GB2120075A - Method and apparatus for the production of rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry - Google Patents

Abstract

Filter rod sections are automatically diverted at intervals from a file of filter rod sections into the testing station of a nuclear magnetic resonance testing device which ascertains the percentage of plasticizer in the sections and generates signals which are used to indicate the percentage of plasticizer and/or to automatically regulate the rate of admission of plasticizer to the solid component of the filler which is thereupon converted into a filter rod. The filter rod is severed to produce the file of filter rod sections. Freshly tested filter rod sections are automatically removed from the testing station and are reintroduced into the file. The testing station can also receive batches of tobacco particles which are automatically diverted from a continuous tobacco stream, and the results of tests are indicative of the moisture content of tobacco which is about to be converted into the filler of a cigarette rod. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Method and apparatus for the production of rodshaped articles of the tobacco processing industry The present invention relates to the production of smokers' products. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in a method and apparatus for producing rod-shaped articles of the type wherein a filler contains solid and liquid components. Typical examples of such articles are filter rod sections wherein the filler can consist of a tow offilamentary filter material and a plasticizer which is applied in liquid or liquefied state, and cigarettes wherein the filler contains fragments of tobacco and moisture.

Acigarette making machine converts a stream of tobacco shreds into a rod-like filler which is thereupon draped into a web of cigarette paperto form therewith a continuous cigarette rod. The rod is subdivided into plain cigarettes of unit length or multiple unit length.

Similartechniques are employed in connection with the production ofcigarillos and certain types of cigars.

The majority of filter rod sections for use in filter tipping or analogous machines are obtained by contacting a continuous tow of filamentary filter material with atomized triacetin or another suitable plasticizer, by thereupon converting the tow into a continuous filter rod (normally but not necessarily by draping the tow into a web of cigarette paper or the like), and by subdividing the rod into filter rod sections of desired length, e.g., six oreighttimes unit length, depending on the mode of operation ofthefilter tipping machine.

Heretofore known filter rod making machines exhabit the drawback that they do not allow for accurate determination ofthe percentage of liquid component in the filter rod or in the filter rod sections while the machine is in actual use. In otherwords, presently known filter rod making machines cannot be equipped with means for regulating the rate of admission or application of liquid plasticizer in such a waythatthe rate will be increased or reduced in dependency on the precentage of plasticizer in the ultimate product. Such mode of regulating the percentage of plasticizer in the rod would necessitate a testing ofthe filter rod or filter rod sections and/or a measurement of the quantity of liquid constituent in or on the tow prior to conversion into a rod.The main reason for the absence of reliable means for accurately determining the percentage of plasticizer in thefilter rod and/or in the filter rod sections is believed to bethat, to a certain extent, the solid component of a filter rod is chemically related to the plasticizer so that the heretofore known testing techniques fail to provide an accurate indication ofthe ratio of such chemically related components in the tested product.

The situation is somewhat similar in connection with the determination ofthe moisture content of tobacco. Several testing apparatus which are used to ascertain the moisture content of tobacco shreads priorto conversion into the filler of a cigarette rod or the likefurnish highly satisfactory results and are used extensively in connection with the preparation of tobacco for introduction into cigarette making or like machines. Reference may be had to the moisture detector of the type known as HWK which is manufactured by the assignee ofthe present application.

However, there is ample room for additional improvements and need for additional techniques of reliably ascertaining the percentage of water and/or other moisture in a running tobacco stream which is about to be converted into the filler of a cigarette rod orthe like.

One feature ofthe invention resides in the provision of a method of producing filter rod sections, cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles ofthetobacco processing industry. The method comprises the steps of conveying an elongatedfillerwhich is composed of solid and liquid components (e.g., tobacco and water or a filter tow and triacetin or another suitable plasticizer) along a first path, automatically diverting at predetermined intervals spaced-apart portions of the fillerfrom the first path into a predetermined portion of a second path, subjecting successive diverted portions ofthefillerto a nuclear magnetic resonance test including generating signals denoting the percentage or share of one of the components (e.g., the liquid component) in the tested filler portions, and automatically removing the tested filler portions from the predetermined portion of the second path. The filler can contain more than one solid component and/or more than one liquid component.

In accordance with a first presently preferred embodiment ofthe improved method, the filler is converted into a continuous rod and the rod is subdivided into a series of discrete rod-shaped articles of predetermined length. The diverting step then comprises (or can comprise) transferring spaced apart articles of the series from the first path into the predetermined portion of the second path . The testing step includes establishing a magnetic field in the predetermined portion ofthe second path, at least during the intervals of dwell ofthe articles in testing positions.Such articles can constitute discrete filter rod sections wherein the solid component is a tow of acetate fibers and the liquid component is a plasticizer (e.g., triacetin) which bonds portions of neighboring fibers to each other. Thetransfer of discrete articles from the first path into the predetermined portion of the second path can take place at predetermined intervals of time or upon completion of each testing step and subsequent to removal of a freshly tested filler portion or article from the predetermined portion ofthesecond path.

The improved method can further inciude the step of regulating the percentage ofthe one component in the filler as a function ofthe characteristics of signals which are generated in the course of successive tests.

For example, each such signal can be evaluated to ascertain whether or not the percentage ofthe one component (e.g., plasticizer in tested filter rod sections or water in a solid component which includes tobacco) is within a given range. If the percentage is outside of such range, the rate of admission of the one component is altered, preferably in a sense to ensure that the percentage ofthe one component in the filler will match our deviate only negligibly from an optimum value. The evaluating step can include ascertaining the percentage of the solid component and thereupon ascertaining the percentage or share ofthe liquid component on the basis ofthe ascertained share of the solid component.

The method can further comprise the steps of monitoring the predetermined portion of the second path to ascertain the positions of diverted filler portions (e.g., rod-shaped articles or batches of tobacco particles) therein, and initiating or starting the testwhen a diverted portion ofthe filler occupies a predetermined position in the predetermined portion ofthe second path, namely, an optimum position to best ascertain the percentage ofthe one component by resort to a nuclear magnetic resonance test.If the diverted filler portions are discrete rod-shaped arti cles,theycan automatically assume optimum posi tionsfortesting by causing them to descend axially along a vertical or downwardly inclined second path and cometo reston a suitable barrierwhich is introduced into the second path upon completion of removal of the preceding (freshly tested) rod-shaped article.The removing step can be started in response to the generation of a second signal upon or in response to termination of each test; such second signal can also be utilized to initiate the next-following diverting step so that a fresh filler portion enters the predetermined portion ofthe second path in automatic response to evacuation ofthefreshlytested filler portion, such evacuation preferablytaking place in automatic response to completion of the preceding test.

The method can further comprise the step of reintroducing tested filler portions into the first path or, and particularly if the filler portions to be tested are discrete rod-shaped articles, reintroducing the tested articles into the aforementioned series of articles which informed as a result of repeated severing ofthe continuous rod. The reintroducing step can follow, or than form part of, the removing step.

If the filler portions which are being tested do not constitute discrete rod-shaped articles (e.g., discrete sections of a filter rod), the diverting step is preferably carried out in a first portion of the first path, and the step of converting the filler into a continuous rod then takes place in a second portion of the first path downstream of the first portion. The filler in the first portion of the first path can constitute a continuous stream (e.g., a continuous stream of shredded tobacco particles), and the diverting step then preferably includes diverting parts of spaced apart portions ofthe continuous stream into the predetermined portion of the second path.For example, and since a tobacco stream is normallytransported to the wrapping station while it carries at least some surplus of tobacco particles (such excess is removed by one or more equalizing devices ahead ofthe draping station where thetobaccofillerisconfined in a continuouswebof cigarette paper orthe like), the diverting step can include removing some ofthe surplus from longitudinally spaced portions of the stream so that those portionswhich arethereby relieved of some or all of the surplus are still capable of constituting satisfactory fillers of plain cigarettes orthe like.

Each filler portion can be densified on introduction intothe predetermined portion of the second path.

This is desirable if the filler portionsto betested do not constitute discrete rod-shaped articles because the densifying step ensures th at the circumstances for testing arethesame in connection with each and every one of a long or short series of diverted filler portions. Thus, each filler portion can be monitored subsequent to the densifying step and additional filler material can be added if the volume or another variable parameterofthe monitored filler portion deviates from a preselected optimum value.For example, elongated columns oftobacco can be tamped with a predetermined force in an upright portion ofthesecond path, and additional tobacco is added ifthe height of the column oftamped tobacco is less than a preselected height. Furthermore, monitoring the mass or another parameter ofthefiller material in the predetermined portion ofthe second path can be resortedtoforthegenerationofadditional signals which are used to initiate the start of the testing step only ifthe monitored mass at least matches a predetermined minimum mass or matches a predetermined optimum mass.

The diverting step can include pneumatically expelling portions ofthe fillerfrom thefirst path. Alternatively, the diverting step can include mechanically removing portions ofthefillerfrom the first path, e.g., by pivoting a transfer member into a stream of tobacco particles so that a certain amountoftobacco is diverted into the second path as long asthetransfer member extends intothestream.

Anotherfeature ofthe invention resides in the provision of an apparatusforthe production of filter rod sections, plain cigarettes or analogous rodshaped articles which constitute or form part of rod-shaped tobacco products. The apparatus comprises a source offiller material ofthetype having solid and liquid components, an endless belt conveyor or other suitable means for conveying an elongated fillerfrom the source along a first path, meansfor automatically diverting successive spaced apart portions ofthefillerfrom the first path into a second path, means for removably positioning successive diverted filler portions in a predetermined portion of the second path, and testing means including a device which is activatableto subjectthe filler portions in the predetermined portion ofthe second path to a nuclear magnetic resonance test. The testing means further includes meansforgenerating signals denoting the percentage orshareof oneofthefillercomponents in the tested filler portions.

In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises means for converting the filler into a continuous rod (e.g., by draping the filler into a web of cigarette paper orthe like) and means for subdividing the rod into a series (e.g.,afile) of discrete rod-like articles orsections of predetermined length (e.g., into filter rod sections of sixoreighttimes unit length). In such apparatus,the diverting means can comprise meansfortransferring spaced apart sections of the series into the predetermined portion of the second path. The aforementioned source can comprise meansforcontinuously supplying the solid component intothefirst path and meansforcontinuously supplying the liquid compo nentto the solid component in a predetermined portion ofthefirst path (e.g., for contacting the solid component, such as acetatefibers, with a liquid plasticizer, such astriacetin, whilethe plasticizer is in a finely atomized state).

The diverting means can comprise a pneumatic conveyor or another suitable transporting device which definesthesecond path and has an inletfor admission of spaced apart filler portions into the second path and an outlet. The positioning means can include a barrier which normally closes the outlet of the transporting device to thereby hold a filler portion (namely a filler portion which is located in the transporting device) in the predetermined portion of the second path. Such positioning by a simple barrier will normally suffice to properly locate rod-shaped sections or articles if the outlet of the transporting device is disposed below the inlet and the sections or articles are caused or allowed to descend by gravity so as to come to rest on the barrier at the outlet ofthe transporting device.

The apparatus can further comprise means for monitoring the predetermined portion of the second path and for generating second signals on detection of diverted filler portions (e.g., filter rod sections) in such predetermined portion ofthe second path. The second signals can be used for actuation ofthe testing means, i.e., a test can begin only when a filler portion is properly positioned in the predetermined portion of the second path.

Still further, the apparatus can comprise means for evaluating the signals which are generated by the signal generating means of the testing means, e.g., for the purpose of adjusting the means which contacts the tow offilamentaryfiller material with a liquid plasticizer so that the rate of admission of plasticizer is varied whenever the evaluating means indicates that the percentage of liquid component in the tested filler portions is outside of a predetermined range or deviates from an optimum value.

The apparatus also comprises means for disengaging the positioning means from the tested filler portion in the predetermined portion ofthe second path in response to signals from the signal generating means ofthe testing means so that a tested filler portion can be evacuated from the second path, e.g., by gravity as soon as the aforementioned barrier is retracted. Such apparatus can comprise monitoring means which generates additional signals in response to detected evacuation of a tested filler portion from the predetermined portion of the second path, and such additional signals can be used to effectthe transfer of a fresh filler portion from the first path into the second path through the medium of the diverting means.This ensures that the filler portions are tested at frequent intervals, i.e., quasi continuously, because the removal of a freshly tested filler portion from the range of the testing means is immediately and automatically followed by diversion of a fresh filler portion from the first path.

The diverting means can comprise pneumatic ejector means, especially ifthe filler portions which are diverted from the first path constitute discrete rod-shaped articles. The means for disengaging the positioning meansfrom freshly tested filler portions can comprise an electromagnet or a like device for moving the aforementioned barrier into and from the second path. The signals which are generated by the signal generating meansofthetesting means can be used to activate such moving means, i.e.,the moving means retracts the barrier and permits the freshly tested filler portion to leave the predetermined portion ofthe second path (e.g., by gravity or in responseto positive displacement by a reciprocable ram orthe like) as soon as the test is completed.

The diverting means can further comprise a pneumatic transfer conveyor which defines the second path and has at least one opening for the escape ofairfrom the second path in the region of the positioning means. Such opening or openings (e.g., the outlet ofthe pneumatic conveyor) ensure that the filler portions which are diverted into the second path cannot confine a column of airwhich could interfere with accurate and rapid positioning offiller portions in the predetermined portion ofthe second path. Ifthe filler portions are rod-shaped articles, the pneumatic conveyor of the diverting means is preferably designed to transport the diverted articles axially, e.g., verticaliy downwardly.An additional conveyor can be provided to reintroduce the tested filler portions into the first path orto reintroduce the tested rod-shaped articles into the aforementioned series of articles, e.g., at the periphery of a fluted drum which converts a single file of rod-shaped articles into a row wherein the articles move sideways, i.e., at right angles to their respective axes). Such additional conveyor can be designed to move rod-shaped articles axially.

In another presently preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the diverting means is adjacentto a first portion ofthe first path and is followed by means for converting the filler into a continuous rod in a second portion of the first path downstream of the first portion. Such apparatus can be used for ascertain mentofthe moisture content of tobacco which then constitutes or forms part ofthe solid component of the filler and batches ofwhich are diverted into the second path from the first portion of the first path. The diverting means of such apparatus can comprise a transfer member which is movable into the first portion of the first path to diverttobacco particles from a continous stream of tobacco particles in the first path.This apparatus preferably also comprises meansfor densifying the batches oftobacco particles in the predetermined portion ofthe second path, e.g., the aforementioned ram which can further serve as a means for expelling tested batchesfrom the predeter mined portion of the second path upon completion of the test. The signals which are generated by the signal generating means of the testing means can denote the moisture content of tobacco batches, and such signals can be used to regulate the admission of moisture to tobacco in or ahead of the first path ifthe detected moisture content is unsatisfactory.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are setforth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itseif, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation,togetherwith additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.

FIG. is a fragmentary diagrammic partly elevational and partly longitudinal vertical sectional view of an apparatus which is designed to ascertain the percentage of plasticizer in selected sections of a filter rod; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a second apparatus which is designed to ascertain the moisture content of a stream of tobacco particles; FIG. is is a isafragmentarydiagrammaticvertical sectional view ofthe second apparatus as seen in the direction of arrows from the line Ill-Ill in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the progress of intensity of NMR signals forthe liquid and solid components of a filler as a function oftime;; and FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of a nuclear magnetic resonance testing device which can be used in the apparatus of FIG. 1 or FIGS. 2-3.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an appar anus which is incorporated into or combined with a filter rod making machine, e.g., a machine of the type disclosed in commonly owned l U.S. Pat. No.

3,971,695 granted July 27,1976 to Block or in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.4132,189 granted January 2, 1979 to Greve et al. The following description of FIG 1 shouldbeconsideredjointlywith the disclosure ofthe aforementioned patentto Greve et al. whose disclosure, together with the disclosures of all other United States Letters Patent mentioned herein, is incorporated by reference. It is assumed thatthe conveyor 1 shown in FIG. 1 ofthe present application corresponds to a conveyor downstream ofthe cutoff 49 shown in FIG. 1 ofthe patent to Greve et al.The machine of Greve et al. produces a series of filter rod sections (numbered 2 in FIG. 1 ofthe present application) by contacting a running continuous filter tow4with atomized plasticizer at 12, by thereupon converting the thus treated tow into a continuous fillerwith resortto agathering horn 39, and by thereupon converting thefillerinto a continuous rod 47 as a result of draping the filler into a continuous web 43 of cigarette paper or the like. The rod is severed by the cutoff 49 to yield a series of filter rod sections corresponding to the sections 2 shown in FIG. 1 ofthe present application.The sections 2 on the conveyor 1 in FIG. 1 of the present application are spaced apartfrom one another underthe action of a rotating accelerating cam (52 in Greve et al.) which ensuresthata next-following section does not interfere with the transfer ofthe preceding section into the respective peripheral flute of a driven drum-shaped row-forming conveyor 23 shown in the lower part of FIG. 1 and corresponding to the conveyor 53 in FIG. 1 ofGreveetal.

The conveyor 1 which is shown in FIG. 1 ofthe present application transports the series of spaced apartfilter rod sections 2 in the direction of arrow 3, e.g.,toward the aforementioned row-forming conveyor 23. The conveyor 1 is adjacentto a diverting unit including a pneumatic ejector nozzle4which is connectable to a source of compressed air (e.g., the source 9 shown in FIG. 1) by a normally closed valve 6 andwhich can propel selected filter rod sections 2' into thefunnel-shaped inlet 7 of an upright pneumatic transferconveyor8forming a second part ofthe diverting unit.The exact construction and mode of operation ofthe pneumaticconveyor8form no part oftheinvention; FIG. 1 merelyshowsthatthe conveyor8 includes a ring-shaped nozzle 11 which receives compressed airoranothergasfrom the aforementioned source 9 so that a freshly diverted filter rod section 2' which has been propelled into the inlet7 in response to opening ofthe valve 6 is caused to advance downwardly along a (second) path extending in FIG. 1 at right angles to the (first) path defined by the conveyor 1.

The lowermost portion ofthe pneumatic conveyor 8, as viewed in FIG. 1, can be said to definethe testing chamber 12' of a nuclear magnetic resonance (N MR) testing device 12 the construction of which is shown in Fig. 5. Thistesting device comprises a magnet which establishes in the chamber 12' a magnetic field, and meansforgeneratingsignalsdenotingthe percentage of one component (preferabiyplasticizer) in the filler ofthatfilter rod section 2' which is accommodated in the chamber 12'. The manner in whichthetesting device 12 operates is known perse; reference may be had, for example, to "Nuclear Magnetic Resonance" by William W. Paudler published 1971 byAllyn & Bacon, Inc., Boston, Mass.

That portion of the pneumatic conveyor 8 which defines the testing chamber 12' (i.e., the region in the magneticfieldofthetesting device 12) and the conveyor portion immediately ahead of the chamber 12' are preferably made of glass. A monitoring device including a light source 13 atone side of a photoelec trictransducer 14 atthe other side ofthe upper portion of a filter rod section 2' in the testing chamber 12' serves to generate signals denoting the presence and/orabsence offilter rod sections in that (predetermined) portion ofthe second path which constitutes the testing chamber 12'. The reference character 16 denotes a source of energy for the light source 13 of the just discussed monitoring device.The testing device 12 is a substantially ring-shaped structure which surrounds the testing chamber 12'.

The means for accurately positioning successive selected filter rod sections 2' in the testing chamber 12', i.e., in an optimum position fortesting by the device 12) comprises a reciprocable barrier 17 in the form of a boltwhich is movable back and forth at a level immediately belowthe outlet 61 ofthe conveyor 8. Such outlet orthe conveyor portion immediately above the outlet 61 defines one or more openings for escape of air from the conveyor 8 in response to advancement of a freshly diverted filter rod section 2' into the testing chamber 12'. The means for moving the barrier or bolt 17 to and from the illustrated operative position comprises an electromagnet 18 which can be energized in automatic response to a signal from the testing device 12'. Such signal can denote the percentage of a selected componentin the fillerofthefilter rod section 2' occupying thetesting chamber 12' aswell as the termination of a testing operation. The electromagnet 18 can return the barrier 17 to the illustrated operative position in response to a signal from the transducer 14, namely, in response to a signal which denotes that the freshly tested section 2' has been evacuated from the testing chamber 12'.Thetransducer 14 can transmit signals to the electromagnet 18 by way of a pulse generator 29 which is further connected with the valve 6to initiate the diversion of a fresh filter rod section 2' from the first path (defined by the conveyor 1) into the second path (defined bythe conveyor8 of the diverting means) so that the freshly diverted section 2' can enter the testing chamber 12' and comes to rest on the barrier 17 which, at such time, dwells in the illustrated operative position.

FIG. 1 shows an additional pneumatic conveyor 19 which serves to return successive tested filter rod sections 2' into the series of filter rod sections 2 downstream ofthe cutoffofthefilter rod making machine. As shown, the upwardly and outwardly flaring inlet ofthe conveyor 19 is disposed below the outlet 61 of the conveyor 8, and the outlet of the conveyor 19 is adjacentto the right-hand end portions offlutes 23a atthe peripheryofthe drum-shaped conveyor 23. The conveyor 19 trans ports the sections 2' axially and comprises a ringshaped nozzle 21 which receives compressed air from a source 22 to propel successive tested sections 2' in a direction toward the drum-shaped conveyor 23.The manner in which the tested filter rod sections 2' are caused to enter unoccupied flutes 23a of the conveyor23 is not shown in FIG. 1; for example, the discharge end ofthe conveyor 19 can be adjacent to the conveyor 23 upstream of the locus where the conveyor 1 discharges sections 2 into the flutes 23a of the conveyor 23.The purpose of the conveyor 23 is to convert the series orfile of axially aligned filter rod sections 2 on the conveyor 1 into one or more rows wherein the sections 2 and 2' are parallel to one another and can be deposited on the upper reach of a belt conveyor orthe Iikefortransport into a plasticizer curing station (e.g., into a reservoir system ofthetype known as RESY and manufactured by the assignee of the presentapplication) or directly into the magazine of a filtertipping machine, for example, a machine described and shown in commonly owned U.S. Pat.

No.4,262,680 granted April 21,1981 to Hinzmann.

The output a of the testing device 12 is connected with the input of a control circuit 24 including an evaluating circuit 26, an averaging circuit 27 and a comparator circuit 28. The inputs of the circuits 27,28 are connected with the corresponding outputs of the evaluating circuit 26. An input b of the testing device 12 is connected with the aforementioned pulse generator so that the latter can initiate the start of a testing operation as soon as the transducer 14 transmits a signal denoting that a fresh (untested) section 2' occupies the station 12'.

Priorto describing the operation of the apparatus which is shown in FIG. 1, referencewill be had to FIG.

4which shows a diagram wherein the intensity I or NMR signals is measured along the ordinate and the time is measured along the abscissa. The curve a denotes the progress of spin-lattice relaxation of the protons in the solid component (filtertow) of the filler in the filter rod section 2' occupying the testing station 12', and the curve b denotes the progress of spin-lattice relaxation of protons in the liquid component (triacetin or another suitable plasticizer) ofthe filler.Since the protons ofthe solid component transmit their energy to the lattice more rapidly than the protons ofthe liquid component, the curve a is much steeper than the curve b.The equation Ii X 100 =M1 1q + 12 can be resorted to for ascertaining the percentage of solid component in the filler ofthe filter rod section 2' at the testing station 12'. The percentage of the liquid component can be ascertained with resort to the equation 2X 100 =M2 Ii +12 i.e., by placing the value 12 into the numerator ofthe first equation.Care should be taken to consider the fact that a tow offilamentaryfilter material (such as acetate fibers) normallycontainsacertain percentage (as a rule approximately 6 percent) of movable or liquid component prior to contacting the tow with atomized plasticizer. Such percentage must be calculated in as a calibrating value in evaluating the results oftests in the device 12, i.e., the actual percentage of plasticizer in the tested filter rod sections 2' is obtained by deducting the basic moisture content from the measured moisture conent. This can be achieved in the evaluating circuit 26 ofthe control circuit 24 shown in FIG. 1.

As mentioned above, the exact details ofthetesting device 12 is shown in Fig. 5. All that need be said here isthatthe aforediscussed spin-lattice relaxation is a process which occurs as a result of interactions ofthe magnetic moments of nuclei with random fluctuating magnetic fields, which are the result ofthethermal motions ofthe nuclei in the molecule.

An advantage of the testing device 12 is that it allows for discrimination between the more and less mobile protons in a substance (filler) to be tested, i.e., one can ascertain the percentage of the solid or liquid component in a filler. This is due to the fact that the so-called spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) of protons in a liquid component is different from the spin-lattice relaxation time of protons in the liquid component.

Such different relaxation times are affributa bie to the phenomenon that the manner in which the protons of a solid component are bonded to the lattice deviates from the manner in which the protons ofthe liquid component are bonded. The bonds between the protons of a solid component and the lattice are more pronounced than those between the lattice and the protons of a liquid component. Therefore, and as shown by the curve a in FIG. 4, the protons of the solid component transmit their energy to the lattice more rapidly than the protons ofthe liquid component (note the curve b).

The operation of the apparatus which is shown in FIG. 1 isasfollows: In order to ascertain a progress of intensity curves in a manner as shown in FIG. 4, a filter rod section 2' is diverted into the pneumatic conveyor8 in response to transmission of a signal from the transducer 14to the pulse generator 29 which, in turn, transmits a signal to the valve 6 to connect the orifice of the ejector nozzle4with the source of compressed gas. The transducer 14transmitssuch signal in response to the detected absence of a filter rod section in the testing chamber 12'. Atsuch time, the electromagnet 18 maintains the barrier 17 in the illustrated blocking position andthetesting device 12 is idle.Once a freshly diverted filter rod section 2' reaches and comes to rest on the barrier 17 (after completing an axial movementthrough the pneumatic conveyor 8), the transducer 14 generates a signal denoting the presence of a section 2' in the chamber 12' whereby the pulse generator 29 transmits a signal to the input b ofthe testing device 12so that the latter proceeds with the testing operation. Each testing operation requires a certain interval oftimeto build up the magnetic field in the chamber 12' as well as to ascertain the spin-lattice relaxation times of protons ofthe solid and liquid components constituting the filler of the article2' atthetesting station 12 (i.e., in that portion ofthesecond path which is disposed immediately above the barrier 17).During such interval of time, the barrier 17 must remain in the operative position to properly hold the diverted section 2' in the magnetic field ofthetesting device 12. Each interval can last less than one second but it can also be somewhat longer. Upon elapse of the just discussed interval, the output a of the testing device 1 transmits to the input ofthe evaluating circuit 26 a signal denoting the results ofthe test. The evaluating circuit 26 thereupon transmits a signaltothe electromagnet 18which disengages the barrier 17 from the freshly tested filter rod section 2' so that the latter can enter, e.g., by gravity, the additional pneumatic conveyor 19for delivery into an empty flute 23a ofthe rowforming conveyor 23.

The transducer 14 generates a signal as soon as the freshly tested section 2' leaves the chamber 12'. Such signal is utilized by the pulse generator 29 to change the condition ofthe electromagnet 18so thatthe barrier 17 reassumes the illustrated operative position, and the pulse generator 29 also transmits a signal to the valve 6 which initiates the diversion of a fresh filter rod section 2' into the inlet 7 of the pneumatic conveyor 8 underthe action of the blast of compressed air issuing from the orifice of the nozzle 4 in response to short-lasting opening of the valve 6.

The evaluating circuit 26 transmits signals to the averaging circuit 27 which generates a signal denoting the average percentage of plasticizer in the respective filter rod section 2', and the averaged signal is transmitted to a device 27a (e.g., a pump in the conduit which supplies plasticizer to the path of the filter tow or a motorwhich varies the speed of a brush-like or otherwise configurated applicator of plasticizer) which regulates the percentage of plasticizer in the filler ofthe rod that is aboutto be converted into the series of filter rod sections 2 on the conveyor 1.

The comparator circuit 28 serves to compare with one anotherthe signals which are transmitted by the respective output ofthe evaluating circuit 26 as well asto compare such signals which a reference signal denoting an an average value. In the event of deviations of signals which are transmitted by the evaluating circuit 26 from the reference signal, the output ofthe circuit 28 transmits a signal to a device 28a which arrests the filter rod making machine and/or displays the cause of stoppage, i.e., thatthe percentage of plasticizer in the tested filter rod section 2' is excessive ortoo low.The design of the control circuit 24 can be such thatthe device 28a arrests the prime moverofthefilterrod making machine only if the excess or insufficiency of plasticizer persists for a certain interval of time and if the excess or insufficiency is so pronounced that it cannot be cured by the regulating device 27a.

It will be noted thatthe apparatusof FIG. 1 allows for a quasi continuous regulation ofthe percentage of plasticizer in the fillerofthe filter rod, while the filter rod making machine is in operation, as a function of the results of tests for the purpose of ascertaining the percentage of plasticizer in the filler ofthe filter rod, i.e., in the fillers of selected filter rod sections 2'.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a modified apparatus which can be installed in or combined with a cigarette rod making or like machine, e.g., a machine of the type known as GARANT or SE 80 (both manufactured by the assignee of the present application). A GARANT machine is shown in FIG. 7 of commonly owned U.S.

Pat. No.4,281,670 granted August4,1981 to Heitmann etal. This machine can employ a distributor (shown at 85) ofthetype disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,944 granted December 14, 1976 to Hinzmann. The apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 can be installed upstream of the trimming or equalizing device 81 or 81A shown in FIG. 7 of Heitmann et al., i.e., adjacentto a portion of the path for a tobacco stream wherein the stream contains a surplus of tobacco particles.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 in detail,the reference character 31 denotes a conveyor which transports a continuous stream 32 oftobacco particles, e.g.,tobacco shreds which areto be converted intothefillerofa continuous cigarette rod (shown at 93 in FIG. 7 of Heitmann et al.). Such rod is thereupon severed by a cutoff (94 in FIG. 7 of Heitmann et al.) so that ityields a series of discrete plain cigarettes (95 in Heitmann et al.) which are accelerated by a rapidly rotating cam (96 in Heitmann etal) to enter the peripheral flutes of a row forming conveyor (97 in Heitmann et al.) corresponding to the conveyor 23 shown in FIG. 1 the present application.The conveyor31 transports the stream 32 inthedirection of arrow33 and along an elongated (first) path having a (first) portion located ahead of that (second) portion where the stream 32 is converted into the filler of the cigarette rod (note the wrapping mechanism 89 in FIG. 7 of Heitmann et al.).

The first portion ofthe path which is defined bythe conveyor31 shown in FIGS.2 and 3 of the present application is adjacent to a pivotable transfer member 37 which resembles a suitably curved blade and is mounted on a support 36for angular movement about a vertical axis (seethe arrow 34) at one side of the aforementioned first portion ofthefirst path. A rotary electromagnet 38 oran analogous actuating device is provided to pivotthe transfer member 37 to and from the position of FIG.2 wherein the member 37 is adjacentto the path of movement ofthe tobacco stream 32.If the condition ofthe electromagnet 38 is changed,thetransfer member 37 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2, and its free end portion penetrates into the stream 32so that a certain portion of the stream is diverted into the funnel-shaped inlet 39 of an upright pneumatic conveyor41 corresponding to the conveyor8 of FIG.

1. The transfer member 37 is the mechanical equavelent ofthe pneumatic ejector nozzle 4 shown in FIG. 1, i.e.,the parts 37 and 41 of FIGS. 2 and3together constitute a diverting unit which can direct spaced apart portions ofthetobacco stream 32 (as viewed in the direction ofarrow33) into the inlet 39 so that the diverted tobacco particles can descend into a testing chamber42', defined by the lower portion or outlet portion ofthe conveyor 41, and come to rest on a reciprocable horizontal barrier 43 corresponding to thebarrierl7ofFlG. 1.

Thetesting chamber42' in the lower portion ofthe conveyor 41 is surrounded byan NMRtesting device 42 which corresponds to the testing device 12 and whose output a is connected with the input ofan evaluating circuit 57 forming part of a control unit 56.

At least that portion of the conveyor 41 which defines the testing chamber 42' is made of glass so that it does not interfere with the magneticfield of the nuclearmagneticresonancetesting device 42.

The barrier 43 can be said to constitute a horizontally recpriocable locking bolt which is disposed at a level below the outlet of the conveyor 41 and is movable back and forth by an electromagnet 44 or other suitable means. The electromagnet 44 can be energizedfora preselected interval oftime bya signal at the lower output of the evaluating circuit 57 so that the barrier 43 is then withdrawn for a period of time which suffices to allowforthe evacuation of a column of freshly tested tobacco particles into an additional conveyor 59, e.g., a pneumatic conveyor which can transport tested batches or filler portions into the stream 32, e.g., by admitting the tested batches of tobacco particles into the distributor of the cigarette rod making machine shown in FIG. 7 of Heitmann et al. or into any other portion ofthe path for the stream 32 ahead of the transfer member 37.

The inlet 39 ofthe conveyor 41 is laterally adjacent to the conveyor 31 and is in register with a vertically reciprocable densifying or compressing device 46 here shown as a ram which is movable up and down, as viewed in FIG.3, under the action of a motion imparting device or actuating means 54, e.g., a valve which can effect admission of compressed air into or evacuation ofairfrom the chambers of a doubleacting cylinder and piston unit whose piston rod 46a carries the ram 46. The ram 46 is coaxial with the uprighttubular main portion of the conveyor41 so that it can penetrate to the level of the upper end or even into the testing chamber42' within the confines of the testing device 42.The arrangement is preferably such that the ram 46 can perform downward strokes of first length in order to subject a batch of diverted tobacco particles in the chamber 42' to a predetermined densifying action, and strokes of greater second length in order to expel freshly tested batches of tobacco particles from the chamber 42' and into the conveyor 59, namely, when the electro magnet 44 maintains the barrier 43 in the inoperative or retracted position.

The apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 further comprises composite monitoring means including a first detector having a light source 47 and a photoelectric transducer 48 opposite the light source, and a second detector having a lightsource49 and a transducer51.

The light sources 47, 49 of both detectors are connected with a suitable source 52 of electrical energy. The transducers 48 and 51 are connected with the corresponding inputs of a pulse generator 53 which can transmit pulses or signals to the actuating means 54forth ram 46, to the input b ofthe testing device 42, and to the electromagnet 38forthetransfer member 37. The evaluating circuit 57 ofthe control unit 56 in the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 is connected with a device 58 which displays the results of successive tests, namely, the moisture content of tobacco batches in the testing chamber42'.

If desired, the conveyor 59 can deliver tested batches oftobacco particles to a collecting receptacle, e.g., into the magazine of the aforediscussed distributor in the cigarette rod making machine.

The mode of operation ofthe apparatus which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is analogous to that of the apparatus of FIG. 1. The pulse generator 53 first transmits a start signal to the rotary electromagnet 38 while the testing device 42 is idle and the barrier 43 is held in the illustrated operative position. The free end portion of the transfer member 37 penetrates into the travelling tobacco stream 32 and diverts a portion of the stream into the inlet 39 ofthe conveyor 41. The column of tobacco particles in the conveyor 41 rises and ultimately reaches the level of the upper detector including the transducer 48 which transmits a signal to the corresponding input ofthe pulse generator 53.

The latter causes the electromagnet 38 to return the transfer member 37 to the illustrated idle position, and the pulse generator 53 further causes the actuating means 54to lower the ram 46so that the ram compresses the column of tobacco particles in theconveyor4l. Iftheheightofthecompacted column oftobacco particles (upon retraction ofthe ram 46 to the illustrated raised position) is such that the compacted column does not obstruct the passage of light from the source 49 to the transducer 51 ofthe lower detector, the pulse generator 53 receives a signal which causes itto effect a renewed penetration ofthetransfer member 37 into the path ofthe tobacco stream 32 so that the conveyor 41 receives additional tobacco particles.The ram 46 is thereupon caused to descend and to compact the freshly admitted tobacco so that the height ofthe column of compacted tobacco particles rises. If the heightofthe column is satisfactory, i.e., if the condensed tobacco particles preventthetransducer51 from transmitting a signal to the pulse generator 53, the lattertransmits a start signal to the input b of the testing device 42. The results ofthe test are transmitted to the evaluating circuit 57 ofthe control unit 56 in the form of a signal, and the evaluated signal is displayed at 58, i.e., such signal denotes the moisture content of the column of tobacco particles in the testing chamber42'.

The lower output of the evaluating circuit 57 then transmits a signal to the electromagnet 44 to retract the barrier 43, and to the actuating means 54to cause the ram 46 to perform a longer stroke so as to expel the freshly tested column of tobacco particles into the conveyor 59 for delivery to a containeror back into the stream 32. The ram 46 thereupon rises and the barrier43 returns to the illustrated position so thatthe apparatus is readyforthe nexttesting operation which follows the transfer of a fresh sample from the stream 32 intothetesting chamber42'.

The signal for renewed removal of a sample from the stream 32 is generated by the transducer 51 ofthe lower detectorwhich transmits such signal to the pulse generator 53 whereby the latterinducesthe electromagnet38to pivotthetransfermember37 into the path of movement of the stream 32.

It has been found that the apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 is capable of effecting a quasi continuous indication ofthe moisture content of the tobacco stream. If desired, the signal atthe output ofthe evaluating circuit 57 can be used to stop the cigarette rod making machine when the measured moisture content is well outside ofthe desired range orto regulate the admission ofmoisturetothetobacco stream 32 ahead of the transfer member37 so thatthe moisture content is either increased or reduced, depending on the intensity or other characteristics of the signal at the upper output ofthe evaluating circuit 57.

An important advantage ofthe improved method and apparatus is that all ofthe steps which contribute to the quasi continuous detection of the percentage of a selected filler component can be carried out automatically. Thus, a fresh filler portion is introduced intothetesting station as soon as the preceding (freshly tested) filler portion is evacuated, the test begins as soon as the freshly diverted filler portion properly occupies the testing station, the evacuation of a freshly tested filler portion begins in automatic response to completion of a test, and this again entails automatic diversion of a fresh filler portion to the testing station.

Another important advantage of the improved method and apparatus is that they allow, forthefirst time, continuous regulation of the percentage of plasticizer in the solid component of a filler which is converted into a filter rod. Moreover, the improved method and apparatus are equally suitable for ascertainment and (if necessary) regulation ofthe percentage of another liquid component in a filler which is to form part (or which already forms part) of rod-shaped articles ofthetobacco processing industry. This ensures that the apparatus can turn out articles ofthe highest quality irrespective of the rate atwhich such articles are produced in a modern high-speed filter rod making, cigarette making or like machine.

A nuclear magnetic resonance testing device (12 or 42) which can be utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1 or FIGS. 2-3 is shown schematically in FIG. 5. The testing device comprises magnets 62 which are oriented in such a way that the north pole 62N of one ofthe magnets and the south pole 62S of another magnet establish in the testing chamber (12' or 42') in the pneumatic conveyor (8 or41) a homogeneous magneticfieldwith a constantfluxdensity. Such magneticfieldisnecessaryforproperoperation of the testing device. The magnets 62 can constitute permanent magnets or high-quality electromagnets.

If the testing device requires magnets which can generate high flux densities, the magnets 62 can constitute cryomagnets.Asender63 generates a resonance frequency which is radiated into the object 2' or into a mass of compacted tobacco particles by a winding 64. The operation ofthe sender 63 is regulated by the pulse generator29 or53.Thetesting chamber 12' or42' is surrounded bya winding 66 which receives resonance signals from the object in the testing chamber and transmits such signals to an amplifier 67 whose output is connected with the control circuit 24 or 56.

A nuclear magnetic resonance testing device which can be adapted for use in the apparatus ofthe present invention is manufactured and sold by the firm Bruker Analytische Messtechnik GmbH, Silberstreifen, D 7512 Rheinstetten4, Federal RepublicGermany.The model which can be converted for use in the apparatus of the present invention is known as PC 20.

The conversion involves the provision of an opening at the underside of the PC 20 testing device to allow for removal of objects aftertesting, the provision of a pneumatic conveyorfor delivery of objects to and for removal of objects from the testing station, and the provision of a barrier belowthetesting station together, with meansformoving the barrier to and from an operative position so as to properly locate an object in the testing chamberwhen the barrier is held in the operative position. The circuitry ofthe PC 20 testing device also requires certain alterationsfor synchronization of its operation with the operation of the remaining parts ofthe apparatus. The magnets, the high-frequencysenderandthe receiver system of the PC 20 testing device need not be changed at all.

Claims (50)

1. A method of producing filter rod sections or analogous articles ofthe tobacco processing industry, comprising the steps of conveying an elongated fillerwhich is composed of solid and liquid components along a first path; automatically diverting spaced apart portions ofthefillerfrom the first path into a predetermined portion of a second path; subjecting successive diverted portions ofthe filler to a nuclear magnetic resonance test, including generating signals denotingthe percentage of one of said components in thetestedfiller portions; and auto- matically removing the tested filler portions from said portion ofthe second path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the filler contains at least one solid and at least one liquid component, and furthercomprising the steps of converting thefiller into a continuous rod and subdividing the rod into a series of discrete rodshaped articles of predetermined length, said diverting step including transferring spaced apart articles of the series from the first path into said portion ofthe second path and said subjecting step further includ- ing establishing a magnetic field in said portion ofthe second path.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said diverting step includes transferring discrete articles from said first path at predetermined intervals of time.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein said articles are filter rod sections and said one liquid component is a plasticizer, said signals denoting the percentage of plasticizer in the tested filter rod sections.

5. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of regulating the percentage of one component of the filler as a function ofthe characteristics of said signals.

6. The method of claim 1,furthercomprisingthe step of regulating the percentage of said one component in the filler as a function of the characteristics of said signals.

7. The method ofclaim 1,whereinthesolid component is tobacco and said subjecting step includes generating signals denoting the percentage of the liquid component in diverted portions ofthe filler.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of monitoring said portion of the second path to ascertain the positions ofthe filler portions therein and initiating said subjecting step when a diverted portion ofthe filler occupies a predetermined position in said portion ofthe second path.

9. The method of claim 1,furthercomprisingthe steps of converting the filler into a continuous rod and subdividing the rod into a series of articles of predetermined length, said diverting step including transferring spaced apart articles into said portion of the second path and further comprising the steps of monitoring said portion of the second path and starting said subjecting step when a diverted section enters said portion ofthe second path.

10. The method of claim 1,furthercomprisingthe steps of generating a second signal upon termination of each test and utilizing the second signals to initiate said removing step.

11. The method of claim 1,further comprising the steps of generating a second signal upon termination of each test and utilizing such second signals to initiate the next-following diverting steps.

12. The method ofclaim 11,furthercomprising the steps of converting the filler into a continuous rod and subdividing the rod into a series of sections of predetermined length, said diverting step including transferring spaced apart sections of said series from the first path into said portion ofthe second path at intervals whose length corresponds to that between the generation of successive second signals.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein said removing step includes reintroducing the filler portions into said first path.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of converting the filler into a continuous rod and subdividing the rod into a stream of successive sections of predetermined length, said diverting step comprising transferring spaced apart sections ofthe stream into said portion ofthe second path and said removing step comprising reintroducing the tested sections into said stream.

15. The method ofclaim 1,whereinthefiller includes at least one solid and at least one liquid component and said diverting step takes place in a first portion of said first path, and further comprising the steps of converting the filler into a continuous rod in a second portion ofthefirst path downstream of the first portion and subdividing the rod into a series of sections of predetermined length.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the filler in the first path forms a continuous stream and said diverting step includes diverting parts of spaced apart portions ofthe continuous stream into said portion of the second path.

17. The method ofclaim 1,furthercomprisingthe step of densifying each filler portion in said portion of the second path priortothetest.

18. Themethodofciaim 1,furthercomprisingthe steps of monitoring the mass of each filler portion in said portion ofthe second path and initiating the start of said subjecting step only when the monitored mass at least matches a predetermined minimum mass.

19. The method of claim 1,wherein said diverting step comprises pneumatically expelling said portions ofthefillerfrom said first path.

20. rhe method of claim 1,wherein said diverting step comprises mechanically removing said portions ofthefillerfrom the first path.

21. Apparatus for producing filter rod sections or analogous articles ofthe tobacco processing indus try, comprising a source offiller material ofthetype having solid and liquid components; means for conveying an elongated fillerfrom the source along a first path; means for automatically diverting succes sive spaced apart portions ofthe fillerfrom said first path into a second path; means for removably positioning successive diverted filler portions in a predetermined portion ofthe second path; and testing means including a device which isactivatable to subject the filler portions in said portion of the second path to a nuclear magnetic resonance test and means for generating signals denoting the percentage of one of said components in the tested filler portions.

22. The apparatus of claim 21,furthercomprising means for converting the filler into a continuous rod and means for subdividing the rod into a series of discrete sections of predetermined length, said diverting means including meansfortransferring spaced apart sections of said series into said portion ofthesecond path.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the source includes means for continuously supplying the solid component into said first path and means for continuously supplying the liquid component to the solid component in a predetermined portion of the first path.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said diverting means comprises a transporting device defining said second path and having an inlet for admission of spaced apart sections into said second path and an outlet, said positioning means including meansfornormallyclosingsaidoutlettothereby hold a section which is located in said transporting device in said portion ofthe second path.

25. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means for monitoring said portion ofthe second path and for generating second signals on detection of diverted sections in said portion ofthe second path.

26. The apparatus of claim 25,furthercomprising means for actuating said device of said testing means in response to said second signals.

27. Theapparatusofclaim 2l,furthercomprising means for evaluating said signals.

28. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising means for disengagingsaid positioning means from the tested filler portion in said second portion ofthe second path in response to said signalssothatthe tested filler portion can be evacuated from said portion ofthe second path.

29. The apparatus of claim 28,further comprising meansfor monitoring said portion of the second path and for generating second signals on evacuation of tested filler portions from said portion ofthesecond path, and means for effecting the transfer of a fresh filler portion from the first path into said portion of the second path via said diverting means in response to said second signals.

30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said source includes adjustable means for supplying said one component at a variable rate, means for evaluating said signals, and means for adjusting said supplying means when the percentage of said one component in the tested filler portions is outside of a predetermined range.

31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said diverting means comprises pneumatic ejector means.

32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said positioning means comprises a barrier and further comprising means for moving said barrier into and from said second path.

33. The apparatus of claim 32,wherein said moving means includes means for moving said barrierfrom said second path in response to said signals so that each diverted filler portion is free to leave said portion ofthe second path in automatic response to completion of the respective test.

34. Theapparatusofclaim 21, wherein said diverting meanscomprisesa pneumatictransfer conveyor defining said second path and having at least one opening for escape of airfrom said second path in the region of said positioning means.

35. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising means for converting the filler into a continuous rod and meansforsubdividing the rod into a series of sections of predetermined length, said diverting means comprising a pneumatic conveyor defining said second path and meansfortransferring spaced apart sections of said series into said pneumatic conveyor, said pneumatic conveyor being arranged to transport the transferred sections axially.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising an additional conveyor arranged to reintroduce tested sections from said pneumatic conveyor into said series of sections.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said additional conveyor includes means for moving the tested sections axially.

38. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said one component is the liquid component ofthe filler.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said source includes means for supplying a continuous filtertowinto said first path, adjustablemeansfor contacting the tow with the liquid component at a variable rate, means for converting the thus con tacted tow into a continuous rod, and means for subdividing the rod into a series of sections of predetermined length, said diverting means includ ing meansfortransferring spaced apart sections of saidseries into said second path and further compris- ing means for evaluating said signals and regulating means for adjusting said contacting means when the percentage of liquid component in thetested sections is outside of a predetermined range.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the liquid component is a plasticizer.

41. The apparatus ofclaim 39, further comprising means for disengaging said positioning means from tested sections in response to said signals.

42. Theapparatusofclaim 21,wherein said diverting means is adjacentto a first portion of said first path and further comprising meansforconvert- ing the filler into a continuous rod in a second portion of said first path downstream of said first portion and meansforsubdividing the rod into a series of sections of predetermined length.

43. The apparatus of claim 42,further comprising means for evaluating said signals, means for disen- gaging said positioning means from tested filler portions in response to said signals so as to allow for evacuation oftested filler portions from said portion of the second path, and means for actuating said diverting means in response to evacuation of tested fillerportionsfrom said portion ofthesecond path.

44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said diverting means includes a transfer member adjacent to and movable into said first path to thereby direct said portions ofthe filler into said second path, and means for moving said transfer member into and from said first path.

45. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising meansfor densifying the filler portions in said portion ofthesecond path.

46. The apparatus of claim 45,wherein said densifying means comprises a reciprocable ram.

47. The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a conveyorfor reintroducing tested filler portions into said first path.

48. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the solid component of the filler comprises tobacco and said one component is the liquid component ofthe filler so thatsaid signals denote the moisture content of tobacco.

49. A method of producing filter rod sections or analogous articles ofthe tobacco processing industry, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

50. Apparatus for producing filter rod sections or analogous articles ofthetobacco processing inudstry, substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.