Method and apparatus for monitoring the diameters of rod-shaped products of the tobacco processing industry

US4543816A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. K.G. · DE

Inventors

• Peter Brand · Hatfield, GB
• Heinz-Christen Lorenzen · Bargteheide, DE
• Uwe Heitmann · Hamburg, DE
• Peter F. Menzel · Owatonna, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 24, 1984
• Grant date: Oct 1, 1985
• Expiry date: Apr 24, 2004

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01M3/26
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The diameter of a continuous filter rod is monitored in a tubular nozzle through which successive increments of the rod are conveyed axially and which directs against the external surface of the tubular envelope of the rod a narrow annular stream of compressed air at a pressure which does not result in deformation of the envelope. The thus admitted air is permitted to escape into the atmosphere only by way of two narrow passages which flank the region of contact between the air stream and the envelope. A flow meter indirectly monitors the rate of flow of air through such passages and generates signals which are indicative of the diameters of successive increments of the envelope. The pressure of the air stream which impinges upon the envelope is constant. The permeability of the material of the envelope can be ascertained by a discrete testing unit, and the results of such test are processed with the results of monitoring of the diameter by a computer which transmits signals serving to adjust the machine, to actuate an alarm or to arrest the machine.