Patent ID: 6814080
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: A24C

Abstract:
Apparatus for building at least one stream of smokable material from a mixture containing relatively large first particulate material and relatively small said particulate material, comprising:transporting means including a pneumatic conveyor having an endless running belt including a first side and a second side, and at least one first suction chamber adjacent one side of said belt and having an outlet; means for feeding at least a portion of the mixture against the other side of the belt opposite said first suction chamber, said belt having a permeability such that it entrains the first material but permits at least some second material to pass into said chamber; means for evacuating second material from the first suction chamber by way of said outlet; means for admitting evacuated second material against at least one of (a) said other side of said belt and (b) the first material being entrained by the belt; at least one second suction chamber disposed at said one side of said belt and arranged to gather second material being furnished by said admitting means and having passed through the belt due to suction in at least one of said chambers; and means for drawing air and second material from said at least one second suction chamber.