Patent ID: 6116245
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for packaging unfilled cigarette tubes in a receptacle from a supply thereof, said apparatus comprising:a frame means;advancing means mounted to said frame means for moving a predetermined number of cigarette tubes from said supply;holding means in operative association with said advancing means for accumulating said predetermined number to be packed into a concentrated volume;a containment means joined to said frame means for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis from a first position alongside of said holding means to a second position horizontally displaced from said first position, said containment means having an opening therein to receive said tubes into a hollow interior of said containment means;first transfer means for transferring said concentrated volume of tubes laterally from said holding means through said opening into said containment means; andsecond transfer means discrete from the first transfer means, for transferring said tubes from said containment means to said receptacle when said containment means is in said second position.