Tow handling system and method

A filter rod making operation comprising:

• supporting a machine-based guide from a filter rod making machine at a location and orientation relative to a boom of the filter rod making machine such that the machine-based guide introduces tow to the filter rod making machine vertically;
• allocating a first location adjacent the filter rod making machine as a first station suited for placement of a first tow bale;
• allocating a second floor space location adjacent the filter rod making machine as a second station suited for placement of a second tow bale;
• placing the first and second tow bales at the first and second stations, respectively;
• feeding a first continuous ribbon of tow from the first tow bale into the filter rod making machine by:
• vertically drawing the first continuous ribbon of tow from the first tow bale through a first station guide operative at the first station;
• and
• transversely drawing the first continuous ribbon of tow from the first station guide to the machine-based guide;
• upon depletion of tow from the first tow bale, feeding a second continuous ribbon of tow from the second tow bale into the filter rod making machine by:
• vertically drawing the second continuous ribbon of tow from tow bale through a second station guide operative at the second station;
• and
• transversely drawing the second continuous ribbon of tow from the second station guide to the machine-based guide;
• and
• upon depletion of tow from the second tow bale, replacing the first and second bales at the first and second stations as a set, respectively.

A filter making system comprising:

• a filter rod making machine comprising a boom;
• a machine-based guide supported from the filter rod making machine at a location and orientation relative to the boom of the filter rod making machine such that the machine-based guide introduces tow to the filter rod making machine vertically and consistent with an operational requirement of the filter rod making machine;
• a first station comprising:
• a first location suited for placement of a first tow bale adjacent the filter rod making machine;
• and
• a first station guide operatively disposed at the first location to vertically draw a first continuous ribbon of tow from the first tow bale and to direct the first continuous ribbon of tow transversely to the machine-based guide;
• whereby a first continuous ribbon of tow is feedable from the first tow bale into the filter rod making machine;
• a second station comprising:
• a second location suited for placement of a second tow bale adjacent the filter rod making machine;
• a second station guide operatively disposed at the second station to vertically draw a second continuous ribbon of tow from the second tow bale and to direct the second continuous ribbon of tow transversely to the machine-based guide;
• whereby the second continuous ribbon of tow is feedable from the second tow bale into the filter rod making machine upon cessation of the feeding of the first continuous ribbon of tow;
• the first and second stations being arranged to facilitate replacement of the first and second bales as a set.

A boom assembly of a filter rod making machine comprising:

• a first guide oriented and arranged to guide a ribbon of tow being drawn in a vertical direction toward the upper end portion of a boom of the filter rod making machine;
• a second guide oriented and arranged to receive a ribbon of tow being drawn from any of a plurality of predetermined locations of tow bales and to guide the received ribbon along a feed path to a roller location;
• a roller at the roller location oriented and arranged to redirect ribbon of tow from the direction of the feed path of the second ring guide into the vertical direction of the first ring guide;
• whereby ribbons of tow may be received by the assembly from any of a plurality of tow bales in a manner consistent with tow feeding requirements of the filter rod making machine.