Patents by Inventor Robert William Benford
Robert William Benford 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).
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Patent number: 12178240Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a cigarette filter rod member defining a longitudinal axis. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit configured to insert a carrier carrying a plurality of frangible microcapsule objects into the rod member. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Margarette Elisa Lovette, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr., Jerry Wayne Pipes, William Robert Collett
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Publication number: 20230346010Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a cigarette filter rod member defining a longitudinal axis. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit configured to insert a carrier carrying a plurality of frangible microcapsule objects into the rod member. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Margarette Elisa Lovette, Quentin Paul Guenther, JR., Jerry Wayne Pipes, William Robert Collett
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Patent number: 11717024Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a cigarette filter rod member defining a longitudinal axis. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit configured to insert a carrier carrying a plurality of frangible microcapsule objects into the rod member. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Margarette Elisa Lovette, Quentin Paul Guenther, Jr., Jerry Wayne Pipes, William Robert Collett
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Patent number: 11383477Abstract: A method for manufacturing cigarette filter rods comprises providing a continuous supply of filter material in a direction of travel; forming the filter material into a continuous rod; and rotating a wheel in a vertical plane, in operable communication with the filter material such that a portion of the wheel contacts the filter material at a predetermined location, and such that general direction of travel of the rotating wheel and the filter material, when in contact, are in generally the same direction. The method also comprises providing a lower hopper in operable communication with the rotatable wheel; providing an upper hopper in operable communication with the lower hopper; and wrapping an overwrap material around the filter material. The method further comprises controlling speed of rotation of the wheel relative to feedback from an inspection system; and subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANYInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Publication number: 20200077695Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a cigarette filter rod member defining a longitudinal axis. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit configured to insert a carrier carrying a plurality of frangible microcapsule objects into the rod member. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Margarette Elisa Lovette, Quentin Paul Guenther, JR., Jerry Wayne Pipes, William Robert Collett
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Publication number: 20190029316Abstract: A method for manufacturing cigarette filter rods comprises providing a continuous supply of filter material in a direction of travel; forming the filter material into a continuous rod; and rotating a wheel in a vertical plane, in operable communication with the filter material such that a portion of the wheel contacts the filter material at a predetermined location, and such that general direction of travel of the rotating wheel and the filter material, when in contact, are in generally the same direction. The method also comprises providing a lower hopper in operable communication with the rotatable wheel; providing an upper hopper in operable communication with the lower hopper; and wrapping an overwrap material around the filter material. The method further comprises controlling speed of rotation of the wheel relative to feedback from an inspection system; and subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANYInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Patent number: 10123562Abstract: An apparatus for providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof, comprises means for providing a continuous supply of rod filter material, a first hopper means for providing a reservoir for objects, and a second hopper means for providing a plurality of individual objects. The second hopper means is positioned to receive objects from the first hopper means. The apparatus also comprises a reciprocating screen means between the first hopper means and the second hopper means, means for positioning individual objects from the second hopper to within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals, means for forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod, and means for subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANYInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Patent number: 9486010Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANYInventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Patent number: 9398777Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing rods formed from a continuous supply of filter material for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof. The apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and a reciprocating screen disposed between the first hopper and the second hopper. The reciprocating screen defines a plurality of passageways therein, and the reciprocating screen is configured to facilitate transfer of the objects from the first hopper to the second hopper. The apparatus also comprises an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Patent number: 9340367Abstract: A feeder system and associated method are provided for feeding rod components of a tobacco product, particularly a rod-shaped, cylindrical, or stick-type tobacco product, wherein such a tobacco product may be intended to be used in a smokeless manner. A hopper is configured to receive a plurality of rod components therein. A separator device is operably engaged with the hopper and is configured to receive one of the plurality of rod components at a time therefrom. An orienting device is operably engaged with the separator device. The orienting device is configured to receive the one of the plurality of rod components in a first orientation and to direct the one of the plurality of rod components into a second orientation, different from the first orientation, and toward a subsequent process.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Jerry Wayne Pipes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas
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Patent number: 9247770Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANYInventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Publication number: 20150208721Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material. The object insertion unit comprises a rotatable insertion wheel having a peripheral face, the peripheral face defining a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual objects therein; and a vacuum system disposed in operable communication with the insertion wheel and configured to apply a vacuum to at least a portion of the pockets to maintain the individual objects within the pockets during rotation of the insertion wheel. The upper hopper has an upper region that is adapted to contain and permit passage of objects and has a relatively high cross-sectional area relative to a lower region of the upper hopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Patent number: 9028385Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing rods formed from a continuous supply of filter material for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof. The apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and a reciprocating screen disposed between the first hopper and the second hopper. The reciprocating screen defines a plurality of passageways therein, and the reciprocating screen is configured to facilitate transfer of the objects from the first hopper to the second hopper. The apparatus also comprises an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Publication number: 20150047655Abstract: An apparatus for providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof, comprises means for providing a continuous supply of rod filter material, a first hopper means for providing a reservoir for objects, and a second hopper means for providing a plurality of individual objects. The second hopper means is positioned to receive objects from the first hopper means. The apparatus also comprises a reciprocating screen means between the first hopper means and the second hopper means, means for positioning individual objects from the second hopper to within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals, means for forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod, and means for subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Patent number: 8882647Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a filter tow processing unit adapted to supply filter tow to a continuous rod forming unit includes an object insertion unit that positions objects within the filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals. The apparatus also includes an upper hopper that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper. The lower hopper is shaped so that objects are stacked therein. The bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets, each pocket being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face in the upper region of the rotating wheel. Each object then is positioned at predetermined intervals within a continuous supply of filter material.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
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Publication number: 20140045665Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Patent number: 8574141Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Vernon Brent Barnes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Stephen Thomas Matthews, John Larkin Nelson, Travis Eugene Howard
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Publication number: 20130281277Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing rods formed from a continuous supply of filter material for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof. The apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and a reciprocating screen disposed between the first hopper and the second hopper. The reciprocating screen defines a plurality of passageways therein, and the reciprocating screen is configured to facilitate transfer of the objects from the first hopper to the second hopper. The apparatus also comprises an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: TIMOTHY FREDERICK THOMAS, ROBERT WILLIAM BENFORD, BARRY SMITH FAGG
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Publication number: 20130240326Abstract: A feeder system and associated method are provided for feeding rod components of a tobacco product, particularly a rod-shaped, cylindrical, or stick-type tobacco product, wherein such a tobacco product may be intended to be used in a smokeless manner. A hopper is configured to receive a plurality of rod components therein. A separator device is operably engaged with the hopper and is configured to receive one of the plurality of rod components at a time therefrom. An orienting device is operably engaged with the separator device. The orienting device is configured to receive the one of the plurality of rod components in a first orientation and to direct the one of the plurality of rod components into a second orientation, different from the first orientation, and toward a subsequent process.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Jerry Wayne Pipes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas
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Patent number: 8448647Abstract: A feeder system and associated method are provided for feeding rod components of a tobacco product, particularly a rod-shaped, cylindrical, or stick-type tobacco product, wherein such a tobacco product may be intended to be used in a smokeless manner. A hopper is configured to receive a plurality of rod components therein. A separator device is operably engaged with the hopper and is configured to receive one of the plurality of rod components at a time therefrom. An orienting device is operably engaged with the separator device. The orienting device is configured to receive the one of the plurality of rod components in a first orientation and to direct the one of the plurality of rod components into a second orientation, different from the first orientation, and toward a subsequent process.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Charles Jacob Novak, III, Jerry Wayne Pipes, Robert William Benford, Timothy Frederick Thomas