Abstract: Blanks for conversion into hinged-lid packets for block-shaped arrays of cigarettes in metal foil envelopes are supplied by a first turntable to an assembling station where successive blanks are overlapped by successive arrays furnished by a second turntable. Each blank is draped around the envelope of the respective array in part at the assembling station and in part at a further station downstream of the assembling station, as seen in the direction of joint advancement of the arrays and the corresponding blanks toward an evacuating station. Each array is moved at the assembling station vertically downwardly from a pocket of the second turntable into a pocket of the first turntable; the latter thereupon advances the arrays and the blanks jointly to the further station, and the finished packets—with the arrays confined therein—to the evacuating station.

Abstract: A driver gear transmits torque to a continuously driven gear by way of a toothed belt, and the driven gear transmits torque to an intermittently driven pulley for an endless conveyor which carries pockets for arrays of cigarettes in a packing machine. The extent of wear at least upon the belt is ascertained by a first signal generator which monitors the angular velocity of the driver gear, and the actual speed of the driven gear is ascertained by a second signal generator. The thus obtained signals are processed into signals denoting the desirability to arrest the prime mover for the driver gear and/or displaying and/or otherwise indicating, such as signalling, the extent of wear upon the belt.

Abstract: A machine wherein block-shaped arrays of cigarettes are confined in envelopes having closed ends and open ends located at the adjacent end faces of the confined arrays. Each open end includes two confronting elongated flaps alternating with narrow tucks which are to be folded against the adjacent end face of the confined array ahead of the flaps. Successive envelopes are delivered onto a platform constituting the bottom wall of a receptacle and being movable from a lower level, in which the receptacle receives an envelope, to an upper level in which it delivers the finished envelope into a pocket at the underside of an indelible turntable. The tucks of an envelope on the platform are folded over the adjacent end face of the confined array by two folding elements which are movable in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A unit which serves to fill trays with surplus cigarettes adjacent the path of movement of a mass flow of cigarettes from a maker to a processing machine is disposed at a level beneath a unit which empties the contents of filled trays into the mass flow when the requirements of the processing machine exceed the output of the maker. Each unit stores empty trays at an upper level and filled trays at a lower level. The two units are adjacent a device which serves to transfer trays between the storeys as well as between the two units on the one hand and a reservoir for additional empty and filled trays on the other hand.

Abstract: A holder which is turnable about a horizontal axis supports two carriers for filled or empty trays. The holder moves one carrier with a filled tray therein from a first station to a second station where the carrier deposits the filled tray, in inverted position, on top of the magazine of a packing machine, while the other carrier moves back from the second to the first station. The carriers are pivotable relative to the holder so that a carrier with a filled tray therein can descend on top of the magazine during the last stage of movement to the second station and that the carrier with an empty tray therein is lifted above the magazine during the initial stage of its movement from the second station. This is achieved by connecting the carriers to links which are pivoted directly to the holder or to a lever which is rotatable by a shaft eccentrically mounted in the interior of a hollow cylinder serving to turn the holder.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the application of elongated labels to front end faces and adjacent lateral surfaces of cigarette packs which are transported at intervals through an elongated folding duct. The duct is mounted in a rotary barrel having openings for label carriers which accept labels during travel past a magazine and thereupon place the labels across the inlet of the duct prior to being moved out of the way so that the front end face of an oncoming pack adheres to the central portion of a label which extends across the inlet and the pack pushes such label against the rear end face of the preceding pack while the duct automatically folds the end portions of the label over the adjacent lateral surfaces of the respective pack. Patches of adhesive are applied to successive labels during travel with the corresponding carriers from the magazine toward the inlet of the folding duct.