Method and apparatus for incorporating objects into cigarette filters

A method for providing filter rods for use in the manufacture of smoking articles, each filter rod having objects individually spaced at predetermined intervals along a length thereof, the method comprising:

• supplying a continuous web of filter material from a source of filter material;
• rotating a vacuum-assisted insertion wheel having a peripheral face, the peripheral face defining a plurality of spaced pockets;
• introducing individual objects into the plurality of spaced pockets along the peripheral face of the insertion wheel, wherein the individual objects comprise an internal payload and an outer shell that surrounds the internal payload, and wherein each object is held within a pocket, and a vacuum is applied to at least a portion of the pockets to maintain the individual objects within the pockets during rotation of the insertion wheel;
• separating the continuous web of filter material;
• inserting at predetermined intervals the individual objects from within the pockets to within cavities formed where the web of filter material is separated;
• and
• compressing the continuous web of filter material to form a continuous rod of filter material having the individual objects positioned at the predetermined intervals within the rod.