Device and method for combining filter segments with cigarette rod segments in a machine for making cigarettes

A device for combining filter segments with cigarette rod segments in a filter tip attachment machine for making cigarettes, comprising:

• first feed means for feeding a succession of gummed connecting strips;
• second feed means for feeding a succession of groups, each comprising at least one cigarette rod segment and one filter segment abutted against each other end to end;
• a combining conveyor configured to receive the succession of groups from the second feed means in a first receiving station and to receive the succession of gummed connecting strips from the first feed means in a second receiving station located downstream of the first receiving station so that each gummed connecting strip is applied in flag-like manner on a respective group to connect the cigarette rod segment to the filter segment;
• a rolling drum which is coupled to the combining conveyor to receive from the combining conveyor, at a release stationer, a succession of groups, each provided with a gummed connecting strip applied in flag-like manner, and which is configured to roll the gummed connecting strip round the group;
• wherein it comprises compression means associated with the combining conveyor and acting downstream of the second, receiving station and upstream of the release station, along a predetermined trajectory from the second, receiving station to the release station, to produce compression between each group and the respective connecting strip applied in flag-like manner.