Inspection device for quality control of strip-shaped products

Abstract

This invention relates to an inspection device for quality control of strip-shaped articles, the device comprising: a roller (4) defining an outer surface (13, 40) and including a plurality of seats (41), each of the plurality of seats (41) being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article; a sensing sensor (5) located at one of the plurality of seats (41), the sensing sensor (5) including a coil (51), the coil defining an internal volume (50) sufficiently large to receive an end of the strip-shaped article therein, the sensing sensor (5) being adapted to sense characteristics of a receptor (12) in the strip-shaped article; wherein the coil (51) includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil, the first half-coil being a first half-coil and a second half-coil being a second ... being a second half-coil and a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil and a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil and a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil and a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil and a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil and a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-coil being a second half-co Half-coil and / or second half-coil are movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa. In the first operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in contact with each other to form a coil (51) in which current can flow. In the second operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are separated from each other and current cannot flow. The first half-coil is located below the outer surface (13, 40) of the roller (4) and the second half-coil is located above the outer surface (13, 40) of the roller (4). An actuator (6) is adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil from the first operating position to the second operating position and vice versa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inspection device for quality control of strip-shaped products, particularly aerosol-generating products, wherein a conductive strip capable of being inductively heated is inserted into the aerosol-generating material (such as a sensor in a tobacco segment). Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating apparatuses, including an aerosol forming matrix and an induction heating device, are known. The induction heating device includes an induction source that generates an alternating electromagnetic field, which induces eddy currents and hysteresis losses in a sensor. The sensor is in thermal proximity to the aerosol forming matrix, such as a tobacco matrix. The heated sensor then heats the aerosol forming matrix, which comprises a material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols.

[0003] In some components, the receptor is located inside the component of the aerosol-generating article. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Due to manufacturing tolerances, it is possible for the receptors in a component to be out of the desired position or not properly oriented. If the receptors are held in the wrong position or orientation, product consistency may be lacking in terms of aerosol delivery when the component is used in an aerosol generation device.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to detect such defects as early as possible to ensure that only compatible products are produced and to avoid unnecessary costs and waste.

[0006] Furthermore, components, including those containing sensors, are processed at high speeds, such as 5,000 components per minute. Therefore, the time window for inspecting such components to determine if they meet production requirements is relatively short. For example, when components are positioned in the rollers of the combiner, the components rotate at high speeds, and the time window for sensors to capture the data needed to assess the shape, position, or presence or absence of sensors is approximately 200 milliseconds.

[0007] Therefore, it is desirable to detect defects related to the receptors at a relatively high speed.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for quality control of strip-shaped articles, comprising a roller defining an outer surface and including a plurality of seats, each of the plurality of seats being adapted to receive the strip-shaped article. The inspection apparatus preferably includes a sensing sensor positioned at one of the plurality of seats, the sensing sensor including a coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive an end of the strip-shaped article therein, the sensing sensor being adapted to sense characteristics of a receptor in the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the coil includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa, in the first operating position being in contact with each other to form the coil in which current can flow, and in the second operating position being separated from each other.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, a strip-shaped article is provided. The strip-shaped article may be a component, for example, of an aerosol-generating article. The component preferably has a strip shape. Preferably, the strip-shaped article defines a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the strip-shaped article defines a first end and a second end.

[0010] Preferably, the cross-section of the strip-shaped article along a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is circular or elliptical. However, the strip-shaped article may also have a rectangular or polygonal cross-section. The strip-shaped article includes an outer surface (preferably generally cylindrical) extending along the longitudinal axis. In the case of a generally cylindrical strip-shaped article, the longitudinal axis corresponds to the axis of a cylinder.

[0011] Preferably, the strip-shaped article comprises an aerosol-generating article, a component of an aerosol-generating article, or one or more components of an aerosol-generating article. The component of the aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix may include homogenized tobacco material.

[0012] The strip-shaped article further includes a receptor. The receptor is preferably in thermal contact with an aerosol-forming matrix. This thermal contact generates heat to the aerosol-forming matrix. Upon heating, the aerosol-forming matrix releases aerosols. Preferably, the receptor is surrounded by the aerosol-forming matrix. Preferably, the receptor is completely inserted into a component of the strip-shaped article, i.e., the receptor is not visible from the outside of the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the receptor is surrounded by the aerosol-forming matrix in all directions.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor defines a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the sensor is closer to the first end of the bar-shaped article than to the second end of the bar-shaped article. Given a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and dividing the bar-shaped article into a first half including the first end and a second half including the second end, preferably, the sensor is mainly in the first half. Preferably, the sensor is located at or near the first end of the bar-shaped article. Preferably, the sensor is fully inserted into a component of the bar-shaped article. Preferably, the sensor extends from the first end to the second end of the component of the bar-shaped article. Preferably, the sensor defines a longitudinal axis. Preferably, the sensor is inserted into the bar-shaped article such that the longitudinal axis of the sensor is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar-shaped article. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the sensor is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bar-shaped article or forms an angle less than 20 degrees. More preferably, the longitudinal axis of the sensor and the longitudinal axis of the bar-shaped article are aligned.

[0014] The longitudinal axis of the sensor can be the axis of symmetry of the sensor.

[0015] The sensor is implemented by a conductive material. Preferably, the sensor is implemented by a metal. Preferably, the sensor is implemented by a ferromagnetic material. Although the sensor is implemented by a conductive material, it can be covered by other materials such as solids (such as a layer of a different material) or liquids (such as gels).

[0016] Preferably, the sensor has the shape of a strip. Preferably, its thickness is between 30 microns and 60 microns. Preferably, the length of the sensor is between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters.

[0017] Preferably, the bar-shaped article is wrapped in a wrapping sheet.

[0018] The present invention further includes providing a drum. The drum defines a drum rotation axis, and the drum is adapted to rotate about the drum rotation axis. For example, the drum can be mechanically driven by a drum drive including gears or a toothed belt. The drum can be driven by an electric drum drive. The drum is preferably cylindrical in shape and includes an outer surface. The outer surface is, for example, a substantially cylindrical surface having the drum rotation axis as the geometric center.

[0019] The drum is adapted to convey and rotate the bar-shaped article. Preferably, the drum is adapted to convey multiple bar-shaped articles and rotate multiple bar-shaped articles. Preferably, the drum is adapted to convey N bar-shaped articles and rotate N bar-shaped articles, where 5 < N < 100, more preferably 20 < N < 50. In some embodiments, the drum includes 40 seats.

[0020] The roller includes at least one seat. Preferably, the seat is formed on the outer surface of the roller. The roller is preferably adapted to hold the strip-shaped article in the seat during conveying. For example, the roller is adapted to hold the strip-shaped article in the seat during rotation of the roller about its axis of rotation. The seat preferably extends longitudinally along the seat axis. The seat is adapted to receive the strip-shaped article as the roller rotates. Preferably, the strip-shaped article is disposed in the seat, wherein its longitudinal axis is parallel to the seat axis. Preferably, each seat is configured such that the strip-shaped article can be received in each seat when the seat axis and the longitudinal axis of the strip-shaped article are parallel. More preferably, the seat axis and the longitudinal axis of the strip-shaped article are aligned. The seat is preferably adapted to receive a single strip-shaped article.

[0021] Preferably, the axis of the seat is parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. Therefore, when the strip-shaped article is positioned in the seat, the longitudinal axis of the strip-shaped article is preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. Preferably, all seats are formed on the circumferential surface of the roller. More preferably, the seats are equally spaced around the outer surface of the roller.

[0022] Preferably, all seats present in the roller have the same geometry. For example, each seat includes a receiving surface adapted to contact the outer surface of the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the receiving surface includes a portion of a recessed surface (e.g., a cylindrical surface). The receiving surface is a portion of the outer surface of the roller. The receiving surface may be a portion of a cylindrical surface having a diameter equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the strip-shaped article conveyed by the roller. The axis of the receiving surface defines the axis of the seat.

[0023] Preferably, the axis of the seat is parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller, so that when the strip-shaped product is positioned in the seat of the roller, its longitudinal axis is parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller.

[0024] Preferably, the roller further includes a first side surface and a second side surface located on two opposite sides of the outer surface. Preferably, the seat extends from the first side surface to the opposite second side surface. The seat may reach the first side surface or the second side surface or both, such that the seat is "open" at both ends. Alternatively, the ends of the seat may not reach the first side surface or the second side surface, and in this case, the seat is a "closed" seat.

[0025] Preferably, each seat includes a suction port connected to a suction system or pneumatic system, the suction port being adapted to hold the strip-shaped product in the seat by suction as the roller rotates. For example, depending on the size and weight of the strip-shaped product, more than one port may be present.

[0026] At least one seat of the roller is associated with an inductive sensor. More preferably, multiple seats of the roller, and even more preferably all seats of the roller, are associated with an inductive sensor. In the technical field, inductive sensor and induction sensor are synonyms. An inductive sensor uses an electric current induced by a magnetic field to detect nearby conductive objects, such as metallic objects. The inductive sensor includes a coil as a sensor to generate a magnetic field, such as a high-frequency magnetic field. If a conductive object, such as a sensor embedded in the strip, is present near the changing magnetic field, a current will flow in the conductive object. This resulting current in the conductive object forms a new magnetic field that is opposite to the original magnetic field formed by the current flowing in the coil. The net effect is that it changes the impedance, such as resistance, of the system "coil and sensor" in the inductive sensor. By measuring the impedance or a parametric function of impedance, the sensor can determine when conductive material is brought into the vicinity of the inductive sensor. The change in impedance depends on the type of conductive material used to make the object, the distance between the object and the sensor, and the size and shape of the object.

[0027] The sensing sensor can be, for example, a Texas Instruments integrated circuit LCD 1101. Preferably, the sensing sensor measures the resistance equivalent to that of the resonator. The sensing sensor can measure the impedance and resonant frequency of the equivalent system "coil and resonator" by adjusting the oscillation amplitude at a constant level in a closed-loop configuration while monitoring the energy dissipated by the resonator. By monitoring the amount of power injected into the resonator, the sensing sensor can determine the equivalent parallel resistance of the resonator, which it returns as a digital value.

[0028] Therefore, the sensing sensors are associated with the seats of the roller, preferably multiple sensing sensors are associated with multiple seats of the roller (one sensor per seat) to detect the characteristics of the receptors embedded in the strip article.

[0029] A receptor's characteristics may include its presence or absence. A receptor's characteristics may include its length. Receptor properties may indicate the nature or consistency of its shape or composition. A sensing sensor can detect more than one property of a receptor. These properties may also include the size of the receptor and the mass of the material in which the receptor is formed.

[0030] The characteristics of the sensor to be measured are preferably measured by measuring a parametric function of the impedance of the coil or system "coil and sensor".

[0031] The impedance parameter function is preferably the impedance Z of the coil itself, or the equivalent resistance of the coil, or the inductance of the coil.

[0032] The sensing sensor includes a coil defining an internal volume. This internal volume is defined by the windings of the coil. For example, the sensing sensor includes a cylindrical coil comprising multiple windings of wire. Preferably, the coil does not include a core; that is, the internal volume comprises air. Preferably, the internal volume of the coil is large enough that the strip-shaped article can be at least partially inserted into the coil. The total length of the coil is preferably longer than the length of the sensor. The length of the sensor, when measured, refers to its nominal length. For proper insertion, the inner diameter of the coil is preferably wider than the diameter of the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the coil defines a longitudinal axis, hereinafter referred to as the coil axis.

[0033] Preferably, the strip is inserted into the coil of the sensing sensor. Insertion can be complete, meaning the entire strip is contained within the internal volume of the coil, or it can be partial, meaning only a portion of the strip is contained within the internal volume of the coil. However, preferably, the strip is inserted into the coil such that the entire sensor is located within the internal volume of the coil at the end of insertion.

[0034] Preferably, the coil of the sensing sensor is mounted at the seat of the roller with the coil axis and the seat axis parallel to each other. This also preferably means that the coil axis and the longitudinal axis of the strip (when present in the seat) are also parallel.

[0035] A sensing sensor is used to measure the characteristics of receptors inside a strip-shaped article. For this purpose, the inspection device preferably includes a control unit. Preferably, the control unit is electrically connected to the sensing sensor. The control unit processes signals from the sensing sensor to evaluate the characteristics of the receptors. The control unit can be part of the sensing sensor.

[0036] In order to insert the strip-shaped product into the sensor, relative movement occurs between the strip-shaped product and the sensor.

[0037] Preferably, the insertion of the strip into the coil is made from the first end of the strip. The receptor is preferably closer to the first end than the second end, so that insertion from the first end requires a shorter coil to fully insert the receptor into the internal volume of the coil compared to insertion from the second end. In this way, only a limited portion of the strip needs to enter the coil to study the characteristics of the receptor.

[0038] The coil comprises a first half-coil and a second half-coil. The first half-coil and the second half-coil are two portions of the coil taken along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coil. Therefore, the first half-coil and the second half-coil can have different sizes. More preferably, when taken along a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the coil, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are each half of the coil. Each half-coil comprises multiple half-windings. Each half-winding is, for example, an arc of a circumference, more preferably half a circumference. The arc of the circumference of the first half-coil and the corresponding arc of the circumference of the second half-coil form the winding of the coil. The first half-coil and the second half-coil are movable relative to each other. The movement performed by the first half-coil, or the second half-coil, or both, is preferably translation, i.e., linear movement. The first half-coil and the second half-coil can be in a first operating position, in which the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in contact such that a complete coil is formed, and current can flow into the winding of the coil. In this first operating position, each half-winding of the first half-coil corresponds to a half-winding of the second coil. Furthermore, each half-winding of the first half-coil corresponds to a half-winding of the second half-coil. In this first operating position, the contact between the first and second half-coils allows current to flow into the coil formed by the two half-coils. Therefore, the sensing sensor can detect the characteristics of the sensor. For example, a conductive strip can be formed on the outer surface of the roller, wherein either the second or first half-coil slides on the outer surface.

[0039] The first and second half-coils can be in a second operating state in which they are located at a given distance from each other. In this second operating position, not all windings are complete, or no windings are complete. A "distance" exists between the first and second half-coils. The existence of this distance means that at least one half-winding of the first half-coil does not correspond to a half-winding of the second half-coil. Preferably, in the second operating position, the two half-coils are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the coils, with one half-coil following the other and a gap between them. If, in the second operating position, some half-windings of the first half-coil contact some half-windings of the second half-coil, current can flow in the few complete windings formed; however, this is not measured in this configuration. Alternatively, in the second operating position, current cannot flow in the coils. The flow of current depends on the type of electrical contact between the first and second half-coils.

[0040] The first half-coil and the second half-coil can move from the first operating position to the second operating position, and vice versa.

[0041] When it is said that "the first half-coil and the second half-coil can move from the first operating position to the second operating position", it means that only the first half-coil can move, only the second half-coil can move, or both the first half-coil and the second half-coil can move.

[0042] The movements of the first and second half-coils can be as follows: The first half-coil can move linearly relative to the second half-coil. The second half-coil is integral with the outer surface of the roller; that is, the second half-coil rotates with the outer surface but does not move relative to it (i.e., the second half-coil is stationary relative to the outer surface). Alternatively, the second half-coil can move linearly relative to the first half-coil. The first half-coil is stationary relative to the outer surface of the roller; that is, the first half-coil rotates with the outer surface but does not move relative to it. Alternatively, both the first and second half-coils can move relative to each other. Each of the first and second half-coils can perform a reciprocating motion toward and away from the other.

[0043] The first half-coil is positioned below the outer surface of the drum. The term "below the surface" means that the first half-coil extends radially inward within the drum. To form an electrical connection with the second half-coil, the end of the half-winding of the first half-coil protrudes from the outer surface of the drum, allowing for an electrical connection with the half-winding of the second half-coil. Preferably, the end of the half-winding of the first half-coil is substantially flush with the outer surface of the drum.

[0044] The second half-coil preferably extends above the outer surface of the roller. The roller may include, for example, tracks, such as a pair of tracks for each seat, wherein the second half-coil extends toward and away from the first half-coil.

[0045] The outer surface of the roller may also include conductive strips to allow the second half-coil to slide toward and away from the first half-coil, while simultaneously ensuring electrical connection between the two half-coils.

[0046] The outer surface may include an electric rail on which the first half-coil moves, such that when the relative positions of the first half-coil and the second half-coil form the complete coil (the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in the first operating position), the end of the half-winding of the first half-coil corresponds to the end of the half-winding of the second half-coil, and since the conductive rail exists between them, current can flow in the winding thus formed.

[0047] The first half-coil, the second half-coil, or both are moved by an actuator. The actuator may be a linear actuator. Preferably, the movement is linear in a direction parallel to the coil axis. Preferably, the movement is linear in a direction parallel to the axis of the seat. For example, the actuator may include a pneumatic actuator comprising a piston. The piston is fixed to the second half-coil to move toward and away from the first half-coil. The actuator may include a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0048] In operation, the strip is positioned in the seat of the roller, where a sensor detects the characteristics of a sensor. The sensor measures a parametric function of the coil's impedance. The sensor measurements are preferably repeatable, i.e., several measurements of the sensor's characteristics are taken during the insertion of the strip into the coil. Preferably, several measurements are also taken when the strip is removed from the coil. The positioning of the strip in the seat can be attributed, for example, to transfer from another roller or from a conveyor. Preferably, at the moment of transfer to the seat of the strip, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in a second operating position, making the positioning of the strip in the seat possible. For example, the positioning is such that the strip is at least partially above the first half-coil.

[0049] When the strip-shaped product is located in the seat, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are moved to the first operating position by the actuator, thereby forming a coil. When the first half-coil and the second half-coil are moved to the first operating position, the second half-coil slides over the strip-shaped product to surround a portion of the strip-shaped product.

[0050] In a coil, current flows along its entire length, allowing for the detection of the characteristics of the sensor. The detection by the inductive sensor may involve the presence or absence of the sensor. If the sensor is absent, no eddy currents are generated, and the magnetic field formed by the coil remains unchanged. Furthermore, the measurements performed by the inductive sensor may be related to the size of the sensor. The signal output by the inductive sensor depends on the material, size, shape, and distance of the sensor. When the material is known and the distance is measurable, the size or shape of the sensor can be measured. When the size is known (e.g., by knowing the weight), the size of the sensor can be obtained, for example, from the minimum or maximum value of the signal related to the impedance of the system "coil and sensor" measured by the inductive sensor. In practice, the impedance of the "coil and sensor" also depends on the characteristics of the sensor.

[0051] Therefore, once positioned on the seat of the roller, movement of the strip is unnecessary to obtain the sensor's characteristics. Measurements can be very fast due to the ability to perform rapid measurements using an inductive sensor. Complex mechanical parts are not required to move the strip. The strip avoids deformation caused by improper handling within the roller.

[0052] Preferably, the inspection device includes a control unit. Preferably, the control unit communicates with a sensing sensor. Preferably, the sensing sensor is adapted to generate one or more signals relative to the characteristics of the sensor, said one or more signals being sent to the control unit.

[0053] Preferably, the inspection device includes a control unit adapted to command an actuator to move either the first half-coil or the second half-coil, or both, from the second operating position to the first operating position when the strip article is on the seat. For placing the strip article in the seat of the roller, preferably, the seat is "empty," i.e., no other object should be positioned above the seat to prevent the positioning of the strip article. The strip article can be transferred to the seat of the roller, for example, from another roller or from a conveyor. Therefore, preferably, when the strip article is positioned in the seat, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are separated from each other in the second operating position, such that the volume above the seat is "empty," and the strip article can be positioned in the seat without any obstruction. When the strip article is in the seat, moving the first half-coil and the second half-coil to the first operating position allows for the detection of the sensor's characteristics. Therefore, the actuator moves either the first half-coil or the second half-coil until the half-winding of the first half-coil corresponds to the complementary half-winding of the second half-coil. The control unit commands the actuator to move the second half-coil until it reaches the first operating position. The command from the control unit can be triggered by another sensor that senses the presence or absence of the strip-shaped article in the seat. Therefore, when the sensor senses the presence of the strip-shaped article, it sends a signal to the control unit, which then sends a signal to the actuator to position the first and second half-coils in the first operating position, and this can be detected by the sensing sensor. Alternatively, the command sent by the control unit to the actuator is synchronized with the rotation of the roller. As the roller rotates, the control unit is adapted to receive or determine the roller angular velocity and the insertion point of the strip-shaped article in the roller. Based on this information, the control unit can calculate the angular position of each strip-shaped article in the roller. The control unit can command the actuator in the seat, where the sensing sensor is located, to move the first and second half-coils from the second operating position to the first operating position at a given frequency.

[0054] Preferably, the seat includes a receiving surface that is part of the outer surface of the roller, and the first half-coil is located below the receiving surface of the seat. Preferably, the first half-coil is located below the receiving surface of the seat where the strip-shaped article is located. The second half-coil preferably moves from a first operating position to a second operating position, in which the second half-coil is above the seat, and in the second operating position, the second half-coil is not above the seat. In the second operating position, the second half-coil moves toward the end of the seat. For example, the second half-coil moves toward the side surface of the roller. Preferably, the movement of the second half-coil is along a direction parallel to the axis of the seat.

[0055] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for quality control of strip-shaped articles, the apparatus comprising: a roller including a plurality of seats, each of the plurality of seats being adapted to receive the strip-shaped article. The inspection apparatus may include a sensing sensor located at one of the seats, the sensing sensor including a coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive an end of the strip-shaped article therein, the sensing sensor being adapted to sense characteristics of a receptor in the strip-shaped article. The inspection apparatus may include a compressed air system aligned with one of the seats. The inspection apparatus may include an actuator adapted to activate the compressed air system to blow air to push the strip-shaped article into the coil when it is located in the seat.

[0056] For example, the compressed air system may include nozzles adapted to inject a stream of compressed air. The main direction of the compressed air stream is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seat. Therefore, preferably, the compressed air stream impinges on one end of the strip-shaped article and pushes the strip-shaped article toward the coil. Preferably, the coil is aligned with the seat, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the coil is parallel to or coincides with the longitudinal axis of the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the coil is parallel to the average axis of the compressed air stream.

[0057] Preferably, the compressed air system includes a second nozzle for injecting a compressed air flow opposite to the first compressed air flow to push the strip-shaped article outside the coil. Preferably, the second nozzle faces the first nozzle at a given distance. Preferably, the given distance is longer than the length of the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the first nozzle and the second nozzle are located on opposite sides of the coil.

[0058] The internal volume of the coil is such that the strip can be inserted into the coil at least partially from one of its ends.

[0059] In this respect, the rollers and strips are the same as in the previous aspects, and their characteristics are not repeated here. Furthermore, the characteristics of the sensor to be measured are as described in the previous aspects.

[0060] In this respect, the relative movement between the strip and the sensing sensor includes at least the movement of the strip toward the coil of the sensing sensor. Preferably, the relative movement includes only the movement of the strip toward the coil of the sensing sensor. The coil of the sensing sensor is preferably fixed to the outer surface of the roller and moves with the outer surface of the roller, that is, the coil is stationary relative to the outer surface of the roller. Therefore, the coil rotates together with the outer surface of the roller. Preferably, the strip is positioned in the seat. After being positioned in the seat, the strip is inserted into the coil of the sensing sensor by means of a compressed airflow.

[0061] When the strip product is positioned in the seat of the roller, it is inserted by the injection of compressed air.

[0062] Preferably, the inspection device includes a control unit. Preferably, the control unit communicates with a sensing sensor. Preferably, the sensing sensor is adapted to generate one or more signals regarding the characteristics of the sensor. These characteristics may include: the presence or absence of the sensor, the size of the sensor, and the mass of the material forming the sensor. Preferably, the control unit communicates with the sensing sensor.

[0063] Preferably, the inductive sensor is adapted to transmit a signal that is a parametric function representing the impedance of the coil.

[0064] Preferably, the inspection device includes a control unit adapted to command a compressed air system to inject a compressed air stream when the strip article is on the seat. The seat may be empty when no strip article is positioned therein. Alternatively, the seat may contain the strip article located therein. Preferably, the compressed air system is activated when the strip article is in the seat, i.e., a compressed air stream is preferably injected. In this way, the compressed air stream can push the strip article into the coil of a sensing sensor. The strip article may be transferred, for example, from another roller or from a conveyor to the seat of the roller. When the strip article is in the seat, preferably, the control unit commands the compressed air system to inject an air stream. The command from the control unit may be triggered by another sensor that senses the presence or absence of the strip article in the seat. Thus, when the sensor senses the presence of the strip article, the sensor sends a signal to the control unit, which in turn sends a signal to the compressed air system to inject an air stream to push the strip article into the coil. As the roller rotates, the control unit is adapted to receive or determine the roller angular velocity and the insertion point of the strip-shaped product within the roller. Based on this information, the control unit can calculate the angular position of each strip-shaped product in the roller. The control unit can command the compressed air system at a given frequency so that it injects airflow into the seat only when the seat is occupied by a strip-shaped product.

[0065] A single compressed air system can exist for all seats in a plurality of seats. The compressed air system can be located on one side of the outer surface of the roller. The compressed air system preferably faces a first side surface or a second side surface of the roller. The compressed air system can be stationary, i.e., it does not rotate with the roller. The compressed air system can inject a stream of compressed air to a single seat at regular time intervals. However, the compressed air system can inject a stream of compressed air into several of the plurality of seats as multiple seats pass in front of the nozzle of the compressed air system. The nozzle is stationary, while the seats move in front of the nozzle due to the rotation of the roller. Whenever a new seat is present in front of the nozzle, a new stream of air is preferably injected.

[0066] Preferably, in any respect, the roller has an axis of rotation and each of the plurality of seats defines a seat axis, the seat axis and the axis of rotation being parallel to each other. Preferably, the seat axes of all seats are parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller. Preferably, all seat axes are parallel to each other. This may further mean that when the strip is located in the seat, the longitudinal axis of the strip is parallel to the axis of rotation. To determine the characteristics of the sensor, relative movement between the strip and the coil is required (e.g., half-coil movement, or strip movement, or both). The configuration of the strip being parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller maximizes the number of strips that the roller can accommodate simultaneously.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the coil is between 20 mm and 40 mm. Preferably, the length of the coil is longer than the length of the sensor, such that the entire sensor can be inserted into the coil. The length of the coil is determined along the coil axis.

[0068] Preferably, the inspection device includes a control unit electrically connected to the inductive sensor. Preferably, the control unit is adapted to receive a signal from the inductive sensor and compare the signal with a threshold. The inductive sensor preferably measures a parametric function of the impedance of a system or coil formed by a coil and a sensor. In a sensor made of conductive material, eddy currents are generated, which in turn form a magnetic field. The parametric function of impedance measured by the inductive sensor depends on the characteristics of the sensor. In some embodiments of the inductive sensor, the inductive sensor measures resistance. In particular, the inductive sensor is adapted to measure the series resistance equivalent to that of the sensor. Preferably, the sensor is considered acceptable if its resistance, measured by the inductive sensor, is between 200 milliohms and 500 milliohms. Since the composition of the sensor is known, comparison with a threshold allows the characteristics of the sensor to be determined.

[0069] Considering that no other conductive objects are typically included in the strip article besides the sensor, there is no change in the impedance of the coil in the absence of the sensor in the strip article.

[0070] More preferably, the control unit is adapted to calculate the length of the sensor located within the strip-shaped article. The length of the sensor can be calculated by examining changes in the signal emitted by the sensing sensor based on the position of the strip-shaped article within the coil. The signal emitted by the sensing sensor depends on the impedance of the system coil and the sensor. This impedance reaches its maximum (or minimum) level when the entire sensor is inside the coil, and begins to decrease (or increase) once the end of the sensor leaves the coil. By comparing this signal with the position of the strip-shaped article within the coil, it is possible to determine the exact length of the sensor.

[0071] Preferably, a rejection device is provided, adapted to reject strip articles based on signals emitted by a sensing sensor. If the sensing sensor detects that one of the characteristics of a receptor within the strip article is outside specifications—for example, the receptor is absent or its length is too short or too long—the strip article is preferably not further processed. For example, the strip article containing a "defective" receptor is transferred to a rejection roller, which is different from the roller used to transfer strip articles containing valid receptors. Preferably, the control unit controls a suction system that holds the strip article in the seat such that strip articles containing defective receptors are discharged from the seat differently from strip articles containing valid receptors. Preferably, the distinction between valid and defective receptors is made by the control unit. Preferably, the distinction is based on the characteristics of the receptors sensed by the sensing sensor.

[0072] Preferably, the roller includes multiple sensing sensors, with one sensing sensor in each of the multiple seats. This allows for the rapid inspection of multiple strip-shaped products.

[0073] Preferably, the coil has a diameter between 10 mm and 20 mm. The diameter of the coil considered herein is the inner diameter of the coil, i.e., the usable diameter for insertion into the strip-shaped article. The size of the coil allows the strip-shaped article to be inserted.

[0074] Preferably, the seat defines a seat axis, and the coil defines a coil axis, the coil axis and the seat axis being preferably parallel to each other. To measure the characteristics of the sensor, the strip is inserted into the coil. If the coil and the strip have corresponding parallel axes, the relative movement to be performed between the coil and the strip is a simple linear movement. Therefore, the mechanical construction is relatively simple.

[0075] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an inspection device comprising: a first roller including a first plurality of seats, each of the first plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article, the first roller defining a first outer surface. The inspection device may further include a first sensing sensor positioned at one of the seats, the first sensing sensor including a first coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive a first end of the strip-shaped article therein, the first sensing sensor being adapted to sense characteristics of a first sensor in the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the first coil includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa, in the first operating position being in contact with each other to form a first coil in which current can flow, and in the second operating position being separated from each other. Preferably, the first half-coil is located below the first outer surface of the first roller, and the second half-coil is located above the first outer surface of the first roller. The inspection device may further include a first actuator adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil of the first coil in a first roller from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa. The inspection device may further include a second roller including a second plurality of seats, each of the second plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article, the second roller defining a second outer surface. The inspection device may further include a second sensing sensor located at one of the seats in the second plurality of seats, the second sensing sensor including a second coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive a second end of the strip-shaped article therein, the second sensing sensor being adapted to sense characteristics of a second sensor in the strip-shaped article. Preferably, the second coil includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa, in the first operating position being in contact with each other to form a second coil in which current can flow, and in the second operating position being separated from each other. Preferably, the first half-coil of the second coil is located below the second outer surface, and the second half-coil of the second coil is located above the second outer surface. The inspection device may further include a second actuator adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil of the second coil in the second roller from a first operating position to a second operating position, and vice versa. Preferably, the first roller and the second roller are substantially tangential to allow the strip-shaped article to be transferred from the first roller to the second roller.

[0076] The inspection device essentially comprises two rollers, namely a first roller and a second roller, each of which is implemented according to the first aspect of the invention described above. When the strip-shaped article includes a first sensor and a second sensor, it is preferable to use two rollers. Preferably, the first sensor and the second sensor are located at two opposite distal ends of the strip-shaped article. Thus, the first roller, having a first sensing sensor, is used to inspect the first end of the strip-shaped article where the first sensor is present. The second roller, having a second sensing sensor, is used to inspect the second end of the strip-shaped article where the second sensor is present. In the first roller, the relative movement between the strip-shaped article and the coil is along a first axis, while in the second roller, the relative movement between the strip-shaped article and the coil is along an axis parallel to the first axis, but in the opposite direction. Preferably, after inspection in the first roller where the first sensor is present, the strip-shaped article is transferred to the second roller. Preferably, this transfer is performed only if the first sensor is defect-free. The transfer is performed according to standard methods in the art. Thus, rapid and complete inspection of both the first and second sensors is achieved.

[0077] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to an inspection device comprising: a first roller including a first plurality of seats, each of the first plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article. The inspection device preferably includes a first sensing sensor located at one of the seats, the first sensing sensor including a first coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive a first end of the strip-shaped article therein, the first sensing sensor being adapted to sense characteristics of a first sensor in the strip-shaped article. The inspection device preferably includes a first compressed air system aligned with one of the seats in the first plurality of seats. The inspection device preferably includes a first actuator adapted to activate the first compressed air system to blow air and push the strip-shaped article toward the interior of the first coil of the first roller when the strip-shaped article is located in one of the seats in the first plurality of seats. The inspection device preferably includes a second roller including a second plurality of seats, each of the second plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article. The inspection device preferably includes a second sensing sensor positioned at a seat in one of the second plurality of seats. The second sensing sensor includes a second coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive a second end of the strip-shaped article therein. The second sensing sensor is adapted to sense characteristics of a first sensor in the strip-shaped article. The inspection device preferably includes a second compressed air system aligned with a seat in one of the second plurality of seats. The inspection device preferably includes a second actuator adapted to activate the second compressed air system to blow air and push the strip-shaped article into the second coil of the second roller when the strip-shaped article is located in a seat in one of the second plurality of seats. Preferably, the first roller and the second roller are substantially tangential to allow the strip-shaped article to be transferred from the first roller to the second roller.

[0078] The inspection device essentially comprises two rollers, namely a first roller and a second roller, each of which is implemented according to the second aspect of the invention described above. Two rollers are used when the strip-shaped article includes a first sensor and a second sensor. Preferably, the first sensor and the second sensor are located at two opposite distal ends of the strip-shaped article. Thus, the first roller, having a first sensing sensor, is used to inspect the first end of the strip-shaped article where the first sensor is present. The second roller, having a second sensing sensor, is used to inspect the second end of the strip-shaped article where the second sensor is present. Thus, in the first roller, the relative movement between the strip-shaped article and the coil is along a first axis, while in the second roller, the relative movement between the strip-shaped article and the coil is along an axis parallel to the first axis, but in the opposite direction. Preferably, after inspection in the first roller, the strip-shaped article is transferred to the second roller. Preferably, this transfer is performed only if the first sensor is defect-free. The transfer is performed according to standard methods in the art. Thus, rapid and complete inspection of both the first and second sensors is achieved.

[0079] "Impedance" represents the complex value of resistance. Impedance Z is a complex number representing V (voltage) / I (current). In the case of an ideal inductor L (such as a coil), the impedance Z... L Given by the following formula:

[0080]

[0081] Where j is the imaginary unit. The angular frequency of the excitation electrical signal and L are the inductance of the coil.

[0082] The equivalent resistance R of the coil, measured in ohms, is then... .

[0083] In the following text, the term "strip article" may refer to any element or the entire aerosol-generating article that may be included in an aerosol-generating article. Such elements are known in the art and will not be described in detail below. For example, such strip articles may include filter sections of a filter, a heat source, tobacco strips, charcoal elements, etc. Preferably, the strip article is an article containing plant material, particularly tobacco. The tobacco article may contain shredded tobacco filler or reconstituted tobacco that forms an aerosol. The article may include tobacco strips to be burned or heated. The strip article according to the invention may be an entire assembled aerosol-generating article or an element of an aerosol-generating article, said element being combined with one or more other components to provide an assembled aerosol-generating article for generating aerosols, said element being, for example, a consumable component of a heated smoking device.

[0084] Preferably, the components of the aerosol-generating article include a tobacco-containing material, which includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-generating matrix upon heating.

[0085] Preferably, the strip-shaped product may include a heat source or a volatile flavor-generating component, such as a menthol capsule, a charcoal element, or a receptor.

[0086] Furthermore, the strip-shaped article may include multiple components of an aerosol-generating article combined together, or even more than one aerosol-generating article.

[0087] As used herein, the term "receptor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are induced, and hysteresis losses occur in the receptor, causing it to heat up. When the receptor is positioned in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with the aerosol-forming matrix, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​heated by the receptor to form an aerosol. Preferably, the receptor is arranged in direct physical contact with the aerosol-forming matrix, for example, within an aerosol-forming tobacco matrix.

[0088] The receptor can be formed from any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols from the aerosol-forming matrix. Preferred receptors may comprise or be composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable receptors may be aluminum or include aluminum. Preferred receptors can be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius. Suitable receptors may include a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed on the non-metallic core, such as metallic traces formed on the surface of a ceramic core. The receptor may have an outer protective layer, such as a ceramic or glass protective layer encapsulating the receptor. The receptor may include a protective coating formed of glass, ceramic, or an inert metal, which is formed on the core of the receptor material.

[0089] The sensor can be a multi-material sensor and may include a first sensor material and a second sensor material. The first sensor material is disposed in close physical contact with the second sensor material. The second sensor material preferably has a Curie temperature below 500°C. The first sensor material is preferably primarily used to heat the sensor when it is placed in a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Any suitable material can be used. For example, the first sensor material can be aluminum, or it can be an iron-containing material, such as stainless steel. The second sensor material is preferably primarily used to indicate when the sensor has reached a specific temperature, which is the Curie temperature of the second sensor material. The Curie temperature of the second sensor material can be used to regulate the temperature of the entire sensor during operation. Therefore, the Curie temperature of the second sensor material should be below the ignition point of the aerosol-forming matrix. Suitable materials for the second sensor material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys.

[0090] Preferably, the receptor is in the form of a filament, strip, sheet, or tape. If the receptor profile has a constant cross-section, such as a circular cross-section, it has a preferred width or diameter between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. If the receptor profile is in the form of a sheet or tape, the sheet or tape preferably has a rectangular shape with a width preferably between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, more preferably between about 3 mm and about 5 mm (e.g., 4 mm), and a thickness preferably between about 0.03 mm and about 0.15 mm, more preferably between about 0.05 mm and about 0.09 mm (e.g., 0.07 mm).

[0091] Preferably, the length of the strip article can be between about 5 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably between about 8 mm and about 16 mm, for example, about 12 mm. In some cases, the length of the strip article can be from about 40 mm to about 85 mm.

[0092] In the following text, unless otherwise specified, the term "length" refers to the length of a strip of writing along its longitudinal axis.

[0093] In the following text, the term "bar" refers to a generally cylindrical element with a generally cylindrical, oval, or elliptical cross-section. However, other prismatic forms with different cross-sections are also possible.

[0094] As used herein, "aerosol-generating article" means any article that generates an inhalable aerosol when an aerosol-forming matrix is ​​heated. The term includes articles comprising an aerosol-forming matrix heated by an external heat source, such as an electrothermal element. An aerosol-forming article can be a non-flammable aerosol-generating article, which releases volatile compounds without causing the aerosol-forming matrix to burn. An aerosol-forming article can be a heated aerosol-generating article, which is an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix intended to be heated rather than burned to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The term includes articles comprising an aerosol-forming matrix and an integrated heat source (e.g., a flammable heat source).

[0095] The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece element may be located at the inlet or downstream end of the aerosol generating article.

[0096] Aerosol-generating articles may include at least one filter element.

[0097] The filter section can be a cellulose acetate filter tip section made of cellulose acetate tow. The filter section can have low or very low particulate filtration efficiency. The filter section can be longitudinally spaced from the aerosol forming matrix. The filter section can have a longitudinal length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 14 mm. The length of the filter section can be approximately 7 mm.

[0098] The multiple components of an aerosol-generated article may include at least one of a support element and an aerosol cooling element.

[0099] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article includes a package containing multiple elements of the aerosol-generating article in the form of a strip. The package may include at least one of paper and foil.

[0100] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming matrix" refers to a matrix formed by or comprising an aerosol forming material that, upon heating, releases volatile compounds to generate aerosols. The aerosol forming matrix may contain tobacco material, or may contain non-tobacco material, or a combination of both. The aerosol forming matrix may be a nicotine-impregnated cellulose material, preferably comprising one or more flavoring agents. Advantageously, the aerosol forming matrix comprises tobacco material, preferably homogenized tobacco material, which preferably comprises one or more aerosol forming agents. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0101] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol forming matrix upon heating. The aerosol forming matrix may include or consist of a mixture of tobacco shredded fillers, or may include homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol forming matrix may additionally include tobacco-free materials, such as homogenized plant-based materials other than tobacco.

[0102] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix is ​​a tobacco sheet (preferably pressed), comprising tobacco material, fibers, binder, and aerosol forming agent. Preferably, the tobacco sheet is a cast leaf. Cast leaves are in the form of reconstituted tobacco formed from a pulp, said pulp comprising tobacco particles, fiber particles, aerosol forming agent, binder, and, for example, flavoring agents.

[0103] Depending on the desired sheet thickness and casting gap, the tobacco particles can be in the form of tobacco dust, having a particle size of about 30 micrometers to 250 micrometers, preferably about 30 micrometers to 80 micrometers or 100 micrometers to 250 micrometers, wherein the casting gap typically defines the sheet thickness. The size of the tobacco particles refers to the Dv95 size in its volume distribution.

[0104] It may also include fibrous microparticles, which include tobacco stem material, stalks or other tobacco plant material, and other cellulose-based fibers, such as woody fibers with low lignin content. The fiber particles can be selected based on the expectation of producing sufficient tensile strength for the cast leaves relative to a low impurity rate (e.g., between approximately 2% and 15%). Alternatively, plant fiber, for example, can be used with the aforementioned fiber particles, or, in an alternative, bamboo may be included.

[0105] Aerosol forming agents can be selected based on one or more characteristics, either as part of the slurry forming the cast leaf or as part of other aerosol-forming matrices. Functionally, the mechanism provided by the aerosol forming agent allows it to volatilize when heated above its specific volatilization temperature and deliver nicotine or flavoring, or both, in the aerosol. Different aerosol forming agents typically vaporize at different temperatures. An aerosol forming agent can be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperatures of the induction heating device with which the induction-heated tobacco matrix will be used. Aerosol forming agents can be selected based on, for example, their ability to remain stable at or near room temperature but to volatilize at higher temperatures, such as between 40°C and 450°C.

[0106] Aerosol forming agents can also possess wetting agent properties, which help maintain desired levels of moisture in the aerosol forming matrix when the matrix is ​​composed of tobacco-based products that specifically include tobacco particles. Specifically, some aerosol forming agents are hygroscopic materials that act as wetting agents, i.e., materials that help keep the tobacco matrix containing the wetting agent moist.

[0107] One or more aerosol forming agents can be combined to utilize one or more properties of the combined aerosol forming agents. For example, triacetylglycerol can be combined with glycerol and water to utilize the ability of triacetylglycerol to deliver the active ingredient and the wetting properties of glycerol.

[0108] The aerosol forming agent may be selected from polyols, glycol ethers, polyol esters, esters, and fatty acids, and may include one or more of the following compounds: glycerol, erythritol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triacetin, meso erythritol, a mixture of diacetins, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, ethyl vanillate, glyceryl tribanoate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene glycol.

[0109] The aerosol forming matrix may include other additives and ingredients, such as fragrances. Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix includes nicotine and at least one aerosol forming agent.

[0110] The aerosol-generating articles according to the present invention can be in the form of combustible filter cigarettes or other smoking articles, wherein tobacco materials are burned to form smoke.

[0111] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article can be generally cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article can be generally elongated. The aerosol-generating article can have a length and a circumference generally perpendicular to said length. The aerosol-generating article can have an overall length between about 30 mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article can have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 12 mm.

[0112] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0113] Example Ex1: An inspection device for quality control of strip-shaped products, the device comprising:

[0114] o-roller, the roller including a plurality of seats, each of the plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article, the roller defining an outer surface;

[0115] o A sensing sensor located at one of the plurality of seats, the sensing sensor including a coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive an end of the strip article therein, the sensing sensor being adapted to sense the characteristics of a receptor in the strip article;

[0116] The coil includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil, which are movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa. In the first operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in contact with each other to form the coil in which current can flow. In the second operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are separated from each other.

[0117] The first half-coil is located below the outer surface of the roller, and the second half-coil is located above the outer surface of the roller; and

[0118] o actuator, the actuator being adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil from the first operating position to the second operating position, and vice versa.

[0119] Example Ex2: The inspection device according to Ex1 includes a control unit, which is adapted to command the actuator to move the first half-coil or the second half-coil from the second operating position to the first operating position when the strip article is on the seat.

[0120] Example Ex3: According to the inspection device of Ex1 or Ex2, the seat includes a receiving surface that is part of the outer surface of the roller, and the first half-coil is located below the receiving surface of the seat.

[0121] Example Ex4: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex3, wherein the outer surface of the roller includes one or more conductive strips to allow the second half-coil to slide toward and away from the first half-coil, and to allow electrical connection between the first half-coil and the second half-coil.

[0122] Example Ex5: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex4, wherein the actuator includes a pneumatic actuator.

[0123] Example Ex6: According to the inspection device of Ex5, the pneumatic actuator includes a piston fixed to the second half-coil.

[0124] Example Ex7: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex6, wherein the coil defines a coil axis, and wherein the movement of the first half-coil and the second half-coil from the first operating position to the second operating position and from the second operating position to the first operating position is a linear movement.

[0125] Example Ex8: According to the inspection device of Ex7, the linear motion is a motion in a direction parallel to the axis of the coil.

[0126] Example Ex9: According to the inspection device of Ex7 or Ex8, the linear motion is a linear motion parallel to the axis of the seat.

[0127] Example Ex10: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex9, including a control unit in communication with the sensing sensor, the control unit being adapted to receive characteristic signals of the sensor from the sensing sensor.

[0128] Example Ex11: An inspection device for quality control of strip-shaped products, the device comprising:

[0129] o-roller, the roller including a plurality of seats, each of the plurality of seats being adapted to receive strip-shaped articles;

[0130] o A sensing sensor located at one of the plurality of seats, the sensing sensor including a coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive an end of the strip article therein, the sensing sensor being adapted to sense the characteristics of a receptor in the strip article;

[0131] o A compressed air system aligned with one of the plurality of seats;

[0132] o actuator, the actuator being adapted to activate the compressed air system to blow air to push the strip article into the coil when the strip article is located in the seat.

[0133] Example Ex12: The inspection device according to Ex11, wherein the seat defines a seat axis, and the compressed air system includes a nozzle adapted to inject a compressed air flow substantially parallel to the seat axis.

[0134] Example Ex13: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex12, wherein the roller has a rotation axis, and each of the plurality of seats defines a seat axis, the longitudinal axis and the seat axis being parallel to each other.

[0135] Example Ex14: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex13, wherein the coil has a coil axis, and each of the plurality of seats defines a seat axis, the coil axis and the seat axis being parallel to each other.

[0136] Example Ex15: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex14, wherein the length of the coil is between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0137] Example Ex16: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex15, including a control unit electrically connected to the sensing sensor, the control unit being adapted to receive a signal from the sensing sensor and compare the signal with a threshold.

[0138] Example Ex17: According to one or more of the inspection devices in Ex1-Ex16, the characteristic of the sensor is the length of the sensor.

[0139] Example Ex18: An inspection device according to Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the control unit is adapted to calculate the length of the receptor located in the strip article.

[0140] Example Ex19: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex18, including a rejection device adapted to reject a strip article based on a signal emitted by the sensing sensor.

[0141] Example Ex20: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex19, wherein the roller includes a plurality of sensing sensors, one sensor in each of the plurality of seats.

[0142] Example Ex21: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex20, wherein the diameter of the coil is between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0143] Example Ex22: An inspection device according to one or more of Ex1-Ex21, wherein each of the plurality of seats defines a seat axis, the seat axes being parallel to each other.

[0144] Example Ex23: A kit comprising:

[0145] o Includes strip-shaped products containing receptors;

[0146] o According to one or more of the inspection devices in Ex1-ExEx22.

[0147] Example Ex24: According to the kit of Ex23, the strip article includes components of an aerosol-generated article.

[0148] Example Ex25: According to the kit of Ex23 or Ex24, the sensor is in contact with the aerosol forming material.

[0149] Example Ex26: According to the kit of Ex25, the aerosol forming material includes tobacco material.

[0150] Example Ex27: An inspection device comprising:

[0151] o A first roller, the first roller including a first plurality of seats, each of the first plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article, the first roller defining a first outer surface;

[0152] o A first sensing sensor located at one of the first plurality of seats, the first sensing sensor including a first coil, the first coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive a first end of the strip article therein, the first sensing sensor being adapted to sense the characteristics of a first sensor in the strip article;

[0153] The first coil includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil, which are movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa. In the first operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in contact with each other to form the first coil in which current can flow. In the second operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are separated from each other.

[0154] The first half-coil is located below the first outer surface of the first roller, and the second half-coil is located above the first outer surface of the first roller.

[0155] o A first actuator, the first actuator being adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil of the first coil in the first drum from a first operating position to a second operating position, and vice versa;

[0156] o A second roller, the second roller including a second plurality of seats, each of the second plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article, the second roller defining a second outer surface;

[0157] o A second sensing sensor located at one of the second plurality of seats, the second sensing sensor including a second coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive a second end of the strip article therein, the second sensing sensor being adapted to sense the characteristics of a second sensor in the strip article;

[0158] The second coil includes a first half-coil and a second half-coil, which are movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa. In the first operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in contact with each other to form a second coil in which current can flow. In the second operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil are separated from each other and current cannot flow.

[0159] The first half-coil of the second coil is located below the second outer surface, and the second half-coil of the second coil is located above the second outer surface;

[0160] o A second actuator, the second actuator being adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil of the second coil in the second drum from the first operating position to the second operating position, and vice versa;

[0161] The first and second rollers are substantially tangent to allow the strip-shaped article to be transferred from the first roller to the second roller.

[0162] Example Ex29: An inspection device comprising:

[0163] o A first roller, the first roller including a first plurality of seats, each of the first plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article;

[0164] o A first sensing sensor located at one of the first plurality of seats, the first sensing sensor including a first coil, the first coil defining an internal volume sufficiently large to receive a first end of the strip article therein, the first sensing sensor being adapted to sense the characteristics of a first sensor in the strip article;

[0165] o A first compressed air system aligned with a seat in one of the first plurality of seats;

[0166] o First actuator, the first actuator being adapted to activate the first compressed air system to blow air and push the strip article into the first coil of the first roller when the strip article is located in one of the first plurality of seats;

[0167] o A second roller, the second roller including a second plurality of seats, each of the second plurality of seats being adapted to receive a strip-shaped article;

[0168] o A second sensing sensor is positioned at one of the second plurality of seats, the second sensing sensor including a second coil, the second coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive a second end of the strip article therein, the second sensing sensor being adapted to sense the characteristics of a second sensor in the strip article;

[0169] o A second compressed air system aligned with the seat in the second plurality of seats;

[0170] o A second actuator, the second actuator being adapted to activate the second compressed air system to blow air and push the strip article into the second coil of the second roller when the strip article is located in one of the second plurality of seats;

[0171] The first and second rollers are substantially tangent to allow the strip-shaped article to be transferred from the first roller to the second roller.

[0172] Example Ex30: An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising a strip element, the strip element comprising a sensor, the apparatus comprising an inspection device according to any one of Ex1-Ex29.

[0173] Example Ex31: According to the device of Ex30, the strip element includes an aerosol forming material.

[0174] Example Ex32: A method for inspecting bar-shaped articles, comprising:

[0175] o Provides inspection devices according to Ex1-Ex10;

[0176] o Position the strip-shaped product in the seat of the roller, wherein the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in the second operating position;

[0177] o moves the first half-coil and the second half-coil to the first operating position;

[0178] o senses the characteristics of the receptor.

[0179] Example Ex33: A method for inspecting bar-shaped articles, comprising:

[0180] o Provides inspection devices according to Ex11-Ex22;

[0181] o Position the strip-shaped product in the seat of the roller;

[0182] o The strip is pushed into the coil by means of an airflow;

[0183] o senses the characteristics of the receptor. Attached Figure Description

[0184] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0185] · Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a partial cross-section of a strip-shaped article including a receptor to be inspected according to the present invention;

[0186] · Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of a strip-shaped product;

[0187] · Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration;

[0188] · Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of an inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0189] · Figure 5 for Figure 4 A top view of the inspection device in chronological order;

[0190] · Figure 6 A series of steps for the operation of the sensing sensor present in the inspection device of the present invention;

[0191] · Figure 7 for Figure 3 , Figure 4 or Figure 5 A detailed view of the cross-section of the coil of the inspection device;

[0192] · Figure 8 for Figure 7Front view of the coil;

[0193] · Figure 9 This is a side view of another embodiment of the strip-shaped article to be inspected according to the present invention;

[0194] · Figure 10 This is a third embodiment of the inspection device according to the present invention;

[0195] · Figure 11 and Figure 12 for Figure 10 Two magnified views of two details in two different embodiments; and

[0196] · Figure 13 and Figure 14 They are Figure 3 Two cross-sectional views of the coil in the first embodiment of the inspection device in the first operating position and the second operating position. Detailed Implementation

[0197] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example of a bar-shaped product is indicated by the number 60.

[0198] Preferably, the strip article 60 includes several components of an aerosol-generating article, such as the entire aerosol-generating article.

[0199] The aerosol-generating article 60 includes, for example, multiple elements assembled in the form of a strip. The multiple elements may include a filter segment element 11, an aerosol-forming matrix 10 in the form of a tobacco stick, a receptor material 12 positioned within the aerosol-forming matrix 10, a hollow cellulose acetate tube 16, another hollow cellulose acetate tube 18, a mouthpiece 2, and an outer packaging 22. The aerosol-generating article 60 includes a mouth end 24 and a distal end 26. The strip-shaped article 60 defines a longitudinal axis 61.

[0200] Preferably, the aforementioned components are unfolded one after another along the longitudinal axis 61 of the strip-shaped article 60. Preferably, they all have the same diameter.

[0201] Preferably, the cross-section of the strip-shaped article 60 along a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis 61 is circular.

[0202] The strip-shaped article 60 includes an outer surface 13 (preferably generally cylindrical) extending along a longitudinal axis 61. The longitudinal axis 61 of the strip-shaped article 60 may correspond to the axis of a cylinder.

[0203] The aerosol forming matrix 10 may include homogenized tobacco material.

[0204] The receptor 12 is preferably in thermal contact with the aerosol forming matrix 10, such that when the receptor is inductively heated, heat is transferred to the aerosol forming matrix 10 and thereby releases aerosol. Preferably, the receptor 12 is completely surrounded by the tobacco material forming the aerosol forming matrix 10.

[0205] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the example, the receptor 12 is completely contained within the strip article 60, more preferably it is completely contained within the aerosol forming matrix 10.

[0206] The receptor 12 is made of a conductive material. Preferably, the receptor is made of a metal, and in some embodiments, the receptor is made of a ferromagnetic material.

[0207] According to a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, receptor 12 has a strip shape. Alternatively, the receptor may have a strip shape. Preferably, the thickness of the receptor is between 30 micrometers and 60 micrometers. Preferably, the length of the receptor is between 5 millimeters and 20 millimeters.

[0208] Figure 3 A portion of a preferred embodiment of the roller 4 of the inspection device 100 according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown.

[0209] For clarity, in Figure 3 The inspection device 100 is only partially shown in the image.

[0210] As will be apparent from the following description, the inspection device 100 is adapted to control the quality of the strip article 60, particularly the sensor 12.

[0211] The quality control provided by the inspection device 100 may require checking the presence, integrity, or precise location of the sensor 12, as well as further characteristics of the sensor.

[0212] As a non-limiting example, such characteristics may include one or more of the following characteristics: the length of the receptor, the thickness of the receptor, the deviation of the receptor from linear development, the deviation of the axis of the receptor from the parallelism of the longitudinal axis 61 of the strip 60, and the electromagnetic properties of the receptor.

[0213] Furthermore, the quality control can be performed at any stage of the manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating article. This means that the strip article 60 can be inspected when the aerosol-forming matrix 10 is bonded to the mouthpiece filter element 2 or to any other component to which it is to be fixed, or the aerosol-forming matrix 10 including the sensor 12 can be inspected separately.

[0214] Refer again Figure 3The roller 4 includes a plurality of seats 41, each seat being adapted to receive strip-shaped articles 60. The seats 41 are preferably located on the outer surface 40 of the roller 4. Preferably, there are about 20 to 60 seats 41 in the roller 4, preferably about 40 seats.

[0215] In some embodiments, the roller 4 is cylindrical, and preferably the outer surface 40 of the seat 41 is positioned thereon, corresponding to the lateral surface of the cylinder.

[0216] It should be understood that the size and shape of the seat portion 41 are preferably configured to at least partially receive the strip article 60. Preferably, the size and shape of the seat portion 41 are selected to receive the strip article 60. More generally, quality control preferably includes positioning the strip article 60 in one of the seat portions 41.

[0217] The strip article 60 can be positioned by using a suitable positioning device (not shown) or by transferring the strip article 60 from another roller or conveyor in any other possible way.

[0218] In some embodiments, the inspection device 100 may be included in an apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, and the strip article 60 may be transferred from a conveyor element of the apparatus to the inspection device 100.

[0219] Preferably, the roller 4 is a rotating roller having a rotation axis 67. Therefore, the roller 4 allows the strip-shaped product 60 to be transferred from a first position to a second position, preferably forming an inlet and an outlet position, where the strip-shaped product is positioned on the seat and where it is removed from the seat at the outlet position. First position and second position ( Figure 3 (Not depicted in the text) Separated by rotating the rollers at an angle.

[0220] In some embodiments, the seat portion 41 may be oblong to define a corresponding seat axis 42. Preferably, the seat axis 42 and the rotation axis 67 of the seat portion 41 are parallel to each other. Preferably, all axes 42 of the plurality of seats 41 are parallel to each other.

[0221] The seat portion 41 is preferably formed on the outer surface 40 of the roller 4. The seat portion 41 may be in the form of a recess implemented on the outer surface 40 of the roller 4.

[0222] However, it is obvious that the seat 41 may be defined by other elements on the outer surface of the roller 4, for example, fixed to the outer surface and protruding radially from the outer surface.

[0223] Preferably, roller 4 defines a front 64 and a rear (not visible in the figure). The rear is axially opposite to the front 64.

[0224] In some embodiments, the seat portion 41 extends from the front 64 to the rear, i.e., the seat portion may be provided with opposite open ends.

[0225] In this manner, the strip article 60 can be received in the seat 41 by approaching the seat laterally, preferably by sliding along the direction defined by the axis 42 of the seat.

[0226] like Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments, the length of the seat portion 41 can be at least equal to the length of the strip article 60 to be inspected. A longer seat portion 41 can also be used, thereby allowing the strip article 60 to slide therein.

[0227] In some embodiments, the axis of rotation 67 of the roller 4 is substantially horizontal.

[0228] The seat 41 can be configured such that when the seat reaches a specific angular position along the axis of rotation 67, the strip product 60 is discharged from the seat 41, in which gravity acts on the strip product 60 to release the strip product from the roller 4.

[0229] The inspection device 100 further includes a sensing sensor 5 located at least at one of the plurality of seats 41. It should be understood that, although... Figure 3 The embodiment shows a single sensing sensor 5 positioned at a specific seat 41, but each seat 41 of the roller 4 may include a corresponding sensing sensor 5.

[0230] Alternatively, according to another possible embodiment, the sensing sensor 5 may be disposed at a selected seat portion 41 at a predetermined angular distance, for example.

[0231] Preferably, the sensing sensor 5 includes a coil 51 defining an internal volume 50, the internal volume being large enough to receive at least one end of the strip article 60 therein.

[0232] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A coil 51 according to a preferred embodiment is shown.

[0233] Preferably, the coil 51 defines a coil axis 70 and has an inner diameter 71, which is between 10 mm and 18 mm, and more preferably between 12 mm and 16 mm. Preferably, the inner diameter 71 of the coil 51 is 14 mm.

[0234] It should be understood that the aforementioned diameter was chosen to make the coil 51 wide enough to receive the opening end 24 or the distal end 26 of the strip article 60, but at the same time to avoid using bulky components in the inspection device 100.

[0235] In some embodiments, the length of the coil 51 is adapted to completely accommodate the strip article 60 therein.

[0236] Preferably, the length 72 of the coil is between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. Preferably, the length 72 of the coil 51 is 32 mm.

[0237] In some embodiments, the coil 51 is formed of a pair of parallel wound wires.

[0238] Preferably, coil 51 has a total number of turns between 26 and 46. More preferably, the number of turns is between 30 and 42. Preferably, the number of turns is 32.

[0239] In the case where coil 51 is formed by a pair of wires, each wire may include half of the total number of turns mentioned above.

[0240] The coil 51 is preferably cylindrical. Preferably, the coil 51 is positioned at the base such that the coil axis 70 is parallel to the base axis 42.

[0241] The presence of the sensor 12 in the strip article 60 can be sensed by moving the strip article 60 relative to the coil 51 and by taking into account the change in the feedback signal generated by the interaction between the sensor 12 and the coil 51.

[0242] Therefore, in such Figure 3 In some embodiments shown, the inspection device 100 includes a control unit 7 electrically connected to the sensing sensor 5 and adapted to receive signals from the sensing sensor 5 and compare them with a threshold in order to detect changes in the signal caused by the presence of the sensor 12.

[0243] It should be understood that this can be achieved by moving coil 51 relative to bar article 60 (e.g., Figure 3 (as in the example) or to move the strip 60 relative to the coil 51 (e.g. Figure 4 or Figure 5 (In the embodiments) this change in signal is caused.

[0244] Generally, it should be understood that the sensing sensor 5 can generate an alternating magnetic field in the coil 51, which is modified as the sensor 12 passes through it. More generally, the sensing sensor 5 is configured to generate an alternating magnetic signal in a detection direction preferably corresponding to the axis 70 of the coil 51.

[0245] Preferably, when the first ends 24, 26 of the strip 60 in which the sensor 12 is assumed to be positioned are received in the internal volume 50 of the coil 51 of the sensor 5, the magnetic field generated by the sensor 5 is modified.

[0246] In other words, the magnetic field generated by the sensor 12 passing through the internal volume 50 of the sensor 5 acts on the magnetic field generated by the sensor 5, that is, the magnetic field generated by the coil 51. According to Lenz's law, the sensor 12 acts as a resistor in the coil 51, or more generally in the sensor 5.

[0247] More specifically, when a ferromagnetic material enters a magnetic field, an electromagnetic force is induced within it (Maxell-Faraday law), which generates alternating eddy currents. These alternating currents generate an induced magnetic field (Maxell-Ampere law), which is opposite to the sensor's magnetic field (Lenz law).

[0248] The presence or absence of the receptor 12 in the strip article 60 can be determined accordingly based on such expected behavior in the magnetic field. If no alternation occurs when the strip article 60 passes through the alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 51, then the receptor 12 cannot be present in the strip article 60.

[0249] In contrast, the alternation can be determined by calculating the impedance of the strip 60, which varies as the sensor 12 passes through the internal volume 50 of the coil 51, as previously explained.

[0250] According to a preferred embodiment, the feedback signal generated when the receptor 12 passes through the internal volume 50 can be used to determine other characteristics of the receptor 12.

[0251] refer to Figure 6 The feedback signal could be used to determine the length of the receptor 12.

[0252] Figure 6 This illustrates how the equivalent resistance of the system “coil and sensor” changes according to the relative position of sensor 12 in the internal volume 50.

[0253] First, before the strip-shaped product 60 enters the internal volume 50, the feedback signal output by the sensing sensor 5 is not modified.

[0254] As the strip-shaped product 60 enters the internal volume 50, the feedback signal changes.

[0255] When the entire sensor 12 has been fully inserted into the internal volume 50, the feedback signal will reach a minimum level, and once the end of the sensor 12 leaves the coil 51, the feedback signal will begin to decrease.

[0256] By comparing this signal with the position of the strip 60 within the internal volume 50, it is possible to determine the length of the receptor 12.

[0257] Preferably, the length of the sensor 12 is estimated based on the peak value of the measured equivalent resistance determined after appropriate calibration.

[0258] Alternatively, when the sensor is fully inserted into the coil, the parameter function of the impedance shows a maximum value instead of a minimum value.

[0259] In such embodiments, also based on the previously mentioned characteristics of the coil, the internal volume 50 of the coil 51, or more generally the inductive sensor 5, is longer than the intended length of the sensor 12.

[0260] Preferably, the length of the coil 51 is selected to be at least 10 mm / side longer than the expected length of the sensor 12 in order to avoid magnetic field distortion at the ends of the coil.

[0261] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit 7 is configured to determine whether the length of the sensor 12 corresponds to a expected value by examining changes in the feedback signal based on the position of the strip 60 in the internal volume 50.

[0262] It should be understood that the control unit 7 may also be adapted to calculate the length of the sensor 12 located in the strip article 60 according to different methods, such as generally taking into account other specific behaviors of the sensing sensor 5 during the interaction of the strip article 1 with the internal volume 50.

[0263] More generally, the equivalent resistance of the feedback signal can indicate the nature or consistency of the shape or composition of the sensor 12. Therefore, additional characteristics of the sensor 12 can be determined by the inspection device 100 of the present invention.

[0264] In order to introduce the strip 60 into the coil 51, Figure 3 In the inspection device 100, the coil 51 is divided into two half-coils 65 and 66. The first half-coil 66 is positioned below the outer surface 40 of the roller 4, while the second half-coil is positioned above the outer surface 40 of the roller. The two half-coils 65 and 66 can be... Figure 13 The first operating position movement shown in the diagram forms coil 51. In this first operating position, actions can be performed by the sensing sensor, and for example... Figure 6 The above measurements are shown in the figure. Figure 3 and Figure 13 In the second operating position depicted, the second half-coil 65 moves along the coil axis 70 and away from the first half-coil, so that the strip 60 can be positioned in the seat 41. The movement is performed by means of an actuator 6 connected to the control unit 7.

[0265] exist Figure 3 , Figure 13 and Figure 14In the inspection device 100, during operation, a strip-shaped product 60 is inserted into the seat 41. When the strip-shaped product is positioned in the seat, the first half-coil 66 and the second half-coil 65 are in a second operating position, that is, the two half-coils 65 and 66 are separated from each other, as... Figure 3 and Figure 14 As shown in the diagram. Once the strip 60 is in the seat, the first half-coil 66 and the second half-coil 65 are moved to... Figure 13 The first operating position is such that measurement can be performed using the sensing sensor 5. The relative movement of the first half-coil and the second half-coil is as follows: the first half-coil 66 is positioned below the outer surface 40 and is fixed relative to said outer surface, while the second half-coil 65 moves from... Figure 14 The first operating position is moved back and forth to Figure 3 and Figure 14 The second operating position is reached, and vice versa. Movement of the second half-coil 65 from the first operating position to the second operating position is achieved by means of the piston 69 connected to the actuator 6, and vice versa. Figure 3 As indicated by arrow 68, piston 69 is attached to the second half-coil so that it moves linearly toward and away from the first half-coil.

[0266] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the different embodiments of the invention depicted, instead of as in Figure 3 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this embodiment, the coil is moved relative to the strip-shaped product, causing the strip-shaped product 60 to move relative to the coil 51. In the inspection device 200, the same reference numerals as in the inspection device 100 are used to designate the same elements. In the inspection device 200, the sensing sensor 5 includes a coil 51, which in this case is attached to the outer surface 40 of the roller 4. The coil 51 (in...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 (See better in the image) For example, located at one end of the seat 41. The inspection device 200 includes compressed air systems 8 and 9, which include a compressed air generator 9 and a gun 8 to spray a stream of compressed air. The gun can spray the stream of compressed air in a direction generally parallel to the seat axis 42 and therefore parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip 60. The gun can be located on one side of the roller 4 and can be stationary, i.e., the gun does not rotate with the roller. In this way, a single compressed air system can be used for all seats 41. During rotation, as the strip passes in front of the gun 8, the compressed air stream pushes the strip 60 into the coil 51, and the aforementioned measurement can be performed using the inductive sensor 5. This is in Figure 5The figure shows a series of “screenshots” taken at consecutive time intervals. At the far left of the figure, the strip 60 is inserted into the seat 41. During the subsequent rotation, the seat with the strip 60 passes in front of the gun 8, and compressed air is ejected through the gun 8 in direction 83. The strip 60 is then pushed into the coil 51 (see the following snapshot from left to right of the figure up to the dashed line 64).

[0267] 84 dashed lines Figure 5 It is divided into two parts. Figure 5 The second part to the right of the dashed line 84 is a few time intervals later than the left part (see details below).

[0268] The inspection devices 100 and 200 of the present invention may further include a rejection device (in Figure 5 The rejection device (schematically depicted as a rectangle 82 in the right-hand portion) is adapted to reject strip articles 60 that do not have a sensor 12 or have a sensor 12 with undesirable characteristics. As previously explained, strip articles 60 can be advantageously rejected based on signals emitted by inductive sensors 5, according to calculations or determinations performed by the control unit 7. Figure 5 As shown in the right-hand portion, for example, the effect of the rejection device 82 is to retain the defective strip 60 in the roller 4, while the valid strip 60 is transferred to other rollers (not shown) for further processing.

[0269] like Figure 9 As depicted, the strip-shaped article 600 may further include a first receptor 12 and a second receptor 121. The strip-shaped article 600 generally includes, according to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Two strip-shaped articles 60 in an embodiment.

[0270] In cases where the strip-shaped article 600 includes more than one sensor, it is preferable to provide an inspection device according to the third embodiment as... Figure 10 Inspection device 300.

[0271] The inspection device 300 includes two or more inspection rollers 4: at least a first roller and a second roller, each of which includes a coil 51. The first or second roller is identical to the roller 4, and the rollers can be configured according to... Figure 3 as well as Figure 13-14 The roller described in the first embodiment or according to Figure 4 or Figure 5 The roller described in the second embodiment. However, the roller is preferably of the same type, that is, the roller described in the first embodiment of the inspection device 100 or the roller described in the second embodiment of the inspection device 200.

[0272] The first roller 4 is adapted to inspect the first sensor 12 of the strip-shaped product 600, while the second roller 4 is adapted to inspect the second sensor 121 of the strip-shaped product 600. For example, if the first roller and the second roller are according to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the second embodiment of the roller, the compressed air system is located at the first side surface of the first roller in the first roller, and at the second side surface of the second roller in the second roller.

[0273] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As depicted, after the first sensor 12 is inspected, the strip article 600 is transferred from the first roller to the second roller. The first roller and the second roller are substantially tangent to each other. The gap between the first roller and the second roller allows the strip article 600 to be inserted therebetween. The transfer takes place between the seat of the first roller and the seat of the second roller.

[0274] exist Figure 11 In the middle, it is shown that according to Figure 3 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 The transfer between the two rollers 4 in the first embodiment. Figure 12 In the middle, it is shown that according to Figure 4 , Figure 5 The transfer between the two rollers 4 in the second embodiment.

[0275] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%A. In this context, the number A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute represented by the number A. In some instances as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not significantly affect one or more fundamental and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An inspection device for quality control of a rod-shaped article, the device comprising: o a drum defining an outer surface and comprising a plurality of seats, each seat of the plurality of seats being adapted to receive a rod-shaped article; o an inductive sensor located at a seat of the plurality of seats, the inductive sensor comprising a coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive therein an end of the rod-shaped article, the inductive sensor being adapted to sense a property of a susceptor in the rod-shaped article; o wherein the coil comprises a first half-coil and a second half-coil, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being movable from a first operating position, in which the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in contact with each other, thereby forming the coil in which an electric current can flow, to a second operating position, in which the first half-coil and the second half-coil are separated from each other, and vice versa; o the first half-coil being located below the outer surface of the drum and the second half-coil being located above the outer surface of the drum; and o an actuator adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil from the first operating position to the second operating position, and vice versa.

2. The inspection device according to claim 1, comprising a control unit adapted to command the actuator to move the first half-coil or the second half-coil from the second operating position to the first operating position when a rod-shaped article is on the seat.

3. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat comprises a receiving surface, the receiving surface being a portion of the outer surface of the drum, and wherein the first half-coil is located below the receiving surface of the seat.

4. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drum has a rotation axis and each seat of the plurality of seats defines a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis and the rotation axis being parallel to each other.

5. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the coil is comprised between 20 and 40 millimeters.

6. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control unit electrically connected to the inductive sensor, the control unit being adapted to receive a signal from the inductive sensor and to compare the signal to a threshold value.

7. The inspection device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is adapted to calculate the length of a susceptor located in the rod-shaped article.

8. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a rejection device adapted to reject a rod-shaped article based on a signal emitted by the inductive sensor.

9. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of inductive sensors, one sensor per seat of the plurality of seats.

10. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seat defines a seat axis and the coil defines a coil axis, and wherein the coil axis and the seat axis are parallel to each other.

11. An inspection device for quality control of a rod-shaped article, the device comprising: o a drum comprising a plurality of seats, each seat of the plurality of seats being adapted to receive a rod-shaped article; o an inductive sensor located at a seat of the plurality of seats, the inductive sensor comprising a coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive therein an end of the rod-shaped article, the inductive sensor being adapted to sense a property of a susceptor in the rod-shaped article; o a compressed air system aligned with a seat of the plurality of seats; o an actuator adapted to activate the compressed air system to blow air to push the rod-shaped article inside the coil when the rod-shaped article is located in the seat.

12. The inspection device of claim 11, wherein the drum has a rotation axis and each seat of the plurality of seats defines a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis and the rotation axis being parallel to each other.

13. The inspection device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the length of the coil is comprised between 20 and 40 millimeters.

14. The inspection device of claim 11 or 12, comprising a control unit electrically connected to the inductive sensor, the control unit being adapted to receive a signal from the inductive sensor and to compare the signal to a threshold value.

15. The inspection device of claim 14, wherein the control unit is adapted to calculate the length of a susceptor located in the rod-shaped article.

16. The inspection device of claim 11 or 12, comprising a rejection device adapted to reject a rod-shaped article based on a signal emitted by the inductive sensor.

17. The inspection device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of inductive sensors, one sensor per seat of the plurality of seats.

18. The inspection device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the seat defines a seat axis and the coil defines a coil axis, and wherein the coil axis and the seat axis are parallel to each other.

19. An inspection device comprising: o a first drum defining a first outer surface and comprising a first plurality of seats, each seat of the first plurality of seats being adapted to receive a rod-shaped article; o a first inductive sensor located at a seat of the first plurality of seats, the first inductive sensor comprising a first coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive therein a first end of the rod-shaped article, the first inductive sensor being adapted to sense a property of a first susceptor in the rod-shaped article; o wherein the first coil comprises a first half-coil and a second half-coil, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa, in the first operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being in contact with each other, thereby forming the first coil in which an electric current can flow, in the second operating position, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being separated from each other. o the first half-coil of the first coil is located below the first outer surface of the first drum and the second half-coil of the first coil is located above the first outer surface of the first drum; o a first actuator adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil of the first coil in the first drum from a first operating position to the second operating position and vice versa; o a second drum defining a second outer surface and comprising a second plurality of seats, each seat of the second plurality of seats being adapted to receive a stick-shaped article; o a second inductive sensor located at a seat of the second plurality of seats, the second inductive sensor comprising a second coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive a second end of the stick-shaped article therein, the second inductive sensor being adapted to sense a property of a second susceptor in the stick-shaped article; o wherein the second coil comprises a first half-coil and a second half-coil, the first half-coil and the second half-coil being movable from a first operating position to a second operating position and vice versa, in the first operating position the first half-coil and the second half-coil being in contact with each other so as to form the second coil in which an electric current can flow, in the second operating position the first half-coil and the second half-coil being separated from each other; o the first half-coil of the second coil is located below the second outer surface and the second half-coil of the second coil is located above the second outer surface; o a second actuator adapted to move the first half-coil and the second half-coil of the second coil in the second drum from the first operating position to the second operating position and vice versa; o the first drum and the second drum are substantially tangent so as to allow the transfer of the stick-shaped article from the first drum to the second drum.

20. An inspection device comprising: o a first drum comprising a first plurality of seats, each seat of the first plurality of seats being adapted to receive a stick-shaped article; o a first inductive sensor located at a seat of the first plurality of seats, the first inductive sensor comprising a first coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive a first end of the stick-shaped article therein, the first inductive sensor being adapted to sense a property of a first susceptor in the stick-shaped article; o a first compressed air system aligned with the seat of the first plurality of seats; o a first actuator adapted to activate the first compressed air system to blow air to push the stick-shaped article inside the first coil when the stick-shaped article is located in the seat of the first plurality of seats; o a second drum comprising a second plurality of seats, each seat of the second plurality of seats being adapted to receive a stick-shaped article; o a second induction sensor positioned at a seat of the second plurality of seats, the second induction sensor comprising a second coil defining an internal volume large enough to receive a second end of the rod-shaped article therein, the second induction sensor adapted to sense a characteristic of a second susceptor in the rod-shaped article; o a second compressed air system aligned with a seat of the second plurality of seats; o a second actuator adapted to activate the second compressed air system to blow air to push the rod-shaped article inside the second coil of the second drum when the rod-shaped article is positioned in a seat of the second plurality of seats; o the first drum and the second drum are substantially tangential so as to allow the rod-shaped article to be transferred from the first drum to the second drum.

21. A method of inspecting a rod-shaped article, comprising: o providing an inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 19; o positioning the rod-shaped article in a seat of the drum, wherein the first half-coil and the second half-coil are in the second operating position; o moving the first half-coil and the second half-coil into the first operating position; and o sensing a characteristic of the susceptor.

22. A method of inspecting a rod-shaped article, comprising: o providing an inspection device according to any one of claims 11 to 18 and 20; o positioning the rod-shaped article in a seat of the drum; o pushing the rod-shaped article into the coil by means of a flow of air; and o sensing a characteristic of the susceptor.

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