APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTRODUCING OBJECTS INTO A SMOKING ARTICLE

摘要

An apparatus for introducing objects into a continuous flow of material comprises: - a reservoir (1) for providing objects; - a rotatable transfer wheel (3) for transporting and delivering the objects to an insertion unit for introducing the object into a continuous flow of material; - a transfer chamber (2) for transferring the objects to the transfer wheel (3), the transfer chamber (2) being arranged between the reservoir (1) and the transfer wheel (3). The rotatable transfer wheel (3) is provided with recesses (320) where the objects can be transferred and retained through the application of suction until they are delivered to the insertion unit. The rotatable transfer wheel (3) comprises a suction inlet arranged in the center of the rotatable transfer wheel (3) such as to provide suction through the center of the rotatable wheel (3) and comprises fluidic connections for providing a fluidic communication between the suction inlet and the recesses (320).