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: 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: 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: A filter rod measuring station is equipped with measuring devices which measure at least the mass (M) of a filter rod and the draw resistance (PD) of the filter rod, and a microwave measuring device is provided for measuring the mass of the softener and/or the moisture content and/or the dry mass of the filter rod.

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 system and process for monitoring a continuous element being incorporated within a cigarette filter includes a light source and a photoresponsive device facing each other and on opposite sides of a measuring gap, and passing the continuous element through the measuring gap and detecting movement of the continuous element by the effect of the movement on at least one light beam present between the light source and the photoresponsive device. Individual lengths of the continuous cigarette filter rod being produced can be selectively rejected based on a determination of whether the continuous element has a break or a knot along its length.

Abstract: A self supporting pleated fluid filter medium having different fibers to provide pleats sufficiently self supporting to maintain pleated form during fluid filter treatment, the invention further including low melt fiber and an optional support frame and a method of making such pleated filter.

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: 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: The lower-quality leader of a filter rod or cigarette rod is deflected from the path leading from the rod making station to the subdividing station before the rod is severed behind the leader so that the next-following high-quality portion of the rod is free to advance to the subdividing station. The apparatus for separating the leader has a rotary knife which rotates within a guard. The guard carries a U-shaped deflecting unit for the leader and is pivotable with the motor for the knife to and from an operative position in which the leader is deflected and the knife can sever the rod behind the deflected leader. The apparatus further employs a back support which is pivoted against the rod opposite the guard to prop the rod during separation of the leader.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a dispensing fold for a clip or predetermined number of interfolded sheets from a continuously building interfolding process having first and second opposed dispensing fold fingers operable between actuated and deactutated positions to engage a mediate portion of a depending layer of the bottommost sheet from the interfolding process stack to form a dispensing fold.

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.