MONITORING AMOUNT OF PARTICLES BEING CONVEYED IN A STREAM THEREOF

摘要

Apparatus for monitoring the amount of tobacco particles being conveyed in a stream thereof, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a freely rotatable roller with surface ribs extending across the conveyor. The roller is supported by a counter balance arm fastened upon a pivot and concentric with a transducer responsive to angular rocking motion of the pivot due to changes in the depth of the stream. Movement of the roller towards the conveyor is limited by an adjustable stop, engageable by the arm. A detector senses movement of the roller movement and generates a signal indicative of the amount of tobacco being conveyed. The feed rate of the tobacco may be adjusted in response to the signal from the detector.