Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging machine comprising a pair of sealing jaws (12; 100; 200, 202; 302, 304) mounted directly or indirectly on parallel shafts (10; 102; 206, 208; 300) for rotation in opposite directions on opposite sides of the path of the packaging material (36; 118; 204, 308) so that the jaws engage the packaging material simultaneously on opposite sides to form successive horizontal seals, and stripping means comprising, in association with the sealing jaw on each side of the path of the packaging material, a pair of stripper carriers (22; 54; 66; 116; 222, 224, 226, 228; 314) mounted for rotation around the corresponding shaft at or near the respective ends thereof, or about an axis parallel to the shaft, a horizontal stripper bar (18B; 40A; 50A; 62; 110; 234; 310) mounted at its respective ends on the two stripper carriers and arranged to be movable with respect to the stripper carriers so that the stripper bar can engage the packaging film along a predetermined vertical strip

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging machine comprising a pair of sealing jaws (12; 100; 200,202; 302,304) mounted directly or indirectly on parallel shafts (10; 102; 206,208; 300) for rotation in opposite directions on opposite sides of the path of the packaging material (36; 118; 204; 308) so that the jaws engage the packaging material simultaneously on opposite sides to form successive horizontal seals, and stripping means comprising, in association with the sealing jaw on each side of the path of the packaging material, a pair of stripper carriers (22; 54; 66; 116; 222,224,226,228; 314) mounted for rotation around the corresponding shaft at or near the respective ends thereof, or about an axis parallel to the shaft, a horizontal stripper bar (18B; 40A; 50A; 62; 110; 234; 310) mounted at its respective ends on the two stripper carriers and arranged to be movable with respect to the stripper carriers so that the stripper bar can engage the packaging film along a predetermined vertical stripping p

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting cigarettes between a making machine and a packing machine includes a mass flow conveyor (204) for transporting cigarettes directly and a reservoir system (212) in which successive batches of cigarettes comprising portions of the stream on an input conveyor (204) are diverted when required into compartmented containers (224). Transfer to the containers is made by way of a plunger (232) and shuttle (234) arrangement which allows the stream to move continuously during transfer of a batch. Unloading containers to reform a continuous stream may involve use of a similar plunger and shuttle arrangement so that the reformed stream can move continuously on an output conveyor (218). The input and output conveyors (204, 218) may be provided with retractable spaced partitions to bound the ends of batches of cigarettes transferred from or to the respective conveyor.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine forms a tobacco stream on a moving air-pervious suction band by showering tobacco downwards through a chute which terminates in a narrow trough of which the depth increases progressively in the direction of motion of the band, with at least one air inlet for directing air obliquely downwards into the trough to pull the tobacco through the trough and towards the band. As the tobacco stream is formed on the band it acquires a depth which increases directly in accordance with the increasing height of the trough, in the direction of the motion of the band.

Abstract: A ledger for a rod-making machine, especially a cigarette or filter making machine, comprises two rotary members arranged to rotate at the same speed about parallel axes and a connecting member which is pivotally connected to both of the rotary members and carries a rod support which supports the rod during each cutting stroke.

Abstract: A cigarette testing device comprises means to apply positive or negative pressure to one end of each cigarette; means defining a chamber around at least part of the cigarette, with seals around the cigarette to restrict communication between the interior of the chamber and atmosphere; and means to detect the pressure in the chamber during testing; and including means defining a predetermined deliberate leakage path between the chamber and atmosphere.