Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the surface quality inspection of the external surface of at least one component for inhalers or vaporizers, in particular a cartomizer for electronic cigarettes, verifies whether there are surface imperfections on the external surface of the components.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure related to a computer system and method for analyzing whether a package has been opened. The system includes a memory and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the memory and can be configured to receive an image corresponding to a wrapped package. The one or more processors can also be configured to generate a set of feature values based on a visual representation of the wrapped package in the image. The one or more processors can also be configured to apply the set of feature values to at least one model that is trained based at least in part on a set of images that include the wrapped package having the status, to determine the status of the wrapped package.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring and detecting physical and dimensional parameters of multi-segment rod-like articles, includes: a first lighting device that generates a light beam that strikes and crosses a front segment; a second lighting device that generates a light beam that strikes and crosses a back segment; an image detection sensor having a detection axis that radially strikes a longitudinal axis of the article; and a control and processing unit configured in such a way to process the images acquired by the image detection sensor and calculate dimensional, geometrical and physical features of the segments of said article.

Abstract: A transfer system for piece objects includes a pushing device and a main conveyor with a conveying region. The pushing device includes first and second pushing members. The transfer system includes a supply zone, which is behind the conveying region in a pushing direction. In an initial position of the pushing device, the first pushing member is between the conveying region and the supply zone and the second pushing member is behind the supply zone in the pushing direction. In an end position of the pushing device, the first pushing member is in front of the conveying region in the pushing direction and the second pushing member is between the conveying region and the supply zone. The first pushing member, between the initial position and the end position, is at a fixed spacing to, and in front, of the second pushing member in the pushing direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring a two-dimensional image of an external surface of a three-dimensional object is described. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and displacing the object, a camera for capturing images of portions of the object surface, and a friction member for rotating the object. The camera is configured to capture images corresponding to successive exposed portions of the object surface, and to sequentially capture the images as respective single frames. The apparatus further includes an electronic control unit adapted to read out a sub-frame from the single frame, store the sub-frame, and assemble successive sub-frames into an assembled frame corresponding to a two-dimensional image of a surface area of the object.

Abstract: A method and a device relating to handling caps for drinking straws is provided. In particular, the method and device provide for examining caps and discarding incomplete sets of caps and/or sets of caps in which at least one cap is aligned incorrectly.

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 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 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: A method of detecting the positions occupied on a pallet by stacks of blanks arranged on the pallet in a number of superimposed layers and, in each layer, in a number of side by side rows, to enable automatic pickup of each stack and supply of the stack to a cigarette packing machine; the method including the step of moving a sensor along each row to determine a lateral contour of the row close to bases of the relative stacks.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing cigarette heads, at least one region of a cigarette head being irradiated with light, and light reflected by the cigarette head being received by a detector in such a way that irradiating and received reflected light run at an angle to one another, the irradiated region is imaged on the detector and a signal generated by the detector is evaluated. Such known methods have the disadvantage that they are inaccurate and do not permit exact statements on the state of cigarettes. The invention is therefore based on the problem of improving the testing of cigarettes. It solves this problem by virtue of the fact that, when evaluating, a possible deviation, in particular a distance, of the position of the image of the irradiated region from an expected position of an image of a corresponding region of an ideal cigarette head onto the detector is determined, the deviation being used to determine the distance of the irradiated region from a desired position of this region.

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: An inspection system detects the presence or absence of desired components of an assembled cigarette after tipping paper has been applied to join a multi-component filter to a tobacco rod. A transport moves the assembled cigarettes having multi-component filters along a high speed path of travel. At a first inspection station a transverse detection beam is directed through each cigarette in the area of the multi-component filter. A second inspection station directs a longitudinal detection beam toward an end filter component along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cigarette. Control circuitry allows an assembled cigarette to continue along the high speed path of travel when the second inspection station detects the presence of an end filter component unless beforehand the first inspection station fails to detect the presence of an internal filter component in which case the second inspection is withheld and the cigarette is removed from the high speed path of travel.

Abstract: Selection and control device to count bars being fed separated orthogonally to their axis on a plane and cooperating with a translating device such as a screw-type translator, the device including two optical monitors and a processing unit, the optical monitors being arranged at an angle with their apex substantially on the plane on which the bars are fed and whose respective monitoring axes cooperates with a portion of the plane on which the bar being fed passes. The respective monitoring axes have an angle of incidence with respect to the plane on which the bars are fed in the proximity of a common point cooperating substantially with the positioning seating of the bars on the translating device, each of the monitors lying on a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane on which the bars are fed, and to the axis of the bars, and including respective angles (".alpha.",".beta.") with respect to a line vertical to the plane of feed, the angles (".alpha.", ".beta.") defining an angle (".gamma.

Abstract: An inspection station irradiates a moving cigarette with a one or more strobed arrays of infrared LEDs. The infrared radiation which passes through the cigarette is received by a video camera, which forms a digital image of the cigarette. A computer then detects the edges of the digital image of the cigarette and determines therefrom the length of the filter, hollow acetate tube, void chamber, tobacco plug, as well as the overall length of the cigarette. The computer then compares these measurements with expected standard values of these sections, and outputs the comparison results to the user using various display formats. According to exemplary aspects, the present invention delivers the cigarettes one at a time to the video camera using a parts handling system. The parts handling system comprises a infeed bin for storing a batch of cigarettes, and for dispensing a cigarette to a carriage positioned beneath the infeed bin.

Abstract: A filter assembly machine for producing ventilated tobacco products; the machine having a conveying drum in turn having a number of peripheral seats for successively feeding the products along a given path extending about an axis of the drum; the products being housed inside the respective seats with respective longitudinal axes parallel to the axis of the drum, and being rotated at least 360.degree. about their respective axes as they are fed along the path; the machine also having a perforating device associated with the drum to form a number of perforations in each product; and an extracting device and an optical device for controlling the products being provided along the path and mounted along the outer periphery of the drum.

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: With rapidly-operating packaging machines for cigarette packages, monitoring of blanks is becoming increasingly necessary, such a system supervising the feed of correct blanks in the correct relative position. The same applies to monitoring systems for revenue seals.In the method according to the invention for monitoring blanks or revenue seals with the aid of a sensor, contours of an edge and of a surface of the blank or of the revenue seal are scanned. Pulses obtained thus are compared with a reference value by an evaluating unit.

Abstract: The diameters of successive rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are ascertained while the articles advance sideways at the periphery of a rotary drum-shaped conveyor and are rotated about their longitudinal axes as a result of frictional engagement with a rolling member which is adjacent the periphery of the conveyor. Successive articles which are being rotated by the rolling member are caused to interrupt a beam of radiation issuing from a laser, either once or more than once, and the amounts of intercepted radiation are indicative of the diameters of the respective articles. Such amounts of intercepted radiation are monitored by a video camera which generates electric signals, and the electric signals are processed into second signals denoting the diameters of discrete successively tested articles and/or the average diameters of series of two or more successively tested articles.

Abstract: A unit for sampling and quality controlling tobacco items, in particular cigarettes, wherein a sample item, fed by a first conveyor along a first given path, is transferred automatically by a selectively operated spoon-shaped diverter along a second path to a second conveyor tangent to the first path. The sample item is fed to a support in which it is supported in facing relation to an optical control device. The sample item is inspected in the support and the optical control device emits signals as a function of the surface characteristics of the sample item.

Abstract: A method of optically controlling products consisting, for example, of blanks whereby a succession of blanks fed along a conveyor to a user machine is controlled by an analog sensor for scanning the surface of each blank along a given line, and developing a signal curve as a function of the different graphic characteristics detected along the line; a comparing device compares the signal curve with a reference curve, and emits an error signal in the event the blanks are not the right type and/or are not oriented and/or positioned correctly.

Abstract: A cigarette, with a cigarette paper and a filter paper of different colors and separated by a boundary line with a given nominal position, is fed past a pair of optical sensors located on either side of the nominal position of the boundary line. The optical sensors generate a pair of electric signals each related to the color of the respective monitored portion of the cigarette, and which are compared with each other; and, in the event the difference between the signals is below a given threshold value, an error signal is generated for rejecting the cigarette.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically inspecting cigarette rods for spots and stains are disclosed in which a hopper assembly apparatus is utilized to present cigarette samples one at a time to a CCD camera which takes an image of a 36 degree slice of the surface of the outer wrapper of the cigarette. The image is digitized, analyzed and stored. The cigarette is then rotated through 360 degrees and an image of each 36 degree segment of its outer surface is obtained, analyzed and the data stored. The system then selects another cigarette and repeats the inspection and evaluation process.

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: Cigarettes on a conveyor are surface checked, in at least one observation station, by means of at least one optical unit having a light source for directing light rays on to one half of the outer surface of the cigarette, and a pair of prismatic bodies facing respective quarters of the surface of the cigarette, and which provide for directing all the rays reflected from the aforementioned half of the surface into one beam directed towards one monitoring unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inspecting abnormalities in the external surface of cylindrical objects. The apparatus inspects the appearance of a cylindrical object using image processing. The apparatus includes a transporter and a CCD camera. The transporter rotates the cylindrical object about an axis of the cylindrical object. The CCD camera picks up images showing the appearance of the inspected cylindrical object. The images include picture elements, and each picture element has a corresponding luminance. The apparatus further includes a controller. The controller generates at least one masking window to mask at least one predetermined portion of at least one image; generates at least one luminance sum for each image by adding, for each image, the luminance of a predetermined number of picture elements in unmasked portions of the image; compares each luminance sum to a predetermined threshold; and judges whether the cylindrical object includes a defect based on a result of each comparison.

Abstract: The diameters of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are ascertained while the articles are transported past a measuring station in the flutes of a drum-shaped conveyor moving along a range finder which measures the distance of each article of a series of articles from a reference point and transmits appropriate signals to an evaluating circuit wherein the diameters of successive articles are determined on the basis of comparison with a fixed reference distance of the bottoms of the flutes from the reference point. The beam of radiation which is emitted by the radiation source of the range finder is reflected by successive articles, and the intensity of reflected radiation is used to generate second signals which are processed into signals denoting a second diameter of each article. A third diameter of each article can be ascertained downstream of the range finder by an optoelectronic detector.

Abstract: A sortation system for separating products such as returned cigarette packs. A conveyor system moves the products in a predetermined orientation and minimum spacing past a bar code reader. A turnstile device contains a plurality of diverting bars which are selectively rotatable across the conveyor path in either direction to eject selected products either to the right or left as desired. A processor controls the turnstile device based upon bar code information to separate selected products and to allow the remaining products to remain on the conveyor.

Abstract: A method for telecamera-checking of products (1) wrapped with transparent material, in particular packets of cigarettes, in which a product (1) wrapped with transparent material is illuminated by an ultraviolet lamp (6) and is scanned by a telecamera (4), which feeds an image of the product (1) into an image processor (5) to verify the soundness of the wrapped product (1) by processing the image in accordance with a determined programme.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for electro-optically scanning (cigarette) packs. For an inspection of (cigarette) packs (10) as regards exterior appearance, electro-optical inspection means, particularly a camera (48) and a mirror (49) are used to produce images of the outer sides of the pack (10). In the region of an inspection station (20), the packs (10) are only engaged in the region of two diametrically opposite edges, particularly in the region of the short transverse edges (17, 18), in order to correctly and simultaneously detect all pack sides. As a result, the pack sides are exposed so that they can be scanned or photographed by appropriately positioned cameras or a camera and a mirror. The transverse edges (17, 18) bear on conveying strands (37, 38) of appropriately inclined conveyor belts (35, 36).

Abstract: Method for determining when a cigarette in a bundle is unsuitable which uses a statistical value based on gray scales.

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: Single cigarette rejection, particularly in a passage (10) between vanes (12) in a cigarette packing machine hopper, is performed by axial ejection of faulty cigarettes using suction generated by exhausting high pressure air adjacent an ejection aperture (22) in an end wall (16) of the passage. A short cylindrical casing (24) is located around the aperture (22) and defines a duct (28) through which the cigarette is ejected. The casing (24) includes an annular pressure chamber (32) and venturi orifice (34) for generating suction in the duct (28).

Abstract: A method of electro-optically inspecting cigarettes, whereby the cigarettes are fed along a route defined by two counter-rotating conveyors, each having substantially cylindrical peripheral seats designed to cooperate with opposite halves of the lateral outer surface of the cigarettes. The exposed surface portion of each cigarette is inspected by an electro-optical device, such as a telecamera, as it travels over each conveyor, and the end of the cigarette inspected by at least a further electro-optical device; the resulting images produced by the aforementioned electro-optical devices being compared with a specimen image, and the result of said comparison being employed for determining acceptance or rejection of each cigarette.

Abstract: In the checking of cigarettes, there is the problem that, for contactless measurement, they have had to be guided at an exactly defined distance from the sensor. It is proposed to measure the distance from the two axial end faces, to form the sum of the distances or standardize the signals relative to one another, and to generate an error signal resulting in separation out when the sum of the distances is outside a predetermined threshold range set in accordance with the color of the tobacco in the cigarettes.

Abstract: A cigarette making machine includes one or more conveyor bands (12,14,28) or other parts of non-metallic material from which pieces can break off and become entrained in the tobacco, including means (30,42) for detecting such pieces in the tobacco by directing a radiation beam towards the tobacco, and including means 40 for ejecting tobacco or finished cigarettes including such detected pieces, the parts in question being made of a material, or having a material incorporated in then or coated on them, which is either opaque or partially opaque to the detection beam, or which produces a detectable secondary emission detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: Moving cigarettes are inspected, particularly in the passages (10, 30) between the vanes (12, 32) in a cigarette packing machine hopper, by an optical ends inspector (74, 76) which is switched by a position detector (84, 86) responding to passage of individual cigarettes. Faulty cigarettes are arrested by a suction aperture (26) or an arrestor are (122, 222) and subsequently rejected from the passage, either in an axial direction or sideways through an opening (116, 244) in the vane. The position detector (84, 86) may activate the suction or arm for arresting the faulty cigarette.

Abstract: A method of inspecting the ends of cigarettes stacked, in particular, inside a container, with the ends aligned so as to form two opposite lateral surfaces of the mass formed by the same; whereby the ends of the cigarettes are inspected by means of an electro-optical scanning device, usually a telecamera, arranged facing and moving in relation to one of the aforementioned surfaces, so as to scan the same and produce images which are compared with a reference image for enabling rejection of any faulty cigarettes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the testing of cigarettes.In the packaging of cigarettes, it is necessary to test these for correct formation, especially for a complete filling of tobacco. For this purpose, a testing unit (13) is arranged within a cigarette magazine (10) and has a plurality of vertical test shafts (18), in the region of which the cigarettes are tested by optoelectrical sensors. The intact cigarettes subsequently pass into a cigarette stock (21) in free fall.To guarantee an orderly fault-free transfer of the tested cigarettes to the cigarette store (15), guide shafts (b 28) are formed underneath the test shafts (18) as a continuation of these and lead to a point immediately above the cigarette stock (21). The guide shafts (28) limited by vertical plane guide-shaft walls (29) guarantee that the cigarettes are deposited in an orderly manner and without tilting.There are also measures to clean the sensors for testing the cigarettes.

Abstract: For the checking of cigarettes for their correct formation in terms of a sufficient tobacco content, electrooptical test processes have been employed for a relatively long time. The use of these processes has hitherto made it necessary to employ high-performance sensitive sensors in order to obtain definite test results. The new process and the corresponding apparatus are intended to make it possible to check cigarettes by the reflection process, especially in a cigarette conveyor (cigarette turret), in which accurate results can be obtained in short test times by means of a simple test device. By means of a special arrangement of the electrooptical sensors for the checking of the cigarettes in test units moved relative to the cigarettes to be checked, it is possible for the cigarettes to be checked for a correct tobacco content, by contactless sensing, either during stationary phases or during rotational movement of the cigarette conveyor (cigarette turret).

Abstract: A cigarette ends tester includes a conveyor for conveying cigarettes sideways past a source of light arranged to direct light substantially axially into the ends of successive cigarettes in such a way that the paper wrapper around the end of each cigarette is illuminated if there is insufficient tobacco in the end, and a detecting device for monitoring the consequent external illumination of the end of the cigarette. The test signal for each cigarette is evaluated against a reference signal derived from satisfactory cigarettes tested previously during a predetermined time interval, thus compensating for variable factors affecting the test signal, such as ageing or dirt on the light emitting or detecting devices.

Abstract: For the testing of cigarettes (11, 11a, 11b) within a cigarette magazine (10), there is a test unit (21) which is arranged at a distance above magazine shafts (17) or a cigarette store (14) for these. In the test unit (21), the cigarettes run in vertical cigarette rows (24) through a number of test shafts (22) arranged next to one another. Within these, individual cigarettes (11a) are fixed by clamping in the region of a clamping plane (37) temporarily, in particular at least for the duration of a test cycle. The cigarettes are tested in the region of a test plane (28) at a distance above the clamping plane (37). The cigarette row (24) is temporarily supported at the bottom, on the outlet side of the test unit (21) by carrying webs (39) or carring fingers (46). During the clamping of cigarettes (11a) in the region of the clamping plane (37), the test shafts (22) are opened at the bottom, so that the tested cigarettes can be fed to the cigarette store (14) as a result of their own weight.

Abstract: For testing cigarettes, a test head confronts end faces of the cigarettes. Light beams emitted by a light transmitter are transmitted through those cigarettes having a tobacco deficiency. The transmitted light exits from sides of the defective cigarettes and is received by a transversely arranged receiver responsive to light transmitted through the cigarette paper.

Abstract: The testing of cigarettes before their packaging is appropriately carried out in the region of magazine shafts (13, 14) of a cigarette magazine (10). To bring a layer (38) of cigarettes of a cigarette group (16) into an exact position for carrying out testing, they are temporarily received in a transverse slide (29) which causes the cigarettes to be aligned as a result of a transverse movement.

Abstract: A novel tear strip or sealing strip for a package or container is disclosed. The tear strip or sealing strip comprises a plastic film substrate upon which a magnetizable metal oxide coating has been deposited. The coated strip may be adhered to the package or the flexible wrapping material for the package or container. Optionally, the strip may be coated with a pigment or metallized or printed with graphic indicia or any combination of these features. Information may be recorded on the magnetic coating during packaging and handling for subsequent readout.

Abstract: The position of a rod-like article of the tobacco industry is detected by measuring the delay in receiving sound transmitted towards and reflected from the article. In a preferred arrangement a stack level detector comprises a transmitter (22) for pulsed ultrasound (above 20 kHz), a receiver (24) and a circuit (10) for measuring the delay. The circuit (10) may include a latch (30) which generates regular pulses having duration corresponding to the delay.

Abstract: The device comprises an indexed conveyor wheel having a cylindrical surface with pockets, and a pair of photocell type transducers, one preceding the other in the direction of rotation of wheel, the first located in alignment with a station at which each pocket pauses as the wheel is indexed; one such transducer verifies the correct position of the outer wrapping in relation to the ends of the pack, whilst the other verifies correct position of the wrapping in relation to the sides. A knock-out interlocked to the transducers enables automatic rejection of those packs exhibiting defects in positioning of the outer wrapping.