Abstract: Combined tobacco leaf-rolled wrappers and packaging includes a water-impermeable carrying case with an open top end that is provided with a lid pivotally coupled to a longitudinal side thereof such that the lid covers the top end when articulated to a closed position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of flexible and uniformly shaped tobacco leaves adapted to a rolled and tubular position and a mechanism for maintaining the rolled tobacco leaves in a sealed and air-tight condition while nested within the carrying case so that the rolled tobacco leaves are prevented from becoming saturated with humidity in ambient air.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes of unit or multiple unit length are produced in a tipping machine wherein successive groups of coaxial plain cigarettes and filter rod sections are caused to roll within a channel bounded by surfaces at least one of which moves relative to the other(s). This results in the conversion of uniting bands, which are carried by successive groups into the inlet of the channel, into tubular sleeves connecting the tubular wrapper(s) of the filter rod section(s) to the plain cigarette(s) of the respective group. The wrappers, and normally also the uniting bands, are perforated in the channel subsequent to, or in part simultaneously with, the conversion of uniting bands into the respective sleeves. Each filter cigarette can be provided with one or more arrays, such as annuli, of perforations, e.g., by mutually inclined laser beams.

Abstract: In an arrangement for reducing noise level in a tobacco-processing production machine having an operator region and reflection surfaces facing the operator region, sound-damping material is disposed on the reflection surfaces facing the operator region.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine is provided with a pressure drop measuring unit (1) located at or close to the garniture of the making machine. The pressure drop of a gas stream of constant volume is introduced into the compacted tobacco rod beneath the format finger (2) on the making machine at a point at which that pressure drop measurement correlates with the bound pressure drop of the finished cigarette. The unbound cigarette pressure drop or draw resistance experienced by the smoker can be calculated using the bound tobacco rod pressure drop obtained by correlation with the measured pressure drop across the rod in an algorithim processed by calculation means. The degree of ventilation of the cigarette may also be utilised in the algorithim calculation. Comparator means allows the unbound cigarette pressure drop to be maintained within pre-set limits by varying cigarette parameters which affect the overall unbound cigarette pressure drop.

Abstract: In a cigarette making machine, each of a number of quality parameters of the product (individual cigarettes and/or packaged cigarettes) is monitored and a quality value for each parameter is continuously calculated in accordance with predetermined criteira; certain machine operating trends (including causes of stoppages) are monitored; and control devices are automatically operated under the control of a programmable control unit (computer) responsive to all these inputs so as optimize the total of the quality parameters and also the machine operating characteristics.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying measured quantities of foamed adhesive to the ends of cigarettes comprises a drum 10 arranged to having apertures 14A aligned with the respective cigarettes 12 and arranged to recieve foam from a source 18 adjacent to the plate, characterized by means 24,26 for pneumatically transferring foam progressively from each aperture to the end of the corresponding cigarette, i.e. during a significant arc of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous measurement of the draw resistance of a cigarette, comprising transducer which detects the pressure drop of a gas stream with constant volume, said gas stream being introduced at a format finger of a rod-producing machine into a rod of tobacco fibres. The measured value depending on the flow resistance of said rod is continuously determined and correlates very well with the usual static measurement of the draw resistance of cigarettes, i.e. of the tobacco rod of a cigarette, so that this continous draw resistance measurement during the cigarette production replaces not only the conventional random check but can also be used for controlling the production operation.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes which are transported sideways at the periphery of a rotating drum-shaped conveyor are engaged by successive rolling surfaces of a pair of coaxial rotary rolling members which rotate at the peripheral speed of the conveyor but in the opposite direction so that the cigarettes are caused to roll about their respective axes and cease to advance with the conveyor. The periphery of the conveyor is formed with flutes which receive the freshly rolled cigarettes, and the rolling of cigarettes is abruptly terminated by arresting members which orbit adjacent the path of movement of the cigarettes at the peripheral speed of the conveyor and in the same direction. A laser is used to make holes in successive cigarettes while the cigarettes roll about their respective axes.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the spacing between two neighboring rows of parallel cigarettes which are transported sideways has a first fluted drum which delivers the two rows of cigarettes to a first transfer station where the cigarettes enter radially extending flutes in the upper end faces of two coplanar disks which are eccentric to each other and one of which surrounds the other disk. The disks transport the cigarettes through 180 degress to a second transfer station where the cigarettes are picked up by the flutes of a second fluted drum which is coaxial with the first drum. The distance between the two rows of cigarettes increases or decreases gradually during transport by the disks.