Control process and apparatus for the production of cigarette filters
AssigneeIntertaba, S.p.A.
InventorsLuigi Bondanelli, Mauro Sirani, Alfonso Schembri, Dante Boido
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
To improve quality control a cigarette filter manufacturing line is provided with a testing station which periodically removes a filter to test the diameter and resistance to draw. The mean diameter and RTD of a number of filters is calculated and compared to acceptable ranges. Adjustments are made to the manufacturing line to correct any unacceptable values according to a set of priorities dependent on the degree and sense of the inaccuracies.
Claims14
A method of controlling the manufacture of cigarette filters, comprising:
- periodically removing a completed filter from a production line on which said filters are manufactured;
- measuring at least two variable parameters of said remove filter;
- comparing each of said measured parameters with a respective predetermined target;
- in response to said comparison, if one or both of said parameters are outside their respective targets, selecting for adjustment one of said parameters in accordance with a predetermined set of priorities dependent upon which parameter is outside said target and the degree and sense of each excursion from said target;
- and
- adjusting the operating conditions affecting the selected parameter.
Apparatus for controlling the manufacture of cigarette filters, comprising:
- means for periodically removing for testing a filter from the production line on which said filters are manufactured;
- means for measuring at least two variable parameters of said filter;
- means for comparing each of said measured parameters with respective predetermined targets;
- means responsive to said comparison, if either comparison is not acceptable, for selecting for adjustment one of said parameters in accordance with a predetermined set of priorities dependent upon which parameter is outside said target and the degree and sense of each excursion from said target;
- and
- means for adjusting the selected parameter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.