Apparatus for transporting filter rod sections or the like

Apparatus which transports filter rod sections from a maker to a processing machine has a pneumatic sender which admits a file of sections into the inlet of a pneumatic conveyor whose outlet delivers sections to a receiver wherein the file of sections is converted into a row which is admitted into the magazine of the processing machine. A first photoelectronic detector monitors the travel of sections at the inlet of the conveyor and a second photoelectronic detector monitors the sections in the region of an accelerating device forming part of the receiver and serving to separate successive sections of the file from each other. The transducers of the detectors are connected with an evaluating circuit having several logic circuits one of which generates defect signals in response to detection of absence of delivery of sections from the sender into the conveyor, another of which generates defect signals in the absence of proper delivery of sections into the receiver, a third of which compares the numbers of impulses transmitted by the two detectors and generates a defect signal when the result of comparison indicates the presence of a pileup of sections in the outlet of the conveyor, and a fourth of which activates a pneumatic ejector if the width of gaps between successive sections downstream of the accelerating device is insufficient. The fourth logic circuit further serves to arrest the receiver when the spacing between the sections downstream of the accelerating device is insufficient to convert the file into a row, and to arrest the sender when the spacing between successive sections downstream of the accelerating device equals or approaches zero.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to apparatus for transporting rod-shaped 
articles which constitute or form part of smokers' products, and more 
particularly to improvements in apparatus for pneumatically transporting 
filter rod sections or analogous rod-shaped articles between producing and 
processing machines. 
It is already known to transport filter rod sections from a maker (e.g., a 
filter rod making machine which produces and delivers a file of discrete 
filter rod sections of multiple unit length) to one or more consuming or 
processing machines by resorting to pneumatic conveyors. Such transporting 
apparatus normally comprise a pneumatic sender which receives rod-shaped 
articles from the maker and introduces successive articles into the inlet 
of a pneumatic conveyor. The latter advances the file of successive 
articles to a receiver which, in turn, admits the articles into the 
magazine of a processing machine, e.g., into the magazine of a filter 
tipping machine wherein filter rod sections are united with plain 
cigarettes to form filter cigarettes of unit length or multiple unit 
length. As a rule, the receiver comprises a speed uniformizing device 
which delivers successive articles issuing from the pneumatic conveyor to 
an accelerating device so that successive articles of the file develop 
gaps which allow for conversion of the file into one or more rows wherein 
the articles travel sideways (i.e., transversely of their axes) and are 
fed into the magazine of the processing machine. Apparatus of the just 
outlined character are especially suited for transport of filter rod 
sections through considerable distances, e.g., from a battery of makers 
which are installed in one part of the manufacturing plant to a battery of 
processing machines which are grouped in another part of the same plant. 
It is also known to install a reservoir system between the maker and the 
corresponding sender or senders so as to ensure that eventual fluctuations 
in the rate at which a maker delivers rod-shaped articles and/or in the 
rate at which the sender is to deliver articles to a processing machine 
can be compensated for by increasing or reducing the supply of articles in 
the reservoir system. Suitable monitoring devices (e.g., photocells) can 
be installed in the pneumatic conveyor of each transporting apparatus in 
order to ascertain the presence or absence of rod-shaped articles in the 
pipeline. 
German Offenlegungsschrift No. 1,432,688 discloses a pneumatic transporting 
apparatus wherein a sender delivers filter rod sections into the inlet of 
a pneumatic conveyor and the latter delivers the filter rod sections to 
the processing machine. In order to ensure that an adequate supply of 
articles is always present upstream of the processing machine, and to 
further ensure that clogging of the pneumatic conveyor is detected without 
appreciable delay, the apparatus which is disclosed in this German 
publication comprises two photocells which are adjacent to the path of 
travel of filter rod sections in the pneumatic conveyor and are disposed 
one after the other. Signals which are generated by such photocells are 
used to regulate the admission of filter rod sections into the pneumatic 
conveyor. 
German Offenlegungsschrift No. 1,532,253 discloses an apparatus which 
delivers filter rod sections to a filter tipping machine. The apparatus 
comprises a sender, a receiver which is connected with the magazine of the 
filter tipping machine, and a pneumatic conveyor connecting the outlet of 
the sender with the inlet of the receiver. The path which is defined by 
the pneumatic conveyor is monitored by two photocells which are installed 
one after the other and serve the dual purpose of regulating the admission 
of filter rod sections into the pneumatic conveyor as well as of detecting 
eventual pileups of articles in the pipeline. 
A serious drawback of the above described conventional transporting 
apparatus is that the monitoring devices which are adjacent to the 
pneumatic conveyor can detect the existence of defects and/or malfunctions 
only after the fact, i.e., relatively soon or with a certain delay after 
the occurrence of a malfunction. For example, if the monitoring devices 
are designed to scan the path which is defined by the pneumatic conveyor 
for the presence or absence of a pileup, the detection of a pileup will 
take place with a certain delay after the development of malfunction or 
malfunctions which have initiated the pileup in the pneumatic conveyor. In 
other words, conventional monitoring devices are incapable of detecting 
eventual malfunctions as soon as they occur, and they are evidently 
incapable of detecting the development of potential causes of malfunctions 
so as to enable an attendant to eliminate such potential causes of 
malfunctions before they can adversely influence the output of the 
processing machine, totally clog the pneumatic conveyor and/or cause the 
production of a large number of defective rod-shaped articles. 
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus 
which can transport filter rod sections or other rod-shaped articles 
constituting or forming part of smokers' products between one or more 
producing machines and one or more processing or consuming machines in 
such a way that the number of down times and the duration of each down 
time can be reduced to a fraction of those in heretofore known 
transporting apparatus. 
Another object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel and 
improved means for monitoring the operation of various components and with 
novel and improved means for evaluating the results of the monitoring 
operation with a view to detect the defects as well as the causes of 
defects with a minimum of delay. 
A further object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with an 
evaluating device which can ascertain potential causes of defects before 
the defects actually occur and which can pinpoint the causes and the 
locations of defects to allow for rapid elimination thereof. 
An additional object of the invention is to provide novel and improved 
means for detecting and pinpointing defects or potential defects in the 
pneumatic conveyor as well as at both ends of the conveyor. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a monitoring system which 
exhibits the aforediscussed features and advantages and can be 
incorporated in existing transporting apparatus for filter rod sections or 
other types of rod-shaped articles which constitute or form part of 
smokers' products. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a versatile monitoring 
system which allows for numerous adjustments so as to best serve a 
particular consuming and/or a particular transporting apparatus for filter 
rod sections or the like. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a monitoring system which can 
automatically warn the attendants in the event of actual or potential 
malfunctions in the transporting apparatus. 
The invention is embodied in an apparatus for transporting rod-shaped 
articles which constitute or form part of smokers' products, especially 
for transporting filter rod sections of multiple unit length from a maker 
or a reservoir system to a filter tipping machine. The apparatus comprises 
a pneumatic conveyor having an inlet and an outlet, a pneumatic sender 
which is operable to deliver a file of rod-shaped articles into the inlet 
of the pneumatic conveyor (the sender can receive or draw articles from 
its own magazine, from a reservoir system or directly from a maker of 
filter rod sections or the like), a receiver which is adjacent to the 
outlet and is operable to accept successive articles from the conveyor 
(the receiver preferably comprises a speed uniformizing device for 
successive articles leaving the outlet, an accelerating device which 
follows the speed uniformizing device and is designed to establish between 
successive articles gaps of predetermined width, and a feeding device 
which converts the file of articles into one or more rows and preferably 
forcibly introduces the row or rows of articles into the magazine of the 
filter tipping or another processing machine), a monitoring device 
adjacent to the sender and including means (e.g., a photoelectronic 
transducer) for generating a first series of impulses in response to 
travel of successive articles in the conveyor so that such series of 
impulses is indicative of the presence, absence and rate of delivery of 
articles from the sender into the inlet of the conveyor, and means 
evaluating the first series of impulses. The evaluating means comprises 
signal generating means which is activatable to transmit signals in the 
absence and/or on deviation of the first series of impulses from a 
predetermined sequence. The evaluating means preferably includes an 
electronic circuit and the signals include defect signals and/or signals 
which can be used to eliminate causes of malfunctions. 
In accordance with a first feature of the invention, the evaluating means 
further includes a first unit (preferably a first logic circuit) having 
means for ascertaining the presence or absence of impulses as well as the 
duration of each impulse in the operative condition of the sender (i.e., 
while the sender is supposed to deliver articles into the inlet of the 
pneumatic conveyor) and for activating the signal generating means (e.g., 
to furnish a visible and/or audible signal) when the duration of an 
impulse deviates from a predetermined value (this includes or can include 
the absence of impulses, the generation of impulses of excessive duration 
and the generation of impulses which are too short). The ascertaining 
means of the first unit preferably includes a resettable timer in the 
logic circuit. The monitoring device is preferably a detector of the type 
which generates the first series of impulses in the absence of articles in 
the adjacent portion of the pneumatic conveyor so that each of the 
impulses is indicative of the width of the gap between successive articles 
which the sender admits into the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor. 
In accordance with a second feature of the invention, the receiver includes 
an accelerating device for successive articles leaving the outlet of the 
pneumatic conveyor and the apparatus further comprises a second monitoring 
device which is adjacent to the upstream or downstream side of the 
accelerating device (i.e., to that side which is nearer to or more distant 
from the outlet of the pneumatic conveyor) and includes means (e.g., a 
photoelectronic transducer) for generating a second series of impulses in 
response to travel of successive articles through the receiver so that the 
second series of impulses is indicative of the presence, absence and rate 
of travel of articles through the receiver. The evaluating means is 
connected with the second monitoring device and the signal generating 
means of the evaluating means is activatable to transmit signals in the 
absence and/or on deviation of the second series of impulses from a 
predetermined sequence. The evaluating means preferably comprises a second 
unit (e.g., a second logic circuit) having means for ascertaining the 
presence or absence of impulses of the second series as well as the 
duration of each impulse of the second series in the operative condition 
of the sender and for activating the signal generating means of the 
evaluating means in the absence of an impulse of the second series as well 
as when the duration of an impulse of the second series deviates from a 
predetermined value. The ascertaining means of the second unit can 
comprise a resettable timer in the respective logic circuit. The second 
monitoring device can be disposed between the aforediscussed speed 
uniformizing device and the accelerating device of the receiver or 
downstream of the accelerating device. 
The ascertaining means (i.e., a timer or the like) of the first unit in the 
evaluating means preferably includes means for transmitting to the second 
unit of the evaluating means (i.e., to that unit which receives the 
impulses of the second series) a signal in response to activation of the 
signal generating means by way of the first unit. The ascertaining means 
of the second unit is preferably operable to activate the signal 
generating means only in the absence of a signal from the ascertaining 
means of the first unit. This ensures that the generation of signals as a 
result of evaluation of the first series of impulses does not overlap with 
the generation of signals in response to evaluation of signals of the 
second series. Moreover, and since the signal generating means can 
comprise several indicating devices in the form of lamps or the like which 
light up or react otherwise in response to generation of signals on 
initiative from the first or second unit, the generation of each signal 
can indicate to the attendant or attendants the possible or actual cause 
of malfunction or defect. Such indication would be less accurate if the 
evaluation of impulses of the second series could lead to the generation 
of defect signals at the time when the evaluation of the first series of 
impulses has already resulted in the generation of one or more defect 
signals. 
The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention 
are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus 
itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, 
together with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best 
understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain 
specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 illustrates that portion of a pneumatic transporting apparatus for 
filter rod sections 28 (see FIG. 2) which embodies the invention. The 
apparatus comprises a sender 1 which propels a single file of successive 
filter rod sections 28 into a pneumatic conveyor 2, and the latter 
delivers successive filter rod sections to a receiver 3 serving to convert 
the single file of sections which arrive via conveyor 2 into at least one 
row wherein the sections 28 move sideways and enter the magazine MAG of a 
filter tipping or other processing machine FTM. The direction in which the 
conveyor 2 transports the single file of rod-shaped articles 28 is 
indicated by the arrow 4. The receiver 3 comprises a speed uniformizing 
device 6 which receives successive sections 28 from the discharge end of 
the conveyor 2 and serves to ensure that each section 28 which advances 
therebeyond travels at a predetermined speed. Successive sections 28 whose 
speed has been uniformized (either increased or reduced, depending on the 
speed of sections in the pneumatic conveyor 2) enter an accelerating 
device 7 which increases the speed of successive sections 28 so that a gap 
G (FIG. 2) develops between each preceding and the next-following section. 
The width of each gap G suffices to allow for unobstructed conversion of 
the direction of movement of successive sections 28 from axial 
(lengthwise) to transverse (sidewise). 
The sender 1 can receive filter rod sections from a filter rod making 
machine FRM, e.g., a machine known as KDF which is manufactured by the 
assignee of the present invention. A reservoir system RS (e.g., a system 
known as RESY which is manufactured by the assignee of the present 
application) can be interposed between the filter rod making machine FRM 
and the sender 1 to ensure that the output of the maker FRM need not 
always match the requirements of the sender 1, i.e., that the reservoir 
system RS accepts the surplus when the output of the maker FRM exceeds the 
requirements of the sender 1 and that the reservoir system furnishes the 
balance when the requirements of the sender 1 exceed the output of the 
maker. Reservoir systems which can be used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 are 
disclosed, for example, in commonly owned copending application Ser. No. 
130,392 filed Mar. 14, 1980 by Gerhard Tolasch et al. or in commonly owned 
copending application Ser. No. 130,391 filed Mar. 14, 1980 by Horst Base 
et al. A sender which can be used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 is disclosed 
in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,757 granted Aug. 6, 1974 to Bob 
Heitmann et al. A receiver which can be used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 is 
disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. Re. 28,283 granted Apr. 8, 1975 
to Willy Rudszinat. 
Certain details of the receiver 3 are illustrated in FIG. 2. The receiving 
device 6 comprises a housing 8 for two parallel shafts 9 and 11 which 
extend transversely of the direction (arrow 4) of lengthwise movement of 
filter rod sections 28 in the pneumatic conveyor 2. The shafts 9 and 11 
respectively drive friction wheels 12 and 13 which define a nip having a 
width at most equal to and preferably slightly less than the diameter of a 
filter rod section 28. Thus, when a section 28 leaves the discharge end of 
the pneumatic conveyor 2 and its leader enters the nip of the friction 
wheels 12 and 13, the speed of the section 28 is necessarily increased or 
reduced so that it normally matches the peripheral speed of the friction 
wheels. These friction wheels are driven at the same peripheral speed by 
two mating gears 18 and 17 which are respectively coaxial with and mounted 
on the shafts 9 and 11. The shaft 11 is driven by an endless belt 16 which 
receives motion from a suitable prime mover 14 (see FIG. 1), e.g., a 
variable-speed electric motor. The belt 16 is trained over a pulley 16a on 
the output element of the motor 14 and drives a pulley 16b on the shaft 
11. The diameters of the gears 17, 18 as well as the diameters of the 
friction wheels 12, 13, are identical; therefore, the peripheral speed of 
the friction wheel 12 matches that of the friction wheel 13 and is 
selected with a view to ensure that the articles 28 at the discharge end 
of the pneumatic conveyor 2 do not form a pile or stack of excessive 
length. 
The accelerating device 7 is practically identical with the just described 
speed uniformizing device 6. It is also mounted in the housing 8 and 
comprises two shafts 19, 21 which are parallel to the shafts 9 and 11. The 
shafts 19 and 21 respectively carry identical friction wheels 22, 23 and 
identical gears 26, 27. The peripheral speed of the friction wheel 22 
matches that of the friction wheel 23 and is somewhat higher than the 
peripheral speed of the friction wheel 12 or 13 in the device 6. This is 
due to the fact that the shaft 19 of the accelerating device 7 is driven 
by a step-up transmission including a pulley on the shaft 11, an endless 
belt 24 which is driven by such pulley, and a pulley which is fixedly 
secured to the shaft 19 and is driven by the belt 24. The belts 16 and 24 
can be replaced by endless chains; the aforediscussed pulleys are then 
replaced by suitable sprocket wheels. It is also possible to replace the 
illustrated belts 16 and 24 with toothed belts and to utilize toothed 
pulleys for transmission of motion to as well as for reception of motion 
from such toothed belts. Since the peripheral speed of the friction wheels 
22 and 23 exceeds that of the friction wheels 12 and 13, and since the 
width of the nip of the wheels 22 and 23 is also slightly less than the 
diameter of a filter rod section 28, the leader of a filter rod section 
which enters the accelerating device 7 is engaged by the peripheral 
surfaces of the friction wheels 22, 23 and the respective filter rod 
section is moved forwardly and away from the next-following section 28 so 
as to establish a gap G of requisite width, namely, a gap of such width 
that each filter rod section 28 which advances beyond the housing 8 of 
FIG. 2 can be caused to change the direction of its movement from 
lengthwise to sidewise and to enter the magazine MAG of the filter tipping 
machine FTM, e.g., a machine of the type disclosed in commonly owned U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,237,907 granted Dec. 8, 1980 to Pawelko et al. 
The mode of operation of the receiver 3 is as follows: Filter rod sections 
28 which arrive from the sender 1 via pneumatic conveyor 2 enter the 
housing 8 to be engaged, seriatim, by the friction wheels 12 and 13 of the 
speed uniformizing device 6 and to be thereby accelerated or decelerated, 
depending on the speed of articles 28 in the conveyor 2. Thus, and 
assuming that the situation is ideal or close to ideal, each and every 
filter rod section 28 which advances beyond the friction wheels 12 and 13 
moves lengthwise at a predetermined speed which matches the peripheral 
speed of the friction wheels 12 and 13. As a rule, the peripheral speed of 
friction wheels 12 and 13 is less than the speed of lengthwise movement of 
sections 28 in the pneumatic conveyor; therefore, the discharge end of the 
conveyor 2 normally accumulates a file of sections which are disposed 
end-to-end, i.e., the file of sections 28 awaiting entry into the housing 
8 shown in FIG. 2 does not exhibit any spaces or gaps between neighboring 
sections. 
Each filter rod section 28 which advances beyond the speed uniformizing 
device 6 is engaged by the friction wheels 22, 23 of the accelerating 
device 7 and is propelled in a direction to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2, 
so that its trailing end moves away from the leader of the next-following 
section 28, i.e., the device 7 causes the sections 28 to develop gaps G 
which are wide enough to allow for entry of successive sections 28 into a 
feeding device of the type disclosed, for example, in the aforementioned 
commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. Re. 28,283 to Rudszinat. Reference may also 
be had to the commonly owned copending application Ser. Nos. 228,966 and 
230,417 filed Jan. 27, 1981 and Feb. 2, 1981 by Gunter Wahle and Alois 
Kasparek. These copending applications describe complete receivers of the 
type suitable for use in the apparatus of the present invention. In fact, 
the present invention can be readily incorporated in apparatus of the type 
disclosed by Wahle et al., i.e., each and every filter tipping machine of 
the apparatus of Wahle et al. may receive filter rod sections from an 
assembly of a sender, a pneumatic conveyor and a receiver controlled in a 
manner as described hereinbelow. As regards the mode of converting a 
single file of accelerated rod-shaped articles into one or more rows of 
such articles, reference may also be had to commonly owned German Pat. No. 
1,815,317. 
In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the structure shown 
in FIG. 1 further comprises a first monitoring device or detector 28 which 
is disposed in close or immediate proximity of the sender 1 and serves to 
monitor the travel of filter rod sections 28 in or at the inlet of the 
pneumatic conveyor 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the monitoring device 
29 includes a source 29a of light and a photoelectronic transducer 29b 
which is located opposite the source 29a and generates an impulse in 
response to detection or the absence of detection of a filter rod section 
28 in that portion of the pneumatic conveyor 2 which extends between the 
components 29a and 29b of the monitoring device 29. The just mentioned 
portion of the conveyor 2 must be capable of transmitting radiation which 
issues from the source 29a. It will be noted that the monitoring device 29 
is installed in immediate proximity of the sender 1, i.e., directly at or 
rather close to the discharge end or outlet 1a of the sender. 
The transducer 29b of the monitoring device 29 transmits impulses to the 
corresponding input of a novel evaluating circuit 31 the details of which 
are shown in FIG. 3. 
A second monitoring device 32 is installed in or associated with the 
receiver 3. This monitoring device also comprises a light source (not 
specifically shown) and a photoelectronic transducer 32b (note FIG. 3). 
Such parts of the monitoring device 32 are located opposite each other and 
at the opposite sides of the path of movement of successive filter rod 
sections 28 from the speed uniformizing device 6 toward the accelerating 
device 7. This can be seen in FIG. 1 as well as in FIG. 2. The monitoring 
device 32 can ascertain the presence or absence of filter rod sections 28 
in the corresponding portion of the path within the housing 8, and its 
transducer 32b transmits impulses to the corresponding input of the 
evaluating circuit 31. 
If desired, the second monitoring device 32 can be installed downstream of 
the accelerating device 7, e.g., at the location which is indicated by the 
circle 232. In other words, the monitoring device 32 can be located at 
that side of the accelerating device 7 which faces toward or at that side 
of the device 7 which faces away from the device 6 and the outlet of the 
conveyor 2. 
An ejecting device 33 is installed in the housing 8 of the receiver 3 
intermediate the devices 6 and 7 to expel certain rod-shaped articles 28 
in response to appropriate signals from the corresponding output of the 
evaluating circuit 31. The device 33 preferably comprises a source of 
compressed gaseous fluid, a conduit which connects the source of gaseous 
fluid with a nozzle in the region of the path for the filter rod sections 
28, and a solenoid-operated valve in the conduit. When the solenoid of the 
valve receives a signal from the evaluating circuit 31, the nozzle 
discharges a stream of compressed gas which expels the adjacent rod-shaped 
article 28 from the corresponding portion of the path. Reference may be 
had to the commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,090 granted May 15, 1979 to 
Uwe Heitmann et al.; this patent shows a fluid-operated ejecting or 
expelling device of the type suitable for use in the structure of FIG. 1. 
If desired, the ejecting device 33 can be installed downstream of the 
accelerating device 7, for example, at the location indicated by the 
circle 233. 
FIG. 1 further shows two signal generating devices 34 and 36 which light up 
or generate otherwise detectable "defect" and/or "adjust" signals for the 
attendants in response to detection of potential or actual defects or 
malfunctions. The signal generators 34 and 36 are connected with and are 
actuatable by certain components of the evaluating circuit 31. 
The details of the evaluating circuit 31 are illustrated in FIG. 3. This 
circuit comprises a first unit 37 which is a logic circuit having an AND 
gate 38 one input of which is connected with the transducer 29b of the 
monitoring device 29. The AND gate 38 has a second input which is 
connected with the output of a blocking device 42 in the sender 1 and an 
output connected with the input of a resettable timer 39. The output of 
the timer 39 is connected with a relay 41 which can transmit signals to 
the defect indicating or signal generating device 36. The blocking device 
42 may be installed in a hopper or another reservoir of the sender 1 and 
serves to interrupt the delivery of filter rod sections 28 into the inlet 
of the pneumatic conveyor 2, for example, in a manner as disclosed in the 
aforementioned commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,757 granted Aug. 6, 1974 
to Bob Heitmann et al. Thus, such blocking device can include an elastic 
member which is actuatable by an electromagnet to move against the 
adjacent end portions of filter rod sections in the region of the outlet 
of the aforementioned hopper so as to urge the other end portions of the 
thus engaged filter rod sections against a stationary wall of the hopper 
when the electromagnet is deenergized. Energization of the electromagnet 
entails retraction of the elastic member whereby the hopper is free to 
admit filter rod sections 28 into the mechanism which shoots the sections 
into the inlet of the conveyor 2. The means for actuating or activating 
the blocking device 42 of the sender 1 comprises an AND gate 43 whose 
output is connected with the input of the blocking device 42 and which has 
two inputs, one connected to a schematically indicated starting and 
arresting (operating) device 47 for the sender 1 and the other connected 
to the output of a further AND gate 44 having an inverted and a 
non-inverted input. The non-inverted input of the AND gate 44 is connected 
with the output of a similar AND gate 45 whose non-inverted input is 
connected with the output of another AND gate 46 having a non-inverted 
input connected to the output of a starting and arresting (operating) 
device 48 for the receiver 3. 
A second unit or logic circuit 50 of the evaluating circuit 31 has an AND 
gate 49 one input of which is connected to the transducer 32b of the 
monitoring device 32. The gate 49 further comprises an inverted input 
which is connected to the output of the timer 39 in the logic circuit 37 
and an output which is connected with the input of a second resettable 
timer 51 similar to the timer 39. The output of the timer 51 is connected 
with the inverted input of the AND gate 44 as well as with a relay 52 
which can actuate the defect signal generating device 34. 
A third unit or logic circuit 53 of the evaluating circuit 31 comprises two 
counters 54 and 56 whose inputs are respectively connected with the 
transducers 29b and 32b of the monitoring devices 29, 32 and whose outputs 
are connected to the corresponding inputs of a differentiating circuit 57. 
The output of the circuit 57 is connected with the input of a signal 
comparing stage 58 which further includes a built-in source of reference 
signals (e.g., an adjustable potentiometer) and transmits a signal to the 
inverted input of the AND gate 45 when the intensity or another 
characteristic of the signal at the output of the differentiating circuit 
57 deviates from the corresponding characteristic of the reference signal. 
A fourth unit or logic circuit 59 of the evaluating circuit 31 comprises 
three sections or branches. The first branch includes a blocking or time 
delay device 61 whose output is connected with the setting input S of a 
memory 62. The output A of the memory 62 is connected with a relay 63. It 
will be noted that the components 61, 62 and 63 of the first branch of the 
logic circuit 59 are connected in series. The resetting input R of the 
memory 62 is connected with the output of an OR gate 64 having two inputs 
one of which is connected to the transducer 32b of the monitoring device 
32. 
The second branch of the logic circuit 59 is similar to the first branch 
and includes a blocking or time delay device 66 whose characteristic is 
different from that of the blocking device 61 in the first branch and 
whose output is connected with the setting input S of a memory 67 having 
an output A connected with a relay 68. The transducer 32b is connected 
with the inputs of the blocking devices 61, 66 as well as with the 
resetting input R of the memory 67. The output A of this memory is also 
connected to the other input of the OR gate 64. 
The third branch of the logic circuit 59 in the evaluating circuit 31 
comprises an inverter 69 whose input is connected with the transducer 32b 
and whose output is connected with the setting input S of a memory 71. The 
output of the inverter 69 is further connected with the input of a 
blocking or time delay device 72 whose output is connected to the 
resetting input R of the memory 71. The output A of the memory 71 is 
connected with the output A of the memory 67 as well as with the inverted 
input of the AND gate 46. 
The transducer 29b is connected with a counter 73 which records the daily 
output of the structure shown in FIG. 1. An output of the counter 73 is 
connected with one of several inputs of a second counter 74 which can 
record and indicate the combined output of several transporting apparatus, 
for example, the combined output of apparatus which serve to deliver 
filter rod sections to a total of twenty filter tipping machines FTM in a 
manner as disclosed in the aforementioned commonly owned copending 
applications Ser. Nos. 228,966 and 230,417 of Gunter Wahle et al. A third 
daily output counter is shown at 73a; this counter transmits signals to 
the corresponding input of the second counter 74. The counter 73a is 
intended to denote a second apparatus which is identical with or analogous 
to the apparatus of FIG. 1. 
The operation of the structure which includes the evaluating circuit 31 of 
FIG. 3 is as follows: 
If the sender 1 is turned on (rendered operative) by the device 47 (e.g., 
an electric switch) shown in the upper left-hand portion of FIG. 3 and the 
receiver 3 transmits a signal (in a manner as disclosed in the 
aforementioned commonly owned copending applications of Wahle et al.) 
denoting that the magazine MAG of the filter tipping machine FTM requires 
fresh filter rod sections 28 (the connection for transmission of such 
signal from a level monitoring device in the magazine MAG is indicated in 
FIG. 3 by the line 48a), the inverted inputs of the AND gates 44, 45 and 
46 receive "low" signals (hereinafter called L-signals) which means that 
the gates 46, 45 and 44 transmit output signals because the device 48 is 
intended to denote the level detector in the magazine MAG of the filter 
tipping machine FTM. Consequently, both inputs of the AND gate 43 receive 
signals and the output of this AND gate transmits a signal to the blocking 
device 42 so that the latter assumes its inoperative position and allows 
filter rod sections 28 to leave the sender 1 for admission into the inlet 
of the conveyor 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The corresponding part of the sender 1 
(such part is called a propelling unit in the aforementioned copending 
applications of Wahle et al.) propels filter rod sections 28 into the 
inlet of the pneumatic conveyor 2 and such sections move axially toward 
the speed uniformizing device 6 of the receiver 3. The blocking device 42 
transmits a "high" signal (hereinafter called H-signal) to the 
corresponding input of the AND gate 38 in the first logic circuit 37 of 
the evaluating circuit 31. The transducer 29b of the monitoring device 29 
transmits an impulse when the corresponding portion of the pneumatic 
conveyor 2 is still empty so that the output of the AND gate 38 transmits 
a signal to and starts the timer 39. The interval which is set by the 
timer 39 preferably corresponds to that which is required to advance a 
filter rod section 28 from the sender 1 into the range of the monitoring 
device 29. Thus, if the operation of the sender 1 is satisfactory, a 
filter rod section 28 must reach the monitoring device 29 (whereby the 
transducer 29b ceases to transmit an impulse to the left-hand input of the 
AND gate 38) prior to elapse of an interval which is set by starting the 
timer 39. Thus, the transducer 29b transmits a "low" impulse or signal 
(L-signal) as soon as a filter rod section 28 enters between the light 
source 29a and transducer 29b and the timer 39 is immediately reset to its 
original state before its output can transmit a "defect" signal (H-signal) 
to the relay 41 for actuation of the defect indicating signal generating 
device 36. When the trailing end of the foremost filter rod section 28 
advances beyond the monitoring device 29, the transducer 29b again 
transmits an H-signal or impulse so that the AND gate 38 starts the timer 
39 and the same procedure is repeated again, i.e., the output of the timer 
39 does not transmit a signal to the relay 41 if the H-signal at the 
left-hand input of the AND gate 38 disappears prior to elapse of the 
interval which is selected by setting of the timer 39. The transducer 29b 
of the monitoring device 29 transmits a series of impulses and the 
duration of such impulses is monitored by the timer 39 to ascertain 
whether or not the intervals between arrivals of successive filter rod 
sections 28 into the range of the monitoring device 29 are not too long, 
i.e., not longer than the interval selected by setting of the timer 39. 
If the monitoring device 29 fails to detect a filter rod section 28 within 
the interval which is selected by setting of the timer 39, the output of 
this timer transmits a signal to the relay 41 which is energized or 
deenergized (depending on its normal condition) to cause the device 36 to 
generate a "defect" signal. Such signal is noted by attendants and informs 
the attendants that the sender 1 fails to deliver filter rod sections 28 
in spite of the fact that the starting device 47 for the sender is on, 
i.e., that the sender is supposed to be in operative condition. This leads 
the attendants to conclude that the sender 1 is defective. It will be 
noted that the provision of the first logic circuit 37 renders it possible 
to continuously monitor the operation of the sender 1 and to immediately 
ascertain whether or not the sender is in operative condition. Moreover, 
and since the device 36 generates a "defect" signal as soon as a single 
gap between successive filter rod sections 28 at the outlet of the sender 
1 exceeds the preselected width, the defective operation of the sender can 
be detected and eliminated without delay. 
It the monitoring device 32 detects the absence of filter rod sections 28 
in the region immediately ahead of the accelerating device 7 in the 
housing 8 of the receiver 3, the right-hand input of the AND gate 49 in 
the second logic circuit 50 of the evaluating circuit 31 receives an 
H-signal because radiation issuing from the light source of the monitoring 
device 32 can reach the transducer 32b. If the output of the timer 39 in 
the first logic circuit 37 of the evaluating circuit 31 does not transmit 
a defect signal, the inverted left-hand input of the AND gate 49 does not 
receive a signal and the output of the gate 49 transmits a signal to the 
input of the timer 51. The interval which is set by the timer 51 is 
selected in such a way that the output of this timer transmits a signal to 
the relay 52 only when the monitoring device 32 fails to detect a filter 
rod section 28 for an excessive period of time. As a rule, the interval 
set by the timer 51 will be selected in such a way that it corresponds to 
the period of time required by a filter rod section 28 to advance from the 
sender 1 to the receiver 3. If no article 28 reaches the monitoring device 
32 within such interval, the output of the timer 51 transmits a signal to 
the relay 52 which activates the defect signal generating device 34. The 
visible, audible and/or otherwise detectable signal which is furnished by 
the device 34 indicates to the attendants that the receiver 3 and/or the 
pneumatic conveyor 2 is defective. The signal at the output of the timer 
51 is then an H-signal. The output of the timer 51 further transmits the 
H-signal to the inverted input of the AND gate 44 so that the output of 
the AND gate 43 ceases to transmit a signal to the blocking device 42 and 
the latter causes the sender 1 to interrupt the delivery of filter rod 
sections 28 into the pneumatic conveyor 2. It will be noted that the 
appearance of a defect signal which is generated by the device 34 denotes 
the interruption of delivery of filter rod sections 28 from the sender 1 
into the pneumatic conveyor as well as the presence of a defect or 
malfunction in the conveyor 2 and/or receiver 3. 
If the width of gaps G between the filter rod sections 28 in the space 
intermediate the devices 6 and 7 of the receiver 3 is less than that 
distance which would cause the output of the timer 51 to transmit a signal 
to the relay 52 in the second logic circuit 50 of the evaluating circuit 
31, the absence of an impulse at the right-hand input of the AND gate 49 
(as soon as the monitoring device 32 detects a filter rod section 28) 
entails erasure of the signal at the output of the gate 49 and the timer 
51 is reset to zero. This means that the relay 52 does not activate the 
signal generating device 52 and the blocking device 42 remains in the 
inoperative position, i.e., the sender 1 continues to deliver filter rod 
sections 28 into the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor 2. 
Each gap G between successive filter rod sections 28 in the housing 8 of 
the receiver 3 entails the generation of an H-signal or impulse by the 
monitoring device 32, and each such impulse causes the AND gate 49 to 
start the timer 51. Each article 28 which reaches the monitoring device 32 
causes conversion of the H-signal or impulse at the output of the 
transducer 32a into an L-signal or impulse so that the timer 51 is reset 
to zero. When the operation of the transporting apparatus is satisfactory, 
such procedure is repeated again and again so that the transducer 32a 
furnishes a series of impulses and the length of intervals between 
successive impulses of such series is monitored by the timer 51 which 
generates a signal resulting in activation of the signal generating device 
34 and blocking device 42 whenever the length of an interval exceeds the 
length of that interval which has been selected by setting of the timer 
51. In other words, the first logic circuit 37 of the evaluating circuit 
31 comprises means (timer 39) for ascertaining the length of intervals 
between successive impulses furnished by the transducer 29b, and the 
second logid circuit 50 of the evaluating circuit 31 comprises means (time 
51) for ascertaining the length of intervals between successive impulses 
of the series of impulses generated by the transducer 32b. Also, whereas 
the first logic circuit 37 allows for immediate ascertainment of defects 
in the sender 1, the second logic circuit 50 allows for immediate 
ascertainment of defects in the pneumatic conveyor 2 and/or receiver 3. 
The third logic circuit 53 of the evaluating circuit 31 monitors the length 
of the file of piled-up filter rod sections upstream of the receiver 3, 
i.e., in the outlet portion of the pneumatic conveyor 2. Thus, successive 
impulses of the series of impulses generated by the transducer 29b of the 
first monitoring device 29 are transmitted to and counted by the counter 
54, and successive impulses generated by the transducer 32b of the second 
monitoring device 32 are transmitted to and counted by the counter 56. The 
outputs of the counters 54 and 56 transmit corresponding signals (denoting 
the sum of counted impulses) to the respective inputs of the 
differentiating circuit 57 whose output transmits a signal denoting the 
difference between the two numbers. If the number of filter rod sections 
28 which are detected by the monitoring device 29 equals or is less than 
the number of sections 28 accepted by the receiver 3, this denotes that 
there is no pileup of sections at the downstream end of the conveyor 2. 
However, if the intensity or another characteristic of the signal which 
the counter 54 transmits to the differentiating circuit 57 exceeds the 
corresponding characteristic of the signal from the counter 56 to the 
circuit 57, the output of the signal comparing stage 58 transmits a signal 
to the inverted input of the AND gate 45 as soon as the stage 58 
ascertains that the intensity of the difference signal transmitted by the 
circuit 57 exceeds a given reference value which can be selected by the 
attendants. If the difference is such that it denotes the presence of an 
excessive pileup upstream of the housing 8, the AND gate 45 ceases to 
transmit a signal to the AND gate 44 which ceases to transmit a signal to 
the blocking device 42 so that the latter interrupts the delivery of 
filter rod sections 28 from the sender 1 into the pneumatic conveyor 2. By 
appropriate selection of positions of the monitoring devices 29 (relative 
to the outlet of the sender 1) and 32 (relative to component parts of the 
receiver 3), as well as by appropriate setting of the source of reference 
signals in the signal comparing stage 58 in the third logic circuit 53 of 
the evaulating circuit 31, the attendants can select the size of the 
pileup at the downstream end of the pneumatic conveyor 2 practically at 
will. 
The fourth logic circuit 59 of the evaluating circuit 31 renders it 
possible (owing to the aforediscussed positioning of the monitoring device 
32 in the region of the accelerating device 7 in the receiver 3) to select 
the spacing between successive filter rod sections 28 in the receiver. The 
width of the gap G between two successive filter rod sections 28 in the 
region intermediate the devices 6 and 7 of the receiver 3 determines the 
duration of the H-signal or impulse which is supplied by the transducer 
32b of the monitoring device 32. The transducer 32b transmits such impulse 
to the corresponding input of the OR gate 64 in the logic circuit 59 and 
the output of the OR gate applies the impulse to the resetting input R of 
the memory 62 in the first branch of the logic circuit 59. The input R is 
the dominant input of the memory 62. The output of the transducer 32b 
further transmits an H-signal or impulse to the input of the blocking 
device 61 whose time delay factor or constant t.sub.B is selected in such 
a way that it corresponds to the desired width of the gaps G, i.e., to the 
desired spacing between successive filter rod sections 28 advancing beyond 
the accelerating device 7 of the receiver 3. 
In the diagram of FIG. 4a, time t is measured along the abscissas and the 
nature of signals applied to the inputs R and S of the memory 62 is 
indicated along the ordinate. The input R receives signals from the OR 
gate 64 and the input S receives signals from the blocking device 61. If 
the duration (t.sub.1) of an H-signal or impulse at the output of the 
transducer 32b is less than the aforementioned constant t.sub.B of the 
blocking device 61, the resetting input R of the memory 62 receives from 
the transducer 32b (via OR gate 64) an L-signal or impulse during the 
balance (t.sub.2) of the interval t.sub.B whereas the setting input S of 
the memory 62 continues to receive an H-signal since the interval t.sub.B 
selected by setting of the blocking device 61 is still running. This means 
that the output A of the memory 62 transmits an H-signal which energizes 
the relay 63 so that the latter actuates the ejecting device 33 for the 
purpose of ejecting from the path between the receiver 3 and the magazine 
MAG all such filter rod sections 28 which are too close to each other. 
This reduces or eliminates the likelihood of damage to neighboring 
sections 28 during a change in the direction of movement of the articles 
from axial movement to sidewise movement. Reference may be had to the 
aforementioned commonly owned patent to Rudszinat which shows a device for 
feeding filter rod sections into the magazine of a filter tipping or like 
machine by causing the filter rod sections to move sideways, i.e., at 
right angles (or substantially at right angles) to their respective axes. 
If the duration of the H-signal or impulse which is transmitted by the 
transducer 32b equals or exceeds the constant t.sub.B, the resetting input 
R of the memory 62 continues to receive an H-signal during the entire 
interval t.sub.B so that the output A of the memory 62 does not transmit a 
signal to the relay 63 and the ejecting device 33 remains inactive. This 
denotes that the spacing between successive filter rod sections 28 
downstream of the device 6 in the housing 8 of the receiver 3 is 
satisfactory (or, at the least, not insufficient to allow for conversion 
of a file of such articles into a row wherein the articles move sideways). 
The relay 63 is an equivalent of the signal generating device 32 or 29, 
i.e., it generates a signal for activation of the ejecting device 33 when 
the series of impulses furnished by the transducer 32b deviates form a 
predetermined sequence. 
The operation of the second branch of the logic circuit 59 is practically 
identical to that of the just discussed first branch. The only difference 
is that the time constant t.sub.B of the blocking device 66 is shorter 
than the constant selected by the setting of the blocking device 61 so 
that the second branch of the circuit 59 can detect gaps G which are too 
narrow for adequate ejection of sections 28 by the device 33. In such 
instances, the output A of the memory 67 transmits a signal to the relay 
68 which arrests the device 48 to thus interrupt the operation of the 
accelerating device 7 in the receiver 3. The relay 68 also constitutes a 
signal generating device of the evaluating circuit 31. 
The third branch of the logic circuit 59 in the evaluating circuit 31 
determines the absence of gaps between successive filter rod sections 28. 
The inverter 69 in this third branch ensures that the setting input S of 
the memory 71 and the input of the blocking device 72 receive H-signals 
when the transducer 32b denotes the travel of a filter rod section 
therealong, i.e., when the output of the transducer 32b transmits an 
L-signal or impulse. The time constant t.sub.B of the blocking device 72 
is selected in such a way that it corresponds to the length of an article 
28 travelling past the transducer 32b (refer to the lower abscissa in the 
diagram of FIG. 4b). This means that, when the transducer 32b transmits an 
L-signal or impulse, the inverter 69 causes the blocking device 72 to 
receive an H-signal and such signal is transmitted to the dominant 
resetting input R of the memory 71 during the full interval t.sub.B. If 
the duration of the H-signal or impulse which is generated by the 
transducer 32b is shorter (see t.sub.1 in FIG. 4b) than t.sub.B, the 
output A of the memory 71 transmits an L-signal. If the duration of the 
H-signal or impulse exceeds t.sub.B (note the upper abscissa in the 
diagram of FIG. 4b), the output A of the memory 71 transmits (during the 
interval t.sub.3) a defect signal which causes the AND gate 46 to activate 
the blocking device 42 via AND gates 45, 44 and 43 so that the sender 1 
ceases to deliver filter rod sections 28 into the inlet of the pneumatic 
conveyor 2. Thus, the memory 71 is an equivalent of the signal generating 
device 34, 36, 63 or 68. 
It will be noted that the fourth logic circuit 59 of the evaluating circuit 
31 can distinguish between different gaps G and can ascertain the absence 
of such gaps. This ensures that the causes of potential defects or 
malfunctions can be ascertained even before they develop and certainly 
before they could adversely influence the operation of the improved 
transporting apparatus. 
It will be noted that the timer 39 of the first logic circuit 37 in the 
evaluating circuit 31 ascertains the duration of impulses which are 
transmitted by the transducer 29b of the monitoring device 29, i.e., the 
timer 39 compares each such impulse with a predetermined value and causes 
the relay 41 to initiate the generation of a defect signal when the 
impulses are too long. However, it is equally within the purview of the 
invention to monitor or ascertain certain other characteristics of 
impulses which are generated by the transducer 29b. 
An advantage of placing the monitoring device 29 in immediate proximity of 
the outlet 1a of the sender 1 is that this device can immediately detect 
eventual malfunctioning of the sender 1 and causes the evaluating circuit 
31 (i.e., the signal generating device 36) to generate a signal which 
enables the attendants to rapidly locate and eliminate the cause of 
malfunction. The timer 39 can detect the presence of acceptable impulses 
which are generated by the transducer 29b, the absence of any impulses at 
the output of the transducer 29b, as well as deviations of the series of 
impulses supplied by the transducer 29b from a predetermined or optimum 
sequence. 
The provision of the second monitoring device 32 further reduces the 
likelihood of improper operation of the apparatus and/or the likelihood of 
prolonged malfunctioning of certain components of the apparatus, 
especially of the components which constitute or are combined with the 
receiver 3 and/or pneumatic conveyor 2. The manner in which impulses 
appearing at the output of the transducer 32b are treated in the logic 
circuit 50 of the evaluating circuit 31 is analogous to the treatment of 
impulses of the first series (from the transducer 29b) in the logic 
circuit 37. Thus, the timer 51 can detect the presence or absence of 
impulses of the second series as well as whether or not the second series 
of impules deviates from a predetermined sequence. The signal generating 
device 34 enables the attendants to rapidly localize the malfunction, 
i.e., an attendant who notes a signal at 34 knows that the defect is 
attributable to a part in the conveyor 2 and/or in the receiver 3. 
The advantages of the signal transmitting connection between the output of 
the timer 39 in the logic circuit 37 and the inverted input of the AND 
gate 49 in the logic circuit 50 have been pointed out hereinabove, i.e., 
the signal generating device 34 can generate a defect signal only when the 
signal generating device 36 is off. More specifically, the signal at 34 
cannot indicate a defect in the sender 1, and a signal at 36 need not 
indicate the presence of a defect in the conveyor 2 and/or receiver 3. 
The logic circuit 53 of the evaluating circuit 31 continuously monitors the 
supply of filter rod sections 28 in the pneumatic conveyor 2 and prevents 
excessive pileups of sections at the outlet of the conveyor. If the number 
of sections 28 is too low, the logic circuit 53 causes the signal 
generating device 34 to inform the attendants accordingly. If the absence 
of a sufficient number of sections 28 in the conveyor 2 is attributable to 
malfunction of the sender 1, the signal is generated by the logic circuit 
37 via device 36. 
The logic circuit 59 of the evaluating circuit 31 renders it possible to 
ascertain potential causes of defects (namely, potential breakage or 
deformation of filter rod sections 28 preparatory to entry into the 
magazine MAG) even before the defects develop. Thus, the circuit 59 can 
ascertain the absence of sufficient gaps between successive sections 28 
ahead of the direction or orientation changing means in the receiver 3 so 
that remedial steps can be undertaken (e.g, by ejecting the sections 28 
which are too close to each other) before the sections which are too close 
to each other can clog the receiver 3. 
As shown in FIG. 4b, the logic circuit 59 is further capable of monitoring 
the length of filter rod sections 28. This is done in connection with 
determination whether or not there exist any gaps at all. This, too, 
ensures that potential malfunctions can be detected before they actually 
occur. Thus, one can avoid jamming of the orientation changing device 
which follows the accelerating device 7 and feeds one or more rows of 
sections 28 into the magazine MAG. 
A further important advantage of the improved apparatus is its relative 
simplicity and versatility. Moreover, the evaluating circuit 31 and the 
monitoring devices 29, 32 can be installed in or combined with many 
existing transporting apparatus without necessitating substantial and 
costly alterations of such apparatus. Defects or potential defects are 
detected pratically without delay so that the number of down times of an 
apparatus which embodies the present invention is a small fraction of down 
times in conventional apparatus. Also, the duration of each down time can 
be held to a minimum. The optional features, such as the counters 73, 73a 
and 74, also contribute to versatility of the apparatus and simplify the 
task of the attendants. The same holds true for the feature that the 
evaluating circuit 31 automatically monitors the pileup of sections 28 at 
the outlet of the pneumatic conveyor 2. 
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of 
the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, 
readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, 
from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential 
characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of our contribution to 
the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be 
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended 
claims.