Abstract: In a multi-bobbin machine for making paper booklets e.g. of interleaved cigarette paper, a multiplicity of strips from respective supply bobbins are interfolded and converged to form a booklet strand which is cut to length by a cutting station which reciprocates along the strand so that booklet lengths enter it and are cut. A rotating non-circular shaft passes through the cutting station and a sleeve in the cutting station slides axially along the shaft as the station reciprocates and rotates with the shaft. The sleeve is independently linked to a strand clamp and to a cutting knife which are separately timed and move along different paths, the strand clamp moving longitudinally towards and away from the strand while the knife makes a slicing movement across and through the strand.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided in which booklets of interleaved cigarette papers can be made from continuously moving strands of strip paper in which a cutting knife used to sever the paper strips precisely follows movement of the strip. Movement of a driven input shaft is brought onto the moving platform and used to operate the cutting knife. Paper from bobbins is converged by formers and a spreader into a strand advanced by nip rolls through a cutting station. The knife in the station cuts a booklet from the strand while the station moves with the strand. A driven rotatory shaft of non-circular section transmits its rotation to a sleeve that slides therealong as the station reciprocates relative to a shaft. The sleeve is operably connected e.g. by gearing or by a cam and follower to the knife so that rotation thereof brings about the cutting movement.

Abstract: A manually operated machine is provided for compressing a charge of tobacco into a cylindrical shape and inserting the compressed charge into a preformed cigarette tube. It comprises a body having a nozzle for supporting the cigarette tube, a sliding compression member directly connected to an operating handle, and an ejector such as a tobacco spoon and ejection plug for injecting the cylindrical charge of tobacco through the nozzle into the cigarette tube. The ejector cooperates with a back edge of a tobacco insertion slot, which is directed at a small acute angle thereto, to exert a scissors-like cutting action on protruding strands of tobacco whereby there is produced a clean separation of the charge of tobacco to be compressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cigarette making machine of the kind having a fixed member and a movable packing block together defining a cylindrical cavity for compressed tobacco, a nozzle communicating with the end of the cavity for supporting a preformed paper tube and an ejector for ejecting the charge of compressed tobacco through the nozzle into the paper tube. A new operating mechanism for such a machine comprises a sliding member including a rack and a pivoted lever secured to the compression member having gear teeth in meshing engagement with the rack and operatively connected to the ejector. Restraining means restrains rotation of the lever during a first portion of the travel of the sliding member during which the tobacco is being compressed, after which said means disengages from the lever to permit rotation thereof in a second portion of the travel of the sliding member in which said ejector forces the charge of compressed tobacco through the nozzle into the paper tube.

Abstract: A lamp comprising a wick-holder moulded in one piece from poly-4-methylpent-1-ene or like plastics material which is naturally buoyant upon combustible oil and which includes a central wick-retaining recess, a peripheral portion disposed above the recess, and at least one arm linking said recess to said peripheral portion and disposed below the peripheral portion. In use the lamp holder floats in oil with the central wick-retaining recess and the or each arm submerged and with only the peripheral portion floating.