The present invention relates to an automated feed assembly for use with a pack seal tester. The automated feed assembly receives a plurality of cigarette packs into a testing column for advancement control of the packs to the tester. The automated feed assembly adjusts the flow of cigarette packs within the testing column through the use of a first, second and third push and hold mechanism which work in conjunction with a first and a second stop mechanism, all of which work in conjunction with each other to orderly advance the packs to a plunger and vacuum source for testing the seal strength of the cigarette pack seal.
The present invention refers to a machine for opening cigarette packs and inspecting cigarettes (1), used to recover cigarettes contained in soft cup type packs (72), comprising: cigarette pack accumulator (2); transfer channel (3); first drum (4); cigarette pack holding pouches (27); device for opening the flaps of the aluminum foil lining (28); guide means (42); flap pressing and label housing displacing device (29); unopened packs rejection device (52); second drum (5); guide means; cigarette storage bin (6); counter-rotating roll (54); inspection drum (9); cigarette inspection device (57); cigarette rejection device; storage bins for label housings (12), aluminum foil linings (13), and cigarettes (11); rejected packs storage bin (22); selected cigarettes collector belt (10); and frame (71).
