Method and apparatus for making cigarette filter tips

United States Patent

[H] 3,545,345

<td> [72]</td><td> Inventor</td><td> Theodore F. Aronson Glen Cove, N.Y.</td>

<td> [21]</td><td> AppL No.</td><td> 768,416</td>

<td> [22]</td><td> Filed</td><td> Oct. 17,1968</td>

<td> [45]</td><td> Patented</td><td> Dec. 8,1970</td>

<td> [73]</td><td> Assignee</td><td> Perry Industries, Inc. Hicksville, N.Y.</td>

a corporation of Delaware

[56] References Cited

UNITED STATES PATENTS

3,312,151 4/1967 Molins.......................... 93/1

3,314,454 4/1967 Wood............................ 141/72

Primary Examiner—Bernard Stickney Attorney—Irving Seidman

[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CIGARETTE FILTER TIPS

Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl.............................................. 93/1,

141/78

[51] Int.Cl................................................ B31d

[50] Field of Search............................ 93/10;

141/72,78,85,89

ABSTRACT: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for making cigarette filter tips having a portion thereof formed of a readily absorbent type of filter material, as for example granulated charcoal or the like in which a predetermined amount of the flowable absorbent filtering material are successively disposed in the spaces defined between filter plugs spaced along a moving strip of wrapper material by means of an endless line of funnel means moving in unison with the strip of wrapper material. The flow of filter material through the funnel is enhanced by imparting an impact to the funnels as the funnels move with the wrapper.

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PATENTED DEC 81970

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PATENTED DEC 80

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PATENTED DEC 81970

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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CIGARETTE FILTER TIPS

PRIOR ART AND PROBLEMS

In the manufacture of filter tip cigarettes it has been heretofore customary to produce the filter tip portion of the cigarette as a continuous rod which is thereafter cut into suitable filter tip lengths. The severed lengths are then joined or combined with the individual rolled tobacco portion of the cigarette. Frequently the continuous filter rod is severed into ® filter tip lengths sufficiently long to form the tips for two rolled tobacco cigarettes. In such event, the severed filter tip is placed between two rolled tobacco cigarette lengths, and thereafter united to the respective rolled cigarette lengths by suitable band of wrapping material. The double length cigarette with the filter tip length joined between the rolled tobacco lengths is then cut in half, that is midway between the filter tip length to yield two equal length filter tip cigarettes.

Frequently the filter tip portion of the respective finished 20 cigarettes were generally formed as a composite filter, that is a filter tip containing two or more different types and/or kinds of filtering material. For example, one kind of filtering material used in such composite cigarette filter tips was generally selected for its absorbing or filtering characteristics, whereas 25 the other type of filtering material was used primarily for its attractiveness and/or to provide q finished end appearance, and/or for containing the effective absorbent filtering material in position within the filter tip. The continuous filter rod was formed so that when cut into cigarette filter tip lengths, the at- 30 tractive end portion or sealing portion of the filter tip was disposed at the tip end of the finished cigarette, with the more efficient absorbent filtering material interposed between the attractive or sealing end portion of the filter tip and the tobacco portion of the cigarette. 35

Heretofore, the filtering portion of a cigarette filter tip had been formed of various types of absorbent type material such as paper, cotton, wool, and the like. However, it has been observed that such absorbent filter materials are relatively coherent, and consequently have proved to be not too effec- 40 tive as a filtering means. To enhance the filtering efficiency of such cigarette filter tips, efforts have been directed toward utilizing a granulated or powdered readily flowable type absorbent material, as for example activated charcoal or carbon and the like material. However, the use of such absorbent, 45 readily flowable, granulated material, such as activated carbon, presented other problems not common to the more coherent type of filtering material, One of the main problems encountered with the granulated, readily flowable, absorbent type filter materials, such as activated charcoal, was the inability to effect the necessary compaction thereof to achieve the desired optimum filtering efficiency of the cigarette filter tip. Consequently, filters having such granulated filters were generally loose, soft and repleat with voids which adversely ef- - fected the ability of such filters to satisfactorily filter the tars, nicotines and impurities from the cigarette smoke.

Another difficulty heretofore encountered in making cigarette filter tips of an absorbent granular filter material, as for example, activated charcoal, was the inability of known techniques to quickly and accurately measure the requisite amount of such granulated material at the high operation speed consistent with present day cigarette making machines. For example, the modern day cigarette making machines are capable of operating speeds of 2000 cigarettes per minute. gj

OBJECTS

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for effectively manufacturing filter tips having a portion thereof formed of a highly absorbent and 70 readily flowable filter type material, as for example, activated charcoal or the like.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus for constructing a composite filter tip in which a portion thereof is formed of a readily flowable absorbent type of filtering materi- 75 al which is capable of being handled at speeds comparable to the speeds of present day cigarette making machines.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus for constructing a cigarette filter tip of readily flowable absorbent type filter material that is positively compacted to an optimum filtering efficiency with attendant optimum ease of draw.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus in which a readily flowable filtering material is compacted in situ in a continuously moving line during the formation of an endless rod of filter tips.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus in which successive predetermined amount of readily flowable absorbent filtering material are precisely disposed in spaces defined between filter plug spaced along a rapidly moving line of wrapper material, and wherein the flowable material is compacted in situ on the moving wrapper.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are attained by a method comprising the steps of continuously moving a strip of wrapper material past a point at which a plurality of plugs are placed on the moving strip of wrapper material at spaced intervals therealong. The wrapper material is then reversely folded about the space plugs carried thereon so that the free opposed ends of the wrapper material embrace the discharge ends of a moving line of funnelling means so the respective discharge opening of the funnelling means are disposed in communication with the successive spaces defined between the plugs spaced along the wrapper strip. The strip and associated moving line of funnels are moved in unison past a point at which a predetermined amount of a readily flowable granulated absorbent type filtering material, e.g. activated charcoal or the like, is charged into each of the successive moving funnels moving past the point. The absorbent material is thereafter directed to the associated space disposed in communication with the respective funnelling means. The insure a speedy flow of material through the funnel means and to ,effect this desired compaction of the material disposed in the spaces between the plugs, means are provided to subject the moving line of funnels to a series of impacts imparting a vibratory frequency thereto which enhances the flow of material, and which functions to settle the powdered or granulated material in position within the spaces between plugs to form powdered portion of the filter with a desired compaction or density.

The apparatus for automatically performing the method comprises a machine having a means thereon for drawing a strip of wrapper material from a continuous source of supply past a station where a plurality of fibrous or porous plugs are successively and automatically positioned at spaced intervals along the moving strip of wrapper material. At the plug load/ ing station a means is provided for locating the respective plugs at regularly spaced intervals therealong. Downstreamwise from the plug loading station there is provided a loading station for the flowable filter material, and it includes a means for containing a supply of the readily flowable absorbent type of filtering material such as granulated activated charcoal, and/or the like. Operatively associated with the supply means is a withdrawing means in the form of a turret filling head for successively withdrawing predetermined amounts of filtered material from the supply means.

Synchronized to the operation of the turret filling head and operatively associated therewith, is a moving line of funnelling means. The arrangement is such that several of the funnelling means in the moving line of funnelling means are disposed between the respective folds of the wrapper material as the latter is folded about the plugs spaced therealong to define a channellike configuration in which the discharge ends of the respective funnelling means are disposed in communication with the associated spaces formed between plugs.

The folded wrapper strip of material together with the funnelling means disposed therebetween are moved in unison

3,545,345 past the turret filling head means whereby successive predetermined amounts of flowable absorbent filtering material are placed in each of the funnelling means. As the funnelling means and associated folded strip of wrapper material are moved in unison past the withdrawing means, the flowable material deposited in each of the respective funnels is directed to the spaces defined between the space plugs moving therewith. Spaced downstream from the turret filling head and operatively associated with the moving line of funnels and the moving strip of wrapper material there is provided a series of pivotally mounted tampering means to impart a series of impacts to the funnels moving thereby whereby the vibration or impact imposed on the funnels enhances the flow of material thereto while at the same time causes the filter material to settle within the respective spaces to provide for an optimum densified powdered filter portion. Upon the settlement of the absorbent material to a predetermined compactness within the spaces, the funnelling means are successively withdrawn from between the reverse fold of the wrapper strip so that the ends of the wrapper may then be folded to seal the absorbent material within the wrapper material.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of a method and apparatus whereby a continuous rod of integrally connected composite filters may be rapidly formed at speeds comparable to other cigarette forming operations.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a method and apparatus whereby a filter tip may be formed of a readily flowable absorbent material, e.g. activated charcoal or the like, which is compacted into a situ on a moving line of wrapper material at speeds comparable to the other cigarette forming operations.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a filter tip making machine having means for enhancing the compaction of the absorbent material between end plugs of a cigarette filter.

Another feature of this invention resides in a method and apparatus wherein the portion of the filter tip comprising of the readily flowable absorbent type of filter material is compacted and shaped so as to minimize voids.

Another feature of this invention resides in the method and apparatus which is relatively simple an operation, which can be readily fabricated, and which is positive in operation.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specification wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a fragmentary portion of a cigarette filter making machine illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan of portions of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end view taken along line 3-3 on FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cigarette filter tip made by the method and apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view taken along line 5-5 on FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 on FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is directed to a method of making a cigarette filter tip 10 as a continuous rod 11 of integrally connected filter tip lengths from which filter tip lengths 10 are thereafter severed and attached to the rolled tobacco portion 12 of a cigarette. See FIG. 4. The method comprises the step of drawings from a continuous source of supply an elongated strip of wrapper material, e.g. paper 13 which will form the wrapping for containing the filtering material of the finished filter tip 10. As the wrapper material 13 is being pulled from the source of supply, it is pulled through a station in which a plurality of filter plugs 14 are successively positioned at spaced intervals onto the flat surface of the wrapper material. Preferably the respective filter plugs 14 are held in place on the wrapper by a suitable adhesive. For example, the surface of the wrapper strip 13 may be coated with a layer of suitable adhesive which will function to adhere the filter plugs thereto at regularly spaced intervals. Alternatively, the filter plug 14 may be coated or spotted with a suitable adhesive for bonding it to the surface of the wrapper as it is placed onto the moving wrapper strip 13.

The filter plugs 14 generally comprise a rod or round shaped element made of a porous or fibrous material through which cigarette smoke can be readily drawn. In certain instances the filter plug 14 also functions in a limited manner as a filtering device capable of filtering some of the undesirable tars and nicotine commonly associated with cigarette smoke. However, the most effective portion of the filter tips 10, as will be herein described, comprises an amount of finely divided, readily flowable granular material as, for, example, activated charcoal 15 which is compacted in situ within the spaces defined between respective filter plugs 14.

After the respective filter plugs 14 have been positioned at spaced intervals onto the flat of the wrapper strip 13, the wrapper strip is reversely folded about the spaced plugs 14 to define a channellike configuration in cross section about the filter plug to define a pocket between plugs 14. A moving line of connected funnelling means are moved into position relative to the pockets so that the funnel discharge ends are successively disposed in communication with corresponding pockets formed between plugs 14 and the reversed fold of the wrapper strip 13. The wrapper strip 13 and line of funnels thus positioned are moved in unison through a point in which a readily flowable, granular filtering material, e.g. activated charcoal 15 is deposited in predetermined amounts into each successive funnel means as they move past the loading point. Each of the respective funnelling means is positioned so that its discharge end portion is placed in sealing relationship with the adjacent plugs 14 which define the spacing or picket therebetween so that the material deposited in each of the respective funnelling means is directed by gravity through the discharge opening thereof to fill space defined between adjacent plugs 14. To facilitate the flow of filtering material through the funnels and to enhance filter material through the funnels and to enhance filter material in the pockets defined between adjacent plugs to a desired compactness and to eliminate voids, an impact or vibration is imparted to the moving line of funnel downstreamwise from the point of loading. In doing so' the filter material in settling within the pockets conforms to the circumference of the adjacent filter end plugs 14, and the wrapper folded thereabout. After the absorbent type of filtering material has been thus settled to a predetermined density and formed to the shape of the adjacent end plug between the reverse folds of the wrapper, the respective funnelling means are successively withdrawn from between the opposed folds of the wrapper strip whereupon the end portions of the wrapper strips are folded and secured together to form the end plugs 14 and the absorbent powdered filtering material 15 disposed in the spaces therebetween as a continuous rod. The settlement or composition of the absorbent granulated filter type material within the pocket defined between adjacent end plugs 14 is attained by subjecting the moving line of funnels to a series of sharp impacts or force which enhances flow and eliminates voids. With this method the filter tips are successively formed as a continuous rod of integrally connected composite filter tip lengths 10. Thereafter, the continuous rod of integrally connected composite filter tips 10 is severed to define filter tips of predetermined lengths. The severed filter tip lengths 10 are then suitably joined to the tobacco rolled portion 12 of a cigarette by utilizing connecting bands 16 in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

While the foregoing described method may be variously performed, practical production considerations dictate that the method described be automatically performed so as to attain a high rate of production necessary to compliment the modern day cigarette making machines. Referring to the drawings, there is shown therein an apparatus 20 for automatically performing the method of making filter tips 20 at the

3,545,345 desired high rate of production necessary to compliment the high speed at which the tobacco rolled portion 12 of the cigarettes are being produced on modern day equipment.

FIG. 1 illustrates only that portions of a cigarette making machine that embodies the present invention. As shown, the machine 20 comprises a frame 21 having a surface 21A on which a flat strip of wrapper material 13 is pulled from a source of continuous supply (not shown). Suitable means are provided for pulling or feeding the wrapper sheet material 13 from its source of supply through a station in which a plurality of filter plugs 14 are successively positioned on the wrapper strip as it moves through the plug positioning station.

The plug positioning station comprises generally a hopper in which a supply of fibrous end plugs 14 are stored. The end plugs 14 are defined as a rodlike element formed of a fibrous or porous material used to define the tip end of a filter cigarette in the finished form thereof. The end plug 14 is sufficiently porous to permit the cigarette smoke to be readily drawn thereto when smoking.

A plug positioning means is operatively associated with the plug supply hopper for insuring that the end plugs 14 are successively positioned on the moving strip of wrapper material 13 at regularly spaced intervals. The plug positioning means may comprise a rotating drum or cylinder which has formed on the surfaces thereof a spiral groove for successively receiving the end plugs from the hopper for positioning them onto the strip of wrapper material 13 moving beneath the rotating plug positioning means. The arrangement of the spiral groove on the positioning drum is such that the convolutions direct and position the fibrous plugs 14 on the moving wrapper passing there beneath at uniform spaced intervals. To maintain the end plugs 14 in spaced position of the moving strip of wrapper material 13, the latter may be provided with a coating of adhesive, or conversely the plugs may be coated with adhesive for adhering in position on the wrapper.

At a point just behind the plug positioning station of the machine, a means is provided for folding the longitudinal edges of the moving wrapper 13 about the plugs 14 spaced thereon so that the opposed upper longitudinal marginal portions of the wrapper strip are reversely folded to define a channellike configuration in a cross section as noted in FIG. 3. This folding of the wrapper: strip 13 may be attained by directing the wrapper through a folding trough 26 supported on the machine frame 21 immediately downstreamwise from the plug positioning station. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the folding trough 26 is provided with a groove or channel 26A in which the marginal portions of the wrapper 13 are caused to be folded about the end plugs 14 as the wrapper strip 13 is being moved therethrough. It will be understood that the inlet end portion of the groove 26A di verges gradually into the channel configuration 26 as noted in FIG. 3 to prohibit any excessive stresses being placed on the wrapper material 13 as it is rapidly moved from the plug receiving station to loading station during the operation of the machine. The folding of the marginal portions of the wrapper 13 about the spaced plugs 14 thereon thus defines a pocket 27 between the spaced end plugs.

Disposed at a point downstream from the plug positioning station, there is provided a filling station 28 containing a supply of readily flowable, absorbent type, filter material, as for example, granulated particles of activated charcoal or the like 15. The filling station 28 comprises essentially a hopper 28A for containing the supply of readily flowable absorbent material or activated charcoal 15, and an associated rotatable turret filling head 29 of a type as disclosed in U.S. Letters Pat. No. 2,540,059. The hopper portion 28A consists of a receptacle having an offset lower end portion defining a discharge opening disposed contiguous to a peripheral portion of the rotating filling head turret 29. The filling head turret 29 comprises of a rotatably mounted rotor member 29A which has formed therein one or more radially extending measuring chambers 29B for receiving therein an accurate predetermined measured amount of readily flowable material 15 as the respective measuring chambers 29B of the rotor 29A are brought into communication with the discharge end 28B of the hopper. The arrangement of the turret filling head 29 is such that the respective measuring chambers 29B are rotated ⁵ between a filling position, i.e. when the measuring chambers 29B are disposed at the top of the rotor 29A and a discharging position, when for example, the successive chambers 29B are rotated approximately 180 degrees clockwise relative to the filling position as evident in FIG. 1. The respective measuring ⁰ chambers 29B of the turret filling head! 29 are thus successively filled and discharged as the turret head is rotated in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,540,059. Briefly described, the chambers 29B of the turret head 29 are 15 connected to a source of negative pressure or vacuum as the chambers are successively brought into communication with the discharge end 28B of the hopper 28. In this manner each of the respective chambers 29B as they reach the filling position thereof at the top of the rotor 29A is charged with a 2q predetermined amount of absorbent material. The vacuum is maintained on the chambers as they are rotated from the filling position at the top of the wheel to the dispensing position displaced substantially 180° therefrom. The vacuum tends to maintain the materials 15 within the chamber 29B. Im25 mediately prior to the chamber 29B reaching the discharging position thereto, the chamber is subjected to a positive pressure which effectively causes the material 15 retained within the measuring chamber to be positively expelled therefrom.

A conveyor means 30 in the form of an endless line of a plu30 rality of connected funnelling means 31 is operatively disposed with respect to the filling head turret 29. As best seen in FIG. 1, a flight or portion 31A of the endless line of connected funnelling means 31 is arranged to be guided between the rotary filling head turret 29 and the moving strip of 35 wrapper material 13 whereby the absorbent filter material withdrawn from the hopper 28 is directed to the respective spaces 27 defined between adjacent plugs 14 spaced along the wrapper strip of material 13.

Referring to FIG. 1, the endless conveyor means 30 illus40 trated comprises an endless chain means 32 threaded over a plurality of sprockets 33, 34, 35, 36, rotatably journaled on a vertical supporting member 27. The respective sprocket means are rotatably journaled about suitable spindles 33A, 34A, 35A, 36A projecting outwardly from the vertical sup⁴⁵ port. Preferably each of the respective sprocket means 33—36, 36C include a pair of spaced sprocket wheels, e.g. 33B, 33C and 36B 36C, journaled to the respective shafts for accommodating the endless drive chain 30 to which the fun_θ nelling means are connected.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5 the funnel drive chain means 32 comprises a pair of spaced link chains 32A, 32B between which the connected funnels 31 are pivotedly secured by transversely extending pins 39. Each of the connected funnels ₅₅ are bucket shaped. Accordingly each bucket shaped funnel 31 is provided with complimentary interfitting surfaces whereby the adjacent funnels 31 may be connected in the manner similar to that of the chain links so that the line of connected funnels may be readily flexed as the connected chains 32A, 60 32B driving the funnels 31 are guided between its spaced sprocket wheels of their respective sprockets means 33, 34, 35,36.

As shown in FIG. 3, each funnel 31 is provided in an inlet end portion 40 which is adapted to pass immediately below 65 the turret filling head 29 for receiving the charge of absorbent material 15, as the material is discharged from the respective measuring chamber 29B. The discharge end portion 41 of the respective funnels is adapted to register with the space or pocket 27 defined between spaced plugs 14. As noted in FIG. 70 3, the inlet end 40 diverges or tapers toward the discharge end 41·

The endless chains 32A, 32B and connected funnels 31 therebetween are disposed so that lower flight portions 31A thereof in rounding sprocket means 36 positions the respec75 tive funnels 31 between the marginal portions of the wrapper

3,545,345 material 13 as it folds about the end plugs 14 spaced thereon. As best seen in FIG. 3, the marginal portions of the wrapper 13 in folding are brought to embrace the outer wall surfaces of the respective funnels 31.

The length of the respective funnels 31 is substantially equal 5 to the space between adjacent plugs and the end walls which defined the discharge opening 41 are provided with an undercut portion 42 shaped to hug the peripheral portion of the adjacent end plugs 14 to define end seals for the space formed therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the marginal portions of the wrapper 13 embracing the outer side walls of the respective funnels 31, and the end walls of the funnel discharge opening 41 bearing on the facing end portions of the respective adjacent plugs 14 define the respective pockets 27 _tinto which the absorbent material 15 is directed. ¹ '

As shown in FIG. 1, a flight 31A of the moving line of funnel 31 is disposed between the longitudinal end folds of the wrapper material, and moves in unison with the moving wrapper strip 13. Accordingly as the funnels of flight 31 and ₂^ wrapper 13 move in sychrbnization with the rotary turret filling head 29, a predetermined charge of filtering material is discharged into each of the funnels passing through the discharge point of the respective chamber 29B. Thus the flow of filter material from the funnels to the respective spaces ₂j between end plugs is effected by gravity.

To facilitate the flow of filter material through the respective funnels so as to reduce the run of flight 31A to a minimum and thereby reduce the time requirement to effect flow of the filter through the funnels 31 and to further minimize the for- 3Q mation of voids in the absorbent filter material deposited in the spaces 27 to form a more dense filter, a means 50 is provided downstreamwise of the rotary filling head 29 to impart an impact or series of impacts to the successively moving funnel 31. The means 50 comprises a longitudinally extending 35 support bar 51 suitably supported between the spaced chains 32A, 32B and space thereabove. Pivotally connected to the support bar 51 or a plurality of spaced tamper fingers 52. Each tamper finger 52 is pivotally connected to the support bar 51 by a pivot pin 53. As best seen in FIG. 1 each tamper finger is 40 arranged to extend downward toward the flight 31A of connected funnels passing therebeneath. The respective finger 52 are sufficiently long so as to extend slightly into each of the funnels 31 or between the opposed transversely extending pins 39 securing the funnels 31 between spaced chains 32A, 32B. 45 Each finger 52 is further biased by a spring member 54 which has one end 54A engaging finger 52 and its other end 54B fixed against the top of the bar 51. An intermediate portion 54C of the spring is looped about pivot pin 53. The construction and function of springs 54 is such that each finger is biased against rotation about its pivot 53.

In operation the movement of the connected funnels 31 of flight 31A passing under fingers 52 is such that the fingers are ratcheted across the top of the respective funnels when the apparatus is placed in operation. That is as the moving line of funnels 31 pass each finger, the fingers are rotated clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1 against the bias of the springs 54 acting thereon as the leading end of the funnels engage it. As the tamper finger is displaced permitting the leading end of engag- gQ ing funnel to pass thereunder, the resistance or energy stored in the respective displaced spring will forcibly return or restore the fingers 52. In so doing a sharp impact is impacted to the funnels of the return of the tamper finger as it will strike the trailing end of the funnels, which then becomes the leading (,5 portion of the next succeeding funnel. Accordingly with a rapidly moving line of connected funnels moving past the pivoted line of fingers, the respective fingers 52 are ratcheted across the top of the moving funnels to impart a series of impacts or vibration to the funnels. The impacts thus imparts to 70 the funnels results in enhancing the flow of the filter material through the funnels to ensure positive flow of the material therethrough. Because the ends of wrapper material enclose the sides of the funnel, the impact or vibration imparted thereto is also transmitted to the wrapper material. The ar- 75 rangement thus facilitates the settling of the filter powdered material within the respective pockets 27 and in doing so will tend to eliminate any voids which may other wise tend to from within the spaces between plugs. By the elimination of voids in 5 the spaces between end plugs 14, a more firm and dense powdered filter portion is attained between plugs to result in a more efficient and satisfactory filter tip. With the construction described, the powdered filter material, under the influence of gravity and enhanced by the imparts imparted to the moving 10 funnels is compacted in situ within the respective spaces between end plugs 14.

As the respective chains of the lower flight of funnels 31 round sprocket means 33, the respective funnels are progressively withdrawn or removed from between the spaced lon15 gitudinal end folds of the wrapper material which continues moving in a straight line. At a position beyond sprocket 33, the opposed ends of the wrapper material are folded over the respective end plugs and powdered filter portion disposed therebetween to complete the formation of the continuous rod ²θ of connected filter portions.

To maintain the respective funnels 31 in sealing relationship with the respective spaces 27 disposed in communication therewith, a chain guide is provided. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the chain guide comprises complementing guide blocks 43,44 fixed to the vertical support 37 by suitable supports 45. The respective guide blocks 43, 44 are spaced so as to permit the link roller bearings 46 of the respective links of chains 32A, 32B to roll in a track 47 defined in the guide blocks 43, 44. By extending the guide blocks 43,44 along the lower flight portion of the chain substantially coextensively therewith, a firm and rigid support is provided for the otherwise flexible chains. The guides 43, 44 thus prohibits dislodging of the respective funnels 31 from their sealed position relative to the 22 wrapper material 13 and end plugs 14 carried thereon as the funnels move through the loading station.

At a point beyond the station at which the wrapper material is completely folded about the compacted absorbent material and the adjacent fibrous end tips, the filter tips are then in40 dividually severed into predetermined length whereupon the rolled tobacco portion 12 of the cigarette is then joined to the filter tip by suitable bands 16 as is well known to those skilled in the art.

With the method and apparatus defined, it will be noted that 45 when the opposed end portions of the wrapper material is folded into sealing relationship onto the plugs 14 and the absorbent material 15 disposed therebetween, that a firm filter is formed which is devoid of voids and looseness. Thus the absorbent filter portion thus formed provides for optimum filter50 ing characteristics while at the same time ensuring that the smoke can be readily drawn thereto.

The method and apparatus set forth further insures that a filter tip of composite construction can be readily formed in a continuous manner at speeds comparable to the speeds of the 55 other cigarette forming operations. Thus an important aspect of this invention resides in the means whereby the density of the absorbent material disposed in the space between end plugs is assured and formed in situ on a rapidly moving wrapper for obtaining an optimum filtering efficiency.

While the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.