Abstract: Inspection systems and methods for their use are described, wherein the systems comprise: a movable carrier having a plurality of spaced receptacles, each spaced receptacle sized to accept a sample; a first pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a first movable member capable of reciprocally moving the first pin alternately into and out of contact with a first end of a sample disposed in one of the spaced receptacles; a second pin positioned proximate to the movable carrier and connected to a second movable member capable of reciprocally moving the second pin alternately into and out of contact with a second end of the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; a measurement sensor capable of determining a value associated with the sample disposed in the one of the spaced receptacles; and an evaluation device in communication with the measurement sensor for receiving the value, the evaluation device providing a comparison between the value and a predetermined value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming filter tubes comprises delivering a filter element to a flute on a first drum having vacuum for securing the filter element thereto. First and second tube forming rollers axially engage opposite ends of the filter element. A second drum accepts and cuts a continuous paper web with a glue pattern thereon into paper pieces, and a cut paper piece is delivered to the filter element. The paper piece is then rolled around the filter element and the tube forming rollers to form a cylindrical shape. The tube forming rollers are axially disengaged to thereby produce a filter tube with hollow ends and a control positioned filter element.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.

Abstract: A machine for producing an endless filter rod comprises a multi-section garniture and a multiple garniture belt drive system that includes several garniture belts having linear aligned portions for delivering filter paper with filter components thereon through the sections of the garniture. Multiple garniture belts eliminate the need for a long belt and the disadvantages associated with a long belt such as excessive stretching and side movements or wander of the belt.

Abstract: A machine for producing an endless filter rod comprises a multi-section garniture and a multiple garniture belt drive system that includes several garniture belts having linear aligned portions for delivering filter paper with filter components thereon through the sections of the garniture. Multiple garniture belts eliminate the need for a long belt and the disadvantages associated with a long belt such as excessive stretching and side movements or wander of the belt.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning wheel and vacuum applicator having a stationary vacuum chamber, a ported wheel that rotates around the stationary vacuum chamber, and a stationary shoe that acts as the vacuum applicator and is positioned between the ported wheel and an article such as a cigarette filter rod to be cleaned. An article or articles having cavities filled with granular particles is passed underneath the stationary shoe and rotating ported wheel, with the movement of the article being synchronized with the rotation of the ported wheel. The stationary shoe provided between the rotating ported wheel and the article having particle filled cavities ensures that vacuum is only applied to remove loose particles in between the particle filled cavities, with vacuum being cut off abruptly to ports that are passing over the particle filled cavities and with the particles that have been cleaned being removed completely.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning wheel and vacuum applicator having a stationary vacuum chamber, a ported wheel that rotates around the stationary vacuum chamber, and a stationary shoe that acts as the vacuum applicator and is positioned between the ported wheel and an article such as a cigarette filter rod to be cleaned. An article or articles having cavities filled with granular particles is passed underneath the stationary shoe and rotating ported wheel, with the movement of the article being synchronized with the rotation of the ported wheel. The stationary shoe provided between the rotating ported wheel and the article having particle filled cavities ensures that vacuum is only applied to remove loose particles in between the particle filled cavities, with vacuum being cut off abruptly to ports that are passing over the particle filled cavities and with the particles that have been cleaned being removed completely.