Device for checking that the underneath part or base, particularly of packets of cigarettes and similar, has been properly sealed down

Claim 1

A checking device for use in an apparatus for packaging cigarettes or similar material in a production line, said apparatus including at least one wrapping machine, at least one overwrapping machine linked by a conveyor to said wrapping machine, an ejection/replenishment means located downstream of said wrapping machine for ejecting packets from the production line and for replenishing the production line with reserve packets, at least one checking means for checking for the presence of faulty packets and emitting a signal when one is found, and a memory system for storing signals received from said checking means for activating said ejection/replenishment means after a delay sufficient to allow the faulty packet to reach said ejection/replenishment means, said checking device comprising: lifting means for rendering a faulty base on a wrapped packet conspicuous; feeler means adjacent to said lifting means for detecting the presence of a conspicuous base and for causing a signal to be emitted to the memory system to enable the ejection of the faulty packet and the replenishment of the production line with reserve products by the ejection/replenishment means; and restoring means adjacent to said feeler means for restoring said faulty base to the condition it was in prior to being made conspicuous by said lifting means and being detected by said feeler means.