Apparatus for introducing objects into filter rod material

摘要

An apparatus for inserting or otherwise introducing objects such as fluid-containing capsules into filter rod material during filter rod manufacture comprises an object store and an object transfer mechanism having one or more reciprocating transfer units configured to receive objects from the object store and to output objects in ordered sequence.

主权项

1. An object insertion mechanism for introducing objects into filter rod material during filter rod manufacture, comprising:
an object hopper; and an object transfer mechanism having an inlet configured to receive objects from the object hopper and an outlet configured to output objects from the object transfer mechanism, the object transfer mechanism including a fixed housing and at least one transfer member, the at least one transfer member configured to reciprocate within the fixed housing along a fixed axis between a first position and a second position;
wherein the at least one transfer member includes a recess and is configured to alternately communicate the recess with the inlet to receive objects when the transfer member is in the first position and communicate the recess with the outlet to output objects when the transfer member is in the second position to transfer objects, wherein the recess is blocked from communicating with the outlet to prevent the transfer of objects from the recess to the outlet when the transfer member is in the first position and the recess is blocked from communicating with the inlet to prevent the transfer of objects from the inlet to the recess when the transfer member is in the second position; and wherein the at least one transfer member is configured to output objects in ordered sequence.