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

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

Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and apparatus for transferring rods, or tubes, comprising feeding a plurality of rods into a hopper, feeding the rods through a hopper using agitation and gravity to align the rods in a single-file stacked configuration, and transferring the rods with pushers on a continuous cable so that that the rods may be transferred for insertion in the tobacco column. This method and apparatus may utilize one or more drums for transferring rods from the hopper to the pushers on the continuous cable.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive material can be applied as a coating formulation in an off-line manner to a continuous paper sheet web that is later used for cigarette manufacture. The additive material can be applied as a coating formulation in an on-line manner to continuous paper web moving through an operating cigarette making machine. The coating formulation is applied to the paper web using roll applicator techniques, ink jet printing techniques or electrostatic precipitation techniques. Liquid coating formulation are curable, and are virtually absent of solvent or liquid carrier. Radiation, such as ultraviolet or electron beam radiation, is used to solidify and fix polymerizable liquid components of the coating formulation that have been applied to the paper web.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for high speed control and rejection of out-of-specification products, such as cigarettes, in a manufacturing process. Sensors are placed at strategic locations along a production line, with the signals from the sensors being directed to a high speed processor, with multiple sensor inputs and controlled by software algorithms to process the sensor signals and to direct control signals to the production line equipment. Control signals can both eject non-conforming products and also modify machine settings to produce a product in closer compliance with specifications.

Abstract: A removing apparatus for rod-like articles comprises a removing drum (24) as part of a transport path for the articles such as cigarettes, double filter cigarettes and filter cigarettes in a filter cigarette manufacturing machine, and many transport grooves (48) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the drum (24) for receiving the articles. Adjacent grooves (48) have suction holes (52) at different axial positions thereof. While passing through a suction holding region (A) of the removing drum (24), the adjacent transport grooves (48) receive holding pressure for the articles, from the corresponding holding passages (68) of the region (A) through the suction holes (52). The passages (68) extend longer than the pitch of the transport grooves (48). When compressed air is supplied to a passage (68), the passage (68) allows the compressed air to blow out from connected suction holes (52) to thereby remove the article from the corresponding transport groove (48).

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: 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: A cigarette testing apparatus includes a ventilation-characteristic measuring section having a ventilation vessel which is disposed horizontally so as to reduce the vertical dimension of the apparatus. A cigarette is supplied in a horizontal position from a cigarette supplying section to a weight measuring section where the cigarette weight is measured. The cigarette ejected therefrom is transferred to a circumference measuring section, a ventilation-characteristic measuring section and a length/hardness measuring section in this order in a condition that the horizontal position is kept unchanged. In these sections, the circumference, ventilation characteristic, length and hardness of the cigarette are measured in sequence.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making and inspecting a multi-component cigarettes, each cigarette including two or more different components arranged relative to one another, the apparatus includes a device for advancing a web in a first direction. The apparatus further includes a device for positioning at least two different components of a cigarette relative to one another on the web as the web advances in the first direction. The apparatus further includes a garniture device for wrapping the web around the at least two different components by moving opposite edges of the web transversely to the first direction such that, at a closure point in the garniture device, the opposite edges overlap each other. The apparatus further includes an imaging device disposed upstream of the closure point for generating an image of the at least two different components.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making and inspecting a multi-component cigarettes, each cigarette including two or more different components arranged relative to one another, the apparatus includes a device for advancing a web in a first direction. The apparatus further includes a device for positioning at least two different components of a cigarette relative to one another on the web as the web advances in the first direction. The apparatus further includes a garniture device for wrapping the web around the at least two different components by moving opposite edges of the web transversely to the first direction such that, at a closure point in the garniture device, the opposite edges overlap each other. The apparatus further includes an imaging device disposed upstream of the closure point for generating an image of the at least two different components.

Abstract: A density inspection apparatus and method. The apparatus is disposed downstream of a wrapping section of a cigarette manufacturing machine. In accordance with pulse output signals generated by a rotary encoder in synchronism with the travel of a cigarette rod, a zone of the rod is subjected to density inspection. An actual density signal indicating the tobacco shred filling density in the inspected zone is intermittently supplied from a density detector, and a group of reference density signals indicative of a change in density of a low-density portion of a dummy cigarette is supplied from a storage device. A difference between each actual density signal and a corresponding reference density signal is calculated, and the square sum of the signal differences in respect of all the density signals is calculated to determine a nonconformity degree between the actual and reference density signals.

Abstract: A wrapping paper defect inspection apparatus for a cigarette manufacturing machine is provided which permits easy and reliable detection of a defect, such as a pinhole, in elongate wrapping paper continuously transported at high speed and which is suited for rejecting without fail cigarettes formed using a defective portion of the wrapping paper. Optical sensors are arranged at a transportation path of the wrapping paper for detecting transmission of light irradiated onto a region of the wrapping paper excluding the edge portions thereof, and a defect in the wrapping paper, such as a pinhole, is detected in accordance with whether or not the optical sensors have received light.

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

Abstract: When tobacco shreds continuously supplied while the supply amount thereof is controlled are wrapped continuously with an elongated cigarette paper to form a tobacco rod and the tobacco rod is cut to predetermined lengths to manufacture cigarettes, the filling amount (filling density) of tobacco shreds at every portion in the lengthwise direction of tobacco rod is continuously measured in connection with the wrapping operation of the tobacco rod. The filling amount (momentary value) at every portion of the tobacco rod is compared with threshold values set in advance to detect a local excess filling portion and/or deficient filling portion of the tobacco shreds. This detection result is output in synchronization with the conveying timing of a cigarette having a predetermined length continuously cut from the tobacco rod, by which a cigarette including the local excess filling portion or deficient filling portion of tobacco shreds can be rejected surely.

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

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

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting glue skips on tipping paper used to secure filters to cigarette tobacco rods and the rejection of defective cigarettes based thereon in which a particle radiation sensor is used to monitor the amount of glue applied to the tipping paper and a laser edge detector is used to monitor for proper alignment of the tipping paper during cigarette tipping operations in a typical cigarette manufacturing machine. The signals output from the particle radiation sensor are fed to a skip detection system which produces an output signal upon detecting a glue skip or a loss of glue.

Abstract: An optical inspection system mounts on a cigarette making machine or like system and detects the presence of bands having irregular widths or spacings. In response to the detection of irregular bands, the optical inspection system instructs the cigarette making machine to reject cigarettes which will be subsequently made from portions of the cigarette paper containing the irregular bands. The optical inspection system includes a sensor which can accommodate different types of cigarette paper and band material having varying reflectance properties. In operation, sensor circuitry detects the range of voltages produced by a sensor detector, and formulates a peak value (or average peak value) for the range of voltages. The circuitry then takes a percentage of this peak value to form a threshold value. This threshold value is compared with the AC signal from the sensor detector. If the AC signal exceeds the threshold, then the circuitry asserts a signal to indicate that a band is present.

Abstract: A device for inspecting the filter end face of a filter cigarette is provided with an optical sensor having an aperture ring for emitting a measuring light toward the filter end face and receiving the light reflected from the filter end face and outputting a detection signal corresponding to the luminous energy of the reflected light, a hood for covering the aperture ring of the optical sensor, a plurality of injection holes for injecting compressed air into the hood, and a processing unit for determining whether the filter end face is normal or not in accordance with the detection signal output from the optical sensor.

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

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

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

Abstract: A cigarette checking apparatus having a selector mechanism for selectively withdrawing cigarettes from a first transportation roller, transporting the cigarettes to a conveyor; and a second conveyor for transporting the selected cigarettes to a number of checking devices, each checking device checking a specific characteristic of the selected cigarette; the checking devices having independent inlets facing the second conveyor, and at least one of the checking devices having an outlet opening towards the first conveyor.

Abstract: A device for sorting rod-like articles, for example cigarettes, according to their weight. The device feeds a single article from a hopper into a channel with the aid of two ribbed drums. The article then drops into a groove in a delivery shaft where it is tipped onto a series of "V"-shaped members located on the top of a balance. The weight of the article is determined and the article is then ejected by lifting arms onto the top wall of a ramp. The article is allowed to roll freely down the ramp. A microprocessor causes one of a number of doors in the top wall of the ramp to open according to the weight of the aritcle and the article then drops into a compartment below the ramp.

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 device for feeding cigarettes to a packeting machine. Cigarettes are placed in the lower part of a hopper in stacks mobile stepwise along respective outgoing channels from the hopper. A device is provided for checking the cigarettes descending stepwise along the channels, and another device which ejects faulty cigarettes is controlled by the checking device and includes, for each channel, a pneumatic extractor connectable to a suction source and a withdrawal element able to gain access to the respective channel to extract the faulty cigarettes from the interior of the hopper.

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: Packaging is effected in a machine where correct filter-tipping and filling of the ends of the single cigarettes occupying the channels of a feed chute is monitored by a plurality of plungers, one to each channel, that are reciprocated axially toward and away from the ends of respective single cigarettes during the course of the work cycle. Each plunger carries a radial appendage, offered to a transducer by which a control signal will be produced in the event that the appendage assumes a given position on arrival of the plunger in contact with the end of the cigarette lying in its path.

Abstract: The device is of the type comprising a hopper (1), the lower portion of which contains the cigarettes (2) disposed in piles which are mobile stepwise along respective outlet channels (5) of the hopper (1), sensor (13) for checking the individual cigarettes (2) in the channels (5) at each advancement step of the cigarettes (2), a pusher element (8) arranged to remove the cigarettes (2) from the hopper (1), and at least one discarding device (40) for defective cigarettes (2), controlled by the sensor in the direction of advancement of the cigarettes (2); the discarding device (40) being provided with an engaging, retaining and extracting device (41) the defective cigarettes (2) and, at least during each extraction of a defective cigarette (2), being driven in phase with the pusher element (8).

Abstract: A device for feeding cigarettes to the wrapping line of a packeting machine comprises a hopper for feeding cigarettes to the machine. The hopper is divided at its lower end into outlet channels having a width substantially equal to the diameter of a cigarette, and through which the cigarettes disposed in piles descend. Along each channel there is provided, in order from the top downwards, sensor device for checking the cigarettes in succession, and at an expulsion position a device for expelling the defective cigarettes from the hopper. Along each channel there is provided cyclically operated retention mechanism for the cigarettes. This mechanism extends upstream and downstream of the expulsion position, and has two halt positions for the cigarettes. The mechanism includes two arcuate recesses in the channel which are connected via bores to a source of suction and a source of compressed air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeler pin device for the quality and/or quantity testing, and/or the levelling of cigarettes. The device comprises a plurality of feeler pins which are set in a substantially co-axial relation with the cigarettes to be tested or levelled, and which are moved from a retracted rest position axially toward the respective cigarettes, so as to contact the cigarette ends, whereby they apply thereon an elastic pressure, such as to shift the cigarette or the cigarettes against a suitable abutment for aligning same, and/or they signal the presence or absence of cigarettes, or the degree of filling of the ends thereof, and/or the presence or the absence of the filter tip, by the aid of means responsive to the stroke length of each feeler pin with respect to its support.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for infeeding cigarettes to the wrapping line of a packer, provided with: a hopper, the lower part of which contains the cigarettes in the form of stacks that are movable in steps along corresponding channels outgoing from the hopper; a sensor for checking, in succession, the cigarettes in the channels with each step forward of the stacks; and at least one cigarette expelling device, interlocked to the sensor, placed along the channels downstream of the sensor, in the direction in which the stacks move forward. Provision is also made for a device with which to engage and restrain the faulty cigarettes, able to brake the cigarettes during expulsion and to complete the extraction thereof from the hopper.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the quality of cigarettes in a packing machine, which may be mounted on an input hopper of a packing machine of cyclic type in order to monitor the quality of the cigarettes of a stack moving in steps along each output channel of the hopper and to carry out the removal of defective cigarettes, comprising, with respect to each channel, a sensor element and an associate ejector element, whose respective operating cycles take place, with respect to each cigarette, within a same cycle of this machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the timing of control signals concerning operations on conveyed cigarettes or other articles of the cigarette industry comprising means for generating a first control signal; means for measuring the speed of transport of the cigarettes; processing means arranged to receive a signal representing the measured speed of transport, to receive the first control signal and to generate a second control signal which is transmitted to an operating device after a delay dependent upon the signal representing the measured speed of transport and upon the characteristics and position of the operating device.

Abstract: A cigarette packing machine with a plurality of passageways leading from a hopper, includes an ends testing device (16, 16a) for individual cigarettes, so that faulty cigarettes can be rejected from the hopper before the cigarettes are ejected in groups at the bottom of the passageways (2).Leading from the hopper are two channels (6, 8) feeding each of the passageways. In one embodiment of the invention cigarettes are held up for ends testing in alternate channels by suction ports (14) formed in inclined surfaces leading to each passageway. In a second embodiment a set of horizontal reciprocating wires (30, 32) acts as an escapement mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for ejecting cigarettes, comprises a conveyor (10) arranged to carry a sideways-moving row of cigarettes (14) through an ejection station at which there is a nozzle (20) arranged, when a cigarette is to be ejected, to direct a jet of air (32, 34) transversely past the cigarette and onto an air-deflecting surface (26) on the conveyor which deflects the air jet onto the cigarette so as to blow the cigarette transversely off the conveyor.

Abstract: A cigarette testing device (10) detects improperly filled or missing cigarettes in groups of cigarettes in a cigarette packing machine. Tappets (20) are positioned against the ends of cigarettes (11) and the position of tappets (20) is determined by optical sensors (28). Defective cigarettes (15) are removed from the group by nozzles (24). One to one correspondence between cigarettes, tappets, sensors, and nozzle ejectors allows single defective cigarettes to be rejected without rejecting the entire group of cigarettes.

Abstract: Method of monitoring a line of adhesive deposited on a travelling paper web to check for accidental omission of adhesive wherein the adhesive has a distinguishing relative permittivity and is sensed by a capacitive proximity sensor. The web may be plugwrap material for cigarette filter rod, the adhesive being provided to anchor filter tow in position when the plugwrap is wrapped around it. The method avoids various disadvantages associated with other automatic monitoring devices such as optical devices and infra-red devices.

Abstract: Filter cigarettes which are produced in a filter tipping machine are conveyed past several successive testing devices, each of which monitors different characteristics of the cigarettes, thereupon past a cigarette removing device, past a segregating device and on to a conveyor for transport of satisfactory cigarettes to a packing machine or into storage. When any one of the testing devices detects a defective or presumably defective cigarette, it generates a defect signal which is transported to the segregating device for expulsion of the respective cigarette from the path which leads to the conveyor. If the operator wishes, the defective or presumably defective cigarettes which are detected by a selected testing device can be conveyed only to and expelled by the removing device in response to the corresponding defect signals so that the removed cigarettes can be examined for the purpose of ascertaining the quality of testing operation which is carried out by the selected testing device.

Abstract: Discrete uniting bands which are used in a filter tipping machine to connect filter plugs with plain cigarettes consist of foraminous material, and the permeability of such material is varied, when necessary, by changing the quantity of adhesive which is applied to the uniting bands prior to convolution around the respective plain cigarettes and filter plugs. This ensures that each convoluted uniting band admits a preselected quantity of cool atmospheric air into the column of tobacco smoke when the respective filter cigarette is lighted. The paster which applies adhesive to a continuous web which is about to be subdivided into uniting bands is adjusted in response to signals which are generated by a testing device for the wrappers of successive filter cigarettes. If the permeability is too high, the paster is adjusted by reducing or increasing the quantity of adhesive which is applied to successive unit areas or unit lengths of the running web.

Abstract: Checking system for the scanner station of the nucleonic rod-weight control system of a continuous rod cigarette making machine, in which a stable voltage reference is switched into the circuit in place of the usual ionization chamber balance unit and a measurement is made of the difference between the reference voltage and the scanner station radiation reading while no cigarette rod is present, to determine whether the scanner station is free of debris etc. The system opens the internal shutter of the radiation source to enable the measurement to be made and closes the entrance to the scanner unit to prevent escape of B-particles. The reading circuit includes a sample-and-hold facility which enables the reading to be stored so that it can be subsequently read out by an operator or supplied to a centralized computer control system.