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:
Jan. 11, 2011
Filed:
Aug. 10, 2005
Teresa Ancona, Nyon, CH;
Michael Vincent Lewis, Essex, GB;
Katrina Lewis, Legal Representative, Essex, GB;
Oliver Pulz, Pully, CH;
Bodo-werner Lutzig, Chavornay, CH;
Teresa Ancona, Nyon, CH;
Michael Vincent Lewis, Essex, GB;
Katrina Lewis, legal representative, Essex, GB;
Oliver Pulz, Pully, CH;
Bodo-Werner Lutzig, Chavornay, CH;
Philips Morris USA Inc., Richmond, VA (US);
Abstract
Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes is automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel which is movable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion, a body portion and a collar, which is mounted within the body portion. The body portion is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar.