Patent ID: 6446415
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method of forming groups of cigarettes on a cigarette packing machine; the packing machine (4) comprising a hopper (12) for supplying cigarettes (3); the hopper (12) comprising at least two groups (16, 17, 18) of outlets (15); each group (16; 17; 18) of outlets (15) comprising a number of outlets (15) ranging between one and a number equal to the number of layers (6) of cigarettes in each group (2) of cigarettes (3); and the outlets (15) in each group (16; 17; 18) of outlets (15) participating in forming a respective said group (2) of cigarettes (3); the method comprising the step of simultaneously intercepting respective streams of cigarettes (3) issuing from all the outlets (15) in a said group (16; 17; 18) of outlets (15) in response to a control signal; each of said streams of cigarettes (3) being intercepted by means of a respective intercepting member (30), which is moved to and from a work position, in which the intercepting member (30) stops the respective stream of cigarettes (5) and is located beneath the respective said outlet (15).