Machine for making recessed composite filter mouthpieces

In a machine for producing a filter rod which is subdivided into recessed composite filter mouthpieces, the combination of means for assembling dissimilar filter plugs into a series of groups of assorted coaxial filter plugs, including means for moving the plugs and the groups sideways;

• means for conveying an adhesive-coated web of wrapping material lengthwise;
• means for transferring successive groups of said series onto the moving web, one behind the other so that the transferred groups form a rod-like filler consisting of coaxial groups, said transferring means including at least one phantom plug and holder means for placing said phantom plug between a previously transferred group and the next-following group and for withdrawing the phantom plug as soon as the next-following group adheres to the moving web whereby the withdrawal of said phantom plug results in the formation of a gap between neighboring groups of the filler, said holder means comprising a flute for reception and retention of a group during transfer from said assembling means to the moving web, said phantom plug being located at the forward end of said flute, as considered in the direction of movement of said web;
• and means for draping the moving web about said filler to form a continuous filter rod wherein said groups alternate with gaps.