David J Tatum

US Patent:

6514014, Feb 4, 2003

Filed:

Sep 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/676442

Inventors:

Gregory Alan Holmes - Winston-Salem NC
Philip Andrew Deal - Winston-Salem NC
David Wayne Tatum - Lexington NC

Assignee:

R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company - Winston-Salem NC

International Classification:

B65G 5340

US Classification:

406 75, 406122, 406151, 1311093, 131110

Abstract:

An apparatus for receiving and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises a receptacle having a receiving opening and an insertion opening for receiving rejects, a conduit having a first end and a second end and communicating with the insertion opening, and means for providing a fluid flow in the conduit for transporting the rejects. A method of collecting and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises directing the rejects into a fluid stream whereby such rejects may be transported transporting the rejects in the fluid stream to a predetermined location in the cigarette manufacturing process, and separating the rejects from the fluid stream.