Patents by Inventor David Wayne Tatum

David Wayne Tatum has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method and apparatus for collecting and transporting cigarettes and cigarette rejects
    Patent number: 6514014
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises a receptacle having a receiving opening and an insertion opening for receiving rejects, a conduit having a first end and a second end and communicating with the insertion opening, and means for providing a fluid flow in the conduit for transporting the rejects. A method of collecting and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises directing the rejects into a fluid stream whereby such rejects may be transported transporting the rejects in the fluid stream to a predetermined location in the cigarette manufacturing process, and separating the rejects from the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Holmes, Philip Andrew Deal, David Wayne Tatum