Patent Grant
11690397
This application is a U.S. National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/070626 filed Jul. 31, 2019, which was published in English on Feb. 6, 2020 as International Publication No. WO 2020/025671 A1. International Application No. PCT/EP2019/070626 claims priority to European Application No. 18187372.0 filed Aug. 3, 2018.
The present invention relates to a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism, a method of reconfiguration of a wrapping mechanism and a method of use of a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism, and more particularly to manufacturing rods for aerosol-generating articles.
The present specification relates to equipment for the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article, which may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol when heated by a heating element of an aerosol-generating device. The specification also relates to methods of using and reconfiguring equipment for the manufacture of an aerosol-generating article.
Wrapped rods are formed in the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles, for example being any of an aerosol-forming substrate, a support element, an aerosol-cooling element, and a mouthpiece.
A wrapped rod may be formed by passing a web of wrapping material and a core through an assembly known as a ‘garniture’, in which the web is wrapped and sealed around the core. The garniture assembly has an elongate formation channel with an open side extending along its length, and a shoe positioned close to at least part of the open side, and a belt that is driven through the formation channel, along the concave surface of the formation channel. The web is entrained onto the belt and drawn through the formation channel, with the core positioned onto the belt. The formation channel and shoe cooperate to wrap the web around the core, with at least part of the garniture forming a generally cylindrical channel between the shoe, belt and formation channel. A heating element may be provided in part of the shoe to thermoset an adhesive between overlapping portions of the wrapped web.
In use, the belt and the formation channel each become worn, which undesirably increases the size of the manufactured wrapped rods. To maintain manufacturing quality, it is necessary to replace the worn belts and worn formation channel assemblies, introducing additional costs into the manufacturing process and reducing manufacturing efficiency.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism for forming a substantially cylindrical wrapped element by wrapping a core within a web material, comprising a reconfigurable garniture bed having an elongate formation channel for supporting a conveying belt extending along the length of the elongate formation channel for entraining the web material, and wherein the elongate formation channel has an elongate open side.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of reconfiguring a garniture bed in a wrapping mechanism for forming a substantially cylindrical wrapped element by wrapping a core within a web material, the wrapping mechanism comprising a reconfigurable garniture bed having an elongate formation channel for supporting a conveying belt extending along the length of the elongate formation channel for entraining the web material, and wherein the elongate formation channel has an elongate open side,
wherein the garniture bed comprises a plurality of garniture bed sub-members, wherein, in a direction extending around the surface of the elongate formation channel perpendicular to the length of elongate formation channel, each garniture bed sub-member provides a portion of the surface of the elongate formation channel, and wherein at least one of the garniture bed sub-members is configured for movement transverse to the length of the elongate formation channel, and the method comprises relative movement of the garniture bed sub-members transversely to the length of the elongate formation channel to adjust the size of the elongate formation channel.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a substantially cylindrical wrapped element with a wrapping mechanism comprising:
As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs thorough the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder for a smoking article.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. More, preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs through the user's mouth.
As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. The aerosol generated from aerosol-forming substrates of aerosol-generating articles described herein may be visible or invisible and may include vapours (for example, fine particles of substances, which are in a gaseous state, that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapours.
The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed as a folded web (also referred to as a pleated web). The folded web may be, but is not limited to a homogenized tobacco material, for example TCL (tobacco cast leaf), and is wrapped within a wrapping paper.
As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-cooling element’ is used to describe an element having a large surface area and a low resistance to draw. In use, an aerosol formed by volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate passes over and is cooled by the aerosol-cooling element before being inhaled by a user. In contrast to high resistance to draw filters and other mouthpieces, aerosol-cooling elements have a low resistance to draw. Chambers and cavities within an aerosol-generating article are also not considered to be aerosol cooling elements.
As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user's lungs thorough the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder for a smoking article.
The wrapper may be a wrapper of filter paper. Preferably, the outer wrapper is a cigarette paper. However, this is not essential, and elements of aerosol-generating articles may be circumscribed by other outer wrappers.
As used herein, the term ‘formation channel’ is used to describe a channel for wrapping a web material around a core as the web material and core pass along the channel. At least an inlet portion of the formation channel, in which the web material is progressively wrapped around the core, in use, has a radius of curvature that decreases towards the downstream end. At the upstream end, in use, the channel may be substantially flat or have a large radius of curvature, where unwrapped materials are introduced into the formation channel. At least an outlet portion of the formation channel opens-out towards the downstream end, for example, having a radius of curvature that increases towards the downstream end, and may become flat at the downstream end.
As used herein, the term ‘reconfigurable garniture bed’ is used to describe a composite structure providing the formation channel or a portion of the length of the formation channel, which may be modified to compensate for wear, replacement of other parts, or both. One of the parts of the composite structure may provide the full surface of the formation channel, perpendicular to the length of the formation channel. Alternatively, a plurality of parts may each provide part of the full surface of the formation channel, perpendicular to the length of the formation channel.
As used herein, ‘reconfiguration’ is used to describe a modification that may be performed rapidly.
Reconfiguration of the garniture bed may include changing the size of the formation channel, for example, changing the garniture bed to provide a formation channel that is narrower or wider.
Removal of the plurality of replaceable formation channel liner sub-members, or each replaceable formation channel liner sub-member, for reconfiguration of the garniture bed may require the release of no more than two securing screws or securing bolts.
The plurality of replaceable formation channel liner sub-members is substantially smaller than the complete garniture bed. Perpendicular to the length of the formation channel, and at the location along the length of the formation channel at which the cross-sectional area of the formation channel is smallest (or at which the radius of curvature of the formation channel is smallest), the cross-sectional area of the plurality of replaceable formation channel liner sub-members may by less than the cross-sectional area of the garniture bed by a ratio of at least 10:1, at least 5:1, or at least 2:1.
As used herein, the term ‘garniture bed sub-member’ is used to describe an element that provides part of the full surface of the formation channel or a part of a portion of the length of the formation channel, perpendicular to the length of the formation channel. Each of the garniture bed sub-members may contact the conveying belt, in use (for example, the conveying belt may slide across each of the garniture bed-sub-members, in use). The garniture bed sub-members may be closely spaced, in use (for example, may be spaced apart by less than 20% of the narrowest width of the formation channel, spaced apart by less than 10% of the narrowest width of the formation channel, or spaced apart by less than 5% of the narrowest width of the formation channel. Being closely spaced facilitates a smooth flow of the driven conveying belt along the formation channel, and across the garniture bed sub-members and any intervening gaps between adjacent garniture bed sub-members. The garniture bed sub-members may be mechanically interconnected with a mechanism for providing relative movement (for example, lateral garniture bed sub-members may be directly connected to a central garniture bed sub-member).
As used herein, the term ‘formation channel liner sub-member’ is used to describe a replaceable element that provides part of the full surface of the formation channel or a part of a portion of the length of the formation channel, perpendicular to the length of the formation channel, and is detachably connected to a base sub-member that is retained when the formation channel liner sub-member is replaced.
As used herein, the term ‘conveying belt’ is a strip of material that is laid along the length of the formation channel, and is driven along the formation channel in use, to entrain the web of wrapping material and the core. The conveying belt is also known as a garniture belt or a garniture. As used herein, the term ‘drive mechanism’ is a motorised mechanism for driving the conveying belt along the formation channel. The conveying belt may be an endless loop.
As used herein, the term ‘shoe’ has been used to describe a member that provides a surface that is complementary to the formation channel of the garniture bed, for cooperating with the formation channel to wrap the wrapping material around the core material, in use.
In cross-section, perpendicular to the length of the formation channel, the plurality of replaceable formation channel liner sub-members is smaller than the plurality of base sub-members, which may enable the plurality of replaceable formation channel liner sub-members to be replaced without detaching the conveying belt from the remainder of the garniture bed (which comprises at least the plurality of base sub-members).
In use, the conveying belt may be held under tension by a belt tensioning mechanism, for example, a tensioning pulley, which may be a pulley rotatably mounted on a biased arm. To replace the garniture bed the tensioning mechanism may be released, to relax the conveying belt, enabling the conveying belt to be lifted from the formation channel, whilst the garniture bed is reconfigured, after which the conveying belt is replaced into the formation channel and re-tensioned by re-engaging the belt tensioning mechanism.
Advantageously, the garniture bed may be reconfigured without requiring complete removal of one or more of the garniture bed, the conveying belt, and the shoe (where present). Reconfiguration of the garniture bed without complete removal of one or more of the garniture bed, the conveying belt, and the shoe, may enable periodic servicing of the wrapping mechanism to be undertaken much more rapidly than would otherwise be the case, reducing downtime of the wrapping mechanism, and increasing manufacturing efficiency. Advantageously, reconfiguration of the wrapping mechanism without complete removal of the garniture bed or shoe, may avoid or reduce the requirement for skilled reassembly and re-alignment.
Commonly, the conveying belt is replaced more frequently than the known garniture bed. To reduce wear of the known formation channel, it is known to form garniture beds from wear resistant material, for example, stainless steel, which may additionally be provided with a hardened coating, for example, a diamond-like carbon coating. Enabling convenient reconfiguration of the garniture bed by replacement of the replaceable formation channel liner sub-members may enable the formation channel to be provided in a less wear-resistant material (for example, a plastics material), with increased wear to the garniture bed being compensated for by reconfiguration of the garniture bed. Advantageously, provision of the formation channel in a less wear-resistant material may reduce wear of the conveying belt, enabling a reduction of the frequency of periodic servicing, and reducing overall downtime of the wrapping mechanism.
Advantageously, reconfiguration of the garniture bed may enable continued use of one or both of a conveying belt and a garniture bed even when one or both have become worn, which may increase the time for which the wrapping mechanism may be run before it becomes necessary to replace the conveying belt. Prolonging the running time of parts may increase operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Advantageously, by reconfiguration of the garniture bed, both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
Examples are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the described examples, like features have been identified with like numerals, albeit in some cases having one or more of increments of integer multiples of 100. For example, in different figures, 100, 200, 300 and 500 have been used to indicate a reconfigurable wrapping mechanism.
The reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 has a garniture bed 110 with a formation channel 112 extending along its length. A conveying belt 120 extends along the surface of the formation channel 112, and both are open along the length of the formation channel, with the open side facing towards an elongate shoe 150.
In the illustrated garniture bed 110, the formation channel 112 has an inlet section 112A, a middle section 112B, and an outlet section 112C. The middle section 112B has a constant radius of curvature along its length. The inlet section 112A narrows-down, away from the inlet of the formation channel 112, and towards the middle section 112B. The outlet section 112C broadens-out, towards the outlet, and away from the middle section 112C.
The conveying belt 120 may be an endless belt, and only part of the conveying belt is illustrated in
The garniture bed 110 is reconfigurable by re-sizing the formation channel 112.
The garniture bed 110 is of a composite construction, having moveable garniture bed sub-members 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3, each providing part of the formation channel 212. The garniture bed sub-members 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3 may connect to a common support (not shown). The conveying belt 120 is in contact with the garniture bed sub-members 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3, and slides along them, in use.
As shown in
The formation channel 112, conveying belt 120 and the concave face 152 of the shoe 150 (where present) are arranged and complementarily shaped for forming and transporting a substantially cylindrical member, entrained on the conveying belt, for example, a generally cylindrical core 160 wrapped within a wrapping paper 162. In use, the belt drive mechanism drives the conveying belt 120 along the formation channel 112 in the transport direction T (indicated in
In the illustrated reconfigurable wrapping assembly 100, the illustrated shoe 150 has a constant cross-sectional shape along its length, and extends along the middle section 112B of the formation channel 112. However, to enhance wrapping performance, the shoe 150 may have a shape that varies along the length of the formation channel 112. However, the shoe 150 may extend part or all of the length of the inlet section 112A, part or all of the length of the middle section 112B, part or all of the length of the outlet section 112C, or may extend along part or all of a combination adjacent sections 112A, 112B, 112C of the formation channel 112.
During manufacturing, when the wrapping paper 162 has been wrapped around the core 160, a double layered region 162D may pass along the concave surface 152 of the shoe 150 (or similarly, the double layered region 562B may pass along a concave surface of the formation channel 512, as shown in
A contact adhesive may be provided between the layers in the double layered region 162D, and adhesion may be facilitated by contact between the double layered region and one or both of the conveying belt 120 and the formation channel 112. Alternatively, or additionally, a thermosetting adhesive may be provided between the layers in the double layered region 162D. At least part of the concave surface 152 of the shoe 150 (or the surface of the formation channel 512, in the arrangement of
With continued use, the conveying belt 120 may be worn thinner, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 120W. Alternatively, or additionally, the surface of the formation channel 112 may be worn away by the conveying belt 120, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 110W.
When a user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects one or both of a worn garniture bed 110′ and a worn conveying belt 120′ (each being worn only within a respective wear tolerance), the garniture bed sub-members 110-1′, 110-2′ and 110-3′ may be moved inwardly (or outwardly) M-1, M-2 and M-3, to reconfigure the formation channel 112′ to compensate for the wear. The shoe 150 may also move inwardly H to further compensate for wear. The garniture bed sub-members 110-1′, 110-2′ and 110-3′ and the shoe 150 may move radially with respect to a central axis extending along the core 160.
Where wear of the conveying belt 120, the garniture bed sub-members 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3, or both the conveying belt and the garniture bed sections is detected and the conveying belt may be used further, the garniture bed sub-members 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3 may be moved M-1, M-2 and M-3 inwardly to compensate for the worn conveying belt, for example, moving inwardly to provide a smaller diameter in the middle section 112B.
Where wear of the conveying belt 120 is detected and the conveying belt is replaced, the garniture bed sub-members 110-1, 110-2 and 110-3 may be moved M-1, M-2 and M-3 outwardly to compensate for the replacement of the worn conveying belt, for example, moving outwardly to provide a larger diameter in the middle section 112B. Additionally, the height of the shoe 150 (where present) above the base of the formation channel 112 (for example, in the middle section 112B) may be adjusted, H, in correspondence with reconfiguration of the garniture bed 110, and in correspondence with wear of the conveying belt 120.
Reconfiguration of the garniture bed can enable continued use of one or both of a conveying belt and a garniture bed even when one or both have become worn, which may increase the time for which the wrapping mechanism may be run before it becomes necessary to replace the conveying belt or formation channel. Prolonging the running time of parts may increase operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.
By movement of one or more of the garniture bed base section(s), both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
The second reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 200 differs from the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 by the moveable garniture bed sub-members of the garniture bed 210 each being of a composite construction, having base sub-members 210A-1, 210A-2 and 210A-2 and replaceable formation channel liner sub-members 210B-1, 210B-2 and 210B-3, which are each detachably connected to a respective base sub-section, with the elongate formation channel 212 being provided by the assembly of formation channel liner sub-members.
The formation channel 212, conveying belt 220 and the concave face 252 of the shoe 250 are arranged and complementarily shaped for forming and transporting a substantially cylindrical member, for example, a generally cylindrical core 260 wrapped within a wrapping paper 262, in a similar manner to the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100, shown in
With continued use, the conveying belt 220 may be worn thinner, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 220W. Alternatively, or additionally, the surface of the formation channel 212 may be worn away by the conveying belt 220, for example, with the formation channel liner sub-members 210B-1, 210B-2 and 210B-2 being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 210W.
When the user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects wear of one or both of the garniture bed 210 and the conveying belt 220, the garniture bed base sub-members 210A-1, 210A-2 and 210A-3 may be moved inwardly to reconfigure the formation channel 212 to compensate for the wear. The shoe 250 may also move inwardly H to further compensate for wear.
Reconfiguration of the garniture bed can enable continued use of one or both of a conveying belt and a garniture bed even when one or both have become worn, which may increase the time for which the wrapping mechanism may be run before it becomes necessary to replace the conveying belt or formation channel. Prolonging the running time of parts may increase operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.
By movement of one or more of the garniture bed base sub-member(s), both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
By replacement of one or more of the replaceable formation channel liner sub-member(s), both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
The wrapping mechanism 300 has a garniture bed 310 with a formation channel 312 extending along its length. A conveying belt 320 extends along the surface of the formation channel 312, and both are open along the length of the formation channel, with the open side facing towards an elongate shoe 350. The conveying belt 320 may be an endless belt. A belt drive mechanism (not shown) is provided to drive the conveying belt 320 along the formation channel 312, in the transport direction T.
The shoe 350 has a concave face 352, in cross-section perpendicular to the length of the formation channel 312, which faces towards the open side of the formation channel 312. The formation channel 312, conveying belt 320 and the concave face 352 of the shoe 350 are arranged and complementarily shaped for forming a substantially cylindrically shaped wrapped rod, for example, a generally cylindrical core 360 wrapped within a wrapping paper 362.
The third garniture bed 310 is of a composite construction, having moveable sub-members 310-1 and 310-2, each providing part of the formation channel 312. The garniture bed sub-members 310-1 and 310-2 may connect to a common support (not shown). The sub-members 310-1 and 310-2 may each have a replaceable formation channel liner sub-member (not shown) which is detachably connected to a complementary base sub-member, with the elongate formation channel being provided in the formation channel liner sub-members.
The formation channel 312, conveying belt 320 and the concave face 352 of the shoe 350 are arranged and complementarily shaped for forming and transporting a substantially cylindrical member, for example, a generally cylindrical core 360 wrapped within a wrapping paper 362, in a similar manner to the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100, shown in
With continued use, the conveying belt 320 may be worn thinner, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 320W. Alternatively, or additionally, the surface of the formation channel 312 may be worn away by the conveying belt 320, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 310W.
When the user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects one or both of a worn garniture bed 310 and the conveying belt 420, the garniture bed sub-members 310-1 and 310-2 may be moved inwardly M-1 and M-2, to reconfigure the formation channel 312 to compensate for the wear. The shoe 450 may also move inwardly H to further compensate for wear.
In the illustrated third reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 300, the moveable sub-members 310-1 and 310-2 are configured to move inwardly (or outwardly) and parallel to each other, and perpendicular to movement H of the shoe 350 (for example, each of the garniture bed sections 310-1, and 310-2 and the shoe 350 may move radially with respect to a central axis extending along the core 360). However, the moveable parts of the wrapping mechanism may alternatively be configured to move inwardly at different angles (for example, in a symmetrical arrangement).
Reconfiguration of the garniture bed can enable continued use of one or both of a conveying belt and a garniture bed even when one or both have become worn, which may increase the time for which the wrapping mechanism may be run before it becomes necessary to replace the conveying belt or formation channel. Prolonging the running time of parts may increase operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.
By movement of one or more of the garniture bed base sub-member(s), both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
By replacement of one or more of the formation channel liner sub-section(s), both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
As is shown in
The moveable sections 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 210-1 and 210-2 of other reconfigurable wrapping mechanisms 100 and 200 may additionally be provided with interdigitated arrangements of teeth along their facing edges, at the formation channel surface 112, 212.
The garniture bed 410 of
Formation channel assemblies 100, 200, 300, and 400 of
The reconfigurable wrapping mechanisms 100, 200, and 300 illustrated in
The fifth reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 500 differs from the first reconfigurable wrapping mechanism 100 by omitting the elongate shoe 150.
The formation channel 512 and conveying belt 520 are shaped for forming and transporting a substantially cylindrical member, entrained on the conveying belt, for example, a generally cylindrical core 560 wrapped within a wrapping paper 562. In use, the belt drive mechanism drives the conveying belt 520 along the formation channel 512 (for example, in the transport direction T, as indicated in
During manufacturing, when the wrapping paper 562 has been wrapped around the core 560, a double layered region 562D may pass along the concave surface of the formation channel 512. A contact adhesive may be provided between the layers in the double layered region 562D, and adhesion may be facilitated by contact between the double layered region and one or both of the conveying belt 520 and the formation channel 512. Alternatively, or additionally, a thermosetting adhesive may be provided between the layers in the double layered region 562D. At least part of the concave surface of the formation channel 512 may be provided with a heating region (not shown) that heats the double layered region 562D to dry or melt the adhesive, and the formation channel 512 may optionally also be provided with a cooling region (not shown) to cool the double layered region.
With continued use, the conveying belt 520 may be worn thinner, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 520W. Alternatively, or additionally, the replaceable formation channel liner 510B may be worn away by the conveying belts 520, for example, being worn back to the dashed line indicated by 510W.
When a user or an automated monitoring mechanism (not shown) detects one or both of a worn garniture bed 510 and a worn conveying belt 520 (each being worn only within a respective wear tolerance), the garniture bed sub-members 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 may be moved inwardly (or outwardly) M-1, M-2 and M-3, to reconfigure the formation channel 512 to compensate for the wear. The garniture bed sub-members 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 may move radially with respect to a central axis extending along the core 560.
Where wear of the conveying belt 520, the garniture bed sub-members 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3, or both the conveying belt and the garniture bed sections is detected and the conveying belt may be used further, the garniture bed sub-members 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 may be moved M-1, M-2 and M-3 inwardly to compensate for the worn conveying belt, for example, moving inwardly to provide a smaller diameter in the middle section 512B.
Where wear of the conveying belt 520 is detected and the conveying belt is replaced, the garniture bed sub-members 510-1, 510-2 and 510-3 may be moved M-1, M-2 and M-3 outwardly to compensate for the replacement of the worn conveying belt, for example, moving outwardly to provide a larger diameter in the middle section 512B.
Reconfiguration of the garniture bed can enable continued use of one or both of a belt and a garniture bed even when one or both have become worn, which may increase the time for which the wrapping mechanism may be run before it becomes necessary to replace the belt or formation channel. Prolonging the running time of parts may increase operational efficiency and reduce operational costs.
By reconfiguration, both the substantially cylindrical shape and the cross-sectional area of the wrapped core may be maintained within narrower tolerances.
The figures provided herein are schematic and not to scale.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18187372 | Aug 2018 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2019/070626 | 7/31/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020/025671 | 2/6/2020 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170013872 | Williams | Jan 2017 | A1 |
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| 2836030 | Mar 1979 | DE |
| 102010051894 | May 2012 | DE |
| 102012208450 | Nov 2013 | DE |
| 2 641 483 | Sep 2013 | EP |
| 3 320 788 | May 2018 | EP |
| 574861 | Jan 1946 | GB |
| 2189128 | Oct 1987 | GB |
| Entry |
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| Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/EP2019/070626 dated Oct. 22, 2019 (11 pages). |
| Extended European Search Report for Application No. 18187372.0 dated Feb. 21, 2019 (8 pages). |
| Third Party Observations issued for European Patent No. 19745160.2 dated Jul. 29, 2021 (15 pages). |
| Office Action issued in Europe for Application No. 19745160.2 dated Jun. 8, 2022 (7 pages). |
| Office Action issued in China for Application No. 201980046606.X dated Aug. 30, 2022 (9 pages). |
| Anonymous: Segmentiertes Format, Prior Art Journal, vol. 5, Mar. 8, 2018 (4 pages). |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20210368857 A1 | Dec 2021 | US |
