Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
In a variable-speed machine for the production of rod-like filter elements, a combination comprising advancing means for moving a multi-filament tow lengthwise; treating means including a source of bonding medium and applicator means operable to apply bonding medium to the filaments of said tow; condensing means for converting the thus treated tow into a rod-like filler; wrapping means for providing the filler with a wrapper to form a filter rod; severing means for subdividing the rod into discrete filter elements; transporting means for advancing the filter elements along a predetermined path; segregating means operable to remove filter elements from said path; speed changing means actuatable to change the speed of said advancing means, said speed changing means comprising an arresting device which is actuatable to arrest said advancing means; and control means for operating said segregating means in response to actuation of said speed changing means, said control means comprising means for terminating the operation of said applicator means in immediate response to actuation of said arresting device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
In a variable-speed machine for the production of rod-like filter elements, a combination comprising advancing means for moving a multi-filament tow lengthwise; treating means including a source of bonding medium and applicator means operable to apply bonding medium to the filaments of said tow; condensing means for converting the thus treated tow into a rod-like filler; wrapping means for providing the filler with a wrapper to form a filter rod; severing means for subdividing the rod into discrete filter elements; transporting means for advancing the filter elements along a predetermined path; segregating means operable to remove filter elements from said path; speed changing means actuatable to change the speed of said advancing means, said speed changing means comprising an arresting device which is actuatable to arrest said advancing means; and control means for operating said segregating means in response to actuation of said speed changing means, said control means comprising means for terminating the operation of said applicator means in immediate response to actuation of said arresting device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a variable-speed machine for the production of rod-like filter elements, a combination comprising advancing means for moving a multi-filament tow lengthwise; treating means including a source of bonding medium and applicator means operable to apply bonding medium to the filaments of said tow; condensing means for converting the thus treated tow into a rod-like filter; wrapping means for providing the filler with a wrapper to form a filter rod; severing means for subdividing the rod into discrete filter elements; transporting means for advancing the filter elements along a predetermined path; segregating means operable to remove filter elements from said path; speed changing means actuatable to change the speed of said advancing means, said speed changing means comprising a starting device actuatable to start the movement of said advancing means; and control means for operating said segregating means in immediate response to actuation of said speed changing means, said control means comprising means for starting the operation of said applicator means in response to actuation of said starting device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
169 words
In a variable-speed machine for the production of rod-like filter elements, a combination comprising advancing means for moving a multi-filament tow lengthwise; treating means including a source of bonding medium and applicator means operable to apply bonding medium to the filaments of said tow; condensing means for converting the thus treated tow into a rod-like filter; wrapping means for providing the filler with a wrapper to form a filter rod; severing means for subdividing the rod into discrete filter elements; transporting means for advancing the filter elements along a predetermined path; segregating means operable to remove filter elements from said path; speed changing means actuatable to change the speed of said advancing means, said speed changing means comprising a starting device actuatable to start the movement of said advancing means; and control means for operating said segregating means in immediate response to actuation of said speed changing means, said control means comprising means for starting the operation of said applicator means in response to actuation of said starting device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
121 words
A combination as defined in claim 2, further comprising drive means for said advancing means, said drive means being operable at a plurality of speeds including a first speed and a higher second speed, said starting device being actuatable to start said drive means and to effect the acceleration of said drive means to said first speed within a first interval of time and said speed changing means further comprising a second device actuatable to accelerate said drive means from said first to second speed during a second interval of time, said control means being arranged to operate said segregating means for a period of time starting with actuation of said starting device and exceeding the length of said first interval.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said transporting means comprises an endless conveyor and said segregating means is adjacent to said conveyor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said segregating means comprises pneumatic ejector means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said advancing means is arranged to undergo deceleration to zero speed for a predetermined interval of time following the actuation of said arresting device and wherein said control means is arranged to maintain said segregating means in operative condition during said interval.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A combination as defined in claim 2, wherEin said control means is arranged to operate said segregating means for a predetermined period of time following the actuation of said starting device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
121 words
A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising drive means for said advancing means, said drive means being operable at a plurality of speeds including a first speed and a higher second speed, said speed changing means further comprising a starting device actuatable to start said drive means and to effect the acceleration of said drive means to said first speed within a first interval of time and a second device actuatable to accelerate said drive means from said first to said second speed during a second interval of time, said control means being arranged to operate said segregating means for a period of time starting with actuation of said starting device and exceeding the length of said first interval.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A combination as defined in claim 8, wherein said period of time at least approximates the combined length of said first and second intervals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
76 words
A combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said means for starting the operation of said applicator means in response to actuation of said starting device comprises means for starting said applicator means with a delay following the operation of said segregating means so that said applicator means does not apply bonding medium to the filaments of that portion of the tow which moves past said treating means immediately following the actuation of said starting device.