Claims:1. A fragrancing machine for effecting controlled distribution of fragrance compositions continuously and/or discontinuously over one or more raw incense sticks, said machine comprising:
at least one circular disc assembly comprising:
at least one circular disc 2 having at least one concentric circular rings 3 for loading the raw incense sticks 4;
at least one central spindle assembly 5 having a spindle housing consisting at least of an integral gear 6 and at least one central bore 7;
at least one circular tray divided into at least two parts partially enclosing the circular disc assembly, wherein
at least one first part 8 of the two parts is adapted to collect an excess fragrance while spraying; and
at least one second part 9 of the two parts is adapted to spray the fragrance compositions continuously and/or discontinuously over the raw incense sticks 4 loaded on the concentric circular rings 3 and thereby collect the droplets upon spraying.

2. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the circular disc assembly is driven by at least an AC induction motor 10 through a gear box 11, the speed of the AC induction motor 10 is controllable and adjustable, preferably by a variable frequency drive, based on a required or a pre-defined setting(s) associated with the raw incense sticks.

3. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second part 9 of the two parts comprise of at least one nozzle 12 adapted to spray the fragrance compositions continuously and/or discontinuously over the raw incense sticks 4.

4. The machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the nozzle 12 comprises a uniform laminar curtain to spread across the length of the raw incense sticks 4 to expose the raw incense sticks 4 for a predefined amount of time.

5. The machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the nozzle 12 is adapted to spray the fragrance compositions pumped from at least a tank assembly.

6. The machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the nozzle 12 adapted to spray the fragrance compositions is pumped from the tank assembly at least be means of an air operated double diaphragm pump 13.

7. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fragrance compositions and at least a flow rate of the the fragrance compositions during spraying are monitored through a flow monitor with at least a digital display and is controlled based on the input air flow.

8. The machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tank assembly comprises:
at least one inlet flow end of a tank;
one or more baffles (14) on the inlet flow end of the tank to avoid heavy particle flow towards the suction area (15);
at least one top plate on top of the tank, optionally removable or slidable, for cleaning; and
at least a float switch assembly (17) for monitoring a level of the fragrance compositions in the tank, wherein refilling of the fragrance compositions to the tank is through a separate diaphragm pump.

9. A fragrancing machine for effecting controlled distribution of fragrance compositions continuously and/or discontinuously over one or more raw incense sticks, the fragrance machine comprising:
at least a circular conveyor (rotor), having the raw incense sticks spread evenly, connected to a geared motor controlled through a variable frequency drive (VFD), wherein the fragrance compositions are sprayed continuously and/or discontinuously onto the raw incense sticks through a nozzle, the nozzle is adapted to spread the fragrance compositions across the length of the raw incense sticks as a curtain.

10. The machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fragrance compositions are pumped out of at least a storage tank using at least one pump to prevent agitation and the loss of the fragrance composition.

11. The machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein the raw incense sticks are taken across the perimeter of the rotor to enable draining of the excess fragrance when the raw incense sticks move under the curtain. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to the field of fragrance machines, and more particularly, the invention relates to a fragrance dispensing machine for effecting controlled distribution of fragrance compositions continuously and/or discontinuously over one or more raw incense sticks.

BACKGROUND

[002] The incense stick industry, currently estimated at about Rs. 5000 Cr., is expected to continue growing at 9% per annum. It is highly fragmented and continues to be dominated by small regional players where the entire value chain is predominantly labour dependent. The labour intensive activities have inherent disadvantages in terms of quality, productivity, reliability and cost. The recent trends in the increase in labour cost has decrease an availability of the skilled labours and increased emphasis on product quality and consistency that are driving the incense stick industry to slowly make investments in automation.

[003] In the current process, the raw incense is sorted for defects and tied into bundles before fragrance addition. The fragrance addition process usually involves manually dipping a single bundle into a container containing fragrance to a height and for a time, pre-determined through trial and error to achieve a set bulk dosage value. Once the desired bulk dosage is achieved, the difference in fragrance loading between different individual sticks is determined as a measure of variance in absorption. The reasons for high variance in the current scenario as determined by a Design of Experiment (DOE) may include but not limited to the inherent variation in the raw sticks, especially in moisture content, the variation in the time of exposure to fragrance across the bundle due to uneven fragrance penetration, and the variation in the dipping process parameters which is majorly dependent on the bundle size weight and tightness, dip height and dwell time

[004] A reduced variation between individual sticks would lead to a consistent consumer experience. It has also been determined through a CIC (Consumer Interaction Centre) that the consumer’s Just Noticeable Difference (JND) is an absorption value 4% less than the set value. Hence the most suitable measure to estimate variance is the percentage of sticks which lie in the (Mean – 4 %) band.

[005] The above-described deficiencies of today's fragrance addition in incense stick industry are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with conventional systems and corresponding benefits of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein may become further apparent upon review of the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[007] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism automating the fragrancing process and to achieve a reduction in the variance available in the prior art above.

[008] Accordingly, in one implementation, a fragrancing machine is disclosed such that the variation mentioned in the above background is eliminated by spreading a thin layer of sticks and then exposing them to fragrance by fully automating the process of fragrancing.

[009] In one implementation, the fragrancing machine involves a circular conveyor (rotor) on which the sticks are spread evenly. The rotor is connected to a geared motor controlled through a variable frequency drive (VFD). Fragrance is sprayed onto the sticks through a specially designed nozzle which helps spread the fragrance across the length of the stick as a thin curtain. Fragrance is pumped out of a storage tank using a pump to prevent agitation and thereby reduces the loss of volatiles. Provision for auto-filling of the fragrance into the storage tank using a level sensor is provided. For spreading of the sticks onto the rotor, a vibratory feeder is used. These sticks are dropped onto the rotor and the throughput of this feeder is linked to the speed of the rotor. Once the sticks move under the fragrance curtain, they are taken across the circumference of the rotor to enable draining of the excess fragrance. They are then collected and stored into containers manually. Drains for collection of the fragrance run below the rotor across the perimeter and redirect the fragrance into the tank.

[0010] In one implementation, the fragrancing machine consists of a support base structure on which the machine elements are mounted. The structure is designed to distribute the load evenly onto the floor. The height of the machine is designed considering the ergonomics of operations. The key element in the entire machine is the circular disc onto which the incense sticks are loaded. The circular nature of the disc enables easy collection of the sticks, reduces man-material movement and occupies less space. The circular disc assembly consists of concentric circular rings on which the raw incense sticks are loaded. The circular disc assembly consists of a central spindle assembly which is supported on bearings. The spindle housing consists of an integral gear and all the required piping is routed through the central bore of the spindle to avoid interference. Below the circular disc assembly is a circular tray divided into two parts, one for collecting excess fragrance during spraying and the other for collecting droplets before the sticks are collected.

[0011] In one implementation, the circular disc assembly is driven by an AC induction motor through a gear box. The speed of the motor is controlled by a variable frequency drive to enable easy setting basis raw material quality.

[0012] In one implementation, the nozzle used for spraying the fragrance is designed for having a uniform laminar curtain to spread across the length of sticks. This enables all the sticks to be exposed to the fragrance for the same amount of time, thereby reducing the variability. The fragrance to the nozzle is pumped from a tank assembly through air operated double diaphragm pump. The fragrance flow rate is monitored through a flow monitor with digital display and is controlled by varying the input air flow.

[0013] In one implementation, the tank assembly is provided with baffles on the inlet flow end to avoid heavy particle flow towards the suction area. The top plate is made removable to enable easy cleaning. The tank assembly is provided with float switch assembly for monitoring the level of the fragrance. The refilling of fragrance to the tank from the barrel is through a separate diaphragm pump, controlled by the float switch sensors.

[0014] In one implementation, centrifugal pumps cannot be used for fragrance transfer, since agitation would result in evaporation of volatiles and the fragrance mixture will crack. Of all the available positive displacement pumps available, diaphragm pumps were found to be most suitable given the pressure and flow rate range the machine is expected to operate.

[0015] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in this technology from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an elevation view of the fragrancing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the fragrancing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the fragrancing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates a tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates a nozzle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a fragrancing machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Persons skilled in this technology will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0025] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0026] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0029] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0030] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0031] The present invention addresses the drawbacks mentioned above and available in the prior-art through a fragrancing machine designed such that the variation mentioned in the background above are eliminated by spreading a thin layer of sticks and then exposing the sticks to a fragrance by fully automating the process.

[0032] An overview of the primary components of fragrancing machine are described below:
i. a support base structure 1
ii. a circular disc 2
iii. a concentric circular rings 3
iv. raw incense sticks 4
v. a central spindle assembly 5
vi. an integral gear 6
vii. a central bore 7
viii. a first part 8 of the circular tray
ix. a second part 9 of the circular tray
x. an AC induction motor 10
xi. a gear box 11
xii. a nozzle 12
xiii. a double diaphragm pump 13
xiv. baffles 14
xv. suction area 15
xvi. top plate 16
xvii. float switch assembly 17

[0033] Referring now to figure 1 an elevation view of the fragrancing machine is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring now to figure 2 a top view of the fragrancing machine is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring now to figure 3 a bottom view of the fragrancing machine is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring now to figure 4 illustrates a tank assembly is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Referring now to figure 5 illustrates a nozzle is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In one implementation, a machine consists of a support base structure (1) on which the machine elements are mounted. The structure is designed to distribute the load evenly onto the floor. The height of the machine is designed considering the ergonomics of operations. The key element in the entire machine is the circular disc (2) onto which the incense sticks are loaded. The circular nature of the disc enables easy collection of the sticks, reduces man-material movement and occupies less space. The circular disc assembly consists of concentric circular rings (3) on which the raw incense sticks (4) are loaded. The circular disc assembly consists of a central spindle assembly (5) which is supported on bearings. The spindle housing consists of an integral gear (6) and all the required piping is routed through the central bore (7) of the spindle to avoid interference. Below the circular disc assembly is a circular tray divided into two parts, first part (8) for collecting excess fragrance during spraying and the second part (9) for collecting droplets before the sticks are collected.

[0039] The circular disc assembly is driven by an AC induction motor (10) through a gear box (11). The speed of the motor is controlled by a variable frequency drive to enable easy setting basis raw material quality.

[0040] The nozzle (12) used for spraying the fragrance is designed for having a uniform laminar curtain to spread across the length of sticks. This enables all the sticks to be exposed to the fragrance for the same amount of time, thereby reducing the variability. The fragrance to the nozzle is pumped from a tank assembly through an air operated double diaphragm pump (13). The fragrance flow rate is monitored through a flow monitor with digital display and is controlled by varying the input air flow.

[0041] The tank assembly is provided with baffles (14) on the inlet flow end to avoid heavy particle flow towards the suction area (15). The top plate (16) is made removable to enable easy cleaning. The tank assembly is provided with float switch assembly (17) for monitoring the level of the fragrance. The refilling of fragrance to the tank from the barrel is through a separate diaphragm pump, controlled by float switch sensors.

[0042] It may be noted by the person skilled in the art that, the centrifugal pumps cannot be used for fragrance transfer, since agitation would result in evaporation of volatiles and the fragrance mixture will crack. Of all the available positive displacement pumps available, diaphragm pumps may be used for suitable given the pressure and flow rate range the machine is expected to operate.

[0043] In one implementation, the fragrancing machine involves a circular conveyor (rotor) on which the sticks are spread evenly. The rotor is connected to a geared motor controlled through a variable frequency drive (VFD). Fragrance is sprayed onto the sticks through a specially designed nozzle which helps spread the fragrance across the length of the stick as a thin curtain. Fragrance is pumped out of a storage tank using a pump to prevent agitation and thereby reduces the loss of volatiles. Provision for auto-filling of the fragrance into the storage tank using a level sensor and pump is provided. In one implementation, for spreading of the sticks onto the rotor, a vibratory feeder may be used. In this, a vibrating hopper feeds the agarbatti sticks in between two vertical guides spaced to accommodate only a single layer of sticks one on top of another.

[0044] These sticks are then dropped onto the rotor and the throughput of this feeder is linked to the speed of rotation of the rotor. Once the sticks move under the fragrance curtain, they are taken across the circumference of the rotor to enable draining of the excess fragrance. They are then collected and stored into containers manually. Drains for collection of the fragrance run below the rotor across the perimeter and redirect the fragrance into the tank.

[0045] Referring now to figure 6 illustrates a fragrancing machine is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In one implementation a bundle of incense sticks is placed into the hopper of the stick feeder. Compressed air and power supply to the machine is turned on. The fragrance level indicator in the tank is set and the refilling knob is turned on to allow fragrance transfer into the tank. The stick loading disc is then turned on and the desired speed is set. The fragrance spraying knob is turned on and sufficient idle time is given for the spray to stabilize. The stick feeder is then turned on so that a uniform layer of sticks is dispensed onto the disc. Post spraying, the sticks are collected and stored. Calibration of the flow rate and disc RPM is to be carried out for every lot of raw incense to set the bulk absorption value to 28%. It may be understood here that the steps are described following a particular sequence. However, it would be known to a person skilled in the art that the sequence of the steps may be varied and still same results can be achieved.

[0047] It may be understood by the person skilled in the art that, the display device or display may used to provide an input / output (I/O) interface to the fragrancing machine. The I/O interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface may allow system to interact with a user directly or through the client devices (not shown). Further, the I/O interface may enable the system to communicate with other computing devices, such as web servers and external data servers (not shown). The I/O interface can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.

[0048] It may be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art that for the purpose of convenient and brief description, for a detailed working process of the foregoing system, devices, and unit, reference may be made to a corresponding process in the foregoing device/apparatus embodiments, and details are not described herein again.

[0049] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, apparatus, and device may be implemented in other manners. For example, a plurality of units or components or mechanisms may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not performed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. The indirect couplings or communication connections between the apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0050] The various mechanisms described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts displayed as mechanisms may or may not be physical units, may be located in one position, or may be distributed at various location of the device. Some or all of the units may be selected to achieve the objective of the solution of the embodiment according to actual needs.

[0051] In addition, the mechanisms in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the mechanisms may exist alone physically, or two or more mechanisms may be integrated into one mechanism.

[0052] Although fragrancing machine for effecting controlled distribution of fragrance compositions for raw incense sticks is disclosed, it is to be understood that the embodiments disclosed in the above section are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or devices described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations of the fragrancing machine for effecting controlled distribution of fragrance compositions for raw incense sticks.