Abstract: The present invention is a device for overturning cigarette packs or the like, which are advanced in a horizontal row toward an abutment stop member and must be each capsized around an axis which is transverse to the direction of progress of the row of packs. The device according to the invention is characterized by a pack-guiding arcuate channel extending in a substantially vertical plane at about 180.degree., from a substantially horizontal top opening provided before the abutment stop member and having a width which is at least slightly greater than the extension of a pack in the direction of progress of the pack row, as far as an underlying conveyor for the capsized packs.

Abstract: An automatic feeder device for loading full trays over the hopper of machines for packing cigarettes and for discharging empty trays from the hopper, with the aid of a tray-carrying casing which is provided with a gate for closing the tray mouth and with tray-holding arms cooperating with the bottom of the tray. The device includes a path (4) for feeding full trays (2'), this path being directed towards the hopper (1), and a path (6) for discharging empty trays (2"), the discharge path being arranged below the tray-feeding path and being directed away from the hopper. A loading-and-unloading inclined frame (8-8, 9, 10) extends adjacent the paths and has an upper fore end which is disposed adjacent the hopper. The frame is swingably mounted so that it can alternately assume two angular positions: a less inclined position in which its upper fore end is lowered toward the inlet of the hopper, and another more inclined position in which its upper fore end is lifted from the inlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A method and a device for feeding rod-like articles, particularly cigarettes, carried by trays, to the feed hopper of handling machines, particularly cigarette-packing machines. In order to assure a broad time period to replace an emptied tray and to practically avoid the sudden drop of the cigarettes from the tray into the hopper, two trays in discharge position and aligned to each other in the direction of the hopper length, are arranged over the inlet opening of the hopper. The descent of the cigarettes into the hopper is permitted alternately only from one of the trays until it is emptied, while the other previously emptied tray is replaced with a stand-by full tray.