Process and device

Abstract

A device and a process for forming and cutting portions of tobacco from a strand of tobacco is provided with an element for feeding the strand of tobacco, such as at least one belt or roll, as well as a cutting element, such as a knife. The device may have additional feeder bands for advancing the strand of tobacco to the position for cutting, and may be under the control of a computerized control system.

1 . A continuous process for manufacture of portion tobacco, characterized in that it comprises the steps of
 (a) feeding a strand of tobacco by means of a feeding device, with concomitant compacting of the strand; and   (b) cutting of individual pieces of portion tobacco by means of a cutting tool.   
   
   
       2 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the strand of tobacco is readily supplied as a pre-manufactured strand. 
   
   
       3 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the feeding device for compacting purposes comprises two continuous belts. 
   
   
       4 . The process according to  claim 3 , wherein the feeding device is fitted with an additional feeder band for safe advancement of the tobacco strand to the cutting tool. 
   
   
       5 . The process according to  claim 3 , wherein the feeder bands run on the outer surface of said belts. 
   
   
       6 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the feeding device for compacting purposes is a cog belt or a V-belt. 
   
   
       7 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the feeding device for compacting purposes comprises at least one roll. 
   
   
       8 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the strand of tobacco receives a shape with a flat lower side and a curved upper side, by means of the feeding device for compacting purposes. 
   
   
       9 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the cutting tool is fitted with a resilient stripper, which compacts the edges surrounding the cutting tool and rebounds when the cutting tool is returned to its original, upper position, thus letting the tobacco come loose from the cutting tool. 
   
   
       10 . The process according to  claim 1 , whereby the process is provided with a blowing device for separation of the cut pieces of portion tobacco. 
   
   
       11 . A device ( 10 ) for forming and cutting portions of tobacco ( 14 ) from a strand of tobacco ( 12 ), comprising an arrangement for compacting and forming a strand of tobacco and cutting of individual portions thereof. 
   
   
       12 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the compacting and advancement arrangement comprises a belt ( 20 ). 
   
   
       13 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the belt is a cog belt or V-belt. 
   
   
       14 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the compacting and advancement arrangement comprises at least one roll ( 110 ). 
   
   
       15 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the device is arranged with feeder bands ( 20 ,  21 ) for feeding the strand of tobacco from the compacting and forming arrangement forward to a position for cutting, whereupon a cutting tool ( 80 ) is lowered and at least one resilient stripper ( 92 ) takes hold of the strand of tobacco when the cutting tool is lowered and holds the tobacco when the cutting tool is raised. 
   
   
       16 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the cutting tool has a blunt, V-shaped edge. 
   
   
       17 . The device according to  claim 11 , characterized in that the functioning of the device is controlled by a computerized control system. 
   
   
       18 . The process according to  claim 2 , whereby the feeding device for compacting purposes comprises two continuous belts. 
   
   
       19 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the feeding device is fitted with an additional feeder band for safe advancement of the tobacco strand to the cutting tool.