Patent ID: 8337374

Claim:
A method for producing filter rods comprising the steps of: conveying discrete filter segments in end-to-end fashion with spacing therebetween in a downstream direction; transferring the filter segments to the circumference of a first transfer wheel with one segment between an adjacent pair of cleats on the first wheel; transferring the filter segments on the first wheel to the circumference of a second transfer wheel with one segment between an adjacent pair of cleats on the second wheel; transferring the filter segment on the second wheel to the circumference of a third transfer wheel with one segment between an adjacent pair of cleats on the third wheel; and wherein the cleats on the second and third wheels are equally spaced apart and define an open space between adjacent cleats equal to the given length of the discrete filter segments; directly depositing the filter segments from the third wheel onto plug wrap with the segments equally spaced apart on the plug wrap.