Apparatus for separating the leaders from next-following portions of filter rods and the like

摘要

The lower-quality leader of a filter rod or cigarette rod is deflected from the path leading from the rod making station to the subdividing station before the rod is severed behind the leader so that the next-following high-quality portion of the rod is free to advance to the subdividing station. The apparatus for separating the leader has a rotary knife which rotates within a guard. The guard carries a U-shaped deflecting unit for the leader and is pivotable with the motor for the knife to and from an operative position in which the leader is deflected and the knife can sever the rod behind the deflected leader. The apparatus further employs a back support which is pivoted against the rod opposite the guard to prop the rod during separation of the leader.