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: Filter cigarettes which are produced in a filter tipping machine are transported by a severing conveyor in the form of two rows wherein the filters of cigarettes in one row are adjacent to the filters of cigarettes in the other row. The cigarettes of the one row are thereupon inverted end-for-end by sets of pairwise arranged pivotable levers one of which withdraws a cigarette from the one row during movement along an endless circular path and turns the removed cigarette through 90 degrees about an axis which is normal to the cigarette and is remote from its filter while the one lever travels along an arc of 180 degrees. The thus partially inverted cigarette is taken over by the other lever of the respective pair and is turned through additional 90 degrees while the other lever travels along an arc of 180 degrees.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes which are produced in a filter tipping machine are transported by a severing conveyor in the form of two rows wherein the filters of cigarettes in one row are adjacent to the filters of cigarettes in the other row. The cigarettes of the one row are thereupon inverted end-for-end by sets of pairwise arranged pivotable levers one of which withdraws a cigarette from the one row during movement along an endless circular path and turns the removed cigarette through 90 degrees about an axis which is normal to the cigarette and is remote from its filter while the one lever travels along an arc of 180 degrees. The thus partially inverted cigarette is taken over by the other lever of the respective pair and is turned through additional 90 degrees while the other lever travels along an arc of 180 degrees.

Abstract: A tray filling apparatus wherein a suction head accumulates rows of cigarettes and a pusher transfers the rows into a tray which is supported by an endless chain conveyor. The suction head and the pusher receive motion from a drive which includes a variable-speed DC-motor, a step-down gearing which is driven by the output shaft of the motor, and a mechanical transmission having a first component which moves the suction head between a lower position in which the latter accumulates a row of cigarettes and one of two raised positions, and a second component which moves the pusher forwardly not later than when the suction head reaches a raised position.