Abstract: The form of a moving stack of cigarettes or other rod-like articles is improved (so that it more closely resembles a compact honeycomb formation) by subjecting the stack to transverse (periodic) displacement in a direction parallel to the lengths of the cigarettes. In order to displace the cigarettes without drag the surfaces which cause the displacement are moved at about the same velocity as the stack. In one arrangement these surfaces comprise bands alongside the stack and are displaced by reciprocating plungers. In another arrangement the bands are displaced by rotary cam surfaces.

Abstract: A plunger assembly for moving a batch of rod-like articles, principally from a conveyor into a tray, is provided with locating means, such as a flexible strip, which is movable with the plunger and which exerts light pressure on the top of a batch to control the articles as they are transferred.