Patent ID: 7479098
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: A24C,A24D,B31D,B31F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at pre-determined spaced intervals along the length thereof, the process comprising: (a) providing a continuous supply of rod filter material; (b) supplying objects to a first hopper that provides a reservoir for objects; (c) feeding objects from the first hopper to a second hopper; (d) positioning individual objects within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals; (e) forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod; (f) subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals; providing a continuous supply of wrapping material; and forming the filter material into a continuous rod by continuously forming the wrapping material around the filter material; wherein the first hopper is an upper hopper and the second hopper is a lower hopper, and the upper hopper is adapted to feed objects to the lower hopper by way of gravity feed; further providing reciprocating screen between the upper hopper and the lower hopper, the screen having a plurality of holes therein sized to allow the objects to pass individually through each hole.