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

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: 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: An apparatus for supplying a continuous web of crimped sheet material 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 dispensing unit (8) for adding a particulate or liquid add-on material to the sheet material, and—a control unit (9) for controlling the various units of the apparatus in response to sensor signals received from the respective units. The dispensing unit (8) is arranged downstream of the crimping unit (7) when viewed in the direction of transport of the sheet material, and upstream of the rod forming device to which the crimped sheet material is supplied.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus is 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: The invention provides a system for sensing a cigarette filter, comprising: a plurality of rotary conveyance drums (12) delivering a first cigarette filter and second cigarette filters into which the first cigarette filter is divided by a cutter; two sensors (18) disposed adjacent to the rotary conveyance drum (12) to detect the second cigarette filters; an opto coupler connected to the two sensors (18) and operated by AND logic; a HIP connected to the opto coupler, it controlling a device of supplying cigarette filters to reject a cigarette having defects; and, a PLC connected with the HIP, it controlling the device of supplying cigarette filters, wherein the two sensors (18) detect active charcoal filters located at both ends of the second cigarette filters, the HIP controls the device such that the cigarette having defects are rejected when signals sensed by the sensors (18) are different from signals sensed from the normal active charcoal filter, the PLC controls the operation and stop of the device by pe

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: Before the start of manufacturing of filter rods (6) from a filter roller moving together with a format tape (1), information regarding a segment (3) to be cut, the length of the filter rod (6), the sequence of segments (3) in the rod (6) and a constant distance between a feeding unit (2) and a cutting head (5) is entered into a control system, after which the control system calculates a basic static electronic relationship between drive systems of a servomotor (8) of the feeding unit (2) and a servomotor (9) of the cutting head (5) considering a drive system of a servomotor (10) of the format tape (1).

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).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing composite filters for cigarettes, cigars and similar tobacco products, on a twin track machine, involves generating a succession of filter sticks of a first type, made from a first filter material and/or having first filtration properties, and at least one other succession of filter sticks of a different type, made from a respective different filter material and/or having filtration properties different to those of the first type; cross-cutting the filter sticks of the first type and the filter sticks of the different type on at least one transverse cutting line to obtain a succession of first and second plugs of the first type and a succession of first and second plugs of the different type; arranging the first plugs of the first type and the first plugs of the different type in alternation one with another to create a first filter rod, and arranging the second plugs of the first type and the second plugs of the different type in alternation one with another to create a second filte

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

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

Abstract: A 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: Filter elements made up of least two axially aligned plugs are advanced in succession by a feed unit along a first path and in a first direction, with the plugs oriented along a second direction transverse to the first direction, toward a garniture section extending along a second horizontal path and in a third direction, on which they are formed into at least one continuous rod which is then divided up by a rotary cutter into single composite filters. A transfer unit linking the feed unit and the garniture section comprises a conveyor, rotatable about a first axis parallel to the second direction, equipped with carriers each presenting at least one slot designed to admit one filter element; the single carriers are pivotable independently relative to the conveyor about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and about a third axis transverse to the first axis, alternating between positions in which the slot extends parallel with the second direction and with the third direction.

Abstract: A filter rod making machine comprises a tow treatment section (10) for forming a filter web (WF) from fibrous tow (T), a scatter device (42) for scattering activated carbon grains (PC) evenly over the filter web (WF) fed from the tow treatment section (10) toward a trumpet guide (34), the trumpet guide (34) forming the filter web into a rod-shaped material (WR), a web guide (36) arranged between the tow treatment section (10) and the trumpet guide (34) for supporting the lower surface of the filter web (WF) and guiding the filter web (WF) while it is transported, and a wrapping section (16) for wrapping the rod-shaped material (WR) fed from the trumpet guide (34) in a paper web.

Abstract: A web of air-permeable uniting band material for use in a filter tipping machine is advanced lengthwise by a first pair of driven rollers and a second pair of driven rollers, first through a magazine which is located between the two pairs of rollers, thereupon around a roller-shaped flanged adjustable braking device which is located upstream of the second pair of rollers, and around an adjustable curling device between the braking device and the second pair of rollers. The braking action is regulated for the purpose of subjecting the running web to a predictable curling action. This enhances the quality of filter cigarettes wherein the tobacco-containing and the filter material-containing parts are connected to each other by adhesive-coated uniting bands constituting sections of the thus treated web.

Abstract: A cigarette filter rod system comprises a plug combiner machine having a knife located downstream from a sensor. The knife generates a trigger signal which prompts an Inspection Unit to locate a previously stored frame of sensor data corresponding the rod which was cut by the knife. The Inspection Unit applies thresholds to the frame of sensor data to determine the location of filter segment boundaries, and then determines whether air rings are present in the data. The Inspection Unit then compares measurements made on the frame of sensor data with a pre-stored recipe indicating expected values for the frame. Statistical data is sent to a Human-Machine Interface Unit for analysis and display. The system performs filter rod rejection and cut registration based on the analysis performed by the Inspection Unit and the Human-Machine Interface.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one filter skein for cigarettes and other smokable rod-shaped articles, from at least one filter tow strip comprises the steps of: (a) drawing at least one filter tow strip, from at least one supply, (b) feeding the at least one filter tow strip to a treatment in a treatment unit; (b1) at the beginning of the treatment unit, subjecting at least one filter strip to a brake force to adjust at least the quantity to be processed, the brake force being set automatically, and (b2) afterwards, stretching and fluffing the filter tow strip(s) by the use of two pairs of rolls, wherein the surface of one roll of at least one pair of the two pairs is smooth and the other roll is profiled over its entire surface, (c) after the treatment, collecting the treated filter tow strip from step (b) in a formating unit to at least one round skein with an enveloping material to form at least one continuous, wrapped filter skein, (d) detecting and measuring a characteristic value of the produced filter

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a low-priced automatized weight control device for filter-rods, able to be easily installed in present manufacturing facilities and to be operated easily without any need of special equipment or special operating qualifications.The automatized weight-control device is comprised of a tension gauge measuring the tension in the tow in the first processing step of the tow manufacturing process, and a weight control system to regulate the second processing step to keep the tension in the tow at the specified constant value by increasing the speed of the pretension rollers through the microcomputer by applying the signals transmitted from the tension gauge.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one fiber skein for the production of filters for cigarettes and for other smokable rod-shaped articles, comprises the steps of drawing from a supply at least one filter tow strip, supplying the drawn fiber strip to a subsequent treatment, in which the fiber strip is stretched and fluffed, then the treated fiber strip is collected in a formating unit to a fiber skein which is finally provided with an enveloping material, to form a continuous, wrapped fiber skein. The fiber strip of strips are exposed at the beginning of the treatment to a brake force, to adjust at least the quantity to be processed of the fiber strip of strips, the brake force being set automatically.

Abstract: In a cigarette filter rod manufacturing plant at least one tow bale (6; 108) is located in a position remote from the corresponding tow opening machine (2; 100) and a conveying system (10; 112) is provided for transporting the tow to the machine. In a preferred arrangement the conveying system comprises a pneumatic duct (10) in which the tow is conveyed with the assistance of air movers (12). Removing the tow bales from the vicinity of the machines, preferably to a common area, allows flexibility in laying out a production floor and provides easy access for replacement of the bales.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for improving the quality of products produced in a cigarette manufacturing process. Selected machine operating parameters for at least one machine are monitored, as well as the product being produced. Samples of the product being produced are automatically obtained and tested for quality parameters. Machine operators are notified when to manually test samples of the product for quality parameters. The machine operators can request a test of a quality parameter. The actual test measurements of the quality parameters for either the automatically obtained samples or the manually tested samples are compared against expected values and alarms are presented and the testing is resequenced when the measured quality parameters fail to meet the expected values. Also, employee solution procedures are presented to aid in problem resolution. The time periods and downtime reason when each machine is inoperative is recorded.

Abstract: A continuous tow of filamentary filter material is advanced past a rotary applicator which delivers metered but variable quantities of a second filter material (such as granulated or pulverulent charcoal) into successive increments of the tow. The tow and the delivered second filter material are thereupon draped into a web of wrapping material to form a filter rod which is sub-divided into sections of desired length. The density and/or the mass of the filter rod or of successive filter rod sections is monitored and the results of such monitoring operation are utilized to regulate the rate of delivery of second filter material so that the mass or density of the rod remains constant. The draw resistance of the filter rod or of filter rod sections can be monitored to generate signals which are used to regulate the rate of advancement of the tow toward the draping station and to thus maintain the draw resistance at least substantially constant.

Abstract: A continuous rod-like filler of tobacco or filter material for tobacco smoke and a continuous web of cigarette paper or other wrapping material are advanced at a plurality of different speeds toward and into a wrapping mechanism wherein the web is draped around the filler to form therewith a continuous tobacco rod or filter rod wherein the marginal portions of the draped web overlie each other to form an elongated seam. One marginal portion of the advancing web is coated by an adjustable paster with a variable quantity of adhesive which bonds the overlying marginal portions of the draped web to each other. The quantity of applied adhesive is varied in dependency upon the speed of advancement of the web in such a way that the quantity of applied adhesive is increased when the speed of the web is reduced and that the quantity of applied adhesive is decreased in response to increasing speed of the web. Such quantity can remain constant when the speed of the web reaches a nominal value.

Abstract: To improve quality control a cigarette filter manufacturing line is provided with a testing station which periodically removes a filter to test the diameter and resistance to draw. The mean diameter and RTD of a number of filters is calculated and compared to acceptable ranges. Adjustments are made to the manufacturing line to correct any unacceptable values according to a set of priorities dependent on the degree and sense of the inaccuracies.

Abstract: A system for monitoring each of multiplicity of variables in the operation of a filter rod making machine includes sensors located at various points on the machine. These sensors measure the value of such variable parameters as the width of the tow, the alignment of the wrapping paper, the speed of the rollers and the level of plasticizer. Each measured value is compared against preset limit values in a microprocessor. If a variable is detected to be outside a range of acceptable values, an indication of this fact is displayed on a monitor. In response to this indication, an operator can decide whether to override the limit value or take corrective action. If corrective action is to be taken, the microprocessor causes a diagnostic chart to be displayed. This chart provides the operator with a sequence of troubleshooting steps that can be taken to isolate the source of a possible problem and perhaps correct it before there is a need to arrest the operation of the machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and/or controlling tension of a moving web, for example, a filamentary tow, in a preselected zone of a longitudinal path traversed by the moving web. A sensing roller is journally supported by roller support structure, the latter having an opposing pair of deflection arms each of which is defined by edges which diverge from one another between inner supported and outer unsupported ends of the arms so that a region of reduced width (as measured in the general longitudinal direction of the web) is provided near each inner supported end. A reaction force which is indicative of the web's tension will thus be exerted against the sensing roller and transferred to the roller support structure so as to responsively cause the deflection arms to be resiliently flexed in the general direction of the reaction force.

Abstract: The pressure of compressed air in one or more nozzles which convert successive increments of a running tow of filamentary filter material into a rodlike filler in a filter rod making machine is regulated in response to variations in the speed of the filler. This ensures that the resistance which the filter rod sections offer the flow of tobacco smoke does not deviate from an optimum value when the speed of the filler is reduced below the nominal speed. The pressure of air which is admitted to the nozzle or nozzles is regulated by a variable-speed blower which compresses air preparatory to admission into the nozzle or nozzles, or by installing in the conduit or conduits for one or more nozzles a pressure regulating valve which is adjusted by a servomotor in response to signals denoting the speed of the filler.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a filter rod having a hollow tube extending longitudinally through the filter rod. The apparatus includes a supply reel of hollow tubing, a supply of filter material web, and a garniture funnel into which the filter material web and hollow tubing are continuously, concurrently fed for wrapping the filter material web into a cylindrical configuration enclosing the hollow tube longitudinally therein. The apparatus also includes a plasticizer or adhesive applicator for coating the outside wall surface of the tube with a plasticizer or adhesive before it is fed into the garniture funnel, and a tube guide nozzle located at the inlet to the garniture funnel for positioning and guiding the hollow tube into the garniture funnel.

Abstract: In apparatus for conditioning filter tow for subsequent production of cigarette filter rod a stream of filter tow is conveyed from a source by a first drive unit which delivers the tow into a conditioning station. A second drive unit delivers the conditioned tow to a rod-forming unit. A variable speed transmission is provided to allow independent control of the first and second drive units. The transmission may be replaced by an electronic speed control arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of continuously determining the perimeter of an elongated object of generally uniform cross section which comprises wrapping the object with a sheet of flexible material having a pair of detectable parallel lines formed thereon, such that the lines extend axially parallel to the object, placing detection means in position to detect the lines, the detection means being capable of determining the distance between the lines, moving the object and the detection means relative to each other in a manner such that continuous detection of the lines and measurement of the distance therebetween occurs, and correlating the measured distance between the lines to the perimeter of said object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of continuously determining the perimeter of an elongated object of generally uniform cross-section which comprises wrapping the object with a sheet of flexible material having a single band imprinted thereon in such manner that the single band extends axially parallel to the object and becomes partially obscured by an overlapping edge of the sheet, placing detection means in position to detect the width of the unobscured portion of the single band, the detection means being capable of determining the width of the unobscured portion of the single band, moving the object and the detection means relative to each other in a manner such that continuous detection of the single band and the measurement of the width of the unobscured portion of the single band occurs and correlating the measured width of the unobscured portion of the band to the perimeter of the object.

Abstract: Production of cigarette filter rod is controlled by monitoring the tow (12) or rod (18) to provide signals indicative of tow consumption rate and varying the composition of the rod in accordance with the signals, e.g. to maintain a constant proportion by weight in the rod of tow and a plasticizer applied to the tow by an applicator device (18). The tow feed rate or the plasticizer supply rate may be varied in accordance with the signals. The monitoring device may comprise a tow bale weight sensor (48), a rod scanning head (54), or a weight band (33,57).

Abstract: The trailing end of a running tow of filamentary filter material in a filter rod making machine is spliced to the leader of a fresh tow, and the splice is held at a preselected location ahead of the first tow treating station in the machine. An optoelectric or pressure-responsive detector generates a signal when the splice advances beyond such location on expiry of the running tow, i.e., when the second tow begins to advance through the machine. The signal is used to reduce the speed of the prime mover of the machine during travel of the splice therethrough, to increase the width of passages which are defined for the tow by the banding, spreading, stretching, plasticizer-applying and/or other units for the tow so that the splice can readily advance therethrough, and/or to effect automatic segregation of those filter rod sections which contain portions of the splice.

Abstract: The mass of successive increments of a wrapped rod-like filler of filamentary filter material is monitored by a beta ray detector and the signals which are generated by the ionization chamber of the dectector are utilized to adjust the ratio of a variable-speed transmission which regulates the rate of delivery of a stretched tow of filamentary material to the gathering horn of a filter rod making machine.

Abstract: A machine for making cigarette filters from filter tow includes a tow fluffing unit for blowing air into the tow before it is compressed; a suction wheel which compresses the tow while extracting air therefrom; and a tongue which further compresses and shapes the tow and includes longitudinally spaced pressure tappings by which the pressure drop through the tow is detected. The tow feed rate is adjusted automatically to maintain a constant pressure drop. Also, the consumption of tow is monitored and the amount of tow stretching is adjusted automatically to minimize the consumption.

Abstract: A filter tipping machine wherein pairs of coaxial plain cigarettes are united with filter plugs of double unit length by adhesive-coated bands. When a filter plug is missing, a mechanical or a photosensitive filter plug detector transmits a signal to a valve which admits compressed air to two nozzles to cause the plain cigarettes which are not separated by a filter plug to move toward each other so that a uniting band which is applied around the adjacent inner end portions of the thus shifted plain cigarettes can adequately connect the plain cigarettes to each other during further transport to a station where the united plain cigarettes can be readily segregated from satisfactory products.

Abstract: A continuous filter rod wherein dissimilar filter rod sections alternate with each other is monitored by a photosensitive detector which detects changes in the degree to which different sections absorb and/or reflect radiation. A pulse generator transmits signals for each unit length of the rod and such signals are multiplied and transmitted to several counters one of which ascertains whether or not the number of signals between two successive changes of the intensity of radiation is too low (this denotes that the length of filter rod sections of a certain type is insufficient), another of which ascertains whether or not the number of signals between two successive changes of the intensity of radiation is excessive (this denotes that the length of filter rod sections of a certain type is excessive), and a third of which ascertains whether or not the cutoff severs the filter rod at desired locations, e.g., midway across successive filter rod sections of a given type.