Patent ID: 6435334
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A cigar feed unit, the unit (U) comprising a pocket conveyor (4) having a number of pockets (9) and for feeding single cigars (2) successively in a given direction, and a feed device (1) for feeding said cigars (2) successively into respective said pockets (9) in time with the pockets (9); said feed device (1) comprising an input hopper (3), and at least one channel (10) having an inlet (12) communicating with said hopper (3), and an outlet (13) facing said pocket conveyor (4); the channel (10) having a longitudinal axis (11) extending downwards towards said outlet (13), and receiving a number of cigars (2) oriented crosswise to said axis (11); and the feed unit (U) being characterized in that said feed device (1) also comprises at least one movable transfer member (15) interposed between said outlet (13) and said pocket conveyor (4), and for feeding said cigars (2) successively into respective said pockets (9); and conveying means (29) extending along at least part of said channel (10) to feed single cigars (2) successively to said outlet (13) in time with said transfer member (15).