US3720311A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for detecting loose ends and missing filters in cigarettes
Assignee: Molins Machine Co Inc
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Filing: 1971-01-26
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Granted: 1973-03-13
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Expires: 1991-01-26
Abstract
Abstract A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING IRREGULAR SURFACES OF ARTICLES AND PARTICULARLY LOOSE ENDS AND MISSING FILTERS IN CIGARETTES PROVIDES FOR THE IMPINGEMENT OF AN AIR STREAM AGAINST AT LEAST ONE END OF EACH CIGARETTE. IF THE TOBACCO FILLER AT THE END OF THE CIGARETTE IS LOOSE OR PITTED OR IF THE FILTER PLUG IS MISSING RESULTING IN A CAVITY AT THE END OF THE CIGARETTE, AN AIR TURBULENCE IS CREATED BY THE AIR STREAM RESULTING IN A DISTINCTIVE SOUND WHICH CAN BE DETECTED BY A TRANSDUCER AND UTILIZED TO REJECT DEFECTIVE CIGARETTES. D R A W I N G
Inventors
- 👤 E Harrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 02:08
CPC Classifications
A; A24; A24C; A24C5/00; A24C5/32; A24C5/34; A24C5/3418
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0
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References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |