Abstract: Packets are produced by forming a continuous web (W) of packaging material into a tubular form around a tube (4) through which the packet filling material is delivered, the individual packets being sealed and severed from the web as each dose of filling material is delivered. A valve (24) to control the dosing is provided at the exit end of the delivery tube. The sealing and severing of the packets is performed by mutually transverse pairs of rotors (36, 38) the arms (92) of which interdigitate to make successive seals in mutually transverse directions, so forming tetrahedral packets.

Abstract: In a cigarette filter rod manufacturing plant at least one tow bale (6; 108) is located in a position remote from the corresponding tow opening machine (2; 100) and a conveying system (10; 112) is provided for transporting the tow to the machine. In a preferred arrangement the conveying system comprises a pneumatic duct (10) in which the tow is conveyed with the assistance of air movers (12). Removing the tow bales from the vicinity of the machines, preferably to a common area, allows flexibility in laying out a production floor and provides easy access for replacement of the bales.

Abstract: An air mover (14) for producing a stream of air along a guide surface (28,30) for conveying web or other sheet material along a path adjacent the surface is constructed in two parts (16,18) having mating surfaces (23,24) one of which includes a recess (22) which defines a slot (26) through which conveying and entraining air is delivered to the guide surface from an air pressure chamber (20) within the air mover.

Abstract: A web handling device through which a web is arranged to pass along a tortuous path extending around a number of rollers includes means for threading the web pneumatically comprising, in association with at least one of the rollers, a guide member having a guide surface which extends around part of the periphery of the roller in a spaced relationship so as to define a passage for the web, means for directing the web approximately tangentially towards the guide surface, and an air mover mounted on or adjacent to the upstream end of the guide surface, and arranged to pass a moving film of air along the guide surface while the web is being threaded through the apparatus, so as to entrain the web and convey it around the roller.