Apparatus and method for cutting a cigarette

(19)

(11)

EP 0 500 300 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	24.11.1993 Bulletin 1993/47

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	26.08.1992 Bulletin 1992/35

(21)	Application number: 92301286.8

(22)	Date of filing: 18.02.1992

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁵: A24C 5/28, A24C 5/32

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

(30)

Priority:

19.02.1991 US 657436

(71)	Applicant: Philip Morris Products Inc.
	Richmond Virginia 23234 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Adkins, Wayne B. New Kent, VA 23124 (US) Moss, Edgar L. Richmond, VA 23227 (US) Roncero, Jose I. Richmond, VA 23233 (US)

(74)	Representative: Marlow, Nicholas Simon et al
	Reddie & Grose 16, Theobalds Road London WC1X 8PL London WC1X 8PL (GB)

(56)

References cited: :

(54)	Apparatus and method for cutting a cigarette

(57) An automated method and apparatus for cutting a smoking article, such as a cigarette into sections and removing a component, such as the filter section from the article is discharged. A mechanical arm of a robot 325 having opposing gripping members 325A, B is used to grip and insert the article 320 into the cutting apparatus whereupon a piston rod 350 causes a blade 310 to sever the article just above the filter. After the robot removes the filter from the apparatus, the filter is then ready to be subjected to characterization tests.

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