Abstract: A manufacturing machine and method for producing a cartridge for an electronic cigarette includes a first assembling drum mounted rotatable around a first rotation axis and has a first seat to house a support of a heating device coupled to a wick with an electrical coil, and a second seat axially aligned with the first seat and designed to house a tank. At a first feeding station, a support of a heating device coupled to a wick with an electrical coil is fed into the first seat. At a second feeding station, a tank is fed into the second seat. A first insertion station is arranged downstream of the first and second feeding stations and provided with a first pushing device, which axially moves the support of a heating device from the first seat to the second seat to insert the support into a tank carried by the second seat.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for feeding a tobacco industry segment (C) comprising a hopper (12) for rods (10C) with a length being a multiple length of the segment (C), a cutting a conveying unit (13), situated underneath the hopper (12) for the rods (10C), for cutting the rods (10C) into individual segments (C), whereas from the rod (10C), after cutting the rod (10C), a group (G) of the segments (C) is formed, a transferring unit (15) situated underneath the cutting and conveying unit (13), adapted to receive the groups (G) of the segments (C) and to form of them a stream (SF) of the segments (C), whereas the gaps (U) between the groups (G) of the segments (C) in the stream (SF) are retained, and the transferring unit (15) is adapted to reduce the gaps (U) between the groups (G) so that at the outlet (23) of the transferring unit (15) the segments (C) are conveyed without gaps.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cigarette filter rods comprises providing a continuous supply of filter material in a direction of travel; forming the filter material into a continuous rod; and rotating a wheel in a vertical plane, in operable communication with the filter material such that a portion of the wheel contacts the filter material at a predetermined location, and such that general direction of travel of the rotating wheel and the filter material, when in contact, are in generally the same direction. The method also comprises providing a lower hopper in operable communication with the rotatable wheel; providing an upper hopper in operable communication with the lower hopper; and wrapping an overwrap material around the filter material. The method further comprises controlling speed of rotation of the wheel relative to feedback from an inspection system; and subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: A unit for receiving and treating capsules containing a basic preparation for an ice cream product includes a retaining unit and an expulsion device. The retaining unit is provided with a retaining housing configured to receive a capsule containing a basic preparation for an ice cream product. The expulsion device comprises a nozzle which is connectable to a compressed air source and which is configured to emit a jet of air in the direction of the retaining unit and adapted to strike the capsule when the latter is inside the retaining housing in such a way as to expel the capsule along an expulsion direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided an apparatus which forms conically shaped smoking shells having blocking tips, the apparatus including: (i) a conical form mandrel having an exterior surface, an interior section, and a vacuum opening fluidly connecting the interior section with the exterior surface; (ii) a motor operably connected to the conical form mandrel which can rotate the conical form mandrel; (iii) a conical form mandrel vacuum system operably connected to the interior section of conical form mandrel; (iv) a vacuum table having an upper surface, a vertical elevation system operably connected to the upper surface, which vertical elevation system vertically positions the upper surface, and table heater supported by the vacuum table, and a table vacuum system operably connected to the upper surface; and (v) a garage system located next to the conical form mandrel, the garage system including a base and a garage carriage slidingly connected to the base, the garage carriage including first and second ends wit

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing of multi-element rods of the tobacco industry comprising a feeding apparatus, a transferring apparatus, and a forming apparatus, comprising a first rotational element provided with lugs immobile relative to the first rotational element, a second rotational element provided with lugs immobile relative to the second rotational element, a third rotational element provided with lugs immobile relative to the third rotational element, used to convey rod-like elements. The rotational elements having notches between the lugs adapted to receive and convey the rod-like elements, whereas the rotational elements are arranged and adapted to guide the rod-like elements successively through the rotational elements. The apparatus comprises the forming apparatus designed to form a continuous multi-element rod, and a cutting apparatus. The apparatus according to the invention is characterised in that the third lugs have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the first lugs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by coupling a base of the cartridge to a carriage that is transported via a track. The track transports the carriages between various substations at which one or more parts are added to the base. The carriage may be lifted from the track by a lifter mechanism at each substation in order to perform assembly operations on the base. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion at or between the various substations.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for capturing carbonylic or phenolic toxicants, or converting these toxicants into less volatile compounds. The toxicants, which may be a component of cigarette smoke, may be captured by physical or chemical adsorption, absorption, or entrapment.

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: An apparatus for serially delivering filling media to spaced apart cavities of an endless filter rod, which includes a conveyor which conveys a strip of plug wrap along a feed path, a transfer wheel arrangement which serially delivers filter segments to the plug wrap as it moves along the feed path such that the filter segments are arranged in plug-space-plug relation with cavities separated by the filter segments, and a filling wheel which rotates about a horizontal axis and includes pockets or cleats which receive filling media at the loading zone and deliver the filling media to the cavities at a discharge station along the feed path.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing rods formed from a continuous supply of filter material for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof. The apparatus comprises a first hopper configured to provide a reservoir for objects, a second hopper positioned to receive objects from the first hopper, and a reciprocating screen disposed between the first hopper and the second hopper. The reciprocating screen defines a plurality of passageways therein, and the reciprocating screen is configured to facilitate transfer of the objects from the first hopper to the second hopper. The apparatus also comprises an object insertion unit in operable communication with the second hopper and configured to introduce a plurality of objects into engagement with the continuous supply of filter material.

Abstract: In a machine and a method for manufacturing composite filters (F1, F2) for cigarettes or the like, a feed conveyor (S) supplies filter groups (G1, G2) in pairs to two respective feed lines (L1, L2) of a station (16) for forming two continuous filter rods (B1, B2); the machine (100) comprises at least one transfer device (DT) by which the filter groups (G1, G2) are taken up from the feed conveyor (S) and directed along the feed lines (L1, L2), and at least one release device (R), operating along the two feed lines (L1, L2), by which the two filter groups (G1, G2) are taken up from the transfer device (DT) and released in phase one with another along the selfsame feed lines (L1, L2); the rate at which the filter groups (G1, G2) are released by the release device (R) is governed according to the phase value of at least one of the continuous filter rods (B1, B2) relative to the cyclic cutting operation whereby the two filter rods (B1, B2) are cut transversally to make the composite filters (F1, F2).

Abstract: Setting of reciprocal position of filter segments (3) delivered from multiple modules (1) of a machine for manufacturing filters is accomplished by registering the position and the length of a segment (3) from each module (1) on a carrier element (2) of a grouping unit when the filter manufacturing process is switched off, after which the reciprocal position of the segments (3) and the length between the segments (3) are set. The said operations may be accomplished by means of a sensor (4), the registering element (12) or by mapping the relative positions of adjacent segments (3) in the control system.

Abstract: A filter rod for a cigarette or other smoking article comprising a filter plug having a plurality of threads extending through at least part of the filter plug, and an apparatus and method for manufacturing such a filter rod.

Abstract: A filtered smoking article is provided, which includes a tobacco-containing rod surrounded by a wrapping material; a filter element surrounded by a plug wrap adjacent to the tobacco-containing rod; and a tipping material securing the tobacco-containing rod to the filter element, the tipping material overlying the plug wrap of the filter element and a portion of the wrapping material of the tobacco-containing rod, wherein at least one of the plug wrap, the tipping material, and the wrapping material surrounding the tobacco-containing rod are secured by an adhesive composition comprising a thermoplastic starch polymer. The adhesive composition can include a blend of the thermoplastic starch polymer with a second biodegradable polymer, such as polyvinyl alcohol, aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic polyurethanes, cis-polyisoprene, cis-polybutadiene, polyhydroxy alkanoates, polyanhydrides, and copolymers and blends thereof.

Abstract: A method and a device for supplying filter material to a filter rod forming machine having a peripheral axial portion and a central axial portion, according to which a flat band of filter material, obtained working a single “tow”, is longitudinally cut in at least two strips, each of which is fed to a respective pneumatic device adapted to transform the respective strip in a respective cord. The cords are then fed to an inlet of the forming machine at positions evenly distributed about the central axial portion for forming the peripheral axial portion.

Abstract: Machine of tobacco processing industry including a machine frame structured to support conveying arrangements for rod-like articles and/or components for conveying such rod-like articles; at least one laser device for processing rod-like articles and/or components of rod-like articles; and a laser supply unit for the at least one laser device having a supply frame to receive one or more supply devices for at least one laser device. Further, machine frame has adapter device so at least one laser device is positionable in/on the machine frame, supply frame has adapter device structured so at least one laser device is positionable on/in the supply frame, the at least one laser device is positionable in co-operation with adapter device of machine frame on/in machine frame, and/or the at least one laser device is positionable in co-operation with adapter device supply frame on/in the supply frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a continuous web of crimped sheet material (2) to a rod forming device comprises:—a winding unit (3) for unwinding the sheet material from a bobbin (21) on which the sheet material is provided;—a crimping unit (7) for crimping the sheet material,—a cutting unit (5) for cutting the continuous web of sheet material (2) to a predetermined width, the cutting unit (5) being arranged upstream of the crimping unit (7) when viewed in the direction of transport of the sheet material (2); and—a control unit (9) for controlling the various units of the apparatus in response to sensor signals received from the respective units.

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: According to the invention there is provided a smoking article (100) comprising a tobacco rod (104) and a mouthpiece 101). The mouthpiece (101) comprises at least one segment and a wrapper circumscribing the at least one segment and defining a mouth end cavity (106). The mouthpiece (101) is in axial alignment with the tobacco rod (104) and has a rod end adjacent the tobacco rod (104) and a mouth end opposite the rod end. One or more indicia are applied to the inner surface of the wrapper portion defining the mouth end cavity (106). There is also provided a method for the manufacture of mouthpieces, and smoking articles according to the invention.

Abstract: Smoking article and method of manufacturing a smoking article A smoking article (10), comprises a first part, and a second part movable relative to the first part. An indexing mechanism comprises a first indexing surface (18) on one of the first part or second part; and a second indexing surface (19) on the other of the first and second parts. The second indexing surface (19) is configured to engage with the first indexing surface (18) to control relative movement between the first part and second part.

Abstract: A smoking article including: a first part defining a first end surface, and a second part defining a second end surface. The first part is rotatable relative to the second part. The first and second end surfaces are configured to engage to limit rotation between the first and second parts.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for producing an endless filter rod of the tobacco processing industry. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a transport nozzle loadable with compressed air, a guide tube, an elongated rod, which is arranged in the guide tube, having a rod projection, and an infeed roller, which is non-driven and freely rotatable, positioned immediately at an end of the transport nozzle and at a distance to the rod, and has a bearing surface that defines in sections a conveying path of a filter material web. The apparatus also includes a guide element positioned between the infeed roller and the rod by which a cross-section of the filter material web is reduced between the rod and the guide element in a region of the rod projection.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of multi-segment rod-like objects, such as, for example, components of a composite cigarette filter, is disclosed. The apparatus may include an intercalating unit and an assembly unit, linked by a transfer unit. Intercalating unit may include at least one rod supply unit and a conveyor. In one embodiment, intercalating unit may include a plurality of independent rod supply units. Each rod supply unit may include a hopper and a rod delivery mechanism comprising a rotary drum, a cutting device, a transfer wheel and a delivery wheel.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprises a polymeric insert (24) having a compressibility of less than about 100 N per 1.5 mm and formed of a dissolvable polymeric material comprising one or more water soluble polymers. Preferably, the polymeric insert within the smoking article (10) is in the form of a flow restriction element including a transverse barrier (28) with at least one orifice (38).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to porous carbon and methods of preparing porous carbon. In some embodiments, the prepared porous carbon exhibits eithanced selectivity for hydrogen cyanide (HCN), In one embodiment, the method comprises impregnating activated carbon with a metal oxide, such as zinc oxide. The carbon is suitable for use in smoke filtration.

Abstract: An additive release assembly, a filter for a smoking article, a smoking article and a method of manufacturing An additive release assembly (20) for a smoking article (10), comprising: a web (22) comprising a first sheet of material, and one or more discrete quantities of additive coupled to the first sheet material. The assembly is configured to permit selective release of the quantities of additive.

Abstract: A method of producing a flavoured tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising a self sustaining longitudinally extending cylindrical core comprising fibres or filaments of tobacco smoke filtering material which are bonded at their points of contact; the method comprising a step of applying a flavouring agent to a longitudinally advancing flow of filters and/or filter elements and/or multiple filter rods. Filters and filter elements are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a particle-filter comprising at least one hydrogel formed in aqueous solution at a temperature below 0° C. The filter can arrest particulates of smoke by physisorption on the solid surface of the gel or by chemisorption if the gel is suitably functionalized. The effectiveness of filter in arresting the solid particles and the pressure drop can be controlled by varying the porosity and the pore size distribution of the filter which in turn can be modulated by varying the monomer to water and monomer to cross-linker ratio in the pre-polymer solution. The filter is able to reduce the particle content of the smoke. There is further provided a cigarette comprising at least one particle-filter according as well as a method for the filtration of smoke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating tobacco industry products with sensate constituents of botanicals by storing the tobacco industry products and the botanicals separately and applying heat and/or pressure to the apparatus to obtain a modified taste and aroma profile, are disclosed.

Abstract: A filter (11) for a smoking article (10) comprises a first flowpath (13) through the filter, a second flowpath (14) through the filter, the second flowpath being disposed around the first flowpath, and a selector (16) for allowing flow selectively through the first and second flowpaths.

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

Abstract: A filter (11) for a smoking article (10) comprises a first flowpath (13) through the filter, a second flowpath (14) through the filter, the second flowpath being disposed around the first flowpath, and a selector (16) for allowing flow selectively through the first and second flowpaths.

Abstract: A guide nozzle (112) for use with an apparatus (110) for the manufacture of filter rods for smoking articles. The guide nozzle comprises a support member (130) configured to be fixed relative to said apparatus for the manufacture of filter rods, a funnel (120) through which loose filter material is propelled, mounted to the support member and, an adjuster (140) mounted between the support member and the funnel to enable the relative position of the funnel and the support member to be adjusted to control the direction of flow of loose filter material propelled through the funnel. An apparatus for the manufacture of filter rods for smoking articles having such a guide nozzle, and a method of manufacturing a filter rod using the same.

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

Abstract: A unit for uneven transferring of a bead (2) stream in a filter manufacturing machine, from receiving pockets (18) to leading away pockets (21), through guiding grooves disposed on guiding plates, comprising two guiding plates (5, 6) situated on top of each other, whereas a guiding groove (5A) of the first guiding plate (5) and a guiding groove (6A) of the second guiding plate (6) intersect, forming at least one bead (2) guiding chamber, whereas at least one of the guiding plates (5, 6) is movable, wherein the receiving pockets (18) and the leading away pockets (21) are disposed along the circumference of the guiding plates (5, 6) so that the distances (S1, S2, T1, T2) between the successive pockets (18, 21) are alternately different.

Abstract: Filters and cigarettes include an activated carbon sorbent capable of selectively removing nitric oxide from mainstream tobacco smoke. Methods for making cigarette filters and cigarettes using the activated carbon sorbent and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke produced by smoking a cigarette comprising the sorbent are also provided.

Abstract: A method and article are provided for controlling an inner filter temperature of an aerosol-generating product or device to alter the aerosol taste characteristics. The method comprises selecting a heat adsorbing or reflecting material to apply to a filter of a smoking article, the heat adsorbing or reflecting material having one or more properties associated therewith; and applying the heat adsorbing or reflecting material to the filter, the at least one heat adsorbing or reflecting materials being configured to control the inner temperature of the filter.

Abstract: A filter making apparatus includes a positioning device having a passageway therethrough, with the passageway guiding a continuous flavor element such as a continuous strand of textile material from an inlet of the passageway to an outlet of the passageway. A liquid flavorant is introduced into the passageway at a desired flow rate and the strand of material carries the supplied liquid flavorant out of the positioning device at a rate substantially equal to the desired flow rate. A portion of the passageway can form a bath of the liquid flavorant supplied to the passageway through a separate inlet at approximately atmospheric pressure. A portion of the positioning device guides the continuous strand of material through the bath, or guides the strand to pass along the bottom of the passageway, and the saturated or partially saturated strand of material then exits from an outlet of the passageway to a point in the path of filter tow material that is being converged to form a filter rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for forming a rod for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements. A continuous supply of a filter material is formed into a continuous filter rod by a rod-forming unit. An object insertion unit is configured to insert a plurality of first objects and a plurality of second objects into the continuous filter rod. A rod-dividing unit is configured to subdivide the continuous filter rod, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis thereof, into a plurality of filter rod portions such that each filter rod portion includes at least one first object and at least one second object disposed therein, with the first objects being different from the second objects.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for making a cigarette filter assembly for potentially reducing particle breakthrough. The method includes forming a lofty porous network of charge retaining polymer fibers by mechanical, chemical or thermal bonding of the fibers, wrapping the lofty porous network in a cylindrical or tubular shape with optional mediating filter fibers in a filter paper to form a filter plug while maintaining the lofty structure. The charge retaining fibers can be charged to attract and hold particles from such sources as particulate matter from sorbents (preventing break-through), and smoke constituents while having a suitable pressure drop. The apparatus handles the lofty media with minimal crushing, for example, by spacing apart delivery rolls equipped with protrusions to punch, push, and/or pull the lofty media ahead for high speed operation.

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

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

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a filter of a filtered smoking article, where the filter material includes a fluid-releasing body. The method provides a fluid-resistant barrier between the filter material and plug wrap encompassing the filter material, where the barrier is applied as a hot melt adhesive. In other aspects, mechanisms for using the method are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembly of multi-segment rod-like objects, such as, for example, components of a composite cigarette filter, is disclosed. The apparatus may include an intercalating unit and an assembly unit, linked by a transfer unit. Intercalating unit may include at least one rod supply unit and a conveyor. In one embodiment, intercalating unit may include a plurality of independent rod supply units. Each rod supply unit may include a hopper and a rod delivery mechanism comprising a rotary drum, a cutting device, a transfer wheel and a delivery wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a filter element for inclusion in a smoking article, the method comprising applying an additive to filter material, the additive being solid at room temperature and the method involving heating the additive so that it melts.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating and inserting objects into at least one material rod of tobacco-processing industry. Method includes receiving objects from object supply volume into an annular groove on outer perimeter of accelerator wheel rotating around an axis of rotation, supplying annular groove with suction air to hold objects in annular groove, accelerating objects in a course of the rotation of accelerator wheel, conveying objects to a take-over device having discrete object receptacles for objects, receiving at least some of objects in a receiving section along a conveying path of objects in object receptacles of take-over device, conveying, downstream of receiving station, objects in object receptacles, and inserting objects into material rod through one of take-over device or an insertion device arranged downstream in conveying direction of objects. Excess objects are discharged after leaving the receiving section and returned to the object supply volume.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a cigarette filter rod member defining a longitudinal axis. A rod-forming unit is configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member. An insertion unit configured to insert a carrier carrying a plurality of frangible microcapsule objects into the rod member. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

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

Abstract: The method consists in that in case of occurrence of a gap (12) on a path (9) feeding out sets of filter segments (5) of a flute (6) of a cutting drum (3), caused by lack of a filter rod in a flute (6), the operation of the units situated before the gap (12) is slowed down, with simultaneous acceleration of the operation of the units situated behind the gap (12), until the moment of elimination of the gap (12), the lack of a filter rod in the flute (6) being detected by means of sensors (13, 14), and the process of compensation beginning at the moment when the set of segments (5) guided by the pusher (8) of the out-feeding unit (7), being before the gap (12) is taken over by a delivery unit (H), and ends at the moment of elimination of the gap (12).