Processing strip-shaped consumable aerosol-generating article to separate metallic component from non-metallic component

Abstract

A method of treating a strip-shaped consumable aerosol-generating article (1) comprising a metallic part (142) and a non-metallic part in a circumferential wrapper (153) is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: i) aligning the articles (1) in a feed hopper (110) such that the articles (1) are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to each other and coextending; ii) feeding the articles from the feed hopper (110) to an outer perimeter of a rotating drum (100) having an axis of rotation, where the outer perimeter comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves (114) disposed substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, and each longitudinal groove (114) is configured to releasably receive at least one article (1), where a longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation; iii) cutting at least a circumferential wrapper (153) of the articles (1) along the longitudinal axis of each article (1) while the articles (1) are in the longitudinal grooves (114) on the outer perimeter of the rotating drum (100), and iv) releasing the articles (1) from the outer perimeter of the rotating drum (100) after cutting the circumferential wrapper (153).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for processing strip-shaped consumable aerosol-generated articles to separate metal parts from non-metal parts. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles (e.g., heated tobacco products, heated nicotine-containing products, and mixtures thereof), various components are combined to produce the aerosol-generating articles. Typically, these articles include an aerosol-generating matrix (e.g., one or more of tobacco cast leaves, other products such as clove, menthol, or guar gum, and glycerin), one or more filter elements (e.g., containing cellulose materials), an aerosol cooling element (e.g., containing polylactic acid or acetate materials), and a metallic sensor element that, when heated, heats the aerosol-generating matrix and releases aerosols. The various components are arranged in a desired configuration and assembled into a strip-shaped article encased in an outer packaging, which may be made of paper or other materials.

[0003] There are many different designs of aerosol-generating articles, and this disclosure specifically relates to waste streams generated during the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles comprising both metallic and non-metallic materials, or to waste streams comprising used aerosol-generating articles comprising both metallic and non-metallic materials.

[0004] Specifically referring to the manufacturing of aerosol-generated products, production lines can be set up to produce thousands, tens of thousands, or even more aerosol-generated products per hour. Aerosol-generated products undergo quality inspection, and those that do not meet quality standards are rejected and sent to a waste stream. The waste stream can include finished aerosol-generated products that do not meet quality standards and partially finished aerosol-generated products that were rejected before completion. It is desirable to separate metallic and non-metallic materials in the waste stream so that at least the metallic materials can be recycled.

[0005] It is also desirable to separate metallic and non-metallic materials when handling used aerosol-generated articles that may have been collected from end users or testing machines. Furthermore, it is desirable to separate different non-metallic materials from each other.

[0006] Some currently available separation methods and devices focus on the recycling of conventional cigarettes (e.g., separating cellulosic materials from paper or tobacco). These known separation methods and devices are not designed to separate metallic materials from non-metallic materials.

[0007] Other currently available separation methods and equipment attempt to separate metallic materials by shredding the aerosol-generated articles and using magnetic force to separate the metallic materials from the non-metallic materials. However, such methods and equipment are only effective for ferromagnetic metallic materials, and the shredding process produces small metallic particles that may be difficult to separate from other components and may contaminate the non-metallic component waste stream. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for processing a strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating article, the strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating article comprising metal and non-metal components in a circumferential package, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] i) Align the articles in the feed hopper such that the articles are arranged such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and extend together;

[0010] ii) The article is fed from the feed hopper to the outer periphery of a rotating drum having a rotation axis, wherein the outer periphery includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and each longitudinal groove is configured to releasably receive at least one article, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and wherein the article is releasably held in the longitudinal groove by a magnetic field.

[0011] iii) When the articles are in the longitudinal grooves on the outer periphery of the rotating drum, at least the circumferential packaging of the articles is cut along the longitudinal axis of each article; and

[0012] iv) After cutting the circumferential package, release the article from the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for processing strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating articles, the strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating articles comprising metal and non-metal components in circumferential packaging, the apparatus comprising:

[0014] i) A feed hopper, wherein the articles are arranged such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and extend together;

[0015] ii) A rotatable roller having a rotation axis and an outer perimeter configured to receive articles from the feed hopper, wherein the outer perimeter includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the rotation axis, wherein each longitudinal groove is configured to releasably receive at least one article, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and wherein the rotatable roller includes at least one magnet releasably applied to a magnetic field to hold the article in the longitudinal groove;

[0016] iii) A cutting device configured to cut at least the circumferential packaging of the articles along the longitudinal axis of each article when the articles are on the outer periphery of the rotatable roller; and

[0017] iv) The rotatable roller is configured to release the article from the outer periphery of the rotatable roller after the circumferential package has been cut.

[0018] By aligning the strip-shaped consumable aerosol-generated articles and positioning them in a predetermined orientation within a longitudinal groove on the outer periphery of a rotating drum, it is possible to cut at least the circumferential packaging of each article along its longitudinal axis in a controlled manner, thus exposing the internal components of the articles and facilitating their separation from each other. Compared to known shredding processes, the controlled cutting step significantly reduces the risk of damaging metal components (such as metal sensor strips) within the articles. Consequently, the risk of generating small shredded metal pieces, which may be more difficult to separate from other components, is reduced.

[0019] After being separated from non-metallic parts, the metallic parts can be effectively recycled.

[0020] Valuable aerosol-generating matrix materials, such as tobacco cast leaves, as well as non-metallic components of filter materials, paper, and aerosol cooling components, can be further separated into different parts, some of which can be recycled, and some of which can be composted or disposed of in other environmentally responsible ways.

[0021] The product is releasably held in the longitudinal groove by a magnetic field.

[0022] The metal components may comprise substantially layered metal elements having a plane substantially centered along the longitudinal axis of each article. This is the typical profile of metal sensor elements used in aerosol generation apparatuses. The metal sensor elements are used to apply heat to the aerosol generation matrix. The metal sensor elements can operate by resistance or ohmic heating, in which case current flows through the metal sensor element when the aerosol-generating article is consumed using the aerosol generation apparatus; or by induction heating, in which case eddy currents are induced in the metal sensor element by an alternating electromagnetic field when the aerosol-generating article is consumed using the aerosol generation apparatus.

[0023] The longitudinal grooves may be provided with magnets that can be releasably applied with a magnetic field to hold the article within the longitudinal grooves. The magnets may include at least one permanent magnet. The magnets may also include at least one electromagnet. Each longitudinal groove may be provided with at least one magnet.

[0024] The magnet may include elongated magnetic members disposed along opposite edges of longitudinal grooves. The elongated magnetic members may be configured to have opposite magnetic polarities in each longitudinal groove. This allows for the application of a stronger magnetic field within the longitudinal grooves.

[0025] A magnet can rotate the article relative to the outer perimeter of the rotating drum, such that the planes of the substantially layered metal elements are aligned substantially parallel to the outer perimeter of the rotating drum. This is particularly advantageous when the metal parts comprise substantially layered metal elements, each having a plane substantially centered along the longitudinal axis of each article. The magnet can be configured to rotate the article within a longitudinal groove, such that the planes of the substantially layered metal elements are aligned substantially parallel to the outer perimeter of the rotating drum. The magnet can help hold the article in the longitudinal groove during rotation of the rotating drum, at least until the article is released or until the article is discharged from the longitudinal groove by air from a longitudinal positive pressure air passage.

[0026] By aligning the planes of the substantially layered metal element substantially parallel to the outer perimeter of the rotating drum, the likelihood of the metal part being cut during the cutting in step iii) can be reduced. This, in turn, reduces the risk of generating small metal particles during the cutting step, which may be more difficult to separate from non-metallic parts than larger substantially layered metal elements.

[0027] Air holes can be provided in the longitudinal grooves on the outer surface of the rotating drum.

[0028] The article can be releasably held in the longitudinal groove by a controlled negative pressure applied to the air hole. The negative pressure can act through the air hole to draw the article into the longitudinal groove and keep the article properly aligned.

[0029] The product can be discharged from the longitudinal groove by a controlled positive air pressure applied to the air hole. The positive air pressure can act through the air hole to blow the product out of the longitudinal groove when desired.

[0030] A rotating drum may include a fixed internal portion and a rotating peripheral portion that defines its outer perimeter.

[0031] The fixed internal portion may include a longitudinal negative pressure air passage. The fixed internal portion may include at least one first axial passage extending from the longitudinal negative pressure air passage toward the rotating outer circumferential portion, and the first at least one axial passage may communicate with an air hole in at least one longitudinal groove when at least one longitudinal groove is in a first predetermined rotational position. The first predetermined rotational position may be a position adjacent to the outlet of the feed hopper. More generally, the first predetermined rotational position may be any position within a predetermined rotational position range in the upper half of the rotating drum.

[0032] The fixed internal portion may include a longitudinal positive pressure air passage. The fixed internal portion may include at least one second axial passage extending from the longitudinal positive pressure air passage toward the rotating outer circumferential portion, and the second at least one axial passage may communicate with an air hole in at least one longitudinal groove when at least one longitudinal groove is in a second predetermined rotational position. When the rotating outer portion rotates about the fixed internal portion, the second predetermined rotational position may be the lowest longitudinal groove in the rotating outer portion. More generally, the second predetermined rotational position may be any position within a predetermined rotational position range in the lower half of the rotating drum.

[0033] In embodiments using an electromagnet as the magnet, it is possible to omit the longitudinal positive pressure air channel and the second at least one axial channel, because the selected electromagnet can be shut off so that the cut article can be released from the lower half of the rotating outer portion or at least from the lowest longitudinal groove when the rotating outer portion rotates about the fixed inner portion. The article can then fall from the longitudinal groove under gravity.

[0034] Preferably, in step iii), the article is cut without cutting the metal parts.

[0035] In step iii), a laser can be used to cut the product. The laser can have power selectable to cut only the circumferential packaging without cutting the metal parts.

[0036] In step iii), the article can be cut using a blade cutting device. The blade cutting device may include rotating blades. The blade cutting device may include multiple blades mounted on a drive belt. The drive belt may be configured such that the multiple blades cut in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of the article on the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

[0037] The rotating drum can rotate in a stepwise manner, wherein the rotating drum is stationary during the cutting process in step iii). This simplifies the cutting process because the cutting device does not need to rotate with the rotating drum.

[0038] In step iii), the article can be cut to a depth of up to 3 mm, optionally up to 2 mm. This depth may be sufficient to open the article, thereby allowing the metal and non-metal parts to be separated, with minimal risk of cutting the metal parts.

[0039] After step iv), the product can be released or discharged onto a conveyor. The conveyor can be positioned below the rotating drum. The product can be conveyed onto the surface of the vibrating table on the conveyor.

[0040] Alternatively, after step iv), the article can be released directly onto the surface of the vibrating table. The vibrating table can be positioned directly below the rotating drum.

[0041] The vibration table can be configured to vibrate at a frequency between 5 Hz and 100 Hz, optionally between 30 Hz and 60 Hz. The vibration table can be configured to vibrate with an amplitude between 1 mm and 6 mm. The vibration table can be configured to vibrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane perpendicular to the surface of the vibration table. Vibrating the cut parts on the vibration table can help separate metallic and non-metallic parts from each other.

[0042] The cutting articles are supplied to it by a rotating drum, and at least one surface of the vibrating table may be at an angle between 10 and 35 degrees, for example, about 15 degrees, to the horizontal plane. The surface of the vibrating table may be angled such that the end of the vibrating table or surface closest to the lower side of the rotating drum is higher than the end of the vibrating table or surface furthest from the lower side of the rotating drum. This facilitates the movement of the cutting articles released or discharged from the longitudinal grooves of the rotating drum down the slope of the vibrating table or surface away from the lower side of the rotating drum. This reduces the risk of blockage and accumulation of metal and non-metal components below the rotating drum.

[0043] It should be understood that, as described below, if the cutting in step iii) is sufficient to expose the metal and non-metal parts so that they can be separated from each other in the eddy current separation unit, the vibration table may be omitted.

[0044] Cut products containing both metallic and non-metallic components can be conveyed to the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit. Metallic and non-metallic components can also be conveyed from the vibrating table to the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit.

[0045] Metallic and non-metallic components can be trapped in the airflow at the upper inlet of the vortex separator unit.

[0046] The airflow can enter the vortex separator tangentially at the upper portion of the vortex separator unit and follow a downward vortex path around the inner surface of the unit, then rises upward through the center of the downward vortex path to the upper outlet of the vortex separator unit. Metal components can be collected and held at the lower portion of the vortex separator unit, while non-metallic components can be carried by the airflow through the upper outlet. The vortex separator unit can be used to separate mixtures of materials with different weights or different resistances to airflow. The metallic components of the aerosol-generating article are heavier than the non-metallic components and therefore tend to be collected and held at the lower portion of the vortex separator unit. The separated metallic components can be removed from the lower portion of the vortex separator unit in batches or continuously for recycling.

[0047] An airflow carrying entrained non-metallic components can be transferred from the upper outlet of one vortex separator to the upper inlet of another vortex separator. The airflow can enter the other vortex separator tangentially at its upper portion and follow a downward vortex path around its inner surface toward its lower portion, then rises through the center of the downward vortex path to its upper outlet. Heavier non-metallic components can be collected and held in the lower portion of the other vortex separator, while lighter non-metallic components can be carried by the airflow through its upper outlet. In this way, heavier and lighter non-metallic components exiting the first vortex separator can be separated from each other. The non-metallic components can also be recycled or sent for composting or other environmentally responsible disposal.

[0048] Additional eddy current separation units can be used to separate non-metallic cellulose components from non-metallic paper components for selective recycling and environmentally responsible disposal.

[0049] Additional eddy current separation units can be used to separate non-metallic aerosol generating matrix components (e.g., nicotine-containing components with higher values ​​(and taxable in some jurisdictions)) from other non-metallic components with lower values. The non-metallic aerosol generating matrix components can be recycled or processed to extract the relevant active ingredients (such as nicotine-containing components) for recovery.

[0050] Aerosol-generated articles that can be effectively processed by the methods and apparatus of this disclosure may include articles from the production line that have been determined to be non-compliant with predetermined quality standards or to be defective in some respects. Articles may also include articles manufactured in portions that have been discarded before completion. Articles may include used aerosol-generated articles collected from end-user consumers. Articles may include used aerosol-generated articles that have undergone quality control and other treatments in a testing machine.

[0051] In the context of this disclosure, the term "aerosol-generating article" is intended to refer to an article comprising an aerosol-generating matrix configured for use with an aerosol-generating apparatus. The aerosol-generating matrix may include a nicotine-containing substance (e.g., tobacco). The article may include additional components (such as a mouthpiece, aerosol mixing section, a filter section, a flavoring section, etc.). The aerosol-generating article preferably has a strip-shaped or cylindrical profile. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a constant cross-section along its length, which may be circular, elliptical, or oval, but may also have other shapes, including polygonal ones.

[0052] In the context of this disclosure, the term "aerosol-generating matrix" is intended to mean a matrix capable of generating aerosols when heated. Examples of aerosol-generating matrices include tobacco cast leaves formed from pulp of ground tobacco leaves and a suitable binder, and also include mixtures of nicotine with one or more of glycerin, guar gum, menthol, cloves, and other agricultural products, or high-retention materials with nicotine content.

[0053] In the context of this disclosure, the term "fixed inner portion" is intended to mean a substantially cylindrical inner portion of a rotating drum that remains substantially stationary as the outer cylindrical and coaxial portions of the rotating drum rotate about the inner portion.

[0054] In the context of this disclosure, the term "layered" is intended to mean an article having a sheet-like or foil-like structure.

[0055] In the context of this disclosure, the term "longitudinal groove" is intended to mean a groove extending longitudinally along the outer periphery of a rotating drum. The longitudinal groove may be substantially semi-cylindrical. The longitudinal groove may be configured to receive a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal groove, wherein the outer longitudinally curved surface of the aerosol-generating article extends outward from the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

[0056] In the context of this disclosure, the term "metal component" is intended to mean a metal element, such as a metal sensor element in an aerosol generating article, configured to heat the aerosol generating matrix in the article when the article is consumed using an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0057] In the context of this disclosure, the term "metal sensor element" is intended to mean a substantially layered metal element (e.g., a substantially layered metal element in the form of a metal foil) disposed in or adjacent to an aerosol generating matrix, and which can be heated by resistive or inductive heating to cause the aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols.

[0058] In the context of this disclosure, the term "non-metallic component" is intended to mean a component of an aerosol-generating article that is not made of metal. These components may include paper (such as packaging paper, tipping paper, and tubular cardboard elements); aerosol-generating matrices (such as tobacco cast leaves, glycerin, guar gum, clove, menthol, and high-retention materials with nicotine content); and filter materials (such as cellulose acetate tow or cellulose-based elements).

[0059] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0060] Example Ex1: A method for processing a strip of consumable aerosol-generated articles, the strip of consumable aerosol-generated articles comprising metal and non-metal components in a circumferential package, the method comprising the following steps:

[0061] i) Align the articles in the feed hopper such that the articles are arranged such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and extend together;

[0062] ii) The article is fed from the feed hopper to the outer periphery of a rotating drum having a rotation axis, wherein the outer periphery includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and each longitudinal groove is configured to releasably receive at least one article, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the rotation axis.

[0063] iii) When the articles are in the longitudinal grooves on the outer periphery of the rotating drum, at least the circumferential packaging of the articles is cut along the longitudinal axis of each article; and

[0064] iv) After cutting the circumferential package, release the article from the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

[0065] Example Ex2: According to the method of Example Ex1, the article is releasably held in the longitudinal groove by a magnetic field.

[0066] Example Ex3: According to the method of Example Ex1 or Ex2, the longitudinal groove is provided with air holes.

[0067] Example Ex4: According to the method of Example Ex3, the article is releasably held in the longitudinal groove by a controllable negative pressure applied to the air hole.

[0068] Example Ex5: According to the method of Example Ex3 or Ex4, the article is discharged from the longitudinal groove by a controllable positive air pressure applied to the air hole.

[0069] Example Ex6: According to the method of Example Ex4 or Ex5, the rotating roller includes a fixed inner portion and a rotating outer circumferential portion defining the outer perimeter.

[0070] Example Ex7: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex4 to Ex6, the fixed internal portion includes a longitudinal negative pressure air passage.

[0071] Example Ex8: The method according to claim 7, wherein the fixed internal portion includes a first at least one axial channel extending from the longitudinal negative pressure air channel toward the rotating outer circumferential portion, and wherein the first at least one axial channel communicates with an air hole of at least one longitudinal groove in the longitudinal groove when the at least one longitudinal groove is in a first predetermined rotational position.

[0072] Example Ex9: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex4 to Ex7, the fixed internal portion includes a longitudinal positive pressure air passage.

[0073] Example Ex10: According to the method of Example Ex9, the fixed internal portion includes a second at least one axial channel extending from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel toward the rotating outer circumferential portion, and the second at least one axial channel communicates with an air hole of at least one longitudinal groove in the longitudinal groove when the at least one longitudinal groove is in a second predetermined rotational position.

[0074] Example Ex11: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex10, the metal component comprises substantially layered metal elements having a plane substantially centered along the longitudinal axis of each article.

[0075] Example Ex12: According to the method of Example Ex11, which is subordinate to Example Ex2, the rotating drum includes at least one magnet that applies the magnetic field, and the magnetic field causes the article to rotate relative to the outer periphery of the rotating drum such that the plane of the substantially layered metal element is substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

[0076] Example Ex13: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein in step iii), the article is cut without cutting the metal part.

[0077] Example Ex14: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex13, wherein in step iii), the article is cut using a laser.

[0078] Example Ex15: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex14, wherein in step iii), the article is cut using a blade cutting device.

[0079] Example Ex16: According to the method of Example Ex15, the blade cutting device includes a rotating blade.

[0080] Example Ex17: According to the method of Example Ex15, the blade cutting device includes a plurality of blades mounted on a drive belt.

[0081] Example Ex18: According to the method of Example Ex17, the drive belt is configured such that the plurality of blades cut in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of the article on the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

[0082] Example Ex19: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the rotating drum rotates in a stepwise manner, wherein the rotating drum is stationary during the cutting in step iii).

[0083] Example Ex20: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein in step iii), the article is cut to a depth of up to 3 mm, optionally up to 2 mm.

[0084] Example Ex21: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein after step iv), the article is released or discharged onto the conveyor.

[0085] Example Ex22: According to the method of Example Ex21, the article is conveyed on the conveyor to the surface of the vibrating table.

[0086] Example Ex23: The method according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein after step iv), the article is released onto the surface of the vibration table.

[0087] Example Ex24: According to the method of Example Ex22 or Ex23, the surface of the vibration table vibrates to separate the metal part and the non-metal part from each other.

[0088] Example Ex25: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex24, the cut article having the metal part and the non-metal part is conveyed to the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit.

[0089] Example Ex26: According to the method of any one of Examples Ex22 to Ex24, wherein the metal component and the non-metal component are conveyed from the vibration table to the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit.

[0090] Example Ex27: According to the method of Example Ex25 or Ex26, the metal component and the non-metal component are entrained in the airflow at the upper inlet of the vortex separation unit.

[0091] Example Ex28: According to the method of Example Ex27, the airflow enters the vortex separation unit tangentially at the upper portion of the vortex separation unit and follows a downward descending vortex path around the inner surface of the vortex separation unit, and then rises upward through the center of the descending vortex path to the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit.

[0092] Example Ex29: According to the method of Example Ex28, the metal component is collected and held at the lower portion of the vortex separation unit, and the non-metallic component is carried by the airflow through the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit.

[0093] Example Ex30: According to the method of Example Ex29, the airflow with entrained non-metallic components is transferred from the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit to the upper inlet of another vortex separation unit.

[0094] Example Ex31: According to the method of Example Ex30, the airflow enters the additional vortex separation unit tangentially at the upper portion of the additional vortex separation unit and follows a downward descending vortex path around the inner surface of the additional vortex separation unit toward the lower portion of the vortex separation unit, and then rises upward through the center of the descending vortex path to the upper outlet of the additional vortex separation unit.

[0095] Example Ex32: According to the method of Example Ex31, the heavier non-metallic components are collected and held in the lower portion of the additional vortex separation unit, and the lighter non-metallic components are carried by the airflow through the upper outlet of the additional vortex separation unit.

[0096] Example Ex33: An apparatus for processing strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating articles, the strip-shaped consumable aerosol generating articles comprising metal and non-metal components in a circumferentially packaged material, the apparatus comprising:

[0097] i) A feed hopper, wherein the articles are arranged such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and extend together;

[0098] ii) A rotatable roller having a rotation axis and an outer perimeter configured to receive articles from the feed hopper, the outer perimeter including a plurality of longitudinal grooves disposed substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and wherein each longitudinal groove is configured to releasably receive at least one article, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the rotation axis.

[0099] iii) A cutting device configured to cut at least the circumferential packaging of the articles along the longitudinal axis of each article when the articles are on the outer periphery of the rotatable roller; and

[0100] iv) The rotatable roller is configured to release the article from the outer periphery of the rotatable roller after the circumferential package has been cut.

[0101] Example Ex34: The device according to Example Ex33, wherein the longitudinal groove is provided with a magnet that can be releasably applied with a magnetic field to hold the article in the longitudinal groove.

[0102] Example Ex35: The device according to Example Ex34, wherein the magnet comprises at least one permanent magnet.

[0103] Example Ex36: The device according to Example Ex34 or Ex35, wherein the magnet includes at least one electromagnet.

[0104] Example Ex37: A device according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex36, wherein each of the longitudinal grooves is provided with at least one magnet.

[0105] Example Ex38: A device according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex37, wherein the magnet includes an elongated magnetic member disposed along the opposite edges of the longitudinal groove.

[0106] Example Ex39: The device according to Example Ex38, wherein the elongated magnet member is configured to have opposite magnetic polarities on each of the longitudinal grooves.

[0107] Example Ex40: A device according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex38, wherein the longitudinal groove is provided with an air hole.

[0108] Example Ex41: The device according to Example Ex40 is configured to releasably retain the article in the longitudinal groove by applying a controllable negative pressure to the air hole.

[0109] Example Ex42: An apparatus according to Example Ex40 or Ex41, configured to discharge the article from the longitudinal groove by a controllable positive air pressure applied to the air hole.

[0110] Example Ex43: The device according to Example Ex41 or Ex42, wherein the rotatable roller includes a fixed internal portion and a rotatable external circumferential portion defining the outer perimeter.

[0111] Example Ex44: The device according to Example Ex43, wherein the fixed internal portion includes a longitudinal negative pressure air passage.

[0112] Example Ex45: According to the device of Example Ex44, the fixed internal portion includes a first at least one axial channel extending from the longitudinal negative pressure air passage toward the rotatable outer circumferential portion, and the first at least one axial channel is configured to communicate with an air hole of at least one longitudinal groove in the longitudinal groove when the at least one longitudinal groove is in a first predetermined rotational position.

[0113] Example Ex46: A device according to any one of Examples Ex43 to Ex45, wherein the fixed internal portion includes a longitudinal positive pressure longitudinal positive pressure air passage.

[0114] Example Ex47: According to the device of Example Ex46, the fixed internal portion includes a second at least one axial channel extending from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel toward the rotatable outer circumferential portion, and the second at least one axial channel is configured to communicate with an air hole of at least one longitudinal groove in the longitudinal groove when the at least one longitudinal groove is in a second predetermined rotational position.

[0115] Example Ex48: An apparatus according to Example Ex34 or any of Examples Ex35 to Ex47 belonging to Example Ex34, wherein the metal component comprises substantially layered metal elements having planes substantially centered along the longitudinal axis of each article, and wherein the magnet is configured to apply a magnetic field to rotate the articles relative to the outer periphery of the rotatable drum such that the planes of the substantially layered metal elements are substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the rotatable drum.

[0116] Example Ex49: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex48, wherein the cutting device is configured to cut the article without cutting the metal part.

[0117] Example Ex50: The device according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex49, wherein the cutting device is a laser cutting device.

[0118] Example Ex51: The device according to any one of Examples Ex34 to Ex49, wherein the cutting device is a blade cutting device.

[0119] Example Ex52: According to the device of Example Ex51, the blade cutting device includes a rotating blade.

[0120] Example Ex53: According to the device of Example Ex51, the blade cutting device includes a plurality of blades mounted on a drive belt.

[0121] Example Ex54: The apparatus according to Example Ex53, wherein the drive belt is configured such that the plurality of blades cut in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis of the article on the outer periphery of the rotatable drum.

[0122] Example Ex55: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex54, wherein the rotatable roller is configured to rotate in a stepwise manner, wherein the rotatable roller is stationary when the cutting device cuts the circumferential packaging of the article.

[0123] Example Ex56: An apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex55, wherein the cutting device is configured to cut the article to a depth of up to 3 mm, optionally up to 2 mm.

[0124] Example Ex57: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex56 further includes a conveyor onto which the article is released.

[0125] Example Ex58: The apparatus according to Example Ex57 further includes a vibration table, wherein the conveyor is configured to convey the article onto the surface of the vibration table.

[0126] Example Ex59: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex56 further includes a vibration table having a surface on which the article is released.

[0127] Example Ex60: The apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex33 to Ex59 further includes an eddy current separation unit having an upper inlet, wherein the cut article having the metal part and the non-metal part is conveyed to the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit.

[0128] Example Ex61: The device according to Example Ex58 or Ex59 further includes an eddy current separation unit with an upper inlet, wherein the metal component and the non-metal component are conveyed from the surface of the vibration table to the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit.

[0129] Example Ex62: The device according to Example Ex60 or Ex61, wherein the vortex separation unit is configured to enclose the metal component and the non-metal component in the airflow at the upper inlet of the vortex separation unit.

[0130] Example Ex63: The device according to Example Ex62, wherein the upper inlet is configured to tangentially guide the airflow into the vortex separation unit at the upper portion of the vortex separation unit, and wherein the vortex separation unit is configured to guide the airflow along a downward descending vortex path surrounding the inner surface of the vortex separation unit toward the lower portion of the vortex separation unit, and then rise upward through the center of the descending vortex path to the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit.

[0131] Example Ex64: According to the device of Example Ex63, the lower portion of the vortex separation unit is configured to collect and retain metallic components from the airflow, while non-metallic components are carried by the airflow through the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit.

[0132] Example Ex65: According to the device of Example Ex64, the lower portion of the vortex separation unit is provided with an inner skirt portion of the metal component that helps to collect and retain the airflow.

[0133] Example Ex66: A device according to any one of Examples Ex63 to Ex65, comprising an additional vortex separation unit, wherein the airflow with entrained non-metallic components is transferred from the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit to the upper inlet of the additional vortex separation unit.

[0134] Example Ex67: According to the device of Example Ex66, the upper inlet of the additional vortex separation unit is configured to tangentially guide the airflow into the additional vortex separation unit at the upper portion of the additional vortex separation unit, and the additional vortex separation unit is configured to guide the airflow along a downward descending vortex path surrounding the inner surface of the additional vortex separation unit toward the lower portion of the additional vortex separation unit, and then rise upward through the center of the descending vortex path to the upper outlet of the additional vortex separation unit.

[0135] Example Ex68: According to the device of Example Ex67, the lower portion of the additional vortex separation unit is configured to collect and retain heavier non-metallic components from the airflow, while lighter non-metallic components are carried by the airflow through the upper outlet of the additional vortex separation unit.

[0136] Example Ex69: According to the device of Example Ex68, the lower portion of the additional vortex separation unit is provided with an inner skirt portion that helps to collect and retain the heavier non-metallic components from the airflow. Attached Figure Description

[0137] The examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0138] Figure 1 Exemplary strip-shaped aerosol articles suitable for processing by the methods and apparatus of this disclosure are shown in schematic form.

[0139] Figure 2 The apparatus, including a feed hopper and a rotating drum, is shown schematically.

[0140] Figure 3 It is shown in schematic form Figure 2 The rotating drum.

[0141] Figure 4 The cross-sections of the aerosol-generated product and the magnet are shown schematically.

[0142] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a side view of a cutting device with a rotating blade is shown.

[0143] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an alternative cutting device including a laser cutting unit is shown.

[0144] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the dimensional arrangement of the article, the metal sensor element, and the cutting device is provided.

[0145] Figure 8 The eddy current separation unit is shown schematically.

[0146] Figure 9 The operation is illustrated in schematic form. Figure 8 eddy current separation unit.

[0147] Figure 10 It is shown in schematic form Figure 8 and Figure 9 Top view of the eddy current separation unit. Detailed Implementation

[0148] Figure 1 An exemplary strip-shaped aerosol generating article 1, comprising various components arranged end-to-end, is illustrated schematically. For example, in Figure 1 The article 1 shown includes a porous filter element 11 made of cellulose acetate tow and provided with filter tip segments of packaging paper 111, a rear hollow cellulose acetate tow tube element 12, a front hollow cellulose acetate tow tube element 13 provided with rod packaging paper 131, an aerosol generating matrix 14 provided with rod packaging paper 141 and including a metal sensor element 142, and a front rod cellulose acetate tow element 15 provided with rod packaging paper 151. The rear hollow cellulose acetate tow tube element 12, the front hollow cellulose acetate tow tube element 13, the aerosol generating matrix 14, and the front rod cellulose acetate tow element 15 are all packaged together in packaging paper 161 and then connected to the porous filter element 11 by means of splicing paper 121.

[0149] exist Figure 1 In this context, the filter tip section packaging paper 111, the rod packaging paper 131, 141, 151, the packaging paper 161, and the tipping paper 121 can all be considered as circumferential packaging materials and non-metallic components.

[0150] exist Figure 1 In this design, the porous filter element 11, the rear hollow cellulose acetate bundle element 12, the front hollow cellulose acetate bundle element 13, the aerosol generating matrix 14, and the front rod cellulose acetate bundle element 15 can all be considered as non-metallic components.

[0151] exist Figure 1In this context, the metal sensor element 142 can be considered as a metal component.

[0152] The precise structural details of Article 1 are not of particular concern, but it should be noted that Article 1 has a complex structure, which may make it difficult to separate its components from each other for recycling and environmentally responsible disposal.

[0153] Article 1 may have a length L of 42 to 105 mm, preferably 55 to 95 mm, and most preferably 60 to 80 mm. Article 1 may have a diameter D of 4.1 to 9.0 mm, preferably 6.1 to 8.2 mm, and most preferably 6.5 to 7.5 mm.

[0154] The metal sensor element 142, shown in more detail on the right side of article 1, may have a generally layered shape, with a length I of 5.0 to 20.0 mm, preferably 7.0 to 17.0 mm, most preferably 10.0 to 14.0 mm, a width J of 3.1 to 8.0 mm, preferably 3.5 to 7.0 mm, most preferably 4.0 to 5.0 mm, and a thickness K of 0.01 to 0.2 mm, preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm, most preferably 0.075 to 0.1 mm. The metal sensor element 142 may be in the form of a metal foil.

[0155] The metal sensor element 142 can be made, for example, of a 304 stainless steel alloy with a nickel coating of thickness between 10 and 30 micrometers, but other metal materials can be used.

[0156] Figure 2 The apparatus 10, which includes a feed hopper 110 and a rotating drum 100, is shown in schematic form. Figure 3 Shown separately in schematic form Figure 2 A rotating drum 100. A plurality of aerosol-generating articles 1, each having an embedded metal sensor element 142, are aligned in a feed hopper such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and extend together. The metal sensor element 142 is embedded in the aerosol-generating matrix 14, and each article 1 includes at least one circumferential package 153 (e.g., Figure 1 (One or more of the packages 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161). The rotary drum 100 is disposed adjacent to the feed hopper 110 such that the feed hopper 110 can feed the article 1 to the outer periphery of the rotary drum 100. The rotary drum 100 has a longitudinal central axis of rotation, and Figure 2The rotating drum 100 is configured to rotate clockwise. Its outer periphery includes a plurality of longitudinal grooves 114 arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Each longitudinal groove 114 is configured to releasably receive at least one article 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article 1 is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. Each longitudinal groove 114 may have a length sufficient to receive two or more articles 1 arranged end-to-end, but in some embodiments, the longitudinal groove 114 may be configured to receive only one article 1 at a time.

[0157] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The rotating drum 100 of the embodiment includes a fixed inner portion 102 and a rotating outer peripheral portion 101 that defines the outer periphery of the rotating drum 100.

[0158] The fixed internal portion 102 includes a longitudinal negative pressure air passage 160 and a longitudinal positive pressure air passage 112. Negative and positive air pressure are provided to the air passages 160 and 112 at one or both ends of the fixed internal portion 102, respectively.

[0159] The first axial channel 180 extends from the longitudinal negative pressure air channel 160 toward the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 in the direction toward the output port of the feed hopper 110. The first axial channel 180 is located in the upper half of the rotating drum 100.

[0160] An air hole 181 is provided in the longitudinal groove 114 in the rotating outer peripheral portion 101. The air hole 181 can be longitudinally distributed along the base of the longitudinal groove 114.

[0161] When the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 is aligned relative to the fixed inner portion 102 such that one of the longitudinal grooves 114 aligns with the output port of the feed hopper 110, the air hole 181 in the base of the longitudinal groove 114 aligns with the first axial channel 180, and air is drawn into the longitudinal negative pressure air channel 160 through the air hole 181 and the first axial channel 180. This facilitates the transfer of the product 1 from the output port of the feed hopper 110 to the longitudinal groove 114 and makes it easier for the product 1 to be correctly placed in the longitudinal groove 114.

[0162] A magnet 120 is also provided at the edge of the longitudinal groove 114. The magnet 120 can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Figure 2 and Figure 3In one embodiment, magnet 120 includes an elongated magnetic member disposed along opposite edges of a longitudinal groove 114. Magnet 120 is configured to apply a magnetic field within the longitudinal groove 114, the magnetic field interacting with a metallic sensor element 142 of the article 1 on a rotatable outer circumferential portion 101 of the rotating roller 100. The magnetic field can help retain the article 1 within the longitudinal groove 114 as the outer circumferential portion 101 rotates about a fixed inner portion 102, even when the longitudinal groove 114 has rotated away from the first axial channel 180 and negative air pressure is not supplied to the air holes 181 of the longitudinal groove 114.

[0163] Device 10 also includes Figure 2 The cutting device 200 is schematically shown. The cutting device 200 is positioned further away from the feed hopper 110 relative to the rotation direction of the rotating drum 100. The cutting device 200, which may include a laser or blade cutting device, is configured to cut at least the circumferential package 153 of each article 1 along its longitudinal axis when the articles are in longitudinal grooves 114 on the outer periphery of the rotating drum 100. The cutting device 200 is described in further detail below. Figure 2 The article 1, including a longitudinal cut 250, is shown in a longitudinal groove 114. The longitudinal cut 250, which extends at least through the circumferential packaging 153, helps to expose the internal components of the article 1 and facilitates the separation of metal and non-metal components from each other.

[0164] The second axial channel 182 extends from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112 toward the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 in a direction toward the lower side of the rotating drum 100. The second axial channel 182 is located in the lower half of the rotating drum 100.

[0165] When the rotating outer circumferential portion 101 is aligned relative to the fixed inner portion 102 such that one of the longitudinal grooves 114 is at a predetermined position on the underside of the rotating drum 100, the air hole 181 in the base of the longitudinal groove 114 is aligned with the second axial channel 182, and air will be blown from the longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112 through the air hole 181 and the second axial channel 182. This will help to discharge the article 1 from the longitudinal groove 114 by providing sufficient force to overcome the magnetic field applied by the magnet 120.

[0166] In embodiments where magnet 120 is an electromagnet, it may not be necessary to provide a longitudinal positive pressure air channel 112 and a second axial channel 182. Instead, the electromagnet magnet 120 in the relevant longitudinal groove 114 can be temporarily shut off, and the article 1 can be released from the longitudinal groove 114 and fall off under gravity.

[0167] exist Figure 2The apparatus 10 shown also includes a surface 130 disposed below the rotating drum 100. The cut article 1 is released from the longitudinal groove 114 of the rotating drum 100 onto the surface 130. In some embodiments, the surface 130 may be the surface of a vibration table. In other embodiments, the surface 130 may be the surface of a conveyor, and the conveyor may transport the article 1 onto the surface of the vibration table. In yet another embodiment, a vibration table may not be required.

[0168] When provided, the vibration table is configured to vibrate, for example, at a frequency between 5 Hz and 100 Hz, preferably between 30 Hz and 60 Hz. The vibration table can be configured to vibrate with a vibration amplitude between 1 mm and 6 mm. The vibration table can be configured to vibrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane perpendicular to the surface of the vibration table. Vibrating the cut article 1 on the vibration table can help separate the metal and non-metal parts of the cut article 1 from each other.

[0169] The cutting article 1 is supplied to it by the rotating drum 100 to a vibrating table or at least its surface 130 may be at an angle between 10 and 35 degrees, for example, about 15 degrees, to the horizontal plane. The vibrating table or its surface 130 may be angled such that the end of the vibrating table or its surface 130 closest to the lower side of the rotating drum 100 is higher than the end of the vibrating table or its surface 130 furthest from the lower side of the rotating drum 100. This facilitates the movement of the cutting article 1 released or discharged from the longitudinal groove 114 of the rotating drum 100 down the slope of the vibrating table or its surface 130 away from the lower side of the rotating drum 100. This reduces the risk of blockage and accumulation of metal and non-metal components below the rotating drum 100.

[0170] As will be further described below, the cut article 1 is optionally conveyed from or from the surface 130 to the inlet of the eddy current separation unit 500 after the vibration step.

[0171] Figure 4 It shows passing through and also located in Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic cross-section of the article 1 next to the magnet 120. The article 1 includes an internal metal sensor element 142 in the form of a layered metal element having a plane substantially centered along the longitudinal axis of the article 1. The magnet 120 at the edge of the longitudinal groove 114 is configured to apply a magnetic field that interacts with the metal sensor element 142 so that the plane of the magnetic sensor element 142 becomes substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the rotating roller 100.

[0172] Therefore, magnet 120 can perform two different functions. First, magnet 120 can help hold article 1 in longitudinal groove 114 by magnetically interacting with metal-sensor element 142. Second, magnet 120 can help rotatably orient article 1 in longitudinal groove 114 such that the plane of metal-sensor element 142 is generally parallel or tangential to the outer periphery of rotating roller 100. This second function is likely advantageous because it allows article 1 to be rotatably oriented in longitudinal groove 114 in such a way that the risk of metal-sensor element 142 being cut by cutting device 200 is reduced. The desired rotational orientation of article 1 is achieved by means of the side edge of metal-sensor element 142 being closest to magnet 120 when article 1 is in the correct rotational orientation. Cutting device 200 can cut to a depth almost through the longitudinal axis of each article 1 without cutting metal-sensor element 142. This is advantageous because it is desirable not to generate small metal cuts that may be more difficult to separate from non-metallic parts in subsequent steps. It is also desirable to cut through the circumferential packaging 153 to a sufficient depth to facilitate subsequent opening of the cut article 1, and to facilitate the separation of metal parts from non-metal parts and optionally the separation of different non-metal parts from each other.

[0173] Figure 5 A schematic side view of a cutting device 200 with a rotating blade 201 is shown. In one embodiment, the rotating blade 201 includes a drive belt 204 on which a plurality of blades 202 are disposed, separated by gaps 203. The drive belt 204 passes over a drive wheel 210 and around a tail wheel 211, thus forming a continuously rotating arrangement. The alternating series of blades 202 and gaps 203 can be configured to hook the rotation of the rotating drum 100 with the rotation of the drive belt 204 and the blades 202, so as to ensure that the blades 202 do not collide with the non-recessed surface portion of the rotating drum 100 or remove the article 1 from the longitudinal groove, while cutting only along the longitudinal axis of the article 1 through a portion of the circumferential packaging and optionally non-metallic internal components. This arrangement is advantageous because it does not require any vertical movement of the rotating blade 201 assembly. In use, the cutting device 200 is positioned above the rotating drum 100 and is designed to cut circumferential packaging of one or more articles 1 held in longitudinal grooves 114 positioned on the outer periphery of the rotating drum 100.

[0174] Figure 6A schematic diagram of an alternative cutting device including a laser cutting unit 225 is shown. The laser cutting unit 225 includes one or more laser sources 226 that generate one or more laser beams 227. The laser source 226 may be, for example, a 60-watt carbon dioxide laser with a wavelength of 10.64 micrometers. Other laser sources 226 suitable for cutting at least the circumferential packaging of the articles 1 may be used. In use, the laser cutting unit 225 is positioned above the rotating drum 100, and the one or more laser sources 226 are electronically controlled to generate one or more laser beams 227 to perform longitudinal cutting along the length of one or more articles 1 held within a longitudinal groove 114. The electronic control of the laser cutting unit 225 ensures that the laser sources 226 are activated only at the appropriate time when the articles 1 are in the correct position for cutting. Additionally, and not shown, an article 1 detection sensor may be present to ensure that the laser cutting unit 225 does not activate if no article 1 is positioned within the longitudinal groove 114. In this way, damage to the outer perimeter of the rotating drum 100 by the laser cutting unit 225 can be avoided.

[0175] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the dimensional arrangement of the article 1, the metal sensor element 142, and the cutting device 200 is illustrated. In an embodiment configured to process the article 1 with a diameter of approximately 7 mm, the cutting device 200 may be configured not to cut beyond a depth of approximately 2 mm from the outermost circumferential surface of the article 1, in order to reduce the risk of accidentally cutting the metal sensor element 142 (which could generate small metal particles). It should be understood that different cutting depths will be suitable for articles 1 of different sizes.

[0176] After article 1 has been cut on the rotating drum 100 and optionally subjected to vibration on a vibrating table to facilitate the separation of parts of article 1, article 1 or parts of article 1 (hereinafter referred to as waste stream 515, as in...) Figure 9 (As shown in the image) is transported to, as in Figure 8 The upper inlet 511 of the eddy current separation unit 500 is shown schematically. The eddy current separation unit 500 includes the upper inlet 511, a body 510 defining the inner circumferential surface of the eddy current separation unit 500, an upper outlet 512, a lower outlet 513, and a collection box 520. The lower outlet 513 may define a skirt portion within the waste collection box 520 at the lower portion of the eddy current separation unit 500. The body 510 of the eddy current separation unit 500 is generally conical, with its cross-section decreasing from top to bottom.

[0177] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8A schematic diagram of the vortex separation unit 500 in operation. Optionally, after vibration on a vibration table, the waste stream 515 is conveyed to the upper inlet 511 and entrained in the airflow 530 entering the vortex separation unit 500 through the upper inlet 511. The upper inlet 511 can be configured such that the airflow 530 and the entrained waste stream 515 enter the body 510 of the vortex separation unit 500 in a generally tangential direction. The airflow 530 and the entrained waste stream 515 form a descending vortex path 531 that vortexes around the inner circumferential surface of the vortex separation unit 500 toward the lower outlet 513. At or near the lower outlet 513, an ascending air column 532 is introduced by means of an airflow introduced through the lower inlet 514. The ascending air column 532 rises toward the upper outlet 512, passes through the center of the descending vortex path 531, and passes through the upper outlet.

[0178] The vortex separation unit 500 utilizes the centrifugal force applied to the waste stream 515 by the descending vortex path 531. Heavier components (i.e., metal sensor elements 142) are forced to the outer edge of the descending vortex path 531, while lighter components (i.e., non-metallic components) tend to concentrate towards the center of the descending vortex path 531. The shape of the metal sensor element 142 also plays a role in its separation from the non-metallic components, as the layered metal sensor element 142 may tend to experience relatively less aerodynamic drag than, for example, non-metallic filter components, and thus can travel further outward from the center of the descending vortex path 531. The rising air column 532 introduced via the lower air inlet 514 entrains the lighter non-metallic components toward the upper outlet 512 positioned at the top of the vortex separation unit 500. The heavier components (i.e., metal sensor elements 142) are collected in the waste collection bin 520 from the lower outlet 513 at the bottom of the vortex separation unit 500.

[0179] The upper inlet 511 is designed to allow the airflow 530 and waste flow 515 to enter the body 510 of the vortex separation unit 500 at a tangential angle, thereby inducing and maintaining a descending vortex within the body 510 of the vortex separation unit 500. The descending vortex path 531 moves circumferentially around the inner wall of the vortex separation unit 500 in a descending manner. The direction of the descending vortex path can be clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction of the incoming airflow 530. Air begins to rise towards the bottom of the vortex separation unit 500, and an upward air column 532 is positioned at the center of the descending vortex path 531. The lighter component 516 of the waste flow 515, concentrated towards the center of the descending vortex path 531, is entrained in the upward air column 532 and removed via the upper outlet 512 positioned at the top of the body 510 of the vortex separation unit 500. The lighter component 516 of the waste flow 515 may include paper, filter components, acetate components, and aerosol generating matrix components. Heavier waste components 517 (such as metal sensor elements 142 concentrated on the outside toward the descending vortex path 531) exit the bottom of the body 510 of the vortex separation unit 500 through the lower outlet 513 and can be collected in the waste collection bin 520.

[0180] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 and Figure 9 A schematic plan view of the vortex separation unit 500 is shown, thus illustrating the tangential angle of the upper inlet 511 relative to the body 510. The upper outlet 512 and the lower air inlet 514 are also shown.

[0181] In some embodiments, a lighter component 516 of the waste stream 515, entrained in the rising air column 532 and removed via an upper outlet 512 positioned at the top of the body 510 of the eddy separation unit 500, is conveyed to the upper inlet of another eddy separation unit. The lighter component 516 of the waste stream 515 may include paper, filter components, acetate components, aerosol generating matrix components, and other non-metallic components. The additional eddy separation unit is similar to... Figures 8 to 10 The eddy current separation unit 500 is shown in the diagram, and a detailed description will be omitted. Additional eddy current separation units can be used to separate lighter components 516 with different weight fractions. For example, the aerosol generating matrix component can be separated from the paper, or from the filter component, or from the acetate component.

[0182] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 5% of A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the property modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

Claims

1. A method of processing a rod-shaped consumable aerosol-generating article comprising a metal component and a non-metal component in a circumferential wrapper, the method comprising the steps of: i) aligning articles in a feed hopper such that the articles are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to and co-extensive with each other; ii) feeding the articles from the feed hopper to an outer periphery of a rotating drum having a rotational axis, wherein the outer periphery comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves arranged substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and each longitudinal groove is configured to releasably receive at least one article, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and wherein the articles are releasably held in the longitudinal grooves by a magnetic field; iii) cutting at least the circumferential wrapper of each article along its longitudinal axis while the articles are in the longitudinal grooves on the outer periphery of the rotating drum; and iv) releasing the articles from the outer periphery of the rotating drum after cutting the circumferential wrapper.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field is applied by at least one electromagnet.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal component comprises a substantially laminar metal element having a plane arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each article; wherein the rotating drum comprises at least one magnet applying the magnetic field; and wherein the magnetic field rotates the articles relative to the outer periphery of the rotating drum such that the plane of the substantially laminar metal element is aligned substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the rotating drum.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in step iii) the articles are cut without cutting the metal component.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein after step iv) the articles are released or discharged onto a conveyor and the articles are conveyed on the conveyor to a surface of a vibrating table, or wherein after step iv) the articles are released onto a surface of a vibrating table.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cut articles having the metal component and the non-metal component are conveyed to an upper inlet of an eddy current separation unit.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the metal component and the non-metal component are entrained in an air flow at the upper inlet of the eddy current separation unit, and wherein the air flow enters the eddy current separation unit tangentially at an upper portion of the eddy current separation unit and follows a downwardly descending vortex path around an inner surface of the eddy current separation unit before ascending upwards through a centre of the descending vortex path to an upper outlet of the eddy current separation unit. ​ 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the metal components are collected and held at a lower portion of the cyclonic separation unit, and wherein the non-metal components are carried by the airflow through an upper outlet of the cyclonic separation unit, and wherein the airflow with entrained non-metal components is passed from the upper outlet of the cyclonic separation unit to an upper inlet of a further cyclonic separation unit.

9. An apparatus for processing rod-shaped consumable aerosol-generating articles, the rod-shaped consumable aerosol-generating articles comprising a metal component and a non-metal component in a circumferential wrapper, the apparatus comprising: i) a feed hopper, wherein the articles are arranged with their longitudinal axes substantially parallel to and coextensive with one another; ii) a rotatable drum having a rotation axis and an outer periphery configured to receive articles from the feed hopper, wherein the outer periphery comprises a plurality of longitudinal grooves arranged substantially parallel to the rotation axis, wherein each longitudinal groove is configured to releasably receive at least one article, wherein the longitudinal axis of each article is substantially parallel to the rotation axis, and wherein the rotatable drum comprises at least one magnet releasably applying a magnetic field to hold the articles in the longitudinal grooves; iii) a cutting device configured to cut through at least the circumferential wrapper of each article along the longitudinal axis of the article while the article is on the outer periphery of the rotatable drum; and iv) the rotatable drum is configured to release the articles from the outer periphery of the rotatable drum after the circumferential wrapper has been cut.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one magnet is an electromagnet.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the metal component comprises a substantially laminar metal element having a plane arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal axis of each article, and wherein the magnet is configured to apply a magnetic field to rotate the article relative to the outer periphery of the rotatable drum such that the plane of the substantially laminar metal element is aligned substantially parallel to the outer periphery of the rotatable drum.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the cutting device is configured to cut through the article without cutting the metal component.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a cyclonic separation unit having an upper inlet, and wherein the cut articles with the metal component and the non-metal component are conveyed to the upper inlet of the cyclonic separation unit.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the vortex separation unit is configured to entrain the metallic parts and the non-metallic parts in a gas stream at an upper inlet of the vortex separation unit, wherein the upper inlet is configured to tangentially direct the gas stream into the vortex separation unit at an upper portion of the vortex separation unit, and wherein the vortex separation unit is configured to direct the gas stream along a downwardly descending vortex path around an inner surface of the vortex separation unit toward a lower portion of the vortex separation unit, then upwardly ascending through a center of the descending vortex path to an upper outlet of the vortex separation unit.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising a further vortex separation unit, wherein the gas stream with entrained non-metallic parts is passed from the upper outlet of the vortex separation unit to an upper inlet of the further vortex separation unit.

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