Back to results
US 10,609,950 B1Granted
Tamp-and-stir apparatus process therefor
AssigneeAltria Client Services LLC
InventorsJames D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
Claims15
A machine for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising:
- a plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers being linearly arranged and vertically moveable, each of the plurality of chambers including, a housing, a compression head, a liquid spray nozzle, a gas distribution nozzle, and a fluid seal on a lower portion thereof, the housing being vertically movable from a first position to a second position, and the compression head being vertically movable independent of the housing such that the compression head may be moved from a first position within the housing to a second position protruding from the housing while the housing is kept in the first position;
- a conveyor disposed below the plurality of chambers;
- and
- a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of chambers through the conveyor.
1 more element
A process of packaging tobacco sachets, comprising:
- transporting, by a conveyor, a plurality of cans containing tobacco sachets, the conveyor being disposed below a plurality of chambers, the plurality of chambers being linearly arranged, and vertically moveable chambers, each of the plurality of chambers having a fluid seal on a lower portion thereof, a housing, a compression head, a liquid spray nozzle, and a gas distribution nozzle;
- aligning a can of the plurality of cans with a chamber of the plurality of chambers;
- moving the compression head from a first position within the housing to a second position protruding from the housing while the housing is kept in the first position;
- compressing, with the compression head, the tobacco sachets into the aligned can, the compression head extending below the chamber;
- moving the compression head from the second position to the first position to vertically withdraw the compression head while the housing is kept in the first position;
- engaging the fluid seal with an upper perimeter of the aligned can to seal the aligned can against fluid leakage;
- spraying water or a proprietary fluid onto the tobacco sachets with the liquid spray nozzle in the chamber;
- stirring the tobacco sachets with pressurized air dispensed from the gas distribution nozzle in the chamber;
- disengaging the fluid seal from the upper perimeter of the aligned can;
- and
- moving the aligned can to a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of chambers through the conveyor.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.