Abstract: A device for the electrostatic perforation of webs made of paper or other materials, particularly of the webs used in the manufacture of ventilated cigarettes to constitute the cigarette envelope or the junction band of a cigarette with the respective filter, includes two opposite electrode-carrying heads between which the web passes at least one of the heads is provided with a plurality of individual needle-shaped electrodes arranged substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the web. The individual needle-shaped electrodes are mounted so as to be axially slidable in the respective electrode-carrying head and can be pushed toward the opposite by a pushing force and against the action of an opposing force, until their front ends engage a gauged shim placed between the two to establish the right spacing.

Abstract: The invention refers to a continuous cigarette rod deflecting and breaking device in a cigarette making machine, which device (1) is arranged upstream of the unit for cutting the rod (B) into individual cigarette lengths, and comprises a deflecting member (2) which upon control is movable between an uplifted active position in which it downwardly deflects the rod from its normal path along the rod-forming line (L), and a lowered down rest position in which it is located under the normal rod path, and leaves the rod free to travel toward the cutting unit. The said deflecting member (2) is integral with a severing element (6) which is caused to cross the path of rod (B) so as to cut the said rod as the deflecting member (2) is moved either from its uplifted active position into its lowered down rest position, or from its lowered down rest position into its uplifted active position.