Stanley V Starkey

Title: Innovations of Stanley V Starkey

Introduction

Stanley V Starkey is a notable inventor based in London, GB, recognized for his contributions to the field of cigarette manufacturing technology. With a total of seven patents to his name, Starkey has made significant advancements that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cigarette packing processes.

Latest Patents

One of Starkey's latest inventions is a cigarette packing machine. This machine comprises a series of individual cigarette hoppers carried by an endless band. The hoppers receive cigarettes from an input conveyor in a receiving region and supply groups of cigarettes to a pocketed bundle conveyor in a delivery region. Each hopper is vertically movable, with its position controlled to occupy an upper position in the receiving region and a lower position in the delivery region. The hoppers may be vibrated during movement by the endless band to promote the downward movement of the cigarettes. Additionally, each hopper has an associated transfer plunger that is extended to deliver cigarettes in the delivery region, with the hopper being lifted when the plunger is in its extended position and lowered when the plunger is retracted.

Another significant patent involves feeding rod-like articles. In this invention, a mass flow of cigarettes is reduced in width as it passes downwardly through chutes into a passage where the cigarettes are formed into a stream two rows deep. The cigarettes are fed onto a fluted drum and accelerated to form gaps between them. The cigarettes in one row are held by suction in the flutes, while those in the other row rest on top and are kept in place by suction. From the fluted drum, the cigarettes are transferred to a further fluted drum as a single row, collating them into groups ready for packing.

Career Highlights

Starkey's career is marked by his innovative contributions to Molins Plc, a company specializing in the design and manufacture of machinery for the tobacco industry. His work has significantly impacted the efficiency of cigarette production and packing.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Starkey has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Barry G Applegate and Dennis Hinchcliffe. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and creativity within the industry.

Conclusion

Stanley V Starkey's inventive spirit and dedication to improving cigarette manufacturing processes have established him as a key figure in the industry. His patents reflect a commitment to innovation that continues to influence the field today