material has a lower melting point than its core material. A corresponding bi-component fiber is produced by Trevira (65926 Frankfurt, Germany). A bi-component fiber by Trevira preferably used by way of example has the type number 255, has a titer of 3.0 dtex, a cut length of between 3 and 6 mm, a core of PES (man-made fiber of polyester) and a shell or casing of copolyethylene, whereby the shell or casing is modified for increased adhesion, i.e., with additives provided to lead to a lower surface tension.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, at least a part of the filter components adhere and/or stick to the multiple-component fibers at contact points. Within the scope of this invention, the term “contact point” also includes the term “point of intersection” and “adhesion point.” Adhesion and/or sticking is achieved when the filter components and, in particular, the multiple-component fibers are heated to a temperature above the casing melting temperature. In this regard, the casing correspondingly softens or begins to melt, so that at contact points of the multiple-component an adhesive connection or gluing connection to other components of the filter occurs at contact points. After the corresponding filter components have cooled, a dimensionally very stable filter is thus produced.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the filter also includes another filter component composed of other sorts of fibers. In this way, a very environmentally friendly filter can be produced when the other sorts of fibers are, e.g., biodegradable or can be produced biologically. In particular, cellulose fibers are preferably considered here or charcoal fibers, which can be activated. Other fibers, such as, e.g., hemp fibers or cotton fiber or the like, can also be utilized. These fibers preferably adsorb and/or absorb components of tobacco smoke effectively. Further, the length of the other sorts of fibers is preferably smaller than the length of the filter and is preferably between 0.1 mm and 30 mm and, in particular, between 0.2 mm and 10 mm.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a powdery or granular material can be utilized as another filter component, such that it is possible very effectively filter gaseous smoke. The powdery or granular material is preferably activated charcoal powder or granulate of activated charcoal. Moreover, this material can be catalysts that increase the absorption of smoke components or generate or facilitate a chemical transformation (reaction) into components that are not hazardous to the smoker. A substantial advantage of the invention lies in that an effective surface of the powder or of the granulate, which forms another filter component, is clearly increased as compared with corresponding filters made of cellulose acetate mixed with powder, since no adhesive such as triacitin covers the surface. For example, adhesion only occurs to the multiple-component fibers, so that the part of the surface that does not adhere to the fiber remains free and thus is available for adsorption or absorption. In accordance with the invention, flavoring materials can be selected as the powdery or granular material. Thus, in accordance with the foregoing description, a smaller amount of the flavoring materials are necessary in order to achieve a same taste effect. Preferably, the powdery or granular material is an adsorbing material.

[0014] In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, a proportion of multiple-component fibers is between 2% and 100% and a proportion of other fibers is between 0% and 98%. Within the scope of the invention, the percentages of the proportions of materials are to be considered as percentages by weight (% wt).

[0015] A filter that binds the cigarette smoke in a particularly effective manner is given when the filter includes a proportion of powdery or granular material that is between 80% by weight or 100% by weight and preferably is 90% by weight.

[0016] The filter is preferably a component of a multiple filter. Within the scope of this instant invention, the term “multiple filter” also includes the term “multi-segment filter.” Thus, the filter according to the invention can be the entire filter or a segment of a multiple filter of, e.g., a cigarette.

[0017] Further, the invention provides a process to manufacture a filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry. The process includes producing a rod, with at least one sort of multi-component fibers having lengths smaller than a length of the filter to be manufactured, heating the fiber rod to a temperature above a melting temperature of a casing of the at least one sort of multiple-component fibers, and cooling the fiber rod to a temperature below the melting temperature of the casing of the at least one sort of multiple-component fibers.

[0018] Through the process according to the invention, it is possible to manufacture a very homogenous filter in a cost-effective manufacture, in which high variability is available. The temperature to which the fiber rod is heated is preferably greater than the melting temperature of the casing or the outer casing of the multiple-component fibers. With a casing of, e.g., polyethylene, this is over 127° C. If bi-component fibers are used, a core of polyester is preferred which has a melting temperature of 256° C., such that the fiber rod is heated to a temperature below 256° C., and is preferably heated in a temperature range between 127° C. and 150° C.

[0019] When, before the production of the rod, at least one other component is mixed into the at least one sort of multiple-component fibers, it is possible to manufacture a very cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly filter. By way of example, cellulose fiber is suitable as this other component, and can be purchased from, e.g., Stora Enso Pulp, in Falun, Sweden. In this regard, the cellulose fiber type under the name Stora Fluff EF can be utilized. Moreover, a powdery or granular component of an adsorber, absorber, catalyst or flavoring material can be used as the other component, either separately or in combination with each other and with the cellulose fiber.

[0020] A particularly effective and simple process control is given when at least one part of the components is poured onto a conveyor to produce the rod. In this way, a corresponding filter rod or corresponding filter is manufactured in a particularly homogenous manner. Reference is hereby made to the manufacture of tobacco rods, which is described, e.g., in German Patent No. DE 36 24 098 C2, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Preferably, the process can also be used for manufacturing filters, in such a manner that the initial components are first present in a loose mixture, i.e., before the manufacture of the rod, and then, as with tobacco rod manufacture, are poured on a suction belt and further processed. To this extent, the content of German Patent No. DE 36 24 098 C2 can thus be used for the manufacturing process of filters or filter rods.

[0021] Preferably at least those components that are present in fiber form are poured. The poured fibers present in the mixture have a length that is preferably shorter than the length of the filter to be manufactured. Further, a particularly effective and cost-effective filter can then be manufactured when at least one other component in powder form or as granulate is added to the rod before heating or is added to the multiple-component fibers or the mixture during pouring. If, e.g., a powder of activated charcoal is added, it is possible to provide a very large surface on the charcoal powder particles, so that effectively fewer charcoal particles have to be added. Furthermore, in view of the instant invention, it is then no longer necessary to provide an active charcoal granulate filter for a multiple filter, which is relatively cost-intensive in the manufacture. Moreover, a more homogenous mixture of the powder in the multiple-component fibers or in the mixture of the fibers is possible than with a granulate filter. Still further, the draw resistance is more constant and can be better influenced.

[0022] When the rod is shaped by a garniture apparatus, to produce, e.g., a cylindrical form, it is possible to manufacture the desired end measurements of the filter to be manufactured in a simple manner. In this connection, reference is once again made to German Patent Application No. DE 36 24 098 C2, in which a corresponding garniture apparatus is described for producing an endless rod. A garniture apparatus adapted to the physical properties of the filter components can be used according to this invention. Further, the rod is preferably compressed during shaping. Moreover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to encase the rod within a suitable casing material, e.g., a paper strip, removed from a bobbin and laid on a driven garniture belt. The garniture belt then transports the filter rod or the combined fiber rod and paper strip through the garniture apparatus in order to fold the paper strip around the fiber rod. However, one edge of the paper strip projects from the rod, which is glued by a gluing device in a known manner. Finally the gluing seam is closed and dried by a seam sealer.

[0023] The heating of the rod occurs in or after the shaping in the garniture apparatus. Preferably, the heating occurs after the cutting of the filter rod into filter nth use lengths or filter bars. Subsequently the filter is cut to length or cut off. To this end, filters of nth use lengths are produced, which are subsequently used to produce, e.g., filter cigarettes. In this regard, n is a natural number and preferably even. For example, when a filter is placed between, and subsequently connected to, two cut tobacco rods, n is two (2), such that this filter is of double use length and is to be cut through in the middle after connection with the cut tobacco rods, in order to serve as filter for two cigarettes.

[0024] The invention is also directed to a filter manufactured according to the process of the instant invention or a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention. Moreover, a cigarette is formed by a cut tobacco rod and a filters according to the invention.

[0025] The present invention is directed to a filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry. The filter includes at least one filter component of multiple-component fibers. The multiple-component fibers have lengths shorter than a length of the filter.

[0026] According to a feature of the invention, the filter can be manufactured for use with cigarettes.

[0027] In accordance with another feature of the instant invention, the lengths of the multiple-component fibers can be between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. Further, the lengths of the multiple-component fibers can be between 2 mm and 8 mm, and, preferably, the lengths of the multiple-component fibers are between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0028] Further, the multiple-component fibers can include cores and casings composed of different materials. The casing material may have a lower melting point than the core material.

[0029] According to still another feature of the instant invention, each of the multiple-component fibers may include a core and a casing composed of materials having different melting points. The casing material has a lower melting point than the core material.

[0030] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the multiple-component fibers can include bi-component fibers.

[0031] The multiple-component fibers can be structured so that portions of the multiple-component fibers contacting each other adhere to each other forming contacting points.

[0032] Moreover, the at least one filter component can further include other fibers, different from the multiple-component fibers. Lengths of the other fibers may be shorter than a length of the filter. The lengths of the other fibers are between 0.1 mm and 30 mm. Further, the lengths of the other fibers can be between 0.2 mm and 10 mm. Still further, the other fibers may include at least one of cellulose fibers and charcoal fibers. The at least one filter component may also include a powdery or granular material. The multiple-component fibers can be structured so that portions of the multiple-component fibers contacting each other and contacting portions of the other fibers adhere to each other forming contacting points.

[0033] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the filter can be composed of between 2% wt. and 100% wt. of the multiple-component fibers and between 0% by wt. and 98% by wt. of other fibers, which are different from the multiple-component fibers. Further, the other fibers may include at least one of cellulose fibers and charcoal fibers. The filter can also be composed of between 80% wt. and 95% wt. of a powdery or granular material. The powdery or granular material can include at least one of activated charcoal, an adsorber, an absorber, a catalyst and a flavoring material. Further, the multiple-component fibers are structured so that portions of the multiple-component fibers contacting each other, contacting portions of the other fibers, and contacting portions of the powdery or granular material adhere to each other forming contacting points.

[0034] According to the present invention, the filter can be a component of a multiple filter.

[0035] In accordance with another feature of the invention, a cigarette can include a filter as described above connected to a cigarette rod.

[0036] The present invention is directed to a process for producing a filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry. The process includes producing a rod including at least one type of multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of the filter to be produced. Further, the multiple-component fibers have a casing. The process further includes heating the rod to a temperature above a melting temperature of the casing, and cooling the rod to a temperature below the melting temperature of the casing.

[0037] In accordance with a feature of the invention, before producing the rod, the process can include mixing at least one other component, which is different from the multiple-component fibers, into the at least one type of multiple-component fibers. The producing of the rod may include pouring at least a part of the multiple-component fibers and the at least one other component onto a conveyor. Further, the at least one other component may include fibers. In particular, the at least one other component can include a powder or granulate. Further, the powder or granulate may be added to the rod prior to heating. Moreover, the powder of granulate can be added to the multiple-component fibers during pouring. The at least one other component may include other fibers, which are different from the multiple-component fibers, and a powder or granulate. The powder can be added to a mixture of the multiple-component fibers and the other fibers during the pouring of the mixture onto the conveyor.

[0038] According to another feature of the invention, the producing of the rod may include pouring at least a part of the multiple-component fibers onto a conveyor.

[0039] According to the invention, the process can further include shaping the rod in a garniture apparatus, thereby producing a cylindrically shaped rod. Further, the heating of the rod can occur one of in or after the shaping in the garniture apparatus.

[0040] In accordance with still another feature of the invention, the process can also include encasing the rod in a casing material. The casing material may include a casing paper.

[0041] According to a further feature, the process can include cutting the filter to a desired length.

[0042] Moreover, the process can include connecting cigarette rods to opposite ends of the filter, and cutting the filter in half to form two filtered cigarettes.

[0043] According to the invention, a filtered cigarette is produced in accordance with the above-noted process.

[0044] Still further, a filter may be produced in accordance with the above-noted process.

[0045] Further still, a cigarette can include a filter produced in accordance with the above-noted process connected to a cigarette rod.

[0046] The present invention is directed to a filter that includes multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of the filter. Portions of the multiple-component fibers are structured to adhere to each other to form contacting points.

[0047] According to a feature of the invention, the multiple-component fibers comprising casings formed of a first material and cores formed of a second material different from the first material. The casings can have a lower melting point than the cores. Further, the connecting points may be formed by the cores melting together. Moreover, the first material may include at least one of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate and the second material can include polyethylene.

[0048] In accordance with another feature of the invention, the filter can include an other component, different from the multiple-component fibers. Portions of the multiple-component fibers may be structured to adhere to the other component. Still further, the other component can include at least one of cellulose and charcoal fibers. Alternatively, or additionally, the other component may include a powdery or granulate material comprising at least one of activated charcoal, an adsorber, an absorber, a catalyst and a flavoring material.

[0049] According to still another feature of the invention, the filter can be coupled to a cellulose acetate filter.

[0050] In accordance with still yet another feature of the present invention, a cigarette includes a filter in accordance with the above-description and a cigarette rod.

[0051] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

[0053] FIGS. 1a-1d diagrammatically illustrate cross-sections through filter cigarettes;

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a scanning electron microscope image of fibers adhered together in accordance with the invention;

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a scanning electron microscope image of a mixture of fibers in accordance with the invention;

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a scanning electron microscope image of a mixture of different fibers with an added powdery component;

[0057] FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a cross-section through a filter cigarette produced in accordance with the instant invention; and

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a scanning electron microscope image of a mixture of a bi-component fiber and a charcoal activated granulate in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0059] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

[0060] FIGS. 1a-1d diagrammatically illustrate cross-sections of filter cigarettes. Filters 10 in FIGS. 1a-1d are each structured differently. Further, a cut tobacco rod 11 is attached to each filter, whereby cut tobacco rod 11 and filter 10, as shown in diagrammatic form, are provided with a casing paper 17.

[0061] In FIG. 1a, filter 10 comprises multiple-component fibers, i.e., bi-component fibers 12, e.g., bi-component fibers of type 255 by Trevira (65926 Frankfurt, Germany), which were described above with regard to their properties. Bi-component fibers 12 comprise a core 20 of, e.g., PES, a man-made fiber of polyester, or PET, i.e. polyethylene terephthalate. In this exemplary embodiment casing 21 is made of PE (polyethylene). The melting point of casing 21 is 127° C. and the melting temperature of core 20 is 256° C. In order to produce the filter according to the invention, bi-component fibers 12 are correspondingly mixed, whereby loose fibers are used, which have a finite length shorter than the length of the filter to be produced. In this exemplary embodiment, bi-component fibers 12 have a cut length of 6 mm. The filter to be produced has a length of 21 mm.

[0062] Bi-component fibers 12 are poured onto a suction conveyor for the production of the filter, in order to form a stream or a rod of bi-component fibers 12. This stream or rod of bi-component fibers 12 is then shaped into the filter shape, preferably cylindrical, by a garniture apparatus, and encased with a casing paper 17. In order to achieve a corresponding stability, the filter is brought to a temperature of above the melting temperature of casing 21 of bi-component fibers 12, so that casing 21 melts or begins to melt. After a subsequent cooling, connections have formed at intersection points 18 of bi-component fibers 12, which connections lead to a bonding of bi-component fibers 12 in the rod. The heating of the rod can occur before the shaping of the filter in the garniture apparatus. However, this heating can also occur during shaping or afterwards. A corresponding adhesion of bi-component fibers 12, as shown in FIG. 2, occurs at a point of intersection 18 at which casing 21 material is accordingly melted. Through this connection it is possible to produce a very dimensionally stable filter. Moreover, it is noted that the length specification in the lower area of FIG. 2 is 10 &mgr;m.

[0063] FIG. 1b shows a filter that is made of a mixture of fibers, including bi-component fibers 12 and cellulose fibers 13. In a preferred manner, a mixture of 20 to 30% bi-component fibers 12 and 70 to 80% cellulose fibers 13 is used. Cellulose fibers 13 hereby serve as absorption- or adsorption fibers and bi-component fibers 12, with the adhesion points at intersection points 18, serve as a framework. It should be noted that not only are bi-component fibers 12 adhered together, but also cellulose fibers 13 at intersection points 18 with bi-component fibers 12.

[0064] In another exemplary, albeit unillustrated, embodiment, the filter is composed of 20% wt. bi-component fibers, 70% wt. cellulose fibers and 10% wt. charcoal fibers, preferably, activated charcoal fibers. The advantage of such a filter with these three fiber components is that harmful gaseous substances are also well adsorbed from the smoke. A filter can be produced more cost-effectively than an activated charcoal granulate filter. Furthermore, a very homogenous filter can be realized. Finally, a higher activity is given, since the active fibers are not glued with a glue such as, triacetin, and, therefore, a larger active surface is rendered possible. Another scanning electron microscope image is shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates a mixture of 20% wt. bi-component fibers 12 and 80% wt. cellulose fibers 13.

[0065] FIG. 1c shows another filter that comprises three components, which includes an activated charcoal granulate 14 used as additional component. These activated charcoal granulate particles or activated charcoal powder particles adhere or stick to the bi-component fibers at a corresponding adhesion point 19. Due to the small adhesion point or sticking point of charcoal particles 14 on bi-component fibers 12, a large free surface results with the charcoal particles, which surface is active. Other adsorbates, catalysts and/or flavoring materials can also be used instead of the activated charcoal particles or granulate, or powder. The grain size of the activated charcoal powder is normally a maximum of 10 &mgr;m. For example, 20 mg can be added to a filter accordingly.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a scanning electron microscope image of a corresponding part of a filter with a mixture of bi-component fibers 12, cellulose fibers 13 and particles of an activated charcoal powder 14. It can be easily observed that activated charcoal particles 14 adhere to bi-component fibers 12. However, some activated charcoal particles 14 are also arranged on cellulose fiber 13, which adhere there, although less firmly than to bi-component fiber 12.

[0067] A multiple filter 10′ is shown in FIG. 1d that comprises a filter element 16, which can comprise, e.g., a conventional cellulose acetate filter 15, and a filter element 16′, which can, e.g., correspond to the filter element depicted in FIG. 1c.

[0068] Through the filter according to the invention and the manufacturing process of the filter according to invention, there is a possibility of selecting and mixing the components of the filters such that smoke components can be specifically filtered out.

[0069] A filter produced according to the invention preferably has a length of 21 mm, a diameter of 7.8 mm, a weight of 110 mg, and a draw resistance of 55 mmWS. The filter comprises 75% wt. cellulose fibers of the type stora Fluff EF with a fiber length of 0.4 mm and 25% wt. bi-component fibers of the type 255 by Trevira with a cut length of 6 mm and a diameter of 25 &mgr;m. With the filter according to the invention, tar values of 12 mg/cig. and nicotine values of 0.87 mg/cig. are achieved with a ventilation of 18%.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a cross section through a filter cigarette according to FIGS. 1a through 1d. In comparison to the examples of FIGS. 1a-1d, the filter according to the invention comprises two filter elements 16 and 16′, whereby filter element 16′ is a mixture of bi-component fibers 12 and activated charcoal granulate 14 or activated charcoal powder 14. Further, a particularly preferred mixture includes between 80 and 95% wt. activated charcoal granulate or powder 14 and 5 to 20% wt. bi-component fibers 12. A mixture ratio of approx. 90% wt. activated charcoal granulate or powder 14 and approx. 10% wt. bi-component fibers 12 is particularly preferred. As noted, the percentages are in particular percentages by weight.

[0071] The activated charcoal granulate or powder is, e.g., the granulate Norit GCN 3060 by Norit Nederland B.V. For 90% of the granulate the grain size is between 0.25 mm and 0.59 mm.

[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates a scanning electron microscope image of a section through a filter according to the invention comprising approx. 10% wt. bi-component fibers 12 and approx. 90% wt. activated charcoal granulate 14. This figure is depicted as a 205 x magnification. In the lower area of FIG. 6, a scale is shown that shows in total 1 mm, whereby the units within this scale are 100 &mgr;m.

[0073] Activated charcoal granulate 14 is, as can be seen in FIG. 6, held in a matrix of bi-component fibers 12, whereby holding is rendered possible in particular by adhesion to bi-component fibers 12, after they have been brought to the melting of the shell during the manufacturing process of the filter.

[0074] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] List of Reference Numbers 1 10 Filter 10' Multiple filter 11 Cut tobacco rod 12 Bi-component fiber 13 Cellulose fiber 14 Activated charcoal granulate 15 Cellulose acetate filter element 16 Filter element 16' Filter element 17 Casing paper 18 Point of intersection 19 Adhesion point 20 Core 21 Casing

Claims

1. A filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry, comprising:

at least one filter component comprising multiple-component fibers;

said multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of said filter.

2. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said filter is manufactured for use with cigarettes.

3. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said lengths of said multiple-component fibers are between 0.5 mm and 30 mm.

4. The filter in accordance with claim 3, wherein said lengths of said multiple-component fibers are between 2 mm and 8 mm.

5. The filter in accordance with claim 3, wherein said lengths of said multiple-component fibers are between 3 mm and 6 mm.

6. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said multiple-component fibers comprise cores and casings composed of different materials.

7. The filter in accordance with claim 6, wherein said casing material has a lower melting point than said core material.

8. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein each said multiple-component fibers comprises a core and a casing composed of materials having different melting points.

9. The filter in accordance with claim 8, wherein said casing material has a lower melting point than said core material.

10. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said multiple-component fibers comprise bi-component fibers.

11. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said multiple-component fibers are structured so that portions of said multiple-component fibers contacting each other adhere to each other forming contacting points.

12. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said at least one filter component further comprises other fibers, different from said multiple-component fibers.

13. The filter in accordance with claim 12, wherein lengths of said other fibers is shorter than a length of said filter.

14. The filter in accordance with claim 13, wherein said lengths of said other fibers are between 0.1 mm and 30 mm.

15. The filter in accordance with claim 13, wherein said lengths of said other fibers are between 0.2 mm and 10 mm.

16. The filter in accordance with claim 12, wherein said other fibers comprise at least one of cellulose fibers and charcoal fibers.

17. The filter in accordance with claim 16, wherein said at least one filter component further comprises a powdery or granular material.

18. The filter in accordance with claim 12, wherein said multiple-component fibers are structured so that portions of said multiple-component fibers contacting each other and contacting portions of said other fibers adhere to each other forming contacting points.

19. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said filter is composed of between 2% wt. and 100% wt. of said multiple-component fibers and between 0% by wt. and 98% by wt. of other fibers, which are different from said multiple-component fibers.

20. The filter in accordance with claim 19, wherein said other fibers comprise at least one of cellulose fibers and charcoal fibers.

21. The filter in accordance with claim 19, wherein said filter is further composed of between 80% wt. and 95% wt. of a powdery or granular material.

22. The filter in accordance with claim 21, wherein said powdery or granular material comprises at least one of activated charcoal, an adsorber, an absorber, a catalyst and a flavoring material.

23. The filter in accordance with claim 19, wherein said multiple-component fibers are structured so that portions of said multiple-component fibers contacting each other, contacting portions of said other fibers, and contacting portions of said powdery or granular material adhere to each other forming contacting points.

24. The filter in accordance with claim 1, wherein said filter is a component of a multiple filter.

25. A cigarette comprising a filter in accordance with claim 1 connected to a cigarette rod.

26. A process for producing a filter for articles of the tobacco processing industry:

producing a rod comprising at least one type of multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of the filter to be produced, the multiple-component fibers having a casing;

heating the rod to a temperature above a melting temperature of the casing; and

cooling the rod to a temperature below the melting temperature of the casing.

27. The process in accordance with claim 26, wherein, before producing the rod, the process comprises mixing at least one other component, which is different from the multiple-component fibers, into the at least one type of multiple-component fibers.

28. The process in accordance with claim 27, wherein the producing of the rod comprises pouring at least a part of the multiple-component fibers and the at least one other component onto a conveyor.

29. The process in accordance with claim 28, wherein the at least one other component comprises fibers.

30. The process in accordance with claim 28, wherein the at least one other component comprises a powder or granulate.

31. The process in accordance with claim 30, wherein the powder or granulate is added to the rod prior to heating.

32. The process in accordance with claim 30, wherein the powder of granulate is added to the multiple-component fibers during pouring.

33. The process in accordance with claim 28, wherein the at least one other component comprises other fibers, which are different from the multiple-component fibers, and a powder or granulate.

34. The process in accordance with claim 33, wherein the powder is added to a mixture of the multiple-component fibers and the other fibers during the pouring of the mixture onto the conveyor.

35. The process in accordance with claim 26, wherein the producing of the rod comprises pouring at least a part of the multiple-component fibers onto a conveyor.

36. The process in accordance with claim 26, further comprising shaping the rod in a garniture apparatus, thereby producing a cylindrically shaped rod.

37. The process in accordance with claim 36, wherein the heating of the rod occurs one of in or after the shaping in the garniture apparatus.

38. The process in accordance with claim 26, further comprising encasing the rod in a casing material.

39. The process in accordance with claim 38, wherein the casing material comprises a casing paper.

40. The process in accordance with claim 26, further comprising cutting the filter to a desired length.

41. The process in accordance with claim 26, further comprising:

connecting cigarette rods to opposite ends of the filter; and

cutting the filter in half to form two filtered cigarettes.

42. A filtered cigarette produced in accordance with the process of claim 41.

43. A filter produced in accordance with the process of claim 26.

44. A cigarette comprising a filter produced in accordance with the process of claim 26 connected to a cigarette rod.

45. A filter comprising:

multiple-component fibers having lengths shorter than a length of said filter; and

portions of said multiple-component fibers being structured to adhere to each other to form contacting points.

46. The filter in accordance with claim 45, wherein said multiple-component fibers comprising casings formed of a first material and cores formed of a second material different from said first material.

47. The filter in accordance with claim 46, wherein said casings having a lower melting point than said cores.

48. The filter in accordance with claim 47, wherein said connecting points are formed by the cores melting together.

49. The filter in accordance with claim 46, wherein said first material comprises at least one of polyester and polyethylene terephthalate and said second material comprises polyethylene.

50. The filter in accordance with claim 45, further comprising an other component, different from said multiple-component fibers,

wherein portions of said multiple-component fibers are structured to adhere to said other component.

51. The filter in accordance with claim 50, wherein said other component comprises at least one of cellulose and charcoal fibers.

52. The filter in accordance with claim 50, wherein said other component comprises a powdery or granulate material comprising at least one of activated charcoal, an adsorber, an absorber, a catalyst and a flavoring material.

53. The filter in accordance with claim 52, wherein said other component further comprises at least one of cellulose and charcoal fibers.

54. The filter in accordance with claim 45 being coupled to a cellulose acetate filter.

55. A cigarette comprising a filter in accordance with claim 45 and a cigarette rod.