Patent ID: 7296578
Filing Date: 2007-11-20
Classification: A24C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for producing a cigarette having additive material applied to the outer wrapper thereof, the apparatus comprising: (a) means for supplying two formed cigarette rods, a double length filter element therebetween, and a tipping material as components of a two-up cigarette assembly; (b) means for rotating the cigarette assembly about its longitudinal axis in a controlled manner to form a two-up cigarette from the two formed cigarette rods, the double length filter element and the tipping material, said means for rotating comprising (i) a roll drum, and (ii) a cooperating roll block; and (c) means for applying a predetermined pattern of an additive material to at least one predetermined region of each cigarette rod as the cigarette assembly is rotated on said means for rotating, wherein the means for applying comprises a plurality of printing surfaces on the roll drum, each one of the plurality of printing surfaces having an elongated shape that extends essentially perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the cigarette assembly, and wherein the roll drum has a plurality of transverse grooves sized for supporting the two-up cigarette, and each transverse groove has a plurality of recesses aligned with the predetermined region where the additive material is applied to the two-up cigarette.