Abstract: A system for manufacturing tobacco products whereby, a number (Pn) that represents a nominal production target for products of a given brand, and a number (Cmax) representing the maximum output capacity of the system, or in practice the maximum quantity of products in process that the system is able to handle, are programmed into master control unit (33). A tally (P) of products is kept, and, at a given moment (t1) following the completion of a number (Pr) of products that matches the target (Pn=Pr+Cmax), a first flash check is run on the quantity (C1) of the product actually turned out by the system; should it emerge from this first flash check that the actual quantity (C1) is equal to the maximum output capacity (Cmax), then a brand changeover procedure will be initiated by the master control unit (33).

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for forming sushi rolls (14) comprising a housing (22). A drive roller (24) is rotatively carried within the housing (22). A driven roller (26) is rotatively carried within the housing (22) in a side by side relationship with the drive roller (24). An endless belt (28) is between the drive roller (22) and the driven roller (26). The endless belt (28) has an arcuate recess portion therebetween that will receive a food filler (16) deposited upon the arcuate recess portion. A facility (30) in the housing (22) is for positioning the driven roller (26) closer to the drive roller (24) after the food filler (16) is placed upon the arcuate recess portion of the endless belt (28). A component (32) is for rotating the drive roller (24) with the endless belt and the driver roller (26) together. When an edge of a seaweed sheet (18) is inserted into the arcuate recess portion of the endless belt (26), the seaweed sheet (18) will tightly wrap about the food filler (16) to form a sushi roll (14).

Abstract: A machine for rolling bulk material, such as fiber filters and tobacco, and wrapping a sheet member around the bulk material has a flexible apron connected to a roller bar which is rotated with an electric motor. The apron is located over a convex support between side walls having track slots for guiding the roller bar as it rolls up the apron and moves relative to the support. Bulk material placed on the apron adjacent the roller bar is rolled into a generally cylindrical shape within a sheet member as the apron moves over the support. The cylindrical product is discharged from the apron when the roller bar reaches the rear of the slots.

Abstract: A device for applying a chevron-shaped cigar wrapper blank onto a rotating double cigar body as the body is being rotated in a mechanically driven nest where certain driving rods of the nest are modified to provide clearance for a tuck lifter that initiates the wrapping procedure.

Abstract: A device for making "rolled" cigarettes comprising a housing containing a plate and a shaft around which an endless belt passes. Slack in the belt forms a groove or cradle between the plate and the shaft and relative movement between the plate and the shaft enables the groove or cradle to be opened and closed. When the groove or cradle is open tobacco may be inserted or a rolled cigarette removed. When the groove or cradle is closed, the belt may be moved relative to the plate by the user to roll the tobacco in the groove in paper or other sheet material.