Methods for assembling a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device, and associated systems and apparatuses
First Claim
1. A system for assembling a plurality of cartridges for an aerosol delivery device, the system comprising:
- a plurality of assembly cells collectively configured to assemble a plurality of cartridge components together, at least a pair of the assembly cells respectively comprising;
one or more assembly carriages respectively configured to engage a plurality of partially-assembled cartridges comprising one or more of the cartridge components; and
an assembly track substantially surrounding each one of or both of the assembly cells in the pair of the assembly cells, the assembly track being arranged to circulate the assembly carriages around each one of or both of the assembly cells; and
at least one transfer apparatus comprising a transfer track positioned between adjacent assembly tracks of the assembly cells and arranged to individually and sequentially transfer the partially-assembled cartridges between adjacent assembly tracks of the assembly cells.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. A system may include assembly cells each including an assembly track and assembly carriages that ride thereon and which engage components of partially-assembled cartridges. A transfer apparatus may transfer partially-assembled cartridges between the assembly cells. In another example system, cartridges may be assembled on platforms on a rotary track. The platforms may include assembly grippers with sequentially-opening clamps configured to receive the components of the partially-assembled cartridges. Related methods are also provided.
-
Citations
9 Claims
-
1. A system for assembling a plurality of cartridges for an aerosol delivery device, the system comprising:
-
a plurality of assembly cells collectively configured to assemble a plurality of cartridge components together, at least a pair of the assembly cells respectively comprising; one or more assembly carriages respectively configured to engage a plurality of partially-assembled cartridges comprising one or more of the cartridge components; and an assembly track substantially surrounding each one of or both of the assembly cells in the pair of the assembly cells, the assembly track being arranged to circulate the assembly carriages around each one of or both of the assembly cells; and at least one transfer apparatus comprising a transfer track positioned between adjacent assembly tracks of the assembly cells and arranged to individually and sequentially transfer the partially-assembled cartridges between adjacent assembly tracks of the assembly cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
-
-
6. A method for assembling a plurality of cartridges for an aerosol delivery device, the method comprising:
-
assembling a plurality of cartridge components together at a plurality of assembly cells, wherein assembling the cartridge components together comprises; engaging a plurality of partially-assembled cartridges comprising one or more of the cartridge components with a respective one of one or more assembly carriages; and circulating the assembly carriages around an assembly track substantially surrounding each one of or both of the assembly cells in a pair of the assembly cells; and individually and sequentially transporting the partially-assembled cartridges on a transfer track positioned between adjacent assembly tracks of the assembly cells. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
-
Specification