US3715056A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Handling apparatus for rod-like articles
Assignee: Molins Machine Co Ltd
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Filing: 1970-12-30
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Granted: 1973-02-06
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Expires: 1990-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A fluted drum forms the base of a hopper for multiple length rods of filter plug material and has suction applied to the flutes to assist in loading the flutes with the rods. The suction is maintained over part of the length of each flute outside the hopper so that only full length rods are retained.
Inventors
- 👤 E Preston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:43
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24C; A24C5/00; A24C5/32; A24C5/34; A24C5/3418; A24C5/322; A24C5/325; A24C5/327
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
241 words
Apparatus for handling multiple length cigarette filter rods or similar rod-like articles, comprising a hopper for containing a supply of the articles, a cylindrical drum having a plurality of transverse flutes equispaced about its periphery each for receiving an article, the drum being mounted horizontally on its axis for continuous rotation at the base of the hopper so that at any time at least two flutes are within the hopper, first transfer means for removing articles from the flutes at a level lower than the horizontal plane in which said axis lies, and second transfer means for drawing articles from said hopper into said flutes including a stationary valve mounted in the drum and having a hollow interior and means to apply suction to the hollow interior of the valve, each flute having a suction port in its mid-portion and a suction port adjacent each end, the end suction ports being spaced apart the length of an article to be held therein, the valve having a cut-away portion selectively connecting the hollow interior thereof to all of the ports of those flutes within the hopper to permit suction to load articles in the flutes, and passages selectively connecting said hollow interior to only the end ports of those flutes passing from the cut-away portion to the transfer means, the suction means and passages being arranged to provide sufficient suction to said end ports to retain full length articles in the flutes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
241 words
Apparatus for handling multiple length cigarette filter rods or similar rod-like articles, comprising a hopper for containing a supply of the articles, a cylindrical drum having a plurality of transverse flutes equispaced about its periphery each for receiving an article, the drum being mounted horizontally on its axis for continuous rotation at the base of the hopper so that at any time at least two flutes are within the hopper, first transfer means for removing articles from the flutes at a level lower than the horizontal plane in which said axis lies, and second transfer means for drawing articles from said hopper into said flutes including a stationary valve mounted in the drum and having a hollow interior and means to apply suction to the hollow interior of the valve, each flute having a suction port in its mid-portion and a suction port adjacent each end, the end suction ports being spaced apart the length of an article to be held therein, the valve having a cut-away portion selectively connecting the hollow interior thereof to all of the ports of those flutes within the hopper to permit suction to load articles in the flutes, and passages selectively connecting said hollow interior to only the end ports of those flutes passing from the cut-away portion to the transfer means, the suction means and passages being arranged to provide sufficient suction to said end ports to retain full length articles in the flutes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
241 words
Apparatus for handling multiple length cigarette filter rods or similar rod-like articles, comprising a hopper for containing a supply of the articles, a cylindrical drum having a plurality of transverse flutes equispaced about its periphery each for receiving an article, the drum being mounted horizontally on its axis for continuous rotation at the base of the hopper so that at any time at least two flutes are within the hopper, first transfer means for removing articles from the flutes at a level lower than the horizontal plane in which said axis lies, and second transfer means for drawing articles from said hopper into said flutes including a stationary valve mounted in the drum and having a hollow interior and means to apply suction to the hollow interior of the valve, each flute having a suction port in its mid-portion and a suction port adjacent each end, the end suction ports being spaced apart the length of an article to be held therein, the valve having a cut-away portion selectively connecting the hollow interior thereof to all of the ports of those flutes within the hopper to permit suction to load articles in the flutes, and passages selectively connecting said hollow interior to only the end ports of those flutes passing from the cut-away portion to the transfer means, the suction means and passages being arranged to provide sufficient suction to said end ports to retain full length articles in the flutes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
241 words
Apparatus for handling multiple length cigarette filter rods or similar rod-like articles, comprising a hopper for containing a supply of the articles, a cylindrical drum having a plurality of transverse flutes equispaced about its periphery each for receiving an article, the drum being mounted horizontally on its axis for continuous rotation at the base of the hopper so that at any time at least two flutes are within the hopper, first transfer means for removing articles from the flutes at a level lower than the horizontal plane in which said axis lies, and second transfer means for drawing articles from said hopper into said flutes including a stationary valve mounted in the drum and having a hollow interior and means to apply suction to the hollow interior of the valve, each flute having a suction port in its mid-portion and a suction port adjacent each end, the end suction ports being spaced apart the length of an article to be held therein, the valve having a cut-away portion selectively connecting the hollow interior thereof to all of the ports of those flutes within the hopper to permit suction to load articles in the flutes, and passages selectively connecting said hollow interior to only the end ports of those flutes passing from the cut-away portion to the transfer means, the suction means and passages being arranged to provide sufficient suction to said end ports to retain full length articles in the flutes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the valve has an arcuate vent passage extending from a position after the end of the cut-away portion to A position after the first transfer means to vent to atmosphere the suction ports in the mid-portions of the flutes after suction has been cut off from them.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2942606A
Cited
US2979228A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-06 | 1976-08-07 | 1977-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-06 | 1980-08-07 | 1981-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-06 | 1984-08-07 | 1985-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |