Eric J Walker

US Patent:

39917738, Nov 16, 1976

Filed:

Feb 20, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/551429

Inventors:

Eric E. Walker - Fort Lauderdale FL

International Classification:

A24B 1502

US Classification:

131264

Abstract:

A dry or moist filter element for tobacco smoke is described. The filter comprises a resilient liquid-impervious tubular casing with a porous plug of filter material at either end thereof. A chamber is provided within the casing, between the plugs, defined by mutually spaced walls adjacent the inner end of each plug. Each end wall has at least one port therein to allow the passage of smoke therethrough. A liquid containing, frangible or collapsible module is disposed within the chamber. The module is shaped to permit the passage of smoke through the filter, and designed to admit the liquid contained therein, through the ports, into the plugs when the central portion of the casing is compressed. The filter element of this invention then may be used as a dry filter, or if desired, as a moistened or wet filter merely by compressing the casing to rupture or collapse the module. Preferred liquids which may be used in the module include aqueous solutions of starch, glucose, or salt in biologically acceptable concentrations, alcohol to prevent freezing, or an aqueous, buffered solution containing the enzyme amylase.