Abstract: Method for operating a rod maker of the tobacco-processing industry. In order to place additives, e.g., flavoring agents, in a cigarette in a location-dependent manner, a tobacco cake or tobacco web is formed from deposited tobacco. Furthermore, an extrudate is formed. The extrudate is applied to the deposited tobacco. The extrudate contains a basic component. An additive is fed to the basic component in a discontinuous manner. The invention also relates to a device for producing a tobacco rod that contains an extrudate.

Abstract: A mass flow of filter rod sections for assembly with plain cigarettes into filter cigarettes is advanced along a path wherein the filter rod sections move sideways between upper and lower sets of adjustable microwave modules prior to entering a variable-capacity magazine for temporary storage of filter rod sections ahead of a processing machine, such as a filter cigarette maker. The modules serve to rapidly dry a softening agent, such as triacetin, which is sprayed onto the filter material (such as filaments of cellulose acetate) of the filter rod sections. Rapid drying is desirable because this renders it possible to shorten the periods of dwell of filter rod sections in the magazine and allows for a reduction of the size of the magazine.