Abstract: A packing machine, wherein an indexible turret carries an annulus of hollow mandrels for arrays of cigarettes, has a tongs which delivers a flat blank between two neighboring mandrels during each period of dwell of the turret, and such blank is placed against the front side of the mandrel therebehind, as considered in the direction of movement of the turret. A biasing member is installed between each pair of neighboring mandrels, and the biasing member which is adjacent to a mandrel that is contacted by a freshly supplied blank is thereupon moved against the outer side of the blank to urge it against the front side of the mandrel. The blank is then converted into a U-shaped body overlaying the front side and the lateral surfaces of the respective mandrel while it is held by the adjacent biasing member.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling blocks of parallel cigarettes in formations ready for packing has a magazine for a supply of parallel cigarettes and three groups of downwardly extending ducts whose upper ends communicate with the magazine to admit parallel cigarettes and whose lower end portions are located at a block building station. The end portions of the two outer groups of ducts are located in horizontal planes, one above the other, and the end portion of each duct of one outer group registers with the end portion of a duct of the other outer group. The end portions of the median group of ducts are vertical or nearly vertical and are located between the end portions of the two outer groups of ducts. The rows of parallel cigarettes which accumulate in the end portions of the ducts are expelled simultaneously by a pusher whereby the expelled cigarettes pass through a mouthpiece which completes their conversion into a block.

Abstract: A packing machine wherein a first feeding unit supplies groups of cigarettes into successive mandrels of a first turret which is driven stepwise and moves successive mandrels into register with first and second supplying devices for tinfoil blanks and paper blanks which are thereupon draped around the mandrels to form open-ended packs. The packs and the groups of cigarettes are transferred simultaneously from successive mandrels into successive pockets of a second turret on which the packs are closed.