Equipment for insertion of objects into smoking articles

A method for manufacturing cigarette filter rods, the method comprising:

• (a) providing a continuous supply of filter material in a direction of travel;
• (b) forming the filter material into a continuous rod;
• (c) rotating a wheel in a vertical plane, in operable communication with the filter material such that a portion of the wheel contacts the filter material at a predetermined location, and such that general direction of travel of the rotating wheel and the filter material, when in contact, are in generally the same direction;
• (d) providing a lower hopper in communication with the rotatable wheel;
• (e) providing an upper hopper in communication with the lower hopper;
• (f) wrapping an overwrap material around the filter material;
• (g) adjusting speed of rotation of the wheel, using a drive mechanism, relative to feedback based on an inspection of the continuous supply of filter material by an inspection system arranged to provide the feedback to a controller in communication with the drive mechanism;
• (h) subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals;
• and
• (i) vibrating the upper hopper.