Method and apparatus for the manufacture of filter-tipped cigarettes

US3978969A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Molins Limited · GB

Inventors

• Robert E. Williams · London, GB
• Clifford R. Marritt

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 1974
• Grant date: Sep 7, 1976
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G2207/14
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In order to feed a stream of filter rods forward at regularly spaced intervals a substantially continuous stream of rods is fed to a pair of opposed belts which grip the sides of the rods and accelerate them so as to space them apart. The spaced apart rods may then be accurately fed forward by a timing device in the form of a wheel having extending fingers which engage behind the rods and feed them forward at a controlled speed. A second pair of belts may be positioned between the first pair of belts and the timing device, these belts gripping the rods at the top and bottom. The continuous stream of rods is preferably formed by successively stripping groups of rods axially from a fluted drum.