Abstract: A computer-based system, method and computer program product for estimating the repair costs for paintless dent removal and ready-to-paint dent repair for irregular dents in automobiles, which includes a user interface, a dent estimator database and computer program that matches variable information received from a user with corresponding values in the dent estimator database and calculates an estimated cost for repair of dents on an automobile. The system, method and product allows an untrained person to accurately estimate the cost of paintless dent repair for irregular shaped dents.

Abstract: An applicator for applying multiple lines of a fluid to a substrate includes a manifold having a plurality of fluid flow passages with a like plurality of spaced apart fluid outlets and at least one fluid inlet. Fluid spray nozzles are attached to the manifold in fluid flow communication with the fluid outlets of the manifold. The manifold further includes a swivel mounting for allowing the manifold to pivot about an axis parallel to the spray axes of the spray nozzles.

Abstract: An adapter device for a cigarette package dispensing machine for modifying the dispensing machine to dispense thinner sized packages than the dispensing machine was originally designed to dispense. Typical cigarette package dispenser machines include column support magazines for containing stacked cigarette packages of a predetermined size. The open bottom dispensing end of the magazine is spaced above a horizontal package receiving deck by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of a cigarette package of predetermined size. Cigarette packages are dispensed one at a time from the magazine onto the receiving deck. A plunger moves over the receiving deck beneath the bottom dispensing end of the magazine to push the package from the receiving deck toward a package discharge opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a filter rod having a hollow tube extending longitudinally through the filter rod. The apparatus includes a supply reel of hollow tubing, a supply of filter material web, and a garniture funnel into which the filter material web and hollow tubing are continuously, concurrently fed for wrapping the filter material web into a cylindrical configuration enclosing the hollow tube longitudinally therein. The apparatus also includes a plasticizer or adhesive applicator for coating the outside wall surface of the tube with a plasticizer or adhesive before it is fed into the garniture funnel, and a tube guide nozzle located at the inlet to the garniture funnel for positioning and guiding the hollow tube into the garniture funnel.

Abstract: A device for attaching two axially aligned cigarette tobacco columns to an intermediately disposed double length rigid mouthpiece, hereinafter referred to as a cigarette group, by wrapping a sheet of tipping material around the double length rigid mouthpiece and a portion of each tobacco column adjacent to each end of the double length mouthpiece. The device comprises a stationary rolling block located in spaced relationship to the periphery of a cigarette group feed drum. The feed drum carries a plurality of cigarette groups at spaced apart intervals on its' periphery with a sheet of tipping material adhesively attached at the leading edge thereof to each of the cigarette groups.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine is provided with an apparatus for applying plasticizer to a band of fibrous filter material wherein the application rate of the plasticizer is independent of the filter tow weight or width of the band passing through the apparatus. The plasticizer is added to the underside of the moving band by means of a rotatively mounted brush in rotating communication with a plasticizer supply source wherein the amount of plasticizer added to the band is dependent upon the amount of plasticizer metered by a constant volume pump. The rotatively mounted brush delivers liquid plasticizer in the form of a spray to the underside of the moving band. Variable changes in the level of the liquid plasticizer in the reservoir varies the amount of plasticizer being presented to the band, maintaining constant absorption rate regardless of tow band width.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process for reclaiming tobacco from rejected cigarettes is described in which cigarettes are first treated with hot water to saturate the paper wrapper and soften the glue holding together the edges of the cigarette wrapper. Saturation of the paper wrapper is followed by impacting the moistened cigarettes with steam. At sufficiently high temperatures, this will open the glue seam adjacent to the tobacco bearing section of the cigarette. At lower temperatures, the tobacco rod is expelled through the open end or ends of the cigarettes. The tobacco is thereafter dried and separated from the remainder of the cigarette material. The advantage of the process of the invention resides in its capacity to separate and reclaim the tobacco with minimal reduction of particle sizes. Long strands of tobacco are reclaimed intact. In addition, if the rejected cigarette includes a filter component, the filter structure may be separated intact from the remainder of the cigarette.