Abstract: A flavor inhaler comprising: a tubular holder that extends from a mouthpiece end to a distal end; a combustion type heat source that is provided at the distal end, contains activated carbon, and carries a first flavorant; and a flavor source that is held in the holder and carries a second flavorant, wherein the first flavorant contains at least one selected from the group consisting of anethole, 2-pinene, 3-citronellol, linalyl acetate, limonene, anisaldehyde, 4-terpineol, 2-?-pinene, jasmone, sabinene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, phenethyl alcohol, and myristicin, and the second flavorant contains at least one selected from the group consisting of ?-terpinene, ?-terpinene, nerol, geraniol, and decanal.

Abstract: An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an aerosol forming substrate includes a heater for heating the substrate to form the aerosol. The heater includes a heating element. The electrically heated smoking system and the heating element are arranged such that, when the aerosol forming substrate is received in the electrically heated smoking system, the heating element extends a distance only partially along the length of the aerosol forming-substrate, and the heating element is positioned towards the downstream end of the aerosol forming substrate.

Abstract: Substrates for use with an aerosol delivery device to vaporize and deliver an aerosol to a user include a base material, an aerosol former and an aerosol agent. In a method for forming the substrates, a mixture of substrate materials is extruded and then spheronized to produce pellet substrates that are generally spherical, substantially spherical or rounded, or in the form of relatively short rods having rounded ends. In another method for forming the substrates, a base material is coated with a first coating and optionally the base material having the first coating thereon is subsequently coated with a second coating so as to produce pellet substrates having a relatively smooth, dry exterior surface. In this manner, the substrates are formable relative to one another and can be easily and readily loaded into and removed from the aerosol delivery device.

Abstract: The tongue includes a major body, where the major body has a first longitudinal length that runs from a first end to a second end of the major body. The major body includes a first channel defined along a first edge of the major body, and a second channel defined along a second edge of the major body. The first channel and the second channel is hollow and runs substantially along the first longitudinal length from the first end to the second end of the major body. The first channel and the second channel oppose each other and face away from each other. The tongue support assembly and the rod forming apparatus include the tongue. The method aligns the tongue with a lower plate of a compression box.

Abstract: Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming tobacco rod portions of a smoking article. A conveyor unit is configured to receive a continuous stream of the tobacco material and to transport the continuous tobacco material stream along an elongate path for formation of the continuous tobacco material stream into a continuous tobacco rod, wherein the conveyor unit is housed in a conveyor housing. A suction system is in fluid communication with the conveyor housing through a suction port and is configured to apply suction to the conveyor housing via the suction port so as to draw the continuous tobacco stream into engagement with the conveyor unit. A wear resistant member is engaged with a wall of the conveyor housing and defines the suction port, wherein the wear resistant member is configured to resist wear from interaction with particles associated with the tobacco material.

Abstract: Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a prefabricated cigarette tube includes a housing, a tobacco chamber with a tobacco holder, and a movable pressing bar configured so as to form tobacco introduced into the tobacco chamber into a tobacco strand. An abutment for an end of the tobacco strand is assigned to the tobacco holder, wherein a first length of the to be formed tobacco strand is adjustable to prefabricated cigarette tubes having different filling-cavity lengths by adjusting a second length of the pressing bar. A slider is configured to be moved relative to the housing so as to fill the prefabricated cigarette tube with the tobacco strand. The tobacco holder is displacably arranged relative to the abutment in a movement direction of the slider by a distance which approximately corresponds to the different filling-cavity lengths.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: Embodiments provide cigarette rolling and forming devices that include parallel cylinders extending between a pair of support plates, and a looped belt trained therearound. One cylinder is moveable relative to the other via a pair of curvilinear slots, and the device is configured for alternately receiving and compressing loose tobacco into a tobacco rod with the belt. In some devices, a nozzle is provided to allow longitudinal displacement of the formed tobacco rod into a pre-formed cigarette tube, and some devices include a pushing device to effect this longitudinal displacement. Some devices include a support trough disposed to prevent sections of the belt from contacting each other, and some devices include a clamping device configured to clamp a pre-formed cigarette tube on the nozzle to prevent its dislodging during use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter making apparatus comprising: a filter material converging device, a flavor element positioning device comprising a passage element, the passage element comprising a passageway, a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, the first inlet and second inlet being in fluid communication with the passageway, wherein the first inlet is adapted to pass a continuous strand of material into the passage element, wherein the second inlet is adapted to pass fluid into the passage element, and wherein the outlet is positioned at a point downstream from at least a portion of the filter material converging device, wherein the passage element is adapted to pass through the second inlet and into the filter material either the continuous strand of material from the first inlet, or fluid from the second inlet, or the continuous strand of material from the first inlet together with fluid from the second inlet.

Abstract: A method of preparing a rod for use in the preparation of a smoking article is described. The rod has a first end and a second end. The rod has located therein a solid support. The solid support extends in a linear fashion from the first end of said rod to the second end of said rod. At least a portion of said solid support is coated and/or impregnated with an additive. The rod is prepared using rod forming means, wherein said rod forming means comprises a channel ending in an open exit, wherein material may pass through at least part of the channel and leave via the open exit in the form of a rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member along the longitudinal axis. A dispensing device is configured to selectively dispense a liquid substance into the filter material, substantially commensurately with the introduction of the plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member, wherein the liquid substance is configured to affect an attribute associated with the objects. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes at least one object and a portion of the liquid substance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at various apparatus, systems and methods for forming a sealed concentric or sealed concentric hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed column of metered tobacco and paper between a tongue and garniture to form a concentric shaped tobacco rod or tobacco rod with an inner hollow core; maintaining the concentric shape; and outputting a sealed concentric tobacco rod or a concentric hollow tobacco rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a prefabricated cigarette tube includes a housing, a tobacco chamber with a tobacco holder, and a movable pressing bar configured so as to form tobacco introduced into the tobacco chamber into a tobacco strand. An abutment for an end of the tobacco strand is assigned to the tobacco holder, wherein a first length of the to be formed tobacco strand is adjustable to prefrabicated cigarette tubes having different filling-cavity lengths by adjusting a second length of the pressing bar. A slider is configured to be moved relative to the housing so as to fill the prefabricated cigarette tube with the tobacco strand. The tobacco holder is displacably arranged relative to the abutment in a movement direction of the slider by a distance which approximately corresponds to the different filling-cavity lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated method are also provided.

Abstract: A shredded tobacco material feeder of a cigarette manufacturing apparatus has a reservoir (2) of shredded tobacco material; a first separation chamber (20) and a second separation path (28) for dividing the shredded tobacco material into normal particles and separation material having larger particle sizes than the normal particles in a process when the shredded tobacco material is fed from the reservoir (2) toward a tobacco band of the apparatus; a sieve conveyor (34) for receiving and transferring the separation material discharged from the second separation path (28), and separating the separation material into large particles having large particle sizes and medium particles having smaller particle sizes than the large particles; and a cyclone (48) for receiving the medium particles from the sieve conveyor (34), the cyclone (48) separating returnable components corresponding to the normal particles from the medium particles, and returning the returnable components to the reservoir (2).

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

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 processing unit for processing at least one filter tow strip to produce filters for rod-shaped smoking articles includes at least one tow guidance section along which the filter tow strip is moved in a direction of a longitudinal extension of the filter tow strip. The tow guidance section includes processing devices used for processing the filter tow strip. The processing devices are arranged in a sequence essentially one above the other, so that at least a segment of the tow guidance section that is located in a region of the processing devices is oriented at an angle to a horizontal line.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control the distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press. The apparatus includes a housing. A plurality of ducts extend from the housing to the charger. Each duct is configured to direct a portion of the air flow from the housing to the charger. A plurality of nozzles are spaced around the perimeter of the charger. Each nozzle is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of ducts. Each duct may include a flow controller that is selectively openable and closable to direct the portion of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger. A method of controlling distribution of tobacco strip in a charger of a tobacco packing press includes providing an air flow and selectively directing portions of the air flow around a perimeter of the charger to distribute the tobacco strip in the charger.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: A kit for the assembly of smoking articles comprises a plurality of smokable tobacco rods, a plurality of filter assemblies and a package. Each one of the filter assemblies has an interface for connecting with one of the smokable tobacco rods. The plurality of smokable tobacco rods and the plurality of filters are packed in the package. In another embodiment, the kit comprises a plurality of smoking articles, a plurality of filter assemblies and a package. Each one of the smoking articles is fitted with one filter tip and is adapted to be severed into a first part and a second part, the first part containing the filter tip. Each one of the filter assemblies has an interface for connecting with the second part of one of the severed smoking articles. The smoking articles are provided in a smokable format. The plurality of smoking articles and the plurality of filter assemblies are packaged in the package. In another embodiment, a filter assembly for a smoking article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a rod member for a cigarette filter element, is provided. Each rod member defines a longitudinal axis and includes a generally longitudinally-extending filter material and a plurality of objects disposed therein along the longitudinal axis. Such an apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An object insertion unit is configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the rod member. A rod-dividing unit is configured to divide the rod member into a plurality of rod portions such that each rod portion includes a plurality of the objects. Associated method are also provided.

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, can be applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers. One of those rollers can have 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 radiant dryer can be used to dry the additive material that has been applied to the paper web. The radiant dryer can be located on one component of a two component assembly that is used to manufacture cigarettes. Spectrometric techniques can be used to ensure proper registration of the additive material on the cigarette rods so manufactured, and to ensure proper quality of those cigarettes.

Abstract: A unit for forming a continuous mat of tobacco with denser portions, wherein the mat of tobacco is formed on a suction conveyor belt looped about a return pulley and extending through two successive shredded tobacco feed stations; and wherein the return pulley, located at one of the two feed stations, has a number of radial suction seats, each for retaining a localized quantity of tobacco on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A continuous tobacco rod generated by a machine for making tobacco products is separated into reclaimable lengths by a device that comprises a pair of tension rollers designed to exert a pulling force on the rod, also a pair of brake rollers operating upstream of the tension rollers and serving to offer a measure of resistance to the action of the tension rollers; as a result of the interaction between the tension rollers and the brake rollers, the portion of the continuous rod extending between them is forced to break by tearing apart.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured having smokable rods with paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials can be applied to a continuous, moving paper web on a cigarette making apparatus using application apparatus possessing four rollers. One roller has a series of pockets to receive additive formulation and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. The additive material can be applied to a transfer roller in roll interaction with a pick-up roller. Roll interaction of the transfer roller with an application roller causes transfer of the additive material from the transfer roller to the application roller. Additive material from the application roller can be transferred to the paper web that passes between the application roller and a back-up roller. A radiant dryer can be used to dry the additive material applied to 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, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation can be 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. The automated cigarette making apparatus can comprise multiple components. A first component of the assembly provides a source of paper web, applies additive material to that web in a pattern and dries the paper web; while a second component receives the paper web, supplies tobacco filler and manufactures a cigarette rod from the paper web and tobacco filler.

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, can be applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers. One of those rollers can have 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 radiant dryer can be used to dry the additive material that has been applied to the paper web. The radiant dryer can be located on one component of a two component assembly that is used to manufacture cigarettes. Spectrometric techniques can be used to ensure proper registration of the additive material on the cigarette rods so manufactured, and to ensure proper quality of those cigarettes.

Abstract: Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the triacetin content in cigarette filter plugs during the manufacture of the filter plugs from a filter tow. The apparatus including a filter tow storage container, a filter tow stretching device, a device for feeding triacetin, to the filter tow, a plug-forming device, a device for dividing the plug into portions, a first microwave sensor disposed downstream of the plug-forming device, and a second microwave sensor disposed upstream of the feed device for the triacetin. The triacetin content is determined by transmitting a high frequency electromagnetic field through the filter plug both before and after the triacetin is added and measuring the frequency shift and spread of the electromagnetic field to determine mass signals At and A0, respectivley. A0 is compared to At to calculate the triacetin content of the filter plug.

Abstract: Apparatus for making one or more rod-like fillers of shredded tobacco for use in the making of cigarettes or the like employs one or two pneumatic conveyors having endless foraminous belts trained over pulleys and including elongated stretches below communicating parts of a common suction chamber. A shower of intermixed tobacco shreds and smaller particles including tobacco dust and coarser particles is directed against the undersides of the elongated stretches. The shreds are attracted to and advance with the respective belts to form streams which are ready to be trimmed and thereupon draped into cigarette paper or the like. At least some smaller particles penetrate through the respective belts into the corresponding parts of the suction chamber. The contents of the suction chamber are evacuated by suction and are returned to the undersides of the elongated stretches of the belts for classification.

Abstract: Apparatus for making one or more rod-like fillers of shredded tobacco for use in the making of cigarettes or the like employs one or two pneumatic conveyors having endless foraminous belts trained over pulleys and including elongated stretches below communicating parts of a common suction chamber. A shower of intermixed tobacco shreds and smaller particles including tobacco dust and coarser particles is directed against the under sides of the elongated stretches. The shreds are attracted to and advance with the respective belts to form streams which are ready to be trimmed and thereupon draped into cigarette paper or the like. At least some smaller particles penetrate through the respective belts into the corresponding parts of the suction chamber. The contents of the suction chamber are evacuated by suction and are returned to the undersides of the elongated stretches of the belts for classification.

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: Apparatus for controlled removal of surplus material from one or more tows of tobacco particles, filter material for tobacco smoke or the like employs at least one belt conveyor for each stream. The outer side of such belt conveyor is provided with recesses which receive particulate material at the stream forming station or stations. Each stream is equalized by a discrete trimming device which employs a pair of cooperating rotary knives having circular cutting edges and serving to remove the surplus prior to compacting and wrapping of the thus obtained rod-like filler or fillers into web(s) of cigarette paper of the like. The material which has entered the recesses of the belt conveyor(s) contributes to greater density of the corresponding portions of the fillers or fillers, and such densified portions are severed by a cutoff to be located at the ends of plain cigarettes or at the tobacco-containing ends of filter cigarettes.

Abstract: A continuous tobacco rod generated by a machine for making tobacco products is separated into reclaimable lengths by a device that comprises a pair of tension rollers designed to exert a pulling force on the rod, also a pair of brake rollers operating upstream of the tension rollers and serving to offer a measure of resistance to the action of the tension rollers; as a result of the interaction between the tension rollers and the brake rollers, the portion of the continuous rod extending between them is forced to break by tearing apart.

Abstract: The outfeed unit of a cigarette maker establishes a feed path along which at least one cigarette rod is caused to advance in a predetermined direction from the outfeed end of a beam, on which the rod is formed, toward a cutter device by which the rod is divided into sticks constituting single cigarettes; the unit is equipped with a cut-off device located in close proximity to the outfeed of the forming beam, by which the rod is severed and diverted from the feed path, and, at a given point downstream of the cut-off device, with pinch rollers by which a portion of the rod separated through the action of the cut-off device is removed from a final stretch of the feed path between the cut-off device and the cutter device.

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 method of incorporating fibriform smoke-modifying material in smoking material rod, wherein fibriform smoke-modifying material is fed longitudinally thereof to a rod making machine (1). The longitudinal feed path in the machine is in a travel direction of the smoking material deposition run of the suction band (3) of the machine. The fibriform material (13) is either constrained by guide means (15) in the machine to follow a feed path spaced from the run (31) of the suction band against the suction force towards the run or the feed path of the fibriform smoke-modifying material is caused to ascend toward the deposition run under the influence of the suction force towards the run, until at a predetermined distance along the deposition run the fibriform material becomes supported and is subsequently maintained at a predetermined distance from the run by particulate smoking material (20) deposited on the run. Thereafter further smoking material (20′) is deposited on the deposition run.

Abstract: A device for creating a spread-out stream of tobacco fibers includes a concave-curved guide track along which the fiber stream of tobacco fibers are conveyed. The guide track has a generatrix based on a uniform generating curve. At least one air jet has an air flow opening interrupting the guide track so that air exiting the air flow jet acts in a conveyance direction of the fiber stream for spreading out the tobacco fibers.

Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tobacco bead, whereby a forming conveyor conveying the tobacco bead cooperates with a pressing device for compacting portions of the tobacco bead equally spaced with a given spacing, and cooperates with a shaving device; and whereby a distance between the pressing device and the forming conveyor is regulated independently of a distance between the shaving device and the forming conveyor, and as a function of a linear travelling speed of the forming conveyor or a physical quantity related to it.

Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tobacco bead, whereby a forming conveyor conveying the tobacco bead cooperates with a pressing device for compacting portions of the tobacco bead equally spaced with a given spacing, and cooperates with a shaving device; and whereby a distance between the pressing device and the forming conveyor is regulated independently of a distance between the shaving device and the forming conveyor, and as a function of a linear travelling speed of the forming conveyor or a physical quantity related to it.

Abstract: Garniture tongue of a garniture device of a rod machine arranged for compressing a material. The garniture tongue includes a rod guide surface and the garniture tongue being composed at least in part of a steel alloy with high titanium carbide content. 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: 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 suction band, for use in a cigarette making machine for conveying a cigarette filler stream, comprising a tape of heat-softenable plastics material wound so as to produce a multi-layer endless band and having perforations of which the edges of the adjacent perforations in adjacent tape layers are welded or fused together so as to join together the tape layers to form a cohesive perforated band.

Abstract: A belt-type compression molding apparatus for a tobacco stream includes a compression belt integral with a tobacco band for forming the tobacco stream, and the compression belt extends from the tobacco band toward a wrapping section of a cigarette manufacturing machine. The compression belt defines a compression molding passage for the tobacco stream in cooperation with a molding groove of a molding bed for guiding wrapping paper. The compression belt travels at the same speed as the tobacco band and serves as a movable ceiling wall of the compression molding passage.

Abstract: A device for creating a spread-out stream of tobacco fibers includes a concave-curved guide track along which the fiber stream of tobacco fibers are conveyed. The guide track has a generatrix based on a uniform generating curve. At least one air jet has an air flow opening interrupting the guide track so that air exiting the air flow jet acts in a conveyance direction of the fiber stream for spreading out the tobacco fibers.

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.