Abstract: A packet for long articles comprises a first inner wrap around a group of articles and a second outer wrap around the first wrap which, together with the inner frame, envisaged when the packet is of the rigid type with hinged lid, constitute specific packaging components of the packet. The packet is equipped with a length of magnetic strip for data storage which is applied directly to a specified part of at least one of the specific packaging components in a hidden position not visible from the outside of the packet. If the packet has a revenue stamp or an insert, constituting additional components, the length of magnetic strip may be applied to at least one of said additional components, again in a hidden position.

Abstract: A packet for long articles comprises a first inner wrap around a group of articles and a second outer wrap around the first wrap which, together with the inner frame, envisaged when the packet is of the rigid type with hinged lid, constitute specific packaging components of the packet. The packet is equipped with a length of magnetic strip for data storage which is applied directly to a specified part of at least one of the specific packaging components in a hidden position not visible from the outside of the packet. If the packet has a revenue stamp or an insert, constituting additional components, the length of magnetic strip may be applied to at least one of said additional components, again in a hidden position.

Abstract: A conveyor for stabilizing packets of cigarettes coming off a packing machine, whereby each packet is fed along a stabilizing path and through a marking station by a pair of opposite facing conveyor belts partly engaging respective opposite minor lateral surfaces of the packet; and a laser marking unit is mounted at the marking station to impress a progressive code on a portion, left exposed by the respective conveyor belt, of one of the minor lateral surfaces of the packet.

Abstract: A method and device for supplying collar-coupon assemblies to the wrapping line of a packing machine for producing rigid hinged-lid packets, whereby a collar and a respective coupon, as they travel along respective paths to a mating station, are respectively provided, by cutting, with a pocket, and with an appendix which is inserted at least partly inside the respective pocket at the mating station to make the collar and coupon substantially integral with each other as they travel along a common path extending downstream from the mating station.

Abstract: A method and device whereby a first runout strip, fed at a first speed along a guide by a traction device, is replaced with a new strip by cutting the first strip; activating both a push device, by which the new strip is engaged and fed along the guide at a second speed, and a movable guide device a portion of the guide and which is lowered in relation to the rest of the guide and together with a trailing portion of the first strip on the movable guide device itself; and controlling the second speed as a function of the first speed so that a leading portion of the new strip is superimposed on the trailing portion of the first strip along the movable guide device.

Abstract: A reel (1) of material in tape form (2) wound on a core (3) to form a plurality of turns and provided with an outer end (4) retained on the reel (1) by a retainer, such as a gummed band. The outer end (4) of the material in tape form (2) is weighted relative to the rest of the tape (2), for example by attaching a label (7) to the outer end (4), so that on removing or cutting the retainer (5) the outer end (4) automatically separates from the reel (1) by gravity.

Abstract: A device for changing reels of strip material on a production machine, whereby a traction device unwinds a first strip off a runout reel on a supporting spindle and feeds it to the production machine along a given path; a standby reel is supported on edge on a saddle defined by two rollers; and a swing arm supports a powered disk with suction cups and a locating spindle. As the first strip runs out, the standby reel is made integral with the disk by the suction cups; the disk is accelerated so as to wind a second strip, identical to the first, off the standby reel and through a guide device by which the second strip is inserted into the traction device; and the swing arm loads the standby reel on to the axially-sliding supporting spindle in place of the empty reel.

Abstract: A method of changing a first out-running strip with a new strip on a manufacturing machine having a traction device for feeding the first strip to the machine at a first predetermined speed, and a strip guide located upstream from the traction device; which method provides for stages consisting in cutting the first strip; activating a push device upon the trailing end of the first strip passing through a given point along the strip guide, the push device being engaged by the new strip for feeding the same along the strip guide at a second predetermined speed; controlling the second speed as a function of the first speed, so that the leading portion of the new strip overlaps a corresponding trailing portion of the first strip along the strip guide; and de-activating the push device subsequent to engagement of the new strip by the traction device.