Machine and method for producing electronic-cigarette cartridges

A machine (1) for producing electronic-cigarette cartridges (2);

• the machine comprising:
• a fill conveyor (25) which feeds bottom shells (3) of the cartridges (2) along a fill path (P1);
• a filling device (38) located along a straight horizontal portion of the fill path (P1) to feed a measure of a liquid substance downwards into each bottom shell (3);
• a first weighing device (42) for weighing each bottom shell (3) arranged upstream from the filling device (38), along the straight horizontal portion of the fill path (P1);
• second weighing device (42) for weighing each bottom shell (3) arranged downstream from the filling device (38) along the straight horizontal portion of the fill path (P1);
• an assembly conveyor (46) which feeds bottom shells (3) along an assembly path (P2);
• a transfer station (S5) where the bottom shells (3) are transferred from the fill conveyor (25) to the assembly conveyor (46);
• and
• at least a first assembly device (52) located along the assembly path (P2) to fit each bottom shell (3) with a corresponding top cap (7);
• wherein the fill conveyor (25) feeds along the fill path (P1) a row of bottom shells (3) comprising at least two bottom shells (3) aligned perpendicularly to the fill path (P1), so as to feed at least two bottom shells (3) at a time along, and transversely to, the fill path (P1);
• wherein the assembly conveyor (46) feeds one bottom shell (3) at a time along the assembly path (P2);
• and
• wherein each weighing device (42) comprises a first lifting device, for lifting and ejecting each bottom shell (3) vertically from the corresponding seat (28) in the cartridge-holder (27) and, which is connected mechanically with a weight sensor (44) for determining the total weight of the bottom shell (3) when the bottom shell (3) is fully ejected from the corresponding seat (28).