Patent ID: 6024098
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B65B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of detecting and rejecting poorly filled cigarettes, the method comprising the stages of feeding a column of cigarettes transversely, substantially in steps, and in a given direction along a gravity channel forming part of an outlet of a feedbox, the channel extending past a detecting device, which is located at a fixed detecting station along the channel, and is positioned facing an open end of the cigarettes, scanning said open end of each cigarette to emit a signal indicating the degree to which the cigarette is filled; and using said signal, when necessary, to activate a reject device located along said channel, downstream from said detecting station in said direction; wherein said open end of each cigarette is scanned as the cigarette travels through said detecting station and in the course of one traveling step in said direction; the method further comprising the stages of cyclically arresting the travel of a top portion of said column, located upstream from said detecting station, to form a gap at the detecting station; and subsequently releasing said top portion of the column, so that a bottom cigarette in said top portion travels through said gap and, hence, through the detecting station; the open end of said bottom cigarette being scanned as said bottom cigarette drops through said gap.