Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.

Abstract: A pair of cigarette packs each have a back wall with the packs arranged adjacent one another in back-to-back relationship. A sachet is releasably attached to the back wall of each pack. One sachet is releasably attached to an upper back wall portion of one pack and other sachet is releasably attached to a lower back wall portion of the other pack of the pair. A promotional pouch of smokeless tobacco is inside each sachet. Pairs of such packs fit within standard size cartons. Each pack and the attached sachet may include overwrap material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at various apparatus and methods for forming a sealed hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed tobacco column and paper under a tongue that widens and flattens the column and paper; forming the tobacco and paper into a cylindrical shape; forming an inner hollow core; maintaining the hollow core shape; and outputting the sealed hollow core tobacco rod.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.

Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the mass production of compound cigarette filters function to deposit granular filter material into the open ends of vertically oriented filter tubes. Predetermined amounts of diverse granular material are withdrawn by suction from sources of such material, and these amounts are deposited into the tubes. Solid filter segments seal the granular material within the tube. After one half of each filter tube is filled with granular material and sealed, the tube is inverted and the opposite end is filled in substantially the same manner. When cut in half each filter tube produces two cigarette filters.

Abstract: A method for making cigarettes comprising feeding tubing piece-by-piece to a vertical duct by opening and closing-timing gate operated by cam, accelerating tubing down to the vertical duct, with the help of vertical accelerator belts until the tubing becomes captured into the hopper holder, picking the tubing with an articulate tubing holder located on a transferring drum, lowering to the garniture, and releasing the tubing under the registration lagged-belt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at various apparatus and methods for forming a sealed hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed tobacco column and paper under a tongue that widens and flattens the column and paper; forming the tobacco and paper into a cylindrical shape; forming an inner hollow core; maintaining the hollow core shape; and outputting the sealed hollow core tobacco rod.

Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.

Abstract: A machine for folding and applying onserts onto consumer goods such as cigarette packs comprises a continuous roll of preprinted onserts and a transverse cutter assembly for cutting onsert segments from the continuous roll. Each onsert segment includes a pair of side-by-side preprinted onserts. A buckle folder receives each cut onsert segment and folds that segment along at least one transverse fold line. A longitudinal cutter assembly longitudinally cuts each folded onsert segment into two individual onserts. A transport system serially receives the individual folded onserts and moves the onserts along dual diverging paths where a pair of spaced apart lug belt conveyors receives the onserts from the discharge end of the transport system. Each lug belt conveyor includes spaced apart transverse lugs along the length thereof against which the onserts are positioned.

Abstract: A machine for folding and applying onserts onto consumer goods such as cigarette packs comprises a continuous roll of preprinted onserts and a transverse cutter assembly for cutting onsert segments from the continuous roll. Each onsert segment includes a pair of side-by-side preprinted onserts. A buckle folder receives each cut onsert segment and folds that segment along at least one transverse fold line. A longitudinal cutter assembly longitudinally cuts each folded onsert segment into two individual onserts. A transport system serially receives the individual folded onserts and moves the onserts along dual diverging paths where a pair of spaced apart lug belt conveyors receives the onserts from the discharge end of the transport system. Each lug belt conveyor includes spaced apart transverse lugs along the length thereof against which the onserts are positioned.

Abstract: An assembly and method enhances particulate matter retention during the filling of a moving cavity. The assembly further reduces the tendency of particulate matter to come to rest at a point other than in the moving cavity. The assembly for enhancing particulate matter retention comprises a transport for continuously moving a stream of empty cavities in a downstream direction. The assembly further includes a feed for depositing particulate matter from a supply into the empty cavities on the transport. A vibrator engages the cavities on the transport thereby vibrating the cavities to enhance particulate matter retention within the cavities and to remove any excess particulate matter from areas adjacent the cavities. The assembly and method are particularly suited for efficiently filing cavities in a multiple component cigarette filter preform with carbon or similar type granules.

Abstract: An assembly and method enhances particulate matter retention during the filling of a moving cavity. The assembly further reduces the tendency of particulate matter to come to rest at a point other than in the moving cavity. The assembly for enhancing particulate matter retention comprises a transport for continuously moving a stream of empty cavities in a downstream direction. The assembly further includes a feed for depositing particulate matter from a supply into the empty cavities on the transport. A vibrator engages the cavities on the transport thereby vibrating the cavities to enhance particulate matter retention within the cavities and to remove any excess particulate matter from areas adjacent the cavities. The assembly and method are particularly suited for efficiently filing cavities in a multiple component cigarette filter preform with carbon or similar type granules.

Abstract: A dimple pattern glue roller functions to apply glue to the closure flaps of a partially assembled cigarette pack. The roller has an outer cylindrical surface, and a pattern of dimpled recesses in the cylindrical surface receive glue and apply that glue to the closure flaps prior to folding the closure flaps against the assembled cigarette pack. The glue is applied in an efficient and economical manner, and substantially less glue is required when compared to existing glue applicator constructions.

Abstract: A cigarette cartoner apparatus comprising a folding station configured to wrap a carton blank about a pre-arranged bundle of cigarette packets; means for repetitively dispensing carton blanks along a pathway; a signal generator adjacent a print location along the aforementioned pathway; at least one fluid jet print head adjacent the print location; a controller configured to operate the print head responsively to the signal generator; and a guide arrangement within the cartoner defining a contact-free path portion as the packaging material is progressed from said print location.