Tamp-and-stir apparatus and process therefor
AssigneeAltria Client Services LLC
InventorsJames D. Evans, Travis M. Garthaffner, Herbert Cary Longest
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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.
Claims18
A tamp and stir machine for processing a plurality of sachets in a package, the tamp and stir machine comprising:
- a chamber vertically movable from a first chamber position to a second chamber position;
- a piston vertically movable within the chamber, and the piston being independent from the chamber, such that the piston is moveable from a first piston position within the chamber to a second piston position, at least a portion of the piston protruding from the chamber when the chamber is in the first chamber position;
- a gas distribution nozzle;
- and
- a fluid spray nozzle, the fluid spray nozzle in a lower portion of a wall of the chamber.
A method of processing a plurality of sachets in a package aligned with a chamber, the chamber having a piston therein, the chamber being vertically movable from a first chamber position to a second chamber position, the method comprising:
- compressing the plurality of sachets by moving the piston from a first piston position within the chamber to a second piston position protruding from the chamber, the piston being movable independent of the chamber, the piston moving from the first piston position to the second piston position while the chamber is held in the first chamber position;
- moving the piston from the second piston position to the first piston position so as to withdraw the piston from the package while holding the chamber in the first chamber position
- spraying a fluid onto the plurality of sachets with a liquid spray nozzle disposed within the chamber, the liquid spray nozzle in a lower portion of a wall of the chamber;
- and
- dispensing pressurized gas from a gas distribution nozzle to stir the plurality of sachets, the gas distribution nozzle being disposed in the chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.