Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and to an apparatus for ascertaining the transverse dimensions, such as diameters, of one or more rod-shaped articles, for example, continuous or finite-length cigarette rods and/or other rod-shaped smokers' products. When the method and/or the apparatus is utilized to ascertain the transverse dimensions of a single rod-shaped article, such as a continuous cigarette rod-which is stationary, which turns about its longitudinal axis and/or which is moved lengthwise, the apparatus can employ at least one radiation source which emits a beam of radiation against the stationary or moving article whereby the article intercepts a first portion of the beam and permits the remaining portion to impinge upon a device which evaluates the non-intercepted portion of the beam and generates signals denoting the diameter of the article.

Abstract: Device and method for measuring properties of combination of filter segments of the tobacco-processing industry. The device includes an illumination device structured and arranged to essentially uniformly illuminate, in a longitudinally axial manner, at least one section of the combination of filter segments, and a photodetector. The illumination device images a first line of electromagnetic radiation on the combination of filter segments having an extension transverse to the longitudinal axis of the combination of filter segments smaller than a diameter of the combination of filter segments.

Abstract: A device for detecting isolated occlusions in a conveyed continuous rod in the tobacco industry includes a light source for irradiating the continuous rod with the aid of a light-transmission method. A sensor is disposed for at least partially detecting brightness caused by the light source being transmitted in the continuous rod. An evaluation unit detects the presence of isolated occlusions in the continuous rod on the basis of the detected brightness.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a rod-shaped article in the tobacco industry includes a source of light for illuminating the rod-shaped article. An imaging device is disposed for forming an image of at least a portion of light transmitted through the article. A sensor has a surface on which the image is formed and detects an intensity of the light in the image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting foreign bodies within a continuously guided product stream. The method includes forming a fan-shaped light beam from collimated irradiation light, irradiating the product stream across its width with the fan-shaped light beam, and detecting at least a portion of detection light emanating from the product stream. The irradiating and detecting take place at least partially along a same optical beam path. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and to an apparatus for ascertaining the transverse dimensions, such as diameters, of one or more rod-shaped articles, for example, continuous or finite-length cigarette rods and/or other rod-shaped smokers' products. When the method and/or the apparatus is utilized to ascertain the transverse dimensions of a single rod-shaped article, such as a continuous cigarette rod-which is stationary, which turns about its longitudinal axis and/or which is moved lengthwise, the apparatus can employ at least one radiation source which emits a beam of radiation against the stationary or moving article whereby the article intercepts a first portion of the beam and permits the remaining portion to impinge upon a device which evaluates the non-intercepted portion of the beam and generates signals denoting the diameter of the article.

Abstract: The diameters of successive rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are ascertained while the articles advance sideways at the periphery of a rotary drum-shaped conveyor and are rotated about their longitudinal axes as a result of frictional engagement with a rolling member which is adjacent the periphery of the conveyor. Successive articles which are being rotated by the rolling member are caused to interrupt a beam of radiation issuing from a laser, either once or more than once, and the amounts of intercepted radiation are indicative of the diameters of the respective articles. Such amounts of intercepted radiation are monitored by a video camera which generates electric signals, and the electric signals are processed into second signals denoting the diameters of discrete successively tested articles and/or the average diameters of series of two or more successively tested articles.