Example embodiments generally relate to a garniture with insert.
During a machine-made manufacture of cigars, tobacco can be transported through a rod forming apparatus using a belt. The belt may be supported by a garniture.
At least one example embodiment is directed toward a garniture.
In one example embodiment, the garniture includes at least one first garniture section with a first longitudinal length and a first upper surface, a first groove being defined within the first upper surface along the first longitudinal length, the first groove being defined by one or more first mating surfaces; and at least one first insert overlaying the first groove, an upper end of the at least first insert defining a second groove within a second upper surface of the at least one first insert, a lower end of the at least one insert including one or more second mating surfaces, a first upper portion of the first upper surface and a second upper portion of the second upper surface being substantially flush with each other.
In one example embodiment, the first upper portion of the first upper surface and the second upper portion of the second upper surface are substantially flat surfaces.
In one example embodiment, each of the one or more first mating surfaces is connected to and flush with a respective one of the one or more second mating surfaces.
In one example embodiment, no gaps exist between the one or more first mating surfaces and each respective one of the one or more second mating surfaces.
In one example embodiment, each of the one or more first mating surfaces are flat surfaces that span across the first longitudinal length.
In one example embodiment, the first groove has a first vertical cross-sectional profile with two or more flat sides, and each one of the two or more flat sides is at an obtuse angle relative to a directly adjacent one of the two or more flat sides.
In one example embodiment, the one or more first mating surfaces includes: a lower surface, the lower surface existing in a first plane that is about parallel with the first upper portion of the first upper surface, and a first surface and a second surface each extending from the lower surface to the first upper portion of the first upper surface, the first surface and the second surface each existing in respective planes that are at obtuse angles relative to the lower surface and the first upper portion of the first upper surface.
In one example embodiment, the at least one first garniture section includes: a first garniture section; and a second garniture section, the at least one first insert overlaying both the first garniture section and the second garniture section.
In one example embodiment, the garniture further includes a third garniture section, a third groove being defined within a third upper surface of the third garniture section; and a fourth garniture section, a fourth groove being defined within a fourth upper surface of the fourth garniture section, wherein the first garniture section, the second garniture section, the third garniture section and the fourth garniture section are contiguously connected so that the second groove is in communication with the third groove and the fourth groove.
In one example embodiment, the second groove, the third groove and the fourth groove each have an arcuate-shaped vertical cross-sectional profile, and a width of at least one of the second groove, the third groove or the fourth groove varies along a respective length of the first garniture section, the second garniture section, the third garniture section or the fourth garniture section.
In one example embodiment, the second groove, the third groove and the fourth groove each have an arcuate-shaped vertical cross-sectional profile, and the third garniture section includes a first end and a second end, the third groove spanning from the first end to the second end, wherein a width of the third groove narrows from a first width on the first end to a second width on the second end of the third garniture section, the second groove and the fourth groove both having a third width that is equal to the second width.
In one example embodiment, a third width of the second groove varies along the first longitudinal length of the at least one first garniture section.
In one example embodiment, the second groove has a second vertical cross-sectional profile that is arcuate-shaped.
In one example embodiment, the at least one first insert has a second longitudinal length, the second longitudinal length being a same length as the first longitudinal length.
In one example embodiment, the at least one first insert has a second longitudinal length, and the at least one first insert is one continuous insert that does not include seams along the second longitudinal length.
In one example embodiment, the at least one first garniture section defines at least one cooling hole that traverses through a first end and a second end of the at least one first garniture section, the at least one cooling hole running through the first longitudinal length of the at least one first garniture section.
In one example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole is below the first groove, adjacent to the first groove, or below and adjacent to the first groove.
In one example embodiment, the first groove has a fourth width and a first depth within the at least one first garniture section, the fourth width being about perpendicular to the first longitudinal length and the first depth being based on a lowest elevation of the first groove; and about 5% to about 35% of a total vertical cross-sectional area of the at least one cooling is within the fourth width and the first depth of the first groove.
In one example embodiment, about 10% to about 25% of the total vertical cross-sectional area of the at least one cooling is within the fourth width and the first depth of the first groove.
In one example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole includes: a first cooling hole; and a second cooling hole, the first cooling hole and the second cooling hole being symmetrically positioned relative to the first groove.
At least one example embodiment is directed toward a finishing section of a rod forming apparatus that includes the garniture; finishing stations; and a lower belt, wherein the finishing stations are on the garniture, the lower belt being configured to travel through the second groove and between the garniture and the finishing stations.
In one example embodiment, the finishing stations include: a compression box; at least one folder; and a heater, wherein the at least one folder is on the at least one first garniture section.
In one example embodiment, the at least one first garniture section includes: a first garniture section; and a second garniture section, the at least one first insert spanning across the first garniture section and the second garniture section.
In one example embodiment, the garniture further includes: a third garniture section, a third groove being defined within a third upper surface of the third garniture section; and a fourth garniture section, a fourth groove being defined within a fourth upper surface of the fourth garniture section, wherein the first garniture section, the second garniture section, the third garniture section and the fourth garniture section are contiguously connected so that the second groove is in communication with the third groove and the fourth groove.
In one example embodiment, the compression box and the heater are on the third garniture section and the fourth garniture section, respectively.
In one example embodiment, the lower belt is configured to transport a column of tobacco on at least one covering through the finishing section, the compression box is configured to compress the column of tobacco into a tobacco rod, and the at least one folder is configured to longitudinally cover the tobacco rod with the at least one covering to form a wrapped tobacco rod, the wrapped tobacco rod having a desired diameter.
In one example embodiment, the lower belt is configured to transport a column of tobacco on at least one covering through the finishing section, and the finishing stations are configured to compress the column of tobacco into a tobacco rod and longitudinally wrap the tobacco rod with the at least one covering.
In one example embodiment, the garniture includes at least one second garniture section, and the finish stations include, at least one first station that is configured to wrap the tobacco rod with the at least one covering, at least one second station that is configured to form the tobacco rod or further process the tobacco rod besides wrapping the tobacco rod, and the at least one first station is on the at least one first garniture section, and the at least one second station is on the at least one second garniture section.
In one example embodiment, wherein a fifth width of the second upper portion of the second upper surface is wide enough to prevent the lower belt and the at least one covering from contacting the first upper portion of the first upper surface while the finishing section is in operational use.
In one example embodiment, wherein each of the finishing stations is on the at least one first garniture section.
At least another example embodiment is directed toward a rod forming apparatus.
In one example embodiment, the rod forming apparatus includes the finishing section of claim 21; a feed section; an in-feed section; and a web section.
The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. For purposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have been exaggerated.
Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.
Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives thereof. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.
It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “covering” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, coupled to, or covering the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations or sub-combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or groups thereof.
When the words “about” and “substantially” are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise explicitly defined.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, including those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
Example embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of example embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.
In an example embodiment, the rod forming apparatus 10 includes a feed section 2, an in-feed section 4, a web section 6 and a finishing section 11. In an example embodiment, the feed section 2 includes at least one conveyor 3 for receiving tobacco 1 from a tobacco source (not shown). In an example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is shredded tobacco. In an example embodiment, the feed section 2 includes a storage container 5 that may be at least one of a reservoir, a vat, a shipping container, etc. In an example embodiment, the rod forming apparatus 10 does not include a conveyor 3, as the tobacco 1 may be manually placed into the storage container 5, or the storage container 5 may be used until depleted and then replaced with another storage container 5.
In an example embodiment, the feed section 2 includes a feeder 8. The feeder 8 may be physically located below the storage container 5, and may receive tobacco 1 from the storage container 5. In an example embodiment, the feed section 2 does not include a storage container 5, and instead includes the feeder 8 and/or the conveyor 3. In an example embodiment, the storage container 5 and the feeder 8 are one integral element. Other configurations of the feed section 2 are contemplated.
In an example embodiment, the feeder 8 includes one or more outlets 9 at a lower portion of the feeder 8. In an example embodiment, the one or more outlets 9 are distributed in an outlet array 9a. In an example embodiment, the feeder 8 is a vibratory waterfall type feeder. In an example embodiment, the storage container 5, or the feeder 8, or both the storage container 5 and the feeder 8 include at least one electromagnetic (motorized) vibrator 7a/7b for causing the tobacco 1 to vibrate and uniformly settle, as the tobacco 1 leaves the storage container 5 and/or the feeder 8.
In an example embodiment, the feeder 8 and/or the outlets 9 are capable of distributing the tobacco 1 onto an upper (conveyor) belt 12. In an example embodiment, a first belt section 12a of the upper belt 12 is at least partially enclosed by a trough 14. The upper belt 12 may include rollers 16 capable of causing the upper belt 12 to move and transport the tobacco 1. In an example embodiment, the upper belt 12 includes a tensioning (biased) roller 16a that adjusts a tension of the upper belt 12. In an example embodiment, a trimmer unit 18 is included along the first belt section 12a so that a tobacco column 1a traveling along the first belt section 12a may be formed into a column with a desired and uniform height. In an example embodiment, the first belt section 12a includes at least one electromagnetic vibrator 7c to further ensure an even distribution of the tobacco column 1a across the first belt section 12a, as the tobacco column 1a rides along the first belt section 12a.
In an example embodiment, the feed section 2 and upper belt 12 provide the tobacco column 1a to the in-feed section 4 of the roll forming apparatus 10. In an example embodiment, the tobacco column 1a is transferred into the in-feed section 4 by a second belt section 12b of the upper belt 12 and an in-feed (compression) belt 20 that are downstream of the feeder 8. Specifically, in an example embodiment, the tobacco column 1a rides on the second belt section 12b (shown in better detail
In an example embodiment, the second belt section 12b and/or the descending belt section 20a feed the tobacco column 1a into the finishing section 11 of the rod forming apparatus 10. In an example embodiment, the second belt section 12b and/or the descending belt section 20a feed the tobacco column 1a to a lower belt 22. In an example embodiment, the lower belt 22 is a garniture belt, or a garniture tube belt. In an example embodiment, the lower belt 22 travels along a set of rollers 23.
In an example embodiment, the tobacco column 1a enters the finishing section 11 through a channel 21 (see
In an example embodiment, the rod forming apparatus 10 includes the web section 6, where the web section 6 provides at least one covering 31 that may be applied longitudinally around the consumer product 300. In an example embodiment, the at least one covering 31 includes at least two web layers. In an example embodiment, the at least one covering 31 includes a binder web 30 and a wrapper web 34. In an example embodiment, the binder web 30 is used to bind the tobacco 1, and in doing so, the binder web 30 may come into intimate direct contact with the tobacco 1. In an example embodiment, the wrapper web 34 is used to cover the binder web 30. In an example embodiment, a bulk portion of the binder web 30 and the wrapper web 34 are respectively housed on a binder reel 32 and a wrapper reel 36. A series of rollers 38 may be used to guide the binder web 30 and the wrapper web 34 into the finishing section 11. In an example embodiment, the binder web 30 and the wrapper web 34 are formed from tobacco, tobacco pulp, compressed tobacco, or a derivative or extract of tobacco, where the binder web 30 and the wrapper web 34 are in the form of flatten sheets or ribbons.
In an example embodiment, once the tobacco column 1a and the at least one covering 31 proceed into the finishing (rod forming) section 11, via the force of the lower belt 22, the tobacco column 1a is guided through the compression box 100 to form a tobacco rod 1b (see at least
In an example embodiment, the lower belt 22 causes the at least one covering 31 and the tobacco column 1a to travel in unison into and through finishing stations of the finishing section 11. In an example embodiment, the finishing stations of the finishing section 11 include the compression box 100, a short folder 42, a finishing folder 44 and a heater 46, as discussed in more detail herein (also see
In an example embodiment, the garniture 150 includes sections (segments). In an example embodiment, the garniture 150 includes a first section 150a, a second section 150b, a third section 150c and a fourth section 150d. In an example embodiment, the first section 150a is an “entry section” of the garniture 150, the second section 150b and the third section 150c are “middle sections,” and the fourth section 150d is an “end section” or an “exit section.” In an example embodiment, the second section 150b and the third section 150c are one continuous garniture section that does not include separate smaller garniture sections. In an example embodiment, the second section 150b, the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d are one continuous section that does not include separate smaller garniture sections. In an example embodiment, the garniture 150 is one long continuous section that does not include separate smaller garniture sections.
In an example embodiment, the first section 150a, the second section 150b and the third section 150c are “first rod forming sections” of the garniture 150 of the finishing section 11, from the standpoint that the tobacco rod 1b flowing across these sections is being formed into a rod with a desired diameter 301 (see
In an example embodiment, as the tobacco rod 1b flows across the “first rod forming sections” and/or the “second rod forming sections” of the garniture, a size and a radius of curvature of a groove in the garniture 150 (see for example groove 152a and 152b, respectively shown in in
In an example embodiment, the lower belt 22 causes the finished rod 41 to pass through a cutter 48. In an example embodiment, the cutter 48 cuts the finished rod 41 into segments, where these segments form the consumer product 300 (
In an example embodiment, a decline angle 27 of the descending section 21a of the channel 21 (defined by the second belt section 12b and the descending belt section 20a), assists in driving the tobacco column 1a through the channel 21 with enough velocity that the tobacco column 1a has at least sufficient momentum to flow through the horizontal section 21b of the channel 21 and the compression box 100, where the tobacco column 1a is further compressed along the way.
In an example embodiment, the channel 21 is at least partially defined by the horizontal section 21b, where the horizontal section 21b feeds the tobacco column 1a into the compression box 100. In an example embodiment, the horizontal section 21b has a continually narrowing vertical cross-sectional flow area that causes the tobacco column 1a to be further compressed prior to flowing into the compression box 100.
In an example embodiment, the in-feed section 4 includes a transition piece 56 that further defines the channel 21. Specifically, in an example embodiment, the transition piece 56 fills a gap (bridges a transition) between the second belt section 12b and the lower belt 22, allowing the tobacco column 1a to more smoothly flow over the transition piece 56 as the tobacco column 1a leaves the second belt section 12b and flows onto the lower belt 22. In an example embodiment, the transition piece 56 may serve to reduce a level of turbulence that might otherwise be imparted to the tobacco column 1a traversing between the second belt section 12b and the lower belt 22. Specifically, in an example embodiment, the transition piece 56 occupies a space at the transition between the upper belt 12 and the lower belt 22, where this space would otherwise allow the tobacco column 1a to potentially accumulate and intermittently release, which may impact a consistency of the final consumer product 300.
In an example embodiment, the at least one covering 31 comes into intimate direct contact with the tobacco column 1a, as the at least one covering 31 moves under and past the transition piece 56 and the tobacco column 1a moves over and past the transition piece 56. In an example embodiment, the lower belt 22 is directly below the at least one covering 31 (obscured from view in
In an example embodiment, the inlet 156a has a larger width 156a1 relative to a width 158a1 of the outlet 158a. In an example embodiment, the inlet 156a has a radius of curvature 156a2 that is larger than a radius of curvature 158a2 of the outlet 158a. In an example embodiment, the inlet 156a is larger than the outlet 158a, in both the width 156a1/158a1 and radius of curvature 156a2/158a2, in order to cause the tobacco rod 1b to become further compressed as the tobacco rod 1b flows through the compression box 100 (as described in more detail in
In an example embodiment, the first section 150a includes at least one mounting hole 162. In an example embodiment, the at least one mounting hole 162 traverses through the upper surface 170a of the first section 150a. In an example embodiment, at least one mounting hole 162 is used to mount the first section 150a to the rod forming apparatus 10 and/or mount equipment to the upper surface 170a of the first section 150a. In an example embodiment, an interior surface of the at least one mounting hole 162 define threads. In an example embodiment, an interior surface of the at least one mounting hole 162 is smooth and does not define threads.
In an example embodiment, the first section 150a includes at least one cooling hole 160a. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 160a runs through the longitudinal length 172a of the first section 150a and exits near the outlet 158a of the groove 152a. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 160a traverses through a first end 150a1 and a second end 150a2 of the first section 150a. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 160a includes a pair of cooling holes running underneath and along (adjacent to) either side of the groove 152a.
In an example embodiment, the first section 150a includes at least one mounting hole 157 that traverses through the surface 154a of the groove 152a. In an example embodiment, the at least one mounting hole 157 is used to mount the first section 150a on the rod forming apparatus 10. In an example embodiment, an interior surface of the at least one mounting hole 157 defines threads. In an example embodiment, an interior surface of the at least one mounting hole 157 is smooth and does not define threads.
In an example embodiment, the other sections of the garniture 150 include cooling holes, as shown for instance in
In an example embodiment, the other sections of the garniture 150 include a groove, as shown for instance in
It should be understood that the at least one mounting hole 162 and the at least one mounting hole 157 can be included in some or all of the sections of the garniture 150. In an example embodiment, the first section 150a, or the other sections of the garniture 150, do not have the at least one mounting hole 162 and/or the at least one mounting hole 157.
In an example embodiment, the garniture 150, including each of the sections (150a, 150b, 150c and 150d) of the garniture, are made from tool steel. In an example embodiment, the garniture 150 is made from a material that is resistant to heat and erosion due to significant friction caused by the at least one covering 31 and/or the lower belt 22 running along the garniture 150. In an example embodiment, the garniture is made from a material that is not resistant to heat and erosion. In an example embodiment, an insert 420 (see at least
In an example embodiment, the groove 152b has an inlet 156b and an outlet 158b. In an example embodiment, a width 156b1 and a radius of curvature 156b2 of the inlet 156b are the same as a width 158b1 and radius of curvature 158b2 of the outlet 158b.
In an example embodiment, the dimensions of the inlet 156b of the second section 150b match the dimensions of the outlet 158a of the first section 150a, thereby allowing the second section 150b to be installed on the rod forming apparatus 10 so that the second section 150b abuts the first section 150a and so that the groove 152a of the first section 150a and the groove 152b of the second section 150b are in communication with each other. In an example embodiment, when the second section 150b is installed on the rod forming apparatus 10, the outlet 158a of the first section 150a directly abuts the inlet 156b of the second section 150b. In an example embodiment, the width 156b1 of the inlet 156b of the second section 150b matches the width 158a1 of the outlet 158a of the first section 150a. In an example embodiment, the radius of curvature 156b2 of the inlet 156b of the second section 150b matches the radius of curvature 158a2 of the outlet 158a of the first section 150a.
In an example embodiment, the second section 150b includes at least one mounting hole 162 traversing through the upper surface 170b of the second section 150b. In an example embodiment, the second section 150b includes at least one mounting hole 157 traversing through the surface 154b.
In an example embodiment, the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d are the same as the second section 150b. In an example embodiment, the second section 150b, the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d are identical to each other, or these sections differ only in terms of a longitudinal length.
In an example embodiment, a portion of the garniture 150 downstream of the second section 150b (e.g., the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d) has a groove with the same dimensions (same width 156b1/158b1 and same radius of curvature 156b2/158b2) as the groove 152b of the second section 150b. That is to say, a width 156c1 and radius of curvature 156c2 of the groove 152c of the third section 150c and a width 156d1 and radius of curvature 156d2 of the groove 152d of the fourth section 150d each are the same as the width 156b1 and radius of curvature 156b2 of the inlet 156b of the second section 150b. In an example embodiment, a remaining portion of the garniture 150 downstream of the first section 150a (e.g., the second section 150b, the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d), has a groove with a same uniform width and radius of curvature that matches the outlet 158a of the first section 150a. In an example embodiment, the remaining portion of the garniture 150 downstream of the first section 150a is one continuous section, or two sections only, or more than three sections.
In an example embodiment, the first section 150a, and the other sections (e.g., the second section 150b, the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d) are contiguously connected together on the rod forming apparatus to form the garniture 150, as shown in
In an example embodiment, once the sections of the garniture 150 are connected together, each of the grooves (e.g., grooves 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d) are aligned with each other, and therefore in communication with each other. In an example embodiment, once the sections are connected together, the at least one cooling hole (e.g., the at least one cooling hole 160a, 160b, etc.), for each section, is in communication with each other to act as a means of cooling the garniture 150. That is to say, in an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole runs through a longitudinal length of the garniture 150 to cool the garniture 150, as the garniture is heated due to friction from the tobacco rod 1b, the at least one covering 31 and the lower belt 22 running along the garniture 150, as explained in more detail in
In an example embodiment, once the sections of the garniture 150 are connected together, an upper surface of each section (e.g., the upper surface 170a of the first section 150a, the upper surface 170b of the second section 150b, an upper surface 170c of the third section 150c, and an upper surface 170d of the fourth section) are aligned to be flush with each other. That is to say, in an example embodiment, once the sections are connected to each other, the garniture 150 shares one flat upper surface. In an example embodiment, equipment, side rails 250 (see
In an example embodiment, the garniture 150 only consists of the second section 150b. In an example embodiment, the garniture only consists of the second section 150b and the third section 150c. In an example embodiment, the garniture 150 only consists of the second section 150b, the third section 150c and the fourth section 150d. In an example embodiment, the garniture only consists of the first section 150a, or the first section 150a in conjunction with one or more of the other sections.
In an example embodiment, each of the sections of the garniture 150 is a same length. In an example embodiment, each of the sections of the garniture 150 is a different length. In an example embodiment, each section of the garniture 150 is dedicated to one element of the finishing section 11. That is to say, in an example embodiment and as shown in
In an example embodiment, the second section 550b and the third section 550c include a groove (channel) 500. In an example embodiment, the groove 500 includes one or more mating surfaces 505. In an example embodiment, the one or more mating surfaces 505 include a lower surface 502 and side surfaces 504. In an example embodiment, the one or more mating surfaces 505 (e.g., the lower surface 502 and the side surfaces 504) are flat surfaces. In an example embodiment, the lower surface 502 exists in a plane that is about parallel with an upper surface 570b of the second section 550b and an upper surface 570c of the third section 550c. In an example embodiment, a width 558 of the groove 500 is uniform along a longitudinal length 571 of the portion 501. In an example embodiment, the groove 500 has a uniform shape that spans the longitudinal length 571 of the portion 501. Other shapes of the groove 500 are contemplated, including grooves that are non-uniform along the longitudinal length 571 of the portion 501.
In an example embodiment, the upper surface 570b of the second section 550b is flush with the upper surface 570c of the third section 550c. In an example embodiment, the upper surface 570b of the second section 550b and the upper surface 570c of the third section 550c have one or more mounting holes 562 traversing through the surfaces, for mounting the second section 550b and the third section 550c on the rod forming apparatus 10. In an example embodiment, at least one mounting hole 557 traverses through the one or more mating surfaces 505 of the groove 500. In an example embodiment, the at least one mounting hole 557 traverses through the lower surface 502 of the groove 500, where the lower surface 502 is a flat surface that is about perpendicular with gravity, once the garniture 550 is installed on the rod forming apparatus 10.
In an example embodiment, at least one cooling hole 560b traverses through a longitudinal 571b of the second section 550b, under and/or adjacent to the groove 500. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 560b is in communication with identical cooling holes that run through a longitudinal length 571c of the third section 550c. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling holes run through a longitudinal length 571 of the portion 501 of the garniture, and traverse through a first end 501a and a second end 501b of the portion 501. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 560b includes a first cooling hole 560b1 and a second cooling hole 560b2 that are symmetrically positioned adjacent to the groove 500.
In an example embodiment, a seam 561 separates the second section 550b from the third section 550c. In an example embodiment, the seam 561 includes an adhesive, a gasket, a rubber layer, a bonding material, or combinations thereof, that fill the seam 561 and assist in bonding the second section 550b to the third section 550c. In an example embodiment, no material exists within the seam 561.
In an example embodiment, the groove 500 is machined (retrofitted) into the portion 501 of the garniture 550. In an example embodiment, the second section 550b and the third section 550c are the second section 150b and the third section 150c (
In an example embodiment, the second section 550b and the third section 550c are not machined sections, but rather the second section 550b and the third section 550c are cast and/or initially manufactured with the groove 500, where the shape of the groove 500 is formed to accept the insert 420. In an example embodiment, the one or more mating surfaces 505 of the insert 420 are formed as an “impression” of a lower end of the insert 420, where the one or more mating surfaces 505 are conformed to match with one or more mating surfaces 425 of the insert 420 (see
In an example embodiment, the groove 500 has a different shape, other than the shape shown in
In an example embodiment, other shapes of the groove 500 are contemplated. In an example embodiment, the groove 500 is defined by an arcuate-shaped surface (not shown) that is similar to the surface 154b of the second section 150b (
In an example embodiment, other shapes for the groove 500 are contemplated. In an example embodiment, the shape of the groove 500 is arcuate-shaped, square, polygonal, triangular (see the triangular shape in
In an example embodiment, the surfaces of the groove 500 (e.g., the side surfaces 504 and/or the lower surface 502) are in close proximity and/or hug the at least one cooling hole 560b. In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 560b includes the first cooling hole 560b1 and the second cooling hole 560b2 (as shown in
In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 560b traverses through both a width 558 and a depth 521 of the groove 500 within the second section 550b, in order to ensure that the at least one cooling hole 560b is close enough to the surfaces of the groove 500 to provide a cooling force and extend the life of the garniture 550 and the insert 420. In an example embodiment, about 10% of a total vertical cross-sectional area of the at least one cooling hole 560b traverses through both the width 558 and the depth 511 of the groove 500 (see area 513).
In an example embodiment, the at least one cooling hole 560b includes the first cooling hole 560b1 and the second cooling hole 560b2, where a center 523 of each hole is aligned below an edge 553 of the groove 500. In an example embodiment, once the second section 550b of the garniture 550 is installed on the rod forming apparatus 10, the center 523 of the first cooling hole 560b1 and the edge 553 of the groove 500 both exist along an imaginary line 527 that is plum with gravity (where the same is true of the center 523 of the second cooling hole 560b2).
In an example embodiment, about 5-35% of the total vertical cross-sectional area of the at least one cooling hole 560b, or about 10-30% of the total cross-sectional area, or about 10-25% of the total cross-sectional area, traverse through both the width 558 and the depth 511/521 of the groove 500 (see area 513/519, in
In an example embodiment, the insert 420 includes a groove (channel) 400 that is defined by a surface 454 that traverses across a longitudinal length 471 of the insert 420. In an example embodiment, the groove 400 has a vertical cross-sectional profile that is arcuate-shaped. In an example embodiment, the groove 400 has a vertical cross-sectional profile that is shaped as a half-pipe, or half-circle. In an example embodiment, the groove 400 has a radius of curvature 455 that matches a radius of curvature of a section of the garniture 150 that the insert 420 overlays, as explained herein. In an example embodiment, the insert 420 includes an upper surface 470 that is flat. In an example embodiment, the upper surface 470 is flush with an upper surface of the garniture 550. In an example embodiment, the upper surface 470 of the insert 420 is flush with the upper surface 570b of the second section 550b and the upper surface 570c of the third section 550c of the portion 501 of the garniture 550 (see
In an example embodiment, the surface 454 of the groove 400 is conformed to match a shape of a surface of a groove that the garniture 550 replaces. In an example embodiment, the surface 454 of the groove is conformed to the shape of the surface 154b of the second section 150b and the surface 154c of the third section 150c (
In an example embodiment, the insert 420 includes the one or more mating surfaces 425. In an example embodiment, the one or more mating surfaces 425 are conformed to mate with the one or more mating surfaces 505 of the portion 501 of the garniture 550 (
In an example embodiment, the groove 400 includes an inlet 456 and an outlet 458. In an example embodiment, the inlet 456 and the outlet 458 include a beveled edge 459 (shown in better detail in
In an example embodiment, the insert 420 can be cut or fabricated to overlay any number of the sections of the garniture 550 (see for example
In an example embodiment, the insert 420 is made from a same material as the garniture. In an example embodiment, the insert 420 is made from tool steel. In an example embodiment, the insert 420 is made from a material that is resistant to heat and erosion due to significant friction caused by the at least one covering 31 and/or the lower belt 22 running along the insert 420 and the garniture 550. In an example embodiment, the insert 420 is made from a material that is different than the garniture 550. In an example embodiment, the insert 420 is from a material that is more resistant to heat and erosion, as compared to the garniture 550.
In an example embodiment, the insert 420 includes at least one mounting hole 457. In an example embodiment, the at least one mounting hole 457 of the insert is aligned with the at least one mounting hole 557 in the groove 500 (
In an example embodiment, the insert 420 overlays the second section 550b and the third section 550c of the garniture 550 (corresponding to the second section 150b and the third section 150c of the garniture 150 of
In an example embodiment, the one or more mating surfaces 505 of the portion 501 of the garniture (
In an example embodiment, no materials exist in the seam 450 between the insert 420 and the portion 501 of the garniture 550. In an example embodiment, an adhesive material is included in the seam 450. In an example embodiment, an adhesive material is used, in lieu of or in addition to bolting the insert 420 to the portion 501 of the garniture 550.
In an example embodiment, and as described above, at least one cooling hole 560c of the third section 550c runs through a longitudinal length 571c of the third section 550c, and is in fluid communication with the at least one cooling hole 560b of the second section 550b (see
In an example embodiment, and as discussed in more detail in
In an example embodiment, the first insert portion 423a and the second insert portion 423b have the one or more mating surfaces 425 (
In an example embodiment, the first section 550a of the garniture 550 is a “leading” section of the garniture 550, from the standpoint that the first section 550a is the first (leading) section of the finishing section 11 of the rod forming apparatus 10. In an example embodiment, a width 458a of the groove 400a narrows (tapers), from a first end 550a1 to a second end 550a2 of the first section 550a. In an example embodiment, the first section 550a supports the compression box 100 of the finishing section 11 (see
In an example embodiment, other shapes and widths of the groove 400a are contemplated, depending on characteristics of the finishing section 11, and depending on desired dimensions for the consumer product 300 (
In an example embodiment, a first end 401a and a second end 401b of the insert 420 each terminate at an edge of the first section 150a and the fourth section 150d, so that a first seam 567a and a second seam 567b each are aligned with the seams 561 that are between the sections of the garniture 551 at these locations. In an example embodiment, one or both of the ends of the insert 420 can terminate at a location other than at the ends of the sections of the garniture 551. In an example embodiment, the end 401b1 of the insert 420 can be extended to overlay part of the fourth section 150d (see seam 567b1).
In an example embodiment, once the first section 150a is contiguously connected to the second section 550b, the third section 550c and the fourth section 150d, the groove 152a is aligned and in communication with the groove 400 of the insert 420 and the groove 152d of the fourth section 150d, as shown in
In an example embodiment, the compression box includes the side rail 250 connected to the upper surface 570a of the first section 550a. In an example embodiment, the side rail 250 include a flat portion 250a and a sloped portion 250b that help ease a free edge 37 of the at least one covering 31 into a vertical position as the at least one covering 31 passes through the compression box 100 (see the difference in the position of the free edge 37, between
In an example embodiment, the tongue assembly 100a includes a mounting plate 104 that holds and aligns a shaft 110 along the surface 454a of the groove 400a to form a channel 166. In an example embodiment, and entrance 112 to the shaft 110 initially receives the tobacco column 1a (see
In an example embodiment, the tongue assembly 100a includes an inclined surface 124 that causes a lap edge 33 of the at least one covering 31 to be gradually folded over as the at least one covering 31 passes through the compression box 100 (see the difference in the lap edge 33 position, between
In an example embodiment, the tobacco column 1a enters the entrance 112 of the compression box 100, and is compressed into the tobacco rod 1b as the tobacco passes through the compression box 100 (see
In an example embodiment, the lap (folded) edge 33 and free edge 37 of the at least one covering 31 remain extended, in a ‘flared out’ configuration relative to the tobacco rod 1b (as shown in
In an example embodiment, following the finishing folder 44, the tobacco rod 1b enters the heater 46 so that the heater 46 may apply heat to the at least one covering 31, in order to cure the adhesive 35 and fuse the at least one covering 31 around the tobacco rod 1b to form the finished rod 41. In an example embodiment, the finished rod 41 leaves the heater 46 and enters the cutter 48, to cut sections of the finished rod 41 in order to form the consumer product 300 (
In an example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is shredded tobacco that is suitable for machine-made cigars. In an example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is blended pipe tobacco, or blended packing tobacco, that is suitable for packing a pipe. In an example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is a blend of various types of shredded, moist, tacky tobacco. In an example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is, for example, flue-cured tobacco, Burley tobacco, Maryland tobacco, Oriental tobacco, rare tobacco, specialty tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or combinations thereof. In an example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is pasteurized. In another example embodiment, the tobacco 1 is fermented.
Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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3485144 | Willis et al. | Dec 1969 | A |
4010762 | Strydom | Mar 1977 | A |
6152145 | Focke | Nov 2000 | A |
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7234471 | Fitzgerald et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
7281540 | Barnes et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
20050039764 | Barnes | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20190261675 | McElhinney | Aug 2019 | A1 |
20210368856 | Sirani Fornasini | Dec 2021 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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WO-2020025699 | Feb 2020 | WO |
Entry |
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Calleson, Donald A., “Tow-Guide Insert for NWA Steam Garniture” Legacy Tobacco Documents Library, Feb. 18, 1980. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20220117292 A1 | Apr 2022 | US |