U.S. patent application number 10/893606 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for device for filing a cigarette tube with a metered amount of tobacco.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cousins Distributing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daily, Robert J., Moser, Larry E..
Application Number | 20040255962 10/893606 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32393361 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040255962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moser, Larry E. ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Device for filing a cigarette tube with a metered amount of
tobacco
Abstract
Devices for filling a cigarette tube with tobacco are disclosed.
In one aspect, the devices contain separate metering, compression,
and injection mechanisms, which may be manual, partially automatic,
or fully automatic. The metering mechanisms move a proper amount of
tobacco to a compression chamber, where the tobacco is thereafter
compressed for eventual injection. In some embodiments, means are
provided for assessing whether a sufficient quantity of tobacco has
been metered into the compression chamber, and if not, further
metering is accomplished prior to injection. In another aspect, the
metering and compression mechanisms are combined into a single
mechanism to the same effect.
Inventors: |
Moser, Larry E.;
(Marysville, IN) ; Daily, Robert J.; (New Albany,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WONG, CABELLO, LUTSCH, RUTHERFORD & BRUCCULERI,
P.C.
20333 SH 249
SUITE 600
HOUSTON
TX
77070
US
|
Assignee: |
Cousins Distributing, Inc.
Suisun
CA
|
Family ID: |
32393361 |
Appl. No.: |
10/893606 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10893606 |
Jul 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
10714359 |
Nov 14, 2003 |
|
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60428199 |
Nov 21, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
131/70 ; 131/71;
131/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24C 5/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
131/070 ;
131/071; 131/072 |
International
Class: |
A24C 005/02 |
Claims
1. A device for filling a cigarette tube with tobacco, comprising:
a hopper for holding loose tobacco; a movable metering member for
moving loose tobacco from the hopper to a compression chamber; a
moveable compression member for compressing the loose tobacco in
the compression chamber; and a movable injection member for
injecting the compressed tobacco from the compression chamber to a
cigarette tube in communication with the compression chamber.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the metering member, the
compression member, and the injection member are respectively
automated in their movement by a metering motor, a compression
motor, and an injection motor.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a first switch
actuatable by the compression member for determining whether a
sufficient quantity of tobacco has been compressed in the
compression chamber.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a second switch for
determining whether the compression member has moved to a
compression position.
5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a control unit for
querying the first switch only after the second switch has been
engaged.
6. The device of claim 2, wherein compression member is moveable
along a first axis to a compression position, and wherein the
compression member is coupled to the compression motor by a spring
which allows compression position to vary along the first axis in
response to a load provided by the tobacco in the compression
chamber.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the variance in the compression
position in response to the load selectively changes the status of
a first switch.
8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a second switch for
determining whether the compression member has moved to a
compression position.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a control unit for
querying the first switch only after the second switch has been
engaged.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for determining
whether a sufficient quantity of tobacco has been compressed in the
compression chamber.
11. The device of claim 2, wherein the metering member reciprocates
through a plurality of strokes to move the loose tobacco from the
hopper to the compression chamber.
12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a control unit for
automating the movement of the metering member, the compression
member, and the injection member in sequence in accordance with an
algorithm.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the algorithm is further
capable of assessing whether a sufficient quantity of tobacco has
been compressed in the compression chamber.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the algorithm provides for
additional metering by the metering member if an insufficient
quantity of tobacco has been assessed.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the metering member is automated
in its movement by a first motor, and wherein the compression and
injection members are automated in their movement by a second
motor.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the second motor drives an arm
which moves the injection member after moving the compression
member.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the metering member is automated
in its movement by a metering motor.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the compression member and
injection member are manually moveable.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein the compression member and
injection member are manually moveable by a rotatable crank
arm.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein rotation of the crank arm moves
the injection member after moving the compression member.
21. The device of claim 1, wherein the metering member, compression
member, and injection member are manually moveable.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the compression member and
injection member are manually moveable by a rotatable crank
arm.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein rotation of the crank arm moves
the injection member after moving the compression member.
24. The device of claim 1, wherein the metering member reciprocates
through a plurality of strokes to move the loose tobacco from the
hopper to the compression chamber.
25. The device of claim 24, wherein the metering member is moveable
by a motor.
26. The device of claim 24, wherein the metering member is moveable
by a rotating crank arm.
27. The device of claim 1, wherein the metering member, the
compression member, and the injection member are moveable along
axes that are all orthogonal to each other.
28. The device of claim 1, wherein the compression member is
coupled to a gripping member for firmly holding the cigarette tube
in communication with the compression chamber.
29. The device of claim 1, further comprising a gripping member for
firmly holding the cigarette tube in communication with the
compression chamber.
30. The device of claim 1, wherein the injection member is coupled
to a shuttle.
31. The device of claim 30, wherein the shuttle is spring biased,
and injecting the compressed tobacco from the compression chamber
to a cigarette tube comprises stretching the spring.
32. The device of claim 30, wherein the shuttle is coupled to a
motor to move the injection member.
33. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for biasing the
loose tobacco downward in the hopper.
34. A device for filling a cigarette tube with tobacco, comprising:
a hopper for holding loose tobacco; a movable first member for
moving loose tobacco from the hopper to a compression chamber and
for compressing the loose tobacco in the compression chamber; and a
movable injection member for injecting the compressed tobacco from
the compression chamber to a cigarette tube in communication with
the compression chamber.
35. The device of claim 34, wherein the first member and the
injection member are respectively automated in their movement by a
first motor and an injection motor.
36. The device of claim 34, further comprising a first switch
actuatable by the first member for determining whether a sufficient
quantity of tobacco has been compressed in the compression
chamber.
37. The device of claim 36, further comprising a second switch for
determining whether the first member has moved to a compression
position.
38. The device of claim 37, further comprising a control unit for
querying the first switch only after the second switch has been
engaged.
39. The device of claim 35, wherein first member is moveable along
a first axis to a compression position, and wherein the first
member is coupled to the first motor by a spring which allows
compression position to vary along the first axis in response to a
load provided by the tobacco in the compression chamber.
40. The device of claim 39, wherein the variance in the compression
position in response to the load selectively changes the status of
a first switch.
41. The device of claim 40, further comprising a second switch for
determining whether the first member has moved to a compression
position.
42. The device of claim 41, further comprising a control unit for
querying the first switch only after the second switch has been
engaged.
43. The device of claim 34, further comprising means for
determining whether a sufficient quantity of tobacco has been
compressed in the compression chamber.
44. The device of claim 35, wherein the first member reciprocates
through a plurality of strokes to move the loose tobacco from the
hopper to the compression chamber.
45. The device of claim 34, further comprising a control unit for
automating the movement of the first member and the injection
member in sequence in accordance with an algorithm.
46. The device of claim 45, wherein the algorithm is further
capable of assessing whether a sufficient quantity of tobacco has
been compressed in the compression chamber.
47. The device of claim 46, wherein the algorithm provides for
additional metering by the first member if an insufficient quantity
of tobacco has been assessed.
48. The device of claim 34, wherein the first member and injection
member are manually moveable.
49. The device of claim 34, wherein the first member reciprocates
through a plurality of strokes to move the loose tobacco from the
hopper to the compression chamber.
50. The device of claim 34, wherein the first member and the
injection member are moveable along axes that are orthogonal to
each other.
51. The device of claim 34, further comprising a gripping member
for firmly holding the cigarette tube in communication with the
compression chamber.
52. The device of claim 34, wherein the injection member is coupled
to a shuttle.
53. The device of claim 34, further comprising means for biasing
the loose tobacco downward in the hopper.
54. The device of claim 34, wherein the compression chamber is
essentially cylindrical and has a gap on its upper surface, and
wherein the first member has an edge which interfaces with the
compression chamber at the gap.
55. The device of claim 54, wherein the edge of the first member is
semicircular.
56-104. (Cancelled).
105. The device of claim 2, wherein the metering motor includes a
gear, and wherein the metering member includes a rack coupled to
the gear for automated movement of the metering member.
106. The device of claim 2, wherein the metering motor includes an
eccentrically located pin, and wherein the metering member includes
a slot coupled to the eccentrically located pin for automated
movement of the metering member.
107. The device of claim 2, wherein the compression motor includes
a cam member, and wherein the compression member is coupled to the
cam member for automated movement of the compression member.
108. The device of claim 2, wherein the compression motor includes
a drive screw, and wherein the compression member includes a
threaded member coupled to the drive screw for automated movement
of the compression member.
109. The device of claim 2, wherein the injection motor includes a
gear, and wherein the injection member includes a rack coupled to
the gear for automated movement of the injection member.
110. The device of claim 15, wherein the first motor includes a
gear, and wherein the metering member includes a rack coupled to
the gear for automated movement of the metering member.
111. The device of claim 15, wherein the first motor includes an
eccentrically located pin, and wherein the metering member includes
a slot coupled to the eccentrically located pin for automated
movement of the metering member.
112. The device of claim 15, wherein the second motor includes a
cam member, wherein the compression member is coupled to the cam
member for automated movement of the compression member.
113. The device of claim 35, wherein the first motor includes a
gear, and wherein the first member includes a rack coupled to the
gear for automated movement of the first member.
114. The device of claim 35, wherein the first motor includes an
eccentrically located pin, and wherein the first member includes a
slot coupled to the pin for automated movement of the first
member.
115. The device of claim 35, wherein the injection motor includes a
gear, and wherein the injection member includes a rack coupled to
the gear for automated movement of the injection member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/428,199,
filed Nov. 21, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device for
filling cigarette tubes with tobacco, and more particularly to a
fully manual, partially automated, or fully automated device for
filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cigarette tubes generally comprise a paper cylinder having
an open end and a filter end. Various machines exist in the market
for allowing a user to fill such tubes with loose tobacco to make
their own cigarettes.
[0004] An example of a prior art cigarette tube filing machine
includes the Supermatic II device distributed by Jack Gee's Sales
(see http://wwwjackgee.com/supermatic_ii.htm). Composition of the
internal portions of this device can be found at the following
websites: http://www.jackgee.com/parts.htm and
http://www.ryomagazine.com/july2001/- injectors.htm. This tabletop
device is hand crank operated and includes an open rectangular
compression chamber on the top of the device into which a user
places tobacco to be compressed and formed into a cigarette. The
operator turns the hand crank clockwise to compress and eventually
inject the compressed tobacco into a cigarette tube affixed to a
nozzle on the exterior housing of the device. More specifically,
when the user turns the hand crank from its rest position through
approximately 90 degrees, a compression slide is moved linearly
towards the compression chamber and eventually compresses the
tobacco in the chamber into a cylinder to form a plug of tobaaco.
Thereafter when the hand crank is turned further, through
approximately an additional sixty degrees, a mechanism on the hand
crank contacts a linear injection slide. This injection slide moves
perpendicular to the now-stationary compression slide and parallel
to the affixed cigarette tube to push the compressed tobacco plug
through the compression chamber and into the waiting cigarette
tube.
[0005] A similar but automated device is the MackRoller device,
distributed by the CigFactory (see
http://www.webbspot.com/mackroller/). This device is electrically
automated, and allows the user to merely place the cigarette tube
on the device, turn on a switch, and compression and injection are
performed automatically. However, the MackRoller device appears
similar in its structure and internal mechanisms to Supermatic II,
with the exception that the hand crank has been replaced by a motor
to provide the necessary rotational movement. Videos showing the
operation of the MackRoller device can be found at
http://www.webbspot.com/mackroller/cigarette_rolling_machine_vide4.html.
All websites and associated videos disclosed in this background
section are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
[0006] Another automated device for filling cigarette tube with
tobacco includes the EasyRoller device manufactured by CP Rollings
ApS of Denmark. This device is also automated and can fill an
affixed cigarette tube by merely pushing a button. The device
essentially comprises a motor with a screw mechanism affixed to its
rotor. The screw mechanism is placed at the bottom of a tobacco
hopper for holding loose tobacco and continues through a metal tube
onto which the cigarette tube is affixed. When operated, the screw
mechanism turns to direct tobacco from the hopper and to compact or
"screw" it into the waiting cigarette tube.
[0007] These and other cigarette tube filling devices are disclosed
in the Information Disclosure Statement that the inventors have
filed with this patent application, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference. However, none of these devices are believed
suitable to service the "roll your own" cigarette market, as they
each suffer various drawbacks: some machines are dangerous; others
do not adequately fill the cigarette tubes, or do so loosely and
irregularly; some do not fill tubes with adequate speed, etc.
[0008] Moreover, a problem that seems pervasive in the cigarette
tube filling art is that such machines lack the ability to fill
tubes with a precise quantity of tobacco on a consistent basis. The
Supermatic II and MackRoller device discussed earlier provide a
good illustration of this problem. Although such devices can
generally adequately compress and inject tobacco into waiting
tubes, they depend on the user of the machine to adequately fill
the compression chamber with a sufficient amount of tobacco by
essentially stuffing some amount of tobacco into the chamber by
hand. The machine thus has no means to automate, or meter, a proper
amount of tobacco for eventual injection inside of the tubes.
Moreover, such devices generally lack means to deal with different
cuts of cigarette tobacco, such as shag cut or bulk cut, or
tobaccos of various moisture contents, etc. The result is generally
the formation of cigarettes which are uneven or incomplete in their
density, and/or which may not bum properly or fall apart when
burned, which cigarette smokers generally find undesirable.
[0009] The present disclosure provides several different
embodiments of cigarette tube filling machines which overcome or
mitigate such problems of the prior art. In particular, the
disclosed machines, amongst other benefits, contain mechanisms for
metering a proper amount of tobacco to be compressed and eventually
injected. Whether fully manual, partially automatic, or fully
automatic versions of the disclosed machine are used, the result is
the formation of cigarettes which contain consistent and even
amounts of tobacco.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Devices for filling a cigarette tube with tobacco are
disclosed. In one aspect, the devices contain separate metering,
compression, and injection mechanisms, which may be manual,
partially automatic, or fully automatic. The metering mechanisms
move a proper amount of tobacco to a compression chamber, where the
tobacco is thereafter compressed for eventual injection. In some
embodiments, means are provided for assessing whether a sufficient
quantity of tobacco has been metered into the compression chamber,
and if not, further metering is accomplished prior to injection. In
another aspect, the metering and compression mechanisms are
combined into a single mechanism to the same effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing embodiments of the invention will be best
understood with reference to the following detailed description
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate various views of a first embodiment
of a device for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of
tobacco, wherein the disclosed device has an automated metering
unit.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate various views of the first embodiment
in a stage of operation in which an amount of tobacco is being
metered.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates various views of the first
embodiment in a further stage of operation in which the metered
amount of tobacco is being compressed.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a partially exposed front view of the
first embodiment in a yet further stage of operation in which the
metered and compressed tobacco is injected into a cigarette
tube.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate second embodiments of manually
operated devices for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts
of tobacco.
[0017] FIG. 6A illustrates a third embodiment of an automated
device for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of
tobacco.
[0018] FIG. 6B illustrates a schematic of a control unit for the
device of FIG. 6A.
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an automated
device for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of
tobacco.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of an automated device
for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco capable
of detecting the sufficiency of the quantity of metered tobacco and
adjusting that quantity if necessary.
[0021] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a sixth embodiment of an automated
device for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco
having an improved capability for detecting the sufficiency of the
quantity of metered tobacco and adjusting that quantity if
necessary.
[0022] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a seventh embodiment of an
automated device for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts
of tobacco in which metering and compression are integrated.
[0023] FIG. 10C-10E illustrate details of a metering/compression
member useable with the seventh embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] I. First Embodiment
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, a first embodiment of a
partially-automated device 10 for filling cigarette tubes 70 with a
measured or metered amount of tobacco 76 is illustrated. In this
first embodiment, the metering of the tobacco is automated, while
compression and injection are manual, as will be explained in
further detail later.
[0026] The disclosed device 10 is illustrated in a front
elevational view in FIG. 1A and in a side elevational view in FIG.
1B. In FIG. 1C, the disclosed device is illustrated in a side
cross-sectional view. In FIG. 1D, the disclosed device 10 is
illustrated in a plan view in broken cross-section. The disclosed
device 10 is depicted in a basic form to show the gross anatomy of
the device. However, it may be aesthetically designed or altered by
one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0027] The disclosed device 10 includes a body 11, a hopper unit
20, a metering unit 30, a compressing unit 80, a cigarette tube
magazine 130, an injecting unit 150, and a clamping unit 180. The
disclosed device 10 is preferably sized to sit on a table for easy
use by a "roll your own" smoker. However, the disclosed device 10
could be made larger or smaller to fit a desired implementation, or
could be used in a manufacturing or production environment. The
various components of the disclosed device 10 can be composed of
suitable metals and/or plastics. Preferably, high stress or wear
prone components are composed of metal. Furthermore, slideable
components preferably use metal to plastic or plastic-to-plastic
interfaces which do not require the addition of oil or grease.
[0028] The hopper unit 20 as best shown in FIG. 1C is formed in the
body 11 and is used to store and deliver tobacco 76 to the metering
unit 30. In turn, the metering unit 30 is used to meter or measure
tobacco 76 from the hopper 20 to the compressing unit 80 and
injecting unit 150. The compressing unit 80 is used to compress the
tobacco 76, and the injecting unit 150 is used to insert a
resulting compressed plug of tobacco 76 into a cigarette tube 70
positioned on the magazine 130 (FIG. 1D). The clamping unit 180, as
best shown in FIG. 1B, is used to firmly hold an open end of the
cigarette paper portion 72 (FIG. 1A) of the cigarette tube 70
adjacent the injecting unit 150 during insertion of the compressed
plug of tobacco 76. Such tubes 70 also usually contain a filter
74.
[0029] The body 11 (FIG. 1B) has first and second sidewalls 12 and
14 (FIG. 1A), which are used to contain and mount the various
components of the device 10. The hopper 20 is formed in the body 11
between the sidewalls 12 and 14. As best shown in FIG. 1C, the
hopper 20 has a first or lower surface 21, a first funnel wall 22,
and a baffle unit 24. The baffle unit 24 has a second funnel wall
26 and a third holding wall 28. The funnel walls 22, 26, and 28 are
preferably angled at approximately 45-degrees with respect to the
lower surface 21 of the hopper 20 as shown. In a preferred
embodiment, the first funnel wall 22 and the holding wall 28 define
a horizontal gap G of approximately 1-inch, and the lower surface
21 of the hopper 20 defines a surface area of approximately 4
square inches.
[0030] Loose tobacco 76 is placed in the hopper 20, and the walls
22, 26, and 28 direct the loose tobacco 76 towards the lower
surface 21 of the hopper 20 where the metering device 30 is
located. Because loose tobacco 76 is composed of flat shreds or
cuts of tobacco, it may tend to bunch up or clog, which may prevent
the metering plate 40 from adequately passing the loose tobacco to
the compression chamber 90, as is described in more detail below.
The baffle unit 24 is particularly suitable for preventing such an
occurrence. The funnel walls 22 and 26 limit the volume of loose
tobacco capable of positioning at the bottom of the hopper 20. In
addition, the holding wall 28 holds the loose tobacco 76 adjacent
the lower surface 21 of the hopper 20 when the metering unit 30 is
operating. The baffle unit 24 is preferably capable of holding an
approximately 1-inch layer of tobacco adjacent the lower surface 21
of the hopper 20.
[0031] Although not shown in the figures, other schemes may be
employed to bias the loose tobacco 76 downward in the hopper 20.
For example, a floating weight may be placed on top of the tobacco
in the hopper 20, or a spring biased panel or level may be used to
push the tobacco downward. Such a spring biased device could also
be incorporated into a cover for the top of the hopper or could be
attached inside of the hopper 20. In any event, there are many
different ways to bias the tobacco downward as one skilled in the
art will recognize, and in this regard the baffle structure is not
strictly necessary. Instead, the hopper 20 may be built essentially
as a box with vertical or substantially vertical sidewalls, and not
even require a downward biasing scheme if the weight of the tobacco
in the hopper is sufficient for proper operation.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 1C, the metering unit 30 includes an
outer housing 31, upper and lower guide surfaces 32 and 34, a
metering plate 40, and a shear plate 46. The metering unit 30 also
includes an automated metering actuator 50 having a motor 52, a
gearbox 54, and a slide crank 56, which are not shown in
cross-section in FIG. 1C for clarity. The metering unit 30 also
includes a control unit 60, which is shown in FIG. 1D and is
attached to the second sidewall 14.
[0033] As best shown in FIG. 1C, the metering plate 40 is
positioned between the first and second guide surfaces 32 and 34.
The first guide surface 32 terminates at the lower funnel wall 22.
The second guide surface 34 extends towards the compressing unit
80. One end 42 (see FIG. 1D) of the metering plate 40 is adjacent
the tobacco 76 in the hopper 20 and is movable relative to the
shear plate 46. The shear plate 46 is oriented substantially
perpendicular to the metering plate 40 and is positioned adjacent
the compressing unit 80 as described below.
[0034] As best shown in the top view of FIG. 1D, the one end 42 of
the plate is preferably serrated and beveled. The serrated end 42
is used for agitating and cutting the loose tobacco. For example,
the serrated end 42 is capable of catching the loose shreds of
tobacco 76 at the bottom of the hopper 20 and cutting the shreds
against the shear plate 46 (see FIG. 1C). The metering plate 40
contains a lateral slot 44 for an eccentrically located pin 58 on
the slide crank 56. Another end 48 of the metering plate 40 abuts
against a counting switch 64 when the metering plate is set in
motion by the control unit 60. The metering plate 40 preferably has
a thickness of approximately 0.06-inch and a width of approximately
2.7-inch along its serrated end 42.
[0035] As best shown in FIG. 1C, the motor 52 and gearbox 54 are
attached to a metering mount 18 connected between the sidewalls of
the device. The motor 52 and gearbox 54 connect to the slide crank
56. The eccentrically located pin 58 on the slide crank 56 is
disposed in the lateral slot 44 defined in the metering plate 40.
Rotation of the motor 52 is transferred through the gearbox 54 to
the slide crank 56 such that when the slide crank 56 is rotated,
the eccentrically located pin 58 in slot 44 repetitively moves the
metering plate 40 back and forth between the guide surfaces 32 and
34. As noted above, the slot 44 where the eccentric pin 58 of the
slide crank 56 is inserted is defined laterally in the plate 40.
Thus, as the eccentric pin 58 is rotated with the slide crank 56,
the pin 58 will move the plate 40 back and forth longitudinally
(i.e., left to right in FIGS. 1C and 1D) but not laterally.
[0036] The motor 52 can be a conventional DC motor used in
household appliances or office equipment. In one example, a 12-V DC
motor having model no. RS-385SH and manufactured by Mabuchi Motors
can be used. This DC motor can provide torque of approximately 72.9
g-cm at maximum efficiency. Use of the gearbox 54 is preferred with
the motor 52, although this may not be strictly necessary depending
on the motor or actuator used. Preferably, the motor 52 and gearbox
54 are capable of providing about 10 in-lbs. of torque. One of
ordinary skill in the art, however, will appreciate that a number
of motors and/or gearboxes can be used with the disclosed device
10, and that selection of the same will be dictated by the
functions that the motors and/or gear boxes must perform.
[0037] The control unit 60 controls operation of the metering unit
30. The control unit 60 includes a counter (not shown), input
controls 61, a first limit or activation switch 62, and a second
limit or counting switch 64. For clarity, other necessary
electronics known in the art are not shown in the FIGS. 1A-D.
[0038] The first activation switch 62, best shown in FIG. 1C, is
located atop the device 10 and can have an external housing 63.
Activation of the switch 62 is controlled by the compressing unit
80. The counting switch 64 is located adjacent the end 48 of the
metering plate 40. The control unit 60 connects to a power supply
(not shown) and is capable of providing power to the motor 52 when
the activation switch 62 is activated by the compressing unit
80.
[0039] As the motor 52, gearbox 54, and slide crank 56 cause the
metering plate 40 to move back and forth, the end 48 of the plate
40 makes repeated contact with the counting switch 64. The counter
(not shown) within the control unit 60 is used to track each
repeated contact to determine when a suitable number of strokes of
the metering plate 40 have occurred in accordance with the user's
input at input controls 61. In this regard, the input controls 61
on the control unit 60 allow the user to set an amount of tobacco
to be metered from the hopper 20 to the compressing unit 80, which
in turn ultimately affects the amount of tobacco 76 in the
cigarette and/or its density. Using input controls 61, the user can
input a number of strokes of the metering plate 40, or can select
from one or more predetermined choices (e.g., by pressing input
control buttons 61 labeled as "light," "medium," or "heavy,") each
associated with a number of stokes. Alternatively, the device may
be preset to perform only a set number of metering plate 40 strokes
and not allow the user to specify the same.
[0040] As best shown in the cross-section of FIG. 1C, the
compressing unit 80 includes a compression chamber 90, a
compression member 100, and a cranking unit 110. The compression
chamber 90 is defined by first and second walls 92 and 94 connected
between the sidewalls of the device. The first wall 92 defines a
slit or opening 96 for the passage of tobacco 76 from the hopper 20
to the compression chamber 90 when the tobacco 76 is moved
therethrough and passed the shear plate 46 by the serrated end 42
of the metering plate 40. (Of course, the edge of the first wall 92
proximate the opening 96 may also act as a shear plate 46, which
otherwise may not be needed). Preferably, the slit 96 is chamfered
adjacent the compression chamber 90. The second wall 94 of the
chamber 90 defines an opening 98 for components of the compression
member 100 to connect with components of the cranking unit 110.
[0041] The compression member 100 is vertically movably between the
walls 92 and 94 of the compression chamber 90. The compression
member 100 has a first end 102 capable of activating the activation
switch 62 when the compression member 100 is moved to its top-most
position within the chamber 90. The compression member 100 also has
a second end 104 that defines a cylindrical surface, and which is
used to compress and form tobacco in the compression chamber 90
into the proper cylindrical shape ("plug") prior to insertion into
the cigarette tube when the member 100 is moved to its bottom-most
position within the chamber 90.
[0042] As best shown in FIG. 1B, the compression member 100
includes a clamp pin 106 extending from a side of the member 100.
The clamp pin 106 fits into a slot 186 contained within a clamp rod
182 of the clamping unit 180. The clamp rod 182 is movable between
tracks 184 outside the first sidewall 12. The end of the clamp rod
182 has a gripping member 188, which is preferably composed of an
elastomer which is used to hold a cigarette tube to the device as
will be described in more detail later. Through engagement of the
clamp pin 106 in the slot 186 of the clamp rod 182, the gripping
member 188 is movable relative to a tube holder or nozzle 178 (FIG.
1A) on an end block 176 of the injecting unit 150 to be described
below.
[0043] While the gripping member 188 is shown as coupled to or in
communication with the compression member 100, this is not strictly
necessary. Instead, the gripping member 188 may constitute a
separate device mounted on the exterior of the housing that allows
a user to clamp the cigarette tube 70 to the device prior to
operating the device. (See FIG. 10B, element 790).
[0044] As best shown in FIG. 1C, a cam pin 108 projects from the
face of the compression member 100 through the aperture 98 defined
in the wall 94 of the compression chamber 90. The cam pin 108
engages the cranking unit 110 for moving the compression member 100
within the chamber 90.
[0045] The cranking unit 110 includes a crank arm 112, a shaft 114,
and a cam member 116. The crank arm 112 is attached to the shaft
114, which is rotatable on a bearing mount 16 of the body 11. The
cam member 116 is also attached to the shaft 114 and is rotatable
with the arm 112 and shaft 114. Additional bearings and washers
(not shown) may be used between the cam member 116, mount 16, and
shaft 114.
[0046] The cam member 116 defines an eccentric or spiral slot 118
(see FIGS. 1A and 1C) in which the cam pin 108 of the compression
member 100 is inserted. A user uses a handle 113 on the crank arm
112 to rotate the cam member 116. With rotation of the cam member
116, the cam pin 108 moves within the eccentric slot 118, and the
compression member 100 is moved up or down between the walls 92 and
94 of the chamber 90 depending on the direction of rotation of the
crank arm 112.
[0047] In FIG. 1A, the crank arm 112 and cam member 116 are
illustrated in an extreme counterclockwise position, and the
compression member 100 is moved to its top-most position. When so
positioned, the top end 102 of the compression member 100 engages
the activation switch 62 (see FIG. 1C), as will be described in
further detail later. When the crank arm 112 is rotated clockwise
from the position shown in FIG. 1A, for example, the compression
member 100 is moved down so that its bottom end 104 can compress
against any loose tobacco at the bottom of the compression chamber
90.
[0048] As best shown in FIG. 1A, the injecting unit 150 includes a
shuttle 160, a stop 170, spring 172, retainer 174, an end block
176, and a tube holder 178. As best shown in FIG. 1C, the shuttle
160 includes a trigger 162, an insertion member 164, and guides 166
and 168. The shuttle 160 is positioned below the compression
chamber 90 and is movable along the guides 166 and 168. As best
shown in FIG. 1D, the trigger 162 extends from a side of the
shuttle 160 and is intended to engage with the arm 112 (FIG. 1C) of
the cranking unit 110 as described below. The insertion member 164
is positioned between the guides 166 and 168 and has one end 165
attached to the shuttle 160. The insertion member 164 preferably
defines a half-cylindrical surface that tapers towards its distal
end. Such a shape is known in the art for facilitating the
insertion of a compressed plug of tobacco in a cigarette tube.
[0049] The guides 166 and 168 fit into slots defined in the lower
end of the walls 92 and 94 (FIG. 1C) and are movable therein for
guiding movement of the shuttle 160. As best shown in FIG. 1A, the
stop 170 is connected at an end of the shuttle 160 with a fastener
171. The spring 172 is interconnected between the stop 170 and the
retainer 174, which is attached to the second side wall 14 of the
body 11. When the spring 172 is not extended, the shuttle 160 is in
an extreme lateral position (i.e., the right-most position in FIG.
1A), and the stop 170 engages the end block 176, which prevents the
shuttle 160 from moving further towards the retainer 174.
[0050] When rotated in the clockwise direction, the crank arm 112
eventually engages the trigger 162 of the shuttle 160, stretches
the spring 172, and moves the shuttle 160 towards the tube magazine
130. When so moved, and as best shown in FIG. 1D, the distal end of
the insertion member 164 can then be disposed through the nozzle
178 attached to an opening of the end block 176.
[0051] As best shown in FIG. 1A, the tube magazine 130 is attached
to the first side wall 12 and has a bottom surface 132 and two
sides 134 and 136. The bottom surface 132 angles towards the
injecting unit 150. A fold over 138 is formed on the open end of
the bottom surface 132 adjacent the injecting unit 150 to hold
cigarette tubes 70 against the bottom surface 132 and adjacent the
injecting unit 150. The magazine 130 can hold a plurality of
cigarette tubes 70.
[0052] With the benefit of the above description, operation of the
disclosed device 10 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.
2A-4.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A-B, the device 10 is shown in various
stages during the metering process in which an amount of tobacco 76
is being metered from the hopper 20 to the compression chamber 90.
In FIG. 2A, the disclosed device 10 is shown in a side
cross-section. In FIG. 2B, the disclosed device 10 is shown in a
frontal view with certain components missing or in dotted lines to
reveal internal components of the disclosed device 10. For example,
the wall 94 and the guides 168 are removed so that the first wall
92, slit 96, and insertion member 164 are visible in FIG. 2B. Also,
the first sidewall 12, clamp member 182, end block 176, and nozzle
178 are shown in cross-section.
[0054] During operation, a user fills the hopper 20 with a
sufficient amount of loose tobacco 76, and positions several
cigarette tubes 70 in the magazine 130 with their open paper end
adjacent the sidewall 12. The user manually inserts an open end of
the first tube 70 over the tube holder or nozzle 178 adjacent the
compression chamber 90. Preferably, the tube holder 178 defines an
angled opening as shown to facilitate insertion into the
cylindrical paper portion 72 of the tube 70.
[0055] Using the input 61 of control unit 60, the user then selects
a desired amount of tobacco for filling the tube 70 as discussed
earlier. Then, the user turns the crank arm 112 to an extreme
counterclockwise position as shown in FIG. 2B, which brings the top
end 102 of the compression member 100 into contact with the
activation switch 62, which in turn informs the control unit 60
that the metering unit 30 can be activated.
[0056] The user then activates an appropriate input 61 on the
control unit 60 to start metering and to provide power to the motor
52. Rotation from the motor 52 is transferred through the gearbox
54 to the slide crank 56, etc., as described earlier, which
ultimately causes the metering plate 40 to slide between the guide
surfaces 32 and 34. As the serrated end 42 is repetitively moved
passed the shear plate 46, an amount of loose tobacco 76 is moved
from the hopper 20, through the slit 96 in wall 92, and ultimately
to the compression chamber 90, as shown in FIG. 2A.
[0057] As noted above, not only does the holding wall 28 limit the
amount of tobacco 76 at the bottom of the hopper 20, but it
maintains the loose shreds of tobacco 76 adjacent the bottom
surface 21 of the hopper 20 as the serrated end 42 of the plate 40
is pushed towards the compression chamber 90. Without this feature,
the tobacco 76 might otherwise merely be pushed around in the
hopper 20 without passing through the slit 96. Again, other means
for biasing the tobacco 76 downward on the hopper 20, such as those
discussed earlier, can be used.
[0058] The shear plate 46 serves the dual function of cutting
excessively long shreds of the tobacco 76 and limiting the amount
of tobacco capable of passing from the hopper 20 to the compression
chamber 90. In any event, the metering plate 40 and the shear plate
46 can accommodate various styles or cuts of loose tobacco, such as
shag or bulk cuts. Cutting of the tobacco (if needed depending on
the tobacco used) is beneficial so that tobacco 76 compressed and
inserted in the cigarette tube 70 has a predictable consistency.
The tobacco 76 when ultimately inserted in the cigarette tube 70
preferably has a fine consistency which helps to maintain the
integrity of the cigarette and make the tobacco 76 less likely to
fall out of the tube 70 during handling or smoking. The shear plate
46 may be permanently attached to the wall 92 or may wholly
constitute the wall 92. Alternatively, the shear plate 46 may be
attached to the wall 92 in a manner where its vertical position can
be modified by the user, which allows for adjustment of the amount
of tobacco to be passed to the compression chamber 90 or the degree
to which it is cut. Of course, the slit 96 would need to be larger
that shown when used with an adjustable shear plate.
[0059] As the serrated end 42 of the metering plate 40 is drawn
away from the shear plate 46 by the motor 52, more tobacco 76 is
allowed to move to the bottom surface 21 of the hopper 20. With
each backward draw, the second end 48 of the metering plate 40
activates the counting switch 64. The counter (not shown) in the
control unit 60 counts each backward draw and cuts power to the
motor 52 when the preset number of repeated draws has been reached
by the metering plate 40. Consequently, a metered amount of tobacco
is delivered to the compression chamber 90 and collects on the
cylindrical surface of the injection member 164, as shown in FIG.
2B. The metered amount of tobacco moved from the hopper 20 to the
compression chamber 90 depends on a number of variables, such as
the dimensions of the metering plate 40, the hopper 20, the opening
defined by the shear plate 46, the number of draws made with the
metering plate 40, the cut of the tobacco used etc. Typically, a
cigarette tube 70 can hold about 0.8-grams of tobacco. The metering
plate 40 may make approximately 6 to 20 repetitive draws of loose
tobacco 76 to meter such a sufficient amount of tobacco, and the
entire metering process may only take about 15-seconds.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, the disclosed device 10 is shown
in various stages during the compression operation, i.e., in which
the tobacco metered into the compression chamber 90 is compressed.
As noted above, after the metering unit 30 has metered the desired
amount of tobacco 76 onto the injection member 164, the control
unit 60 shuts off the metering unit 30, at which point the user
then rotates the cam arm 112 in a clockwise position. Such rotation
of the cam arm 112 and affixed cam member 116 moves the compression
member 100 downward within the compression chamber 90 through the
interaction of the cam pin 108 and the eccentric groove 118 of the
cam member 116. The cylindrical end 104 of the compression member
100 presses against the loose tobacco 76 collected on the insertion
member 164, forming a substantially cylindrical plug of
tobacco.
[0061] As the cam arm 112 is rotated and the compression member 100
is moved downward, the clamp pin 106 (FIG. 3B) eventually engages
an end of the slot 186 defined in the clamp rod 182, which also
moves the clamp rod 182 downward towards cigarette tube holding
nozzle 178. The gripping member 188 on the end of the rod 182 is
thus held against the paper portion 72 of the tube 70 installed on
the nozzle 178. With the tube 70 firmly held in place in this
manner, the process can continue to the injection operation, which
is describe with reference to FIG. 4.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, as the user continues to rotate the arm
112 clockwise, the arm 112 eventually contacts the trigger 162 on
the shuttle 160 to move it laterally (i.e., t6 the left in FIG. 4).
Still further rotation overcomes the bias of the spring 172, and
moves the insertion member 164 and compressed plug of tobacco 76,
which is still compressed thereon by the bottom end 104 of the
compression member 100. The distal end of the insertion member 164
passes through the nozzle 178 and into the cylindrical paper
portion 72 of the cigarette tube 70. As noted earlier, the gripping
member 188 holds the paper portion 72 in place during
injection.
[0063] When the arm 112 and shuttle 160 reach an extreme lateral
position (not show in FIG. 4), the user reverses rotation of the
arm 112 (i.e., counterclockwise). The shuttle 160 and insertion
member 164 retract from the tube 70 due to the bias of the spring
172, with the plug of tobacco 76 remaining in the cylindrical
tubular portion 72. In addition, eventually the compression member
100 and clamping unit 180 are moved upwards. The filled cigarette
tube 70 can then be removed from the nozzle 178 and the next tube
70 can be prepared for filling by slipping it over the nozzle 178.
When the user rotates the arm 112 to an extreme counterclockwise
position (FIG. 2B), the compression member 100 again engages the
activation switch 62 so the entire procedure can be repeated for
metering, compression, and injecting the next cigarette tube 70 in
the magazine 130. Using the disclosed device 10, a user can fill
approximately four cigarette tubes 70 within approximately one
minute.
[0064] II. Second Embodiment
[0065] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate second embodiments of a device 200
for filling cigarette tubes which are fully manual. More
specifically, and in contrast to the first embodiment, the metering
process in these second embodiments are performed manually by the
user. For convenience, the same element numerals are in this second
embodiment to represent substantially similar components disclosed
with respect to the first embodiment,. with discussion of such
similar components omitted for brevity.
[0066] In FIG. 5A, the disclosed device 200 is partially exposed in
a side view to reveal internal details. The disclosed device 200
includes a manually-operable metering unit for metering amounts of
tobacco 76. The metering unit 230 includes guide surfaces 232 and
234, a metering plate 240, a handle 246, and a stop 248. As before,
the metering plate 240 is movable between the guide surfaces 232
and 234. The metering plate 240 has a serrated and beveled end 242
movable in relation to the shear plate 46 for metering amounts of
tobacco 76 from the hopper 20 to the compression chamber 90.
[0067] The handle 246 is attached to another end 244 of the plate
240 which extends beyond the body 11 of the device 200. The second
or lower guide surface 234 also extends beyond the body 11 for
guiding and supporting the plate 240. The lower guide surface 234
can also include side walls, such as the back wall 235 shown, for
guiding the plate 240 and to prevent it from moving from side to
side as it is moved from left to right. The stop 248 is positioned
on the plate 240 to engage the body 11 to prevent over insertion of
the plate 240.
[0068] To operate the metering unit 230, a user holds the handle
246 and draws the metering plate 240 back and forth to meter
amounts of tobacco from the hopper 20 to the compression chamber
90. The other operations of the disclosed device 200 are similar to
those described previously.
[0069] FIG. 5B shows an alternative to the use of the manual handle
246 of FIG. 5A. In FIG. 5B, a crank arm arrangement 250 is used.
This arrangement is somewhat similar in its basic structure to the
metering unit 30 disclosed in the first embodiment, the significant
different being that no motor is used; instead the user rotates a
crank arm 252 to cause the metering plate 240 to reciprocate. The
metering plate 240 defines a lateral slot 248 contain an eccentric
pin 258 affixed to a crank 256 affixed to the crank arm 252. By
rotating the manual crank arm 252, the user can draw the metering
plate 240 back and forth to meter tobacco from the hopper 20 to the
compression chamber 90.
[0070] One skilled in the art will recognize that various bearings
and supports can be used for the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and
5B.
[0071] III. Third Embodiment
[0072] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate a third embodiment of a device 300
for filling cigarette tubes which is fully automated. Again, the
same element numerals are used for substantially similar structures
referenced earlier, which are not repeated here.
[0073] Device 300 includes a compression motor 310, a metering
motor 350, an injection motor 370, and a control unit 360.
Automated metering is substantially similar to that described with
respect to the automated metering unit of the first embodiment,
which is not reiterated here.
[0074] The components of the compression mechanism are also largely
similar to those disclosed with respect to the first embodiment,
except that the crank arm 112 has been replaced by compression
motor 310 and a gearbox, which are not shown which are similar to
those described previously, and which include a first gear shaft
312, a drive belt 314, and a second gear shaft 316. The motor and
gearbox rotate the first gear shaft 312, which rotates the second
gear shaft 316 with the drive belt 314. As the second gear shaft
316 is connected to the cam member 116, such rotation moves the
compression member 100 and the clamp member 180 (FIG. 1B) as
described previously. Specifically, rotating the gear shaft 312 in
one direction causes compression of tobacco metered into the
compression chamber, while rotation in the reverse direction causes
the compression member 100 to engage the activation switch 62 (not
shown) in housing 63.
[0075] As one skilled in the art will recognize, if the motor's
shaft is connected directly to second gear shaft 316, first gear
shaft 312 and drive belt 314 are not necessary. Moreover, although
shown external to the housing for the device 300, the components of
the compression mechanism can be configured to reside inside of the
housing.
[0076] The injection motor 370 similarly includes a gearbox, which
is not shown but which is similar to those described previously.
The injection motor 370 includes a pinion 372, which intermeshes
with teeth formed on a rack 374 attached to the shuttle 160. The
motor and gearbox rotate the pinion 372, which in turn moves the
rack 374 from left to right, i.e., towards or away from the
cigarette tube magazine 130 as described previously. More
specifically, by rotating the pinion 372 in one direction, the
injection motor 370 moves the shuttle 160 toward the magazine 130
to inject previously-compressed tobacco into a waiting cigarette
tube 70. Rotating the pinion 372 in a reverse direction returns the
shuttle 160 to a position under the compression chamber 90.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 6B, an embodiment of the control unit 360
for the disclosed device 300 is schematically shown. The control
unit 360 is capable of sequential operation and control of the
metering motor 350, the compression motor 310, and the injection
motor 370. A plurality of limit or contact switches 361-365 are
used by the control unit 360 to determine the location of the
metering plate 40, the compression member 100, and the shuttle 160
and to report such positions to the control unit 360. Although
limit switches are used in the present embodiment of the control
unit 360, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize
that a number of other position sensing devices known in the art
can be used to sense or detect the location of the components. For
example, Hall effect sensors, encoders, proximity switches, or
optical switches can be used.
[0078] The control unit 360 is coupled to a power supply, which can
be a battery source or a conventional commercial power source, and
is coupled to the various switches and motors referenced earlier.
Also typically present in the control unit 360 is an Application
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Programmable Logic Circuit
(PLC), a microcontroller, or other similar non-integrated circuitry
for receiving switch inputs and generating motor outputs, and which
otherwise contains a suitable algorithm to run the metering,
compression, and injection portions of the filling procedure in
sequence. One preferable PLC used in the control unit is part
number FP-e, distributed by Aromat Corporation of New Providence,
N.J. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, should the
integrated circuitry not be able to provide suitable current drive
to drive the motors, a relay may be interposed as a switch between
the outputs of the control unit 360 and the motors 310, 350, and
370 to pass DC regulated power to the motors. In any event,
understanding the basic functions and sequences of events as
disclosed herein, one skilled in the art can design such circuitry
for the control unit 360 as a matter of course.
[0079] As before, the control unit 360 can have or be coupled to a
user interface 380 comprising various input 381 such an on/off
switch or various inputs such as buttons or a key pad, such as
those used to select the quantity of tobacco to be placed in the
cigarette as discussed earlier. The user interface may also include
a LCD or dot matrix display 382 to provide the user instructions or
otherwise inform the user of the status of the device or the
filling operation. In its simplest embodiment, the user interface
380 need only comprise an on/off switch.
[0080] After affixing a tube 70 to the nozzle 178, the user selects
at 381 the filling operation to be performed (e.g., to specify a
"light" or "heavy" cigarette), or otherwise merely presses a button
(e.g. an on/off switch) to perform a preset filling algorithm. At
that point the counter in the control unit 360 is updated to define
the number of metering strokes to be performed. (Alternatively, the
control unit can be configured to perform metering strokes for a
set period of time instead of a set number of strokes). The
metering motor 350 is then activated to move the metering plate 40
back and forth. It is preferable prior to metering that the control
unit 360 move the compression member 100 upward and shuttle 160 to
the right (as shown), or otherwise verify that switches 362 and 364
are depressed to ensure that these components are in the right
place and will not interfere with metering.
[0081] In one embodiment, when the counter sees that the switch 361
has been depressed by the specified number of strokes, the control
unit 360 stops metering motor 350 and next activates the
compression motor 310 to direct the compression member 100 (and
clamping unit 180) downward. When this happens, switch 363 is
depressed, and perhaps by first verifying that switch 364 has been
depressed, the control unit 360 will then be signaled to engage the
injection motor 370. At this point, the injection motor 370 moves
the shuttle 160 to the left to inject the compressed tobacco plug
into the waiting (and clamped) cigarette tube 70. The control unit
will know that injection has occurred when it senses that switch
365 has been depressed. At that point, the control unit 360
initializes the device 300 for the next filling procedure by
activating the motors 310 and 370 to move the compression member
100 and the shuttle 160 back to their starting positions.
[0082] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
motors must be capable of providing enough force or torque to move
the components 40, 100, and 160 of the disclosed device 300 and/or
to compress and inject the tobacco. Determination of sufficient
capacities or ratings of motors, gearboxes, etc. would be a routine
undertaking of one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0083] Although limit switches 361-365 are particularly useful,
they may not be strictly necessary if motors 350, 310, and 370
constitute stepper motors or have encoders indicative of position
and which can be interpreted by the control unit 360.
[0084] IV. Fourth Embodiment
[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, a fourth embodiment of a device 400 for
filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco is
illustrated. Again, similar element numerals are used for similar
components illustrated earlier.
[0086] As with the third embodiment, this fourth embodiment is
capable of automated metering, automated compression, and automated
injection of tobacco. However, this configuration provides a dual
compression and injection motor 410 that performs both of these
functions. Because the automated metering scheme and control unit
360 are similar to those described in earlier embodiments, they are
not further discussed here.
[0087] The dual compression and injection motor 410 activates both
the compressing unit 80 and the injecting unit 150, and preferably
includes a gearbox, which is not shown but which may be similar to
those described previously. As with the third embodiment, a first
gear shaft 412, a drive belt 414, and a second gear shaft 416 are
shown and which ultimately provide rotational movement to the
second gear shaft 416. Such rotation rotates the cam member 116 to
move the compression member 100 (and clamping unit 180) downward as
described previously.
[0088] The cam member 116 has an arm 112 affixed to it as in the
first embodiment, although this arm is not manually activated by
the user. Instead, the arm 112 rotates by virtue of motorization of
the second gear shaft 416, and after compression, comes into
contact with trigger 162 to move the shuttle 160 to inject the
tobacco as described earlier. In short, motor 410 performs both
compression and injection in an automated fashion. Of course, this
fourth embodiment also preferably has a control unit 360, which
operates similarly to that described in the third embodiment,
although simplified by virtue of this fourth's embodiment's
two-step filling process (metering and compression/injection). (For
example, and referring briefly to FIG. 6B, limit switches 363 and
364 might not be necessary in this fourth embodiment as it may only
be necessary for the control unit 360 to know when the device is
ready for metering (switch 362) and when injection is finished
(switch 365)). Furthermore, as no manual activation is required,
the moving components for this embodiment may all be made internal
to the housing of the device 400.
[0089] V. Fifth Embodiment
[0090] More sophisticated fully-automated approaches may also be
employed. For example, FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of a device
500 for filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco.
This embodiment is largely similar to the third embodiment
illustrated earlier. More specifically, the metering and injection
hardware, and the aspects of control unit 360, are similar in this
embodiment, and again, similar elements numerals are used to
describe components introduced earlier. However, in this fifth
embodiment, the compression hardware and algorithm are modified to
allow the amount of tobacco 76 being compressed to be sensed to
assess whether it is adequate. If the amount of tobacco sensed is
inadequate, further metering strokes are performed, and quantity is
again assessed via compression, as will be described in more detail
later.
[0091] In this fifth embodiment, the compression motor 510 is
oriented differently as in the third embodiment: in the third
embodiment the gear shaft 312 of the motor was horizontal, whereas
the gear shaft 512 in this embodiment is vertical. A suitable motor
510 for this embodiment includes part number 8322S002, manufactured
by Pittman of Harleysville, Pa.
[0092] Gear shaft 512 is coupled to a pinion 514, which meets in a
meshed teeth relationship with drive gear 516. Drive gear 516 is in
turn coupled to a drive screw 518. The gear shaft 512 and drive
screw 518 are coupled to the housing 550, but contain bearings to
allow them to rotate. (The housing 550 is merely illustrative and
may consist of several different components in a commercial
embodiment. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are
many ways of mounting the various components within the housing
550, and that such components will contain various through holes to
allow motion of the internal components). The shaft of the drive
screw 518 is threaded as shown, and has a traveling nut 520 with
internal threads screwed to the threads on the drive screw 518. The
traveling nut 520 is rigidly affixed to the compression member 100,
and indeed may be made integral therewith. The compression member
100 and traveling nut 520 are affixed in the housing 550 within
grooves (only partially shown for clarity) to keep their horizontal
positions constant, much in the same way as was discussed with
respect to FIG. 3A. So configured, operation of the motor 510 turns
gear shaft 512, which in turn turns the drive shaft 518, and which
in turn allows the traveling nut 520 and compression member to move
vertically within the housing 550 of the device 500.
[0093] When the motor 510 is operated, the compression member is
capable of moving a maximum vertical distance of D+.DELTA., which
distance may be dictated by controlling the operation of the motor.
This distance is also limited by a mechanical stop, such as the
compression member 100 touching the compression chamber 90 or more
likely the traveling nut 520's bottom touching the housing 550.
When the nut 520 bottoms out against the housing, there is a
possibility that the nut 520 will "bind" or "jam" against the
housing, which is especially possible given that inertia of the
drive shaft 518 will cause further tightening even after the motor
510 has shut off. To alleviate this problem, a spring 530 is
positioned over the drive shaft 518, which is held is place between
the housing 550 and a shaft collar 532 affixed to the drive shaft
518. When the nut 520 bottoms out against the housing, any further
rotation of the drive shaft 518 will draw the shaft collar 532, and
hence the drive shaft 518, upward by a small amount, which in turn
will compress spring 530, and prevent binding of the nut 520.
[0094] In any event, .DELTA. constitutes an overstroke distance,
such that when the maximum distance of D+.DELTA. is traversed by
the compression member 100 and/or nut 520, the device 500
understands that not enough tobacco 76 (not shown) has been passed
by the metering motor 350 to the compression chamber 90. This is
understood by the device because traversing the maximum distance
brings an actuator 522 on the traveling nut 520 into contact with
the switch 363. In other words, when switch 363 is contacted, the
control unit 360 understands that further metering of the tobacco
is necessary to bring more tobacco to the compression chamber 90.
(Of course, the control unit 360 must know when to query the status
of the switch 363; this can be accomplished by knowing the time
that it takes for the compression member 100 to traverse completely
downward, and then programming the control unit 360 to query the
switch 363 after the expiration of that time period). Accordingly,
the control unit directs the compression member 100 upward, and the
metering motor 350 is preferably activated for one additional
metering stroke (although more than one stroke could be used).
Thereafter, compression is again attempted through activation of
motor 510. Should switch 363 again be contacted, additional
metering is performed, and so on. Eventually, a sufficient amount
of tobacco is metered into the compression chamber, and this
additional bulk of tobacco prevents the compression member 100 from
traversing the overstroke distance, .DELTA.. (In fact, and assuming
suitable limits to the motor 510's power, the motor 510 may stall).
In other words, the compression member 100 eventually will only
travel a distance of D, as shown in FIG. 8, which is not a
sufficient distance to allow the actuator 522 to contact the switch
363. When this lack of contact of switch 363 is detected by the
control unit 360, it understands that a suitable amount of tobacco
has been metered, and accordingly that compression is now finished,
and injection can begin through activation of the injection motor
370 as described earlier.
[0095] Thus, in this fifth embodiment, the device 500 can detect
the amount of metered tobacco, and can adjust the amount of tobacco
that is metered to ensure a suitable finished filled cigarette.
Such an additional capability is especially beneficial when dealing
with tobaccos of different cuts or consistencies, which may not
meter at the same quantities per metering stroke, and therefore
which may require adjustment by the device 500. Using dimensions
for the metering system disclosed earlier, and as can be programmed
in the control unit 360, it is preferred to initially perform five
metering strokes, followed by compression and detection, followed
if necessary by one additional metering stroke, followed again by
compression and detection, and so on, until detection suggests a
full compression chamber 90 ready for injection. However, this is
not strictly necessary, and compression and detection can be
performed after every metering stroke to simplify the algorithm,
although of course initial metering strokes would be unlikely to
provide a suitable amount of tobacco.
[0096] VI. Sixth Embodiment
[0097] FIG. 9A depicts a sixth embodiment of a device 600 for
filling cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco which is
similar in many respects to the fifth embodiment discussed above.
However, this sixth embodiment contains additional intelligence for
determining whether an adequate amount of tobacco has been metered
to the compression chamber 90.
[0098] In FIG. 9A, an additional switch 540 is disclosed, which, in
conjunction with switch 363, assists in determining whether an
adequate amount of tobacco has been metered, or whether additional
metering is needed as discussed above. In this sixth embodiment,
the traveling nut 520 is not rigidly coupled to the compression
member 100. Instead, it is coupled by spring loaded plungers 550.
In one embodiment, the plungers 550 resemble set screws having
threads on their outsides which can be screwed into the nut 520 as
shown in FIG. 9B. The plungers 550 contain an internal springs
coupled to ball noses at their bottoms which can be depressed to
compress the internal springs. Suitable plungers 550 include part
number LK-1A, supplied by Reid Tool Supply Company of Muskegon,
Mich.
[0099] The traveling nut 520 complete with the plungers 550 are
positioned within a slot 570 formed in the compression member 100.
This causes the plungers 550 to compress, which biases the top of
the nut 520 against the top edge of the slot 570, and which exposes
a small gap 580 between the bottom of the nut 520 and the bottom
edge of the slot 570. In a preferred embodiment, this gap 580 is
approximately 0.03-inches, although other spacings can be used.
Although not all details of the housing 550 are shown as explained
above in conjunction with the fifth embodiment, it will be
understood that portions of the housing 550 are used to confine the
lateral movement of the compression member 100 and traveling nut
520, which keeps the two from disconnecting during operation.
[0100] The plungers 550, once assembled in the nut 520 and once the
nut is assembled within the compression member 100, are accessible
through holes milled in the compression member 100 (not shown) to
allow the plungers 550's height to be adjusted by a screwdriver if
necessary. Such an adjustment feature may be beneficial in
determining the optimal position of the plungers 550 in a new
device, but in a commercial embodiment, it is envisioned that the
proper depths and heights for the plungers 550 will be determined,
and hence that the springs can merely reside in pockets within the
nut 520. Any deformable material exhibiting spring-like properties
could also be used, in lieu of plungers 550, such as elastomers,
rubber nubs, etc. As used in this disclosure, "springs" should be
understood as inclusive of all materials exhibit such spring-like
properties.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 9B, a plurality of plungers 550 are used
which span along the center portion of the length of the
compression member 100 to provide even feedback from the
compression member 100 along its length, a feature whose reasons
will be made clear shortly. The actual length, L, of the traveling
nut 520 may be approximately 0.75-inch, compared to the
approximately 2.7-inch length of the compression member 100.
[0102] As with the fifth embodiment, the disclosed configuration
allows the traveling nut 520 to drive the compression member 100
downward to compress tobacco within the compression chamber 90, but
allows the compression member 100 to shift upward a gap 580's worth
relative to the traveling nut 520 should the load produced by the
tobacco in the compression chamber 90 be great enough to overcome
the compressive force of the plungers 550. Whether the tobacco load
is sufficient for injection is determined by the interaction of a
second actuator 590 and its associated switch 540, as shown in FIG.
9A. The actuator 590 is capable of contacting the switch 540 when
the compression member 100 is fully extended downward by the motor
510, i.e., through overstroke distance D+.DELTA. as described
earlier. Simultaneously, driving the compression member 100 through
the overstroke distance will cause actuator 522 to contact switch
363 as described in conjunction with the fifth embodiment, although
in this sixth embodiment switch 363 is not used to make an
assessment of sufficient tobacco quantity in the compression
chamber 90; that is the purpose of switch 540. Instead, switch 363
is used to merely inform the control unit 360 that the compression
member 100 is fully extended and hence that switch 540 can be
queried to assess tobacco quantity.
[0103] Thus, when the compression member 100 is fully extended, the
load of the tobacco in the compression chamber 90 on the
compression member 100 will determine whether the quantity of
metered tobacco was sufficient, or if further metering strokes are
needed. If the quantity of tobacco is insufficient, the tobacco
will not place a sufficient upward force on the compression member
100, which in turn will not create a sufficient enough force on the
springs in the plungers 550 to cause the compression member 100 to
shift a gap 580 upward relative to the nut 520. Instead, the nut
520 will remain pinned against the upper edge of slot 570, and the
actuator 590 will be brought into contact with switch 540. The
condition of the switches (363 contacted, 540 contacted) is thus
interpreted by the control unit 360 as an insufficient tobacco
condition, and further metering is performed as discussed above
with reference to the fifth embodiment. Eventually, when the
quantity of the tobacco is sufficient within the compression
chamber 90, the force of the tobacco will be sufficient to cause
compression of the springs in the plungers 550, and will cause the
compression member 100 to shift a gap 580 upward relative to the
nut 520, which will prevent actuator 590 from contacting switch
540. The condition of the switches (363 contacted, 540 not
contacted) is thus interpreted by the control unit 360 as a
sufficient tobacco condition, and therefore that the injection
process can now begin.
[0104] This sixth embodiment, while more complicated than the fifth
embodiment, is believed preferable because it reduces the
possibility of the control unit 360 making an improper assessment
of tobacco quantity. For example, assume that something in the
device has jammed and that the compression member 100 is prevented
from a full downward extension. If this happens, the fifth
embodiment, after the time for switch 363 assessment has passed,
would see that the switch 363 had not been pressed and hence would
erroneously determine that an adequate amount of tobacco was
present in the compression chamber 90, that compression was
complete, and that injection could commence. However, in the sixth
embodiment, the jam would prevent switch 363 from ever becoming
depressed, which the control unit 360 (after some time) would
interpret as a error, and hence would not bother to query the
condition of switch 540.
[0105] One skilled in the art will recognize that there are many
different ways to mechanically configure the components of the
device 600 to achieve the functionality described herein. For
example, and as shown in FIG. 9C, which shows a plan view of the
nut 520 and associated hardware with the motor 510 removed, the
switches 363 and 540 could be placed at opposing edges and on the
same side of the compression member 100, instead of at opposing
sides as shown in FIG. 9A. In such a modification, the actuators
522 and 590 can be placed perpendicularly with respect to each
other. Moreover, and as shown in FIG. 9C, the actuator 590 can be
positioned through a hole 595 in one of the walls 94 (see FIG. 1C)
which bind the compression member 100. (The compression member 100,
which is behind the wall 94 in this view, is shown in dotted
lines). Also shown in FIG. 9C is an opening 98 in the wall 94
though which the nut 520 communicates with the compression member
100, and which is analogous to the opening 98 shown in FIGS. 1A and
1C.
[0106] VII. Seventh Embodiment
[0107] In a seventh embodiment of a device 700 for filling
cigarette tubes with metered amounts of tobacco, metering and
compression are automated and combined into a single operation and
are controlled by a single motor. This seventh embodiment, while
similar in nature to the fifth and sixth embodiments in its ability
to adjust tobacco quantity, is thus simpler and perhaps cheaper to
implement as it does not require the additional complexity of three
motors. Instead, only two motors are required: one to meter and
compress, and one to inject.
[0108] The basic structure of device 700 is shown in FIGS. 10A-10B
which respectively show side and end views of the device. Certain
internal structural members have been omitted so as not to
obfuscate important operative components, but one skilled in the
art will understand that such additional structures will be present
in a commercial device. Appropriate housing structures 710 can be
made of any suitable materials such as metal or plastic. The hopper
20 for holding the tobacco 76 (not shown) is formed in the center
of the device, and may have suitable downward tobacco biasing means
as described earlier. Also shown in FIG. 10A are the user interface
380 portion of the control unit 360 which was described earlier, a
metering/compression section 715, and an injection section 720.
Also shown in FIG. 10B is the nozzle 178 onto which a cigarette
tube 70 to be filled is affixed (tube magazine 130 not shown for
convenience), and a hand-operated, spring-based elastomer-tipped
gripping member 790 for holding the cigarette tube firmly to the
nozzle 178.
[0109] Although the primary feature of interest in this seventh
embodiment is in the metering/compression section 715, the
injection section 720 is first discussed. The injection section 720
includes a motor 722 whose rotor is connected to a gear box 724
having a drive shaft 726. A combination motor/gear box product
suitable for use in this regard is part number CHM-2445-IM,
manufacture by Molon Motor and Coil Corporation of Rolling Meadows,
Ill. The drive shaft 726 drives a gear 728 having teeth meshing
with teeth on a rack 730 on an injection shuttle 732, which is
similar to the injection shuttles disclosed earlier, although in
this embodiment the shuttle 732 is rotated at 90 degrees. To track
the end point positions of the shuttle 732, switches 364 and 365
are again used as in earlier embodiments. As one skilled in the art
will understand, various adaptors can be used with the drive shaft
726 if necessary to couple it to the gear 728 and/or to allow the
gear 728 to slip should the shuttle 732 become jammed. Otherwise,
the injection section 720 and related components are similar to
those discussed in earlier embodiments.
[0110] The basic scheme of the metering/compression section 715 is
to pass a metering/compression member 735 across the bottom of the
hopper 20 to meter tobacco to a compression chamber 740 and to use
the same member 735 to compress the tobacco in the chamber 740 at
the end of its stroke. In this regard, the metering/compression
section 715, like the injector section 720, includes a motor 740,
gear box 742, a drive shaft 744, a gear 746, and may also
constitute Molon part number CHM-2445-IM disclosed above. The gear
746 contains teeth which mesh with teeth on a rack 748 which is
rigidly coupled to a traveling shuttle 750. The traveling shuttle
750 is similar to the traveling nut 520 disclosed in the fifth and
sixth embodiments in that it ultimately drives the
metering/compression member 735, and may do so through a rigid
coupling between the two (as in the fifth embodiment) or with a
spring-biased coupling (as in the sixth embodiment). Illustrated
herein is a spring-biased coupling arrangement, which, as noted
earlier with respect to the sixth embodiment, provides better
intelligence to the control unit 360 concerning whether adequate
amounts of tobacco have been metered and whether injection can
commence.
[0111] The metering/compression member 735 and its associated
traveling shuttle 750 are shown in further detail in FIGS. 10C-10E.
The metering/compression member 735 is preferably formed of metal
and has a rectangular opening 755 formed therethrough to accompany
the traveling shuttle 750. The traveling shuttle 750 is preferably
formed of upper 760 and lower 761 pieces (FIG. 10E) affixed to each
other by bolts 762 (FIG. 10C) or by other suitable fastening means.
The upper 760 and lower 761 pieces may themselves be formed of
other pieces affixed together, or may be forged or milled as shown;
they are shown as solid integral pieces for simplicity. The upper
piece 760 includes the rack 748 introduced earlier. As best seen in
FIG. 10D, the lower piece 761 accompanies springs 764, which are
similar in function to plungers 550 disclosed and discussed with
respect to the sixth embodiment. Although only one spring 764 is
shown, three springs are preferably used spanning partially across
the width of the metering/compression member 735. The springs 764
appear in pockets 765 formed in the lower piece 761, which may be
formed by milling holes in the piece 761, and then affixing a solid
sub-piece 766 to the back of the holes as shown. As best shown in
FIG. 10E, the width of the upper 760 and lower 761 pieces is wider
than the opening 755 formed in the metering/compression member 735,
such that when the two are bolted together (762), the member 735
will be confined therebetween. However, because the member 735 must
be able to reciprocate between the two pieces 760, 761 of the
traveling shuttle 750 as described below, the thicknesses of the
various pieces are adjusted to allow such freedom of movement.
[0112] As best shown in FIG. 10D, the metering/compression member
735 is formed with a ledge 770 along its lower surface. The springs
764 are biased against this ledge 770. Because the
metering/compression member 735 is moveable within the traveling
shuttle 750, the effect of this spring bias is to push the shuttle
750 toward the left edge of the opening 755 formed in the member
735 as shown. Because the length of traveling shuttle 750 is
slightly smaller than the length of the opening 755, such bias
causes a gap 772 to form between the right edge of the opening 755
and the traveling shuttle 750, which is approximately 0.07-inches.
However, because the traveling shuttle is held firm relative to the
housing 710 by virtue of its connection to gear 746 (FIG. 10A),
when a force is experienced on the right edge of the member 735,
the bias of springs 764 can be overcome, and the member 735 will
shift towards the left, which closes gap 772 on the right side of
the opening 755 and reestablishes it on left side of the opening
755. In other words, and depending of the load experienced by the
member 735, the member 735 can reciprocate from left to right
relative to the traveling shuttle 750 through a gap 772's length, a
property which is useful to assessing whether a suitable amount of
tobacco has been compressed in the compression chamber 740, as will
be explained below.
[0113] The compression chamber 740, best shown in FIG. 10D, is in
this seventh embodiment essentially cylindrical in shape. When the
metering/compression member 735 is set in motion by gear 746, a
semi-cylindrical leading edge 774 of the member 735 is drawn from
left to right through the bottom of the hopper 20, thus collecting
tobacco and moving it to the compression chamber 740. Once the
member 735 reaches its overstroked or fully extended condition (as
described earlier), this leading edge is 774 brought to (or when
overstroked, preferably slightly passed) a gap 776 formed in the
upper cylindrical surface of the compression chamber 740 to
essentially complete the chamber 740's cylindrical surface and to
define a cylindrical compressed plug of tobacco suitable for
injection. Although not strictly necessary, it is preferable to
form the gap 776 in an upper portion of the chamber 740, and most
preferably from 270 to 360 degrees. In this way, when tobacco is
moved into the chamber 740, no tobacco gap will be formed in the
top of the chamber 740, and instead, the tobacco will gradually be
encouraged to move clockwise within the chamber as depicted by the
arrow in FIG. 10D. In short, formation of the gap 776 and leading
edge 774 in this manner ensures that a complete and cylindrical
plug of tobacco is formed. Moreover, the sharpness of the top of
the leading edge 774 also assists in shedding or cutting the
tobacco prior to entry into the chamber 740, and thus the use of a
scalloped edge (disclosed earlier) is not necessary. To further
ensure proper cutting of tobacco as it passes from the hopper 20 to
the compression chamber 740, the front wall 791 of the hopper 20
can be formed with a bladed shape (not shown).
[0114] As best shown in FIGS. 10A and 10D, a roller 778 rotatably
affixed to the housing 710 provides support to the traveling
shuttle 750, and ultimately metering/compression member 735, while
still permitting these components to move horizontally within the
device 700.
[0115] The metering/compression process in this seventh embodiment
is similar in nature to that used in the sixth embodiment and uses
a similar switch arrangement to assess the adequacy of the quantity
of tobacco in the compression chamber 740; hence, the switches used
are labeled with the same element numerals. More specifically, and
referring to FIG. 10A, three switches are used for
metering/compression: switch 362 informs the control unit 360 when
the traveling shuttle 750 is at its home or fully retracted
position (to the left in FIG. 10A); switch 363 informs the control
unit when the shuttle 750 is fully extended (to the right in FIG.
10A); and switch 540 assesses tobacco load to either inform the
control unit that further metering is necessary or that injection
can commence. Switches 362 and 363 are activated by an actuator
780, which is most easily seen in FIG. 10C. As seen in FIGS. 10A
and 10B, this actuator 780 interacts with the contacts on these
switches as the shuttle 750 slides between its fully retracted and
fully extended positions, thus informing the control unit 360 when
these end points have been reached.
[0116] The contact on switch 540, by contrast, is activated by the
metering/compression member 735 itself, as best seen in FIGS. 10A
and 10B. More specifically, and assuming negligible tobacco load in
the compression chamber 740, switch 540 is positioned within the
housing so that its contact is always depressed by the member 735
passing overhead, except when the member 735 is at it fully
extended (right most) position. Even more specifically, when fully
extended, the contact on switch 540 is at most a gap 772's length
away from the left edge of the member 735. So positioned, the
switch 540 can determine whether the quantity of tobacco in the
compression chamber 740 is sufficient. If the quantity is not
sufficient, no or little load will be placed by the tobacco on the
member 735, and the springs 764 (FIG. 10D) between the member 735
and traveling shuttle 750 will not appreciably compress. As a
result, the member 735 will not shift to the left relative to the
shuttle 750, and the contact on switch 540 will not be depressed.
If the quantity is sufficient, sufficient load will be placed by
the tobacco on the member 735 to compress the springs 764 between
the member 735 and traveling shuttle 750. As a result, the member
735 shifts to the left relative to the shuttle 750, which allows
the left edge of the member 735 to remain engaged with the contact
on switch 540. Accordingly, the control unit 360 interprets the
switches as follows: when switch 363, is depressed, the control
unit knows that the traveling shuttle 750 is fully extended and
that it is appropriate to query the status of switch 540; if switch
540 is not depressed, further metering is necessary and the member
is retracted for (at least) an additional metering stroke; if
switch 540 is depressed, further metering is not necessary, and
injection can begin.
[0117] Because metering and compression are performed by the same
member 735 in this embodiment, the algorithm employed by the
control unit 360 is simplified. For example, there is no reason for
control unit 360 to initially perform some pre-set amount of
metering strokes, and only later start assessing the adequacy
tobacco quantity as discussed above with reference to the fifth and
sixth embodiments. In this embodiment, every stroke of member 735
can perform the quantity assessment by querying the status of
switch 540, even though obviously the first strokes are unlikely to
have moved a sufficient quantity of tobacco.
[0118] VIII. Conclusion
[0119] The foregoing embodiments show several different
configurations of devices for filling cigarette tubes with metered
amounts of tobacco, which are either fully manual, partially
automatic, or fully automatic. Certain features, details, and
configurations were disclosed in conjunction with each embodiment.
However, one skilled in the art will understand that such features,
details, and configurations can be used with the various different
embodiments, even if such features, details, and configurations
were not specifically mentioned in conjunction with a particular
embodiment, and that this disclosure contemplates various
combinations of the features, details, and configurations disclosed
herein. More specifically, it is intended that such features,
details, and configurations are covered by this patent to the
extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or
the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *
References