Apparatus for inserting microcapsule objects into a filter element of a smoking article, and associated method

An apparatus for forming a cigarette filter rod member defining a longitudinal axis, the apparatus comprising:

• a rod-forming unit configured to form a continuous supply of a filter material into a continuous cylindrical rod member;
• an insert forming unit configured to engage a plurality of frangible microcapsule objects with a carrier;
• and
• an insertion unit configured to insert the carrier carrying the plurality of frangible microcapsule objects into the rod member.