Cigarette package coding system and associated method
원문보기
IPC분류정보
국가/구분
United States(US) Patent
등록
국제특허분류(IPC7판)
G06F-019/00
G01N-037/00
A24C-005/32
출원번호
US-0275016
(2011-10-17)
등록번호
US-8831764
(2014-09-09)
발명자
/ 주소
Gates, Hugh
Phan, Hung
Campbell, Chris
Hall, David
Wood, Gary
Thomas, Reggie
Brantley, Frank
출원인 / 주소
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
대리인 / 주소
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP
인용정보
피인용 횟수 :
0인용 특허 :
110
초록▼
A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor de
A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.
대표청구항▼
1. A package coding system implemented in a cigarette manufacturing process, said system comprising: an imprinting device configured to imprint an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages;a conveyor device configured to convey the cigarette packages, adjacent to and unspaced with
1. A package coding system implemented in a cigarette manufacturing process, said system comprising: an imprinting device configured to imprint an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages;a conveyor device configured to convey the cigarette packages, adjacent to and unspaced with respect to each other to form a continuous series and in a feed direction;an inspection device operably engaged with the conveyor device and configured to inspect the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package in the continuous series thereof conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, any of the cigarette packages including the defect being a defective cigarette package;a removal device operably engaged with the conveyor device and configured to be in communication with the inspection device, the removal device being further configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device; anda synchronization device operably engaged with the inspection device, the conveyor device, and the removal device, the synchronization device being configured to determine a position of the defective cigarette package in the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device, in response to the determination thereof by the inspection device, and to communicate the position of the defective cigarette package in the continuous series to the removal device so as to notify the removal device of the defective cigarette package being in registration therewith for removal of the defective cigarette package from the continuous series. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device is configured to identify the defective cigarette package in the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device, and to direct the removal device to interact with the defective cigarette package, when the defective cigarette package is in registration therewith, to remove the defective cigarette package from the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device. 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the removal device is configured to direct a pressurized air charge substantially perpendicularly to the feed direction of the conveyor device, the pressurized air charge being configured to interact with the defective cigarette package, so as to direct the defective cigarette package out of the continuous series of cigarette packages, without interacting with the cigarette packages preceding and subsequent to the defective cigarette package, and adjacent to and unspaced therewith, in the continuous series of cigarette packages. 4. A system according to claim 3, further comprising a collection device operably engaged with the removal device and the conveyor device and configured to collect the defective cigarette package removed from the continuous series of cigarette packages. 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device is configured to execute an image processing procedure to analyze an image of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes the defect. 6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the image processing procedure is configured to analyze one of a location of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages, a print quality of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages, and a substantive content of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages. 7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the inspection device further comprises a machine vision system. 8. A system according to claim 1, further comprising an analysis device operably engaged with the inspection device, the analysis device being configured to analyze the defective cigarette packages determined by the inspection device to determine one of a defect type associated with the defect and a cause of the defect. 9. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a handling device operably engaged with the conveyor device downstream of the removal device, the handling device being configured to manipulate the cigarette packages remaining on the conveyor device downstream of the removal device so as to eliminate any open spaces therebetween due to removal of defective cigarette packages from the continuous series by the removal device. 10. A method of verifying package coding in a cigarette manufacturing process, said method comprising: imprinting an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages using an imprinting device;conveying the cigarette packages, adjacent to and unspaced with respect to each other to form a continuous series and in a feed direction, using a conveyor device;inspecting the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package in the continuous series thereof conveyed by the conveyor device, using an inspection device operably engaged therewith, to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, any of the cigarette packages including the defect being a defective cigarette package;removing the defective cigarette package from the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device, using a removal device operably engaged with the conveyor device and configured to be in communication with the inspection device, in response to identification thereof by the inspection device; anddetermining a position of the defective cigarette package in the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device, in response to the determination thereof by the inspection device, using a synchronization device operably engaged with the inspection device, the conveyor device, and the removal device, and communicating the position of the defective cigarette package in the continuous series to the removal device so as to notify the removal device of the defective cigarette package being in registration therewith for removal of the defective cigarette package from the continuous series. 11. A method according to claim 10, further comprising identifying the defective cigarette package in the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device, with the inspection device, and directing the removal device to interact with the defective cigarette package, when the defective cigarette package is in registration therewith, to remove the defective cigarette package from the continuous series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device. 12. A method according to claim 10, further comprising directing a pressurized air charge substantially perpendicularly to the feed direction of the conveyor device, with the removal device, the pressurized air charge being configured to interact with the defective cigarette package, so as to direct the defective cigarette package out of the continuous series of cigarette packages, without interacting with the cigarette packages preceding and subsequent to the defective cigarette package, and adjacent to and unspaced therewith, in the continuous series of cigarette packages. 13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising collecting the defective cigarette package removed from the continuous series of cigarette packages using a collection device operably engaged with the removal device and the conveyor device. 14. A method according to claim 10, further comprising executing an image processing procedure, in association with the inspection device, to analyze an image of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes the defect. 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein executing an image processing procedure further comprises analyzing one of a location of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages, a print quality of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages, and a substantive content of the imprinted alphanumeric code on each of the cigarette packages. 16. A method according to claim 10, wherein inspecting the alphanumeric code further comprises inspecting the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package, using an inspection device comprising a machine vision system. 17. A method according to claim 10, further comprising analyzing the defective cigarette packages determined by the inspection device, using an analysis device operably engaged with the inspection device, to determine one of a defect type associated with the defect and a cause of the defect. 18. A method according to claim 10, further comprising manipulating the cigarette packages remaining on the conveyor device downstream of the removal device, using a handling device operably engaged with the conveyor device downstream of the removal device, so as to eliminate any open spaces therebetween due to removal of defective cigarette packages from the continuous series by the removal device.
연구과제 타임라인
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
LOADING...
이 특허에 인용된 특허 (110)
Takegawa Masaharu (Osaka JPX) Matsuda ; deceased Akihisa (late of Osaka JPX by Yoshitaka Matsuda ; heir), Acetate tow having high crimp modulus and manufacturing method thereof.
Nelson, John Larkin; Howard, Travis Eugene; Barnes, Vernon Brent, Apparatus for enhancing a filter component of a smoking article, and associated method.
Heitmann Uwe (Schwarzenbek VA DEX) Buchegger Joachim (Richmond VA) Hinz Werner (Hamburg DEX), Apparatus for increasing the permeability of wrapping material for rod-shaped smokers products.
Barnes, Vernon Brent; Benford, Robert William; Thomas, Timothy Frederick; Matthews, Stephen Thomas; Nelson, John Larkin; Howard, Travis Eugene, Apparatus for inserting objects into a filter component of a smoking article.
Stokes, Cynthia Stewart; Nelson, John Larkin; Barnes, Vernon Brent; Dube, Michael Francis, Apparatus for inserting objects into a filter component of a smoking article, and associated method.
Brand Peter (Hamburg DEX) Pinck Peter (Gross-Hansdorf DEX) Baier Anton (Wentorf DEX), Apparatus for monitoring filter rod sections in filter tipping machines.
Arzonico Barbara W. (Lewisville NC) Blakley Richard L. (Pfafftown NC) Dunlap Sharon P. (Walnut Cove NC) Gentry Jeffery S. (Pfafftown NC) Hege Kathy A. (Advance NC) Raker Mark L. (Clemmons NC) Shelar , Cigarette.
Lawrence Brian M. (Winston-Salem NC) Moates Robert F. (Winston-Salem NC) Perfetti Thomas A. (Winston-Salem NC) Pogrow Renee M. (Clemmons NC) Powell Robert H. (Colfax NC) Redding Jerry W. (Lexington N, Cigarette.
Jupe, Richard; Dwyer, Ronald William; Laslie, Don Earl; Finley, Arlington L.; Taylor, Barbara G.; Smith, Cecil M.; Willis, Vivian E., Cigarette and filter with downstream flavor addition.
Jakob Stephen W. (Winston-Salem NC) Shannon Michael D. (Lewisville NC) Furin Olivia D. (Winston-Salem NC) Bernasek Paul F. (Lexington NC) Blakley Richard L. (Pfafftown NC) Brooks Johnny L. (Winston-S, Cigarette and smokable filler material therefor.
Blakley Richard L. (Pfafftown NC) Shelar Gary R. (Greensboro NC) Gentry Jeffery S. (Pfafftown NC) Worrell Gary W. (Tobaccoville NC) Perfetti Thomas A. (Winston-Salem NC), Cigarette filter.
Struckhoff Andrew D. ; Cramer Lee C. ; Spiers Steven F. ; Bokelman Gordon H. ; Alexander Bogdan N. ; Roth Mark, Cigarette making machine including band inspection.
Nelson, John Larkin; Barnes, Vernon Brent; Read, Jr., Louis John; Carter, Brent Walker, Equipment and associated method for insertion of material into cigarette filters.
Funderburk, Douglas Amon; Ashcraft, Charles Ray; Bohdan, Walter; Gossett, Ellen Strickland; Hawley, Nancy Harmon; Henson, Jane Cottrell; Hazlett, William Edward; Self, Daniel Klaus, Flask-shaped cigarette container and method of packaging cigarettes.
Spiers, Steven F.; Straight, Jeremy J.; Garthaffner, Travis M.; Thompson, Janet L.; Shyy, Yeu-Hwa, Inspection systems and methods for multi-segment products.
Lanier, Jr.,Robert C.; Campbell,Steven M.; Bellamah,Stephen J., Method and apparatus for making cigarette filters with a centrally located flavored element.
Heitmann Uwe (Hamburg DEX) Lorenzen Heinz-Christen (Wentorf DEX) Steiniger Wolfgang (Brnsen DEX), Method and apparatus for making rod-shaped smokers\products with soft cores.
Joseph Horst D. (Hamburg DEX) Koch Friedo (Wohltorf DEX), Method and apparatus for monitoring the functioning of testing devices in machines for the production and/or processing.
Reuland Joachim (Neu Brnsen DEX) Dahlgrn Rolf (Schwarzenbek DEX), Method and apparatus for pinpointing the causes of malfunction of machines for the manufacture and/or processing of ciga.
Siems Wolfgang (Hamburg VA DEX) Radzio Andrzej (Quinton VA), Method of and apparatus for making streams containing fibrous materials of the tobacco processing industry.
Pinck Peter (Gross-Hansdorf DEX) Lorenzen Heinz-Christen (Wentorf DEX) Heitmann Uwe (Hamburg DEX) Siems Wolfgang (Hamburg DEX), Method of and apparatus for treating accumulations of fibers of tobacco or other smokable material.
Brand Peter (Hamburg DEX) Pinck Peter (Gross-Hansdorf DEX) Baier Anton (Wentorf DEX), Method of monitoring filter rod sections in filter tipping machines.
Longest ; Jr. H. Cary (Midlothian VA) Smith Barry S. (Hopewell VA), Methods and apparatus for inspecting the appearance of substantially circular objects.
Sites Peter W. (Knoxville TN) Roche Bernard A. (Farragut TN) Jones ; III Creed F. (Knoxville TN) Griner James C. (Knoxville TN), Package seal inspection system.
Bynre Stanley W. (North Crawley GB2) Tompkins Barry J. (Stony Stratford GB2) Hayes Ernest B. (Newcastle-upon-Tyne GB2), Production of tobacco smoke filters.
Pryor James W. (Winston-Salem NC) Nelson John L. (Lewisville NC) Marritt Clifford R. (Winston-Salem NC), Rod making apparatus for smoking article manufacture.
Green ; Jr. Carl C. (Winston-Salem NC) Welch John D. (Winston-Salem NC) Hauser Henry A. (Hamptonville NC) Frye Diane R. (King NC), Rods containing pelletized material.
Gentry Thomas L. (Winston-Salem NC) Coleman ; III William M. (Winston-Salem NC) Ashcraft Charles R. (Winston-Salem NC) Carespodi Dennis L. (Winston-Salem NC) Wong Milly M. L. (Winston-Salem NC), Smoking article filter.
Ademe, Balager; Barnes, Vernon Brent; Howard, Travis Eugene; Benford, Robert William; Brantley, Franklin Forrest; Carter, Brent Walker; Collett, William Robert; Dixon, Darrell Thomas; McCann, Larry Dean; Nelson, John Larkin; Roberts, Gregory J.; Thomas, Timothy Frederick; Henderson, Calvin Wayne, System for analyzing a filter element associated with a smoking article, and associated method.
Grollimund Gary (Chesterfield VA) Longest ; Jr. H. Cary (Midlothian VA) Smith Barry S. (Hopewell VA), Systems for optically inspecting cylindrical surfaces.
※ AI-Helper는 부적절한 답변을 할 수 있습니다.