Abstract: A system and method is provided for dispersing fine catalyst powders having nanoscale or microscale particles throughout the tobacco rod portion of a cigarette. A source of vacuum is connected to the filter end of a cigarette through a tube that is sealingly engaged with the filter end of the cigarette. The opposite cut filler end of the tobacco rod portion of the cigarette is placed in the proximity of a predetermined amount of the catalyst powder contained in a container. The vacuum is applied to the cigarette filter in an amount and for a period of time that is a function of the size and quantity of the particles to be drawn into and dispersed throughout the tobacco rod portion of the cigarette.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which can be incorporated into machines or production lines for the making of rod-shaped articles, such as filter cigarettes. The apparatus ascertains at least the diameters of longitudinally spaced-apart portions of an article, such as a continuous cigarette rod having equidistant portions of greater density, while the article advances lengthwise at a constant speed or at one of several different speeds. Accurate determination of the diameters of spaced-apart portions and, if necessary, a change of the diameter when it deviates from an optimum value, renders it possible to reduce the number of rejects and to turn out high-quality products, such as filter cigarettes wherein the mouthpiece is attached to the dense ends of the plain cigarettes; this ensures that the diameter of the dense end is identical with or sufficiently close to that of the filter mouthpiece so that the customary uniting band can secure the mouthpiece to the plain cigarette without leakage.

Abstract: A method and unit for controlling an automatic machine having a number of operating devices located along a production line for producing a succession of articles; at least one operating device having an adjustable work member, which operates in a repetitive work cycle and can be set to a number of different operating configurations to adjust the way in which it interacts with the production process of the articles; upon a command being received during normal operation of the automatic machine, the operating configuration of the adjustable work member is adjusted as the adjustable work member performs a work cycle to process an article.

Abstract: A flavor monitoring system comprises a photo-ionization detector based sensor for measuring the amount of flavor in flavored cigarette filters The sensor has an intake port and an exit port open to the atmosphere. An enclosure with a removable cover is connected to the intake port of the sensor, and the enclosure is constructed and arranged to receive a flavored cigarette filter to be analyzed. The photo-ionization detector based sensor draws a gaseous sample from the flavored filter within the enclosure, ionizes the flavor sample and displays a reading representative of the amount of flavor in the filter. Subsequently the reading may be converted to a flavor amount in milligrams by multiplying the reading by a correlation factor.

Abstract: A liquid cooling arrangement is provided for machine components of production machines of the tobacco-processing industry. The arrangement includes a closed liquid cooling system having at least two liquid loops.

Abstract: An method for increasing the permeability of tubular wrappers of a succession of cigarettes by at least one pulsed beam of coherent radiation issuing from a laser has a hollow drum-shaped conveyor cooperating with a rolling member to define an arcuate channel wherein successive cigarettes roll while advancing sideways past a perforating station. Each beam of coherent radiation is generated in or is caused to enter the interior of the conveyor prior to being influenced by one or more deflecting and/or focussing elements to be propagated substantially radially and through an opening of the hollow conveyor and to impinge upon the wrapper of a cigarette rolling at the perforating station.

Abstract: A cigarette having reduced ignition propensity and machine for making the cigarette is disclosed. The machine applies a material in longitudinal bands onto the cigarette wrapper for reducing the ignition propensity of the cigarette. The material may be applied by roller, spray or printing.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic machine for processing tobacco articles, whereby the status of the machine is checked cyclically to determine any error signals, and the machine is stopped in the event of an error signal; following stoppage of the machine due to an error signal, the machine is restarted independently and automatically a given number of times, and the machine is stopped definitely if the error signal does not disappear during one of the restart steps.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus for a filter cigarette making machine comprises a rotatable catcher drum (2). The drum (2) has receiving grooves (6) in its outer circumferential surface, for each receiving a cigarette rod (CR). A rod (CR) received in the groove (6) moves forward into a braking area therein. In the braking area, the rod (CR) receives braking force due to suction and is stopped. A pair of limit sensors (40, 42) are arranged outside the drum (2). The sensors (40,42) optically detect a rear end of the rod (CR), and on the basis of the result of this detection, whether a stop position at which the rod is stopped is within a tolerance area or not is determined. On the basis of the result of this determination, a controller (38) regulates the braking force exerted on rods (CR) to thereby control the stop position of the rods (CR). Then, a pusher (26) pushes the rod (CR) from its stop position back to a normal position, in each of the grooves (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for providing information on the fiber structure, particularly for determining deviations from an average fiber structure, of a fiber rope in the tobacco-processing industry and especially a tobacco rope. A first measuring device generates a first measuring signal that essentially only indicates the density of the fiber rope. A second measuring device generates a second measuring signal that represents a function of fiber rope density and fiber geometry. An evaluation device uses the first and second measuring signals to generate an evaluation signal which provides information on the fiber structure, particularly the deviations from an average fiber structure.

Abstract: A method and unit for simultaneously forming multiple tobacco mats on a multiple-rod cigarette manufacturing machine, whereby an input stream of shredded tobacco is fed to a switch conduit selectively alignable with the inputs of at least two downflow conduits, each of which communicates via a respective carding assembly with a respective upflow conduit closed by a respective conveyor belt for a respective tobacco mat; the switch conduit being switched between positions selectively aligned with the downflow conduits in response to a command signal generated in function of the tobacco level in the downflow conduits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and to an apparatus for ascertaining at least one parameter of cigarette paper or the like, such as a running web of cigarette paper at least one side of which carries or should carry longitudinally spaced-apart coatings, e.g., consisting of silicate or cellulose and suitable to serve as so-called burning or combustion stops. A source of electromagnetic radiation cooperates with a polarizer to direct radiation against one side of the running web at an angle of between about 0° and 75° to the plane of the web at the locus of impingement of radiation. The radiation which has penetrated through the web is measured by a photosensitive detector which transmits corresponding signals to an evaluating arrangement serving to ascertain one or more characteristics of the coatings.

Abstract: Tobacco products are manufactured by an automatic machine presenting a number of working parts, certain of which consisting in rollers rotatable about mutually parallel axes and carried by a substantially vertical bulkhead of the machine frame, equipped with a protective casing rendered capable of movement by means of a parallelogram linkage between a raised position, clear of the bulkhead, and a lowered position shielding the bulkhead. A horizontal beam associated permanently with the casing carries an upright member serving to support a camera-and-strobe-light assembly; piloted by a master controller, the upright member is traversed along the beam by one motor, and the camera-and-strobe-light assembly along the upright member by another motor, so that the camera can be positioned at any given point on the bulkhead to examine all the working parts.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing tobacco products, typically cigarettes, includes a primary processing station in which the tobacco is conditioned, and a station in which the cigarettes are made and packed. Both of the stations are served by a single heat exchange device using a fluid procured from a convenient source, which is circulated initially through the one station to cool the cigarette making and packing machinery, then directed into the other station so that the thermal energy recovered from the preceding exchange of heat can be exploited to maintain the temperature required for the primary processing treatments. The fluid is released ultimately from the primary processing station to a discharge station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco rod of a smoking product, wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the tobacco rod is formed.

Abstract: An appearance inspection device for a rod-like article comprises a rotatable main drum (20) interposed as a feeding drum in a drum train that defines a feeding path in a filter cigarette manufacturing machine, upstream and downstream bypass drum trains (24, 40) located in the outside of the main drum (20) and receiving a filter cigarette (FC) from the main drum (20) to bypass the cigarette, and an inspection camera (42) situated between the bypass drum trains (24, 40) in a circumferential direction of the main drum (20). The inspection camera (42) directly or indirectly images exposed circumferential surfaces of filter cigarettes (FC), that are different from one another, when the filter cigarettes (FC) are conveyed on the main drum (20) and each of the bypass drum trains (24, 40).

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: A device for detecting a shredded tobacco filling density in a tobacco rod includes four light sources (18, 20, 22 and 24) arranged separately from one another at an angle of 45° around a tobacco rod (T) and causing infrared rays to enter the tobacco rod (T), two light receivers (26 and 28) disposed around the tobacco rod (T) on a side opposite to the four light sources and arranged separately from each other at an angle of 90°, and a measuring device (44) for measuring the shredded tobacco filling density in the tobacco rod (T) based on outputs from the light receivers (26 and 28).

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations (e.g., aqueous formulations incorporating starch or modified starch), are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. For example, additive material located in the recessed pockets of a first roller is transferred in a controlled manner to the roll face of a second roller in roll contact with that first roller; and the additive material on the roll face of the second roller is transferred to desired locations on the surface of the paper web.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed, as well as to a device for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), comprising a means by which the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed.

Abstract: Cigarette sticks are transferred from a cigarette maker to a filter tip attachment by a unit that includes a conveying roller made to rotate in a first feed direction and furnished with channels aligned on a second direction transverse to the first direction. Each channel accommodates a single stick, directed onto the conveying roller by way of an impeller device, and presents two longitudinal areas designed to make contact progressively with corresponding longitudinal areas of the stick as it advances into the channel, the effect being to create a chamber between the stick and the part of the channel lying between the two longitudinal areas of contact, which is connected to a source of negative pressure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a central control system and method for fine tuning a cigarette manufacturing process. A measurement device captures measurements of particular cigarette properties. The measurement data is sent to and stored in a central database. Once sufficient measurement data has been stored, the data is loaded into an optimization program that outputs optimized controlled parameters that may be used by individual control systems to better control the properties of the cigarettes during manufacture. The central control system and method may be used with both off-line and in-line measurement devices, and can communicate and control such devices regardless of the manufacturer thereof.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing cigarettes, whereby a control device, which can be activated when the machine is stopped, activates at least one test operating member as of a rest condition and substantially independently of the other operating members; the control device also providing for restoring the test operating member to the rest condition following activation.

Abstract: A method is provided for acting on a product in a machine operating in a machine cycle in the tobacco-processing industry in dependence on information about the product. Information about the product is detected synchronously with the machine cycle. The information is associated with the product asynchronously with respect to the machine cycle. An action is effected on the product synchronously with respect to the machine cycle in dependence on the information associated with the product.

Abstract: In an arrangement for reducing noise level in a tobacco-processing production machine having an operator region and reflection surfaces facing the operator region, sound-damping material is disposed on the reflection surfaces facing the operator region.

Abstract: A curling device for a filter tip attachment comprises at least one blade-like element offered to a continuous strip of paper material at a selected contact zone in such a way as to deform the material as it advances, so that single tipping papers separated from the strip by a cutting unit of the attachment are given a curved profile and as a result more easily wrapped around and affixed to the assembled filters and cigarette sticks when these are joined together; the curling device also comprises a delivery system by which the contact zone is flooded with a cushioning fluid designed to favor a smooth sliding contact between the curling element and the running strip, and at the same time equalize the tensions in the strip preceding and following the contact zone.

Abstract: In an arrangement of a collecting receptacle integrated into a production machine in the tobacco-processing industry for collecting tobacco products sorted out from the production machine during a production process, the collecting receptacle is removable from the production machine and is comprised of two parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing products and a method of controlling such an apparatus, having a programmable logic controller—PLC—an axis control system, for controlling axes, and a visualization system for displaying processes and/or process parameters. In known apparatus of this type, the PLC, the axis control system and the visualization system are implemented in physically self-contained appliances. Linking these components requires a great deal of effort both during construction and during operation of the apparatus. The data interchange between the components requires an “overhead” in order to ensure the communication between the components. This is disadvantageous. The invention therefore seeks to improve such manufacturing apparatus and control methods in that the PLC, the axis control system and the visualization system run on a common physical appliance.

Abstract: The supply of consumables and other materials to production machines in a system for the manufacture of tobacco products is managed using a method whereby, once a nominal target number of products has been programmed at a master control unit, a tally is kept of the number of products emerging from the machine located farthest downstream, and a corresponding signal relayed back to the master control unit, together with a signal indicating the consumption of the various types of material. On the basis of the information received, the master control unit will process an output message indicating the requirement for at least one given type of consumable or wrapping or other auxiliary material to be supplied, whereupon the message is sent to an operator entrusted with the task of replacing the depleted material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and selecting foreign parts in cigarettes, in which the tobacco is exposed in the vicinity of the cigarette maker to microwave radiation and both a signal SD relating to the tobacco density and a signal SF relating to the tobacco moisture are generated. The density signal SD and moisture signal SF are evaluated in combination with one another for the detection of the presence or absence of foreign parts in the tobacco.

Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly machine wherein a rolling unit is defined by a rolling drum and a guide drum coaxial with each other and connected to each other in angularly-fixed, axially-sliding manner; and wherein the rolling drum has a number of suction rollers (54) rotated, with respect to the rolling drum, by respective independent drive units; the guide drum has a number of semicylindrical cavities, each coaxial, and defining a relative rolling channel, with a relative suction roller; the suction rollers receive, with a first spacing, relative groups of component parts of a relative double cigarette; and each drive unit rotates the relative suction roller to roll the relative group inside the relative rolling channel and to extract a relative double cigarette from the relative rolling channel, and reverses the relative suction roller to release the relative double cigarette with a second spacing smaller than the first spacing.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which can be incorporated into machines or production lines for the making of rod-shaped articles, such as filter cigarettes. The apparatus ascertains at least the diameters of longitudinally spaced-apart portions of an article, such as a continuous' cigarette rod having equidistant portions of greater density, while the article advances lengthwise at a constant speed or at one of several different speeds. Accurate determination of the diameters of spaced-apart portions and, if necessary, a change of the diameter when it deviates from an optimum value, renders it possible to reduce the number of rejects and to turn out high-quality products, such as filter cigarettes wherein the mouthpiece is attached to the dense ends of the plain cigarettes; this ensures that the diameter of the dense end is identical with or sufficiently close to that of the filter mouthpiece so that the customary uniting band can secure the mouthpiece to the plain cigarette without leakage.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making and inspecting a multi-component cigarettes, each cigarette including two or more different components arranged relative to one another, the apparatus includes a device for advancing a web in a first direction. The apparatus further includes a device for positioning at least two different components of a cigarette relative to one another on the web as the web advances in the first direction. The apparatus further includes a garniture device for wrapping the web around the at least two different components by moving opposite edges of the web transversely to the first direction such that, at a closure point in the garniture device, the opposite edges overlap each other. The apparatus further includes an imaging device disposed upstream of the closure point for generating an image of the at least two different components.

Abstract: A device for detecting a shredded tobacco filling density in a tobacco rod includes four light sources (18, 20, 22 and 24) arranged separately from one another at an angle of 45° around a tobacco rod (T) and causing infrared rays to enter the tobacco rod (T), two light receivers (26 and 28) disposed around the tobacco rod (T) on a side opposite to the four light sources and arranged separately from each other at an angle of 90°, and a measuring device (44) for measuring the shredded tobacco filling density in the tobacco rod (T) based on outputs from the light receivers (26 and 28).

Abstract: A facility for temporary storage of a running web of cigarette paper, tipping paper or the like between a bobbin or another source of web and a web processing or consuming machine employs two polygonal arrays of rollers which can be rotated about their respective axes. Each roller of a first array can be coaxial to and can rotate with a roller of the second array; alternatively, the rollers of the second array can rotate as a unit relative to the rollers of the first array. One or more deflecting rolls are provided to direct the web into and out of the storage facility; alternatively, the deflecting rolls can serve to direct the web from one of the two arrays of rollers to the other array.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine of the type wherein a portion of tobacco for one cigarette is compressed into a generally cylindrical form within a compressed tobacco chamber. The tobacco is thereafter axially moved and injected by an elongated spoon member into a preformed cigarette tube. A moveable wall member is actuated by a handle exteriorly of the machine through at least two toggle joints linking the moveable wall member to framing of the machine whereby to displace the moveable wall to transfer the tobacco in the tube. A first link of each toggle joint is in pivotal connection with the moveable wall member. A second link of each toggle joint is in pivotal connection with the framing of the machine. Each first link has a substantially rounded head portion at the free end thereof in operative contact with an abutment surface of the moveable wall member, for strengthening the pivotal connection therebetween.

Abstract: A continuous cigarette rod advancing along a set path is directed through an electro-optical scanning station where its entire cylindrical surface is inspected by a unit comprising an illumination device of which the function is to shed light in substantially uniform manner on a given annular area of the surface, a line scan television camera positioned relative to the path in such a way as to enable acquisition of a direct image from a first portion of the annular area, and a reflecting element located on the side of the path opposite to the camera, embodied and oriented in such a way as to reflect two images back toward the camera which combine with the direct image to make up the entire annular area.

Abstract: A method and unit for controlling an automatic machine having a number of operating devices located along a production line for producing a succession of articles; at least one operating device having an adjustable work member, which operates in a repetitive work cycle and can be set to a number of different operating configurations to adjust the way in which it interacts with the production process of the articles; upon a command being received during normal operation of the automatic machine, the operating configuration of the adjustable work member is adjusted as the adjustable work member performs a work cycle to process an article.

Abstract: A light weight, manually powdered device used for weighing a precise quantity of tobacco then forming the tobacco into a cylindrical shape three inches in length with an adjustable diameter feature, then wrapping the tobacco with a lightweight paper and sealing the shape with a water activated cellulose glue. The first stage consists of weighing and placing a precise quantity of tobacco into the nip of apron between the forming roller and convex forming table. In stage two using the base as the starting point the handle is moved approximately 65 degrees forming the tobacco in to a cylindrical shape and a lightweight paper, with a glued end placed opposite the nip facing up, is inserted in the nip. In stage three the adhesive is activated with water and the handle is moved approximately 145 degrees and kept in this position for 5 seconds wrapping and sealing the tobacco. In stage four the handle is moved 175 degrees and the finished product is ejected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for providing information on the fiber structure, particularly for determining deviations from an average fiber structure, of a fiber rope in the tobacco-processing industry and especially a tobacco rope. A first measuring device generates a first measuring signal that essentially only indicates the density of the fiber rope. A second measuring device generates a second measuring signal that represents a function of fiber rope density and fiber geometry. An evaluation device uses the first and second measuring signals to generate an evaluation signal which provides information on the fiber structure, particularly the deviations from an average fiber structure.

Abstract: The friction coefficient of the product-conveying and/or treating surface of a drum-shaped or belt-shaped conveyor can be restored or maintained at a desired value by the application thereto of a film of polyvinyl acetate or a dispersion of acrylate, preferably on top of a layer of caoutchouc of the like. The conveyor can cooperate with a stationary or mobile rolling member to convolute adhesive-coated uniting bands around groups of coaxial plain cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos and filter mouthpieces, or it can serve as a means for transporting continuous strips or webs or series of discrete bands in tobacco processing and/or other plants.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for detecting and eliminating, defective and/or incorrectly positioned, in particular transversely located, cigarettes in the cigarette magazine of a cigarette-production and/or a cigarette-packaging machine. Thus, the avoidance of disruptions in the cigarette magazine is improved. For detection using an optical checking element, an image of the cigarettes located in the cigarette magazine is scanned, the image is evaluated by an image-processing device and, if, during the evaluation, the scanned image is established as deviating from a reference image and/or reference value, an error signal is produced. For eliminating defective cigarettes, an ejecting unit arranged in the region of the magazine is actuated in order to eject a plurality of cigarettes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a cigarette rod containing an additive material in a cigarette making machine, in which a continuous tobacco rod is fed along a vacuum conveyor and particles of the additive material are fed to and incorporated along the axis of the cigarette rod by a distributor which comprises a conveyor having a hollow drum with a cylindrical side wall on which there is a plurality of seats designed to house the particles; the drum rotating within a ring-shaped structure and the seats, during rotation of the drum, passing through an ejector unit designed to eject the particles from the seats and incorporate them in the tobacco rod through a feed pipe, so as to control the distribution of the particles of the additive material along the tobacco rod, obtaining a preset positioning of the particles in each cigarette length.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing cigarettes, whereby a control device, which can be activated when the machine is stopped, activates at least one test operating member as of a rest condition and substantially independently of the other operating members; the control device also providing for restoring the test operating member to the rest condition following activation.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise level in a tobacco-processing production machine that is acted upon by flowing process air includes supplying process air to the production machine predominantly conveyed by sound-damping line segments.

Abstract: A device for displacing rod-shaped objects used in the tobacco-processing industry in a direction of the longitudinal axes of the rod-shaped objects includes a revolving conveyor having receptacles each for receiving a plurality of the rod-shaped objects in an axially aligned formation, the rod-shaped objects presenting at least one exposed frontal face. At least one revolving pressing ring is arranged for pressing against the at least one frontal face of the objects in a displacement area, the pressing ring having a spring-elastic material of a silicon material, rubber-elastic plastic material and/or a metallic material. At least one actuating element is arranged in the displacement area for a spring-elastic pressing of the pressing ring against the exposed frontal face objects.

Abstract: A mixture of long and short tobacco particles is sifted in the hopper of a cigarette maker to segregate the short particles from the long particles. The long particles are converted into a continuous stream and the short particles are gathered into a series of discrete, preferably metered, batches which are heterogeneously distributed in longitudinally spaced apart portions of the stream. The latter is thereupon converted into a rod-like filler which is draped into a web of cigarette paper or other wrapping material to form therewith a continuous tobacco-containing rod. The rod is severed between successive batches or successive groups of batches so that each discrete cigarette contains at least one batch of short tobacco particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), wherein the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed, as well as to a device for supplying a flowable medium to the tobacco of a smoking product (2), comprising a means by which the medium is introduced on a drum (1) of a cigarette machine, after the rod is formed.