Method of and apparatus for converting a single layer of rod-shaped articles into a mass flow
AssigneeHauni Maschinenbau AG
InventorsWilfried Hoffmann, Gerd Sanmann, Joerg Foerster, Peter Trenkner
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Abstract
A single layer of spaced-apart rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is advanced sideways toward a transfer zone wherein successive groups of two or more neighboring articles are diverted along separate paths against a concave friction surface of an intercepting member. The friction surface directs at least some of the diverted articles into a chamber where the articles are gathered to form a supply of superimposed articles. A belt or chain conveyor is employed to draw a continuous homogeneous mass flow of articles from the chamber.
Claims20
Apparatus for converting a series of successive discrete elongated rod-shaped articles into a mass flow of superimposed articles, comprising a first conveyor having means for advancing successive articles of the series transversely of their length along a first path toward a transfer station, said first conveyor being rotatable about an axis which is at least substantially parallel to the articles in said first path and said advancing means including an array of receptacles circulating about said axis along said first path in response to rotation of said first conveyor;
- means for diverting successive pluralities of articles of the series arriving at said station into a plurality of different second paths;
- means for intercepting successive pluralities of diverted articles including an at least partially concave surface extending across at least one of said second paths and establishing a collecting chamber wherein the intercepted articles gather next to and are superimposed upon each other;
- and at least one second conveyor having means for withdrawing from the chamber an at least substantially continuous flow of superimposed articles.
Apparatus for converting a series of successive discrete elongated rod-shaped articles into a mass flow of superimposed articles, comprising a first conveyor having means for advancing successive articles of the series transversely of their length along a first path toward a transfer station;
- means for diverting the articles of successive pluralities of articles of the series arriving at said station into a plurality of different second paths;
- means for intercepting successive pluralities of diverted articles including an at least partially concave surface extending across at least one of said second paths and establishing a collecting chamber wherein the intercepted articles gather next to and are superimposed upon each other;
- and at least one second conveyor having means for withdrawing from the chamber an at least substantially continuous flow of superimposed articles.
A method of converting a series of successive discrete elongated rod-shaped articles into a mass flow of superimposed articles, comprising the steps of advancing successive articles of the series transversely of their length toward a transfer station along a first path including a substantially circular portion;
- diverting successive pluralities of articles of the series from the first path into a plurality of different second paths at least one of which is at least substantially tangential to the circular portion of the first path;
- intercepting successive pluralities of diverted articles including positioning an at least partially concave surface across at least one of the second paths;
- gathering successive intercepted articles into a supply of superimposed articles;
- and drawing a continuous mass flow of superimposed articles from the supply.
A method of converting a series of successive discrete elongated rod-shaped articles into a mass flow of superimposed articles, comprising the steps of advancing successive articles of the series transversely of their length along a first path toward a transfer station;
- diverting the articles of successive pluralities of articles of the series from the first path into a plurality of different second paths;
- intercepting successive pluralities of diverted articles including positioning an at least partially concave surface across at least one of the second paths;
- gathering successive intercepted articles into a supply of superimposed articles;
- and drawing a continuous mass flow of superimposed articles from the supply.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.