Abstract: An adhesive spray delivery apparatus and a method of applying a predetermined quantity of anchoring adhesive in a predetermined spray pattern to an advancing web of cigarette paper are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressurized spray system under control of a programmable controller for precisely and uniformly applying the adhesive in an atomized spray to the advancing cigarette paper, thereby eliminating the need to increase the density of the tobacco rod at discrete intervals of the rod to compensate for a significant volume of loose ends. The apparatus is portable and may be retrofitted to existing cigarette makers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening cigarette packs involving minimal contact with the cigarettes in the pack and little likelihood of damage or degradation of the tobacco contained in the cigarettes. The invention includes conveying packs to a first location where they are received, moving the packs to a second location where they are pressurized and expanded, moving the pressurized expanded packs to a third location where one end is cut off, moving the packs to a fourth location where impulse is applied to the pack as a whole, resulting in the transfer of the pack to a fifth location, where the motion of the pack itself is stopped, but the inertia of the cigarettes themselves is conserved sufficiently that they are transferred to a conveyance for further processing. The empty packs are disposed of at a sixth location. The method and apparatus is intermittent, involving regular starting and stopping motions.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a liquid additive to a continuous, multifilament tow includes a nonrotating tubular body and a nonmetallic element associated with the wall of the tubular body for contacting the multifilament tow as it is moved across the surface of the nonmetallic element. The nonmetallic element has an arcuate, external surface that is provided with a plurality of spaced openings formed in the nonmetallic element and which are in communication with an enclosure within the tubular body. Liquid additive is supplied to the enclosure and is transferred to the arcuate, external surface via the plurality of spaced openings for application to the multifilament tow as it contacts the arcuate, external surface of the nonmetallic element.