US3838663A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light shutter system for detecting blockages in a cigarette feeder
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-06-25
•
Granted: 1974-10-01
•
Expires: 1993-06-25
Abstract
Abstract The outlet end of cigarette feed hopper 11 is partitioned into compartmental channels 16 in which the cigarettes stack one on top of the other for discharge to a packing machine. To detect a channel blockage a pivoted lug 20 is provided for each channel which, because of its weight distribution, normally extends into an empty or blocked channel through a slit therein and blocks the light path of an optical sensor. When all channels are filled and feeding properly the cigarette ends pivot the lugs out of the channels to unblock the light path.
Inventors
- 👤 H Focke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:15
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B19/00; B65B19/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
In a cigarette feed magazine having at least one downwardly directed outlet separated into compartmental channels by dividing walls; the cigarettes being stacked in these channels by their own weight in close-packed individual rows ready for removal at the lower end, the improvement comprising: means for individually monitoring each channel for the presence of a row of closely stacked cigarettes, and means responsive to the monitoring means for producing a signal if at least one row of cigarettes is interrupted.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
In a cigarette feed magazine having at least one downwardly directed outlet separated into compartmental channels by dividing walls; the cigarettes being stacked in these channels by their own weight in close-packed individual rows ready for removal at the lower end, the improvement comprising: means for individually monitoring each channel for the presence of a row of closely stacked cigarettes, and means responsive to the monitoring means for producing a signal if at least one row of cigarettes is interrupted.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A magazine according to claim 1, wherein each compartmental channel is provided with a separate monitoring element, arranged at a distance above a cigarette group to be removed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
A magazine according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring elements project into each compartmental channel; said elements undergoing a change in their relative position and thereby releasing a signal when an interruption occurs in a row of cigarettes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A magazine according to claim 3, wherein the monitoring elements are pivotably mounted sensor lugs which project through slits in the wall of the magazine into the compartmental channels, and which tilt under their own weight when an interruption in a row of cigarettes occurs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A magazine according to claim 4, wherein each sensor lug abuts against the cigarette ends facing it when the channel is filled with cigarettes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A magazine according to claim 4, wherein the sensor lugs are mounted on a common swivel axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A magazine according to claim 6, wherein the signal is produced by the interruption of a light path as a result of the change in the relative position of at least one sensor element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US1407063A
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US2784871A
Cited
US3167904A
Cited
US3435940A
Cited
US3270916A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |