Abstract: This invention relates to a method for crimping a web of material for the tobacco industry, including the following steps: feeding a web of material for the tobacco industry along a feed path; crimping the web between two crimping rollers operatively coupled to make a plurality of longitudinal easy folding lines on the web; measuring a value of a thickness of the web before the step of crimping; The step of crimping the web is adjusted as a function of the thickness value measured during the step of measuring.

Abstract: Machine and method for producing a substantially cylindrical article, which comprises a tubular body, a container element, arranged in the area of one end of the tubular element, a heat generating element, partially housed inside the container element, and loose material for generating flavour; in use, the loose material is inserted into the container element, vertically oriented, and the heat generating element is partially inserted into the container element by being moved downwards, so as to obtain a combined element; subsequently, the combined element is at least partially inserted into the tubular body.

Abstract: A feeding device (8, 8?, 8?, 8??) for feeding a continuous strip (9) into a continuous fibrous band, in a tobacco industry machine for manufacturing rod-like elements, wherein the fibrous band is formed to a form of a continuous rod (CR) comprising the continuous strip (9) surrounded by the continuous fibrous band, the feeding device (8, 8?, 8?, 8??) comprising: a strip supply unit (10) for feeding the continuous strip (9); a strip feeding unit (11) for feeding the continuous strip (9) into the middle of the continuous fibrous band; wherein the feeding device (8, 8?, 8?, 8??) is configured such that the strip feeding unit (11) is located in the machine for manufacturing the rod-like elements between a fibrous band preparation unit (4) and a garniture unit (15) for forming the continuous rod.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an apparatus (1) for manufacture of tobacco industry products (21). The apparatus (1) comprising a rolling unit (9) comprising: • a rotatable drum (14) having a plurality of recesses formed in an outer surface of the drum (14) to receive tobacco industry product components (5/6); • a roll hand (15) spaced from the outer surface of the drum (14) to define a space between the outer surface of the drum (14) and the roll hand (15), within which space tobacco industry product components (5/6) are rollable upon rotation of the drum (14); and • a kicker bar (16) disposed adjacent to the roll hand (15). • The kicker bar (16) is moveable relative to the roll hand (15) and in a direction towards and away from the drum (14) during operation of the apparatus (1), and the kicker bar (16) is biased towards the drum (14).

Abstract: A rotating drum for use in manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a drum body. A plurality of grooves may be disposed in an outer face of the drum body. A seat may be tractably-mounted in each one of the plurality of grooves. The seat may include a seat groove that is structured and arranged to receive and hold a rigid casing of a vapor-generating article. The seat may be composed of a material that is softer than a material of the rigid casing.

Abstract: A system for use in manufacturing vapor-generating articles may include a rotatable drum that is configured to hold a plurality of the vapor-generating articles. The system may also include a tagging drum that is configured to tag a respective label to a housing of each of the vapor-generating articles. The system may also include a pressing roller that is configured to press a leading edge of the label against the housing after the tagging. The system may further include a rolling drum that is configured to roll the label around the housing after the pressing.

Abstract: A method for making smokers' articles by subdividing a semifinished item which includes least five sticks aligned with each other along a main axis, at least two of the sticks are of a type different from the others; the method includes a step of forming the semifinished item by aligning the five sticks in a predetermined succession along the main axis and a step of subdividing a single rod into at least three sticks, followed by a step of aligning along the main axis each of the three sticks obtained from the rod alternating them with each of the sticks of different type, so as to form the semifinished item.

Abstract: A smoking article comprising a first part moveable relative to a second part, and an indexing mechanism comprising a first indexing surface on the first part, and a second indexing surface on a support element of the second part. The second indexing surface is configured to engage with the first indexing surface to control relative movement between the first part and second part. One or more spacer elements are arranged to control a radial position of the first indexing surface relative to the second indexing surface. The support element and one or more spacer elements are frangibly connected.

Abstract: A modular apparatus is configured to cause received rods of smokeable material to undergo a first sequence of operations. The modular apparatus can be reconfigured so as to cause received rods of smokeable material to undergo a second sequence of operations, different to the first sequence of operations. The first and second sequences of operations respectively form at least part of first and second processes for assembling smoking articles, each smoking article comprising one of said rods of smokeable material, which is smoked in use.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 20, 30, 40) for shifting of rod-shaped articles (4, 4?) of different lengths or rod-shaped article groups (6) of different total lengths on a drum conveyor (2), comprising a pushing unit (5, 25, 35) mounted angularly to the axis of rotation of the drum conveyor (2), forcing the movement of the rod-shaped articles (4, 4?), whereas the pushing unit (5, 25, 35) comprises rotational pushing elements (11, 21, 31) for shifting of the rod-shaped articles (4, 4?), characterised in that the pushing unit (5, 25, 35) is movably mounted in a direction being substantially transverse to the axis of the flute (3) of the drum conveyor (2) so as to shift the rod-shaped-articles (4, 4?) or the rod-shaped article groups (6) inside the flute (3) of the drum conveyor (2) by the pressure of surfaces (11A, 21A, 31A) of the pushing unit (5, 25, 35) directly on the ends of the rod-shaped article (4, 4?).

Abstract: A method for combining segments of a smoking article, comprises the steps of: —providing a group of segments having a heat source (10; 20) and an aerosol-forming substrate (11; 21) the aerosol-forming substrate (10; 20) being arranged such that a remote end (112; 212) thereof faces away from the heat source (10; 20) while a near end (112; 211) thereof abuts the heat source (10; 20), —feeding an airflow directing truncated hollow cone (13; 23) having a widest end (131; 231) and a truncated narrowest end (130; 230) such that the truncated narrowest end (130; 230) is arranged to face the remote end (112; 212) of the aerosol-forming substrate (11; 21), and —moving the truncated hollow cone (13; 23) towards the remote end (112; 212) of the aerosol-forming substrate (11; 21) to abut the remote end (112; 212) thereof or to extend into an indentation (113; 213) in the remote end (112; 212) thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 20, 30, 40) for shifting of rod-like articles (4, 4?) with different lengths or rod-like article groups (6) with different total lengths on a drum conveyor (3), comprising slidably mounted pusher elements (7, 27, 37) acting on at least one rod-like article (4, 4?) or at least one rod-like article group (6) so as to vary their position in the flute (3) of the drum conveyor (2), with the pusher elements (7, 27, 37) being 5 slidable in a direction substantially corresponding to the axis of the rod-like articles, and a pushing unit (5, 25, 35) mounted angularly relative to the pusher elements (7, 27, 37) forcing the movement of the pusher elements (7, 27, 37), whereas the pushing unit comprises rotational pushing elements for pushing against the pusher elements (7, 27, 37).

Abstract: The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for manufacturing smoking articles. First multi-segment components are formed each comprising a combustible heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate and an airflow directing segment by feeding a stream of combustible heat sources, aerosol-forming substrates and airflow directing segments along a moving delivery path, compacting the segments into groups; wrapping each group; and cutting the web of material between groups to separate the individual first multi-segment components from each other. A stream of first multi-segment components are fed onto a receiving means, and a stream of second multi-segment components, each comprising a mouthpiece and at least one further segment, are also fed onto the receiving means.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a high-solid, solvent-free alkyd dispersion, and a continuous process for producing the same. The aqueous alkyd dispersion, according to the present invention comprises (a) from 40 to 70 percent by weight of one or more alkyds based on the total weight of the dispersion, wherein each one or more alkyds has an acid value of less than 20 and a molecular weight (Mn) in the range of greater than 1000 Dalton; (b) from less than 10 percent by weight of one or more surfactants, based on the total weight of the dispersion; and (c) from 30 to 55 percent by weight of water, based on the total weight of the dispersion; and the dispersion has an average particle size diameter in the range of 0.05 to 5 ?m.

Abstract: A method for labeling containers in a beverage bottling plant and a labeling station for a labeling machine in a beverage bottle labeling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Smoke filters that reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide and phenols in a smoke stream may include a porous mass section comprising a plurality of active particles, a plurality of binder particles, and an active coating disposed on at least a portion of the active particles and the binder particles, wherein the active particles and the binder particles are bound together at a plurality of contact points; and a filter section. In some instances, a filter may include a porous mass section comprising a plurality of active particles and a plurality of binder particles, wherein the active particles and the binder particles are bound together at a plurality of contact points without an adhesive; and a filter section comprising an active dopant.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof, comprises means for providing a continuous supply of rod filter material, a first hopper means for providing a reservoir for objects, and a second hopper means for providing a plurality of individual objects. The second hopper means is positioned to receive objects from the first hopper means. The apparatus also comprises a reciprocating screen means between the first hopper means and the second hopper means, means for positioning individual objects from the second hopper to within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals, means for forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod, and means for subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: Tobacco products (2), typically cigarettes, are manufactured on a line (1) including a cigarette maker (3) and a filter tip attachment machine (4), both equipped with a number of production devices and units connected to respective master control units (82, 83) and visual display units (84). Key characteristics of sample tobacco products (2) are tested by an auxiliary inspection unit (45) forming part of a monitoring and control system associated with the manufacturing line (1), and connected up to a common interface network (48) so that signals reflecting the monitored characteristics can be fed back to a number of control units (81) associated respectively with the devices and the units of the line (1) on which the characteristics in question depend, and programmed to pilot corrective actions in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the fluid within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprising a first part (13) configured to be movable relative to a second part (11) of the smoking article. The first part (13) having a first engaging surface (31). The second part (11) having a second engaging surface (32), the second engaging surface engagable with the first engaging surface (31) to limit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second parts. The first engaging surface (31) and/or second engaging surface (32) is preferably formed on a folded over portion of sheet material.

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: An apparatus for making a smoking article, the smoking article having a rod of smoke able material (15) and a cylindrically wrapped layer of sheet material, comprises a holder (3) for holding sheet material, an embossing unit (8) configured to emboss sheet material drawn from the holder and an assembling station (14) for assembling the smoking article, configured to receive embossed sheet material from the embossing unit and to wrap the embossing sheet material at least partially around a part of the smoking article.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for forming a filter rod member of a smoking article, such as a cigarette, is provided. The apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit is configured to insert an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member. The method comprises forming a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member, and inserting an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member such that the adsorbent material is disposed within the rod member.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a smoking article from a wrapped tobacco rod and a filter material wrapped to form a filter plug. The method utilizes nozzle-applied cold glue adhesive rather than roller-applied adhesive applied to tipping material, which connects the tobacco rod to the filter plug. In other aspects, mechanisms for using the method are provided.

Abstract: A system configured to produce smokable products including filter elements formed from multiple fibers is provided. The system includes a texturing apparatus configured to combine the fibers such that the fibers are at least partially entangled with each other and form a mixed fiber product. The entangled fibers may be sufficiently separated from one another such that plasticizer may be applied to the mixed fiber product without necessarily performing tow opening, crimp removal, or blooming operations. The fibers combined to form the mixed fiber product may define characteristics that differ or which are the same. Accordingly, filter elements may be produced that include different fibers that have respective desirable properties associated therewith. Related methods, apparatuses and mixed fiber products are also provided by the disclosure.

Abstract: Method and device for inserting objects into at least one endless material rod of the tobacco processing industry. The method includes removing objects from an object supply, and accelerating the removed objects in at least one receiving unit in a conveyance direction into a receiving path in a section of an insertion belt guided by at least two redirection rollers, the insertion belt having receptacles for the objects successively arranged in at least one row to reduce a speed difference between the receptacles of the insertion belt and the objects. The method also includes receiving the objects in the receptacles along the receiving path, holding the objects in the receptacles of the insertion belt by suction air, and conveying the held objects to an insertion position at the endless material rod, and inserting the objects from the receptacles into the endless material rod at the insertion position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cigarette filters comprise a single or multiple hopper system for forming filter components of single or multiple sizes. The filter components with spaces therebetween are partially wrapped and then conveyed to at least one media applying wheel where media is deposited into the spaces between the filter components. A cover cap is formed and placed over the partially wrapped filter components downstream of the media wheel to thereby completely wrap the filter components. Subsequently, the completely wrapped filter components are joined to tobacco rods with tipping paper.

Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for forming a filter rod member of a smoking article, such as a cigarette, is provided. The apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit is configured to insert an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member. The method comprises forming a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member, and inserting an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member such that the adsorbent material is disposed within the rod member.

Abstract: An apparatus and processes for producing compound cigarette filters by horizontally assembling multiple filter segments onto the horizontally oriented transverse flutes of a continuous belt. Spaced apart hoppers are serially arranged above the belt, and each hopper contains at least one of the multiple segments of the compound filter being assembled. A transfer structure between each hopper and the belt serially delivers the filter segments to the flutes on the belt, and after such assembly the various filter segments are removed as a group from each flute of the continuous belt. The filter segments are then combined as a group with wrapped tobacco rods to thereby produce filtered cigarettes.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of capsules into cigarette filter tows is disclosed. The apparatus may include a tow processing unit, a capsule insertion unit and a filter rod making unit. The capsule insertion unit may include a hopper, a capsule presorter, a belt, an inlet pipe, a capsule insertion wheel, and a tow gathering funnel.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for transferring rods, or tubes, comprising feeding a plurality of rods into a hopper, feeding the rods through a hopper using agitation and gravity to align the rods in a single-file stacked configuration, and transferring the rods with pushers on a continuous cable so that that the rods may be transferred for insertion in the tobacco column. This method and apparatus may utilize one or more drums for transferring rods from the hopper to the pushers on the continuous cable.

Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.

Abstract: A centring drum for filter assembly machines, the centring drum having external axial seats movable with the centring drum about a longitudinal axis of rotation, and for receiving respective double filters, at least some of which are offset laterally, along the relative seats, with respect to a central transverse reference plane; each seat housing a respective stop member movable with the relative seat about the longitudinal axis of rotation, and located on a respective side of the reference plane to define a centred position of the relative double filter, and a push device for moving the relative double filter axially onto the relative stop member; the stop members defining a first and a second succession of stop members, which are located on opposite sides of the reference plane and are both connected to a position adjusting device movable about the longitudinal axis of rotation and for moving the two successions equally and oppositely along the longitudinal axis of rotation.

Abstract: An electrically heated cigarette smoking system includes a cigarette that is formed with a tobacco rod portion, a filter tube portion, a tobacco mat layer wrapped around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion with opposite ends of the tobacco mat layer abutting along a seam parallel to the central axis of the cigarette and cigarette paper wrapped around the tobacco mat layer and bonded to itself along an overlapped seam that is offset from the seam of the tobacco mat layer. The method of manufacturing the cigarette includes wrapping the tobacco mat layer and the cigarette paper around the tobacco rod portion and the filter tube portion on a single, high-speed machine.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine for producing combination filters for cigarettes, and having: a group-forming unit for forming groups of filter portions, each having at least two different filter portions aligned axially and contacting at the ends; a winding unit which receives a succession of groups of filter portions from the group-forming unit, winds a strip of wrapping material about the succession of groups of filter portions to form a continuous filter rod, and cuts the combination filters off the continuous filter rod by cyclically cutting the continuous filter rod transversely; and a transfer unit which transfers the groups of filter portions from the group-forming unit, in which the groups of filter portions travel transversely, to the winding unit, in which the groups of filter portions travel axially, and has at least one spider, which feeds the groups of filter portions successively into a forming beam of the winding unit, and at least one release drum which releases the groups of filter portions successi

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for forming a filter rod member of a smoking article, such as a cigarette, is provided. The apparatus comprises a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit is configured to insert an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member. The method comprises forming a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member, and inserting an adsorbent material carried by a carrier material into the rod member such that the adsorbent material is disposed within the rod member.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a filter tow processing unit adapted to supply filter tow to a continuous rod forming unit includes an object insertion unit that positions objects within the filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals. The apparatus also includes an upper hopper that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper. The lower hopper is shaped so that objects are stacked therein. The bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets, each pocket being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face in the upper region of the rotating wheel. Each object then is positioned at predetermined intervals within a continuous supply of filter material.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a tobacco rod adapted to produce mainstream smoke, and a filter having an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion. The filter includes a ventilated cavity and a flow restrictor segment having an impermeable insert at least partially surrounded by a tubular segment of an air transmissive material upstream of the cavity. In an embodiment, the tubular segment at least partially defines the cavity.

Abstract: A cigarette filter assembly comprises a hollow paper tube with a spaced apart solid fiber plugs inside the tube together with granular filter material in the spaces between the plugs. Energy activated adhesive is only between the solid filter plugs and interior surface portions of the tube. After the spaced apart solid fiber plugs are within the tube the adhesive is activated to secure the plugs to the tube. The energy activated adhesive is only on selected portions of the hollow tube where the solid fiber plugs are located or alternatively the adhesive is only on the exterior surface portions of the solid fiber plugs.

Abstract: In the production of filter-tipped cigarettes (25), an apparatus (filter attachment machine) is used, which consists of a main cylinder (10) and a plurality of assigned further cylinders. The elements of the filter-tipped cigarettes (25), specifically a tobacco rod (15) or part-rods (16, 17), filter pieces (21), cigarette units (23), and the filter-tipped cigarettes (25) produced therefrom are transported by the main cylinder (10), with the exception that part-rods (16, 17) displaced at a distance from one another and with a filter piece (21) inserted for the attachment of a wrapping paper (22) are transported and connected to one another outside the main cylinder (10), so that one-piece cigarette units (23) are returned to the main cylinder (10).

Abstract: An additive material is applied to a substrate, such as a paper web used as a wrapping material for cigarette manufacture. A predetermined pattern of additive material is applied to the outer surface of the wrapping material of a formed cigarette, and most preferably of a formed filtered cigarette. In particular, an application system for applying additive material of a controlled type, in a controlled manner and in a controlled location on the wrapping material of a formed two-up filtered cigarette rod is located within a tipping machine. During controlled rotation of each such formed rod (e.g., due to cooperation of (i) a roll drum, and (ii) cooperating roll block and star drum), additive material is applied to the outer surface of a desired location of the wrapping material of each such rod.

Abstract: Conveyor drum for receiving axially aligned articles that are conveyed in a cross-axial direction toward the conveyor drum. Conveyor drum includes a separation device for changing a longitudinal axial spacing of the articles by a predetermined longitudinal axial separation, and an adjustment device structured and arranged to adjust the predetermined longitudinal axial separation. 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: Process and apparatus for connecting smoking article components. Process includes feeding connecting sheets on a suction roller with a defined spacing, feeding the smoking article components on a grooved drum, and transferring portions of the connecting sheets to the smoking article components, such that the connecting sheets partially connect the smoking article components. 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: A filter attaching apparatus comprises a drum 20 for conveying an intermediate product of a filter cigarette and a receiving drum 36 for feeding a tip paper piece, and winds the tip paper piece around the intermediate product while rotating these drums with the tip paper piece adhered to the intermediate product. Suction chambers 48 and 50 are disposed in the vicinity of the drum 20 that conveys the intermediate product, and suction openings of the suction chambers extend in a conveying direction of the intermediate product along an outer periphery of the drum 20. Fine particles of shredded tobacco and the like that are scattered by rotation of the drum 20 are sucked through the suction openings into the suction chambers 48 and 50 and the like, so that the intermediate product is completely isolated from an atmosphere of the fine particles of the shredded tobacco and the like.

Abstract: A filter-attachment machine in the tobacco-processing industry is provided. The machine has a plurality of conveying devices for products in the tobacco-processing industry, and at least one main drive that drives the plurality of conveying devices. The machine also has a pull-off device for pulling a cover tape ribbon from a cover tape supply, a cover-tape cutting device for cutting the cover tape ribbon into sections of a predetermined length, and at least one secondary drive that drives the pull-off device and the cover-tape cutting device. The cover tape ribbon is conveyed from the pull-off device to the cover-tape cutting device, and the sections of cover tape ribbon are transferred to the products on one of the plurality of conveying devices.

Abstract: In the production of filter-tipped cigarettes (25), an apparatus (filter attachment machine) is used, which consists of a main cylinder (10) and a plurality of assigned further cylinders. The elements of the filter-tipped cigarettes (25), specifically a tobacco rod (15) or part-rods (16, 17), filter pieces (21), cigarette units (23), and the filter-tipped cigarettes (25) produced therefrom are transported by the main cylinder (10), with the exception that part-rods (16, 17) displaced at a distance from one another and with a filter piece (21) inserted for the attachment of a wrapping paper (22) are transported and connected to one another outside the main cylinder (10), so that one-piece cigarette units (23) are returned to the main cylinder (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus which embodies an optical measuring assembly serving to ascertain the transverse dimensions (such as diameters) of at least substantially cylindrical rod-shaped articles, preferably cigarettes or other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry, and includes a radiation source employing at least one first preferably circular array of light emitting diodes or the like, an evaluating unit employing at least one preferably circular array of signal generating charge coupled devices or the like, and a control unit which regulates the operation of batches of neighboring diodes and receives preferably short-lasting signals from the charge coupled devices located in the shadow produced by the article which is coaxial with and is spacedly surrounded by the two arrays. The article can be stationary or it can move (such as axially) relative to the coaxial arrays.

Abstract: Method and machine for joining article components. The method include feeding articles of a first and second group to a first tipping apparatus, transferring a uniting band to the articles of the first group from the first tipping apparatus, feeding the articles of the first and second groups to a second tipping apparatus, transferring a uniting band to the articles of the second group from the second tipping apparatus, and wrapping the uniting bands around the articles of the first and second group in a rolling device. 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.