Abstract: Apparatus for handling rod-like articles incorporates a buffer reservoir system using trolleys having vertical compartments for storing the articles in stack formation. The compartments receive the articles from outlets in a first conveyor and may return articles to a second conveyor through inlets. The first conveyor may form part of a conveyor system linking one or more cigarette making machines to one or more cigarette packing machines. The outlets are closable by a gate and a platform is moved through each compartment to lower articles from the outlet. The bottoms of the compartments are provided with removable slats. A particular form of closure suitable for separating a stack of rod-like articles and apparatus for loading and unloading containers with rod-like articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A buffer reservoir system includes trolleys having vertical compartments for receiving and storing rod-like articles such as cigarettes in stack formation. A stationary conveyor system is arranged with spaced outlets and inlets so that compartments can be in simultaneous registration for loading or unloading at a common station. The outlets are closable by a rolling closure device. The station also includes means for indexing the trolley, for lowering or raising the stack in each compartment on platforms, and for removing and replacing slats at the lower ends of the compartments. A modified arrangement is disclosed having spaced loading and unloading stations so that trolleys can constitute a delay line for articles conveyed by the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying rod-like articles includes a conveyor particularly adapted for moving a stream of articles in stack formation around a curved path of small radius. The conveyor includes an endless conveyor carrying cantilevered slats and guided around a double curved path on the upper run of which the outer ends of the slats are elevated by a guide. On the curved path the outer side of the stream is elevated and moved at an increased speed by the slats. The conveyor may be used to turn articles in the stream through 180.degree. prior to merging with another stream and is, therefore, usable in a "tip turner38 for attachment to a filter cigarette making machine.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying cigarettes or similar rod-like articles includes means for delivering cigarettes into a junction, and a reservoir including a reversible conveyor for delivering cigarettes to or from the junction to accommodate differences between the rates of supply and demand at the junction, characterized in that the reservoir is formed by a plurality of conveyors defining a zig-zag path extending substantially in a constant plane normal to the axis of the cigarettes and comprising at least two substantially horizontal runs with one or more connecting portions through which cigarettes pass from one run to another.

Abstract: A mobile reservoir for rod-like articles is adapted for connection into a static conveyor system, e.g. through a reversible elevator, and includes conveyor means for moving the articles within the reservoir. The conveyor means may be arranged to move and store the articles in the reservoir as a continuous stream. In a preferred arrangement the conveyor means includes a number of conveyors defining at least one zig-zag path extending substantially in a constant plane normal to the axes of the articles. In another arrangement the articles are stored and moved in batches: in this case the articles are also delivered to the reservoir in batches, e.g. by a conveyor provided with divider plates.