US 12,108,807 B2
Method and system for the automated production of e-vapor devices
Edmond J. Cadieux, Richmond, VA (US); Martin Garthaffner, Chesterfield, VA (US); Travis Garthaffner, Midlothian, VA (US); Christopher R. Newcomb, Powhatan, VA (US); Barry S. Smith, Richmond, VA (US); and Jeffrey A. Swepston, Powhatan, VA (US)
Assigned to Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA (US)
Filed by Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, VA (US)
Filed on Feb. 10, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/167,446.
Application 18/167,446 is a continuation of application No. 14/686,431, filed on Apr. 14, 2015, granted, now 11,576,440, issued on Feb. 14, 2023.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/979,326, filed on Apr. 14, 2014.
Prior Publication US 2023/0189899 A1, Jun. 22, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. A24F 40/80 (2020.01); A24F 40/70 (2020.01); A24C 5/32 (2006.01); A24F 40/10 (2020.01)
CPC A24F 40/80 (2020.01) [A24F 40/70 (2020.01); A24C 5/327 (2013.01); A24F 40/10 (2020.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for automated manufacturing of e-vapor devices, comprising:
a feed source of cartridge units of the e-vapor devices;
an assembly path in communication with the feed source, the assembly path defined by at least a plurality of fluted surfaces, the plurality of fluted surfaces configured to receive the cartridge units and to engage in an endless motion so as to produce a procession of the cartridge units along the assembly path;
a filling station arranged downstream from the feed source on the assembly path, the filling station configured to supply the procession of the cartridge units with a liquid while the cartridge units are moving on a first fluted transport section of the assembly path;
a sealing station arranged downstream from the filling station on the assembly path, the sealing station configured to insert a sealing element into each of the cartridge units to seal the liquid therein while the cartridge units are moving on a second fluted transport section of the assembly path; and
an inspection station arranged downstream from the feed source on the assembly path, the inspection station configured to detect and eject non-compliant units from the procession of the cartridge units moving along the assembly path; and
an accumulator arranged upstream from the filling station and downstream of the inspection, station, the accumulator configured to accrue the cartridge units as a buffer.