Abstract: The package configuration optimization system includes at least one non-transitory storage medium comprising instructions and at least one processor executing the instructions for performing operations. The operations may include receiving historical order data associated with a fulfillment center, the order data including at least one of items ordered, package information, shipping costs, or fill rate, generating a forecast for order data based on the historical order data and performance data associated with the fulfillment center, the forecast comprising a plurality of dummy orders, receiving preferences for packaging cost reduction, determining a current packaging configuration associated with the fulfillment center, optimizing the current packaging configuration to generate at least one new packaging configuration using the received preferences and the generated forecast, and sending the at least one new packaging configuration to a remote system.

Abstract: A method comprises: receiving, in a computer system, a pattern record corresponding to a conveyor pattern of a conveyor belt in which patterns are randomly distributed; capturing, using the computer system, a first image of the conveyor belt while a first product is positioned on the conveyor belt; comparing, using the computer system, at least part of the first image with the pattern record to identify a first corresponding portion of the pattern record for the first image; assigning, using the computer system, a first identifier to the first product based on the first corresponding portion of the pattern record; and tracking, using the computer system, the first product using the assigned first identifier.

Abstract: A method for grouping prosthetic valve leaflets of an aggregate of prosthetic valve leaflets is provided. Using a computer processor, for each leaflet of the aggregate, a leaflet-flexibility value is derived. A group size value is provided to the processor. Using the processor, at least some of the leaflets of the aggregate are designated into leaflet groups, based on similarity between the respective leaflet-flexibility value of each leaflet of the aggregate. Each of the leaflet groups includes a number of leaflets equal to the group size value. Using the processor, an indication of the designated leaflet groups is outputted. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for verifying the identity of a user of a nicotine dispenser. The system can include a nicotine dispenser configured to remain locked until the receipt of a signal, and a personal communication device configured to communicate with the nicotine dispenser via a wireless communication link. The personal communication device can execute an application configured to scan identification data of the user, verify the identification data of the user, and communicate the identification signal to the user. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for monitoring and controlling use of a nicotine dispenser. The system can include a nicotine dispenser, a processor, and a nicotine-containing unit. The processor can be configured to monitor use of the nicotine dispenser, determine an amount of nicotine dispensed is greater than a threshold, and lock the nicotine dispenser.

Abstract: A compacting unit for the tobacco industry includes a conveyor drum configured to convey groups of segments disposed perpendicularly to the feed direction. A first compactor and a second compactor have a first contact portion and a second contact portion, respectively. The first contact portion and the second contact portion are respectively adapted to be placed in contact with a first axial end and a second axial end of a group of segments in transit in the compacting station. The first contact portion is compliant, preferably elastically compliant, along a longitudinal direction of extension of the groups of segments upon interaction with the first axial end. The second contact portion defines a rigid abutment along the longitudinal direction of extension of the groups of segments suitable for setting a predetermined position for the second axial end.

Abstract: A method of using a computer processor for grouping prosthetic valve leaflets of an aggregate of prosthetic valve leaflets is provided. For each leaflet of the aggregate, in response to an image parameter of the leaflet, a leaflet-flexibility value is derived. At least some of the leaflets of the aggregate are designated into leaflet groups, based on similarity between the respective leaflet-flexibility value of each leaflet of the aggregate. For each of the designated leaflet groups, the flexibility value of each leaflet in the designated leaflet group is within the intra-group tolerance with respect to the leaflet-flexibility value of each other leaflet in the designated leaflet group. An indication of the designated leaflet groups is outputted. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A device for assembling plastic objects including caps for coupling to base support at least partially counter-shaped to the cap. The device includes at least part of an assembly line defining assembly path and assembly plane including the assembly path and plurality of spindles moveable along the assembly path by an apparatus and configured to controlledly pick up the caps, the spindles position and push the caps onto the base supports along the assembly path; positioning apparatus including first and second detectors, controller with auxiliary control system to translate and rotate spindles along directions perpendicular to assembly path and plane and third encoder to detect spindle orientation relative to assembly path. First detector to detect first orientation, second detector to detect second orientation and controller to detect first orientation and second orientation by detectors and operate auxiliary control system to align base support and cap.

Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging a product offering of product items associated with a merchant account. A product packaging model is associated with a kit of product items having a selected packaging option. During assembly, one or more images of the kit are captured and image features are detected and compared to parameters specified in the product packaging model. An error notification is output if a deviation is detected between the detected image features and the parameters prescribed by the product packaging model.

Abstract: Methods and systems for packaging a product offering of product items associated with a merchant account. A product packaging model is associated with a kit of product items having a selected packaging option. During assembly, one or more images of the kit are captured and image features are detected and compared to parameters specified in the product packaging model. An error notification is output if a deviation is detected between the detected image features and the parameters prescribed by the product packaging model.

Abstract: A method for grouping prosthetic valve leaflets of an aggregate of prosthetic valve leaflets is provided. Using a computer processor, for each leaflet of the aggregate, in response to an image parameter of the leaflet, a leaflet-flexibility value is derived. A group size value is provided to the processor. Using the processor, at least some of the leaflets of the aggregate are designated into leaflet groups, based on similarity between the respective leaflet-flexibility value of each leaflet of the aggregate. Each of the leaflet groups includes a number of leaflets equal to the group size value. Using the processor, an indication of the designated leaflet groups is outputted. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method of tracking a box and correlating a quality characteristic of the box to an overall equipment effectiveness of a packaging line that manipulates the box during a product packaging process includes: at a location, associating a unique identifier with a pre-erected form of the box, capturing at least one quality characteristic of the box, and storing the at least one quality characteristic and the associated unique identifier in a database; moving the pre-erected form of the box to another location; at the another location, converting the pre-erected form of the box into an erected box, manipulating the erected box through the packaging line, and in an event where the erected box is involved in a disruption in the packaging line correlating the unique identifier of the associated erected box with the associated disruption and saving a record of the disruption and the unique identifier in a storage medium.

Abstract: A method for checking the completeness of a container provided with a plurality of objects by means of a 3D camera includes providing a three-dimensional image of the objects and a multi-ROI. The multi-ROI includes a plurality of ROIs which have a user-settable shape and are arranged within the multi-ROI in a user-settable number of rows, columns and raster type, including a learning mode and a temporally subsequent working mode.

Abstract: Method of emptying a container filled with rod-like articles manufactured in the tobacco industry comprising the following stages: the container to be emptied is delivered to the entrance area of an intermediate store comprising adjacent channels separated from one another by walls; the rod-like articles are transferred by supporting plates from the container to the channels of the intermediate store; the channels of the intermediate store are filled with the rod-like articles; characterised in that during the transfer of the rod-like articles from the container to the channels of the intermediate store the intermediate store makes a reciprocating motion in the horizontal direction, transversely to the axis of the rod-like articles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for testing a plurality of prosthetic heart valve leaflets. The apparatus includes a vertical mount, and a plurality of horizontal bars are movably coupled to the mount. Each bar extends away from the mount along a respective bar-axis that lies on a respective vertical bar-plane. Each bar is configured to support a respective leaflet along the respective bar-axis such that the respective leaflet drapes over the respective bar. The apparatus further includes an image sensor, positioned opposite the mount, facing the plurality of bars and the mount so as to be oriented to acquire an image that includes the plurality of leaflets draped over the plurality of bars. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A smoking article package inspection system configured to inspect a smoking article package is provided. The system includes imaging devices configured to capture images of the smoking article package and an analysis unit configured to analyze the images captured by the imaging devices and determine whether the smoking article package is defective. The imaging devices may be positioned and configured to capture images of the smoking article package at least one of: before and after enclosing a plurality of smoking articles in the smoking article package, before and after printing an identifier on the smoking article package, and before and after wrapping the smoking article package with an outer wrapper. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing rod-like articles, comprising a machine for manufacturing the rod-like articles or a feeding device for delivering the rod-like articles, a first measuring unit for measuring at least one quality parameter of the manufactured rod-like articles, a device for dividing a stream of the rod-like articles into a first stream and into a second stream, a first transferring device, which receives the first stream of the rod-like articles and transfers this stream as an output stream of the rod-like articles manufacturing system, a second transferring device which transfers inspected rod-like article to the output stream of the rod-like articles on the first transferring device.

Abstract: A workpiece turning-over device includes a support base and two moving arm assemblies oppositely positioned on the support base. Each moving arm assembly includes a rotation member on the support base, a moving arm connected to the rotation member, a spur gear pair, and a bevel gear pair. The spur gear pair includes a first spur gear fixedly sleeved on the moving arm, and a second spur gear rotatably connected with the rotation member and meshing with the first spur gear. The bevel gear pair includes a first bevel gear non-rotatably connected with the rotation member, and a second bevel gear non-rotatably connected with the second spur gear and meshing with the first bevel gear. The two rotation members are rotated in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for registering different objects in filter rod shaped articles, for example as found in the tobacco processing industry. The method, system and apparatus can include a rod containing cigarette filter components; one or more sensors that determine the constitution of segments of the rod and transmits one or more signals regarding segments of the rod; a processor that receives the one or more signals from the one or more sensors, performs a comparison between the one or more signals and known data and transmits a signal based upon results of the comparison; and an ejector that receives the signal from the processor and removes any segment of the rod that does not conform with the known data.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for sorting objects as having one of an accepted and rejected status. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly configured to receive a plurality of objects and to release the objects through a release port associated therewith. A first object sorting arrangement is in communication with the hopper assembly and is configured to receive the objects therefrom. The first object sorting arrangement includes a first inclined member in communication with the hopper assembly for directing the objects to a first deflector member spaced-apart from the first inclined member. Objects deflected over a first wall member spaced-apart from the first deflector member, the first deflector member being disposed between the first inclined member and the first wall member have an accepted status, while objects directed into a first channel disposed between the first deflector member and the first wall member have a rejected status.

Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.

Abstract: Transfer system cooperating with a machine for producing tobacco and filter product rods having a rod receiving unit, a cutting head, and a control system. The machine enables adjustment of the length of the produced rods, whereby the rod receiving unit of the transfer system is synchronized with the cutting head by the control system. The transfer system is situated between the machine for producing rods and a machine for further processing or transmitting the rods. A rejection unit is provided for rejecting the rods outside the transfer system during the synchronization of the rod receiving unit of the transfer system with the cutting head after a new length is entered into the control system. The rejection unit is located between the cutting head of the machine and the rod receiving unit.

Abstract: A system and associated method for analyzing a filter element of at least one of a filter rod and a smoking article is provided. At least one sensor element is adapted to interact with the filter element so as to determine an object insertion status with respect thereto and to generate an output signal in response. The object insertion status includes at least one of an object presence within the filter element, an object absence from the filter element, a proper insertion of an object into the filter element, a defective insertion of an object into the filter element, a proper object within the filter element, and a defective object within the filter element. An analysis unit is in communication with the at least one sensor element and responsive to the output signal therefrom to generate an indicia corresponding to the object insertion status.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the authenticity of bank notes in unprotected areas, has a sensor assembly containing a light source which produces light of a first wavelength with which the bank notes to be checked are illuminated; whereupon one or more feature substances present in and/or on the bank notes produces light of a second wavelength which is detected by the sensor assembly. A control device evaluates data from the sensor assembly about the light of the second wavelength and compares them with reference data to determine the authenticity of the bank notes. The structure and operation of the sensor assembly and/or the control device permit conclusions to be drawn only with difficulty on the feature substance or substances contained in the bank notes.

Abstract: A method relates to a production line where cigarettes are arranged in horizontal layers within approximately vertical channel (3) of packing machine feeding system, the width of which is slightly bigger then the cigarette diameter. The cigarettes are moved gravitationally toward the bottom plate (6) tram which they are transferred to the packing machine, whereas faulty cigarettes are detected with sensors (9, 11) defining their defects, and the faulty cigarettes are rejected by a rejecting device (14).

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 cigarette packer (1) incorporates a station at which cigarettes (2) are formed into groups (12) and from which the groups (12) are advanced by a first conveyor (13) along a first feed path (P) toward a wrapping station (16). A first inspection device (24) located along the first feed path (P) detects initially whether or not there are any defective cigarettes (2) in each group (12), and a second inspection device (45) located along a second conveyor (30) then identifies the single defective cigarettes (2) detected by the first device (24); the second inspection device (45) operates in conjunction with a rejection unit (46) by which defective cigarettes (2) are removed from the second conveyor (30).

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 system and method are set out for automating the sorting and loading of parcels into a delivery vehicle. While being conveyed from a customer, parcels to be delivered are scanned and information obtained therefrom. The information may be the parcel either or both the identification code and delivery address. The obtaining may be performed by a bar code reader, hand held or overhead, as well as a videocoding device. The parcel information is matched to a sort code, a unique code for a unique delivery address. A list of matched identification and sort codes and delivery addresses and sort codes is then saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. The parcels are then loaded in sequence into mobile racks, which when full, is loaded onto the delivery vehicle. A sequence list of the order in which the parcels were scanned is also saved for later search, sort, and retrieval. An end user enters a select list of addresses in search of possible hits from the saved lists.

Abstract: A foreign substance eliminating apparatus transfers raw material by passing the raw material between an upstream conveyor (6) and a downstream conveyor (8), and detects a foreign substance on the upstream transfer conveyor with a foreign substance detector (9). An eliminating airflow (R) is ejected from a row of air nozzles (13) when the detected foreign substance falls down, and deflects the falling direction of the foreign substance. At this point, a small foreign substance (BS) is blown off by the eliminating airflow, and sent to the foreign substancereceiving box (16). On the other hand, a large foreign substance (BL) goes across the eliminating airflow, and falls down onto the bar screen conveyor (20). The bar screen conveyor captures the large foreign substance, and removes it outside of the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking that batches of cigarettes are complete and that the cigarettes are sufficiently filled. In spite of careful manufacturing, when cigarettes are produced and batches of cigarettes are filled in cigarette packs (11) using high-performance machines, it is possible that some of the packs of cigarettes manufactured have cigarettes missing or contain cigarettes which are not sufficiently filled with tobacco. The invention provides an improved, non-contact method of checking the batches of cigarettes or the individual cigarettes. According to this method, the intensity signal of a CCD camera or a CCD-line-scanning chip in subareas of the front ends (24) of the cigarettes and/or the spaces between them is measured and analysed in the front end area of the batch of cigarettes.

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: A device for executing an inspection method of a filter rod for cigarettes includes an inspection drum (6), and the inspection drum (6) has plural pickup grooves (8) for receiving one filter rod (F) each in its outer periphery. The filter rod (F) in each pickup groove (8) is provided with rolling force by a rolling guide (10), and passes through an illuminated region (B) of light while the inspection drum (6) rotates. At this time, when the filter rod (F) rolls, the shielded portion of the illuminated region (B) due to the filter rod (F) varies. This variation means that the filter rod (F) is normal, and is hence used for determination of the inspection.

Abstract: Successive packets of cigarettes or the like are monitored to ascertain the integrity or absence of integrity of their outer envelopes by conveying them across at least one curtain of radiation so that a packet having an improperly glued flap or tuck or label or an analogous defect affecting the acceptability of its outline intercepts a greater amount of radiation than a packet having an outline matching that of a prototype. First signals denoting the amount of radiation intercepted by successive packets are compared with a reference signal denoting the amount of radiation intercepted by the prototype and, when the difference between a first signal and the reference signal is outside of a permissible range, the corresponding packet is segregated from other packets.

Abstract: A drum elevator and method of elevating cigarettes, the apparatus having a series of rotatable cigarette transferring drums including a first plurality of horizontally disposed drums at a first elevation and a second plurality of vertically disposed drums extending to a second elevation, the second plurality of vertically disposed drums receiving output from the first plurality of drums, the series of drums adapted to receive a procession of cigarettes at the first elevation and to elevate the cigarettes along a transfer path to the second elevation while maintaining the cigarettes arranged substantially in the procession; a rejection station at a location along the transfer path; a controller operative to selectively actuate the rejection station; and a stack former at the second elevation, the stack former receiving output of the second plurality of vertically disposed drums.

Abstract: Following a process or handling apparatus, in particular following a drying turret (11), (cigarette) packs (10) are transported along a horizontal conveying section. The latter has a checking section (30). In the region of this checking section, the cameras (48, 49) check the packs (10) for correct formation. In the region of the checking section (30), the packs (10) are transported, or retained by intermediate belts (31, 32), such that the cameras (48, 49) can sense a sub-region of the packs (10) in optimum fashion in each case.

Abstract: A method of checking cigarettes, whereby cigarettes are fed in steps along a gravity channel in the outlet of a hopper, and are successively arrested substantially at a checking station where a checking device determines the density of the open ends of the cigarettes and emits at least one control signal indicating the density; and the control signal is optimized by determining the position of the cigarette in the checking station with respect to the checking device.

Abstract: A method of detecting and rejecting poorly filled cigarettes, whereby cigarettes, arranged along a gravity channel forming part of an outlet of a feedbox, are fed successively past a detecting device facing one end of the cigarettes; the detecting device, as the cigarettes file past, emits a continuous signal having a succession of minimum values indicating the passage past the detecting device of a succession of gaps, and a succession of maximum values indicating the passage past the detecting device of respective cigarettes; and a receiving central control unit emits a reject signal on receiving a maximum value below a given threshold value.

Abstract: A machine for packaging fragile cylindrical products, particularly cigarettes, comprising a unit for forming and transporting ordered groups of cigarettes, and a station for transferring the groups to a following processing unit by mean synchronized with the forming and transporting unit. Means of checking the correct formation of the ordered groups of cigarettes are provided before the transfer station. Between the checking means and the station there are provided ejection means which are identical to the transfer means and are operated in phase by a single common operating mechanism in the transfer and ejection strokes. The ejection means are always operated in conjunction with the transfer means and they at least are additionally movable, under the control of the checking means, transversely with respect to the ejection stroke to a position where they do not interfere with the groups of cigarettes.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus of the present invention comprises a sampling drum located in the vicinity of a drum train of a filter attachment, a suction carrier arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the sampling drum and having a sampling groove, a suction channel in the sampling drum for supplying a suction pressure to the sampling groove, and a shutter in the sampling drum for opening and closing the suction channel, the sampling groove periodically approaching one of filter cigarettes transported on the drum train as the sampling drum rotates.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the end portions of cigarettes to detect end portions containing insufficient quantities of tobacco has a conveyor which transports the cigarettes sideways past at least two testing stations each of which accommodates a discrete capacitive and/or photoelectronic testing unit. Repeated monitoring of the end portions of successive cigarettes reduces the likelihood that unsatisfactory cigarettes, particularly cigarettes with end portions which are empty or contain insufficient quantities of tobacco particles, would reach the consumers. Signals which are generated by the testing units can be used to segregate cigarettes having defective end portions.

Abstract: A cigarette packaging machine is provided with a mechanism for rejecting defective cigarette packs of a two pack stack of cigarette packs. A defective top pack of the stack is rejected at a first rejection station by a blast of pressurized air or a pusher bar and a defective bottom pack of the stack is rejected at a second rejection station downstream of the first rejection station by a movable arm which pivots away from a position supporting the stack and then pivots toward the stack to strike the bottom pack and eject it from the stack. A magazine filled with acceptable packs is located downstream of the second rejection station for replacing defective packs ejected from the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting cylindrically-shaped articles includes the transporting and aligning of cylindrical objects from a random stacked order, carrying them vertically through three visual inspection stations wherein each of the visual inspection stations visually inspects 120.degree. of the circumference of each of the cylindrical objects. Between adjacent visual inspection stations are a pair of belts which intercept the cylindrical objects flowing from one inspection station to another, wherein one of the belts moves at a slower speed than the other of the belts and is maintained at a speed so that the cylindrical objects are rotated 120.degree. during the time they are captured between the two belts.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus of the present invention includes a discharge drum replacing one transportation drum in a drum train of a filter attachment, transportation grooves on a drum shell of the discharge drum, jet holes opening in the bottom of each transportation groove so that the jet holes of each two adjacent transportation grooves open in different positions, a control sleeve fixed in the drum shell, jet grooves formed over a predetermined rotational angle zone on the outer peripheral surface of the control sleeve and connectable to their corresponding jet holes, blow pressure lines for independently introducing a blow pressure into the individual jet grooves, and solenoid valves arranged individually in the middle of the blow pressure lines and used independently to open and close the blow pressure lines.

Abstract: A statistical ventilation control device for ventilated cigarettes, wherein an annular conveyor presents a number of seats, each receiving a respective ventilated cigarette arranged perpendicular to the traveling direction of the conveyor; one of the aforementioned seats being a movable seat supported on a slide fitted to the conveyor so as to move the movable seat axially in relation to the conveyor and to and from an operating position wherein a ventilated portion of the cigarette engages a ventilation control unit fitted to and moving with the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively removing articles, such as cigarettes, from a transfer conveyor system in which the transfer of the selected articles to a receiver conveyor from a transfer conveyor is rejected within a transfer zone. Vacuum suction retaining articles on the transfer conveyor is blocked in the transfer zone as articles pass to the receiver conveyor. Transfer of selected articles is rejected by application of an air pulse responsive to a reject signal. The selected articles are returned to the transfer conveyor, from which they are removed.

Abstract: Inspection of completed cigarettes is accomplished by the cigarettes traveling on a rolling drum past a single stationary rolling block with preferably two cameras connected to a vision system. The first camera views the cigarette before the rolling block, the cigarette is then rolled approximately 180.degree. and then the second camera views the previously hidden portion of the cigarette. Cigarettes are accepted or rejected based on a comparison of the viewed cigarettes to a predetermined set of characteristics.

Abstract: Cigarettes are restrained by arresting a cigarette oriented askew relative to the other cigarettes flowing into a hopper before that cigarette blocks the distribution channels of the hopper, thus stopping the manufacturing process. An arrested cigarette is furthermore detected. The hopper equipped with the restraining device, particularly a hopper for distributing cigarettes, contains a set of gratings (2) halfway up it, made up of a fixed grating (20) above which there is a movable grating (21) actuated with a translatory reciprocating movement. The set of gratings can restrain any cigarette (13A) presented and traveling crosswise in the hopper before this cigarette can go on to interrupt the flow through distribution channels (15) at the outlet of the hopper. A detection device (3) comprising in particular a photoelectric cell (31) and a light source (30) detects a space (13B) void of cigarettes, caused by the crooked cigarette restrained by the set of gratings, and transmits an alarm.

Abstract: In a feed device comprising a chute divided into channels through which the cigarettes descend intermittently in stacks on their way to a wrapping line, the quality of the single cigarettes is controlled by sensors associated with the chute, whereupon any substandard cigarettes are ejected by a device interlocked to the sensors. The loose cigarettes are retained and aligned inside the channels by an alternating mechanism stationed above the ejection device, which is able to adjust the axial position of the cigarettes in relation to the sensors and to generate an axial supporting action, applied cyclically to the part of the descending stack immediately above the ejection station, of which the timing is fixed in relation to the operating cycle of the ejection device.