Abstract: A method for packing unfilled cigarette tubes into a receptacle consists of the steps of feeding tubes to a conveyor, moving the tubes along the conveyor to a holding position, and laterally moving a predetermined number of tubes to a container. The container may then be pivoted vertically to deposit the tubes into the receptacle.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the packaging of unfilled cigarette tubes into boxes, a counter counts a predetermined number of tubes and these are subsequently advanced to a holding position and then pushed laterally into a containment member having substantially the same dimensions as a box into which the tubes are to be placed. The containment member is pivotable and rotatable and adapted to have a box positioned thereon. The box is filled with cigarette tubes from the containment member on pivoting and rotation of the containment member without any handling of tubes by the operator, thus avoiding damage to the tubes.