Patent ID: 6553999
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: A24C

Abstract:
An apparatus for assembling a preformed tubular band of filter cover material onto a preformed tobacco-bearing component which comprises a filter fixed end-to-end with a tobacco rod, said apparatus comprising:a first guide to receive said tubular band; a second guide to receive said tobacco rod; an assembly cylinder positioned between and in axial alignment with said first and second guides, said assembly cylinder having at a first end thereof adjacent said first guide an entry bushing which has a bore of a length and diameter corresponding to that of the filter cover, and at a second end an introducer bushing that has a bore substantially corresponding to the outer diameter of said tobacco rod, and between said entry bushing and said introducer bushing a sizing disc having a bore that tapers in the direction towards said entry bushing adjacent which it has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of said entry bushing bore; said apparatus including a first movable member that is engageable with said tubular band to advance it along said first guide towards and into the assembly cylinder, and a second member that is engageable with said tobacco bearing component to advance the latter along said second guide towards and into said assembly cylinder.