Apparatuses and methods for forming pouch product

US11407534B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Altria Client Services LLC · US

Inventors

• Gregory L. Nelson · Chester, US
• Christopher R. NEWCOMB · Richmond, US
• James D. Evans · Austin, US
• Thien Nguyen · Glen Allen, US
• Jarrod W. Chalkley · Mechanicsville, US
• Robert V. Powell, Jr. · Richmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 12, 2019
• Grant date: Aug 9, 2022
• Expiry date: Jun 18, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2701/191
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In an example embodiment, an apparatus for making pouch products includes a conveyor system. The conveyor system includes a first receiving location along a path of the conveyor system, and a dosing location along the path of the conveyor system. The apparatus also includes a first material dispensing station configured to transfer a first material to the first receiving location. The first material includes a first elastic layer and a first support layer. The first material dispensing station includes a dispenser roller configured to hold a roll of the first material, a plurality of rollers configured to convey the first material from the dispenser roller to the first receiving location, and a stripper plate configured remove at least a portion of the first support layer from a portion of the first elastic layer.