Fishburne International, Inc.

Alex Hollingsworth

Paul R Sexton

James D Felts

A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system (50) and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism (B) and a second blade mechanism (C). The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions (80a, 80b), and distribute tobacco into a charger (30a). The charger includes a vertical chute (32a)and an internal container (34a) which inserts into a tobacco container (22a) which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head (12a). First blade mechanism (B) includes a primary distributor blade (82) which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism (C) may include secondary distributor blades (94) and (96) which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade (82), provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container (22a). Clockwise quadrant filling of the container is achieved by having second blade mechanism (C) first distribute to quadrants 'a' and 'b', while first blade mechanism B distributes to quadrants 'a' and 'd' to overlap and define a feed opening only over quadrant 'a'. First and second blade mechanisms may then be controlled so that a distribution opening is formed over quadrants 'b', 'c'and 'd' sequentially to complete a fill cycle.

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Arden, NC, United States of America

Alex Hollingsworth