Abstract: The feed hopper of a cigarette packing machine is provided with an inlet mouth comprising a fixed rectangular tubular member over which there is mounted telescopically slidable in the vertical direction a telescoping rectangular tubular member. The tray filled with cigarettes is positioned upside down, with its discharge side closed by a bottom closure plate, over the open upper end of the telescoping tubular member. The full tray is then lowered, together with the telescoping member, until the bottom closure plate reaches the level of the cigarettes already contained in the hopper. At this point, a level sensing device gives a control signal for the side shifting, and consequent opening, of the discharge side of the tray. After the opening of the discharge side, the tray is again raised to its starting position.

Abstract: The feed hopper of a cigarette packing machine is provided with an inlet mouth comprising a fixed rectangular tubular member over which there is mounted telescopically slidable in the vertical direction a telescoping rectangular tubular member. The tray filled with cigarettes is positioned upside down, with its discharge side closed by a bottom closure plate, over the open upper end of the telescoping tubular member. The full tray is then lowered, together with the telescoping member, until the bottom closure plate reaches the level of the cigarettes already contained in the hopper. At this point, a level sensing device gives a control signal for the side shifting, and consequent opening, of the discharge side of the tray. After the opening of the discharge side, the tray is again raised to its starting position.