Patent attributes
An apparatus is configured to control the distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press. The apparatus includes a housing. A plurality of ducts extend from the housing to the charger. Each duct is configured to direct a portion of the air flow from the housing to the charger. A plurality of nozzles are spaced around the perimeter of the charger. Each nozzle is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of ducts. Each duct may include a flow controller that is selectively openable and closable to direct the portion of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger. A method of controlling distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press includes providing an air flow and selectively directing portions of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger.