Abstract: The disclosure provides a vacuum storage tank, comprising a vacuum storage tank body. The vacuum storage tank body is provided with a storage cavity and a pressure release channel in communication with the storage cavity. The pressure release channel is provided with a pressure release structure, the pressure release structure includes a pressure release cylinder, and the pressure release cylinder is placed in the pressure release channel. The pressure release cylinder includes a manipulation part and a sealing member for blocking a port of the pressure release channel, and the manipulation part extends from an outer wall of the vacuum storage tank body. A reset retaining structure is arranged between the pressure release cylinder and the vacuum storage tank body to control the pressure release cylinder so that the sealing member keeps blocking the port of the pressure release channel.

Abstract: A packaging station comprising a deformation device for converting a web of packaging material drawn from a supply of packaging material web, such as a leporello folded stacked web, into a dunnage material and a conveyor structure for receiving the drawn web of packaging material and for feeding the drawn web of packaging material into the deformation device, wherein the conveyor structure comprises a conveyor track extending from a reception of the conveyor structure to the deformation device and being dimensioned such that, after passing the reception, the web of packaging material is able to bear over its entire surface on the conveyor track in the conveying direction for at least the twofold of the width of the web.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of manufacturing a crimped web for an aerosol-generating article is provided, including feeding a substantially continuous web to a set of crimping rollers including a first roller and a second roller, each of which is corrugated across at least a portion of a width thereof; and crimping the web by feeding the web between the rollers in a longitudinal direction of the web such that corrugations of the rollers apply a plurality of longitudinally extending and substantially parallel crimp corrugations to the web, wherein pitch values of the corrugations of one or both of the rollers vary across the width thereof such that pitch values of the crimp corrugations vary across a width of the crimped web.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying rod-like articles of the tobacco industry to feed articles to a receiving area of a transferring unit. The transferring unit has lugs moving on a circular path and conveys the articles to the receiving apparatus. The receiving apparatus conveys the articles axially and the lug reduces the speed at least in a part of the path of movement before the area and/or in the area for receiving the articles from the feeding apparatus to the transferring apparatus and increases the speed at least in a part of the path of movement between the area for receiving the articles from the feeding apparatus and the area for transferring the articles to the receiving apparatus. And a method of conveying rod-like articles of the tobacco industry from a receiving area to a transferring area.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine includes a bunching assembly that randomly crumples at least two plies of sheet stock material into modified plies having a relatively thicker three-dimensional shape, and a feeding assembly that advances and connects together longitudinally-extending portions of the modified plies to form a dunnage strip. A diverter minimizes overlap of and encourages separation of lateral edges of the modified plies from one another, and a severing assembly severs distinct dunnage products from the strip. An exemplary resultant dunnage product includes two or more plies of crumpled sheet material interconnected along a longitudinally-extending portion having interconnected overlapped portions of each of the plies and a longitudinally-extending line of connection.

Abstract: A table saw includes a safety system to protect a user from injury. The safety system detects a sensed condition and rapidly moves a saw blade away from the user. The safety system includes a dual ratchet mechanism to prevent the blade from rebounding back above a work surface after an initial rapid retraction of the blade. The table saw has a swing arm that rotates to move the blade below the work surface. A first ratchet engages a first contact surface of the swing arm after rotation of the swing arm over a first range of angular displacements to prevent counter rotation of the swing arm. A second ratchet engages a second contact surface of the swing arm after rotation of the swing arm over a second range of angular displacements to prevent counter rotation of the swing arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing objects into a smoking article comprises a reservoir for providing a plurality of objects to be introduced into the smoking article, a rotatable wheel for delivering the objects to the location where the objects are to be introduced into the smoking article, a transfer chamber for transferring the objects to the rotatable wheel, the transfer chamber being arranged between the reservoir and the rotatable wheel and being designed such that the objects are aligned into a single vertically arranged layer therein, and means for moving the objects from the single layer in the transfer chamber in a direction towards or along the peripheral surface of the rotatable wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof, comprises means for providing a continuous supply of rod filter material, a first hopper means for providing a reservoir for objects, and a second hopper means for providing a plurality of individual objects. The second hopper means is positioned to receive objects from the first hopper means. The apparatus also comprises a reciprocating screen means between the first hopper means and the second hopper means, means for positioning individual objects from the second hopper to within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals, means for forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod, and means for subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: heat treating a continuously advancing longitudinally extending strand of material; cooling the heat treated continuously advancing strand; and forming a longitudinally extending outer layer of tobacco smoke filtering material around the continuously advancing strand, to form a continuously advancing rod comprising a longitudinally extending strand (1a) of material and a longitudinally extending outer layer (2a) of tobacco smoke filtering material engaged around the longitudinally extending strand (1a). An apparatus for carrying out the method, and products of the method, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a continuous web of crimped sheet material to a rod forming device comprises:—a winding unit (3) for unwinding the sheet material from a bobbin (21) on which the sheet material is provided,—a crimping unit (7) for crimping the sheet material,—a dispensing unit (8) for adding a particulate or liquid add-on material to the sheet material, and—a control unit (9) for controlling the various units of the apparatus in response to sensor signals received from the respective units. The dispensing unit (8) is arranged downstream of the crimping unit (7) when viewed in the direction of transport of the sheet material, and upstream of the rod forming device to which the crimped sheet material is supplied.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a continuous web of crimped sheet material (2) to a rod forming device comprises:—a winding unit (3) for unwinding the sheet material from a bobbin (21) on which the sheet material is provided;—a crimping unit (7) for crimping the sheet material,—a cutting unit (5) for cutting the continuous web of sheet material (2) to a predetermined width, the cutting unit (5) being arranged upstream of the crimping unit (7) when viewed in the direction of transport of the sheet material (2); and—a control unit (9) for controlling the various units of the apparatus in response to sensor signals received from the respective units.

Abstract: Porous masses that comprise a plurality of active particles and binder particles bound together at a plurality of sintered contact points may be useful in filters, including articles (like smoking devices) and methods relating thereto. The production of such filters may involve the production of filter rods that involves forming a desired abutting configuration that comprises a plurality of sections, the plurality of sections comprising at least one porous mass section and at least one other filter section; securing the desired abutting configuration so as to yield a segmented filter rod length; and cutting the segmented filter rod length into segmented filter rods, wherein the steps of forming, securing, and cutting are performed so as to produce the segmented filter rods at a rate of about 25 m/min or greater.

Abstract: Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for making a cigarette filter assembly for potentially reducing particle breakthrough. The method includes forming a lofty porous network of charge retaining polymer fibers by mechanical, chemical or thermal bonding of the fibers, wrapping the lofty porous network in a cylindrical or tubular shape with optional mediating filter fibers in a filter paper to form a filter plug while maintaining the lofty structure. The charge retaining fibers can be charged to attract and hold particles from such sources as particulate matter from sorbents (preventing break-through), and smoke constituents while having a suitable pressure drop. The apparatus handles the lofty media with minimal crushing, for example, by spacing apart delivery rolls equipped with protrusions to punch, push, and/or pull the lofty media ahead for high speed operation.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for sensing a cigarette filter, comprising: a plurality of rotary conveyance drums (12) delivering a first cigarette filter and second cigarette filters into which the first cigarette filter is divided by a cutter; two sensors (18) disposed adjacent to the rotary conveyance drum (12) to detect the second cigarette filters; an opto coupler connected to the two sensors (18) and operated by AND logic; a HIP connected to the opto coupler, it controlling a device of supplying cigarette filters to reject a cigarette having defects; and, a PLC connected with the HIP, it controlling the device of supplying cigarette filters, wherein the two sensors (18) detect active charcoal filters located at both ends of the second cigarette filters, the HIP controls the device such that the cigarette having defects are rejected when signals sensed by the sensors (18) are different from signals sensed from the normal active charcoal filter, the PLC controls the operation and stop of the device by pe

Abstract: A method of manufacturing composite filters for cigarettes, cigars and similar tobacco products, on a twin track machine, involves generating a succession of filter sticks of a first type, made from a first filter material and/or having first filtration properties, and at least one other succession of filter sticks of a different type, made from a respective different filter material and/or having filtration properties different to those of the first type; cross-cutting the filter sticks of the first type and the filter sticks of the different type on at least one transverse cutting line to obtain a succession of first and second plugs of the first type and a succession of first and second plugs of the different type; arranging the first plugs of the first type and the first plugs of the different type in alternation one with another to create a first filter rod, and arranging the second plugs of the first type and the second plugs of the different type in alternation one with another to create a second filte

Abstract: A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member along the longitudinal axis. A dispensing device is configured to selectively dispense a liquid substance into the filter material, substantially commensurately with the introduction of the plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member, wherein the liquid substance is configured to affect an attribute associated with the objects. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes at least one object and a portion of the liquid substance.

Abstract: A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: A method of making segmented filters including moving substantially identical segments of one type at uniform rate to a transferring element, which places each segment separately on an exit path. Setting of the filter segments in a repeating group on the exit path is accomplished by delay in collecting segments by a transferring element in each module of the apparatus. Uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element which includes uniformly spaced drivers, and non-uniform positioning is effected using the transferring element with non-uniformly spaced drivers. The apparatus includes a guiding element positioned adjacent to a cutting drum and has a wall closing a channel for a set of segments drawn out of a flute on the drum. The filter set is led through the channel with the aid of a dog of a chain and is advanced by a worm surface of a pushing together drum.

Abstract: A cutting element (1) rotatably mountable in a cigarette manufacturing machine, or filter combining machine for cutting filter rods is disclosed. The cutting element comprises a circular blade (2) having apertures (4) therein configured so as to reduce the contact area between the blade and the ends of a filter rod during cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated method are also provided.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.

Abstract: Filter elements made up of least two axially aligned plugs are advanced in succession by a feed unit along a first path and in a first direction, with the plugs oriented along a second direction transverse to the first direction, toward a garniture section extending along a second horizontal path and in a third direction, on which they are formed into at least one continuous rod which is then divided up by a rotary cutter into single composite filters. A transfer unit linking the feed unit and the garniture section comprises a conveyor, rotatable about a first axis parallel to the second direction, equipped with carriers each presenting at least one slot designed to admit one filter element; the single carriers are pivotable independently relative to the conveyor about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and about a third axis transverse to the first axis, alternating between positions in which the slot extends parallel with the second direction and with the third direction.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine comprises a tow treatment section (10) for forming a filter web (WF) from fibrous tow (T), a scatter device (42) for scattering activated carbon grains (PC) evenly over the filter web (WF) fed from the tow treatment section (10) toward a trumpet guide (34), the trumpet guide (34) forming the filter web into a rod-shaped material (WR), a web guide (36) arranged between the tow treatment section (10) and the trumpet guide (34) for supporting the lower surface of the filter web (WF) and guiding the filter web (WF) while it is transported, and a wrapping section (16) for wrapping the rod-shaped material (WR) fed from the trumpet guide (34) in a paper web.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a filter tow processing unit adapted to supply filter tow to a continuous rod forming unit includes an object insertion unit that positions objects within the filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals. The apparatus also includes an upper hopper that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper. The lower hopper is shaped so that objects are stacked therein. The bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets, each pocket being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face in the upper region of the rotating wheel. Each object then is positioned at predetermined intervals within a continuous supply of filter material.

Abstract: A cigarette filter comprises an elongate filter component having a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced apart slits generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the filter component partially extend into the component. The slits enable the filter to disintegrate and more readily degrade after being used and discarded. Processes and apparatus are provided for producing such cigarette filters.

Abstract: A machine for producing an endless filter rod comprises a multi-section garniture and a multiple garniture belt drive system that includes several garniture belts having linear aligned portions for delivering filter paper with filter components thereon through the sections of the garniture. Multiple garniture belts eliminate the need for a long belt and the disadvantages associated with a long belt such as excessive stretching and side movements or wander of the belt.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine wherein successive increments of a stream constituting a converted tow of filamentary filter material for tobacco smoke are contacted by a compressing tool which is vibrated at a frequency and/or amplitude sufficient to prevent over-heating of the tool and/or of filaments of filter material, such as acetate fibers. Conversion of the tow into the stream and the wrapping of the compressed stream into a running web of filter paper are carried out in a conventional manner.

Abstract: Double-filter cigarettes are produced by inserting different filter components between two rods of tobacco. This is attained by inserting filter components of different final lengths, obtained from separate supplies and processed along separate feed paths, successively between the tobacco rods.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing composite filter stock is provided that includes several steps. In a first step, a paper carrier strip feeds along a conveyor. Along one edge of the carrier strip, the paper is folded back against itself. Fibrous filter segments are then deposited on the carrying strip in spaced apart intervals. The spacing defines cavities between adjacent filter segments. The carrier strip with the deposited filter segments is fed along a path of travel into an elongated guide or support chamber that substantially surrounds the circumference of the paper-enveloped segments and which leaves a narrow fill opening opposite an elongated particulate filling opening that is elongated in the direction of motion of the carrying strip. Suction or a vacuum is concurrently applied adjacent the narrow opening, the suction increasing a downward momentum of a gravity feed stream of particulate matter and concurrently vacuums away loose particulate matter.

Abstract: Double-filter cigarettes are produced by inserting different filter components between two rods of tobacco. This is attained by inserting filter components of different final lengths, obtained from separate supplies and processed along separate feed paths, successively between the tobacco rods.

Abstract: Double-filter cigarettes are produced by inserting different filter components between two rods of tobacco. This is attained by inserting filter components of different final lengths, obtained from separate supplies and processed along separate feed paths, successively between the tobacco rods.

Abstract: An automatic filter tip attaching machine includes a mechanical structure moved by a computer program to automatically attach three filter tip stages a, b, c to cigarettes, with a chemical powder filled in the filter tip b to absorb nicotine and tar completely from cigarette smoke.

Abstract: There is provided a biodegradable filter tow or filter material from renewable raw materials for the use as a tobacco smoke filter element of cigarettes, cigars or pipes as well as a method for preparing it, wherein fibers, films or foams prepared in an extrusion method from biopolymers based on thermoplastic starch or its polymer compositions are processed to the filter tow or filter material according to the present invention.The advantages of this invention reside in the use of mainly renewable raw materials, a fast and complete biodegradability of the natural biopolymer filter material, a pollutant-reducing flavor-increasing filtering effect and an economically favorable preparation method.

Abstract: Filter tow comprising crimped spun fibers and/or filaments is prepared in a preparation zone and fed to a processing zone where it is gathered, in an intake zone, then wrapped and cut into tobacco smoke filter rods. In the region of the intake zone, a gas or vapor under elevated pressure acts on the filter tow at an angle of less than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the filter tow in the direction of movement of the filter tow. The relevant apparatus includes a preparation unit and a processing unit, the latter unit for feeding a gas or vapor under elevated pressure to the filter tow in the direction of movement thereof including:an intake finger (14) having holes (17) in the wall thereof on the filter tow intake side, ora pipe (22), whose gas or vapor exit end 23 terminates in the region of the filter tow outlet side of the intake funnel (23) or the filter tow intake side of the intake finger (14), ora blowing device (27) immediately upstream of the filter tow intake side of the intake finger (14).

Abstract: A cigarette filter having a core of synthetic fibrous filter material and an outer plug wrap is provided with a group of longitudinal bores and a group of peripheral channels in the core to improve the filtration efficiency and to balance the distribution of smoke flow over the cross-sectional area of the filter.

Abstract: Filter tow comprising crimped spun fibers and/or filaments is prepared in a preparation zone and fed to a processing zone where it is gathered, in an intake zone, then wrapped and cut into tobacco smoke filter rods. In the region of the intake zone, a gas or vapor under elevated pressure acts on the filter tow at an angle of less than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the filter tow in the direction of movement of the filter tow. The relevant apparatus includes a preparation unit and a processing unit, the latter unit for feeding a gas or vapor under elevated pressure to the filter tow in the direction of movement thereof including:an intake finger (14) having holes (17) in the wall thereof on the filter tow intake side, ora pipe (22), whose gas or vapor exit end 23 terminates in the region of the filter tow outlet side of the intake funnel (23) or the filter tow intake side of the intake finger (14), ora blowing device (27) immediately upstream of the filter tow intake side of the intake finger (14).

Abstract: A ledger assembly for a continuous rod cut-off includes a rigid beam (12) carrying ledger tubes (10) and pivotally supported by fibreglass springs (16,22). Vertical springs (22) resist the cutting force of the cut-off knife (30) and allow reciprocal movement of the tubes (10) while imparting a vertical displacement to the beam (12) so that the tubes follow a straight path along the rod line (28). A horizontal spring (16) allows this vertical displacement while providing lateral stiffness for the base of the beam (12). A drive arrangement for the beam (12) includes a lubricating system for a bearing (42) of a connecting rod (36) in which lubricant is collected for return by action of centrifugal force in a housing (72) located on the side of the bearing opposite a lubricant supply path (86, 88) through a crankshaft (40).

Abstract: A filter-manufacturing apparatus comprises a cutting drum, which has transporting grooves and adapted to receive filter rods having a prescribed length. An annular slit is formed in the circumference of the cutting drum. A circular cutting blade extends into the annular slit in a rotatable manner. A rod-shaped stopper is movably arranged in each transporting groove, and the distance between each stopper and the annular slit is adjustable such that it corresponds to the length of a filter plug to be cut from a filter rod. The cutting drum comprises a pushing mechanism for moving the filter rod along the transporting groove against the stopper by jetting air, whereby the filter rod is cut by the cutting blade, with its one and abutting against the stopper. A receiving drum with receiving grooves is in rolling contact with the cutting drum. The receiving drum rotates such that the receiving grooves come into alignment with the transporting grooves of the cutting drum.

Abstract: A rod cut-off in a cigarette making machine includes a cutting device 32 having a first drive 34, a ledger 10 for supporting the rod during cutting and having a second drive 22, separate from the first drive, a device for synchronizing (prefereably electronically) the first and second drives during normal operation, and a device 40 for mechanically displacing the ledger or cutting device (preferably the former) from the normal position in which it co-operates with the other member to perform rod cutting, the displacement being arranged to occur while the machine is being accelerated from start; that is, during the time while the two drives are being brough into synchronization.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating plain cigarettes between the cutoff of a cigarette making machine and the next-following machine, such as a filter tipping machine, has an elongated guide with a prismatic channel for advancement of successive plain cigarettes along a path which is open from above. In order to prevent the cigarettes from rising in the guide, a stabilizing element in the form of an inverted channel-shaped member is placed in front of the guide at a level above the path of cigarettes and downstream of the last tube of the cutoff.

Abstract: Tows of fibers are wrapped around a mandrel or a central fiber core to form a cylindrical filter. At least one belt is located in position to make essentially linear contact with the cylindrical filter, and the at least one belt is driven so as to draw the tows of fiber onto and wrap the mandrel or the central fiber core and so as to move the cylindrical filter axially relative to the mandrel or with the central fiber core.

Abstract: A mass-producing filter tipping machine wherein two coaxial plain cigarettes of unit length are simultaneously severed to yield pairs of coaxial plain cigarettes of unit length which are moved apart to provide spaces for filter mouthpieces of double unit length. The filter mouthpieces are connected with the respective pairs of cigarettes of unit length by adhesive-coated uniting bands, and the resulting filter cigarettes of double unit length are subdivided into pairs of filter cigarettes of unit length. These filter cigarettes are converted into a single row wherein the filter mouthpieces of all filter cigarettes face in the same direction.

Abstract: In order, when a cigarette is being smoked, to reduce, or even reverse, the tendency of the condensate-content to increase, a cigarette filter unit is proposed in which at least one partition having at least two areas of different porosities and made of a material which allows smoke to pass through it, is arranged between each two filter elements aligned axially with one another in the flow cross section of the filter unit. In this connection, a first partition area is designed in such a manner that its permeability decreases as the portion of tobacco associated with the cigarette filter unit is smoked, the tobacco smoke, passing through the said cigarette filter unit, flowing increasingly through the second partition area.

Abstract: For the manufacture of filter rod, filtration material and plugwrap being a thermally mouldable paperlike material, are fed, continuously to a rod maker, said plugwrap and rod being brought into contact with a heated moulding means to produce an impression in the peripheral surface of said plugwrap whilst preserving the continuity of the said wrap. The plugwrap includes not less than 25%, suitably 45 to 95%, by weight of synthetic thermoplastic material. At least a substantial proportion of the said thermoplastic material may be in the form of fibrillated fibre. The thermoplastic material may comprise polyethylene and/or cellulose acetate. The thickness of the plugwrap advantageously does not exceed 140 microns and its permeability prior to contact with said heated moulding means does not exceed 100 Coresta Units. By the said impression, the plugwrap is transformed from a paperlike material to a filmlike material of reduced permeability.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for manufacturing a filter rod from a continuous multifilament filter tow which is treated with a smoke-modifying agent during the filter rod manufacturing process.