Patent ID: 6263883
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: A24C,B65G

Abstract:
An apparatus for conveying filter plugs from a plurality of filter plug makers to at least one filter assembler during cigarette production, comprisinga plurality of filter plug makers connected to a plurality of conveying segments leading to at least one filter assembler, andat least one interchange joining the plurality of conveying segments together between the plurality of filter assemblers and filter plug makers, said interchange comprisinga plurality of branch tubes joined together at an acute angle in an interchange chamber to form a main tube each of said branch tubes and said main tube connected to one of said conveying segments, anda flap positioned between at least two branch tubes of said plurality of branch tubes at the end of the interchange chamber, said flap facing said branch tubes and swivelable between a first position and a second position, said flap being held in each position by a holding device comprised of at least one magnet located within opposing sidewalls of said interchange chamber, whereby when the flap is positioned in the first position there is a connection between a first branch tube and the main tube, and when the flap is positioned in a second position there is a connection between a second branch tube and the main tubewhereby conveying segments extending from the filter plug makers are joined together to form one single conveying pathway leading to the filter assembler.