Abstract: A flexible automatic test facility for measuring physical parameters of smoking articles and components of smoking articles, e.g., filter portions. The test facility includes a microprocessor based controller device, apparatus for severing the filter portion from the article, a plurality of instruments for performing the desired measurements and a computer-controlled robot for gripping and maneuvering one cigarette at a time to one or more of the instruments or severing apparatus to measure one or more physical characteristics of each article or its components in accordance with software instructions. A hopper feeder device containing a plurality of sample sets in separate bins in an indexing mechanism may be provided for extended unattended operation. Each sample set is provided with a code and a database including the nominal physical characteristics of the samples in the set and the test sequence for the cigarettes in the sample set.

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: Methods and apparatus for opening containers such as cigarette packages without damaging the contents of the containers. If desired, the methods and apparatus may be extended to include emptying the containers after they have been opened.