US3889240A

US3889240A - System for programming the starting and stoppage of apparatus for the production and/or processing of cigarettes or the like

Info

Publication number: US3889240A
Application number: US248674A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joachim Buchegger
Original assignee: Hauni Werke Koerber and Co KG
Current assignee: Koerber AG
Priority date: 1971-04-29
Filing date: 1972-04-28
Publication date: 1975-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 1992-06-10
Also published as: IT960807B; CA974319A; JPS558145B1; FR2136088A5; GB1391709A; SE370611B

Abstract

A production line for the making of plain or filtertipped cigars, cigarillos or cigarettes wherein several aggregates of a first type are driven in synchronism with each other by a main motor and several aggregates of a second type are activated and/or deactivated during starting and stoppage of the production line. The aggregates of the second type are activated and/or deactivated in a predetermined sequence and at predetermined intervals by a programming system which actuates a series of signal generators which, in turn, control the respective aggregates of the second type. The programming system employs a rotary drum which is driven by the main motor or by a separate motor, or a counter which receives and counts pulses furnished by a pulse generator receiving motion from the main motor or from a separate motor.

Description

O United States Patent 1 1 1111 3,889,240

Buchegger June 10, 1975 [54] SYSTEIW FOR PROGRAMMING THE 3,412,856 11/1968 Esenwein 131/21 R STARTING AND STOPPAGE ()[r 3,413,425 11/1968 Lovegrove 1 200/38 C 3,470,424 9/1969 Flesselles et a1. 131/21 RU APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION 3,672,373 6/1972 Dogl et a1. 1 131/21 R AND/OR PROCESSING OF CIGARETTES 3,720,815 3 1973 Lorenzen 1. 131/21 R OR THE LIKE 75 l h B h H b FOREiGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1 Memo" egger 1,245,649 10/1960 France 131/21 A y 609,015 9/1948 United Kingdom 131/21 B Assignee: HaunLWerke Kfirber & Co I((; United Kingdom v A Hamburg, Germany 1,089,764 11/1967 United Kingdom 131/21 R [22] Filed: 1972 Primary ExaminerRau1fe B. Zache [21] App]. No: 248,674 Attorney, Agent, or FirmMichael S. Striker [30] Foreign Application Priority Data 1 1 ABSTRACT Apr, 29, 1971 Germany 2121044 A production line for the making of plain or filter- Dec. 11. 1971 Germany 2161611 tipped cigars, cigarillos or cigarettes wherein several aggregates of a first type are driven in synchronism [52] U.S. C1 340/1725; 131/21 R with each other by a main motor and several aggre- [51] Int. Cl. G061 9/00; A24b 7/14; A24c 5/34 gates of a second type are activated and/0r deacti [58] Field of Search 131/21 R, 21 A, 21 B; vated during starting and stoppage of the production 200/38 C; 307/41; 340/1725, 147 MT; line. The aggregates of the second type are activated 318/85, 571, 574; 235/1511, 151.11; 93/1 C and/or deactivated in a predetermined sequence and at predetermined intervals by a programming system [56] References Cited which actuates a series of signal generators which, in UNITED STATES PATENTS turn, control the respective aggregates of the second 2 745 410 5/1956 Molins 131/21 R type" The Programming sysem employs a rotary drum 3 6 7/1959 Powe" at a]. I I I I l n H21 R which is driven by the main motor or by a separate 2:948:28] 3/1960 De Vow e a], 13/! R motor, or a counter which receives and counts pulses 3,067 754 13 19 2 Pinkham et 1 3 2 R furnished by a pulse generator receiving motion from 3.109.074 10/1963 Lewis et al 1 1 200/38 C the main motor or from a separate motor, 3,234,805 2/1966 Slonneger 1 200/38 C I 3,391,393 7/1968 Jaquith eta]. 340 1725 22 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures 6'! Q m1 1 E 63/? 5M0 ENE :rna

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SYSTEM FOR PROGRAMMING THE STARTING AND STOPPAGE OF APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION AND/OR PROCESSING OF CIGARETTES OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for the production and/or processing of smokers products, such as plain or filter-tipped cigars, cigarillos or cigarettes and simple or composite filter rod sections.

The trend in the cigarette making and related industries is toward complete automation of the production, not only in order to achieve savings in personnel but also to insure an optimum utilization of the machinery with minimal waste in tobacco and/or other materials and maximum output. It is already known to provide a machine for the making of cigarettes or analogous rodshaped smokers" products with a control system which insures fully automatic operation of the machine once the operation is started, i.e., once the machine operates at normal speed. However, serious problems are still encountered during the starting and stoppage of such machines. Certain presently known machines for the production of plain or filter cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles are already equipped with control systems which insure automatic activation and/or deactivation of certain aggregates during starting and stoppage; however, a large number of such aggregates are still controlled by hand so that the length of intervals which are required for starting or stoppage, as well as the number of rejects which are produced during such stages of operation, is still overly dependent on the skill and conscientiousness of attendants.

Apparatus for the production and/or processing of rod-shaped articles (such as plain or filter-tipped cigars, cigarillos, cigarettes or cheroots and/or filter stubs and filter rod sections) to which the present invention pertains embody two types of subassemblies or aggregates, namely, aggregates of a first type whose operation is invariably synchronized because they are normally driven by a common output shaft which receives motion from the main prime mover of the apparatus, and aggregates ofa second type whose operation is partially or entirely independent of the operation of aggregates of the first type and which must be activated and- /or deactivated in a predetermined sequence during starting and also during stoppage of the apparatus.

The synchronization of operation of aggregates of the first type presents no serious problems since all such aggregates normally receive motion from a common main prime mover. Thus, once the operation of such aggregates (of the first type) is properly synchronized, the adjustment remains intact irrespective of repeated starting and stoppage of the apparatus. Therefore, the aggregates of the first type seldom cause serious problems during the starting, stoppage, normal operation, acceleration or deceleration of the apparatus. In a cigarette rod making machine wherein a continuous wrapped rod-like filler is subdivided into sections of unit length of multiple unit length (e.g., in a machine known as GARANT and produced by the West German Firm of Hauni-Werke, Korber & Co., I(.G., of Hamburg-Bergedorf), the aggregates of the first type include the customary distributor whose rollers, drums, belts and/or other movable parts receive motion from the output shaft of the main prime mover and which serves to produce a continuous homogeneous tobacco stream which is thereupon compacted to form a rodlike filler and is wrapped to be converted into a wrapped filler rod; the conveyor or conveyors which transport the tobacco stream, the unwrapped filler rod and the wrapped tobacco rod; the trimming or equalizing device or devices which remove the surplus from the rodlike filler prior to wrapping; the mechanism which imprints various information on cigarette paper; the cutoff which servers the wrapped filler rod to convert it into a succession of plain cigarettes of desired length; the customary accelerating device or kicker which is used to increase the distance between successive plain cigarettes downstream of the cutoff so that the single file of cigarettes can be converted into one or more rows wherein the articles move sideways; and the conveyor mechanism which converts a single file of cigarettes into one or more rows.

In a filter cigarette making machine (such as the machine known as MAX and produced by the West German Firm of Hauni-Werke, Korber & Co., K.G., Hamburg-Bergedorf), the aggregates of the first type include the conveyors which transport plain cigarettes to an assembly station, the device for severing filter rod sections of multiple unit length to yield shorter filter rod sections or stubs, the mechanism which severs filter cigarettes of multiple unit length to convert such cigarettes into filter cigarettes of unit length, one or more testing units which test the quality of filter cigarettes of unit length or multiple unit length, one or more ejecting or segregating devices, and an inverting device which can invert selected filter cigarettes of unit length so that the filter plugs of all such filter cigarettes face in the same direction.

The aggregates of the second type are normally not connected with the output shaft of the main motor. As mentioned above, such aggregates are activated and/or deactivated during starting and during stoppage of the apparatus, and they may receive motion from the main prime mover or are provided with discrete prime movers. For example, the means for activating or deactivating certain aggregates of the second type may include suitable clutches which can be engaged or disengaged to thereby transmit motion from the output shaft of the main prime mover to the respective aggregate or aggregates of the second type or to terminate the transmission of such motion.

In a cigarette rod making machine of the aforediscussed character, the aggregates of the second type include a paster which is used to provide one of the marginal portions ofa continuous cigarette paper web with a film of adhesive so that such marginal portion will adhere to the other marginal portion when successive increments of the finished wrapped filler rod issue from the wrapping mechanism, a heating device which is normally employed to heat the freshly formed seam so as to cause rapid setting of the adhesive, a cleaning device which is utilized to expel foreign matter from the tubular element or elements through which a wrapped filler rod passes in the cutoff to be subdivided into plain cigarettes of desired length, a mutilating device which can break off the leading end ofa wrapped filler rod 50 as to insure that the rod which is allowed to enter the cutoff is capable of invariably yielding satisfactory plain cigarettes, and one or more segregating devices which are provided for the purpose of segregating those cigarettes which are produced immediately after start- 3 ng of the machine and which are likely to be defective :ven though their seams might be satisfactory.

In a filter cigarette making machine of the above outined character, the aggregates of the second type in- :lude the conveyors for the feed of filter rod sections and stubs as well as for the feed of a tape which is con i'erted into discrete adhesive-coated uniting bands, a )aster which is used to coat one side of the tape prior severing of the tape to yield discrete uniting bands. 1 segregating device which expels from the normal path :hose filter cigarettes which are produced immediately after starting of the machine, and one or more detectors which scan the various paths and/or the operation of aggregates of the first type.

When a machine for the making of plain or filter cigarettes is to be started, the aggregates of the second type must be activated or deactivated in a predetermined sequence. For example, the starting of a conventional machine for the making of plain cigarettes is started in the following way: The attendant or attendants thread the leader of the cigarette paper web through various components of the machine (such as an automatic or semiautomatic splicer, the imprinting device and the wrapping mechanism), and the tubular elements of the cutoff are cleaned by resorting to a suit able bottle cleaning brush, a bellows or the like. The main prime mover is started so that the distributor begins to form a continuous cigarette stream which is compacted to form a rod-like filler and enters the wrapping station. The attendant thereupon moves the paster to its operative position so that the paster applies a film of adhesive to one marginal portion of the cigarette paper web in that part of the machine wherein the web is nearly completely draped around the rod-like filler. When the attendant notes that the paster coats one marginal portion of the cigarette paper web with adhesive, he actuates the seam heating device which engages the freshly formed seam and heats the adhesive to promote the setting and to thereby insure that the compacted tobacco shreds which form the filler cannot open the seam while the thus obtained wrapped cigarette rod or filler rod advances toward the cutoff. The attendant observes the formation of the wrapped rod and, after determining that the wrapper on the rod is satisfactory, actuates a mutilating device which breaks off the foremost part of the rod to thus insure that the rod which enters the cutoff is of satisfactory quality for the making of discrete plain cigarettes. The first cigarettes are ejected by a suitable segregating device which is normally started by the operator and can in clude one or more nozzles for discharge of compressed air. A time delay relay or the like automatically terminates the segregation of first batch of plain cigarettes which are likely to be defective, for example, due to excessive drying of tobacco shreds which remained in the machine after the last stoppage.

lfthe just discussed cigarette making machine is coupled with a filter cigarette making machine, the latter is provided with a number of detectors which scan the progress of plain cigarettes and activate various aggregates of the second type in a desired sequence. Such detectors can activate the respective aggregates through the intermediary of suitable time delay relays to insure that the activation of the respective aggregates will take place at intervals which are presumably best suited for starting of the filter cigarette making machine with minimal waste in plain cigarettes, filter stubs and/or uniting bands. The aggregates of the second type which are used in such filter cigarette making machine include various conveyors for the delivery of filter rod sections and filter stubs. the advancing means for a tape which is to be subdivided into uniting bands serving to connect plain cigarettes with filter stubs, a paster which coats one side of the tape with a film of adhesive, and a segregating device with ejects the first batch of filter cigarettes of unit length or multiple unit length. All this takes place while the main prime mover of the machine drives the aggregates of the first type at a relatively low speed. Once the attendant has determined that all aggregates operate properly, the main prime mover is adjusted to operate the aggregates at the higher or normal speed.

It is evident that the just described mode of starting a single machine or a production line consisting of two or more directly or indirectly coupled machines is overly dependent on the experience, carefulness and alertness of attendants. As a rule, the interval which elapses between the starting of the main prime mover and the adjustment for operation at normal speed is much longer than absolutely necessary in order to avoid the formation of unsatisfactory acticles. If the change from low speed to normal operating speed is effected too soon, the machine or machines are likely to produce defective articles with attendant losses in tobacco, filter material, wrapping material, adhesive and [or contamination of the machine. On the other hand, if the delay between the starting and operation at full speed is too long, the output of the machine or machines is well below an optimum value, especially when the apparatus includes one or more high-speed machines for the production of cigarettes or the like at the normal rate of about articles per second. Furthermore, it is extremely diffieult to visually follow the progress of articles or their components in a machine whose output is so high, even if the machine is operated at the lower or lowest of several speeds.

Certain recent types of tobacco processing machines are already equipped with a system of automatic activating and deactivating devices for various aggregates of the second type. Such automatic system employs discrete time delay devices for aggregates of the second type and means for transmitting impulses to such time delay devices in response to a start or stop signal. The time delay devices then activate or deactivate the respective aggregates of the second type in a given sequence and at intervals which are established empirically as being best suited to insure the activation of we cessive aggregates with minimal losses in output and with minimal number of rejects.

It was found that the just described automatic acti vating and deactivating systems cannot invariably insure proper synchronization between the activation and deactivation of various aggregates which are to be activated or deactivated during starting or stoppage of the machine or machines. Thus, the intervals between the activation or deactivation of successive aggregates of the second type are selected without considering the possibility of malfunctioning of one or more aggregates of the first type, the possibility of failure of one or more aggregates of the second type, and/or the possibility that the operation is affected by external influences, such as clogging of certain conveyors, channels, tubes or other parts by adhesive, dust or other matter, exhaustion of the supply of web, tobacco shreds or other ingredients of smokers products. If the delays with which the aggregates of the second type are activated and/or deactivated during starting or during stoppage are too long (for example, because the manufacturer wants to make sure that the machine or machines will begin to operate at normal speed only when the likelihood of turning out defective articles is practically nonexistent), the output of the machine or machines will be much less than a maximum output, especially if the operation of one or more machines must be interrupted at frequent intervals, such as for manually splicing the trailing end of an expiring web to the leading end of a fresh web. On the other hand, if the adjustment of the time delay devices is such that the intervals between the activation and/or deactivation of successive aggregates of the second type are reduced to a minimum, the machine or machines are likely to turn out very large numbers of defective articles which might not be detected at all, for example, if defective cigarettes are fed directly into a packing machine.

The situation is analogous when the aggregates of the second type must be activated or deactivated in response to a stop signal which is to bring about complete stoppage of one or more machines. if all aggregates are to be deactivated at the same time, this can lead to substantial losses in tobacco or other ingredients of smokers products because all such tobacco shreds and/or such cigarettes which remain in a machine during prolonged idleness are likely to lose excessive amounts of moisture and must be discarded prior to entry into a packing machine or into a tray. Attempts to reduce the number of rejects which are obtained as a result of abrupt and untimely stoppage of aggregates of the second type in response to a stop signal are analogous to those which were described above in connection with the starting of such machine or machines. Thus, certain aggregates of the second type are controlled by time delay devices whose delaying action is determined by tests and which deactivate various aggregates in a given sequence in response to generation of a top signal. The delays which are furnished by such time delay devices are selected without consideration of the condition of previously activated or deactivated aggregates of the second type.

It is further known to control the starting and stop page of tobacco processing machines by a shift register. A drawback of such proposal is that the shift register must comprise an extremely large number of stages because the number of stages must equal the maximum number of articles in the production line. Moreover, a programming system which utilizes a shift register is so complex that it can be installed, adjusted, serviced and- /or repaired only by highly skilled technicians.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved system for programming the starting and stoppage of apparatus for the production and/or processing of cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles which can be used as parts of or as finished smokers products.

Another object of the invention is to provide a programming system which can be incorporated into or combined with existing machines or groups of machines for the making and/or processing of rod-shaped articles which constitute or form part of smokers products.

A further object of the invention is to provide a programming system which is constructed and assembled in such a way that it can control all phases of operation during starting and/or stoppage of one or more machines for the making or processing of plain or filtertipped cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles, and which is constructed and assembled to insure maximum output of and to reduce the number of rejects in such machine or machines.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a programming system which occupies little room, which is relatively simple, and which renders it possible to re duce the number of attendants, particularly in tobacco processing or like plants wherein smokerss products are being produced and processed in a large number of production lines each of which can be composed of two or more directly or indirectly coupled machines.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a programming system which can be used with particular advantage for the production and/or processing of plain or filter-tipped cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos.

A further object of the invention is to provide a programming system which can control all phases of operation ofone or more automatic machines, including the operation under normal or optimum conditions, intentional starting or stoppage, as well as automatic stoppage in response to automatic detection of one or more defects in the operation of one or more aggregates and- /or in the progress of partly or completely finished articles in their respective paths.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for the production and/or processing of cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles which comprises a plurality of article producing and/or processing aggregates of a first type arranged to operate in synchronism with each other (such aggregates can be driven by the rotary output element of a main prime mover for the machine or machines of the apparatus), a plurality of aggregates of a second type which are to be activated and/or deactivated in a predetermined sequence during starting and/or stoppage of the apparatus (either in response to generation of an intentionally produced start or stop signal or in response to an automatically produced stop signal on detection of one or more defects or malfunctions in the apparatus), a plurality of electric switches or other suitable signal gener ators each of which is operatively connected with at least one aggregate of the second type (for example, by means of electrical and/or electronic signal receiving and transmitting units which may include starting, condition monitoring and stopping units) and each of which is actuatable (e.g., by means of a projection, cam, lobe or the like) to thereby activate and/or deactivate the respective aggregate or aggregates of the second type, and programming means at least a portion of which is movable and which is operable to actuate the signal generators in a predetermined sequence.

The apparatus may comprise prime mover means for driving at least one aggregate of the first type and a clutch or analogous motion transmitting means for moving the movable portion of the programming means in synchronism with the one aggregate of the first type. The prime mover means may comprise a rotary output member and the programming means may be designed to actuate the signal generators in a predetermined sequence in predetermined angular positions of the output member. This insures that the length of ntervals between activation and/or deactivation of suc- :essive aggregates of the second type is always a func- .ion of the speed of the output member.

In accordance with a modification. the movable por- .ion of the programming means is movable between a )lurality of positions and the apparatus comprises first )r main prime mover means for driving at least one aggregate of the first type and discrete second prime nover means whose speed is preferably variable and which serves to drive the movable portion of the programming means asynchronously with the one aggregate of the first type. For example, the second prime mover means may be designed to move the movable portion of the programming means at a predetermined speed and the movable portion of the programming means may comprise projections or analogous elements for actuating the signal generators in a predetermined sequence and at predetermined intervals independently of the operating speed of the first or main prime mover means.

The movable portion of the programming means may comprise a mobile carrier for a plurality of discrete actuating elements which may but need not be adjustably mounted thereon and each of which is associated with at least one signal generator. The carrier is preferably movable from a predetermined starting position (in response to generation of a start or stop signal) to thereby effect the actuation of signal generators in a predeter mined sequence through the intermediary of the respective actuating elements. The carrier may be a rotary drum whose periphery carries projections or analogous actuating elements for signal generators, or the disk of a pulse generator which is driven by or in synchronism or asynchronism with the output element of the main prime mover.

The programming means may further comprise means for furnishing a succession of impulses at timely spaced intervals to thereby actuate the signal generators in a predetermined sequence. Such impulse furnishing means may include a counter which receives pulses from a pulse generator, such as the pulse generator which embodies the aforediscussed disk.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. la is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a machine for the making of plain cigarettes which constitutes one component of an apparatus embodying one form of the invention;

FIG. lb is a similar diagrammatic side elevational view of a machine for the making of filter cigarettes which constitutes another component of the improved apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the prime mover for the machines of FIGS. la and lb, and further showing one form of programming means for the aggregates of the second type which are incorpo rated in such machines;

FIG. 3 is a developed view of the carrier of the programming means shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a is a circuit diagram of certain operative connections between various aggregates of the second type and the respective signal generators;

FIG. 4b is a similar circuit diagram of the remaining operative connections between such aggregates and the associated signal generators;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side elevational view of modified programming means which can be used to regulate the activation and/or deactivation of aggregates of the second type in the apparatus including the machines of FIGS. la and lb;

FIG. 6a is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a machine which is similar to the machine of FIG. 1a but wherein the aggregates of the second type are controlled by modified programming means;

FIG. 6b is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a machine which is similar to the machine of FIG. lb but wherein the aggregates of the second type are activated and/or deactivated by the programming means for the machine of FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7a is a circuit diagram of certain operative connections between various aggregates of the second type and the respective signal generators in the apparatus which embodies the machines of FIGS. 6a and 6b; and

FIG. 7b is a similar circuit diagram of the remaining operative connections between the aggregates of the second type and the respective signal generators in the apparatus embodying the machines of FIGS. and 6b.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. la and lb, there is shown an apparatus which constitutes a production line composed to two directly coupled machines which are disposed at right angles to each other. The machine of FIG. la is a cigarette rod making machine, and the machine of FIG. lb is a filter cigarette making machine.

The machine of FIG. 1a is of the type known as GAR- ANT produced by the West German Firm of I-Iauni- Werke, Korber & Co., KG, of Hamburg-Bergedorf. This machine comprises a distributor l which constitutes an aggregate or subassembly of the first type and serves to shower tobacco shreds into a tobacco channel 2 wherein the resulting tobacco stream travels lengthwise in a direction to the right, as viewed in FIG. 1a. The tobacco stream in the channel 2 is entrained and accelerated by the endless conveyor belt 3 which also constitutes an aggregate of the first type. The belt 3 de livers successive increments of the tobacco stream into the circumferential groove of a further conveyor 7 here shown as a suction wheel which rotates in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. la. The tobacco stream in the groove of the suction wheel 7 can be compacted before it advances past an equalizing device or trimmer 8 which also constitutes an aggregate of the first type and serves to remove the surplus of tobacco shreds and to thus convert the tobacco stream into a rod-like filler. The resulting rod-like filler is thereupon compacted during travel along the underside of a foraminous conveyor band 13 which is associated with a suitable suction chamber. The compacted rod-like filler enters a wrapping mechanism 14 wherein it is wrapped into a continuous web 17 of cigarette paper in a manner known per se. The web 17 is drawn from a roll 16 by means of a conveyor belt 15 which constitutes an aggregate of the first type and causes successive increments of the web 17 to pass through an imprinting unit 17A which also constitutes an aggregate of the first type. Prior to entering the imprinting unit 17A, successive increments of the web 17 pass through a conventional splicing device 178 which also receives the leading end ofa fresh web 17a which is stored in the form ofa roll 16a so that the trailing end of the expiring web 17 can be automatically or semiautomatically spliced to the leading end of the fresh web 17a.

The wrapped rodlike filler constitutes a tobacco rod Zs which is transported lengthwise through and beyond the wrapping mechanism 14 on its way toward a cutoff 21 which constitutes an aggregate of the first type. The draping of the web 17 around the rod-like filler takes place in several stages one of which includes converting the web 17 into a U-shaped body which partially surrounds the compacted filler and another of which includes folding one marginal portion of the U-shaped body over the adjacent portion of the filler whereby the other marginal portion extends tangentially from the filler and in an upward direction, as viewed in FIG. 1a. The machine of FIG. 1a further comprises a paster 4 which is controlled by an electromagnet 404 shown in FIG. 4a and can be moved from a raised or inoperative position to an operative position to thereby apply a film of adhesive to the tangentially extending marginal portion of the web 17 in the wrapping mechanism 14. The machanism l4 thereupon folds the thus adhesivecoated marginal portion of the web 17 over the other marginal portion to complete the conversion of the web into a tubular wrapper or envelope which completely surrounds the compacted rod-like filler and forms therewith the aforementioned wrapped tobacco rod Zs. A seam heating device 6 is located downstream of the paster 4 and can be moved from a raised or inoperative position to an operative position to heat the seam which is formed by the overlapping marginal portions of the tubular wrapper and to thus promote the setting of adhesive that was applied by the paster 4. The means for moving the seam heating device 6 from its raised to its operative position includes an electromagnet 406 which is shown in FIG. 4a. The paster 4 and the seam heating device 6 constitute aggregates or subassemblies of the second type.

The seam which is being heated by the device 6 is scanned by a photoelectric detector 407 which forms part of a signal receiving and signal transmitting starting unit 807 shown in FIG. 4a. The construction of the photoelectric detector 407 is such that it furnishes a signal as long as the seam on the wrapper of the tobacco rod Zs is defective.

The cigarette rod making machine of FIG. 10 further comprises a cigarette rod mutilating device 9 which is located downstream of the photoelectric detector 407 and is movable between a deflecting position 9.1 and a second or idle position 9.2. When the mutilating device 9 assumes its deflecting position 9.1, it directs the wrapped rod-like filler Zs or its components into a receptacle 18. When the mutilating device 9 moves from the deflecting position 9.1 to the position 9.2, it breaks off the rod Zs to thus insure that a straight leader of the rod advances toward two tubular elements 19 which form part of the cutoff 21. The arrangement is such that the mutilating device 9 assumes the deflecting position 9.1 as long as the seam on the rod Zs is defective. The means for moving the mutilating device 9 between its two positions includes an electromagnet 409 which is shown in FIG. 40.

The tubular elements 19 (hereinafter called tubes for short) of the cutoff 21 serve to guide successive increments of the rod Zs during severing by an orbiting knife so that the rod 25 yields a succession of discrete plain cigarettes Z of unit length or multiple unit length. It is assumed that the cutoff 21 is designed to sever the rod Zs at such intervals that the rod yields a succession of plain cigarettes Z of unit length.

A cleaning device for the tubes 19 includes a blowing nozzle 403a which is mounted in a conduit that is connected to a source of compressed air or another suitable gaseous fluid. The purpose of the nozzle 4030 is to admit one or more blasts of compressed air prior to entry of the rod Z; into the tubes 19 so as to make sure that the tubes are free of foreign matter, such as remnants of the rod Zs. The means for controlling the ad mission ofcompressed gas into the blowing nozzle 403a includes an electromagnetic valve 403 which is shown in FIG. 4a.

A further photoelectric detector 410 which forms part of a signal receiving and signal transmitting starting unit 810 (shown in FIG. 4a) is located downstream of the left-hand tube 19 and serves to monitor the cigarettes Z in their path immediately downstream of the cutoff 21. The detector 410 produces a signal when it fails to detect cigarettes Z. The absence of cigarettes Z in the path which is monitored by the photoelectric detector 410 may be due to a jam-up in the tubes 19 of the cutoff 21 or to the fact that the mutilating device 9 deflects the tobacco rod 23 into the receptacle 18. Still further, the detector 410 will produce a signal when the leader of the rod 23 fails to enter the righthand tube 19 of the cuttoff 21.

The first batch of cigarettes Z which are produced immediately after starting of the machine of FIG. 1a is expelled or removed by a segregating device 11 which constitutes an aggregate of the second type. The segregating device 11 comprises a blowing nozzle 4110 which is connected with a source of compressed gas. preferably air, and which can receive compressed gas in response to opening of an electromagnetic valve 411 shown in FIG. 4a. A further photoelectric detector 413 is located downstream of the segregating device 11 and serves to monitor the path of cigarettes Z which are about to enter successive flutes of a transfer conveyor or drum 26. The drum 26 constitutes an aggregate of the first type and it serves to convert a single file of cigarettes Z which are propelled by a conventional accelerating device or kicker 26A into one or two rows of cigarettes which move sideways and are transferred into the filter cigarette making machine of FIG. 1b. The purpose of the accelerating device 26A is to increase the distance between successive cigarettes Z which are about to enter the flutes of the transfer conveyor 26 to thus insure that each cigarette enters a separate flute. The photoelectric detector 413 produces a signal when it fails to detect cigarettes Z downstream of the accelerating device 26A. This photoelectric detector forms part of a condition monitoring unit 813 shown in the left-hand portion of FIG. 4a. The monitoring action of the photoelectric detector 413 continues when the cig arette rod making machine of FIG. 1a operates at normal speed. This detector 413 then takes over the function of the

aforementioned detectors

407 and 410. The

detectors

407 and 410 are active only during starting of the machine of FIG. 1a.

Referring now to FIG. lb. the filter cigarette making machine therein shown is of the type known as MAX produced by the West German Firm of Hauni-Werke. Korber & o. KG, of Hamburg-Bergedorf. It is to he noted that the machine of FIG. lb is mounted at right angles to the machine of FIG. la. This can be readily understood by comparing the positions of the transfer conveyor 26 in the left-hand portion FIG. la and in the right-hand portion of FIG. lb.

The machine of FIG. lb comprises a magazine or hopper 35 for a supply of filter rod sections F of 6 times unit length. A duct 33 communicates with the lower portion of the magazine 35 and serves to supply a continuous row of filter rod sections F into successive flutes of a so-called cutting conveyor or drum 36. The conveyor 36 cooperates with two rotary coaxial diskshaped knives 34 which subdivide each filter rod section F into three shorter filter rod sections or stubs of double unit length. The knives 34 constitute an aggregate of the first type. The feed of filter rod sections F from the magazine 35 to the flutes of the cutting conveyor 36 is monitored by a photoelectric detector 421 which produces a signal in response to detection of the absense of filter rod sections F. The photoelectric detector 421 forms part of a condition monitoring unit 821 which is shown in the left-hand portion of FIG. 4b.

The filter stubs which are formed in the flutes of the cutting conveyor 36 are thereupon transferred onto a staggering conveyor 37 which comprises three eccentrically mounted disks serving to shift the originally aligned filter stubs in the circumferential direction of the conveyor 37. The thus staggered stubs are transferred into successive flutes of a shuffling conveyor 38 which cooperates with suitable cams 38a to form a single row of filter stubs which are thereupon transferred into successive flutes of a further drum-shaped conveyor 39. The drive means for rotating the conveyor 39 includes an electromagnetic clutch 414 which constitutes an aggregate ofthe second type. The shaft of the conveyor 39 drives the

aforementioned conveyors

36, 37, and 38 by means of a suitable gear train, not shown. Thus. when the electromagnetic clutch 414 is disengaged, the withdrawal of filter rod sections F from the magazine 35 and the subdivision of such filter rod sections into discrete stubs of double unit length is terminated.

The transfer conveyor 26 of the cigarette rod making machine of FIG. la delivers two rows of plain cigarettes Z into a pair of aligning conveyors 27 which are shown in the righthand portion of FIG. lb and form part of the filter cigarette making machine. The conveyors 27 constitute aggregates of the first type and serve to place successive pairs of plain cigarettes Z into axial alignment with each other as well as to deliver the thus aligned pairs of cigarettes Z into successive flutes of an assembly conveyor 28 which also constitutes an aggregate of the first type. The arrangement is such that the pairs of axially aligned cigarettes Z in successive flutes of the assembly conveyor 28 are spaced apart a distance which is sufficient to enable a filter stub of dou ble unit length to enter the space between the aligned cigarettes Z. The stubs are furnished into successive flutes of the assembly conveyor 28 by an accelerating conveyor 40 which receives stubs from the aforementioned conveyor 39. Thus. once a flute of the assembly conveyor 28 moves beyond the transfer station between the

conveyors

28 and 40, it contains an assembly or group of three coaxial rod-like components including two plain cigarettes Z of unit length and a filter stub of double unit length between such plain cigarettes. The assembly conveyor 28 delivers such groups of rodshaped articles into successive flutes of a drum-shaped transfer conveyor 29.

The machine of FIG. lb further comprises a suction conveyor drum 46 which cooperates with the transfer conveyor 29 and serves to apply to each group of three coaxial rod-shaped articles an adhesive-coated uniting band which is thereupon convoluted around the re spective filter stub and the adjacent inner end portions of the respective plain cigarettes of unit length to convert such groups into filter cigarettes of double unit length. The suction conveyor 46 cooperates with a severing device here shown as a rotary knife 44 which cuts across the leader of a paper web or tape 410. Such tape is being drawn from a roll 41 and is being transported by a pair of advancing rolls 47. Prior to reaching the suction conveyor 46, successive increments of the tape 41a are coated at one side with a film of adhesive which is contained in the tank of a paster 42. The paster 42 comprises a driven roller-shaped applicator 43 which can apply adhesive to the underside of the adjacent portion of the tape 41a.

The advancing rolls 47 receive motion from a drive which includes an electromagnetic clutch 416 consti tuting an aggregate of the second type. When the clutch 416 is disengaged. the advancing rolls 47 cease to transport the tape 41a toward the applicator 43 of the paster 42. An electromagnet 417 has an L-shaped armature or bracket 417a which can lower the adjacent portion of the tape 41a against the periphery of the applicator 43 to thus initiate the transfer of adhesive to the underside of the tape. The electromagnet 417 constitutes an aggregate of the second type.

As mentioned before, the adhesive-coated uniting bands which are obtained in response to severing of the tape 41a by the knife 44 are attached to successive groups of rodshaped articles in the flutes of the transfer conveyor 29. Such groups are thereupon transferred onto the periphery of a drum-shaped wrapping or rolling conveyor 48 whereon the groups are repeatedly rotated about their own axes so as to convert the respective uniting bands into tubes which surround the corresponding filter stubs and the adjacent inner end portions of the respective plain cigarettes Z. This completes the conversion of the groups which are assembled on the conveyor 28 into filter cigarettes of double unit length.

The rolling conveyor 48 delivers filter cigarettes of double unit length into the flutes of a testing conveyor 49 which constitutes an aggregate of the first type. The testing conveyor 49 transports successive filter cigarettes of double unit length past a testing unit 4290 which is designed to detect eventual leaks or holes in the wrappers of such cigarettes. For example, the testing unit 4290 can be connected to a source of compressed gaseous fluid and admits into the adjacent ends of successive filter cigarettes of double unit length streams of a compressed gas whose pressure is tested at the other ends of such cigarettes. The differential in pressure at both ends of the cigarettes is indicative of the quality or condition of the respective cigarettes. A transducer 429 monitors the pressure of the gas streams which issue at the other ends of successive filter cigarettes of double unit length on the testing conveyor 49 and produces proportional electric impulses which are used to segregate defective cigarettes from satisfactory cigarettes. For example. the transducer 429 may be a diaphragm type transducer such as disclosed in British patent No. l,O83,l l l.

FIG. lb further shows an electromagnetic valve 431 which forms part of an ejecting device 31. The valve 431 is energized to admit one or more streams of compressed air or another suitable gas to the nozzle or nozzles of the ejecting device 31 whereby the stream or streams of compressed gas eject those filter cigarettes of double unit length which were found to be defective during travel with the conveyor 49.

The satisfactory filter cigarettes of double unit length are transferred onto a severing conveyor or drum 50 which constitutes an aggregate of the first type and cooperates with a rotary disk-shaped knife 50a to subdivide each filter cigarette of double unit length into two filter cigarettes of unit length. The thus obtained pairs of filter cigarettes of unit length are transferred onto an inverting conveyor 51 which inverts one cigarette of each pair end-for-end so that the filter stubs or plugs of all filter cigarettes of unit length face in the same direction. The inverted filter cigarettes of unit length are preferably placed into the spaces between successive non-inverted cigarettes of unit length so that such cigarettes form a single row wherein the cigarettes move sideways and are introduced into successive flutes of an intermediate conveyor 52 serving to deliver such cigarettes to a transfer conveyor 53. A further conveyor 54 receives filter cigarettes of unit length from the conveyor 53 and delivers them onto the upper stretch of a belt conveyor 56 so that the latter can transport such cigarettes to a packing machine or into a tray filling device of conventional design.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown the main prime mover 63A of the production line including the machines of FIGS. la and lb. This main prime mover 63A drives all aggregates of the first type and has a rotary output shaft 63 which transmits motion to aggregates of the first type by means of gears, levers, cams and/or other motion transmitting devices, not shown in the drawing. Furthermore, the output shaft 63 of the main prime mover 63A (which is preferably a pole-reversible electric motor which can be operated at a lower speed and at a higher or normal speed) can also rotate a mobile drum-shaped carrier 61 which constitutes a component of the programming means for the aggregates of the second type in the machines of FIGS. 1a and lb. The means for transmitting motion from the output shaft 63 of the electric motor 63A to the carrier 61 includes an electromagnetic clutch 460 which can be energized to thereby rotate the carrier 61. The periphery of the carrier 61 (hereinafter called programming drum) is provided with a plurality of projections or cams Nl-Nl6 the distribution of which is best shown in FIG. 3. These projections serve as actuating elements or trips for a row of signal generators or operating means S1-Sl6 which are mounted in a stationary frame 62 for the programming drum 6] and can be actuated by the projections N1-N16 in a predetermined sequence in response to energization of the electromagnetic clutch 460. The projections Nl-N16 are preferably adjustable circumferentially of the programming drum ()1 to thus enable an attendant to change the length ofintervals between the actuation of successive signal generators Sl-S16 when the programming drum 6] is set in motion in response to energization of the clutch 460. A conventional resetting mechanism 64 is provided to automatically return the programming drum 61 to its starting position shown in FIG. 2 in response to deenergization of the electromagnetic clutch 460. Thus, when the programming drum 61 is at a standstill, it invariably assumes the starting position which is shown in the drawing.

FIG. 3 shows the periphery of the programming drum 61 of the programming means for the aggregates of the second type in a developed view. It will be noted that the length of certain projections on the periphery of this drum is different from the length of other projec tions. Thus, the projection N15 is much longer (as considered in the circumferential direction of the programming drum 61) than the other projections. This projection serves to determine the number of filter cigarettes which are ejected from the machine of FIG. 1b immediately after the machine is started.

FIGS. 40 and 4b illustrate the circuitry which effects the activation and deactivation of various aggregates of the second type in the machines of FIGS. 10 and 1b in response to generation of a starting or stopping signal for the main prime mover 63A. More specifically, the sequence in which the aggregates of the second type are activated and/or deactivated is determined by the drum 61 of the programming means in response to energization of the motion transmitting electromagnetic clutch 460. The signal generators S1Sl6 are shown in the form of normally open electric switches which can be closed in response to engagement with the respective projections N1-N16 on the periphery of the programming drum 61.

The circuitry of FIGS. 4a and 4b comprises several sub-assemblies which include four

start controllers

303, 309, 311 and 318. These start controllers control the activation of the corresponding aggregates of the second type. Furthermore, the circuitry includes three

stop controllers

308, 321 and 322 which serve to deactivate the associated aggregates of the second type. Still further, the circuitry of FIGS. 4a and 4b includes nine start-

stop controllers

304, 306, 307, 310, 312, 313, 314, 316 and 317 each of which can effect an activation as well as a deactivation of the associated aggregate of the second type. Still further, the circuitry in cludes control means 360 for the electromagnetic clutch 460 which can start the drum 6] of the programming means, and control means 331 for the segregating device 31 in the filter cigarette making machine of FIG. lb. The circuitry of FIGS. 4a and 4b further comprises logical connections between various controllers. Such logical connections include conventional logic circuits such as AND-gates, OR-gates, NO-gates and signal storing circuits (hereinafter called storages for short).

The start controller 303 comprises a starting unit 803 which constitutes a signal responsive signal transmitting means between the signal generator or electric switch S1 and the electromagnetic valve 403 which controls the admission of compressed gas into the blowing nozzle 4030 of the cleaning device for the tubes 19 in the cutoff2l of the machine shown in FIG. 1. The starting unit 803 comprises two AND-gates 703a, 703b a storage 603 and an amplifier 503. The amplifier 503 is connected with the electromagnetic valve 403 which controls the aforementioned blowing nozzle 403a. The latter constitutes an aggregate of the second type. The electric switches S1 and 82 are respectively connected with the corresponding inputs of the AND-gates 703a, 703b, and the outputs of these gates are respectively connected with the inputs a and b of the storage 603. The output d of the storage 603 is connected with the input of the amplifier 503 whose output is connected with the solenoid of the electromagnetic valve 403.

The start controller 309 includes a signal receiving and signal transmitting starting unit 809 shown in the middle of FIG. 4a and including an AND-gate 709, a storage 609 and an amplifier 509. The amplifier 509 is connected with the electromagnet 409 which controls the movements of the rod mutilating device 9 in the cigarette rod making machine of FIG. 1a. The mutilating device 9 constitutes an aggregate of the second type. The electric switch S6 is connected with one input of the AND-gate 709 and the output of this gate is connected with the input b of the storage 609. The output c of the storage 609 is connected with the input of the amplifier 509, and the output of this amplifier is connected with the electromagnet 409.

The start controller 311 includes a signal receiving and signal transmitting starting unit 811 which comprises two AND-gates 711a, 711b, a storage 611 and an amplifier 511. The amplifier 511 is connected with the electromagnet 411 which controls the admission of compressed gas into the blowing nozzle 411a of the segregating device 11 shown in FIG. 1a. The electric switches S8 and S7 are respectively connected with one input each of the AND-gates 711a and 7l1b. The outputs of the AND-gates 711a and 711b are respectively connected with the inputs a and b of the storage 611. The output d of the storage 611 is connected with the input of the amplifier 511, and the output of this amplifier is connected with the electromagnetic valve 411.

The start controller 318 comprises a signal receiving and signal transmitting starting unit 818 shown in the lefthand portion of FIG. 4b. The starting unit 818 comprises a manually operable electric switch 418 which must be closed by the operator in order to start the main prime mover 63A at the lower of two speeds. The main prime mover 63A then rotates its output shaft 63 which drives the aggregates of the first type. The starting unit 818 further comprises an OR-gate 718 and a storage 618. Still further, the start controller 318 includes a control unit 860 shown in the middle of FIG. 4b which serves to control the electromagnetic clutch 460. As mentioned before, the clutch 460 must be energized in order to start rotation of the drum 61 of the programming means for the aggregates of the second type. The control unit 860 includes two OR-gates 760a, 760b, a storage 660 and an amplifier 560 which is connected with the electromagnetic clutch 460. The manually operated switch 418 is connected with the input b of the storage 618, with one input of the OR-gate 760a, with the main prime mover 63A (see the arrow 900), and with the input a ofa storage 622 which forms part of a stopping unit 822 in the stop controller 322. Still further, the switch 418 is connected with the input a of the storage 609 in the signal responsive and signal transmitting starting unit 809 of FIG. 4a. The output of the OR-gate 7600 is connected with the input a of the storage 660, and the output 6 of the storage 660 is connected with the input of the amplifier 560 whose output controls the energization or deenergization of the electromagnetic clutch 460 for the drum 61 of the programming means.

The electric switch S16 is connected with one input of the OR-gate 760b, and the output of this gate is connected with the input b of the storage 660. The electric switch S16 is further connected with one input of an OR-gate 720 and the output of this OR-gate is connected with one input of the OR-gate 718. The output of the OR-gate 718 is connected with the input a of the storage 618.

The start-stop controller 304 of FIG. 4a includes a starting unit 804 which comprises an ANDgate 704, a storage 604 and an amplifier 504. The amplifier 504 is connected with the electromagnet 404 which can move the paster 4 of FIG. 1a. The electric switch S3 is connected with one input of the AND-gate 704, and the output of this gate is connected with the input a of the storage 604. The output c of the storage 604 is connected with the amplifier 504 which, in turn, is connected with the electromagnet 404.

The start-stop controller 306 comprises a starting unit 806 which includes an AND-gate 706, a storage 606 and an amplifier 506. The amplifier S06 is connected with the electromagnet 406 which, as mentioned before, serves to shift the seam heating device 6 of FIG. 1a. The electric switch S4 is connected with one input of the AND-gate 706, and the output of this gate is connected with the input a of the storage 606. The output c of the storage 606 is connected with the input of the amplifier 506, and the output of this amplifier is connected with the electromagnet 406.

The start-stop controller 312 includes a starting unit 812 which comprises an AND-gate 712, a storage 612 and an amplifier 512 which is connected with a relay 412. The relay 412 must be energized in order to change the speed of the main prime mover 63A from a lower speed to a higher or normal operating speed. The relay 412 constitutes an aggregate of the second type. The electric switch S8 is connected with one input of the AND-gate 712, and the output of this gate is connected with the input b of the storage 612. The output (1 of the storage 612 is connected with the input of the amplifier 512, and the output of this amplifier is connected with the relay 412.

The start-stop controller 314 comprises a starting unit 814 which includes two AND-gates 714a 714b, a storage 614, and an amplifier 514 which is connected with the electromagnetic clutch 414 of FIG. 112. As mentioned before, the clutch 414 serves to control the feed of filter stubs to the assembly conveyor 28 of FIG. 1b. The electric switches S13 and S10 are respectively connected with one input each of the AND-gates 714a and 714b. The outputs of these gates are respectively connected with the inputs 0 and b of the storage 614. The output c of the storage 614 is connected with the input of the amplifier 514, and the output of this amplifier is connected with the electromagnetic clutch 414.

The start-stop controller 316 comprises a starting unit 816 which includes two AND-gates 716a and 716b, a storage 616 and an amplifier 516 which is connected with the electromagnetic clutch 416 of the driver for the advancing rolls 47 shown in FIG. lb. The electromagnetic clutch 416 must be energized in order to start the advancing rolls 47 so that such rolls can transport the tape 41a toward the paster 42 and suction conveyor 46 of FIG. 1b. The electric switches S13 and S12 are respectively connected with one input each of the ANDgates 716a and 716b. The outputs of the AND-gates 716a and 716b are respectively connected

Claims

1. In an apparatus for the production and/or processing of cigarettes or analogous rod-shaped articles which constitute or form part of smokers'' products, a combination comprising a plurality of article producing and processing first subassemblies arranged to operate in synchronism with each other; a plurality of second subassemblies arranged to be activated and/or deactivated in a predetermined sequence during starting and/or stoppage of the apparatus; a plurality of signal generating operating means each operatively connected with at least one of said second assemblies and actuatable to thereby activate and/or deactivate the respective second subassemblies; programming means at least a portion of which is movable between plural positions, said programming means being operable to actuate said operating means in a predetermined sequence; prime mover means for driving at least one of said first subassemblies; and motion transmitting means for moving said portion of said programming means in synchronism with said one of said first subassemblies.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said portion of said programming means comprises a mobile carrier and a plurality of discrete actuating elements on said carrier, each of said actuating elements being associated with at least one of said operating means and said carrier being movable from a predetermined starting position to thereby effect the actuation of said operating means in a predetermined sequence through the intermediary of the respective actuating elements.

3. A combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said carrier is a rotary drum and said actuating elements are projections provided on the periphery of said drum.

4. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said prime mover means comprises a rotary output member and said programming means is arranged to actuate said operating means in a predetermined sequence in predetermined angular positions of said output member.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said programming means further comprises means for furnishing a succession of impulses at spaced intervals to thereby actuate said operating means in a predetermIned sequence.

6. A combination as defined in claim 5, wherein said impulse furnishing means comprises an impulse transmitting counter.

7. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising signal responsive units operatively connected with said operating means and with the respective second subassemblies to activate and/or deactivate the respective second subassemblies in response to signals from the respective operating means.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein at least one of said signal responsive units is a condition monitoring unit and the respective second subassembly comprises detector means which is activated by said condition monitoring unit in response to a signal from the respective operating means, said detector means being arranged to monitor the operation of at least one of said first subassemblies and to effect a deactivation of at least one of said second subassemblies in response to detection of a faulty operation of said one first subassembly.

9. A combination as defined in claim 8, wherein said one first subassembly forms part of a machine for the processing of filter rod sections and includes conveyor means for transporting filter rod sections along a predetermined path, said detector means being activatable to monitor said path and to effect a deactivation of at least one of said second subassemblies in response to detection of the absence of filter rod sections in said path.

10. A combination as defined in claim 8, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine for the production of a wrapped rod-like filler and for conveying such filler and/or sections thereof along a predetermined path, said detector means being activatable to monitor said path and to effect a deactivation of at least one of said second subassemblies in response to detection of the absence of wrapped filler and/or sections thereof in said path.

11. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein at least one of said signal responsive units is a starting unit for the respective second subassembly.

12. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine for the production of a wrapped rod-like filler and includes a cutoff for severing the wrapped filler at predetermined intervals, said cutoff having at least one tubular element through which the wrapped filler passes and said last mentioned second subassembly comprising a cleaning device for said tubular element, said cleaning device being activated in response to transmission of a signal from the respective operating means to said starting unit.

13. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said last mentioned second subassembly comprises a paster and means for rendering said paster operative, said starting unit being arranged to render said paster operative through the intermediary of said moving means in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

14. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said last mentioned second subassembly comprises a heating device and means for moving said heating device to and from an operative position, said starting unit being arranged to effect a movement of said heating device to said operative position by way of said moving means in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

15. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine wherein a web of wrapping material is draped around a rod-like filler of fibrous material so as to form a seam extending lengthwise of the resulting wrapped filler rod, said last mentioned second subassembly comprising mutilating means activatable to break the wrapped filler rod and said starting unit being arranged to activate said mutilating means in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

16. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine wHich is operable to produce a succession of rod-like articles and said last mentioned second subassembly comprises a segregating device activatable to segregate a predetermined number of rod-like articles which are produced immediately following the start of operation of said machine, said starting unit being arranged to activate said segregating device in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

17. A combination as defined in claim 11, further comprising variable-speed prime mover means for driving at least one subassemblies of said first type, said last mentioned second subassembly including speed changing means activatable to increase the speed of said prime mover means and said starting unit being arranged to activate said speed changing means in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

18. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine for the processing of sections of filter rods and said last named second subassembly includes drive means activatable to feed filter rod sections in said machine, said starting unit being arranged to activate said drive means in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

19. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said last mentioned second subassembly includes detector means which is activatable by said starting unit in response to a signal from the respective operating means.

20. A combination as defined in claim 19, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine wherein a web of wrapping material is draped around a rod-like filler to form on the resulting wrapped filler rod a longitudinally extending seam, said last mentioned second subassembly comprising arresting means operable to arrest said machine and said detector means being arranged to monitor said seam in response to activation by said starting unit and to operate said arresting means when the condition of said seam deviates from a predetermined condition.

21. A combination as defined in claim 19, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine for the production of a wrapped filler rod and includes a cutoff for subdividing the rod into sections of predetermined length whereby such sections advance along a predetermined path, said detector means being activatable to monitor said path and to arrest said machine in response to detection of the absence of sections in said path.

22. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least one of said first subassemblies forms part of a machine wherein a web is converted into a succession of adhesive-coated uniting bands and said last mentioned second subassembly comprises a device for advancing the web in said machine and drive means activatable to operate said advancing device, said starting unit being arranged to activate said drive means in response to a signal from the respective operating means.