US1967610A - Manufacture of cigarettes - Google Patents

Description

July 24, 1934. w. M. EDWARDS 1,967,610

MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTES Filed Sept. 18, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet l July 24, 1934. w. M. EDWARDS 1,967,610

MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTES Filed Sept. 18, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 \NVENTOR WILLIAM M EDWARDS ATTORNEY July 24, 1934. w. M. EDWARDS MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTES Filed Sept. 18, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 July 24, 1934. w. M. EDWARDS MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTES Filed Sept. 18, 1935 July 24, 1934. w. M. EDWARDS VMANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTES Filed Sept. 18, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented July 24, I934 UNITED- STATES MANUFACTURE or CIGARETTES William Maitland Edwards London, England, assignor to Peter Jackson (Tobacco Manufacturer) Limited, London, England, a British ccmpany Application September 18,1933, Serial No. 690,008

, In Great Britain September 5, 1932 21 Claims. (01. 1315) This invention'relates to the manufacture of cigarettes and is particularly concerned with the manufacture ofv filtertip cigarettes.

The invention has among its objects to provide an improved apparatus for converting ordinary cigarettes into filter tip or mouthpiece cigarettes of improved quality and finish at high speed while reducing the wastage due to various causes in the apparatus heretofore proposed for producing such cigarettes, more specifically, to provide improved means for extracting a quantity of tobacco from the mouthpiece end of cigarettes in such manner as to avoid any substantial disintegration or breaking up or otherwise damaging of the tobacco such as would render the same unfit for further use, and to provide means for ensuring the completev clearanceof the mouthpiece end of the cigarettes to the required depth for the reception of filter tips or mouthpieces.

The invention further has among its objects to provide an improved intermittently rotatable drum or carrier by which the cigarettes are carried successively into position for the operation thereon of tobacco-extracting and other devices, and to provide improved means for gripping the cigarettes located in the chambers in the drum or carrier.

The invention is hereinafterdescribed by way of example with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:-

Figure l is a plan view illustrating one embodiment of apparatus adapted for carrying out the invention:

Fig s. la, 1b and 1c are enlarged fragmentary perspective views of portions of the structure shown in Fig. l; V

Figure 2 is a front elevation corresponding to Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an end elevation corresponding to Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-section on the line IV-IV,

Figure 1; V I

Figure 5 is a cross-section oi the cylinderon the. line VV, Figure 2; and V Figure 6 is a cross-section of the line VI--VI, Figure 2.

In. carrying the invention into effect and with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawingspthe cigarettes, which are fed one by one by any suitable means, for example from a feed hopper 10, are received in channels or grooves 11a in the: periphery ofa cylinder 11 which, is. intermittently rotated to carry the cigarettes successively into alignment with devices for efiecting the various operations, and which during the period of non-rotation is reciprocated axially to carrythe cigarettes which are held in the channels or grooves successively into engagement-with theseries, of operating the cylinder on devices. The cylinder 11 may be rotatably an slidably mounted on a fixed spindle 12 and may be provided with a double thrust bearing 11b or the equivalent for the connection of one end of a double link 13 which is actuated by a crank 14 or the like to efiect the reciprocatory movement of the cylinder 11. The step-by-step rotary movement of the cylinder 11 preferably is effected by means of a member 15 which is fixed to a spindle 16 reciprocated on an axis at right angles to the axis of the cylinder 11, such member 15 having a pair of arms or the like forming jaws 15a and adapted, when the cylinder 11 is in its rearmost position on the spindle 12, to engage with one of a circumferential series of rollers 11c or the equivalent projecting from the rear end of the cylinder, it being understood that the return movement of the jaws 15a is effected by a spring 17a while the cylinder 11 is in the forward position and that in the movement of the jaws, by means such as a cam 17, in the other direction when the cylinder 11 is in the rear position and one of the rollers 110 is in engagement with the jaws 15a, the cylinder 11 is rotated through the required angle. During its axial movement and while in the forward position, the cylinder 11 is held against rotation, for example by the provision of a fixed block 18 or bar which may be of wedge formation and which is adapted to engage with one of a circumferential series of correspondingly shaped grooves 11d in the periphery of the cylinder, the arrangement being such that the said block 18 or bar is disengaged from the respective grooves lid on the rearward movement of the cylinder after the respective roller 110 has passed axially into engagement with the jaws 15a referred to.

Each of the chambers in the cylinder 11 comprises an open channel 11a preferably of greater width than the thickness of the cigarettes and of such length that the cigarette may be fed into such channel from a hopper or other feed device, and. a tubular bore lle extending from one .end ofv the channel 11a and preferably terminating in an inturned lip'llf adapted to engage the end of the cigarette paper tube when the cigarette is moved. axially into the said bore lie. The cigarettes are fed into the open channels 11a when the cylinder 11 is ina forward position and during the back stroke of the cylinder 11 rearward movement of the cigarette is obstructed by a fixed stop 19 which may be spring-loaded and by which the cigarette is movedaxially so that its mouthpiece end passes into the tubular bore lle extending from the channel 110. and abuts against the inturned lip 11f referred to. Rearward movement of the cigarette out of the bore ile while the cigarette carried. from stage to stage and until the discharge position is reached is prevented by a ring-like or segmental member 20- extending from a position near the feed device 10 to near the discharging position and slidably mounted upon a rod 21 or other support so as to be capable of moving axially with the cylinderllwhich has a circumferential slot 119 or the like co-. operating with the ring 'or segmental member 20 so as to cause the latter to move With the cylinder 11. Part 20a of the ring 20 may be detachable and may be inclined, as shown, so that the cigarettes are fed gradually into the bore lle during the step-by-step rotation of the cylinder 11.

I For the purpose of gripping each cigarette while it is in position opposite one of the operating devices,'a presser bar 22 is pivotally conwards towards the axis of the cylinder so as,

to engage the cigarette, and is maintained in engagement therewith while'the forward movement is completed and while the cigarette is subjected to the respective operating devices and until the cylinder 1 1 has nearly completed its rearward movement The presser bar 22 is preferably of such length as to engagethe-major part of the length of the'cigarette from a position adjacent the part of the cigarette which is to receive the filter tip or mouthpiece, the tubular bore 116 being slotted longitudinally at 11h to accommodate the presser bar 22. Furthermore, the presser bar 22 advantageously is spring-loaded, as by means of a flat leaf or Wire spring 22c, so as to exert more pressure upon the cigarette nearer to the mouthpiece end thereof. Such method of gripping the cigarette avoids any marking thereof and also provides a measureof support throughout the length of the cigarette avoiding any buckling tendency. The support 23a for the fixed cams 23 co-operating with the gripping devices at the positions opposite the devices for extracting the tobacco and facing the end of the tobacco left in'the cigarette may be carried by the housing for the mechanism of such operating devices, while the fixed cams 23b foroperating the gripping devices arranged opposite the means for inserting the filter tip or mouthpiece and'for finally positioning the latter may be mounted'upon the bed 24 of the machine. Inthe case of the latter gripping devices the presser bar 22 may be pivoted to one end of a fiat spring member 22 fixed to a 1ug'20b-on the ring 20 and guided by a forked lug 200, the spring 22f having a curved or other suitably shaped member 22g on the underside to co-operate withthe cam 23b.

Itwill be'understood that by the means described the cigarettes are completely supported at the mouthpiece end during treatment in such manner as to obviate any possibility of bursting or tearing of the paper under the action of the operating devices and, furthermore, are firmly gripped and held in the chambers in the cylinder 11 during the various operations without marking-or damaging the cigarettes in any way.

- At the first operating stage position the forward movement of the cylinder 11 carries the cigarette held by the respective gripping device into engagement with the tobacco-extracting means which may comprise a pair of fixedly mounted needles orlike members 25 each having a pointed barb 25a at the extremity and at the inner side and a pair of similar needles or like members 26 having barbs 26a and carried by a slide 27 which is actuated, for example, through a rod 27a by means such as a suitably timed cam 28 and return spring 28a so that before or during the entry of the needles or like members 25, 26 into the tobacco the two pairs thereof are spaced apart and enter the mouthpiece end of the cigarette adjacent the Wall thereof and so that before or during the extracting movement the needles or like members 26 carried by the slide 27 are moved towards the fixed needles or like members 25 so as to grip the tobacco in'the mouthpiece end of the cigarette and ensure its withdrawal. It will be understood that by such means the-required quantity of tobacco is extracted more or less in the form of a tuft or plug without any substantial breaking up or disintegration and consequently when such extracted tobacco is removed from the extracting unit it is suitable for re-use in the making of further cigarettes. Two or more extracting units such as described may be provided to extract the tobacco in two or more stages, each cigarette being carried by the cylinder 11 successively'into engagement with the extracting units.

The means for the removal of the extracted tobacco from the extracting unit may consist of a flat plate or blunt-edged blade 29 mounted upon a slide 29a or the' equivalent so that it may be'reciproca'te'd between the needles or like members 25, 26 of the extracting unit when they are open. -Advantageously such reciprocating member 29 maybe arranged to pass between the pair of fixed needles or like members 25-and between the pair of movable needles crime members 26 and preferably it'is controlled by means of a cam' 30'through levers 30a, 30b, 30c and links-30d so that it executes a number of reciprocations during each clearing operation, the blade 29 preferably moving further between the needles or like'members" at each-riciprocation under the action of the spring 30c. Alter natively, or in addition to the blade '29, a plunger may be arranged to pass axially between the needles 25, 26 when open. I 4

At a subsequent sta'gepositiona butterfly or like cutter 31 upon the end of a spindle 31a rotated at high-speed through suitable'gearing consisting for example of gear wheels 32, 33, 34", 35, 36 and 'pulley 37', 38 with driving belt 39, is arranged to face up the end of thetobacco remainingin the cigarette. 'The gearwheel 36 and pulley 37 maybe mounted ona sleeve-"4 0 freelyrotatable on the spindle 41 to Which the cams 28, 30 and 50 are fixed. Conveniently the cutter spindle 31a and-associated gearing is mounted in an upstanding fixed-casing 42 which also I accommodates the slide 2'7 carrying the movable needles 26 'or like members and the mechanism for operating the reciprocating clearer member 29. If desired two or more of such facing cutters 31 may be utilized in succession. The-facing cutter 31 does notconstitute an integral or essential part of the'tobaccoextracting means but serves-only for facing up the end of the tobacco leftin the 'end of the cigarette to ensure that the filter tip 'or' mouthpiece will abut squarely against the end of the tobacco. At a subsequent stageposition a fixed nozzle 43 is provided by which a blast of compressed air from a pipe 43a is directed into the mouthpiece end of the cigarette so as to blow outany dust or loose fragments formed by the facing operation. Alternatively a suction pipe may be employed.

By the means herein described it will be seen that the desired quantity of tobacco is extracted from the mouthpiece end of the cigarette in such manner as to avoid waste due to disintegration or breaking up of the tobacco during the extraction, while, furthermore, the cavity in the mouthpiece end of the cigarette is definitely cleared to the required depth for the reception of the fil"er tip or mouthpiece.

At the next, or at a subsequent, stage position, a reciprocatable spoon 44 enters the mouthpiece end of the cigarette when the cylinder is at or near its forward position, such spoon being associated with filter tip or mouthpiece forming apparatus 45 from which the spoon 44 has previously received a filter tip or mouthpiece which,

on the return or withdrawing movement of the in the cigarette.

I spoon 44, is ejected therefrom by means of a pawl or like device 44a extending through a longitudinal slot 44b in the wall of the spoon 44. The spoon 44 may be carried by an arm 44c fixed to a rod 46 suitably reciprocated by cam mechanism (not shown). At the next, or at a subsequent, stage position a fixed stop 47 abuts against the filter tip or mouthpiece when the cylinder 11 reaches or nears its forward position to ensure the accurate positioning of the same At the next stage position fixed or suitably timed reciprocating plung engages with the filter tip or mouthpiece d. the forward movement of the cylinder 11 so that the filter tip cigarette is removed axially from the tube or bore 116 and is thereby released from the cylinder 11. The plunger 48 may be provided with a tongue 48a which passesthrough a longitudinal slot 11 3 in the wall of the tube or bore 11c and is adapted to engage with the mouthpiece end of the cigarette to ensure the removal thereof from the tube or bore 11c with the filter tip or mouthpiece correctly positioned fiush with the end of the cigarette. The completed cigarettes may fall away freely from the cylinder 11 and may be delivered onto a conveyor belt or trough or into a hopper or other receptacle.

The feed of the cigarettes from the feed hopper or device 10 one by one into the chambers in the drum 11 may be effected for example by means comprising a slide 1% operated through a lever 10b and rod 49 by a cam 50 on the spindle 41 and a return spring (not shown). The spindie 51 carrying the cam 17 and pulley 38 may be driven through gears 52, 53 from a main drivingshaft 54 which also drives the 41 through bevel gears 55 and spiral gears 56.

The filter tips inserted may be of any suitable kind and preferably embody layers of crepe paper rolled, bunched or otherwise consolidated into the form of a plug. Alternatively, mouthpieces of any other suitable kind may inserted as desired.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular details and embodiments hereinbefore described. For instance, in the tobacco-extractingunit three needles or like members may be provided, one of which is movable towards and away from the other two, or more than four needles or like members may be provided in each unit, or the extracting means may comprise pincer devices which may have the blades or operative portions thereof toothed or serrated in such manner as to ensure a more positive withdrawal of the tobacco thereby. Alternatively, the pincer devices may be replaced by other means, such as a fixed needle or rod, or an assembly of fixed needles or rods, having one or more suitably disposed barbs or the equivalent which, while capable of entering the tobacco freely, will, on the return movement, engage and withdraw the tobacco in the form of a tuft.

Furthermore, will be understood that the apparatus in accordance with the invention advantageously is mounted upon or associated with filter tip or mouthpiece forming apparatus of any suitable kind from which the filter tips or mout pieces are received by a spoon or spoons for insertion into the cigarettes.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, such apparatus comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for efiecting relative movement between saidunit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, a reciprocating spoon device for inserting a filter tip into the cavity formed in the cigarette, an intermittently movable carrier for conveying the cigarettes into alignment with the gripping unit and the said spoon, and means for discharging the cigarettes from the carrier.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gripping unit comprises a number of pointed members having barb-like gripping parts.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including a blade and means for reciprocating the blade between the members of the gripping unit when the latter is clear of the cigarette for removing the tuft of tobacco extracted by the gripping unit therefrom.

4. Apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, such apparatus comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft, avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, a butterfly cutter rotating at high speed and arranged and operated to face up the end of the tobacco remaining in the cigarette, a reoiprocable spoon device for inserting a filter tip into the. cavity formed in the cigarette, an intermittently movable carrier for conveying the cigarettes into alignment with the gripping unit, the cutter and the reciprocable spoon device, and means for discharging the cigarettes fromthe carrier.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein a compressed air nozzle is provided to remove any dust left in the cavity formed in the mouthpiece end of the cigarette.

6. Apparatus asset forth in claim 1, including a feed device for feeding cigarettes to be treated into chambers in the carrier, each of said chambers comprising an open channel adapted for the reception of the cigarettes from said. feed device and a tubular bore extending from one end .of the channel and adapted to embrace the cigarette moved axially thereinto.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, including,

a feed device for feeding cigarettes to be treated into chambers in the carrier, each of said chambers comprising an open channel adapted for the reception of the cigarette from said feed device and a tubular bore extending from one end of the channel and adapted to embrace the cigarette moved axially thereinto.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, including a feed device for feeding cigarettes to be treated into chambers in the carrier, each of said chambers comprising an open channel adapted for the reception of the cigarette from said feed device and a tubular bore extending from one end of the channel and adapted to embrace the cigarette moved axially thereinto, such tubular bore having aninturned lip against which the end of the cigarette paper tube abuts.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim i, including presser bars engaging along the major part of the length of the cigarettes for holding the cigarettes during engagement with the gripping unit andcutter.

10. In an apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, a device for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for eifecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the ci arette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco.

11. In an apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette toprovide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, a device for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said'unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, and means for facing the end of the'tobaccoremaining in the cigarette. I I

12. In an apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, a device for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigaretta'said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adaptedupon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, means for facing the end of the tobacco remaining in the cigarette, and means for removing all loose to bacco from the cavity formed in the end of the cigarette. l

13. In an apparatus for the manufacture of V cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, adevice for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end ofa cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting'a .part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or-breaking up ofethe strands of the extracted tobacco, means for facing the end of the tobacco remaining inthe cigarette, and means for pneumatically removing small bits of tobacco and dust from the cavity formed in the end of the cigarette.

14. In an apparatus for the manufacture, of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for'the reception of a filter tip, a device for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for eas'y insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal'from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, and areciprocating blade for removing the tuft of tobacco A from the gripping unit upon its removal from the cigarette. I

15. In an apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, a device'for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, and a rotary facing tool for facing the end of the tobacco remaining in the cigarette.

16. In an apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, a device for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, a rotary facing tool for facing the end of the tobacco re-- maining in the cigarette, and means for bringing the tool into engagement with the tobacco remaining in the cigarette.

17. In an apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, a device for removing tobacco from the end of a cigarette comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, said unit being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, a rotary facing tool for facing the end of the tobacco remaining in the cigarette, and means for pneumatically removing small bits of tobacco and dust from the cavity formed in the end of the cigarette.

18. Apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, such apparatus comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, certain of said members being fixedly mounted, means for movably mounting other of said members for movement toward and away from the fixedly mounted members, and means for actuating the movable members so that before or during the withdrawal of the unit from the cigarette they are moved toward the fixed members to grip tobacco located between them more firmly and effect its removal in the form of a tuft.

19. Apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, such apparatus comprising a gripping unit adapted to grip tobacco in the end of a cigarette, means for effecting relative movement between said unit and the cigarette to cause the entry and withdrawal of said unit into and from said cigarette, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette, certain of said members being fixedly mounted, means for movably mounting other of said members for movement toward and away from the fixedly mounted members, and means for actuating the movable members so that before or during the withdrawal of the unit from the cigarette they are moved toward the fixed members to grip tobacco located between them more firmly and effect its removal in the form of a tuft, said actuating means being operable for moving the mem bers apart after extraction of the tuft of tobacco to release the same.

20. Apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, such apparatus comprising a gripping unit, a rotary cigarette carrier, means for reciprocating the carrier toward and away from the gripping unit to effect entry into and with drawal of said unit from a cigarette in the carrier, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette and being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft, avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco.

21. Apparatus for the manufacture of cigarettes by a method wherein a part of the tobacco filling is extracted from the mouthpiece end of a cigarette to provide a cavity for the reception of a filter tip, such apparatus comprising a gripping unit, a rotary cigarette carrier, means for reciprocating the carrier toward and away from the gripping unit to effect entry into and withdrawal of said unitfrom a cigarette in the carrier, said unit consisting of a number of members pointed for easy insertion into the tobacco filling of the cigarette and being adapted upon withdrawal from the cigarette for engaging and extracting a part of the tobacco filling bodily in the form of a tuft, avoiding disintegration or breaking up of the strands of the extracted tobacco, a butterfly cutter rotating at high speed and arranged and operated to face up the end of the tobacco remaining in the cigarette, and a reciprocable spoon device for inserting a filter tip into the cavity formed in the cigarette, said carrier being intermittently rotatable for moving cigarettes carried thereby into alignment with the gripping unit, rotary cutter and spoon device, and means for discharging cigarettes from the carrier.

WILLIAM MAITLAN D EDWARDS.

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