Abstract: The density of a stream of tobacco particles at the underside of a foraminous belt conveyor is monitored by an array of X-ray detectors to generate signals each denoting the density of a different thin layer in successive increments of the stream. Such signals are processed into signals denoting the density of the entire stream, the filling power of tobacco, and the quantity of the surplus in the stream. The processed signals are used to adjust the trimmer which removes the surplus, to adjust the distributor which feeds the particles to the stream, to regulate the hardness of cigarettes and to adjust the quantity of the surplus.

Abstract: A shower of fibrous material is directed against the underside of the lower reach of a foraminous endless belt conveyor so that the fibrous material gathers into a continuous stream which is attracted to the conveyor by suction and is moved longitudinally past a trimming device which removes the surplus. The density of the stream is monitored upstream and downstream of the trimming device, and the corresponding signals are processed in an evaluating circuit into additional signals which are indicative of the quantity of the removed surplus. The removed surplus is weighed and the weighing device generates signals also denoting the quantity of the surplus. Such signals are compared with the additional signals and further signals, which denote the differences between the intensities of the compared signals, are used to modify signals denoting the density of the stream downstream of the trimming device. The thus modified signals are used to adjust the trimming device.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the standard weight deviation of cigarettes on a machine having at least two manufacturing lines for producing continuous cigarette rods in which mean values and standard deviations are determined periodically relative to test measurements involving weighing a given number of cigarettes produced on a first line and an equal number of cigarettes produced on the second line with the standard deviations being compared to identify the test measurement having the highest standard deviation so that shavers on each line can be contolled such that the mean weight values of the two test measurements equal a given value selected as a function of the test measurement having the highest standard deviation.

Abstract: In a method for controlling at least two physical properties, decisive for the quality of the finished smokable article, of a material rod of filter or tobacco material for the manufacture of smokable articles, in particular in filter or cigarette manufacture, the actual values of said properties are detected, the respective differences between the actual and desired values are determined and from the differences determined control signals are obtained for actuating elements influencing the mass of the material making up the rod; to facilitate the generation of the desired values, the control is performed during start-up or when specific events occur by means of only a single primary product parameter.

Abstract: A machine wherein a mobile partition divides a flow of tobacco particles into several streams each of which carries a surplus of tobacco particles. The surplus is removed from the streams by discrete trimming devices to convert the streams into fillers which are draped into webs of cigarette paper. The removed surplus is measured independently for each stream and the signals which are generated to denote the quantities of removed surplus are used to change the position of the partition in a sense to ensure that each stream contains a predetermined quantity of surplus. A device which monitors the density of at least one filler generates signals serving to adjust the trimming devices in a sense to ensure that the density of all fillers matches a preselected density.

Abstract: A device for controlling the content of tobacco in a cigarette machine, for feeding the tobacco content along an air-permeable conveyor band, trimming the tobacco content thereon, wrapping them in paper, thereby continuously producing stick-like cigarettes. The device comprises a first radiometric density detector, arranged in front of a trimming position, for detecting the density of the tobacco content; and a second radiometric density detector, for continuously detecting the densities of the stick-like cigarettes, wherein the sum signal representing an integrated value of outputs from the second radiometric density detector and an output from the first radiometric density detector is used to control the trimming and hence the tobacco content in the cigarette manufacturing machine.

Abstract: A continuous stream of tobacco shreds is built at the underside of the lower reach of an air-permeable belt conveyor by conveying tobacco shreds in currents of air which impinge upon the lower reach of the conveyor at a variable angle and at a variable speed. The density of various layers of the stream at a plurality of points at different distances from the lower reach of the conveyor is monitored by a device which directs X-rays transversely across the stream and has a uni- or two-dimensional detector with one or more rows of diodes exposed to X-rays which have penetrated through the stream. The signals which are thereby generated by the diodes denote the monitored density at the plurality of points and are scanned, evaluated and processed to actuate one or more servomotors which vary one or more parameters that influence the orientation of shreds in the stream, the density and/or other characteristics of the stream.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for controlling the physical properties of a rod of smokable material the actual values of at least two physical properties, in particular resistance to draw and hardness or deformation of the tobacco rod or of the smokable article, are detected; the differences between said actual values and predetermined desired values are determined and control signals derived therefrom; said control signals are compared with each other and the particular instantaneously largest control signal is supplied to a single actuator, that is an ecreteur or a hopper. An auto-selector circuit with maximum selection is used to compare the control signals.

Abstract: A content tobacco amount controlling device for use with a cigarette making machine of the type including a cigarette conveyor, a tobacco trimming device, and a tobacco wrapping device. The controlling device includes first and second radio ray density detecting devices, and a first integrator connected to the second radio ray density detecting device for integrating an electric signal from the second radio ray density detecting device. An adding device is connected to the first integrator, and a second integrator is connected to the adding device for integrating an output of the adding device. The trimming device is operated in response to an output of the second integrator to control the amount of content tobacco after trimming.

Abstract: A laser or a spark discharge apparatus which is used to perforate the wrapping material for rod-like fillers of tobacco and/or filter material is adjusted in dependency on variations of the characteristics of signals which denote the mass per unit length of a trimmed filler having a predetermined hardness. The wrapping material is tipping paper or cigarette paper and can be perforated prior or subsequent to draping around the trimmed filler, and the draped filler is thereupon subdivided into sections of desired length. Signals denoting the mass per unit length of the filler can be influenced by signals denoting the hardness of the filler, the filling power of the filler, the temperature of fibrous material of the filler, the moisture content of fibrous material of the filler and/or other parameters of the fibrous material and/or filler.

Abstract: A cigarette maker wherein batches consisting of a first type of tobacco particles are deposited at intervals at one side of a suction belt conveyor and the gaps between successive batches are filled with tobacco particles of a second type to form a composite stream which is thereupon homogenized in regions where the batches abut the accumulations of particles of the second type to thus avoid the presence of cavities in the rod-like filler into which the stream is converted preparatory to draping of the filler into a web of cigarette paper. The homogenizing operation can involve mere shifting of particles of the second type toward the belt conveyor or a trimming of the stream with attendant formation of protuberances in the regions of abutment of batches against the accumulations of particles of the second type. The protuberances are eliminated during draping so that the density of the corresponding portions of the filler is increased.

Abstract: The device disclosed comprises at least two optical detectors, each of which having two optical assemblies, diametrically opposed in relation to the rod exiting from a cigarette making machine, and a light-sensitive component consisting of an array of charge-coupled devices of the type used for scanning images. With each scan, the detectors emit signals reflecting the transverse dimensions of the rod which are first compared with a threshold signal reflecting the nominal diameter of the rod, and then utilized in conjunction with stepping motors to control devices which correct the transverse dimensions of the rod.

Abstract: Cigarette rod or cigarette filter rod comprising an outer, longitudinally seamed wrapper is monitored, to detect defects in the longitudinal seam, by directing, from a nozzle, a stream of air tangentially of the rod, whereby the air flows in Coanda effect contact with the rod, and audio detecting the presence or absence of air, at a location spaced from the nozzle, in accordance with the presence or absence of a seam defect.

Abstract: A method for producing two continuous streams of cigarettes in which a continuous paper web is cut longitudinally to form two strips which are fed through a tobacco loading device and along respective guides for forming respective continuous rods and then to a transverse cutting device by respective conveyor belts, the drive rollers of which are driven by a single motor by way of a differential unit controlled by devices for sensing the positions which graphical signs reproduced on the paper strips have reached on each operation of the transverse cutting device.

Abstract: A continuous rod-like filler is formed in a cigarette rod making machine on an endless foraminous belt conveyor by depositing a row of spaced-apart batches consisting of a first type of tobacco at one side of the conveyor, holding the batches by suction, and showering tobacco particles of a second type onto and/or into the spaces between the batches. The density of successive increments of the filler is monitored by a pneumatic and/or radiation type detector, and the thus obtained density signals are used to generate control signals which regulate the density of the filler as well as control signals which are used to influence the batches, if and when necessary. For this purpose, the density signals can be processed to single out those which are attributable to monitoring of the density of successive batches, and the singled out density signals are then analyzed and used to vary one or more parameters of the batches.

Abstract: A device for determining continuously the hardness of a smokable article, more particularly a cigarette, from the mechanical properties of a rod of tobacco fibres during the manufacture of this smokable article, which ascertains the temperature of the former finger which compacts the rod of tobacco fibres to a predetermined diameter dependent on the diameter of the finished smokable article. This temperature measurement, which can be carried out by a thermocouple element, a resistance thermometer or a semiconductor temperature sensor, represents an exact reproducible measure of the hardness of the smokable article which is produced with this rod of tobacco fibres.

Abstract: Cigarette manufacturing machine on which a continuous strip of paper is fed, through a tobacco loading station and along a guide for forming a continuous rod, to a crosswise cutting device by a conveyor belt driven by a drive roller driven, together with the cutting device, by a motor via a differential assembly controlled by a detector which measures the travelling speed of the cigarettes.

Abstract: A control system for a cigarette making machine to provide improved cigarette rod weight control by continual adjustment of a servo-positioned ecreteur knife at the tobacco supply vacuum belt of the cigarette maker. The servo is positioned by a dual mode control system wherein one mode is based on long term feedback of cigarette rod density, measured by a .beta. ray gauge and a second mode based on a high speed adaptive feed-forward control based on tobacco density on the supply vacuum belt measured by a pneumatic gauge.

Abstract: Method and machine for manufacturing two continuous streams of cigarettes. A continuous strip of paper is cut longitudinally into two strips which are fed through a tobacco loading station and along respective guides for forming respective continuous wrapped cigarette rods. The rods are fed to a crosswise cutting device by means of respective conveyor belts, the drive rollers of which are driven by a single motor through a differential assembly controlled by detecting devices designed to control, directly or indirectly, the tension on the strips and to keep them at the same tension.

Abstract: A continuous rod-like filler which is ready for draping into a web of cigarette paper is obtained by removing the surplus of tobacco from a continuous tobacco stream which is formed at one side of a foraminous belt conveyor the other side of which is adjacent to a suction chamber serving to attract the particles of tobacco to the conveyor. The surplus is removed downstream of the zone where the particles of tobacco are delivered to the conveyor. The density of the filler is monitored subsequent to draping, and the signals which are generated by the density monitoring device are used to vary the pressure in the suction chamber, to vary the speed of a first rotary conveyor which propels particles of tobacco against the belt conveyor and/or to vary the rate of feed of tobacco particles to the belt conveyor by adjusting the speed of a second rotary conveyor which draws tobacco particles from the lower end of a duct.

Abstract: The density of the trimmed tobacco stream in a cigarette rod making machine is monitored and the distance between the trimming plane and the conveyor for the tobacco stream is varied in dependency on deviations of the monitored density from an optimum density. The variations in the distance between the trimming plane and the conveyor are monitored and the signals denoting such variations are used to adjust the rate of tobacco feed into the stream building zone of the machine. The rate of feed is reduced when the distance between the trimming plane and the conveyor is reduced and vice versa. The quantity of removed surplus is monitored and the rate of tobacco fed is or can be regulated in response to signals denoting changes in the quantity of removed surplus. Alternatively, monitoring of the surplus can be used solely to generate signals which denote that the quantity of surplus tobacco is outside of a preselected range.

Abstract: The distance between the equalizing device and the conveyor which transports a tobacco stream past the equalizing device in a cigarette rod making machine is adjustable in order to change the density of the filler into which the stream is converted as a result of removal of excess tobacco therefrom. The firmness of the filler, which is thereupon confined in a web of cigarette paper, is regulated by changing the ratio of the speed of the conveyor which transports the tobacco stream past the equalizing device to the speed of the conveyor which transports the filler through the draping mechanism. The speed of one of the conveyors is changed in response to signals which are generated by a device for monitoring the firmness of the confined filler, either directly by monitoring the firmness of the filler downstream of the draping mechanism or indirectly by monitoring the quantity of tobacco per unit length of the unconfined filler between the equalizing device and the draping mechanism.

Abstract: A tobacco rod firmness sensor arrangement wherein the tongue of a continuous rod type cigarette making machine is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The upstream portion is independently mounted from the downstream portion and is associated with a sensor to measure the force exerted by the tobacco rod compressed between the upstream portion and the garniture. Calibration of the sensor is unaffected by adjustment of the downstream portion of the divided tongue.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-blend segmented cigarette by providing a first blend of tobacco to an appropriate point adjacent to a tobacco conveying belt of a conventional cigarette making machine. A transfer wheel apparatus is utilized to form a plurality of spaced portions of the first blend and transferring the formed portions from the first blend supply to the conveyor belt, depositing the portions on said conveyor belt at spaced intervals. A second blend is delivered to the tobacco conveying belt and fills the gaps or intervals while also covering the formed portions to produce a multi-blend segmented layer. The multi-blend segmented layer is trimmed to remove only a portion of said second blend, thereby providing a layer of a uniformed thickness. The trimmed uniformed layer is transferred to a tobacco rod forming device which forms a continuously wrapped tobacco rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic control device adapted to regulate, without interruptions, cigarette-making process and in a substantially continuous way, the cut tobacco being re-circulated back to the distributor, as trimmed excess tobacco (S) from the uniform tobacco rod, formed in the pneumatic suction belt forming assembly (N) of a continuous cigarette-making machine. Said device substantially comprises a detector suction head (1), through which all of said trimmed excess tobacco (S) is passed pneumatically, in its path of suction re-circulation, from trimmer (R) of the belt (N) the distributor of the cut tobacco for the formation of the rod. Said detector suction head (1) is associated with a photo-cell sensor (4, 5) whose light beam is liable to be attenuated by the total flow of trimmed cut tobacco (S) sucked through said head.

Abstract: Production of cigarette filter rod is controlled by monitoring the tow (12) or rod (18) to provide signals indicative of tow consumption rate and varying the composition of the rod in accordance with the signals, e.g. to maintain a constant proportion by weight in the rod of tow and a plasticizer applied to the tow by an applicator device (18). The tow feed rate or the plasticizer supply rate may be varied in accordance with the signals. The monitoring device may comprise a tow bale weight sensor (48), a rod scanning head (54), or a weight band (33,57).

Abstract: Pileups of tobacco particles at or between the inlet of the draping mechanism and the stream forming station in a cigarette maker are ascertained by a device which monitors the density of successive increments of the cigarette stream prior or subsequent to trimming or the extent of deformation of the finger which compresses the trimmed stream in the garniture of the cigarette maker. The monitoring device generates signals which are utilized to automatically interrupt the admission of tobacco particles into the stream forming channel.

Abstract: A continuous twin rod cigarette making machine operable to permit the simultaneous formation of two continuous rods of cigarette starting from two layers of tobacco supported by suction beneath respective suction conveyors located above respective ascending shafts, the flow of tobacco along the ascending shafts being adjusted in dependence on signals emitted by sensors of the density or weight of the layers by adjustment elements including two channels coupled to respective vibrators, the frequency of which is adjustable, and communicating on one side with respective descending shafts extending from a carding unit to the ascending shafts, and on the other with a recycled tobacco particle supply device.

Abstract: A cigarette rod making machine has a beta-ray detector which monitors the density of successive increments of the condensed filler in the continuously moving cigarette rod and changes the distance between the trimming device and the conveyor for the tobacco stream. The height of the tobacco stream (upstream or downstream of the trimming device) is monitored, and the thus obtained first signals are compared with second signals denoting the distance between the conveyor and the trimming device. The machine ejects those cigarettes whose fillers have caused the generation of first signals denoting that the corresponding portion of the stream contains less than a minimum acceptable quantity of tobacco. The height of successive increments of the stream can be monitored by an opto-electronic or capacitive detector or by a device which employs sound waves.

Abstract: A dynamic circumference gage (70) has a spring which maintains contact with moving cigarette rod (74). Strain gages mounted on opposite faces of the spring indicate changes in the circumference of moving cigarette rod (74). Changes in cigarette rod (74) circumference, as indicated by dynamic circumference gage (70), may be used to make adjustments in folder (42) or short tongue (30) to return cigarette rod (74) circumference to within acceptable limits. A second dynamic circumference gage (80) may be located ninety degrees from dynamic circumference gage (70) to provide accurate circumference measurements for out of round cigarettes.

Abstract: Discrete uniting bands which are used in a filter tipping machine to connect filter plugs with plain cigarettes consist of foraminous material, and the permeability of such material is varied, when necessary, by changing the quantity of adhesive which is applied to the uniting bands prior to convolution around the respective plain cigarettes and filter plugs. This ensures that each convoluted uniting band admits a preselected quantity of cool atmospheric air into the column of tobacco smoke when the respective filter cigarette is lighted. The paster which applies adhesive to a continuous web which is about to be subdivided into uniting bands is adjusted in response to signals which are generated by a testing device for the wrappers of successive filter cigarettes. If the permeability is too high, the paster is adjusted by reducing or increasing the quantity of adhesive which is applied to successive unit areas or unit lengths of the running web.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the exterior of a cigarette rod which moves lengthwise through an annular housing has a ring-shaped light-conducting prism which is mounted in the housing and is surrounded by an annulus of discrete light sources to direct testing light toward the exterior of a rod which moves therethrough. The prism directs light at an acute angle to the axis of the moving rod, and the light which is reflected by the exterior of the moving rod passes through an annulus of light conducting fibers each of which directs reflected light against a discrete photoelectronic transducer. The transducers form part of a circuit which evaluates the intensity of reflected light to thereby detect defects which cause an intensification or a weakening of reflected light. The prism has a triangular cross sectional outline with an apex of the outline adjacent to the path of the rod and a side which is located opposite the apex and extends at right angles to the direction of incident light.

Abstract: A practice for controlling cigarette rod firmness in a cigarette maker wherein a detected cigarette rod firmness signal is corrected for firmness variations resulting from changes in rod moisture relative to a preselected or target moisture via a suitably processed detected moisture signal and the corrected firmness signal is compared with a preselected or target firmness to derive an error signal for tobacco content control.

Abstract: The making of an elongated tobacco stream which is to be densified, wrapped and severed for conversion into discrete cigarettes is controlled in dependence on the resistance of the stream to the flow of a gaseous fluid thereacross prior to removal of the surplus of tobacco. The signal which is generated to effect the control may be influenced by a parameter, such as the height of the stream prior or subsequent to removal of the surplus, and such signal determines the distance between the plane in which the equalizer removes the surplus from the stream and a conveyor which advances the stream lengthwise. Such signal may be formed as a function of several parameters.

Abstract: The production of an elongated filler which is to be densified, wrapped and severed to yield discrete cigarettes is controlled in dependence on the mass flow of the filler after densification and is influenced by a parameter, such as the height, density, flow resistance or capacitance of the filler prior to densification. The control involves selection of the distance between an equalizer which removes the surplus of fibers from a tobacco stream on a conveyor which advances the stream and the filler. The parameter may be monitored at, downstream of or upstream of the equalizer but always upstream of the densifying station. The control signal for the desired position of the equalizer with reference to the conveyor is a function of one or more of the parameters.