Method and apparatus for detecting loose ends of cigarettes
US5010904A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1989 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S131/908
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention is directed to an inspection method, apparatus and system for identifying cigarettes having insufficient tobacco at their lighting end in which cigarettes are conveyed serially through a beam of infrared radiation. The amount of infrared radiation passing perpendicularly through the end portion of each cigarette is compared to a predetermined value to determine whether or not the cigarette is defective. The method, apparatus and inspection system of the invention is both accurate and reliable and can be employed in combination with cigarette manufacturing systems operating at speeds in excess of 7,000-8,000 cigarettes per minute.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.