ES2358010T3 - METHOD AND APPLIANCE TO PRODUCE PARTICLE CARRIER FILTER BARS. - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus (10) for delivering predetermined amounts of particulate material and/or plasticizer (110) to a location remote from the particulate material (110), and a cigarette filter (996) and a cigarette (900) made according to the method and apparatus (10).

Description

Field of the Invention

 The present invention relates in general to methods and apparatus for delivering accurately measured quantities of particulate material during high-speed manufacture of manufacturing articles carrying particles, more particularly for the repetitive and precise delivery of granular particles 5 such such as charcoal and / or silica gel or other material in places spaced along a continuous stream that moves from bundled filaments in mallet comprising cellulose acetate or other forms of wick.

Background of the Invention

 Certain articles of manufacture, such as cigarette filters that carry particles, packages of individual size of granular or condiment food products, pharmaceutical products in capsules, ammunition, and the like, require the repetitive placement of precisely measured loads of particulate material somewhere in the procession along the production line of the items. Difficulties arise in achieving sufficient speed in the serial production of such articles, without sacrificing their consistency, or damaging the material or / or exacerbating spillage waste, in particular at high manufacturing speeds 15 for which rebound and vibration they can impair the control of the process and its consistency.

 With prior art machines, process control usually suffers, for high machine speeds, from inconsistent dosing and spraying of the material, in particular in those prior machines where machine components are allowed to move quickly they collide with stationary material or particulate material that moves relatively slowly. For example, certain prior particle dosing devices 20 contain a supply of particles in a hopper and allow the flange of the rotating dosing wheel to rotate through the relatively stationary collection of particles. Such an arrangement creates a spray action on the particles, which generally increases with the speed of the machine.

 Excessive spraying of the particulate material may alter the qualities of the final product 25 until it becomes unacceptable. The rebound and escape of particulate material during manufacturing operations with the previous machines often creates unacceptable deficiencies in the final product (such as inequalities or incomplete fillings) and greatly increases the "downtime" of the machine, undesirable, to clean the machine and the surrounding work environment.

 It is also known from the prior art that the manufacture of cigarette filters, in particular 30 filters for commonly used cigarettes of a cellulose acetate wick, that the processing of the wick presents several difficulties. For example, the wick has very low tensile strength and, therefore, special handling techniques have to be devised to avoid stretching the wick. In addition, when the wick is stretched around rollers, the wick fibers furthest from the roller tend to stretch relative to the fibers closest to the roller. After the wick has passed from the roller, the stretching of the fibers tends to make the wick remain in a curved or bent condition.

 It is known to apply a plasticizing agent to fibrous cellulose acetate during the production of filter rods. It is further known, from the prior art, that the application of plasticizer material close to particulate material in cigarette filters can cause at least partial deactivation of the particulate material if the plasticizer migrates to the particulate material. 40

 In US 4 285 677 a method and an apparatus for the manufacture of filters for cigarettes containing particulate material are described, which are deposited in the receptacles formed in the cellulose acetate wick during manufacturing.

 An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus capable of accurately dosing discrete amounts of particulate material at high machine speeds. Four. Five

 Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus that executes the high-speed delivery of dosed quantities of particulate material without spraying the material, even at high operating speeds.

 Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for delivering particulate material that minimizes the shear action on the particulate material. fifty

 Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus that minimize shear on the particulate material thereby maintaining relatively low speeds between the particulate material and the parts of the machine that come into contact with the particulate material.

 Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus, which transfers the particulate material with the help of vacuum in order to minimize dispersion and favor consistency even at high machine speeds.

 Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for high speed delivery of particulate material with minimal material leakage. 5

 Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for delivering accurately measured quantities of particulate material accurately, repetitively, during high-speed manufacturing of manufacturing articles carrying particles, and more particularly, for the Accurate repetitive delivery of granular particles such as particles and / or silica gel or other material in locations spaced along a continuous stream that moves from bundled bundle filaments comprising cellulose acetate or other forms of wick.

 Still another object of the present invention is the contribution of a method and an apparatus that allow low tensile strength material, such as cellulose acetate wick, to be processed under a minimum tension.

 Still another object of the present invention is the contribution of a method and an apparatus that allow low tensile strength material, such as cellulose acetate wick, to be processed in an equipment that has rollers around which the wick without causing excessive stretching of the wick, so as to minimize the tendency of the wick to retain its bent shape.

 Still another object of the present invention is the contribution of a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a filter for cigarettes, in which precisely measured quantities of particulate material are delivered and retained on a continuous filter rod in which plasticizer is applied. to the cigarette filter in places away from the particulate material.

Summary of the Invention

 These and other objects are achieved with the present invention, which is carried out in an arrangement for the production of filters for cigarettes carrying particles. Such apparatus and method include a wick treatment apparatus arranged to produce a continuous stream of fibrous material, a system for making fibrous rod in a second place downstream of the wick treatment apparatus, to wrap the wad wrap around the continuous stream of fibrous material and seal it; a device for inserting operative particles in a place between the system for making the rod and the wick treatment apparatus, for inserting predetermined metered quantities of particles in discrete places spaced along the continuous stream of fibrous material; a plasticizer application station for applying plasticizer to the continuous stream of fibrous material at separate locations of the particulate matter released; and a cutter downstream of the device for making filter rod, for cutting the continuous fibrous rod, which carries particles, in individualized rod studs.

 In particular, the particles are delivered by first establishing a continuous stream of fibrous material along a feed path; establishing a flow of particles along a first path; moving a first receptacle along an endless path that coincides at least partially with the first path; carrying a quantity of the particles inside the receptacle as the receptacle moves relative to the flow of particles; transfer the extracted amount of particles from the first receptacle to a second receptacle while moving the second receptacle along a second endless path 40 which coincides with the feeding path in a release location; forming a recess similar to a receptacle in a part of the continuous stream of fibrous material adjacent to the release site; releasing the extracted amount of particles from the second receptacle within the recessed portion of the continuous stream of fibrous material at the site of release; and then fold to close the adjacent parts of the continuous stream of fibrous material, around the amount of particles removed, released. Four. Five

 Preferably, the particles are retained with the aid of vacuum application in the recess similar to a receptacle at the place of release and at least during a first part of the closing step.

 The continuous stream of fibrous material moves beyond a plasticizer delivery point, and a plasticizer is intermittently applied to the continuous stream of fibrous material at the application points on the continuous line of fibrous material as the application points move further beyond the place of delivery. Empty places are communicated to the places in order to favor the migration of plasticizer inside the wick in the places and to limit the migration of the plasticizer outside the places.

Brief Description of the Drawings

 These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, contemplated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which each particular reference number consistently refers to particular parts in all of them. The following figures have been included: 5

 FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a system for making filter rod constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a preferred particle loading apparatus of the filter rod system of FIG. one;

 FIG. 3A is a detailed side view, partially cut away, of the dosing wheel of the particle loading apparatus of FIG. 2;

 FIG. 3B is a detail view along arrow B in FIG. 2;

 FIG. 3C is a detailed sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 3A;

 FIG. 4 is another detail view along arrow B in FIG. 2;

 FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of parts of a system for making filter rods 15 constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an optional transfer jet useful in the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5;

 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a cigarette filter block, for 4 or more, constructed in accordance with systems such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5; twenty

 FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view on line 7-7 of FIG. 7;

 FIG. 9 is a filter cigarette constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a system for making filter rods constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 25

 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of a filter block for 4 or more cigarettes constructed in accordance with the systems such as that illustrated in FIG. 10;

 FIG. 12 is a schematic side view, partially in cross-section, of a plasticizer application station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 13A is a schematic perspective view of a part of a plasticizer application station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 13B is a schematic view, partially in cross-section, of a plasticizer application station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a plasticizer application station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 35

 FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a plasticizer application station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of a part of a plasticizer application station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 17A is a schematic side view of a part of a plasticizer application station 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 17B is a schematic front view of a slotted rotating cylinder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

 FIG. 18A is a side view of folding rollers according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 45

 FIG. 18B is a top view of folding rollers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

 With reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a system 10 for making filter rods, which is capable of constructing high speed filter rods carrying particles, at a rate of approximately 300 meters of filter rod per minute. The system 10 for making filter rods comprises a wick treatment apparatus 20 for the generation of a continuous stream of filamentary material 22 such as, for example, non-limiting, of cellulose acetate wick; a system 30 for making filter rods located downstream of the wick treatment apparatus 20 for wrapping the front parts of a continuous block wrap 32 around the continuous stream of filamentary material 22; a cutter 40 for slicing the continuous rod produced by the system 30 to make filter rods in individual filter plugs of a predetermined length (usually of a multiple of which constitutes a single cigarette filter); and a particle loading apparatus 50 located for operation between the wick treatment apparatus 20 and the system 30 for making filter rods, which is arranged to consistently deliver predetermined amounts of particulate material (preferably comprising 15 particles of charcoal and / or silica gel or other suitable material) within places 52 spaced apart from each other (for example, places 52a, 52b and 52c in FIG. 1) defined along the continuous stream of filamentous material 22 , as established by the wick treatment apparatus 20.

 The wick treatment apparatus 20 is essentially of a family arrangement for those who have ordinary knowledge of the relevant technique, such as an AF1-E apparatus of the Hauni-Körber 20 AG signature from Hamburg, Germany. Such machines typically include a feed arm 24 for directing a continuous cord of wick material in front of a set of pretending rollers 25, a set of threaded slab rollers 26, a plasticizer applicator 28, a plurality of delivery rollers 29 and finally a transport filling jet 31, all of which cooperate to form the continuous stream of filamentous material 22 at the outlet of the apparatus 20 for treatment of the wick. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the output of the apparatus 20 for treatment of the wick is fed under a desired voltage and speed in the particle loading apparatus 50, preferably with the aid of a set of dosing rollers 53. The Plasticizer applied by the plasticizer applicator is preferably a softening agent added in small amounts to the cellulose acetate wick to glue the tapes together at points where the filaments intersect with each other. In addition, the transport jet 31 is modified, 30 preferably according to the description that follows with reference to FIG. 6, to establish a shape similar to that of a flat belt in the direct current of filamentary material 22 at the outlet of the transport jet 31.

 Examples of plasticizers include, but are not limited to, triacetin (also known as glycerol triacetate or PZ), trimethylene glycol diacetate (also known as TEGDA), and mixtures thereof.

 With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the particle loading apparatus 50 preferably comprises a particle deposit 100 for retaining a supply of particles 110, a dosing wheel 200 having a plurality of preferably conical receptacles 210 spaced apart along the flange 204 to receive and release predetermined amounts (charges) of particles; a channel 300 in communication 40 with the tank 100 and arranged to receive an edge part 201 of the dosing wheel 200 to direct a stream of particles from the tank 100 in a confluence relationship with the edge part 201 of the wheel 200 rotating dosage; a rotary transfer wheel 400 having a plurality of preferably conical receptacles 410, spaced apart from each other, along its flange 404 to repeatedly receive loads of particles from the dosing wheel 200 and release them at a delivery location 7 defined at a predetermined angular location around the transfer wheel 400; a vacuum retaining wheel 600 that includes a vacuum manifold 500 through the delivery location 7 to facilitate a complete and clean transfer of particles from the transfer wheel 400 to the adjacent part of the continuous stream of filamentary material 22 in the delivery station 7; and preferably a folding shoe (or lining) 700 just downstream of the wheels 400 and 600, which is arranged to close the edge portions 702 and 704 around a particle load delivered 706.

 With particular reference to FIGS. 3A and 3C, the flange 204 of the dosing wheel 200 includes a plurality of receptacles 210 equally spaced from each other, each of which is defined by a radially directed conical bore 212 and a grid 214 at the end portion of the conical bore 212. Conical bore 212 is convergent in the radially inward direction. A radially directed channel 216 within the flange 204 communicates a rear side of the grid 214 with the inside of the dosing wheel 200. The arrangement is such that when a vacuum is communicated from a vacuum impeller chamber 220 located along

of an inner part of the wheel 200 through the passage 216 and of the grid 214, any particle that is adjacent to the receptacle 210 will be attracted to the conical bore 212 of receptacle 210, until it is filled. The space enclosed by the grid 214 and the conical bore 212 defines the volumetric capacity of each receptacle 210.

 Optionally, the grid 214 is fixed on a threaded ring or on a ring that is applied to 5 selectable annular spacers so that the radial position of each grid can be adjusted to accommodate the delivery of a selectable range of volumetric amounts of particles.

 The gutter 300 is in communication with the reservoir 100 of granular particles, such that the particles can be controllable from the reservoir 100 through the gutter 300 under the influence of gravity. At a location along the path 310 of internal passage through the gutter 10 300, a vent 320 is arranged to admit ambient air into the passage 310 as the particulate material 110 is vacuum sucked from the gutter 300 to the receptacles 210 of the dosing wheel 200. In a second place along the path 310 of the passage below the vent 320 a deflector 330 is located, which is arranged along the path 310 of the passage in order to deflect the stream of particles drawn into adjacent edge portion 201 of the dosing wheel 200. The trough 300 15 preferably includes a scraper blade 370 at a location along the path 310 of the passage near where the flange 304 of the dosing wheel it leaves the channel 300 and is operative on the dosing wheel 200 in order to remove any extra granular particles that extend beyond the confines of the receptacle s 210 when rotating the dosing wheel 200 the receptacle 210 outside the gutter 300. Such an arrangement ensures a consistent and clean filling of the receptacles 210 as these are rotated through 20 of the gutter 300. The scraped particles (extras) are redirected back to step 310. At the exit of step 310 a trap 380 receives the granular particles that have not been collected by the dosing wheel 200, whose conduit 380 is in communication with the appropriate arrangement 390 to return the particles not collected to deposit 100.

 A shut-off valve 112 is operatively located between the reservoir 100 and the inlet to the gutter 25 300. Optionally, the shut-off valve 112 could be configured as a dosing valve or the like.

 Within the confines of the dosing wheel 200, a first vacuum impeller chamber 220 is fixed, which is operative around an angular extension of the wheel 200 starting where the particles of the gutter 300 are collected and ending at a transfer site angular 205, where the particles are transferred from the wheel 200 to the wheel 400. The vacuum impeller chamber 220 is connected 30 to a vacuum source through conduits and preferably extends from an angular position approximately 10 o'clock a along the flange 204 just before the entrance to the flange 210 inside the gutter 300 to an angular position of approximately 5 o'clock along the flange 204, where the flange 204 of the dosing wheel 200 converges with the flange 404 of the transfer wheel 400. When each receptacle 210 passes along the vacuum impeller chamber 220, the vacuum inside 35 of the impeller chamber 230 communicates through the channel 216 of the receptacle so that the particles are sucked into and retained by the receptacle 210. Consequently, as the individual receptacle 210 passes along the impending chamber 220, it is subjected to a negative pressure which tends to aspirate the granular particles into the receptacle 210 as it passes through the gutter 300 and retains the granular particle charge in the receptacle until such time as the receptacle 210 passes through the angular transfer position 40 (the position 5 o'clock), at which time communication with the vacuum is relieved. After continuing the rotation of the flange 204, the receptacle 210 is then placed in communication with a second vacuum chamber 230, so that any material that is engaged in the receptacle 210 is retained within the receptacle 210 until such time as the receptacle 210 arrives at purge station 240 (at or about the 2 o'clock position on dosing wheel 200), where a positive flow is directed through channel 216 of receptacle 210 so as to clean receptacle 210 by dragging any foreign matter before the receptacle returns to the gutter 300. Any material that is removed from the purge station is collected so as to avoid contamination of the product and of the machine 10.

 By moving the receptacles 210 through angular positions outside the first and second impedance chambers 50 and 230, the internal cylinder structure 295 inside the wheel blocks the channel 216 of the communication with the impedance chambers 220 and 230. The structure Internal cylinder 495 inside the transfer wheel 400 is provided between the impeller chamber 420 similarly with respect to the receptacles 410 on the flange 404 of the transfer wheel 400.

 When each charged receptacle 210 is rotated beyond the end of the vacuum impeller chamber 220, the 5 o'clock position), the vacuum communication is interrupted so that the particle inside the receptacle 210 can be easily removed and transferred to one of the receptacles 410 located in

Spatial positions around the flange 404 of the transfer wheel 400. The transfer wheel 400 rotates in the opposite direction to that of the dosing wheel 200 and its flange 404 passes over the flange 204 with a clearance of approximately 4 millimeters in an angular position of approximately 14 o'clock on transfer wheel 400.

 The flange 404 of the dosing wheel 400 includes a plurality of receptacles 410 spaced equally apart from each other, each of which is constructed similarly to that of the receptacles 210 of the dosing wheel 200. With particular reference to FIG. 3C, assuming that the last two digits of the designations of comparable elements are the same, each receptacle 410 includes a radially directed conical bore 412 and a grid 414 at the end of the conical bore 412. The conical bore 412 is convergent on the direction radially inward and of a diameter slightly greater than that of the conical bore 10 212 of the dosing wheel 200. A channel 416 directed radially inside the flange 404 communicates a rear side of the grid 414 with the inside of the transfer wheel 400

 In US Pat. Number 5,875,824 gives more details concerning the structure and cooperation of the gutter, the dosing wheel and the delivery wheel. With reference now to FIG. 3B, just upstream of the 6 o'clock angular position on the transfer wheel 400, the flange 404 15 of the wheel 400 comes into contact with the direct current of filamentary material 22. Preferably, the transfer wheel 400 and the Vacuum retaining wheel 600 includes parts that engage 900 each relative to the other, such that a general receptacle form of U is communicated to the direct current of filamentary material 22 as it passes through the space of defined separation between wheels 400 and 600 in and adjacent to delivery position 7. To further assist in the reception and retention of loads of 20 particles in delivery position 7, vacuum is applied to the underside of the folded filament 22 ' to aid in the positive and complete delivery of the particle charge 706 and to retain the same in relation to the proximal part of the receiving part 22 'in the filament stream 22. With this, the dis Persion of the particles along the filament stream. The spacing between the receptacles 410 and the speed of the wheel 400 are selected such that the delivered loads 706 are spaced apart as desired, consistently and / or in accordance with the design applications.

 In addition, the spacing of the receptacles 210 along the flange 204 of the dosing wheel 200 is selected, and the wheels are synchronized, such that as each receptacle 210 of the dosing wheel 200 approaches the angular transfer position 205 of the dosing wheel 200, one of the receptacles 410 of the transfer wheel 400 arrives at the angular position of the 11 o'clock on the transfer wheel 400, so that each receptacle 210 and 410 are opposite the one to the other in angular transfer position 7.

By the time an empty receptacle 410 reaches the 11 o'clock position on the transfer wheel 400, the receptacle 410 has been put in communication with the vacuum impeller chamber 420 so that the receptacle 410 aspirates particle from the opposite receptacle 210 and holds it against its grid 35 414.

 The charged receptacle 410 remains attached to the vacuum vacuum chamber 420, so as to retain the particle charge in its rotation path from the 11 o'clock position to a position just beyond the angular position of the 5 o'clock around of transfer wheel 400.

 When rotation of the transfer wheel 400 continues, the loaded receptacle always moves 40 closer to the delivery position 7 and begins to establish communication with an ambient impeller chamber 430 which is ventilated to the surrounding environment in order to communicate the ambient pressure to the receptacle 410. By such an arrangement, the particles are more easily removed from the receptacle 410 with minimal or no dispersion.

 After the receptacle 410 has passed through the 7 o'clock position and its contents are released in position 7, the receptacle 410 starts communicating with a second vacuum impeller chamber 440, which retains any particulate matter that is hooked into receptacle 410 until it reaches a purge station 450, where a stream of air is blown through receptacle 410 to purge it of any foreign material before it reaches the 11 o'clock position to receive another load of particles from the dosing wheel 200. 50

 Preferably, particle transfers at positions around system 10, including the collection and delivery of particles by wheels 200 and 400, are carried out in accordance with the principles of US Pat. Number 5,539,871 assigned in common.

 It is currently preferred to offer receptacles 210 and 510 with rectangular openings in the respective positions along the flanges of the dosing wheel 200 and the transfer wheel 400.

 With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, downstream of the closing shoe 700, a lining belt 34 pulls the stream 22c of filaments carrying particles, closed, together with the envelope 32 of the 5 block beyond the tongue 802 of the forming device 30 of continuous rod, which preferably comprises a KDF2-E apparatus of Hauni-Körber AG from Hamburg, Germany.

 With reference now to FIG. 3B, the vacuum retention wheel (cylinder) 600 itself includes individual spaced apart retention receptacles 604, which communicate with a vacuum source 500 in the region of the delivery position 7 adjacent to the gap between the Dosing wheels 10 and vacuum retention 400 and 600. These retention receptacles 604 of the vacuum retention wheel 600 cause the fibrous mass of the wick to be pulled slightly into the individual receptacles 604, thus forming a Little depression in them. The vacuum is maintained along the arcuate extension of the vacuum vacuum chamber 500, from, or just above, the 3 o'clock position, to or beyond just the 11 o'clock position at the vacuum retention wheel 600, so that the dispersion of particles is minimized and the accuracy of the desired placement of the particles in the spaces spaced along the continuous fibrous stream 22 is facilitated.

 With reference now to FIG. 2, preferably, the vacuum retention wheel 600 is vertically displaced from the dosing wheel 400, such that the continuous current of fibrous wick 22 arches first slightly upward, towards the dosing wheel 400 as it approaches the delivery position 20, and then arches in the opposite direction around the vacuum retention wheel 600 just beyond the delivery position 7 in order to facilitate a closing action on the edge portions of the wick 702 and 704 around individual charges of particles 706.

 In another preferred embodiment, the vacuum retention wheel is positioned vertically in line with the dosing wheel and the nail is directed tangentially through the respective gap between both wheels 600 and 400.

 With reference now to FIG. 5, another aspect of the present invention consists in directing the outlet 22 of an AF1 through a transport jet 31, and using dosing rollers 33 to help feed the wick stream 22 towards the defined separation space between the wheel 600 vacuum retention and delivery wheel 400. Between the dosing rollers 33 and the vacuum retention wheel 600, a pair of 30 flat guides are arranged to initiate a flat shape of the fibrous wick mass 22.

 With reference now to FIG. 6, another aspect of the present invention is the provision of a horn 950 at or approximately in the transport jet 31 so as to initiate a general U-shaped division into the continuous fibrous mass 22 as it passes through the transport jet 31 Guides 33 and / or rollers operatively located between the transport jet 31 and the vacuum retention wheel 600 then fold the separate parts 35 of the fibrous stream 22 to give a flat shape to the fibrous stream 22 when it reaches the wheel 600 vacuum retention.

 With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 7, the rod making apparatus 30 envelops the continuous bead 22c that carries particles with the heel wrap 22 and seals the latter along the seam line 35 with an adhesive that is administered along the wrap 32 of the plug by means of a glue applicator 37. Once this continuous rod 22d is formed, the continuous rod enters the cutter 40 to be cut into individual filter plugs 41 of a predetermined length, such as a configuration of four or more, as illustrated in FIG. 7 or other desired multiple or singular form. The action of the cutter 40 is preferably recorded and synchronized with the action of the apparatus for inserting particles 50 so that the end portions of the plugs 41 are fibrous and the particle charges 706 are enclosed within each filter plug 41. 45 As has illustrated in FIG. 8, each filter plug 41 includes fibrous portions 702, 704 that have been folded around a respective load of particles 706.

 With reference to FIG. 9, a cigarette 990 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a wrapped tobacco rod 992 that is attached by means of an embossed paper 994 to an individual filter 996 which preferably has a single load of dosed particulate material 50 inside 706 thereof and that includes folded portions 702, 704 of fibrous material adjacent thereto. Optionally, a filter for the mouthpiece can be arranged at the free end portion 998 of the filter 996.

 Alternatively, the plasticizer applicator 28 can be operated intermittently and synchronously with the inserter 50 to apply the plasticizer (PZ) in positions along the continuous fibrous cord 22 55

other than positions 52a, b, c, etc., where post 22 receives particles. In doing so, the contact between the plasticizer and the particle charges is minimized or completely avoided, in order to preserve the original state of the particles, such as the activated state of the charcoal and / or the silica gel or other absorbent or reagent. In the alternative, the plasticizer applicator 28 can be operated downstream of the closing shoe 700 so that the plasticizer is applied to external parts of the fibrous stream carrying 5 particles, closed 22c.

 In FIG. 10 a system for making filter rod 10a has been illustrated which has been adapted to apply plasticizer in desired amounts and at precise locations along a continuous string of fibrous material 22. In the system 10a for making filter rod it allows manufacturing rods of filter, such as filter rod 41 of "four or more", shown in FIG. 11, which has dosed amounts of 10 particulate material 706 arranged at precise intervals as well as plasticizer 28p disposed at precise intervals in relation to alternating with the charges of the particulate material 706 and isolated from the particulate material so as to prevent deactivation of the particulate material through contact with the plasticizer. The filter rod 41 preferably has plasticizer 28p applied to the outer surface of the rod after the rod is closed around the particulate material 706, such as by conventional spray techniques or roller application (not shown).

 The system 10a for making filter rods of FIG. 10 differs from system 10 for making filter rods described in FIG. 1, mainly as regards the addition of a plasticizer applicator or an application station 280 (such as that illustrated in FIG. 12) which has a plasticizer applicator that includes a plasticizer wheel ("applicator cylinder ") 283 and a plasticizer vacuum wheel 285 which, together, define a plasticizer separation space 287 in which the plasticizer is preferably applied to the continuous cord of fibrous material 22. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the plasticizer application station 280 is preferably disposed upstream of the point at which the particulate material 706 is applied, although, if desired or necessary, the plasticizer application station may also be disposed downstream of that point, the plasticizer application station 280 is preferably arranged downstream of a horn 25 and / or a shoe and / or a tongue 289 or other structure suitable for opening the continuous string of fibrous material 22 and retaining it in an open condition, before providing the particulate material 706. Again, if desired or necessary, the plasticizer application station 280 can be arranged upstream of a shoe 289 or a similar structure, or downstream of the structure that closes the continuous cord of fibrous material 22 before application of the wrapper 32 of the block around the continuous cord of fibrous material, if those 30 operations are not performed They are simultaneously. Preferably, the shoe 289 comprises a horn 950, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

 The continuous stream of fibrous material 22 moves through the station to plasticize 280 along a path. As seen in FIG. 12, the plasticizing wheel 283 has a plurality of openings 291 that extend into a radial surface 293 thereof and in flow communication with a source 296 of liquid plasticizer. The plasticizing vacuum wheel 285 has a plurality of openings 297 therein that extend to a radial surface 299 thereof and in flow communication with a vacuum source 301. The plasticizing wheel 283 and the vacuum wheel 285 They are each plasticized in relation to each other in such a way that, as the continuous stream of fibrous material 22 moves through the plasticizing station 280 along the path, the gap 287 between the wheels defines a point in the path. 40 When one of the plurality of openings 291 in the plasticizing wheel 283 is arranged in the separation space 287, a corresponding one of the plurality of openings 297 in the plasticizing vacuum wheel 285 is also arranged in the separation space in a opposite side of the continuous stream of fibrous material 22.

 The source 296 of liquid plasticizer is preferably at, or slightly above, ambient pressure, so that, ordinarily, the plasticizer flows from openings 291 either nothing or only at a very slow rate. If desired or necessary, the openings 291 may be arranged so that they communicate with the source 296 of liquid plasticizer only when the openings are arranged at or near the separation space 287. Regardless of which technique is used to limit the flow of plasticizer to the openings 291, when the openings 291 are opposite openings 297 in the vacuum wheel 285 of the plasticizer in the separation space 287, the plasticizer is sucked into the openings 297 and into the continuous stream of material fibrous 22. In this manner, the precise application of the plasticizer can be ensured to differentiated areas of the continuous stream of fibrous material 22 away from particulate material 706. At least on surfaces 293 and 297 of wheels 283 and 285, respectively, the openings 291 and 297 are preferably substantially as wide as the direct current of fibrous material 22, so that the plasticizer Cante is applied substantially equally through the continuous stream of fibrous material. It will be appreciated, of course, that the plasticizer application station 280 can be used independently of a particle-loading apparatus 50, if desired or necessary.

 With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13A, the applicator cylinder 283 preferably comprises a fixed face plate (disc) 501, fixed guide rings 503, 505, and a rotating ring portion 506 of the applicator cylinder 283 disposed between the fixed guide rings 503, 505

 Preferably, the rotating ring 506 comprises a plurality of spaced porous metal segments 507 which are spaced from each other around the circumference of the movable ring portion 5 506 with a value equal to that of the desired spacing for the particles in the finished filter rod . In order to serve as an example, such spacing can be selected as 27 millimeters for many preferred cigarette filter designs. Preferably, the porous strips are approximately 3 to 8 mm wide, and more preferably are approximately 4 mm wide. They can be obtained from the firm Mott Industrial, 84 Spring Lane, Farmington, Connecticut, USA. 06032-3159, among other sources of porous strips. The preferred embodiment uses a pore size of 40 micrometers with PZ, and other pore sizes can be selected for other plasticizers and / or machine speeds.

 The plasticizer (such as the PZ) is preferably introduced from the source 296 into the applicator cylinder 283 through a line 509 and a port 511 on the fixed disk 501. Optionally, a drain line 513 is provided for the return of PZ from within the applicator cylinder 283 to return to source 296 or, 15 as an alternative, to its collection for disposal.

 In this embodiment, each metallic porous segment 507 of the ring 506 is communicated with the PZ supplied to an inner part of the applicator cylinder 283 through the respective channel 291 (FIG. 10) when the respective segment 506 is rotated through the space of defined separation between the applicator cylinder 283 and the vacuum cylinder 285. 20

 Vacuum cylinder 285 preferably includes a plurality of vacuum retention holes (or recesses) 521 arranged in relation to alternations in a plurality of grid-protected recesses 523. Preferably, the recesses 523 protected by grids each comprise a groove of approximately 4-8 mm in transverse length, and more preferably of approximately 5 mm in transverse length, and a grating 527 recessed approximately 2 mm from the outer perimeter of the cylinder 285. 25 Preferably, the grid-protected recesses 523 are spaced apart from each other at a distance equal to that of the porous segments 507 of the applicator cylinder 283 and engage therewith in the grip separation 287 between the cylinders 283 and 285.

 The vacuum is communicated to the grid-protected recesses from within the cylinder 285 preferably through the angular extension along the cylinder 285 indicated by the arrow 529 (in FIG. 13A) from a location adjacent to the gap between cylinders 285 and 283 and the gap between cylinders 285 and 600. During such a journey, each recess 523

protected by a grid, it applies vacuum to the place where the plasticizer has been applied by the applicator cylinder 285, in order to aspirate the plasticizer into the fibrous tape 22 and locate the plasticizer at or around the application site. 35

 Preferably, each of the vacuum retention holes 521 is beveled (radially convergent inwardly) and is approximately 9.5 mm wide at the perimeter of the vacuum cylinder 285. Preferably, the retention holes 521 are in communication with the vacuum through the arcuate extension in which the continuous wick tape 22 is in contact with the vacuum cylinder 285 which, in this embodiment, is from about the 2 o'clock position to the 11 o'clock position around 40 of the cylinder 285. When the vacuum application takes place, the local parts of the wick 22 are partially aspirated into the holes 521 in order to favor the retention of the wick on the vacuum cylinder 285 without sliding. Since the holes 521 and the grid protected recesses 523 are operated along different angular extensions, the vacuum holes 521 can be provided from a source (an exhaust fan) separate from that used for the grid protected recesses 523. Such an arrangement also minimizes the risk of contamination in the event that the plasticizer is aspirated through the grid-protected recesses 523.

 With reference now also to FIG. 13B, in this embodiment the vacuum cylinder 600 includes a generally flat perimeter 531 bearing a plurality of holes (or recesses) 533 spaced apart from each other that engage with and are preferably similar to (in size and shape) the retaining holes 521. 50 Preferably, both the holes 521 of the vacuum cylinder 285 and the holes 533 of the vacuum cylinder 600 include recessed grilles 535 in the converging part of the beveled holes 521, 533. The vacuum applied through the holes 533 causes the fiber wick 22 to adapt to the shape of the holes and that the recessed grilles 535 form recessed portions 534 similar to receptacles capable of retaining at least partially an individual dosed particle charge 706. Vacuum is also applied to the holes 533 of the cylinder 600 so as to favor the retention of the particles 706. Preferably, the application of vacuum is continued beyond the

defined grip separation between delivery wheel 400 and vacuum cylinder 600 and to where the cord 22 is closed at least partially. Both sets of holes 521, 533 positively contribute to the retention of the wick tape 22 without sliding, so that the coincidence between the places for particles and plasticizer and the cutter is maintained.

 Preferably, the tape 22 is retained in a general non-curly state as it passes through the gap between the delivery wheel 400 and the vacuum cylinder 600. Then, it preferably folds around the particle charge 706 immediately beyond the separation of grip, by rollers and / or shoes, in order to avoid the spillage of particles. Folding is preferably initiated before the release of the vacuum on a given recess, as further described with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B.

 With reference now to FIG. 14, another preferred embodiment includes the exchange of the places of the applicator cylinder 283 'and the vacuum 285', but in the absence of holes between the porous segments 507 'in the vacuum cylinder 285' and, optionally, the addition of holes of retention 538 in the applicator cylinder 283 ', whose holes 538 engage with and are similar to the vacuum retention holes 533' of the vacuum cylinder 600 '. In this embodiment, the porous segments 507 'can be put in communication with the plasticizer supply through the angular extension in which the wick tape 22 is retained along the cylinder 15 283', as indicated by the arrow 541 in FIG. 14, for parts of it. This embodiment also advantageously applies plasticizer to an inner surface of the wick 22.

 With reference now to FIG. 15, another embodiment replaces the vacuum cylinder of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14 by a lower, secondary applicator cylinder, 283A such that the porous segments 507A of the lower cylinder 283A and the segments 507B of the upper cylinder 283B engage in the 20-grip separation so as to apply plasticizer to both sides of the wick 22.

 It should be noted that the retaining holes 533 of the cylinder 600 operate as the individual receptacles 604 described above with reference to FIG. 3B.

 With reference now to FIG. 16, the operation of the embodiment represented in FIG. 15 (and any of the other embodiments) may include passing the output of the transport jet 31 on a series of tapered rollers 541A, 541B, and 541C, to favor that the wick current 22 extend transversely. the wick is extended transversely other means such as angled pairs of rollers, shoes, or other surfaces can be used.

 With reference now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the plasticizer applicator cylinder 283 '' includes a slotted rotating cylinder part 551, whose grooves 552 are spaced apart in accordance with the preferred spacing 30 of the plasticizer applications (e.g., 27 mm, if prefer). Inside the cylinder is a rotary brush applicator 553, which collects the plasticizer from a reservoir 555 and directs it to the grip separation between the rotating cylinder 551 and the opposite vacuum cylinder 285 ''.

 Alternatively, a rotating slotted disc or a perforated or slotted endless belt can be interposed between a brush or spray nozzle and the continuous wick band 22, in order to establish a repeated individualized application of plasticizer. As alternatives, a plurality of applicator nozzles are also included, the discharges of which are carried out in order or a brush having tufts of ID cards spaced apart.

 As seen in FIG. 10, a second driving arrangement of the tube belt 303 is preferably provided to facilitate the advance of the continuous stream of fibrous material 22 after its establishment in the transport jet 31. The continuous stream of fibrous material 22 is advanced preferably with a minimum tension and, therefore, it is preferably supported on a belt or roller during a substantial part of its transmission from the jet 31 to the point where it is wrapped in the block housing 32.

 The continuous stream of fibrous material 22 is also preferably retained in the various vacuum rollers 45 285 and 600. The grip aided by the vacuum of these rollers 285 and 600 contributes to maintaining the match between the particle and plasticizer applications. and cutting operations. In this way, the tension in the direct current of fibrous material is minimized, thereby minimizing the problems associated with the direct current of fibrous material, which retains a bent shape as a result of being bent around curves under tension. Conventional lining devices can also be replaced 50 with closing wheels 701 that allow the closing of the continuous current of fibrous material 22 under a minimum tension.

 With reference now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, preferably a plurality of rollers 561 are arranged immediately downstream of the vacuum cylinder 600 to initiate and complete the closure of the wick cord 22 around the intermittent loads of particles 706. Preferably, the rollers 561 include a

first off-center pair of crazy rollers 563, such that the folding action is initiated first on one side 565 of the wick cord 22 and then on the other. Preferably, the first pair of offset rollers 563 is followed by one or more pairs of opposite concave rollers 567a and 567b, which are driven by a belt 569 or by another suitable drive arrangement. The downstream rollers 567a and 567b complete the folding action of parts of the wick cord 22 around the individualized spaced loads 706.

 Preferably, the application of vacuum to the retaining holes 533 in the vacuum cylinder 600 extends arcuately along an extension (represented by arrow 571 in FIG. 18A) where the wick 22 first makes contact with the cylinder 600 (approximately at the 4 o'clock position in the preferred embodiment) to a place where the folding action of the rollers 563 has folded, at least partially, parts of the wick cord 22 around the respective particle charge 706 Accordingly, it is preferred to keep the vacuum in the holes 533 of the cylinder 600 to approximately the 11 o'clock position in the cylinder 600. By such arrangement, the particles are prevented from escaping the cord 22 during folding.

 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced in other embodiments, in addition to those described, which were presented for illustrative purposes and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the device and the methodologies incorporated therein are adaptable for the delivery of various types of particulate or granular material and could be used in applications other than cigarette filter filling. For example, the device is easily adaptable to the filling of pharmaceutical products, or to the repetitive placement of powdered foods or other 20 products in individualized packages or containers. In applications to cigarettes, the particles may include flavorings.

Claims (36)

1. A cigarette filter (996) comprising a taco of fibrous mass, a taco wrap disposed around the taco and an individually dosed, individualized particle load (706), enclosed within the taco of fibrous mass, including the fibrous mass parts (702, 704) in a condition of having been folded at least partially around a part of the individually dosed particle charge, individualized (706) and characterized in that the fibrous mass further includes a plasticizer disposed in the fibrous mass in one or more places separated from the individually dosed, individualized particle charge (706). 2. A cigarette (990) comprising a filter (996) according to claim 1 and a tobacco rod (992). 3. A method of manufacturing a filter (996) carrying a dosed amount of particulate material (706), the method comprising the steps of: establish a continuous cord of fibrous material (22) and move the cord of fibrous material (22) along a path; repeatedly stretching a dosed amount of particulate material (706) in a first place and releasing the dosed quantity of particulate material (706) stretched at a delivery location (7), the delivery site being along the path of the cord ; fifteen upstream of the place of delivery, at least partially open the established continuous cord of fibrous material so that at the place of delivery the released particulate material (706) is released into the open continuous cord at least partially folded, whereby defines a place of the particles along the continuous cord of fibrous material (22); Y downstream of the place of delivery, close the continuous open cord at least partially so that the released, dosed particulate material (706) is pinched in place of the particles in the closed cord characterized in that the method further comprises the step of: Repeatedly apply a plasticizer to the continuous cord in a place (28p) along the continuous cord separated from the place of the particles. 25 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising establishing a recess (534) in positions along the cord with a vacuum application and retaining the particles released in the recess with vacuum along a portion of the cord path adjacent to the place of delivery. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the vacuum retention step is of the same extent, at least partially, as the closing step. 30 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the closing step includes initiating a folding action, first along one side of the cord and then along the other. 7. The method according to claim 3, wherein the plasticizer is applied to the continuous bead upstream of the delivery site. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the plasticizer is applied to the continuous cord after the continuous cord is opened. 9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the plasticizer is applied to the continuous bead with the communication of a vacuum in the place of the plasticizer. 10. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of communicating a form coupled to a part of the continuous cord of fibrous material at the delivery site, including the step of releasing the particulate material into the coupled part. 11. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of closing the continuous bead at least partially comprises folding the continuous bead. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the folding is carried out by advancing the continuous bead through a plurality of rollers (561) located adjacent to the delivery site. Four. Five 13. A system (10) for manufacturing a filter, comprising: an arrangement (20) for establishing a continuous cord of material (22) and moving the cord along a path of the cord; a particle delivery arrangement (50) for repeatedly stretching a dosed amount of particulate material at a first place (201) and releasing the dosed amount of particulate material (706) stretched at a delivery location (7), the place of delivery (7) along the path of the 5 cord; including the provision of establishing (20) a unit (289, 950) located upstream from the place of delivery (7) to at least partially open the established continuous cord of fibrous material (22), so that at the place of delivery ( 7) the released particulate material is released into the continuous at least partially open cord, thereby defining a place of particles (52a, b, c) along the cord; Y a unit (700) located downstream of the delivery location (7) for closing the continuous cord of fibrous material at least partially open, so that the dosed released particulate material (706) is pinched in place of the particles (52a, b, c) in the closed cord characterized in that the system also comprises: 15 a plasticizer application station (28, 280) disposed between the closing unit (700) and the disposition to establish (20), to apply the plasticizer to the continuous stream of fibrous material at locations along the separate direct current of matter in released particles (706). 14. The system (10) according to claim 13, further comprising a cutter (40) downstream of the closure unit (700) for cutting the fibrous rod carrying continuous particles (22d) into individualized rod studs (41 ). 15. The system (10) according to claim 13, further comprising a first cylinder (600) adjacent to the delivery location (7), the cylinder (600) including a plurality of vacuum communication holes (533) (604) along a perimeter of the cylinder (600) to communicate a recess (534) in places spaced along the continuous string of fibrous material (22), whereby the released particulate material (706) is received at least partially in one of the recesses (534) at the place of delivery (7). 16. The system (10) according to claim 15, wherein the closing unit (700) is arranged adjacent to the first cylinder (600) so that the closing action of the closing unit (700) starts at the same extent vacuum communication to rebates (533) (604). 30 17. The system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the plasticizer application station (28, 280) is disposed upstream of the fluid delivery arrangement (50) to the particles. 18. The system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the plasticizer application station (28, 280) is disposed downstream of the particle delivery arrangement (50). 19. The system (10) according to claim 13, wherein the continuous stream of fibrous material (22) moves through the plasticizer application station (28, 280) along a second path, and The plasticizer application station (28, 280) includes a plasticizer applicator part (283) that is movable with the continuous stream of fibrous material (22) along at least a part of the second path. 20. The system (10) according to claim 19, wherein the plasticizer application station (28, 280) includes a first wheel (283) having a plurality of openings (291) extending up to a radial surface (293) thereof and in flow communication with a source (296) of liquid plasticizer, and a second wheel (285) having a plurality of openings (297) therein extending to a radial surface (299) thereof and in flow communication with a vacuum source (301), the first (283) and second (286) wheels being arranged, each in relation to the other, such that the continuous current of fibrous material ( 22) moves through the plasticizer application station (28, 280) along the second path, a grip separation (287) between the first (283) and second (285) wheels defines a place in the second path and, when one of the plurality of openings (291) in the first wheel (283) is arranged in the grip separation (287), a corresponding one of the plurality of openings (297) in the second wheel (285) is also arranged in the grip separation (287) on an opposite side of the continuous stream of fibrous material (22). fifty 21. The system (10) according to claim 15, wherein the particle delivery arrangement (50) comprises a delivery wheel (400), the delivery wheel including a plurality of receptacles spaced from each other (410), the receptacles being in oppositional relationship with the vacuum communication holes (604) of the first cylinder (600) at the delivery location (50). 22. The system (10) according to claim 21, wherein the delivery arrangement (50) further comprises a dosing wheel (200) arranged to repeatedly transfer particle loads to the receptacles (410) of the delivery wheel ( 400). 5 23. The system (10) according to claim 21, wherein the plasticizer application station (28, 280) comprises a second cylinder (283, 283A) and a third cylinder (285, 283B) in relation to mutual opposition to along the path of the cord, including at least one of the fluid transfer part cylinders (291) (507) (507A, 507B) at spaced locations along a rotating perimeter (506) thereof. 24. The system (10) according to claim 23, wherein both the second (283A) and the third (283B) of the cylinders include fluid transfer parts (507A, 507B). 25. The system (10) according to claim 24, wherein the fluid transfer portions (507A) of the second cylinder (283A) engage with the fluid transfer portions (507B) of the third cylinder (283B), in a grip separation (287) defined between the second and third cylinders. 26. The system (10) according to claim 23, wherein the other of the second (283, 283A) and third (285, 285A) cylinders includes vacuum communication parts (523) in spaced lengthwise locations of a rotating perimeter thereof, gearing the vacuum communication parts (523) with the fluid transfer parts (507) in a defined grip separation (287) between the second and third cylinders. 27. The system (10) according to claim 23, wherein at least one of the cylinders includes a plurality of vacuum communication retention holes (521). twenty 28. A system (10) according to claim 21, wherein the closing unit (700) (561) comprises at least one pair of rollers (581) located adjacent to the first cylinder (600). 29. The system (10) according to claim 28, wherein the first cylinder (600) and the rollers (561) are mutually arranged so that the rollers initiate the folding of parts (702, 704) of the cord (22) around the released particulate material (706) while the released particulate material is retained in one of the recesses (534) formed by the vacuum communication holes (604) (533) of the first cylinder (600). 30. The system (10) according to claim 15, wherein the first cylinder (600) and the closing unit (700, 581) are each arranged relative to each other such that the closure of the continuous cord of material Fibrous (22) is initiated while vacuum is applied to the continuous string of fibrous material through the vacuum communication holes (604) (533). 30 31. The system (10) according to claim 15, comprising: a treatment apparatus (20) arranged to produce a continuous stream of fibrous material (22); a system for making filter rods (30) in a second place downstream of the treatment apparatus (20) to wrap a block wrap (32) around the direct current (22) of fibrous material and seal it; 35 a particle inserter (50) operative in one place between the rod making system (30) and the wick treatment apparatus (20) for inserting predetermined metered amounts of particles (706) at individual locations spaced along the length of the direct current of fibrous material; the particle inserter (50) arranged so that the particles are delivered by first establishing a continuous stream of fibrous material along a feed path; establishing a flow of particles along a first path; moving a first receptacle (210) along an endless path that coincides at least partially with the first path; putting a quantity of particles into the receptacle as the receptacle moves in proximity to the flow of particles; transferring the amount of particles inserted from the first receptacle (210) to a second second receptacle (410), while moving the second receptacle along a second endless path that coincides with the feeding path in a release location ( 7), curling a part of the continuous stream of fibrous material upstream of the release site; releasing the quantity of particles (706) from the second receptacle (410) in the curled part (534) of the continuous stream of fibrous material at the place of release (7); and then closing the curly portion of the continuous stream 50 of fibrous material around the amount of particles released (706). 32. The system (10) according to claim 31, wherein the treatment apparatus (20) is configured to produce a continuous web of fibrous material (22). 33. The system (10) according to claim 31, wherein a channel (300) is in communication with a tank (100), the channel adjacent to the dosing wheel (200). 34. The system (10) according to claim 31, wherein the dosing wheel (200) comprises a flange (204) and a plurality of inwardly directed dosing receptacles (210) in spaced locations around the flange. 35. The system (10) according to claim 34, wherein the flange (204) includes a plurality of channels (216), the channels arranged to communicate the dosing receptacles (210) with the inside (295) of the wheel of dosing (200), the dosing receptacles (210) communicating with the channels (216) through a plurality of grids (214), the dosing receptacles (210) following a first rotation path when rotating the wheel of dosage (200). 36. A method according to claim 3, comprising the steps of: establish a continuous stream of fibrous material (22) along a feeding path; establish a flow of particles along a first path; fifteen moving a first receptacle (210) along an endless path that coincides at least partially with the first path; inserting a quantity of the particles into the receptacle as the receptacle moves in proximity to the flow of particles; transfer the quantity of particles from the first receptacle (210) to a second receptacle 20 (410) while moving the second receptacle along a second endless path that coincides with the feeding path at a release location; curl a portion of the continuous stream of fibrous material adjacent to the release site; releasing the inserted amount of particles from the second receptacle (410) to the curled part (534) of the continuous stream of fibrous material at a place of particles at the place of release; and 25 then close the curled part of the continuous stream of fibrous material around the inserted amount of particles released.