METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING CIGARETTES OR THE LIKE

摘要

A single file of cigarettes issuing from a cigarette making machine is converted into one or more rows of transversely aligned cigarettes which move sideways by propelling the cigarettes into successive axially parallel peripheral flutes of a revolving cylinder and by moving the cigarettes axially by suction during sidewise movement with the cylinder. The cigarettes are braked by suction on entry into the respective flutes and either continue to move in the direction in which they enter the flutes or are brought to a full stop prior to reversing the direction of lengthwise movement toward final axial positions.