Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
Apparatus for removing the surplus of tobacco or like fibrous material from one side of a continuous stream, comprising conveyor means for moving the stream lengthwise so that one side of the stream remains exposed; compressing means for compacting spaced-apart portions of the moving stream; filler segregating means including at least one rotary disc having a marginal portion extending into the moving stream, said marginal portion including at least one pocket having an open side facing the exposed side of the stream, the surplus of fibrous material extending beyond said marginal portion; means for rotating said disc at a peripheral speed which at least closely approximates the speed of lengthwise movement of the stream, said pocket being arranged to receive and temporarily confine parts of said compacted portions of the stream; and means for separating the material which extends beyond said marginal portion and is not confined in said pocket so that the thus treated stream is converted into a filler having portions which correspond to said spaced-apart portions of the stream and each of which contains a larger quantity of fibrous material than the remaining portions of the filler as a result of the compacting action of said compressing means and temporary confinement of said spaced-apart portions in said pocket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
Apparatus for removing the surplus of tobacco or like fibrous material from one side of a continuous stream, comprising conveyor means for moving the stream lengthwise so that one side of the stream remains exposed; compressing means for compacting spaced-apart portions of the moving stream; filler segregating means including at least one rotary disc having a marginal portion extending into the moving stream, said marginal portion including at least one pocket having an open side facing the exposed side of the stream, the surplus of fibrous material extending beyond said marginal portion; means for rotating said disc at a peripheral speed which at least closely approximates the speed of lengthwise movement of the stream, said pocket being arranged to receive and temporarily confine parts of said compacted portions of the stream; and means for separating the material which extends beyond said marginal portion and is not confined in said pocket so that the thus treated stream is converted into a filler having portions which correspond to said spaced-apart portions of the stream and each of which contains a larger quantity of fibrous material than the remaining portions of the filler as a result of the compacting action of said compressing means and temporary confinement of said spaced-apart portions in said pocket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said compressing means includes a device which applies pressure against said one side of the moving stream in a direction toward said conveyor means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conveyor means includes an endless belt and means for attracting the stream against said belt by suction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said filler segregating means includes two rotary discs, said rotating means including means for rotating said discs in opposite directions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said conveyor means has a longitudinal symmetry plane and successive increments of the marginal portions of said discs approach each other in the region of said plane when said rotating means drives said discs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said successive increments contact each other in said symmetry plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises an endless band having an elongated material-supporting reach disposed in a first plane and said separating means includes a rotary member disposed in a second plane substantially normal to said first plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said rotary member has peripheral cutting means for fibrous material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said rotary member constitutes or resembles a milling cutter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said rotary member has peripheral cutting edges making a predetermined angle with the axis of rotation of said rotary member, said reach being arranged to advance the stream in a predetermined direction making with said axis an angle which at least approximates said predetermined angle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said angle is an acute angle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said compressing means comprises a rotary cam.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said cam has a plurality of lobes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for equalizing said one surface of the stream ahead of said compressing means, as considered in the direction of lengthwise movement of the stream.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said equalizing means comprises a paddle wheel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said conveyor means includes an endless conveyor belt having a lower reach with an underside which supports said stream, said lower reach being disposed in a first plane and said disc being disposed in a second plane spaced apart from and substantially parallel to said first plane
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said separating means includes a rotary brush.