Method and apparatus for the production of filter rod sections or the like

摘要

Filter rod sections are produced by moving a tow of filamentary filter material past a device which showers the filaments with atomized plasticizer and by thereupon converting the thus treated tow into a rod-like filler which is wrapped to form a filter rod. The latter is severed to yield a succession of filter rod sections which are transported by a fluted drum to storage or to a machine for the production of filter-tipped smokers' products. Groups of filter rod sections are withdrawn from the flutes of the drum at regular intervals for weighing to thus determine the quantity of filter material and/or plasticizer. The results of the weighing operation are utilized to adjust the feeding mechanism for the tow and/or plasticizer if the measured quantities deviate from desired quantities. The feeding mechanism for the tow employs rolls which can be driven at a variable speed to thereby subject the filaments of the tow to a more or less pronounced stretching action. The feeding mechanism for the plasticizer employs a rotary brush which removes plasticizer from the periphery of a drum dipping into a supply of plasticizer, and a variable-speed drive for the drum.