Tamp-and-stir apparatus and process therefor
A machine and method for packaging tobacco sachets, comprising a plurality of linearly arranged, multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers having fluid sealing means on lower portions thereof, conveyor means disposed below the plurality of multi-functional, vertically moveable chambers, and a lidding apparatus disposed downstream of and in communication with the plurality of vertically moveable chambers through the conveyor means.
1. A tamp and stir machine for processing a plurality of sachets in a package, the tamp and stir machine comprising:
a chamber vertically movable from a first chamber position to a second chamber position;
a piston vertically movable within the chamber from a first piston position within the chamber to a second piston position; and
a fluid spray nozzle within the chamber.
2. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein the fluid spray nozzle is on a lower surface of the piston.
3. The tamp and stir machine of claim 2 , wherein
the fluid spray nozzle is connected to both a liquid source and an air source, and
the fluid spray nozzle is configured to spray a liquid and distribute compressed air.
4. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , further comprising:
a fluid seal on a lower portion of the chamber.
5. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein the chamber includes a lower edge, the lower edge including a chamfered circumferential edge so as to provide a fluid seal when engaged with a circumferential edge of the package.
6. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the piston protrudes from the chamber when the chamber is in the first chamber position.
7. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein the piston includes a compression head on a lower face of the piston, the compression head configured to engage the plurality of sachets in the package.
8. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , further comprising:
a gas distribution nozzle configured to distribute compressed air.
9. The tamp and stir machine of claim 8 , wherein the gas distribution nozzle is in a lower portion of a wall of the chamber.
10. The tamp and stir machine of claim 8 , wherein the gas distribution nozzle is in a lower surface of the piston.
11. The tamp and stir machine of claim 8 , wherein the gas distribution nozzle is in fluid communication with a gas passage in the piston, the gas passage extending a length of the piston.
12. The tamp and stir machine of claim 11 , wherein the gas passage is in fluid communication with a gas inlet formed in a wall of the chamber.
13. The tamp and stir machine of claim 12 , wherein the gas inlet is connected to the gas passage by a pipe.
14. The tamp and stir machine of claim 12 , wherein the gas inlet is a compressed air inlet.
15. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein
the chamber includes a lower edge, the lower edge including a chamfered circumferential edge so as to provide a fluid seal when engaged with a circumferential edge of the package, and
the fluid spray nozzle is adjacent to the chamfered circumferential edge.
16. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sachets are tobacco sachets.
17. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , further comprising:
a conveyor below the chamber.
18. The tamp and stir machine of claim 17 , wherein the conveyor includes a pair of spiral feed screws.
19. The tamp and stir machine of claim 17 , wherein the conveyor includes a cleated belt.
20. The tamp and stir machine of claim 1 , wherein
the chamber includes a plurality of chambers, and
each chamber includes a piston and a fluid spray nozzle.