CA1155032A - Moisture control at a cigarette maker - Google Patents
Moisture control at a cigarette makerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1155032A CA1155032A CA000366716A CA366716A CA1155032A CA 1155032 A CA1155032 A CA 1155032A CA 000366716 A CA000366716 A CA 000366716A CA 366716 A CA366716 A CA 366716A CA 1155032 A CA1155032 A CA 1155032A
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- Prior art keywords
- moisture content
- moisture
- rod
- signal
- accordance
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
- A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
- A24C5/32—Separating, ordering, counting or examining cigarettes; Regulating the feeding of tobacco according to rod or cigarette condition
- A24C5/34—Examining cigarettes or the rod, e.g. for regulating the feeding of tobacco; Removing defective cigarettes
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- Manufacturing Of Cigar And Cigarette Tobacco (AREA)
Abstract
MOISTURE CONTROL AT A CIGARETTE MAKER
Abstract The moisture content of the cigarette rod of a cigarette maker is controlled by sensing the rod moisture content and utilizing the sensed moisture content to adjust the moisture content of the input tobacco to the maker.
Abstract The moisture content of the cigarette rod of a cigarette maker is controlled by sensing the rod moisture content and utilizing the sensed moisture content to adjust the moisture content of the input tobacco to the maker.
Description
115~Z
This invention pertains to cigarette manufacture and, in particular, to control of cigarette manufacture at the cigarette maker.
In cigarette manufacture, it is customary to provide con-ditioning of the tobacco in the primary processing of same. As part of this conditioning, the tobacco is subjected to procedures wherein tobacco moisture content is measured, and measured mois-ture content used to control drying or moistening apparatus to achieve a predetermined moisture content. Procedures of this type are disclosed in U.S. patents 3,840,025; 3,482,162; and 3,502,085.
After primary processing, the tobacco is usually stored for a period of time, which may be up to three days, in storage areas before being further processed into actual cigarettes at a cigarette maker. In conventional practice, these storage areas are subjected to a controlled climate in order to maintain the tobacco moisture content at the predetermined level established during the primary processing. This storage procedure is costly and the tobacco may still undergo moisture changes during sub-sequent transport of the tobacco to the cigarette maker. Thesemoisture changes adversely affect maker operation, particularly in cases where the maker is provided with controls for estab-lishing preselected values for various cigarette rod parameters such as, for example, rod density and/or rod firmness~ This is mentioned in British Specification 1,376,747 which discloses a microwave system for controlling tobacco rod density. In this system, since the microwave energy is affected by moisture as well as tobacco content, the system is constructed to permit obtaining values of each of these parameters from microwave signals which depend on both.
~SS~ 2 It is an ob~ect of the present invention to provide more effective moisture control in the manufacture of cigarettes.
It is a further object of the present invention to pro-vide a method and apparatus for improved cigarette maker opera-tion.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the above and other objectives are realized in a practice for cigarette manufacture wherein a cigarette maker is provided with means for determining the moisture content of the rod of the maker and wherein means responsive to the determined moisture content is provided for controlling moisture content of the input tobacco to the maker.
In the illustrative form of the invention disclosed hereinafter, determined rod moisture content is utilized to control the moisture content of the input tobacco as it is being conveyed to the maker. Control is effected by determin-ing the difference between the output rod moisture content and a desired target moisture content and using this difference to control the addition or substraction of moisture to the input tobacco until output rod moisture content is at target moisture.
The invention further contemplates utilization of a number of techniques for determining rod moisture content. These techniques require a number of sensors for generating sensor signals related to output rod parameters such as moisture, firmness, density and speed.
Also contemplated is utilization of the moisture control system with a firmness control system to provide a rod of a preselected or target firmness at a preselected or target moisture.
~ss~
The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying draw-ings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a system for controlling cigarette rod moisture content at a cigarette maker in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with the principles of the present invention for providing moisture control at a cigarette maker 1. The latter maker can be of conventional type such as that manufactured by Molins Ltd., of the United Kingdom under model number MK8 or MK9.
In typical operation, the maker 1 provides from the input tobacco stream 2 a continuous cigarette rod which is cut into lengths to provide individual cigarettes. In accordance with practice under the present invention, cigarette maker operation is controlled such that the cigarette rod has a moisture content which is substantially equal to a desired or target moisture value Mt. In this manner, individual cigar-ettes resulting from the rod have a substantially equal pre-cisely determined moisture content, thereby providing enhanced uniormity in cigarette production and improved quality control.
A moisture sensor 3 at the cigarette maker 1 monitors the cigarette rod and generates an output electrical signal Ms indicative of rod molsture content. The moisture sensor signal Ms is fed to a signal processor 4 which develops an output con-trol signal C for controlling the moisture content of the rod.
In accordance with the invention, such control is effected by changing or varying the moisture content of the input tobacco 2 until the output rod moisture content is at the target moisture ~L~5~3Z
value. This may be accomplished by utilizing the signal C to appropriately control conventional moistening means and/or dryer means situated adjacent the conveyance path of the input tobacco.
In the illustrative case of FIG. 1, a moistening unit 5, which might comprise, for example, a steam souxce followed by a controllable valve, and a dryer 6 are responsive to the signal C and add and subtract moisture, respectively, to and from the input tobacco 2. With this form of control, the control signal C brings the moistening unit 5 into operation during periods when the output rod moisture content is below target moisture and brings the dryer 6 into operation during periods when the output rod moisture content is above target moisture.
In modified practices in accordance with the invention, operation is carried out utilizing the moistening unit 5 or the dryer 6 only. In the former modified practice, the tobacco
This invention pertains to cigarette manufacture and, in particular, to control of cigarette manufacture at the cigarette maker.
In cigarette manufacture, it is customary to provide con-ditioning of the tobacco in the primary processing of same. As part of this conditioning, the tobacco is subjected to procedures wherein tobacco moisture content is measured, and measured mois-ture content used to control drying or moistening apparatus to achieve a predetermined moisture content. Procedures of this type are disclosed in U.S. patents 3,840,025; 3,482,162; and 3,502,085.
After primary processing, the tobacco is usually stored for a period of time, which may be up to three days, in storage areas before being further processed into actual cigarettes at a cigarette maker. In conventional practice, these storage areas are subjected to a controlled climate in order to maintain the tobacco moisture content at the predetermined level established during the primary processing. This storage procedure is costly and the tobacco may still undergo moisture changes during sub-sequent transport of the tobacco to the cigarette maker. Thesemoisture changes adversely affect maker operation, particularly in cases where the maker is provided with controls for estab-lishing preselected values for various cigarette rod parameters such as, for example, rod density and/or rod firmness~ This is mentioned in British Specification 1,376,747 which discloses a microwave system for controlling tobacco rod density. In this system, since the microwave energy is affected by moisture as well as tobacco content, the system is constructed to permit obtaining values of each of these parameters from microwave signals which depend on both.
~SS~ 2 It is an ob~ect of the present invention to provide more effective moisture control in the manufacture of cigarettes.
It is a further object of the present invention to pro-vide a method and apparatus for improved cigarette maker opera-tion.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the above and other objectives are realized in a practice for cigarette manufacture wherein a cigarette maker is provided with means for determining the moisture content of the rod of the maker and wherein means responsive to the determined moisture content is provided for controlling moisture content of the input tobacco to the maker.
In the illustrative form of the invention disclosed hereinafter, determined rod moisture content is utilized to control the moisture content of the input tobacco as it is being conveyed to the maker. Control is effected by determin-ing the difference between the output rod moisture content and a desired target moisture content and using this difference to control the addition or substraction of moisture to the input tobacco until output rod moisture content is at target moisture.
The invention further contemplates utilization of a number of techniques for determining rod moisture content. These techniques require a number of sensors for generating sensor signals related to output rod parameters such as moisture, firmness, density and speed.
Also contemplated is utilization of the moisture control system with a firmness control system to provide a rod of a preselected or target firmness at a preselected or target moisture.
~ss~
The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying draw-ings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a system for controlling cigarette rod moisture content at a cigarette maker in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows a system in accordance with the principles of the present invention for providing moisture control at a cigarette maker 1. The latter maker can be of conventional type such as that manufactured by Molins Ltd., of the United Kingdom under model number MK8 or MK9.
In typical operation, the maker 1 provides from the input tobacco stream 2 a continuous cigarette rod which is cut into lengths to provide individual cigarettes. In accordance with practice under the present invention, cigarette maker operation is controlled such that the cigarette rod has a moisture content which is substantially equal to a desired or target moisture value Mt. In this manner, individual cigar-ettes resulting from the rod have a substantially equal pre-cisely determined moisture content, thereby providing enhanced uniormity in cigarette production and improved quality control.
A moisture sensor 3 at the cigarette maker 1 monitors the cigarette rod and generates an output electrical signal Ms indicative of rod molsture content. The moisture sensor signal Ms is fed to a signal processor 4 which develops an output con-trol signal C for controlling the moisture content of the rod.
In accordance with the invention, such control is effected by changing or varying the moisture content of the input tobacco 2 until the output rod moisture content is at the target moisture ~L~5~3Z
value. This may be accomplished by utilizing the signal C to appropriately control conventional moistening means and/or dryer means situated adjacent the conveyance path of the input tobacco.
In the illustrative case of FIG. 1, a moistening unit 5, which might comprise, for example, a steam souxce followed by a controllable valve, and a dryer 6 are responsive to the signal C and add and subtract moisture, respectively, to and from the input tobacco 2. With this form of control, the control signal C brings the moistening unit 5 into operation during periods when the output rod moisture content is below target moisture and brings the dryer 6 into operation during periods when the output rod moisture content is above target moisture.
In modified practices in accordance with the invention, operation is carried out utilizing the moistening unit 5 or the dryer 6 only. In the former modified practice, the tobacco
2 is processed during primary processing and storage such that its moisture content is always below the target value Mt upon entry to the moistening unit, thereby always requiring the addition of moisture thereto to obtain a moisture content of Mt for the output rod. In the latter modified practice, on the other hand, the tobacco 2 is processed during primary processing such that its moisture content is always above the target value Mt upon entry to the dryer 6 thereby always requiring the sub-traction of moisture to obtain a moisture content of Mt for the output rod.
The processing operations of the signal processor 4 in-volve the generating of a rod moisture content signal Mc from the moisture sensor signal Ms and the formation of the control signal C from comparison of the generated signal Mc with the target moisture Mt. Generation of the signal Mc by the pro-cessor 4 depends to a large degree on the particular moisture 1~i5~2 sensor being used and such generation is carried out by processing the signal M to provide a signal which is representative of the actual or true rod moisture content. Where the characteristics of the moisture sensor are such that the sensor signal Ms is it~
self representative of true rod moisture content, then this processing is carried out by equating Mc to Ms. On the other hand, where the sensor characteristics result in an Ms signal varying from the true rod moisture content, adjusting factors are provided to account for the influence of the sensor charac-teristics. In actual practice, these adjusting factors can beempirically determined for each particular moisture sensor.
As will be discussed hereinbelow, in further practice in accordance with the present invention, further sensors 7 and 8 for measuring the mass or density and the firmness of the cigarette rod are employed for enabling moisture sensor signal àdjustment. In still further practice under the present inven-tion, a speed or velocity sensor 9 may be provided for cigarette rod speed determination and included for sensor signal adjustment.
A first sensor which might be employed for the sensor 3 is a resistance type moisture sensor. Such a sensor might be formed on the above-mentioned conventional maker by inserting probes through apertures spaced ~long the length of the so-called tongue of the maker whereat the rod is being formed, the probes being of sufficient length to enter into the tobacco rod. A
current or voltage could then be supplied to the probe and the resultant voltage or current through the probe circuit measured to determine the tobacco rod resistance and, therefore, the rod moisture content. In particular, such probes could serve as inputs to the internal circuitry of a model No. TM-80 sensor manufactured by Testron to provide the moisture measurement.
l~ssn.~2 Utilizing such a resistance moisture sensor provides a moisture sensor signal Ms requiring adjustment for arriving at the actual rod moisture content Mc. In particular it has been found that the sensor moisture signal Ms requires adjustment related to rod firmness and rod speed. Thus, for this sensor, moisture content can be expressed as follows:
c Ao + AlMS + A2FS + A3S (1) Where Ao-A3 are constants which can be empirically determined for each particular tobacco blend and resistance sensor. With the resistance type sensor, the signal processor 4 utilizes the sensor signal Ms, the firmness sensor signal Fs and the speed sensor signal S to derive the moisture content signal Mc based on the expression (1).
Other techniques for monitoring rod moisture content utilize microwave components. One microwave technique depends upon the measurement of the power absorbed largely by the moisture in the cigarette rod as it moves through a suitable microwave cavity. With this type of moisture sensor, the moisture sensor signal Ms is a function of reflected and transmitted microwave power values in the absence and presence of the cigarette rod, these values being suitably adjusted for temperature variations in the cavity and/or the rod. Hence, Ms is as follows:
Ms = (Ra + Ta) - Rp + Tp) . 100 (2) (Ra + Ta) where Ra and Ta are temperature-adjusted values of the reflec-tance and transmittance of microwave power in the absence of the cigarette rod and Rp and Tp are temperature adjusted values of the reflectance and transmittance in the presence of the cigarette rod. In this case, the obtained sensor signal Ms requires adjustment related to the mass of the cigarette rod.
llS5~;~2 Hence, the moisture content is given as:
Mc = Bo + Bl Ms/Ds In this situation the constants Bo and B1 can also be empiriaal-ly determined for the particular tobacco blend and microwave sensor being used.
As above-noted, the signal processor 4 determines the control signal C based upon the sensor signal Ms adjusted by certain of the other sensor signal Fs, Ds and S as provided in equations 1, 2 and 3. The processor 4 might typically take the form of a general or special purpose digital computer prog-rammed in accordance with such equations and having stored therein the target values and appropriate constants. A typical microcomputer might be an Intel System 80/204 provided with an Intel System SBC 116 board. Interfacing such microcomputer with the analog signals Ms, Fs, Ds, S and C might typically be a model MP 8418-PGA-AO Burr-Brown A/D-D/A converter.
The firmness sensor 3 utilized with the present invention can be of a strain gauge type and may, for example,be of a type as shown and described in United States Patent No. 4,033,360.
Additionally, the density sensor 7 might be a beta gauge type manufactured by Molins Ltd., and supplied with its model number MK8 or MK9 cigarette maker. The speed sensor 9, on the other hand, might be a tachometer of conventional design yielding a value of voltage to represent revolutions per minute.
The practice of the present invention can be utilized with other controls at the maker to enhance or promote maker efficiency. Thus, for example, the signal processor may be utilized to also generate a firmness control signal C' designed to control the maker such that the output rod has a predeter-mined or target firmness Ft at the target moisture Mt. Since .{, .
l~S5~32 the moisture control of the system maintains the output rodmoisture content substantially at target moisture Mt, the firm-ness variations requiring correction will depend almost solely on tobacco content variations.
A system for controlling firmness in this manner is dis-closed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Serial No:
111 607. In the system of the latter patent application, the control signal C' is expressed as follows:
C' = (Fs ~ Fsm) Ft where FSm is firmness content in the tobacco attributable to moisture referenced to target moisture and is given as FSm = Kl (Mc Mt) The latter expression, in turn, is derivable from rod firmness attributable to moisture which can be expressed as:
Fm = Ko + KlMc where Kois a constant determined by the tobacco blend and the rod weight per unit volume and Kl is a negative constant determined by the tobacco blend only.
In a system of this type firmness control can be achieved by utilizing the control signal C' to adjust the height of the excreteur blade used to cut the tobacco stream at a given depth during rod formation. Alternatively, the control signal C' might be used to control the maker distributor to obtain the desired control. Such practices are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,595,067.
The processing operations of the signal processor 4 in-volve the generating of a rod moisture content signal Mc from the moisture sensor signal Ms and the formation of the control signal C from comparison of the generated signal Mc with the target moisture Mt. Generation of the signal Mc by the pro-cessor 4 depends to a large degree on the particular moisture 1~i5~2 sensor being used and such generation is carried out by processing the signal M to provide a signal which is representative of the actual or true rod moisture content. Where the characteristics of the moisture sensor are such that the sensor signal Ms is it~
self representative of true rod moisture content, then this processing is carried out by equating Mc to Ms. On the other hand, where the sensor characteristics result in an Ms signal varying from the true rod moisture content, adjusting factors are provided to account for the influence of the sensor charac-teristics. In actual practice, these adjusting factors can beempirically determined for each particular moisture sensor.
As will be discussed hereinbelow, in further practice in accordance with the present invention, further sensors 7 and 8 for measuring the mass or density and the firmness of the cigarette rod are employed for enabling moisture sensor signal àdjustment. In still further practice under the present inven-tion, a speed or velocity sensor 9 may be provided for cigarette rod speed determination and included for sensor signal adjustment.
A first sensor which might be employed for the sensor 3 is a resistance type moisture sensor. Such a sensor might be formed on the above-mentioned conventional maker by inserting probes through apertures spaced ~long the length of the so-called tongue of the maker whereat the rod is being formed, the probes being of sufficient length to enter into the tobacco rod. A
current or voltage could then be supplied to the probe and the resultant voltage or current through the probe circuit measured to determine the tobacco rod resistance and, therefore, the rod moisture content. In particular, such probes could serve as inputs to the internal circuitry of a model No. TM-80 sensor manufactured by Testron to provide the moisture measurement.
l~ssn.~2 Utilizing such a resistance moisture sensor provides a moisture sensor signal Ms requiring adjustment for arriving at the actual rod moisture content Mc. In particular it has been found that the sensor moisture signal Ms requires adjustment related to rod firmness and rod speed. Thus, for this sensor, moisture content can be expressed as follows:
c Ao + AlMS + A2FS + A3S (1) Where Ao-A3 are constants which can be empirically determined for each particular tobacco blend and resistance sensor. With the resistance type sensor, the signal processor 4 utilizes the sensor signal Ms, the firmness sensor signal Fs and the speed sensor signal S to derive the moisture content signal Mc based on the expression (1).
Other techniques for monitoring rod moisture content utilize microwave components. One microwave technique depends upon the measurement of the power absorbed largely by the moisture in the cigarette rod as it moves through a suitable microwave cavity. With this type of moisture sensor, the moisture sensor signal Ms is a function of reflected and transmitted microwave power values in the absence and presence of the cigarette rod, these values being suitably adjusted for temperature variations in the cavity and/or the rod. Hence, Ms is as follows:
Ms = (Ra + Ta) - Rp + Tp) . 100 (2) (Ra + Ta) where Ra and Ta are temperature-adjusted values of the reflec-tance and transmittance of microwave power in the absence of the cigarette rod and Rp and Tp are temperature adjusted values of the reflectance and transmittance in the presence of the cigarette rod. In this case, the obtained sensor signal Ms requires adjustment related to the mass of the cigarette rod.
llS5~;~2 Hence, the moisture content is given as:
Mc = Bo + Bl Ms/Ds In this situation the constants Bo and B1 can also be empiriaal-ly determined for the particular tobacco blend and microwave sensor being used.
As above-noted, the signal processor 4 determines the control signal C based upon the sensor signal Ms adjusted by certain of the other sensor signal Fs, Ds and S as provided in equations 1, 2 and 3. The processor 4 might typically take the form of a general or special purpose digital computer prog-rammed in accordance with such equations and having stored therein the target values and appropriate constants. A typical microcomputer might be an Intel System 80/204 provided with an Intel System SBC 116 board. Interfacing such microcomputer with the analog signals Ms, Fs, Ds, S and C might typically be a model MP 8418-PGA-AO Burr-Brown A/D-D/A converter.
The firmness sensor 3 utilized with the present invention can be of a strain gauge type and may, for example,be of a type as shown and described in United States Patent No. 4,033,360.
Additionally, the density sensor 7 might be a beta gauge type manufactured by Molins Ltd., and supplied with its model number MK8 or MK9 cigarette maker. The speed sensor 9, on the other hand, might be a tachometer of conventional design yielding a value of voltage to represent revolutions per minute.
The practice of the present invention can be utilized with other controls at the maker to enhance or promote maker efficiency. Thus, for example, the signal processor may be utilized to also generate a firmness control signal C' designed to control the maker such that the output rod has a predeter-mined or target firmness Ft at the target moisture Mt. Since .{, .
l~S5~32 the moisture control of the system maintains the output rodmoisture content substantially at target moisture Mt, the firm-ness variations requiring correction will depend almost solely on tobacco content variations.
A system for controlling firmness in this manner is dis-closed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Serial No:
111 607. In the system of the latter patent application, the control signal C' is expressed as follows:
C' = (Fs ~ Fsm) Ft where FSm is firmness content in the tobacco attributable to moisture referenced to target moisture and is given as FSm = Kl (Mc Mt) The latter expression, in turn, is derivable from rod firmness attributable to moisture which can be expressed as:
Fm = Ko + KlMc where Kois a constant determined by the tobacco blend and the rod weight per unit volume and Kl is a negative constant determined by the tobacco blend only.
In a system of this type firmness control can be achieved by utilizing the control signal C' to adjust the height of the excreteur blade used to cut the tobacco stream at a given depth during rod formation. Alternatively, the control signal C' might be used to control the maker distributor to obtain the desired control. Such practices are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,595,067.
Claims (24)
1. Apparatus for controlling the operation of a cigarette maker, said maker being fed input tobacco from which it provides a cigarette rod, said apparatus including:
first sensor means for providing a moisture sensor signal related to the moisture content of said rod;
and means responsive to said moisture sensor signal for controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco.
first sensor means for providing a moisture sensor signal related to the moisture content of said rod;
and means responsive to said moisture sensor signal for controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco.
2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further com-prising:
a second sensor means for providing a firmness sensor signal related to the firmness of said rod.
a second sensor means for providing a firmness sensor signal related to the firmness of said rod.
3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 further comprising:
means responsive to said firmness sensor signal for controlling the firmness of said rod.
means responsive to said firmness sensor signal for controlling the firmness of said rod.
4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein:
said moisture control means maintains the moisture content of said input tobacco at a level to cause said moisture content of said rod to be at a predetermined moisture content;
and said firmness control means maintains the firmness of a said rod at a predetermined firmness at said predetermined moisture content.
said moisture control means maintains the moisture content of said input tobacco at a level to cause said moisture content of said rod to be at a predetermined moisture content;
and said firmness control means maintains the firmness of a said rod at a predetermined firmness at said predetermined moisture content.
5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 further com-a third sensor means for providing a speed sensor signal related to the speed of said rod.
6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein:
said first sensor means is a resistance type moisture sensor.
said first sensor means is a resistance type moisture sensor.
7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 further com-prising:
a further sensor means for providing a density sensor signal related to the density of said rod.
a further sensor means for providing a density sensor signal related to the density of said rod.
8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein:
said first sensor means is a microwave type moisture sensor.
said first sensor means is a microwave type moisture sensor.
9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein:
said control means includes:
a signal processor responsive to said sensor signals for generating a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and moisture control means responsive to said moisture content signal for adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco.
said control means includes:
a signal processor responsive to said sensor signals for generating a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and moisture control means responsive to said moisture content signal for adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco.
10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein:
said control means includes:
a signal processor responsive to said sensor signals for generating a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and moisture control means responsive to said moisture content signal for adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco.
said control means includes:
a signal processor responsive to said sensor signals for generating a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and moisture control means responsive to said moisture content signal for adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco.
11, Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein:
said control means includes:
a signal processor responsive to said sensor signals for generating a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and moisture control means responsive to said moisture content signal for adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco.
said control means includes:
a signal processor responsive to said sensor signals for generating a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and moisture control means responsive to said moisture content signal for adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco.
12. Apparatus in accordance with claims 9, 10 or 11 wherein said input tobacco is at a moisture content below a predetermined moisture content desired in said rod and wherein:
said signal processor generates a control signal de-pendent upon a comparison of said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said moisture control means is responsive to said control signal and includes means for adding moisture to said input tobacco.
said signal processor generates a control signal de-pendent upon a comparison of said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said moisture control means is responsive to said control signal and includes means for adding moisture to said input tobacco.
13. Apparatus in accordance with claims 9, 10, or 11 wherein said input tobacco is at a moisture content above a predetermined moisture content desired in said rod and wherein:
said signal processor generates a control signal de-pendent upon a comparison of said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said moisture control means is responsive to said control signal and includes means for subtracting moisture from said input tobacco.
said signal processor generates a control signal de-pendent upon a comparison of said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said moisture control means is responsive to said control signal and includes means for subtracting moisture from said input tobacco.
14. A method for controlling the operation of a cigarette maker, said maker being fed input tobacco from which it provides a cigarette rod, said method comprising:
sensing the moisture content of said rod to provide a moisture sensor signal;
and controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture sensor signal.
sensing the moisture content of said rod to provide a moisture sensor signal;
and controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture sensor signal.
15. A method in accordance with claim 14 further com-prising:
sensing the firmness of said rod to provide a firmness sensor signal.
sensing the firmness of said rod to provide a firmness sensor signal.
16. A method in accordance with claim 15 further com-prising:
controlling the firmness of said rod based on said firm-ness sensor signal.
controlling the firmness of said rod based on said firm-ness sensor signal.
17. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein:
the step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco is carried out by maintaining said moisture content of said input tobacco at a level which causes the moisture content of said rod to be at a predetermined moisture content;
and the step of controlling the firmness of said rod is carried out by maintaining said firmness at a predetermined firmness at said predetermined moisture content.
the step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco is carried out by maintaining said moisture content of said input tobacco at a level which causes the moisture content of said rod to be at a predetermined moisture content;
and the step of controlling the firmness of said rod is carried out by maintaining said firmness at a predetermined firmness at said predetermined moisture content.
18. A method in accordance with claim 14 further com-prising:
sensing the density of said rod to provide a density sensor signal;
and said step of controlling said moisture content of said input tobacco is based on said moisture and density sensor signals.
sensing the density of said rod to provide a density sensor signal;
and said step of controlling said moisture content of said input tobacco is based on said moisture and density sensor signals.
19. A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein:
said step of controlling the moisture content of said rod is based on said moisture, firmness and speed sensor signals.
said step of controlling the moisture content of said rod is based on said moisture, firmness and speed sensor signals.
20. A method in accordance with claim 14, wherein:
said step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco comprises:
processing said sensor signals to generate a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture content signal.
said step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco comprises:
processing said sensor signals to generate a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture content signal.
21. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein:
said step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco comprises:
processing said sensor signals to generate a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture content signal.
said step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco comprises:
processing said sensor signals to generate a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture content signal.
22. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein:
said step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco comprises:
processing said sensor signals to generate a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture content signal.
said step of controlling the moisture content of said input tobacco comprises:
processing said sensor signals to generate a moisture content signal corresponding to the actual moisture in said rod;
and adjusting the moisture content of said input tobacco based on said moisture content signal.
23. A method in accordance with claim 20, 21 or 22 wherein said input tobacco has a moisture content below a predetermined moisture content desired in said rod and wherein:
said step of processing said sensor signals includes comparing said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said step of adjusting said moisture content of said tobacco is carried out by adding moisture to said input tobacco based on said comparison of said moisture con-tent signal and said predetermined moisture content.
said step of processing said sensor signals includes comparing said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said step of adjusting said moisture content of said tobacco is carried out by adding moisture to said input tobacco based on said comparison of said moisture con-tent signal and said predetermined moisture content.
24. A method in accordance with claim 20, 21 or 22 wherein said input tobacco has a moisture content above a predetermined moisture content desired in said rod and wherein:
said step of processing said sensor signals includes comparing said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said step of adjusting said moisture content of said input tobacco is carried out by subtracting moisture from said input tobacco based on said comparison of said mois-ture content signal and said predetermined moisture content.
said step of processing said sensor signals includes comparing said moisture content signal and said predetermined moisture content;
and said step of adjusting said moisture content of said input tobacco is carried out by subtracting moisture from said input tobacco based on said comparison of said mois-ture content signal and said predetermined moisture content.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11152180A | 1980-01-14 | 1980-01-14 | |
| US111,521 | 1980-01-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1155032A true CA1155032A (en) | 1983-10-11 |
Family
ID=22339003
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000366716A Expired CA1155032A (en) | 1980-01-14 | 1980-12-12 | Moisture control at a cigarette maker |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0032398B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1155032A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3175243D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8815175D0 (en) * | 1988-06-25 | 1988-08-03 | Molins Plc | Cigarette manufacture |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2667172A (en) * | 1946-08-21 | 1954-01-26 | American Mach & Foundry | Cigarette rod condition measuring and indicating |
| FR1005426A (en) * | 1947-07-17 | 1952-04-10 | Process for treating wet fibrous materials, in particular tobacco, and devices for implementing this process | |
| GB867143A (en) * | 1957-01-09 | 1961-05-03 | Industrial Nucleonics Corp | Improvements in or relating to moisture gauges |
| GB953861A (en) * | 1959-04-17 | 1964-04-02 | Desmond Walter Molins | Improvements in or relating to continuous rod cigarette-making machines |
| GB953728A (en) * | 1959-04-17 | 1964-04-02 | Desmond Walter Molins | Improvements in or relating to continuous rod cigarette-making machines |
| US3411513A (en) * | 1966-11-18 | 1968-11-19 | Knobel Max | Method and apparatus for gauging and controlling firmness in cigarettes and the like |
-
1980
- 1980-12-12 CA CA000366716A patent/CA1155032A/en not_active Expired
-
1981
- 1981-01-13 EP EP19810100183 patent/EP0032398B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-01-13 DE DE8181100183T patent/DE3175243D1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0032398A2 (en) | 1981-07-22 |
| EP0032398B1 (en) | 1986-09-03 |
| DE3175243D1 (en) | 1986-10-09 |
| EP0032398A3 (en) | 1983-07-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |