APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SMOKING ARTICLE PACK

摘要

Apparatus and Method for Manufacturing a Smoking Article Pack An apparatus (10) for manufacturing a sealed pack (20, 34, 36, 37) of smoking articles (2) and modifying an internal atmosphere thereof. The apparatus (10) comprises a handling mechanism (13) for conveying a sealed pack (20) of smoking articles (2) within the apparatus (10). The handling mechanism (13) includes a support plate (24) against which a pack (20) abuts during conveyance by the handling mechanism (13). The support plate (24) includes a gas port (29). The apparatus (10) is configured such that, as a pack (20) is conveyed by the handling mechanism (13) in abutment with the support plate (24), the gas port (29) may engage a valve (4) formed in the pack (20) to enable a gaseous atmosphere within the sealed (20) pack to be modified. Also, a method of manufacturing a pack (37) of smoking articles (2) by means of such an apparatus (10).