Abstract: A method of sleeving two or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The method can include feeding successive packages of smoking articles to a plurality of bundling pocket guides each configured to receive two or more packages. A first package can be placed into one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides. A second package can be placed into the one of the plurality of bundling pocket guides containing the first package such that the first and second packages are adjacent to one another within the bundling pocket guide to form a bundle of packages. Successive bundles of packages can be fed to a sleeve folding station. The bundle of packages can be moved against a blank of sleeve material into a folding pocket. The blank of sleeve material can be folded around the bundle of packages to form a sleeve around the bundle of packages.

Abstract: A machine for sleeving one or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The machine can provide a blank from a roll of continuous material and fold the blank around packages. The machine includes a sleeve folding station that can orient the blank to be folded around the packages. The sleeve folding station is also configured to permit at least one fold in the blank when the package is moved against the blank and into a pocket. The machine may include a bundling unit adapted to arrange packages into a bundle. The machine can include an adhesive applicator to apply adhesive to the blank so that when folded the blank can be attached to itself to form a sleeved package. Preferably, the machine includes a transfer wheel having a pocket for receiving the blank and bundle together, where upon rotation of the wheel the blank is folded around the bundle.

Abstract: Methods and machines are provided for forming a five-sided carton of packages of smoking articles. A piece of film material is applied to a plurality of packages of smoking articles such that five sides of the plurality of packages are at least partially covered by the film material, but the sixth side remains uncovered. The film material is applied such that the group of packages is sufficiently tightly bound so that none of the packages may slip free from the carton. The sixth side of the plurality of packages in the carton remains exposed so that tax stamps may be easily applied. The film of material may be applied so that a gap is formed relative to the sixth side.

Abstract: A machine for sleeving one or more packages of smoking articles is provided. The machine can provide a blank from a roll of continuous material and fold the blank around packages. The machine includes a sleeve folding station that can orient the blank to be folded around the packages. The sleeve folding station is also configured to permit at least one fold in the blank when the package is moved against the blank and into a pocket. The machine may include a bundling unit adapted to arrange packages into a bundle. The machine can include an adhesive applicator to apply adhesive to the blank so that when folded the blank can be attached to itself to form a sleeved package. Preferably, the machine includes a transfer wheel having a pocket for receiving the blank and bundle together, where upon rotation of the wheel the blank is folded around the bundle.

Abstract: A feeder system and associated method are provided for feeding rod components of a tobacco product, particularly a rod-shaped, cylindrical, or stick-type tobacco product, wherein such a tobacco product may be intended to be used in a smokeless manner. A hopper is configured to receive a plurality of rod components therein. A separator device is operably engaged with the hopper and is configured to receive one of the plurality of rod components at a time therefrom. An orienting device is operably engaged with the separator device. The orienting device is configured to receive the one of the plurality of rod components in a first orientation and to direct the one of the plurality of rod components into a second orientation, different from the first orientation, and toward a subsequent process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.