US 12,082,622 B2
Rotatable drum and method and system using the same for the automated production of e-vapor devices
Edmond J. Cadieux, Jr., Mechanicsville, VA (US); Martin T. Garthaffner, Richmond, VA (US); and Barry S. Smith, Hopewell, VA (US)
Assigned to Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA (US)
Filed by Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA (US)
Filed on Jan. 11, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/572,751.
Application 17/572,751 is a continuation of application No. 16/877,706, filed on May 19, 2020, granted, now 11,246,353.
Application 16/877,706 is a continuation of application No. 15/869,615, filed on Jan. 12, 2018, granted, now 10,676,228, issued on Jun. 9, 2020.
Application 15/869,615 is a continuation of application No. 14/686,519, filed on Apr. 14, 2015, granted, now 9,963,260, issued on May 8, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/979,330, filed on Apr. 14, 2014.
Prior Publication US 2022/0125127 A1, Apr. 28, 2022
Int. Cl. A24F 40/70 (2020.01); A24C 5/32 (2006.01); A24F 40/10 (2020.01); A24F 40/40 (2020.01); A61M 15/06 (2006.01); B65C 3/06 (2006.01); B65C 3/08 (2006.01); B65C 9/02 (2006.01); B65C 9/08 (2006.01); B65C 9/26 (2006.01); B65G 47/86 (2006.01)
CPC A24F 40/70 (2020.01) [A24C 5/327 (2013.01); A24F 40/40 (2020.01); B65C 9/02 (2013.01); B65C 9/08 (2013.01); B65C 9/26 (2013.01); B65G 47/847 (2013.01); A24F 40/10 (2020.01); A61M 15/06 (2013.01); B65C 3/06 (2013.01); B65C 3/08 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of receiving and holding a housing of an e-vapor device during manufacturing of e-vapor devices, comprising:
receiving the housing in a channel of one of a plurality of flutes in a roll face of a drum body; and
extending a pusher to axially urge the housing into contact with a stop,
wherein the extending the pusher includes aligning the housing in a seat groove of a seat in the channel of the one of the plurality of flutes, the seat connected to a post located within a spring, the post having an internal channel communicating with an aperture defined in the seat and another channel formed in the drum body.