The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 22, 2006
Filed:
Oct. 18, 2004
Barry S. Smith, Hopewell, VA (US);
Steven F. Spiers, Richmond, VA (US);
Jeremy J. Straight, Midlothian, VA (US);
Janet Thompson, Chesterfield, VA (US);
Ahmet Ercelebi, Richmond, VA (US);
Martin T. Garthaffner, Chesterfield, VA (US);
Lisa Rogers, Richmond, VA (US);
Barry S. Smith, Hopewell, VA (US);
Steven F. Spiers, Richmond, VA (US);
Jeremy J. Straight, Midlothian, VA (US);
Janet Thompson, Chesterfield, VA (US);
Ahmet Ercelebi, Richmond, VA (US);
Martin T. Garthaffner, Chesterfield, VA (US);
Lisa Rogers, Richmond, VA (US);
Philip Morris USA Inc., New York, NY (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.