Apparatus for applying pulverulent coloring matter to webs of cigarette paper or the like

Apparatus for applying pulverulent coloring matter to a running web one side of which is at least partly adhesive, particularly for applying particles of bronzing material to a web of cigarette paper or the like, comprising a magazine for a supply of coloring matter;

• a transfer device positioned to apply coloring matter to said one side of the running web;
• means for transporting coloring matter from said magazine to said transfer device, said transporting means comprising a helical conveyor and said conveyor comprising a rotary component having a helical groove and a sleeve surrounding said rotary component, said sleeve having an opening through which some of the transported coloring matter is discharged into the range of said transfer device, an inlet located upstream of said opening and arranged to deliver coloring matter to said groove and an outlet communicating with said magazine and located downstream of said opening to return into said magazine coloring matter which advances in said groove beyond said opening;
• means defining a chamber for coloring matter which is transported by said conveyor, said transfer device extending into and receiving coloring matter from said chamber and said chamber receiving a portion of the coloring matter which is transported by said conveyor, said outlet being located downstream of said chamber, as considered in the direction of transport of coloring matter from said magazine, to return the remaining portion of said transported coloring matter into said magazine, said inlet being located upstream of said chamber, as considered in the direction of transport of coloring matter from said magazine to said chamber, and said transfer device being arranged to draw from said chamber coloring matter in quantities exceeding the quantity which is retained by said one side of the web so that the non-retained matter forms a surplus;
• and means for conveying said surplus to said conveyor.