Abstract: A pin holding mechanism for a cigarette making machine comprising a pin carrier support structure, a slideable pin carrier slideably mounted to the pin carrier support structure, a pin having an acting end and a connecting end, and a connector having a mounting end and a connecting end. The mounting end is affixed to the slideable pin carrier, the connecting end is connected to the connecting end of the pin, and the connector allows the pin to pivot and have at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine comprising a base, a tobacco compaction mechanism disposed on the base, the tobacco compaction mechanism having a slideable plate with a compacting end and a linkage end, a force multiplying linkage connected to the linkage end of the slideable plate, and a force input member connected to the force multiplying linkage for driving the force multiplying linkage, a second compacting plate located opposite the slideable plate, a pin carrier support structure affixed to the base, and a slideable pin carrier slideably mounted to the pin carrier support structure, the slideable pin carrier having a pin with an acting end and a connecting end.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine tobacco cleanout mechanism comprising a slide support, a slideable compacting plate disposed on the slide support, a slideable cleanout plate located adjacent the slideable compacting plate, and an engaging mechanism for removeably engaging the slideable compacting plate to the slideable cleanout plate, wherein the slideable cleanout plate is slid by the slideable compacting plate when the slideable compacting plate is slid while removeably engaged to the slideable cleanout plate. Also disclosed is a drum for holding at least one cigarette filling tube and a cleanout container for a cigarette making machine.

Abstract: A force multiplying linkage comprising a first linkage connector, a second linkage connector, a first force output member, a second force output member, the first end pivotably attached to the linkage end of the second linkage connector. The first force output member comprises a first link and a second link. A first end of the first link is attached a second end of the second force output member, a second end of the first link is pivotably attached to a first end of the second link, a second end of the second link is pivotably attached to the second linkage connector. A first stop affixed to the second link, wherein the first stop limits an angle theta when the first stop rests against the second end of the first link, and a first travel limiter interacting with the second link.

Abstract: A blank cigarette tube holding apparatus comprising a ring having an outer edge, a flange having an outer side and an inner side, whereas the inner side of the flange is affixed to the outer edge of the ring, and a flexible blank cigarette tube locator having a base and a flap, whereas the base is attached to the outer edge of the ring. Also disclosed is a method for locating and holding a blank cigarette tube comprising loading a blank cigarette tube over a filling tube, locating the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube with a flexible blank cigarette tube locator, and holding the blank cigarette tube on the filling tube by way of friction between the blank cigarette tube and a flexible blank cigarette tube holder.