Abstract: A processing machine for rod-shaped articles includes a base frame including a back plate extending upward from the base frame; and a plurality of function modules each adapted to perform a manufacturing function on a rod-shaped article. Each function module includes a mounting plate adapted to removably attach the function module to the back plate as a unit, and a dedicated drive motor supported on the mounting plate and adapted to move at least a portion of the function module. The plurality of function modules includes at least one of a rod infeed module, a hopper module, a drum module, a knife module, and a gluing module. A method of configuring a modular processing machine for rod-shaped articles is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes a storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume; an inserter wheel that receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into a band of filter material, the inserter wheel having an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets defined in the outer periphery and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the volume of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes at least one storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume. At least one inserter wheel receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into at least one band of filter material. Each of the at least one inserter wheels has an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: A processing machine for rod-shaped articles includes a base frame including a back plate extending upward from the base frame; and a plurality of function modules each adapted to perform a manufacturing function on a rod-shaped article. Each function module includes a mounting plate adapted to removably attach the function module to the back plate as a unit, and a dedicated drive motor supported on the mounting plate and adapted to move at least a portion of the function module. The plurality of function modules includes at least one of a rod infeed module, a hopper module, a drum module, a knife module, and a gluing module. A method of configuring a modular processing machine for rod-shaped articles is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod includes at least one storage apparatus that stores a plurality of the objects, each object having a predetermined volume. At least one inserter wheel receives the objects stored in the storage apparatus, and inserts the objects into at least one band of filter material. Each of the at least one inserter wheels has an outer periphery with a plurality of pockets and distributed about the outer periphery. Each pocket has a shape configured to support one of the objects with between about one quarter and about one half of the volume of the object received in the pocket. The remainder of the object protrudes from the pocket above the outer periphery of the inserter wheel. A method of inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod is also described.

Abstract: A holding device for a breathing mask that is fastened to a protective helmet when in use includes a fastening hook connected to a flexible, length-adjustable tightening strap that is hooked into a receptacle on the protective helmet. Stop elements that are both frictionally engaged and in positive contact prevent the accidental release of the fastening hook together with the flexibility of the tightening strap that at the same time ensures an individually adjustable fit of the mask while sliding elements arranged at an offset to the stop elements ensure automatic optimum orientation of the tightening straps. The tightening strap and the fastening hook are coupled using a retainer piece molded to the tightening strap that is held in positive contact in the recess of a grip end connected with the fastening hook.

Abstract: A strap for respirator masks comprises a head strap piece, made from elastically flexible synthetic material, with a strap fixing piece and a head plate with a greater wall thickness than the attached head straps. A neck strap, connected to the mask at two fixing points and an extending temple strap, which may be introduced in a detachable and length adjustable manner into fixing clips attached to the head straps, are fixing to the strap fixing piece. The head strap piece thus consists of a straight and a curved piece. The crown-shaped embodiment with the elastic temple band is associated with good fitting and wearing properties and low maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A strap for respirator masks comprises a head strap piece (1), made from elastically flexible synthetic material, with a strap fixing piece (5) and a head plate (4) with a greater wall thickness than the attached head straps (6). A neck strap, connected to the mask at two fixing points and an extending temple strap, which may be introduced in a detachable and length adjustable manner into fixing clips (7) attached to the head straps (6), are fixed to the strap fixing piece. The head strap piece thus consists of a straight and a curved piece. The crown shaped embodiment with the elastic temple band is associated with good fitting and wearing properties and low maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A single layer of spaced-apart rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry is advanced sideways toward a transfer zone wherein successive groups of two or more neighboring articles are diverted along separate paths against a concave friction surface of an intercepting member. The friction surface directs at least some of the diverted articles into a chamber where the articles are gathered to form a supply of superimposed articles. A belt or chain conveyor is employed to draw a continuous homogeneous mass flow of articles from the chamber.

Abstract: Mounted in the front wall region of a hood is a curved replaceable facepiece lens. In order to obtain a gas-tight joint between the rigid component constituting the facepiece lens and the flexible garment material, as well as obtaining a distribution of the stresses which occur in the region of the junction between the facepiece lens and the garment material, a spherically-bent frame is enclosed by an overlapping cloth frame in the region of the opening for the facepiece lens and forms a firm connecting rim. Located as a seal between the said connecting rim and the rigid facepiece lens is an elastic coupling gasket.