Unit for attaching mouthpieces to cigars

Abstract

Mouthpieces are attached to cigars by a unit comprising a transfer device located along a set feed path and incorporating a conveyor device by which the mouthpieces are advanced between a distributing station, at which they are dispensed, and a station where each one is attached to a respective cigar; also located along the path are a station supplying filter plugs, at which one such plug is inserted into each mouthpiece, and a gumming station at which one end of the mouthpiece is tacked with adhesive to ensure a firm bond with the corresponding end of the cigar.

1 ) A unit for the attachment of mouthpieces to cigars advancing along a first predetermined path, comprising a device for transferring and attaching the mouthpieces, positioned along a second predetermined path and comprising in its turn a conveyor device by which the mouthpieces are advanced at least between a first distributing station and a station at which the mouthpieces are attached to respective cigars.  
   
   
       2 ) A unit as in  claim 1 , comprising a distributor device operating at the first distributing station and including means by which the mouthpieces are supplied to the transfer and attachment device.  
   
   
       3 ) A unit as in  claim 2 , wherein supply means comprise a first singulator device by which the mouthpieces are arranged into an ordered succession.  
   
   
       4 ) A unit as in  claim 3 , wherein the first singulator device comprises a vibrating container.  
   
   
       5 ) A unit as in  claim 3 , wherein supply means comprise take-up means operating on the first succession in such a way as to distribute the mouthpieces to the transfer and attachment device.  
   
   
       6 ) A unit as in  claim 5 , wherein take-up means comprise a first and a second fluted roller disposed substantially tangential one to the other and rotatable thus about vertical axes, of which the first roller presents a plurality of aspirating grooves serving each to accommodate and retain a single mouthpiece, and the second roller operates in conjunction with the first roller to ensure that the mouthpieces are positioned correctly in the relative grooves.  
   
   
       7 ) A unit as  claim 1 , wherein the transfer and application device comprises at least one arm extending from a rotary table and capable of movement along the second path between a position in which the mouthpieces are received at the distributing station, and a position in which the mouthpieces are joined to the cigars at the attachment station.  
   
   
       8 ) A unit as in  claim 7 , wherein the arm is associated rotatably with the table by way of a first end and capable of angular movement about the axis of a mounting pivot.  
   
   
       9 ) A unit as in  claim 8 , wherein the transfer and application device further comprises an element associated with a free second end of the arm, of which the function is to retain the mouthpieces.  
   
   
       10 ) A unit as in  claim 9 , wherein the retaining element is mounted pivotably to the second end of the arm and rotatable through the agency of actuator means about an axis disposed substantially transverse to the axis of the mounting pivot.  
   
   
       11 ) A unit as in  claim 10 , wherein the second end of the arm is embodied as a clevis and the retaining element is inserted between the members of the second end.  
   
   
       12 ) A unit as in  claim 9 , wherein the single mouthpiece is retained within an aspirating groove presented by the element.  
   
   
       13 ) A unit as in  claim 1 , comprising means installed at a second distributing station located downstream of the first distributing station, relative to the second path, by which a filter plug is inserted into each mouthpiece.  
   
   
       14 ) A unit as in  claim 13 , comprising means installed likewise at the second distributing station, by which filter plugs are supplied to the mouthpieces.  
   
   
       15 ) A unit as in  claim 14 , wherein supply means comprise a second singulator device serving to establish an ordered succession of the filter plugs.  
   
   
       16 ) A unit as in  claim 15 , wherein the second singulator device comprises a second vibrating container.  
   
   
       17 ) A unit as in  claim 14 , wherein supply means comprise a cutter device by which single filter plugs are separated from a continuous filter rod and advanced in an ordered succession.  
   
   
       18 ) A unit as in  claim 15 , wherein supply means comprise means by which each of the single filter plugs advancing in ordered succession is taken up and aligned with a respective mouthpiece.  
   
   
       19 ) A unit as in  claim 18 , wherein take-up means comprise a rotating disc affording radial slots by which the filter plugs are positioned each in axial alignment with a corresponding mouthpiece.  
   
   
       20 ) A unit as  claim 1 , wherein means for inserting the filter plug into the mouthpiece comprise pushing means.  
   
   
       21 ) A unit as  claim 1 , comprising a gumming device positioned along the second path at a point between the first distributing station and the attachment station.  
   
   
       22 ) A unit as in any of  claim 1 , wherein the transfer and attachment device comprises a plurality of arms.