Abstract: A sewing head employing twin needles for use with a material feed assembly at a sewing station, employing a linkage drive configuration enabling original rotary motion to be converted into linear rather than arcuate during formation of tacks. The same drive source is employed for both longitudinal and lateral motion, with a movable link added into the main feed link assembly. By means of a guide member, one portion of the main drive is confined to longitudinal motion only, while the other portion is free to go through the lateral motion separately. By employing an additional movable link and designing the main feed link as a two part link, while at the same time employing the same drive source for longitudinal and lateral motion, it is possible to achieve the necessary linear parallel motion. By the aforementioned arrangement, the drive link achieves linear motion and provides for a uniform tacking pattern for both needles.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a cut tobacco braid in a cigarette maker including a duct of T-shaped cross-sectional configuration having a rectangular inlet and outlet disposed orthogonal to each other; the arms of the T-shape being symmetrically tapered from the inlet to the outlet and the leg of the T-shape being tapered from the outlet to the inlet.

Abstract: As film is being drawn off a rotatable supply reel, an apparatus indicates the presence of a predefined amount of film material remaining on the reel. In the absence of a designated quantity present on the film reel, a sensing device in proximity to the reel imparts a signal to a reel braking device for de-energizing the film roller. When the braking device moves to engage the film reel, an additional sensing device responds to the angular displacement between the brake and the film reel during braking action to monitor film tension.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for the casing of a machine, especially a tobacco cutting machine is provided, having a pair of meshing gears mounted on one machine part, which by way of a link-mechanism are adapted to rotate when the casing is opened. A shock absorber is mounted between the gears to enable the opening movement to have a first phase which is relatively unimpeded and a second phase is damped.

Abstract: Operations for the reduction of lipid content in tobacco compositions with retention of favorable organoleptic properties comprising particularly treatments or the selective removal of `neutral` lipid fraction. Tobacco leaves, preferably freshly harvested, are subjected to physical treatment adapted to remove lipid material from glandular trichome and cuticle while retaining the structural integrity of the leaf. Tobacco compositions based upon treated leaf structures exhibit significantly reduced lipid levels, reported to interrelate with production of aromatic hydrocarbons upon pyrolysis.

Abstract: Improved filter media comprised of negatively charged high surface area fibrous filter material the surface of which is modified by treatment with a melamine-formaldehyde cationic colloid, processes for the production thereof, and use in liquid filtration to remove submicron contaminants including negatively charged particles. Glass microfiber treated with Parez 607 colloid is preferred.

Abstract: Improved filter media comprised of negatively charged high surface area particulate filter material the surface of which is modified with a melamine-formaldehyde cationic colloid; processes for the preparation thereof; and use in liquid filtration to remove submicron contaminants including negatively charged particles.

Abstract: Cigar tobacco sheet of low density, smoking articles prepared therewith, and foamed intermediates therefor. Fine-bubble stable foams, wherein at least 80% of the bubbles are less than about 100 microns in normalized dimension are formed in a high shear system utilizing tobacco particles of generally smaller than 100-120 mesh. The foam is cast and dried to form reconstituted cigar tobacco sheet, utilized preferably for wrapper and/or binder in cigars, characterized especially by excellent taste.

Abstract: The folding mechanism for folding a flap of the wrapper against a face of a cigarette pack moving at a uniform speed along a conveying path in a direction parallel to said face, comprises a pair of rotatable discs facing each other and spaced apart, which have their axes of rotation parallel to and excentrically arranged with respect to each other, said axes being further inclined of a predetermined oblique angle with respect to the conveying path of the cigarette pack. The two discs are connected in their rotation by three connecting rods linking respective crank pins provided excentrically on the said discs, so that rotation of one of the discs causes a concurrent rotation of the other disc. Onto one of the said connecting rods there is provided a projecting folder element which presents a flat surface parallel to and intended to engage the flap to be folded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting the ends of cigarettes by use of a spaced pair of optical fiber probes illuminating the ends of a cigarette and receiving light therefrom, and electronic circuit means converting the reflected light into representative signals which when processed and compared to a threshold signal provides a reject signal when at least one end of a cigarette is unacceptable.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing particulate material in portions of predetermined weight by providing a flow of material measurable by a radiation detector, measuring the flow rate per unit time of the material and removing successive determined portions of the material from the flow when the measurement indicates that each such portion is of predetermined desired weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to cigarette packaging machines having continuously moving wrapper forming and closing devices. The wrapper forming devices including arbors on which wrappers are formed being rotated 90.degree. on their longitudinal axes during closure of the bottoms of the wrappers and returning to their original position to be filled and transferred to the wrapper closing devices which have holding means for individual packs which are pivoted 90.degree. during closure of the tops or mouths of the packs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the preparation of controlled and reduced density reconstituted tobacco materials comprising injection of inert gas into a low moisture tobacco composition maintained at an elevated temperature and paste-like consistency. Preferably, the inert gas is heated to a temperature within about 40.degree.C of the composition prior to injection, and extruder means comprising high and low pressure zones is employed, with the point of gas injection selected to lie within the low pressure zone of the extruder or at the inlet port of a gear pump positioned after the extruder. Reconstituted tobacco materials (usually of sheet configuration) produced are characterized by even texture, uniform appearance, steady burning, and desirable taste, and can be prepared at densities lower than natural leaf.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously measuring the bulk density of particulate material such as cut tobacco comprising a measuring column with level detection and density indicating means, a weighing conveyor and control means for driving the conveyor at speeds determined by signals from the level detecting means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a direct link-up between a cigarette maker which produces cigarette assemblies each comprising a pair of cigarettes connected together in end to end alignment and a packer which packages groups of individual cigarettes, the link-up having a reservoir for cigarette assemblies which are delivered one by one at a rate determined by the packer, means for dividing cigarette assemblies into individual cigarettes which are arranged in an aligned row providing a continuous flow of cigarettes which are inspected and selectively delivered in accordance with the inspection to the packer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the removal of tobacco cuttings in the wrapper cutting portion of a cigar making machine in which a hollow, rotatable die turret having a pair of hollow die units on its upper surface, air openings at its lower surface and passageways from such openings to the interior of the units, is rotatably mounted on a stationary support having a pair of air chambers therein with openings in the upper wall thereof which permit air to flow into or out of the turret passageways through the openings at its lower surface at various portions of the cycle of rotation of the turret. Each die unit has holes around the periphery of the cutting edge which extend into the die unit interior. One of the chambers is kept continuously under vacuum so that during part of the rotation of the turret, air is drawn through the die unit holes to maintain a strip of tobacco on top of a die unit.

Abstract: A device for detecting the degree of firmness of cigarette ends comprising a rotating drum moving laterally one after the other to a position to be tested, yieldable feeler means with indicator means positioned according to the firmness of a cigarette end being tested and transducer means for providing a signal depending upon the position of the indicator means. The foregoing can be combined with pneumatic means for testing for integrity of the wrappers of cigarettes.

Abstract: A pneumatic-electric, or a pneumatic sensing and control system is used in a cigar making machine to prevent a wrapper or binder paster from operating and a formed tobacco member from being delivered to the roller nest when a tobacco strip is not transferred to the carrier while permitting the machine to continue to run without interruption.