Device for assembling article groups from rod-shaped articles in the tobacco-processing industry

• US 6,298,976 B1
• Filed: 01/24/2000
• Issued: 10/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GRASREDDER 7, Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
• Original Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
• Inventors: David, Harry
• Primary Examiner(s): Bidwell, James R.
• Application Number:
  US09/490,639
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 198/418.1, 198/418.2, 198/418.3, 198/418.4, 198/419.3, 198/429
• US Class Current: 198/418.3
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 19/10 Arranging cigarettes in layers each comprising a predetermined number
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 2201/0226 Cigarettes

Abstract

A device is provided for assembling article groups from layers of rod-shaped articles used in the tobacco-processing industry. The rod-shaped articles are stacked one above the other and side-by-side in group forming bins that are intermittently movable in a forward direction. A number of funnels are provided that correspond, respectively, to the number of the article layers. Each funnel is divided into chutes. The chutes of each funnel receive the rod-shaped articles at chute inlets and are arranged for dropping the rod-shaped articles to chute outlets to form a layer of parallel aligned rod-shaped articles. A platform is disposed at each chute outlet for receiving the respective layer of parallel aligned rod-shaped articles. The platforms are staggered at successively different heights to define respective layer planes. Transfer push-rods are associated with a respective one of the funnels and are movable in the axial direction of the rod-shaped articles for pushing a respective one of the layers into a group forming bin. Each transfer rod is disposed at a level corresponding to a height of the respective layer plane and has an elongated slot. A phantom article is arranged at one of the chute outlets of each funnel that corresponds to a placement of the elongated slot in a respective one of the transfer push rods. Each phantom article is displaceable crosswise to the axial direction of the rod-shaped articles in the respective layer.

Claims

1. A device for assembling article groups from layers of rod-shaped articles used in the tobacco-processing industry, wherein the rod-shaped articles are stacked one above the other and side-by-side in group forming bins that are intermittently movable in a forward direction, said device comprising:

a number of funnels that correspond, respectively, to the number of the article layers, each funnel being divided into chutes, the chutes of each funnel receiving the rod-shaped articles at chute inlets and being arranged for dropping the rod-shaped articles at chute outlets to form a layer of parallel aligned rod-shaped articles;

a number of platforms each disposed at the chute outlets of a respective one of the funnels for receiving the respective layer of parallel aligned rod-shaped articles, the platforms being staggered at successively different heights to define respective layer planes;

transfer push-rods associated with a respective one of the funnels and movable in the axial direction of the rod-shaped articles for pushing a respective one of the layers into a group forming bin, each transfer rod being disposed at a level corresponding to a height of the respective layer plane and having an elongated slot; and

a phantom article arranged at one of the chute outlets of each funnel that corresponds to a placement of the elongated slot in a respective one of the transfer push rods, each phantom article being displaceable crosswise to the axial direction of the rod-shaped articles in the respective layer.

2. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a number of pendulums from which a respective one of the phantom articles is suspended.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein each pendulum includes a pendulum suspension extending upwardly in a respective one of the chutes.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein each pendulum suspension comprises a closing member for closing off the chute inlet of the respective chute.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the closing member has a roof-shaped form.

6. A device according to claim 2, wherein each pendulum comprises a closing member for closing off the chute inlet of the respective chute in which a phantom article is suspended.

7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the closing member has a roof-shaped form.