Patent GB-404713-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in filter tips for cigarettes and the manufacture of such tips
IPC: A24D3/02
Filed: 1932-07-22
Abstract: 404,713. Cigarettes; cigarette-making machines. WIX, A., 338, Goswell Road, London, and MAY, R. F., 9, Manor Road, Potters Bar, Middlesex. July 22, 1932, No. 20736. [Class 130.] A filter tip for cigarettes consists of a filling of approximately square cross-section produced from strip material and deformed or distorted to a substantially circular crosssection before insertion in the cigarette paper tube or mouthpiece. The strip material may consist of a single layer of thick material of the nature of felt &c., or of a number of layers of material such as crepe paper, filter paper &c., with or without intervening layers of other filtering or absorbent material. In the machine shown, a composite strip 1 is fed step by step from a spool to a rotary-disc cutter 2 which severs short portions 1a, the length of which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the strip. At each feed movement, the leading length of material is delivered into an adjustable stop member 4 having upper and lower arms, and the severed length is forced by a plunger 6 into a laterally extending flared tube 5 by which the length is deformed to a substantially circular cross-section. The feed movement of the strip material is effected by means of a carriage 8 sliding on rods 9 and reciprocated by means of a cam 15 and slotted levers 12 pivoted at 12a and engaging pins 11c on arms 11b on a transverse spindle 10 mounted in bearings 8a on the carriage 8. A lever 11 fixed on the spindle 10 has a gripping portion 11a extending over the strip 1, and the carriage 8 is also provided with a fixed gripping member 8b beneath the strip. An arm 11d of the lever 11 extends between upper and lower adjustable stops 8c, 8d on the carriage 8. On the forward movement of the levers 12 and the carriage, the strip is engaged by the parts 11a, 8b and fed forwards. On the return movement of the levers, the lever 11 is raised to disengage from the strip until the arm 11d contacts with the stop 8c, and the carriage is then moved rearwards. During the rearward movement, the strip is held between a stationary gripping member 17 and a vertically moving member 16 operated by a lever 18 actuated by a cam 19 ; the lever 18 extends into a slot 16a and is slotted to engage the pin 16b. The engagement of the member 16 with the strip 1 may be adjustable by means of an eccentric pin 20 extending into an aperture 16c in the member 16. The ejector plunger 6 is mounted on a carriage 6a on spindles 6b sliding transversely in the unit 21 and actuated by a cam 22 engaging a roller 6d on a downwardly extending arm 6c of the carriage. The cutter spindle 2a is driven by sprocket and spur gearing 27-31 and is supported by arms 23 pivoted to sleeves 24 on a bracket 25, one arm 23 being provided with an extension 23a carrying a roller 23b engaging a cam 32 by which the cutter is raised and lowered. In a modification, a filling of substantially square cross-section, comprising layers of crepe paper with longitudinal creping or corrugations, is fed continuously or intermittently through a forming device such as a tube having a flared inlet, or an assembly of forming discs or rollers, by which the filling is deformed to substantially circular cross-section. The filling may bo cut into lengths either before or after passing through the forming device.