Patents by Inventor Steven F. Spiers
Steven F. Spiers 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).
-
Patent number: 8591390Abstract: A process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventor: Steven F. Spiers
-
Patent number: 8114002Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
-
Patent number: 8113211Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: James D. Evans, G. Robert Scott, Steven F. Spiers
-
Patent number: 8047208Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming two filters in a two-up configuration. The apparatus includes a feed wheel 18, an assembly wheel 20, a take-off wheel 22, and a flipping wheel 24. According to the method of the invention, tubes 10 are loaded from the feed wheel 18 to the assembly wheel 20 where one hollow end of the tubes is filled. The half-filled tubes 10? are then transferred to take-off wheel 22 and then to a flipping wheel 24 where the tubes are flipped. The half-filled and flipped tubes 10? are returned to vacant positions on the feed wheel and transferred back to the assembly wheel so that the remaining hollow ends can be filled. The filled tube 10?? is transferred to a take-off wheel 22, where it is then removed from the take off wheel 22 using a stripper and/or additional wheels for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, G. Robert Scott, Travis Garthaffner
-
Patent number: 7827994Abstract: The present invention is directed at various apparatus and methods for forming a sealed hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed tobacco column and paper under a tongue that widens and flattens the column and paper; forming the tobacco and paper into a cylindrical shape; forming an inner hollow core; maintaining the hollow core shape; and outputting the sealed hollow core tobacco rod.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Wesley G. Sanderson, Steven R. Rinehart
-
Patent number: 7784356Abstract: Inspection systems and methods for their use comprise: a movable carrier with spaced receptacles, each sized to accept a sample; a first pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a first movable member capable of reciprocally moving the first pin alternately into and out of contact with a first end of a sample disposed in one of the spaced receptacles; a second pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a second movable member capable of reciprocally moving the second pin alternately into and out of contact with a second end of the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; a measurement sensor capable of determining a value associated with the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; and an evaluation device in communication with the measurement sensor for receiving the value, the evaluation device providing a comparison between the value and a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner, Janet L. Thompson, Yeu-Hwa Shyy
-
Publication number: 20100210437Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
-
Patent number: 7713184Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
-
Patent number: 7674218Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: James D. Evans, Steven R. Rinehart, G. Robert Scott, Steven F. Spiers
-
Patent number: 7530209Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and processes for accurately positioning and rotating coupons for application on cigarette packs or pack film.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Steven M. Campbell, G. Robert Scott
-
Publication number: 20090118109Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
-
Publication number: 20090036284Abstract: A process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventor: Steven F. Spiers
-
Patent number: 7481757Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming filter tubes comprises delivering a filter element to a flute on a first drum having vacuum for securing the filter element thereto. First and second tube forming rollers axially engage opposite ends of the filter element. A second drum accepts and cuts a continuous paper web with a glue pattern thereon into paper pieces, and a cut paper piece is delivered to the filter element. The paper piece is then rolled around the filter element and the tube forming rollers to form a cylindrical shape. The tube forming rollers are axially disengaged to thereby produce a filter tube with hollow ends and a control positioned filter element.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Jeremy J. Straight
-
Patent number: 7479099Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: George R. Scott, Martin T. Garthaffner, Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Barry S. Smith, James D. Evans
-
Publication number: 20090005989Abstract: Inspection systems and methods for their use are described, wherein the systems comprise: a movable carrier having a plurality of spaced receptacles, each spaced receptacle sized to accept a sample; a first pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a first movable member capable of reciprocally moving the first pin alternately into and out of contact with a first end of a sample disposed in one of the spaced receptacles; a second pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a second movable member capable of reciprocally moving the second pin alternately into and out of contact with a second end of the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; a measurement sensor capable of determining a value associated with the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; and an evaluation device in communication with the measurement sensor for receiving the value, the evaluation device providing a comparison between the value and a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Jeremy J. Straight, Travis M. Garthaffner, Janet L. Thompson, Yeu-Hwa Shyy
-
Publication number: 20080283067Abstract: A method for making cigarettes comprising feeding tubing piece-by-piece to a vertical duct by opening and closing-timing gate operated by cam, accelerating tubing down to the vertical duct, with the help of vertical accelerator belts until the tubing becomes captured into the hopper holder, picking the tubing with an articulate tubing holder located on a transferring drum, lowering to the garniture, and releasing the tubing under the registration lagged-belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Steven R. Rinehart, Loren Duvekot, Michael Braunshteyn, Martin T. Garthaffner, Gregory A. Lyaker
-
Publication number: 20080230080Abstract: The present invention is directed at various apparatus and methods for forming a sealed hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed tobacco column and paper under a tongue that widens and flattens the column and paper; forming the tobacco and paper into a cylindrical shape; forming an inner hollow core; maintaining the hollow core shape; and outputting the sealed hollow core tobacco rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Wesley G. Sanderson, Steven R. Rinehart
-
Publication number: 20080160123Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming filter tubes comprises delivering a filter element to a flute on a first drum having vacuum for securing the filter element thereto. First and second tube forming rollers axially engage opposite ends of the filter element. A second drum accepts and cuts a continuous paper web with a glue pattern thereon into paper pieces, and a cut paper piece is delivered to the filter element. The paper piece is then rolled around the filter element and the tube forming rollers to form a cylindrical shape. The tube forming rollers are axially disengaged to thereby produce a filter tube with hollow ends and a control positioned filter element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Steven F. Spiers, Jeremy J. Straight
-
Publication number: 20080156337Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: James D. Evans, Steven R. Rinehart, G. Robert Scott, Steven F. Spiers
-
Publication number: 20080078416Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: April 3, 2008Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: James D. Evans, G. Robert Scott, Steven F. Spiers