Method of and apparatus for segregating foreign particles from a tobacco flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of segregating foreign particles from a tobacco flow. The invention moreover relates to an apparatus for segregating foreign particles from a tobacco flow, which comprises a first conveyor feeding the tobacco to a device for detecting foreign particles as well as a device for segregating foreign particles. The apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the following steps of operation: conveying tobacco by means of a first conveyor, with the tobacco being held on said first conveyor by means of suction air, detecting foreign particles in said tobacco flow constituted by the conveyed tobacco in the zone of said first conveyor or downstream of said first conveyor, and segregating detected foreign particles from said tobacco flow. The apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the feature that the first conveyor is configured for holding tobacco by suction air.

1 . A method of segregating foreign particles from a tobacco flow, including the following steps: 
 conveying tobacco by means of a first conveyor, with the tobacco being held on said first conveyor by means of suction air,    detecting foreign particles in said tobacco flow constituted by the conveyed tobacco in the zone of said first conveyor or downstream of said first conveyor, and    segregating detected foreign particles from said tobacco flow.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a second conveyor is provided from which the tobacco is transferred to said first conveyor.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that a second conveyor is provided onto which the tobacco is transferred from said first conveyor.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3 , characterized in that a stream of air is used to transfer the tobacco.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 2 , characterized in that a stream of air is used to transfer the tobacco.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said first conveyor is disposed above the conveyed tobacco.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said first conveyor is disposed underneath the conveyed tobacco.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , characterized in that said tobacco flow is conveyed for discharge by means of suction air after at least one of detection of foreign particles and segregation of foreign particles.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for segregating foreign particles from a tobacco flow, comprising a first conveyor feeding the tobacco to a device for detecting foreign particles, and a device for segregating foreign particles, characterized in that said first conveyor is configured for holding tobacco by suction air.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , characterized in that said first conveyor comprises a suction belt.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , characterized in that a second conveyor is provided for conveying tobacco into the region of said first conveyor.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11 , characterized in that said second conveyor comprises an element permeable to air.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , characterized in that a suction device is provided downstream of said device for detecting foreign particles.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus according to  claim 9 , characterized in that a conveying speed of said first conveyor of at least 5.5 m/s is provided.