18973711. APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING LOOSE PRODUCT (Altria Client Services LLC)

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING LOOSE PRODUCT

Organization Name

Altria Client Services LLC

Inventor(s)

Barry S. Smith of Hopewell VA US

Steven R. Rinehart of Chesterfield VA US

Danielle R. Crawford of Chester VA US

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING LOOSE PRODUCT

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18973711 titled 'APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING LOOSE PRODUCT

Original Abstract Submitted

An apparatus for packaging of loose product includes a loading station, a box forming station and an uploading station. The loading station includes moveable chutes in spaced apart relation. Each chute has an open top, an open upstream end, and an open downstream end. The open top is configured to receive loose product while moving along a first feed path. The box forming station is operable to partially erect boxes in spaced apart relation with first and second open sides and align the first open side of each box with the downstream end of a corresponding chute while moving along a second feed path. The unloading station includes a stationary vacuum head in communication with the second open side of each box. The vacuum head provides a continuous vacuum source along the second feed path operable to move loose product from the chute into the boxes.