US 11,744,275 B2
Slide measuring system for filling pouches and associated method
Herbert C. Longest, Midlothian, VA (US); Jarrod W. Chalkley, Mechanicsville, VA (US); Tamika S. Murrell, Richmond, VA (US); Jeremy J. Straight, Midlothian, VA (US); Travis M. Garthaffner, Midlothian, VA (US); Leah A. Meyers, Midlothian, VA (US); and James D. Evans, Chesterfield, VA (US)
Assigned to Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA (US)
Filed by Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA (US)
Filed on Dec. 29, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/136,398.
Application 17/136,398 is a continuation of application No. 15/224,186, filed on Jul. 29, 2016, granted, now 10,888,108, issued on Jan. 12, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/199,110, filed on Jul. 30, 2015.
Prior Publication US 2021/0112846 A1, Apr. 22, 2021
Int. Cl. B65B 1/36 (2006.01); B65B 1/46 (2006.01); B65B 57/10 (2006.01); G01F 11/40 (2006.01); B65B 29/00 (2006.01); A24B 3/06 (2006.01); A24F 23/02 (2006.01); B65B 1/16 (2006.01); B65B 37/14 (2006.01)
CPC A24B 3/06 (2013.01) [A24F 23/02 (2013.01); B65B 1/16 (2013.01); B65B 1/36 (2013.01); B65B 1/46 (2013.01); B65B 29/00 (2013.01); B65B 57/10 (2013.01); G01F 11/40 (2013.01); B65B 37/14 (2013.01); B65B 2210/10 (2013.01); B65B 2220/18 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of measuring a granular material comprising:
measuring a portion of granular material in a measuring cavity, the measuring including,
continuously communicating a vacuum to the measuring cavity,
moving a tube to a first position unaligned with the measuring cavity, and
moving the portion of the granular material into the measuring cavity using the vacuum;
moving the tube to a second position aligned with the measuring cavity; and
moving the portion of the granular material out of the measuring cavity, the moving including,
applying compressed gas to the measuring cavity to overcome the vacuum.