Patent ID: 8215315
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: A24C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for concentric rod-making/filter-forming, comprising: a hopper configured to receive a tobacco feed; a metering device connected to the hopper, wherein the metering device is configured to meter the tobacco feed received from the hopper; a tobacco feeding plenum connected to the metering device, wherein the tobacco feeding plenum is configured to distribute the metered tobacco at an output of the tobacco feeding plenum; a rotating vacuum wheel located proximate to the output of the tobacco feeding plenum, wherein the rotating vacuum wheel is configured to receive the metered tobacco; an excess tobacco return chamber connected to a distal portion of the tobacco feeding plenum and proximate to the rotating vacuum wheel, wherein the excess tobacco return chamber is configured to receive tobacco feed outside of grooves of the rotating vacuum wheel; an input feeding chamber connected proximate to a release point of the rotating vacuum wheel and configured to receive columns of metered tobacco strands released from the rotating vacuum wheel; an air transport device connected to an output of the input feeding chamber, wherein the air transport device is configured to transport the columns of metered tobacco strands to a rod-making/filter forming section; and a rod-making/filter forming section connected to the air transport device, wherein the rod-making/filter forming section further comprises a dual-section end chamber located proximate to an output of the air transport device, wherein a dual-section reducer is configured to provide compressed air for transport of the columns of metered tobacco strands, adjust balance of the compressed air in accordance with a venturi effect due to adjusting the position of the air transport device relative to the dual-section reducer; and provide relief for the compressed air through a perforated air relief sleeve, and wherein the rod-making/filter forming section is configured to combine at least one of the columns of metered tobacco strands and inserted material with preformed paper forming at least one of a concentric tobacco rod and a hollow concentric tobacco rod.