Conveying rod-like articles

Abstract

Apparatus for assembling and forming first and second articles of rod-like configuration into at least one composite rod includes a wheel (14) for alternately axially separating the first articles or tobacco sections (10) which are then transversely shifted in opposite directions by a wheel (16) onto two parallel moving conveyors on which the first articles or tobacco sections are spaced axially forming respective rod lines (11A, 11B). The second articles or filter portions (20) are conveyed towards the respective conveyors and introduced into the spaces between the first articles or tobacco sections on each rod line by means of a further wheel (18). The second articles or filter portions may be initially supplied as a single line and divided into two streams by staggering on the wheel (18). Some of the first articles or tobacco sections and second articles or filter portions on each rod line are moved axially relative to other first and second articles to assemble them into spaced groups by a timing wheel (28). A single continuous wrapper (104) may be longitudinally slit and then cut into wrapper sections. The wrapper sections are wrapped around the assembled first articles or tobacco sections and second articles or filter portions to unite the assembled first and second articles in each rod line.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.