Devices and methods for frictionless compaction of smokable products

Abstract

Devices and methods for frictionless compaction of smokable material 141s are described herein. The methods and systems include a device, which moves into place to sit, inset, to a filled smoking cone with an integrated airline. The system then discharges a sequence of controlled air bursts to compact the unit completely.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A device for use with a smoking cone, comprising:
 a base,   one or more vertical actuators coupled to the base and configured to be inserted into smoking cone and deliver pressurized gas to the smoking cone;   an interchangeable side plug mechanism coupled to the base;   a dial carriage couplable to the side plug mechanism and the vertical actuators;   wherein the duration, number of intervals, and amount of pressure applied to the smoking cone is adjustable.   
     
     
         2 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the vertical actuators include a closed-loop absolute encoder linear actuator for raising and lowering a nozzle assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The compaction device of  claim 2 , wherein the nozzle assembly comprises two or more interchangeable nozzles held by nozzle holders. 
     
     
         4 . The compaction device of  claim 3 , wherein the interchangeable nozzles have openings for delivering compressed gas to the smoking cone during compaction. 
     
     
         5 . The compaction device of  claim 4 , wherein the nozzle assembly further includes angled exit holes surrounding the openings for improved compaction of smoking material. 
     
     
         6 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the dial carriage includes interchangeable nests for holding smoking cones during compaction. 
     
     
         7 . The compaction device of  claim 6 , wherein the nests are designed for specific cone sizes and shapes. 
     
     
         8 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , further comprising a side plug mechanism including a side plug activator and a side plug assembly for preventing blowouts during compaction. 
     
     
         9 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the smoking cone comprises a filter and a cone body with an opening for receiving pressurized gas. 
     
     
         10 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device is part of a smoking cone manufacturing system including various stations for creating and producing smoking cones. 
     
     
         11 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the gas bursts are controlled by manual adjustment, fixed settings, or electrically adjusted flow and pressure regulation. 
     
     
         12 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device is configured to be retractable after completing the compaction sequence. 
     
     
         13 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device allows for custom formulas based on manual or electrically controlled airflow and air pressure. 
     
     
         14 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device provides improved compactions near the crutch of the smoking cone. 
     
     
         15 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device reduces cleaning requirements and improves production cycle time when manufacturing smoking cones. 
     
     
         16 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to supply pressurized gas through one or more lines connected to a gas source. 
     
     
         17 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle assembly is interchangeable to accommodate various sizes and shapes of smoking cones. 
     
     
         18 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device includes a gas supply through lines via a process tube connection into the rear of the nozzle holder. 
     
     
         19 . The compaction device of  claim 1 , wherein the compaction device is configured to manufacture smoking cones with consistent compaction and smoking material uniformity.