Method and apparatus for testing wrappers of cigarettes or the like

Claim 3

A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said perforating step comprises puncturing the wrappers.

Claim 4

A method as defined in claim 2, wherein said puncturing step comprises rolling successive wrappers about their respective axes over an array of projections which penetrate the wrappers.

Claim 5

A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of utilizing said first signals to segregate the respective articles from said path when such first signals indicate a rate of air flow which is without a predetermined range.

Claim 6

A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising the step of utilizing said second signals to segregate the respective articles from said path when such second signals indicate a rate of air flow which is without a predetermined range.

Claim 7

Apparatus for repeatedly testing the wrappers of cigarettes or analogous articles wherein a tubular wrapper surrounds a rod-like filler or fibrous material or the like, comprising means for advancing a succession of articles along a predetermined path; means for establishing an air pressure differential between the interior and exterior of successive wrappers in a first portion of said path; means for producing first test signals indicating the rate of air flow through successive wrappers in said first portion of said path; means for perforating successive wrappers which enter a second portion of said path so that each perforated wrapper exhibits a predetermined number of holes therein; means for establishing an air pressure differential between the interior and exterior of successive perforated wrappers in a third portion of said path; and means for producing second test signals indicating the rate of air flow through the wrappers in said third portion of said path.

Claim 8

Apparatus for repeatedly testing the wrappers of cigarettes or analogous articles wherein a tubular wrapper surrounds a rod-like filler or fibrous material or the like, comprising means for advancing a succession of articles along a predetermined path; means for establishing an air pressure differential between the interior and exterior of successive wrappers in a first portion of said path; means for producing first test signals indicating the rate of air flow through successive wrappers in said first portion of said path; means for perforating successive wrappers which enter a second portion of said path so that each perforated wrapper exhibits a predetermined number of holes therein; means for establishing an air pressure differential between the interior and exterior of successive perforated wrappers in a third portion of said path; and means for producing second test signals indicating the rate of air flow through the wrappers in said third portion of said path.

Claim 9

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said advancing means comprises a plurality of endless conveyors.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined in claim 7, wherein said conveyors comprise rotary drums having axially parallel article receiving flutes.

Claim 11

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said advancing means comprises discrete first, second and third rotary drum-shaped conveyors respectively defining said first, second and third portions of said path.

Claim 12

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said perforating means comprises a plurality of projections adjacent to said second portion of said path and said advancing means comprises a conveyor cooperating with said projections to roll successive wrappers over said projections.

Claim 13

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising means for segregating articles from said path in response to said first signals when the rate of air flow indicated by said first signals is without a predetermined range.

Claim 14

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising means for segregating articles from said path in response to said second signals when the rate of air flow indicated by said second signals is without a predetermined range.

Claim 15

Apparatus as defined in claim 6, further comprising means for indicating the condition of said perforating means.

Claim 16

Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said indicating means comprises means for generating third signals in response to production of a predetermined number of second signals indicating a rate of air flow which is without a predetermined range.