Method and apparatus for making composite filter rod
AssigneeMolins Limited
InventorDesmond W. Molins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Improvements relating to composite filter rods, for producing composite filters for attachment to cigarettes, are obtained by partially enclosing a stream of spaced filter portions in a continuous wrapper so that pockets between the filter portions for receiving granular filter material are particularly well-defined. The material is introduced into the pockets through a relatively narrow opening defined on one side by the free edge of one side of the wrapper and on the other side by a longitudinal fold line in the wrapper. After filling, the part of the wrapper beyond the fold line is sealed over to complete the rod.
Claims18
A method of making composite filter rod comprising feeding a stream of axially spaced filter portions in an axial direction;
- feeding a wrapper having a width which is greater than the circumference of said filter portions;
- partially enclosing the stream in said wrapper so that said wrapper extends more than 180.degree. around the space between adjacent filter portions leaving an opening having a width in the range of 15 to 75% of the diameter of the filter portions, said wrapper being longitudinally folded to produce a horizontal fold or bend line between an inner and an outer part of said wrapper, said inner part extending around said space toward said opening and said outer part extending away from said opening at an angle less than 90.degree. to said inner part at said fold or bend line, and said line defining one side of said opening;
- introducing loose filtering material into the space between the filter portions through said opening;
- and converting said opening with said outer part of the wrapper to complete the rod.
Apparatus for making composite filter rod comprising means for conveying a stream of axially spaced filter portions in an axial direction;
- means for feeding a continuous wrapper having a width sufficient to entirely enclose the stream;
- means for partially enclosing the stream in the wrapper so that the wrapper extends more than 180.degree. around the stream to define an axial opening having a width in the range of 15 to 75% of the diameter of the portions;
- first guide means for folding at least one side of the wrapper so that an inner part extends around the stream towards said opening and an outer part extends away from said opening, said first guide means including respective surfaces for supporting said inner and outer parts of said wrapper and having a junction over which said wrapper is folded, said surfaces subtending an angle less than 90.degree. at said junction;
- means for inserting loose filtering material into the spaces between the filter portions while said wrapper is constrained by said first guide means;
- second guide means for subsequently folding said outer part of the wrapper over said opening;
- and means for sealing the stream in said wrapper to complete the rod.
Apparatus for making composite filter rod comprising means for conveying a stream of axially spaced filter portions in an axial direction;
- means for feeding a continuous wrapper having a width sufficient to entirely enclose the stream;
- means for partially enclosing the stream in the wrapper so that the wrapper extends more than 180.degree. around the stream to define an axial opening having a width of less than the diameter of the portions;
- first guide means for folding at least one side of the wrapper so that an inner part extends around the stream towards said opening and an outer part extends away from said opening, said first guide means including respective surfaces for supporting said inner and outer parts and having a junction over which said wrapper is folded, said surfaces subtending an angle less than 90.degree. at said junction and suction means to constrain said outer part of the wrapper;
- means for inserting loose filtering material into the spaces between the filter portions while said wrapper is constrained by said first guide means;
- second guide means for subsequently folding said outer part of the wrapper over at least part of said opening;
- and means for sealing the stream in said wrapper to complete the rod.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.