Abstract: A method of compacting a smokeable product in a cone for production of smoking articles is disclosed. The method includes aligning a respective cone held in a cone pallet with a pin. The cone contains a volume of the smokeable product and has an open upper end. The method further includes advancing the pin into the volume of the smokeable product through the open upper end of the cone; and withdrawing the pin from the volume of the smokeable product. The volume of the smokeable product has an empty column formed therein when the pin is withdrawn. The method further includes vibrating the cone pallet to induce collapse of the smokeable product into the column.

Abstract: A method of compacting a smokeable product in a cone for production of smoking articles is disclosed. The method includes aligning a respective cone held in a cone pallet with a pin. The cone contains a volume of the smokeable product and has an open upper end. The method further includes advancing the pin into the volume of the smokeable product through the open upper end of the cone; and withdrawing the pin from the volume of the smokeable product. The volume of the smokeable product has an empty column formed therein when the pin is withdrawn. The method further includes vibrating the cone pallet to induce collapse of the smokeable product into the column.

Abstract: A compaction apparatus for compacting a smokeable product in production of smoking articles includes: (a) a frame for removably receiving a cone pallet. The cone pallet includes a plurality of cavities. Each cavity holds a cone filled with a volume of the smokeable product. The apparatus further includes (b) a compaction mechanism including: (i) at least one pin alignable above an open upper end of a respective cone and movable from a retracted position, in which the pin is spaced apart from the smokeable product in the cone, toward an advanced position for inserting a lower portion of the pin into the volume of the smokeable product. The compaction mechanism further includes (ii) a vibratory drive coupled to the pin and operable to vibrate the pin when the lower portion of the pin is within the volume of the smokeable product for inducing settlement of the smokeable product.

Abstract: A method of compacting a smokeable product in a cone for production of smoking articles is disclosed. The method includes aligning a respective cone held in a cone pallet with a pin. The cone contains a volume of the smokeable product and has an open upper end. The method further includes advancing the pin into the volume of the smokeable product through the open upper end of the cone; and withdrawing the pin from the volume of the smokeable product. The volume of the smokeable product has an empty column formed therein when the pin is withdrawn. The method further includes vibrating the cone pallet to induce collapse of the smokeable product into the column.

Abstract: A compaction apparatus for compacting a smokeable product in production of smoking articles includes: (a) a frame for removably receiving a cone pallet. The cone pallet includes a plurality of cavities. Each cavity holds a cone filled with a volume of the smokeable product. The apparatus further includes (b) a compaction mechanism including: (i) at least one pin alignable above an open upper end of a respective cone and movable from a retracted position, in which the pin is spaced apart from the smokeable product in the cone, toward an advanced position for inserting a lower portion of the pin into the volume of the smokeable product. The compaction mechanism further includes (ii) a vibratory drive coupled to the pin and operable to vibrate the pin when the lower portion of the pin is within the volume of the smokeable product for inducing settlement of the smokeable product.