Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for inserting objects into a filter rod. The apparatus can include: a first conduit adapted to convey a plurality of the objects in series; a first escapement having a first inlet and a first outlet connected by a first channel, wherein the first inlet is connected to the first conduit; a first singulation drum having an outer periphery defining a first row of first pockets adapted to hold the objects, wherein the first singulation drum is adapted to rotate about a first axis to successively move the first pockets into registry with the first outlet; and at least one first source of air that conveys the objects from the first inlet to the first outlet, and successively into the first pockets of the first singulation drum. Other details and methods of inserting objects into a filter rod are also discussed.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for inserting objects into a filter rod. The apparatus can include: a first conduit adapted to convey a plurality of the objects in series; a first escapement having a first inlet and a first outlet connected by a first channel, wherein the first inlet is connected to the first conduit; a first singulation drum having an outer periphery defining a first row of first pockets adapted to hold the objects, wherein the first singulation drum is adapted to rotate about a first axis to successively move the first pockets into registry with the first outlet; and at least one first source of air that conveys the objects from the first inlet to the first outlet, and successively into the first pockets of the first singulation drum. Other details and methods of inserting objects into a filter rod are also discussed.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes a storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume; an inserter wheel that receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into a band of filter material, the inserter wheel having an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets defined in the outer periphery and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the volume of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes at least one storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume. At least one inserter wheel receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into at least one band of filter material. Each of the at least one inserter wheels has an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes at least one storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume. At least one inserter wheel receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into at least one band of filter material. Each of the at least one inserter wheels has an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes a storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume; an inserter wheel that receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into a band of filter material, the inserter wheel having an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets defined in the outer periphery and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the volume of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.