Abstract: A volumetric metering device includes a hopper adapted to hold a supply of granular material, the hopper having an outlet; a rotating wheel located in communication with the outlet, the rotating wheel having an outer periphery and a plurality of metering cavities distributed around the outer periphery, each metering cavity having an open bottom portion; and a plurality of metering valves located around the outer periphery of the rotating wheel with each metering valve located in registry with one of the metering cavities. Each metering valve is movable between a loading position wherein the metering valve blocks the open bottom portion of the metering cavity, and an unloading position wherein the granular material dispenses from the metering cavity through the metering valve. Other features and related methods are also described.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for producing compound filters for products in the tobacco-processing industry. A filter tube, having a filter element in a central region of the filter tube, is supplied to a predetermined position. Predetermined portions of filtering material are then inserted into the filter tube from at least a first end of the filter tube so that filter segments form in at least a first part of the filter tube.

Abstract: The web of tipping paper which is being advanced in a filter tipping machine from a source to the station where the web is subdivided into uniting bands ready for draping around groups of coaxial plain cigarettes and filter rod sections is provided with projecting portions which are at least partially removed by a rotary grinding tool to provide the web with a pattern of perforations which determine the degree of ventilation of the filter cigarettes. The position of the running web relative to the tool and/or vice versa is adjustable in dependency upon one or more parameters of the finished filter cigarettes to thus vary the permeability of the uniting bands when the one or more monitored parameters of the filter cigarettes depart from the desired values.