Cigarette package coding system and associated method

US8831764B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Hugh Gates · Winston-Salem, US
• Hung V. Phan · Simi Valley, US
• Chris Campbell · Dallas, US
• David R. Hall · Provo, US
• Gary L. Wood · Rural Hall, US
• Reggie Thomas · Tobaccoville, US
• Frank Brantley · Winston-Salem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 9, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P90/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.