Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of adhesive onto a moving substrate is provided using a thermal flowmeter. It is particularly designed for the tobacco industry wherein the flow of adhesive onto a continuous ribbon of paper in forming the side seam on tobacco rods requires consistent, controlled flow independent of external factors.

Abstract: In the printer section of a cigarette making machine, pivotable gear train is provided between a printer die gear and an input gear to change the rotation characteristics of the printer die gear with respect to the input gear. The gear train has different idler gears that can each mesh with the printer die gear to change the direction of rotation of the printer die gear and change the rotational speed of the printer die gear without changing the speed or direction of the input gear.

Abstract: Inspection of completed cigarettes is accomplished by the cigarettes traveling on a rolling drum past a single stationary rolling block with preferably two cameras connected to a vision system. The first camera views the cigarette before the rolling block, the cigarette is then rolled approximately 180.degree. and then the second camera views the previously hidden portion of the cigarette. Cigarettes are accepted or rejected based on a comparison of the viewed cigarettes to a predetermined set of characteristics.

Abstract: A skin, preferably a rip-stop material with a dehydrated material thereon, is rapidly deployed to surround an oil transportation ship spilling oil from a hole or breach in the hull. The skin is snugged up to the hull to allow the dehydrated material to absorb the spilling oil, and also preferably expanding into and filling the hole or breach. The skin is stored on-board the ship on a storage spool.

Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for removing tobacco shreds from the end of a smoking article filter severed from a tobacco containing smoking article, such as a cigarette. A mechanical arm of a robot, having opposing gripping members, is used to grip and insert the filter into the deshredding apparatus whereupon a deshredding tool is rotated to contact, and a stream of high-pressure air is simultaneously directed at, any tobacco shreds remaining in the tobacco end of the severed filter portion. An exhaust removes the loosened tobacco shreds. The robot then removes the filter from the apparatus. The filter is then ready to be subjected to characterization tests.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting one or more endcaps into the ends of a cigarette box using a slide to hold and guide the cigarette box through the apparatus along a predetermined path. Along the path, the box is aligned and endcaps are pushed along a guide rail to guide the endcaps into the ends of the cigarette box. A uniform box with a desired cross-sectional shape is produced.