Belt-Type Compression Molding Apparatus For A Tobacco Stream
Patent No. US2001003987 (titled "Belt-Type Compression Molding Apparatus For A Tobacco Stream") was filed by Japan Tobacco on Feb 6, 2001. The application was issued on Jun 21, 2001.
What is this patent about?
'987 is related to the field of cigarette manufacturing, specifically addressing the compression molding of a tobacco stream within a cigarette manufacturing machine. Traditional methods use fixed shoes and tongues to compress the tobacco, leading to friction, overheating, and fragmentation of the tobacco, especially at higher production speeds.
The underlying idea behind '987 is to use a moving compression belt that travels synchronously with the tobacco stream. This belt forms a portion of the tobacco band itself, eliminating the relative motion between the compression surface and the tobacco. By moving together, the belt avoids the friction and resistance that cause damage to the tobacco.
The claims of '987 focus on a belt-type compression molding apparatus comprising a compression belt that is an extension of the tobacco band. This compression belt defines a compression molding passage for the tobacco stream. A guide support supports the compression belt and includes a guide groove that gradually curves the belt, changing its cross-sectional form from flat to arcuate.
In practice, the tobacco stream is drawn onto the tobacco band and conveyed towards the wrapping section. As the band transitions into the compression belt, it's guided by the support structure to gradually compress and shape the tobacco. The synchronous movement of the belt with the tobacco is key to minimizing friction and preventing damage. A compression pulley at the end of the belt guides it back towards the band roller.
This design differs from prior approaches that rely on stationary compression elements. By using a moving belt, the invention significantly reduces the resistance encountered by the tobacco stream, even at high speeds. This minimizes overheating and fragmentation, leading to a more consistent and higher-quality tobacco rod. The integrated belt and band design also simplifies the apparatus and ensures smooth transfer of the tobacco stream.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical Landscape
In the late 1990s when '987 was filed, cigarette manufacturing machines typically relied on fixed shoes and tongues to compress and mold a tobacco stream. At a time when continuous high-speed production was a goal, these fixed elements presented challenges due to friction and resistance against the tobacco stream, potentially leading to fragmentation and overheating.
Prosecution Position
The disclosed belt-type compression molding apparatus addresses the problem of tobacco stream fragmentation and overheating during compression molding. By integrating a compression belt that moves synchronously with the tobacco stream, the apparatus reduces resistance and friction. This architectural shift enables higher conveyance speeds while maintaining tobacco quality, overcoming limitations associated with fixed compression elements.
Claims
This patent has zero claims. Therefore, there are no independent or dependent claims.
Patent Family
File Wrapper
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US2001003987
- Application Number
- US77677601
- Filing Date
- Feb 6, 2001
- Publication Date
- Jun 21, 2001
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents