EP3064076B1 - Apparatus for inserting objects into a filter rod - Google Patents

Description

This patent application relates generally to equipment and methods for manufacturing tobacco products such as cigarettes and the like. In particular, this patent application relates to equipment and methods for dispensing objects into a cigarette filter.

In JP H 6-135542 A discloses an apparatus for positioning spherical inserts between two segments of a tobacco product on a paper strip.

EP 2 636 322 A2 discloses an apparatus for inserting one or more objects into a filter component of a tobacco rod.

Another device for positioning insert elements in the manufacture of tobacco products is in U.S. 2014/0239006 A1 disclosed.

WO 2014/187839 A1 discloses a method of combining segments of a smoking article employing hollow conical elements.

In DE 1 243 074 B discloses a method of making multiple filter plugs for cigarettes.

For certain types of tobacco products, such as filter cigarettes, it may be desirable to have objects in the filter. For example, it may be desirable to have capsules, granular objects, powders, fibers, fiber mixtures, or other items in the filter. These objects can be added in an oriented or unoriented way.

Inserting oriented objects into a filter can present a manufacturing challenge because known equipment does not have the ability to adequately align the objects with the filter. This is especially true when working at high speeds. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved methods and apparatus for loading oriented objects into a filter rod.

According to one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for loading objects into a filter rod. The device may include a first conduit configured to convey a plurality of the objects in series; a second conduit adapted to convey a plurality of the objects in series, a first feeder having a first inlet and a first outlet connected by a first duct, the first inlet being connected to the first conduit; a first singulating drum having an outer perimeter defining a first row of first pockets configured to hold the objects, the first singulating drum configured to rotate about a first axis to sequentially load the first pockets move into registry with the first outlet; and at least a first source of air conveying the objects from the first inlet to the first outlet and sequentially into the first pockets of the first singulation drum; the device being further developed in that the first advancing device has a second inlet and a second outlet which are connected by a second channel, the second inlet being connected to the second line; and a second row of second pockets configured to hold the objects located on the outer periphery of the first singulating drum, the first singulating drum configured to sequentially move the second pockets into registry with the second outlet, the at least an air source conveying objects from the second inlet to the second outlet and sequentially into the second pockets of the first singulation drum.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Einlegemaschine gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1.

Fig. 3

eine gegenüberliegende Seitenansicht der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1.

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vielzahl von zuei-nander beabstandeten Objekten gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vielzahl von Objekten, die aus einer Zufuhreinrichtung zugeführt werden, gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Vorschubeinrichtung und von Trommeln der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1.

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der Vorschubeinrichtung der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1.

Fig. 8

eine teilweise Querschnittansicht einer Luftkammer gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Fig. 9

eine teilweise Querschnittansicht der Vorschubeinrichtung von Figur 7.

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Vorderansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Trommel der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1.

Fig. 11A und 11B

Vorder- bzw. Draufsichten einer Ausführungsform von Taschen der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1.

Fig. 12

zeigt eine Vorderansicht der Einlegemaschine von Figur 1 in Kombination mit einer Filterherstellungseinrichtung.

The foregoing aspects and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings set forth below. Show it:

1

Fig. 13 is a front view of an embodiment of an inserting machine according to the present invention.

2

a side view of the insertion machine from figure 1 .

3

an opposite side view of the insertion machine of figure 1 .

4

a schematic representation of a plurality of mutually spaced objects according to embodiments of the present invention.

figure 5

12 is a schematic representation of a plurality of objects being fed from a feeder according to embodiments of the present invention.

6

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a feed device and drums of the inserting machine of FIG figure 1 .

7

a perspective side view of an embodiment of the feed device of the insertion machine of figure 1 .

8

12 is a partial cross-sectional view of an air chamber according to embodiments of the present invention.

9

a partial cross-sectional view of the feed device of FIG figure 7 .

10

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a drum of the inserting machine of FIG figure 1 .

Figures 11A and 11B

Front and plan views, respectively, of an embodiment of pockets of the inserting machine of FIG figure 1 .

12

shows a front view of the inserting machine from FIG figure 1 in combination with a filter manufacturing facility.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology selected. All references cited in this document are referenced as if each were referenced individually.

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for inserting objects into a component of a smoking article (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, or the like). For example, in accordance with embodiments, principles of the present invention may be used to insert objects into the filter of a smoking article, such as into the "gap" of a "plug-gap-plug" arrangement. Alternatively, the devices and methods can be used to insert objects between adjacent tobacco rods, between a tobacco rod and an adjacent filter segment, or between other components of smoking articles, as one skilled in the art can appreciate based on this disclosure.

For example, the objects can be beads, flavor capsules, water-filled capsules, or pellets, but other types of objects are also possible. For example, the objects can be used to enhance the sensory attributes of cigarette smoke. In particular, the objects can be used as vehicles to add flavor or other substances to mainstream smoke. Exemplary filter material types that can be used with the present invention include acetate tow, gathered acetate web, polypropylene tow, gathered paper, reconstructed tobacco fibers, and the like.

According to embodiments, devices and methods can be used to insert objects into a smoking article at a particular orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. As used in this document, the term "oriented" objects refers to objects (e.g., non-round objects) that have a shape that can be oriented in a particular orientation with respect to the smoking article. For example, an oriented object may determine an orientation axis (e.g., coincident with the central longitudinal axis) that is desirably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the smoking article or filter segment is in which the object is inserted. According to certain embodiments, the oriented object may comprise a frusto-conical object that defines an orientation axis, and the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may combine the frusto-conical object with filter segments such that the orientation axis is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axes of the filter segments. Other examples of oriented objects may include, by way of example and without limitation, cylinders, cones, prolate ellipsoids of revolution, cubes, cuboids, pyramids, and prisms, and other objects that have an orientation axis that is alignable with the longitudinal axis of a smoking article.

Regarding figures 1 , 2 and 3 1 is shown an embodiment of an object inserter according to the present invention. The loading apparatus 100 may generally include a frame 102 that supports a faceplate 104 . Frame 102 may have any number of different structures known to those skilled in the art.

The faceplate 104 may include a front surface that supports a plurality of drums and/or other components that act on the tobacco products, as discussed in more detail below. Regarding figure 2 For example, the front panel 104 may also include a rear surface that supports one or more drive systems 106 that drive the drums and/or other components mounted on the front of the front panel 104 . More details about the propulsion system 106 are provided below. Regarding figures 2 and 3 Additionally, the frame may support one or more compressed air (or vacuum) sources 108 and valves 110 or other associated devices.

4 Figure 12 shows a plurality of objects O, in this case frusto-conical objects, arranged in an exemplary "plug-gap-plug" arrangement are arranged, the "plugs" being filter rod segments P, e.g. B. cellulose acetate, and the interstices of the objects O are occupied. According to embodiments, each of the objects O may have an orientation axis A1 extending, for example, along the central longitudinal axis of the object O, whereby the objects become "oriented objects". As also shown, the objects O can be arranged with the filter rod segments P such that the orientation axes A1 are substantially aligned (e.g. substantially parallel) with the central axes A2 of the filter rod segments P, but other embodiments are possible.

In the example execution of figure 4 the objects O can define a length L1 of about 11 mm, the inner rod segments P can define a length L2 of about 16 mm and the end rod segments P' can define a length L3 of about 8 mm, so that the structure (e.g. consisting of four objects O, three inner rod segments P and two end segments P') has a total length L4 of approximately 108 mm. However, other dimensions are possible. For example, the length L1 of the objects O can be about 8 mm to about 12 mm or more, and the length L2 can be about 10 mm to about 30 mm or more, depending on the application. In addition, each of the objects O can define a minor diameter D1 of about 5mm and a major diameter D2 of about 6mm, but other configurations are possible. For example, diameter D1 can be about 3 mm to about 4.5 mm and diameter D2 can be about 3 mm to about 10 mm or more, depending on the application. According to embodiments, the difference between D1 and D2 can be about 0 mm to about 3 mm, for example 1 mm, but other dimensions are possible. The length L4 can be about 60 mm to about 160 mm or more based on the application. A professional will based on this The disclosure recognizes that different lengths and diameters can be used for different applications.

With further reference to figure 4 the objects O may be arranged in alternating orientations with respect to one another, for example pointing towards or away from one another, but other configurations are also possible. For example, in certain embodiments, all objects O may point in the same direction.

figure 5 Figure 1 shows a plurality of objects O arranged end-to-end in the same direction with their orientation axes A1 substantially aligned. As shown, each object O can define an outer surface S that is tapered with respect to the orientation axis A1, for example by the taper angle Θ. The taper angle θ can be from about 1 degree to about 5 degrees or more, but other embodiments are possible.

figure 5 12 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the objects O may be fed from a bulk feeder to the inserting machine 100 of the present invention. figure 5 Figure 1 shows how the objects O are fed in the direction F with the smaller diameters D1 in front, but other configurations are possible. According to embodiments, the bulk feeder may include one or more magazines (not shown), as known to those skilled in the art. According to embodiments, the magazines can cumulatively deliver between about 5,000 and about 20,000 items per minute or more, however other configurations are possible.

figures 6 and 7 show the various components that combine the objects O and filter rod segments P. General can a or multiple delivery tubes 120 receive the objects O from the bulk supply facility and the objects O, for example, in the in figure 5 supply shown configuration. As in connection with figure 8 discussed, compressed air can be used to deliver the objects O within delivery tubes 120, however, other embodiments are possible.

With further reference to figures 6 and 7 each feed tube 120 feeds the objects O to a feeder 122 which orients and delivers the objects to one or more rotating singulation drums 124 . As in figure 6 As shown, the singulation drums 124 may in turn transfer the objects O to one or more rotating combination drums 126, e.g., in alternating order, to combine the objects O . The combining drum(s) 126 can then deliver the objects O to one or more end drums 128 where they are combined with filter rod segments P (or other objects such as tobacco rods) for later processing. According to embodiments, the rotational speed of the aforementioned drums can be adjusted to provide an insertion rate of about 2,000 to 4,000 items per minute (e.g., about 3,000 items) measured at each end drum 128. However, this output can be adjusted as needed to result in a to suit a particular application and may be multiplied without adjusting the rotational speed by duplicating some or all of the parts previously described, as would be understood by one skilled in the art based on this description.

Regarding figure 8 , the objects O can be fed through the feed pipes 120 under the force of compressed air. For example, each supply tube 120 may have an air plenum 130 coupled thereto. The air chamber 130 is in figure 8 shown in cross-section and may include an inlet 132 configured to be connected to a source of pressurized air (e.g., source of pressurized air 108 of figures 2 , 3 ). The pressurized air may be injected into an annular plenum 134 and then ejected from the plenum throat 136 through a plurality of nozzles 138 . The reference character CA designates the compressed air exiting the nozzles 138 . The compressed air CA exiting nozzles 138 may create an upstream vacuum V (e.g., a portion 120a of the feed tube) that draws in the objects and accelerates them downstream (e.g., through portion 120b of the feed tube and beyond). One or more air chambers 130 may be associated with each feed tube 120 to feed the objects to the attached feeder 122 . However, one skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that other configurations can be used to move the objects O through the feed tubes.

Regarding figures 6 , 7 and 9 an embodiment of a feed device 122 is described in more detail. Each feeder 122 may include one or more channels 140 for transporting the objects O in series and substantially in line with each other. Each channel 140 can be connected to a supply tube 120 . Regarding figures 7 and 9 For example, each channel 140 may include an inlet 140A coupled to the respective supply tube 120 by a strain relief 142, however, other coupling devices and coupling mechanisms are possible. Each duct 140 can also have a downstream outlet 140B (see FIG figure 9 ) that transfers the objects O to the corresponding singulation drum 124 .

Regarding figure 9 , each channel 140 may be curved so that the objects O are fed into the feeders 122 in a direction generally parallel to the singulating drums 124, and from the channel 140 for transmission from the feeders 122 to the singulating drums in a generally be diverted in the axial direction. For example, each channel 140 may curve from its inlet 140A to its outlet 140B at an angle that is about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, such as about 90 degrees. However, one skilled in the art will recognize based on this disclosure that other configurations are possible. According to embodiments, each advance device 122 may include two channels 140, wherein the outlets 140B of the channels 140 may face each other.

Regarding figures 6 and 9 For example, the advancers 122 may be mounted relative to the singulating drums 124 via an adjustable mounting system that provides for adjustment of the position and/or location of the duct outlets 140B relative to the respective singulating drums 124. Regarding figure 7 the singulation drums 124 and feeders 122 can both be mounted on the front surface of the faceplate 104 (shown in Fig figure 1 ) to be assembled. For example, a support arm 144 may extend from the front panel 104 and support a central support member 146 . First and second sets of mounting arms 148, 150 may extend from the support member 146 and be coupled to respective first and second plates 152 in which the channels 140 are defined.

Each of the mounting arms may include an elongated slot 148a, 150a that receives a fastener (not shown) or other element connected to the respective panel 152. FIG. By loosening the fasteners and moving them within the respective slots 148a, 150a, the location and/or lateral spacing of each duct outlet 140B relative to the respective singulation drum 124 can be adjusted. This may be done, for example, to properly align the axes of orientation of the objects O with the pockets on the singulation drums 124 (discussed in more detail below), as well as to adjust the distance that the objects O must travel when they exit the channel outlets 140B and enter the singulating drum pockets. According to embodiments and as shown in Figure 9, the location of the outlets 140B with respect to the singulation drums 124 can be adjusted by an angle α of about 30 degrees, but other ranges are possible. Additionally, one skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations aside from the elongated slots and anchors may be used to adjust the position and/or location of the plates 152 with respect to the singulation drums 124 .

With further reference to figure 7 , top panels 154 may cover panels 152 to close the tops of channels 140 . According to embodiments, the top panels may be clear (e.g., Lexan clear) to provide visibility of objects O moving through channels 140 .

Regarding Figures 6 - 9 one or more air sources may help the objects O move through the channels 140 . As in figure 7 For example, as shown, each duct 140 may have an acceleration duct 156 connected thereto, e.g., substantially tangentially. Each acceleration duct 156 may have an upstream end 156a that is connected to a source of pressurized air, such as through a nozzle 158, as best seen in FIG figure 6 you can see. The pressurized air may travel along the respective acceleration duct 156 to the tangential intersection with respect to the respective duct 140, the pressurized air accelerating the objects O out of the respective outlet 140A. This can support the transfer of the objects O from the feed devices 122 to the separating drums 124 .

Additionally or alternatively, the one or more air sources may include a vacuum fitting 160 located between adjacent duct outlets 140B (see FIG figures 6 and 9 ) is located. The vacuum fitting 160 can have a vacuum port 162 (see figure 9 ) that pulls objects O out of the channel outlets 140B and to pockets in the respective singulation drums 124. As in figure 9 shown, for example, a stop surface 164 may be located on support member 146, e.g. B. between adjacent rows of pockets on the singulation drum 124. The vacuum port 162 may be located in the stop surface 164 and may pull the objects O out of the respective channel outlets 140B and towards the stop surface, thereby facilitating axial movement of the objects O into the pockets of the singulation drum 124 is made possible. According to embodiments, the timing of the pressurized air in the acceleration ducts 156 and the timing of the vacuum in the vacuum ports 162 can be coordinated to precisely control the movement of the objects O from the feeders 122 onto the singulation drums 124 . Referring again to figure 6 Pressure gauges 166, 168 may be provided to measure the pressures in the acceleration passages 156 and vacuum ports 162.

Regarding figure 10 1, one embodiment of a singulation drum 124 is shown in more detail. According to embodiments, each singulation drum 124 includes a first row 170 of first pockets 172 and a second row 174 of second pockets 176, however, higher numbers of rows are possible. Each of the pockets 172, 176 can be adapted to transport one of the objects O. According to embodiments, a first outlet 140B of a feeder 122 can feed a first row 170 of first pockets 172 with objects O, and a second outlet 140B of the same feeder 122 can feed the second row 174 of second pockets 176 with objects O, but they are different configurations possible. The rows 170, 174 of pockets 172, 176 may be integral with the singulating drums 124 or, alternatively, may be separate pieces coupled thereto. According to In embodiments, each row of pockets may comprise between 12 and 36 pockets, for example 24 pockets, but other arrangements are possible.

Regarding figures 10 , 11A and 11B each of the pockets defines a seat 180 adapted to carry one of the objects O . The seats 180 can have a complementary geometry to the objects they support, such that the seats 180 can support the objects O with their orientation axes substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum.

Regarding Figure 11B For example, at least a portion of the surface of the seat 180 may be tapered by a seat angle β with respect to the axis of rotation R of the singulating drum 124 (see e.g. Figure 11B ) such that the objects O rest on the seats 180 with their orientation axes substantially parallel to the axis of rotation R of the singulation drums 124. According to embodiments, the seat angle β can be between about 1 degree and about 5 degrees, but other ranges are possible.

Regarding Figure 11A Each seat 180 can also define a segment width W that extends around the perimeter of the singulation drum 124. According to embodiments, each of the objects O can define a largest circumscribed diameter (e.g., the largest diameter in the case of a frusto-conical object), and the segment width W can be at least about 1.5 times the largest circumscribed diameter. This may include, for example, a circumferential segment from about 5 degrees to about 15 degrees, such as about 10 degrees. This configuration can provide a larger space for the objects O to enter when they enter the pockets from the outlets 140B of the respective channels 140, thereby increasing reliability and reducing breakage of the capsules. As in Figure 11B shown, each of the pockets 172, 176 include grooves 182 connected to a vacuum source (not shown, but see, e.g., air source 108 of FIG figure 1 ). The vacuum can be connected to the grooves 182 just before the objects O are transferred to the respective pockets, and the vacuum can be maintained while the object O is in the respective pocket to keep the object O in the pocket. When the object O is ready to leave the pocket, e.g. B. to get into a drum further back, the vacuum can be turned off (or pressurized). A puff of air can be ejected through the pocket after the object O has been transferred, for example to make sure there is nothing in the empty pocket. The vacuum can be controlled, for example by control flange technology, which applies vacuum to the pockets when they are in a particular orientation with respect to the control flange and optionally pressurizes the pockets when they are in a different orientation with respect to the control flange condition.

Referring again to figure 6 the drums of the hopper 100 may rotate synchronously with each other under the power of one or more drive systems 106 (see Fig figure 2 ), for example using a V-ribbed belt system or other transmission system known in the art. In operation, the singulation drums 124 can rotate counter-clockwise, the combination drum 126 can rotate clockwise, and the tail drum 128 can rotate counter-clockwise, but other embodiments are possible. As in figure 6 As shown, the combination drum 126 may include a first row 186 of first combination pockets and a second row 188 of second combination pockets. According to embodiments, the combination pockets may have the same complementary shape or taper angle as the pockets previously described to ensure proper alignment between the objects O and the axis of rotation of the to maintain combination drum. In operation, each row of combination pockets can receive objects O from the two singulation drums 124 in turn. Thus, a pair of singulation drums 124, each having two rows of pockets, can feed objects O to two rows of pockets on a combination drum 126, but other configurations are possible. Similar to the singulation drums 124, vacuum trays can be used to hold the objects O in the pockets of the combination drum 126.

With further reference to figure 6 For example, the tail barrel 128 may include pockets 190 configured to hold substantially cylindrical objects such as filter segments or tobacco rods (not shown). The end drum 128 may also include tapered pockets configured to hold the oriented objects O such that the substantially cylindrical segments P and the oriented objects O are aligned end-to-end about the circumference of the end drum 128 with their axes in the Substantially aligned (e.g. parallel). Regarding figure 12 Figure 1 shows the lay-in assembly 100 next to a downstream filter manufacturing assembly 200, such as a Hauni KDF machine. The manufacturing facility 200 may receive the plug-gap-plug assembly from the finishing drum 128 via a false drum 202, for example, and may further process the plug-gap-plug assembly into a complete smoking article or a component thereof. According to embodiments, the process of transferring the objects O from the combination drum 126 to the final drum 128 may be substantially the same as transferring the objects from the singulation drum 124 to the combination drum 126, however other embodiments are possible.

The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only for those skilled in the art to those of the inventors best known way to make and use the invention. Nothing in this specification is intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All examples presented are representative and not limiting. The above described embodiments of the invention may be modified or altered without departing from the invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus (100) for inserting objects into a filter rod, comprising:

   a first conduit adapted to convey a plurality of the objects (O) in series;

   a second conduit adapted to convey a plurality of the objects (O) in series;

   a first escapement (122) having a first inlet (140A) and a first outlet (140B) connected by a first channel (140), wherein the first inlet (140A) is connected to the first conduit;

   a first singulation drum (124) having an outer periphery defining a first row (170) of first pockets (172) adapted to hold the objects (O), wherein the first singulation drum (124) is adapted to rotate about a first axis (R) to successively move the first pockets (172) into registry with the first outlet (140B); and

   at least one first source of air (108) that conveys the objects (O) from the first inlet (140A) to the first outlet (140B), and successively into the first pockets (172) of the first singulation drum (124),

   characterized in that the first escapement (122) has a second inlet (140A) and a second outlet (140B) connected by a second channel (140), wherein the second inlet (140A) is connected to the second conduit; and

   a second row (174) of second pockets (174) adapted to hold the objects (O) located on the outer periphery of the first singulation drum (124), wherein the first singulation drum (124) is adapted to successively move the second pockets (176) into registry with the second outlet (140B);

   wherein the at least one source of air (108) conveys the objects (O) from the second inlet (140A) to the second outlet (140B), and successively into the second pockets (176) of the first singulation drum (124).
2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the first conduit is connected to a hopper adapted to hold a bulk supply of the objects (O).
3. The apparatus (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first conduit comprises a blow feed tube (120) including a plenum chamber (130) in fluid communication with the blow feed tube (120), the first plenum chamber (130) including a plenum inlet (132) adapted to connect to a compressed air source (108), and a plurality of outlet nozzles (138) directed along the blow feed tube (120) toward the first escapement (122).
4. The apparatus (100) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first channel (140) is curved from the first inlet (140A) to the first outlet (140B) by an angle ranging from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, wherein in particular the angle is about 90 degrees.
5. The apparatus (100) of one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
   an adjustable mounting system that supports the first escapement (122) in position with respect to the first singulation drum (124), wherein the adjustable mounting system is adapted to adjust the position and/or attitude of the first outlet (140B) with respect to the first pockets (172) on the first singulation drum (124).
6. The apparatus (100) of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one source of air (108) comprises:

   an acceleration channel (156) that intersects with the first channel (140) upstream of the first outlet (140B), in particular substantially tangentially; and

   a compressed air supply coupled to the acceleration channel (156), the compressed air supply being adapted to direct compressed air along the acceleration channel (156) toward the first outlet.
7. The apparatus (100) of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one source of air (108) comprises:

   a vacuum port (162); and

   a vacuum supply coupled to the vacuum port (162);

   wherein the first row (170) of first pockets (172) is positioned between the vacuum port (162) and the first outlet (140B) of the first escapement (122); in particular further comprising:

   a stop surface (164) located opposite the first outlet (140B) of the first escapement (122), the first row (170) of first pockets (172) located between the first outlet (140B) and the stop surface (164);

   wherein the vacuum port (162) is located in the stop surface (164).
8. The apparatus (100) of one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the first pockets (172) defines a seat (180) adapted to support one of the objects (O), and a surface of the seat (180) is tapered with respect to the first axis (R) by a seat angle (β), wherein in particular each of the, in particular frustoconical, objects (O) defines an axis of orientation (A1) and an outer surface (S) tapered with respect to the axis of orientation (A1) by a taper angle (θ), wherein the taper angle (θ) substantially compliments the seat angle (β), wherein in particular the seat angle (β) is between about 1 degrees and about 5 degrees.
9. The apparatus (100) of claim 8, wherein the seat (180) defines a segment width (W) extending about the circumference of the first singulation drum (124), and each of objects (O) defines a largest circumscribed diameter, the segment width (W) being at least about 1.5 times the largest circumscribed diameter.
10. The apparatus (100) of one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

    a second escapement (122) having a third outlet (140B) and a fourth outlet (140B) for the objects (B);

    a second singulation drum (124) having a third row (170) of third pockets (172) and a fourth row (174) of fourth pockets (176), wherein the second singulation drum (124) is adapted to successively move the third and fourth pockets (172, 176) into registry with the third and fourth outlets (140B), respectively; and

    at least one second source of air (108) that conveys the objects (O) from the third inlet (140A) and fourth inlet (140A) to the third outlet (140B) and fourth outlet (140B), respectively, and successively into the third pockets (172) and fourth pockets (176) of the second singulation drum (124), respectively; in particular further comprising a combiner drum (126) including:

    a first row (186) of first combiner pockets aligned with the first row (170) of first pockets (172) and the third row (170) of third pockets (172) ; and

    a second row (188) of second combiner pockets aligned with the second row (174) of second pockets (176) and the fourth row (174) of fourth pockets (176); in particular further comprising a final drum (128) adapted to convey a plurality of filter rod segments (P), the final drum (128) further adapted to receive the objects (O) from the first row (186) of first combiner pockets and from the second row (188) of second combiner pockets.

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