Abstract: A method for predictive maintenance of a cutting unit of an automatic machine; the method determining, with a given frequency, the value of a characteristic quantity of the cutting unit related to contact between a cutting member and a counter-member; determining a curve for extrapolating the time pattern of the characteristic quantity value, and programming maintenance work on the cutting unit when the curve is outside a given acceptance range.

Abstract: A method for predictive maintenance of an operating component of an automatic machine, which method acquires at least two values, each relative to a respective characteristic quantity of the operating component, compares each value with a threshold value, and determines a specific defect and programs maintenance as a function of the comparison between the values and the threshold values.

Abstract: A cutting device having cutting means for cutting a cigarette rod transversely along a cutting plane; a carriage for accompanying the rod through the cutting plane; an operating unit for moving the carriage back and forth in a travelling direction crosswise to the cutting plane; and a control unit, in turn having two proximity sensors, and which determines at least one fault on the operating unit as a function of recording signals emitted by the sensors.

Abstract: A method for predictive maintenance of a cutting unit of an automatic machine; the method determining, with a given frequency, the value of a characteristic quantity of the cutting unit related to contact between a cutting member and a counter-member; determining a curve for extrapolating the time pattern of the characteristic quantity value, and programming maintenance work on the cutting unit when the curve is outside a given acceptance range.

Abstract: A machine for processing cigarettes, a control device, and a diagnostic method applied to such a machine; the machine has a number of housings oriented crosswise to a feed path and each having at least two respective elongated seats; during each operating cycle, each seat picks up a respective cigarette at an input station, releases the cigarette at an output station, and returns to the input station along a return path; a proximity sensor determines the position of the seats, and emits a recording signal which is processed and compared with reference data to determine a possible fault.

Abstract: A cutting device having cutting means for cutting a cigarette rod transversely along a cutting plane; a carriage for accompanying the rod through the cutting plane; an operating unit for moving the carriage back and forth in a travelling direction crosswise to the cutting plane; and a control unit, in turn having two proximity sensors, and which determines at least one fault on the operating unit as a function of recording signals emitted by the sensors.