Abstract In this invention, connector sheets are applied to pairs of axially aligned cigarettes and an interposed double length filter plug by means of a rotating drum having on its periphery two corresponding groups of longitudinal fins or projections laterally positioned from each other to define an intermediate region on the drum periphery. The width of the intermediate region is slightly greater than the length of the filter plug while the spacing between the projections is substantially equal to that of the circumference of a cigarette. The drum is operatively associated with a mechanism which cuts connector sheets from a continuous tape, the sheets being coated with adhesive on its upper surface relative to the drum in the area corresponding to the intermediate region between two successive fins, the drum also being associated with a transfer means which transfers to the drum, for each connector sheet, a pair of cigarettes with the interposed filter plug, selectively actuated pneumatic cigarette and connector sheet retaining means being provided to cooperate with the drum. The cigarettes and the filter plug are rolled on their own axis on the periphery of the drum to wrap around itself the adhesive connector sheet.
In apparatus for applying a connector sheet to assemblages of pairs of cigarettes aligned axially and having a double length filter plug therebetween which includes a rotatable drum, first and second pluralities of projections positioned uniformly around the peripheries of said drum with an intermediate region therebetween having a width greater than the length of said filter plug, wherein a succession of adhesive coated connector sheets are delivered to said intermediate annular region and said assemblages are transferred to the drum with the filter plug being positioned on the adhesive connector sheet and the cigarettes being in contact with the sides of aligned first and second pluralities of projections, and means to induce the pair of cigarettes and filter plug to roll along the periphery of the rotatable drum to a next occurring plurality of projections whereby the adhesive coated connector sheet is wrapped around the filter plug to form the assemblage, testing apparatus, which comprises: a lever mounted for pivotable movement towards and away from the rotatable drum, and means biasing said lever toward the drum to engage the wrapped assemblage approximately at its midlength, whereby if there is a pair of cigarettes having a connector sheet wrapped all around but without any filter plug, said connector sheet will yield to cause the cigarettes united by the connector sheet to move away from the drum and thereafter fall from the drum as rejected cigarettes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
235 words
In apparatus for applying a connector sheet to assemblages of pairs of cigarettes aligned axially and having a double length filter plug therebetween which includes a rotatable drum, first and second pluralities of projections positioned uniformly around the peripheries of said drum with an intermediate region therebetween having a width greater than the length of said filter plug, wherein a succession of adhesive coated connector sheets are delivered to said intermediate annular region and said assemblages are transferred to the drum with the filter plug being positioned on the adhesive connector sheet and the cigarettes being in contact with the sides of aligned first and second pluralities of projections, and means to induce the pair of cigarettes and filter plug to roll along the periphery of the rotatable drum to a next occurring plurality of projections whereby the adhesive coated connector sheet is wrapped around the filter plug to form the assemblage, testing apparatus, which comprises: a lever mounted for pivotable movement towards and away from the rotatable drum, and means biasing said lever toward the drum to engage the wrapped assemblage approximately at its midlength, whereby if there is a pair of cigarettes having a connector sheet wrapped all around but without any filter plug, said connector sheet will yield to cause the cigarettes united by the connector sheet to move away from the drum and thereafter fall from the drum as rejected cigarettes.