Method and apparatus for producing an elongated filler from fibers, especially tobacco fibers
AssigneeHauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG
InventorJoachim Reuland
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The making of an elongated tobacco stream which is to be densified, wrapped and severed for conversion into discrete cigarettes is controlled in dependence on the height of the stream prior to removal of the surplus of tobacco. The control may be influenced by a parameter, such as the flow resistance of the stream prior to equalization or the height of the equalized stream. The control determines the distance between the plane in which the equalizer removes the surplus from the stream and a conveyor which advances the stream. The control signal for the desired position of the plane may be formed as a function of more than one parameter.
Claims38
A method of producing an elongated filler from fibers, especially tobacco fibers, comprising the steps of continuously converting the fibers into an elongated stream which contains a surplus of fibers and advancing the stream lengthwise;
- equalizing the advancing stream, including removing the surplus of fibers therefrom;
- densifying and wrapping the equalized stream to convert the stream into the filler;
- generating a signal in dependence on the height of the stream prior to said equalizing step;
- and controlling said equalizing step in dependence on said signal.
Apparatus for producing an elongated filler from fibers, especially tobacco fibers, comprising a conveyor;
- means for continuously supplying to said conveyor fibers which accumulate on said conveyor and form an elongated stream which contains a surplus of fibers and advances with said conveyor lengthwise;
- means for equalizing the advancing stream, including means for removing the surplus of fibers therefrom;
- means for densifying and wrapping the equalized stream to convert the stream into the filler;
- means for monitoring the height of the stream at right angles to the direction of advancement thereof and upstream of said equalizing means, including means for generating signals denoting the height of the stream;
- and means for controlling the distance between said equalizing means and said conveyor in dependence on said signals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.