Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1995-06-22
1997-10-07
Westin, Edward P.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
209356, G01N 2189, B65B 1900
Patent
active
056751443
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for verifying the ends of cigarettes in the region of upright test channels in which respective individual cigarette rows of superimposed cigarettes are moved from the top to the bottom with their laterally directed ends, especially in a cigarette magazine of a packaging machine, wherein, in the region of a testing level, on at least one side of the test channels, a testing unit is arranged having sensors, specifically transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving a test beam in the region of end faces of a test group of cigarettes, and their adjacent side faces.
Such a verifying device is the subject matter of EP-A-0 338 241. The object is to verify the two end regions of cigarettes for correct formation, specifically for a proper filling of tobacco and, if appropriate, the presence of a filter. Defective cigarettes are identified and ejected from the cigarette magazine. Inside the cigarette magazine, at a testing level, one testing unit is located on both sides. This testing unit is equipped with transmitters and receivers. The transmitters direct light onto the end faces of cigarettes of a test group. In a region adjacent to the end faces, at both sides of the cigarettes to be tested, receivers are arranged which receive the light passing through the side faces, and thus through the cigarette paper. Too much outputted light is an indication for a defective formation of the cigarette. In the known apparatus, two superimposed sensors are arranged as receivers at both sides of each cigarette to ensure a verification that is as accurate as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is based on the object to further develop and improve a verifying device in this or in a similar embodiment as regards arrangement and design of the sensors, and regarding the structural design of the testing unit in view of a simplified design and handling, and a more reliable verification.
To attain this object, the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that light-sensitive receivers respectively extend over the region of a test group with a plurality, especially two superimposed cigarettes, and receive the light radiating from each cigarette of a test group, preferably in the region of the side faces.
In the apparatus according to the invention, the cigarettes of a test group, preferably two respective superimposed cigarettes, are assigned receivers which extend as a unit or as a uniform member over the region of (both of) the cigarettes. Thereby it is ensured that a greater receiving surface is available for the light which (laterally) radiates from the cigarettes. As a result, the verification is more precise.
The receivers, according to a further feature of the invention, are planar silicon photoelements, which are also known as solar cells.
According to the invention, the verification is carried out in such a manner that first one and then the other cigarette is subjected to the test beam (light) during a test cycle. The planar receiver, which is common for both cigarettes, is thus first subjected to the light of the one, and then to the light of the other cigarette.
A further particularity of the invention relates to the design of the testing unit. The testing unit is movable in cycles transversely relative to the test channels, or in the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes. For the downwardly directed transport of the cigarettes after a test cycle, the testing unit is moved back so that the cigarettes can be advanced without hindrance. For the test cycle, the testing unit is advanced to the ends of the cigarettes.
A further particularity is that the testing unit is comprised of individual testing members which are assigned to one cigarette each, or to a test group thereof. The testing members with a U-shaped ground plan, each of which being provided with the sensors required for a testing unit, are assembled adjacent to one another to form a testing unit, specifically with easily releasable connecting members. As a
REFERENCES:
patent: 4678901 (1987-07-01), Focke et al.
patent: 4931633 (1990-06-01), Focke et al.
patent: 4944314 (1990-07-01), Bolt
patent: 4955948 (1990-09-01), Focke et al.
patent: 5000323 (1991-03-01), Cahill et al.
patent: 5406376 (1995-04-01), Maiwald et al.
JP 58=156841 A., In: Patent Abstracts of Japan, P-242, Dec. 10, 1983, vol. 7, No. 278.
Below Dietrich
Focke Heinz
Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
Lee John R.
Westin Edward P.
LandOfFree
Apparatus for verifying the correct formation of the two opposit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for verifying the correct formation of the two opposit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for verifying the correct formation of the two opposit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2359509