US3812349A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for inspecting cigarettes or the like
Assignee: COLONIAL BANK
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Filing: 1973-04-06
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Granted: 1974-05-21
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Expires: 1993-04-06
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for examining an end of a cigarette or the like to determine whether packed tobacco is present to substantially the edge of the cigarette wrapper. In accordance with the invention there are provided means for directing a narrow collimated beam of light, preferably a laser beam, along the axis of the cigarette and toward the end to be examined. A photodetector is positioned and oriented to receive light emanating from at least a portion of the wrapper surrounding said end. Further means, responsive to the output of the photodetector, are provided for generating an occurrence indication when the photodetector output exceeds a predetermined threshold level. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, means are provided for enabling the generating means only when a cigarette is present at a specified inspection position.
Inventors
- 👤 G Gugliotta
- 👤 A Raimo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/89; G01N21/8901; A; A24; A24C; A24C5/00; A24C5/32; A24C5/34; A24C5/3412; B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/34; B07C5/342; B07C5/36; B07C5/363; B07C5/365; G01N21/95; G01N21/952
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
248 words
In a system where cigarettes or the like are transported on a carrier past an inspection position, an apparatus for examining the wrapper surface of the cigarette located at the inspection position and for examining the end of the cigarette located at the inspection position to determine whether packed tobacco is present to substantially the edge of the cigarette wrapper, comprising: means for generating a laser beam; means for scanning the laser beam over the wrapper of the cigarette at the inspection position; a first photodetector positioned to receive the beam reflected from the cigarette; means responsive the output of said first photodetector for generating a first occurrence indication when the output of said photodetector falls below a prescribed level; means for examining the end of the cigarette located at the inspection position to determine whether packed tobacco is present to substantially the edge of the cigarette wrapper, said means comprising; means for directing a narrow beam of light from said laser beam along the axis of the cigarette and toward the end to be examined; a second photodetector positioned to receive light emanating from at least a portion of the wrapper surrounding said end when said end is substantially void of tobacco and said narrow beam enters said end causing the outer surface of the wrapper portion to glow; and means responsive to the output of said second photodetector for generating a second occurrence indication when the output of said second photodetector exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
248 words
In a system where cigarettes or the like are transported on a carrier past an inspection position, an apparatus for examining the wrapper surface of the cigarette located at the inspection position and for examining the end of the cigarette located at the inspection position to determine whether packed tobacco is present to substantially the edge of the cigarette wrapper, comprising: means for generating a laser beam; means for scanning the laser beam over the wrapper of the cigarette at the inspection position; a first photodetector positioned to receive the beam reflected from the cigarette; means responsive the output of said first photodetector for generating a first occurrence indication when the output of said photodetector falls below a prescribed level; means for examining the end of the cigarette located at the inspection position to determine whether packed tobacco is present to substantially the edge of the cigarette wrapper, said means comprising; means for directing a narrow beam of light from said laser beam along the axis of the cigarette and toward the end to be examined; a second photodetector positioned to receive light emanating from at least a portion of the wrapper surrounding said end when said end is substantially void of tobacco and said narrow beam enters said end causing the outer surface of the wrapper portion to glow; and means responsive to the output of said second photodetector for generating a second occurrence indication when the output of said second photodetector exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 further comprising means for enabling the generation of said first and second occurrence indications only when a cigarette is present at the inspection position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 further comprising means responsive to said first and second occurrence indications for automatically removing the cigarette from the carrier.
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) | 1977-05-20 | 1977-11-19 | 1978-05-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-20 | 1981-11-19 | 1982-05-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-20 | 1985-11-19 | 1986-05-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |