WO2017203204A1

WO2017203204A1 - An apparatus and method for arranging tobacco industry product components

Info

Publication number: WO2017203204A1
Application number: PCT/GB2017/051176
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Jonathan Bray
Original assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Current assignee: British American Tobacco Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-27
Filing date: 2017-04-27
Publication date: 2017-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-27
Also published as: GB201609408D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components. The apparatus comprises a drum (6) and first and second air flow generators (12, 13). The drum has first and second flutes (8A,,8B) for receiving first and second tobacco industry product components respectively. The first and second air flow generators are located adjacent to respective opposite ends of the drum. The first air flow generator is configured to induce an air flow in the first flute to urge said first tobacco industry product component towards a first of the opposite ends of the drum in use. The second air flow generator is configured to induce an air flow in the second flute to urge said second tobacco industry product component towards a second of the opposite ends of the drum in use.

Description

An apparatus and method for arranging tobacco industry product components

Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components and to a method of arranging tobacco industry product components on a fluted drum.

Background

It is known in the art to manufacture smoking articles using an apparatus that comprises a hopper and an arrangement of drums. The hopper is configured to supply solid rods of filter material to the arrangement of drums. The drums transport and cut each rod of filter material. Each rod of filter material is then attached to a tobacco rod and subsequently wrapped to form a cigarette.

Summary

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components, wherein the apparatus comprises a drum which has first and second flutes for receiving first and second tobacco industry product components respectively, the apparatus further comprising first and second air flow generators that are located adjacent to respective opposite ends of the drum, wherein, in use, the first air flow generator is configured to induce an air flow in the first flute to urge said first tobacco industry product component towards a first of the opposite ends of the drum and the second air flow generator is configured to induce an air flow in the second flute to urge said second tobacco industry product component towards a second of the opposite ends of the drum.

In one embodiment, the first and second air flow generators comprise first and second blowers that are configured to blow air into the first and second flutes respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second air flow generators comprise first and second suction generators that are configured to draw air out of the first and second flutes respectively.

At least one of the first and second air flow generators may be configured to induce an annular air flow in the respective flute. In one embodiment, the first flute is selectively fluidly communicated with the first air flow generator and the second flute is selectively fluidly communicated with the second air flow generator.

An end of the first flute distal to the first air flow generator may be at least partially blocked and an end of the second flute distal to the second air flow generator may be at least partially blocked. In one embodiment, said end of the first flute and said end of the second flute are sealed.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises first and second blocking plates which are located at opposite ends of the drum. The end of the first flute distal to the first air flow generator may be at least partially blocked by the first blocking plate and the end of the second flute distal to the second air flow generator may be at least partially blocked by the second blocking plate.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a first air hole that is fluidly communicated with the first flute and a second air hole that is fluidly communicated with the second flute. The first air hole may be located in the first blocking plate and the second air hole may be located in the second blocking plate.

The first air hole may be selectively fluidly communicated with the first air flow generator and the second air hole may be selectively fluidly communicated with the second air flow generator. In one embodiment, when the drum rotates the first air hole is configured to align with the first air flow generator to fluidly communicate with the first air flow generator and the second air hole is configured to align with the second air flow generator to fluidly communicate with the second air flow generator.

In one embodiment, the drum comprises a plurality of first flutes and second flutes and the apparatus comprises a plurality of first air holes that are each fluidly communicated with a respective one of the first flutes and a plurality of second air holes that are each fluidly communicated with a respective one of the second flutes.

In one embodiment, the first and second air holes are shaped to induce an annular air flow in the first and second flutes respectively. The first and second air holes may be substantially annular shaped. The first and second air holes may each comprise a plurality of arcuate apertures.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shroud that is configured to restrict air from flowing radially into, or out of, the first and second flutes. The shroud may have a surface which is generally arcuate and subtends at least partially about the central axis of the drum.

In one embodiment, the air flow induced by the first and second air flow generators draws the shroud against the drum.

The shroud may comprise a first portion and a second portion that is removable from the first portion. The drum may comprise an outer surface and the first portion of the shroud may comprise a softer material than the outer surface of the drum. The drum may comprise metal. The first portion of the shroud may comprise plastic.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second flutes comprises a stop that is configured to restrict movement of the respective tobacco industry product component within the respective flute. The or each stop may be configured to allow air to flow past the stop in the respective first and/ or second flute.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first vent hole that allows air to flow into, or out of, the first flute and a second vent hole that allows air to flow into, or out of, the second flute.

In one embodiment, the first flute comprises a surface having a suction source configured to draw said first tobacco industry product component towards the first of the opposing ends of the drum in use and/or the second flute comprises a surface having a suction source configured to draw said second tobacco industry product component towards the second of the opposing ends of the drum in use. The suction source of the first flute may comprise a suction hole in the surface of the first flute. The suction source of the second flute may comprise a suction hole in the surface of the second flute. The drum may comprise a third flute for receiving a third tobacco industry product component. The third flute maybe at least partially blocked at the first and second ends of the drum and. The third flute may be sealed at the first and second ends of the drum. In one embodiment, the drum comprises a centre that is equidistant to the opposing ends of the drum and wherein the first and second air flow generators are configured to urge the first and second tobacco industry product components towards the centre of the drum. In one embodiment, first and second flutes are configured to receive first and second tobacco industry product components which are tubes. The first and second tobacco industry product components may comprise paper tubes.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a tobacco industry product component comprising the apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus for feeding tobacco industry product components to a tobacco industry product assembly apparatus, wherein the apparatus for feeding tobacco industry product components comprises the apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components according to one or more of the embodiments described herein. In accordance with some embodiments described herein, there is provided a method of arranging tobacco industry product components on a fluted drum having opposite first and second ends, comprising the steps of: providing a first tobacco industry product component in a first flute of the drum such that the first tobacco industry product component is located towards the first end of the drum; providing a second tobacco industry product component in a second flute of the drum such that the second tobacco industry product component is located towards the second end of the drum, opposite the first end of the drum; inducing an air flow in the first flute by providing a first air flow generator at one of the first and second ends of the drum to urge said first tobacco industry product component towards the second end of the drum; and, inducing an air flow in the second flute by providing a second air flow generator at the other one of the first and second ends of the drum to urge said second tobacco industry product component towards the first end of the drum. The first and second tobacco industry product components maybe tubes and, optionally, are paper tubes.

In one embodiment, the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises blowing air into an end of the first flute and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises blowing air into an end of the second flute. In an alternative embodiment, the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises applying suction to an end of the first flute and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises applying suction to an end of the second flute.

The step of inducing an air flow in the first flute may comprise inducing an annular air flow in the first flute and the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute may comprise inducing an annular air flow in the second flute. The step of inducing an air flow in the first flute may comprise fluidly communicating the first flute with the first air flow generator via a first annular air hole and the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute may comprise fluidly communicating the second flute with the second air flow generator via a second annular air hole.

In one embodiment, an end of the first flute at said other one of the first and second ends of the drum is sealed or partially blocked and an end of the second flute at said one of the first and second ends of the drum is sealed or partially blocked. A first blocking plate may be provided at said other one of the first and second ends of the drum to seal or partially block the first flute at said other one of the first and second ends of the drum. A second blocking plate may be provided at said one of the first and second ends of the drum to seal or partially block the second flute at said one of the first and second ends of the drum.

The steps of inducing an air flow in the first flute and inducing an air flow in the second flute may comprise covering the first and second flutes with a shroud.

In one embodiment, a first stop is provided in the first flute and a second stop is provided in the second flute, wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises urging the first tobacco industry product component against the first stop and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises urging the second tobacco industry product component against the second stop. Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. l is a schematic side view of an apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the apparatus of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a drum, first and second blocking plates, and shroud of the apparatus of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a perspective assembly view of the drum, first and second blocking plates, and shroud of the apparatus of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the first blocking plate of the apparatus of Fig. l;

Fig. 5A is a close-up top view of an air hole of the first blocking plate of Fig. 5;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a first air flow generator of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a section of the drum and blocking plates of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of a section of the drum and blocking plates of the apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein tobacco industry product components are in a staggered position on the drum;

Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of a section of the drum and blocking plates of the apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein tobacco industry product components are in an intermediate position on the drum;

Fig. 10 is a schematic side view of a section of the drum and blocking plates of the apparatus of Fig. 1, wherein tobacco industry product components are in an aligned position on the drum; and

Fig. 11 is a block diagram that represents steps of a method of arranging tobacco industry products on a fluted drum according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figs. 1 to 10, an apparatus 1 for arranging tobacco industry product components is shown according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a hopper 2, a toothed wheel 3, a cutting device 4, a transport drum 5 and an alignment drum 6. In the present embodiment, the tobacco industry product components are in the form of smoking article components. The smoking article components are in the form of hollow paper tubes. However, the hollow tubes may alternatively be manufactured from another material, for example, plastic, cardboard, fabric, filter material, tobacco or another type of tobacco industry product material. The hopper 2 is configured to receive a plurality of 6X tubes 2A. Each of the 6X tubes 2A is six times the axial length of the smoking article component that is to be manufactured. The hopper 2 is configured to feed the 6X tubes 2A onto the toothed wheel 3. The toothed wheel 3 comprises a plurality of grooves 3A that are arranged at the periphery of the toothed wheel 3 to each receive a 6X tube 2A from the hopper 2. First, second and third suction holes (not shown) are provided in each groove 3A of the toothed wheel 3 and are fluidly connected to a suction device (not shown) to apply suction to the 6X tube 2A located in each groove 3A such that the 6X tubes 2A are held in position in the grooves 3A. The first, second and third suction holes of each groove 3A are spaced along the length of the groove 3A.

The toothed wheel 3 is configured to rotate (in the direction of arrow 'X' in Fig. 2) to transport the 6X tube 2A in each groove 3A away from the hopper 2 and towards the transport drum 5. As the toothed wheel 3 rotates, each 6X tube 2A passes the cutting device 4 such that each 6X tube 2A is cut into three parts to form first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C. Each of the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C is twice the axial length of the smoking article component that is to be manufactured. The cutting device 4 comprises a pair of circular blades (not shown) that are arranged to provide two cuts into each 6X tube 2A as it passes the circular blades such that each 6X tube 2A is cut into first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C. However, it should be recognised that the apparatus 1 may instead comprise a different type of cutting device. For example, the cutting device may instead comprise a pair of reciprocating straight blades or may cut each 6X tube 2A using one or more lasers.

The rotation of the toothed wheel 3 causes the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C in each groove 3A to be transported towards the transport drum 5. The first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are held in place in the groove 3A by the first, second and third suction holes respectively. The transport drum 5 comprises a plurality of grooves or flutes 8 that are arranged at the periphery of the transport drum 5. The plurality of flutes 8 are grouped sequentially into first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C. The first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C are configured to receive the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C respectively from the toothed wheel 3. The transport drum 5 is configured to rotate (in the direction of arrow Ύ in Fig. 2) in the opposite rotational direction to the toothed wheel 3 to transport the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C away from the toothed wheel 3 and towards the alignment drum 6. Each of the first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5 comprises a suction hole (not shown) that is fluidly coupled to a suction device (not shown).

When the toothed wheel 3 rotates to a position wherein the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C in a groove 3A of the toothed wheel 3 are proximate to the transport drum 5, the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are transferred sequentially into first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C respectively of the transport drum 5. In more detail, the toothed wheel 3 is rotated (in the direction of arrow 'X' in Fig. 2) and the transport drum 5 is rotated (in the direction of arrow Ύ' in Fig. 2) until a groove 3A containing first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C is proximate to the transport drum 5 and is aligned with a first flute 8A. At this point, suction is no longer applied to the first suction hole in said groove 3A and is instead applied to the suction hole in the first flute 8A such that the first 2X tube 7A is transferred from said groove 3A to the first flute 8A.

The transport drum 5 continues to rotate (in the direction of arrow Y in Fig. 2) until said groove 3A of the toothed wheel 3, which now contains only second and third 2X tubes 7B, 7C, is aligned with a second flute 8B of the transport drum 5. At this point, suction is no longer applied to the second suction hole in said groove 3A and is instead applied to the suction hole in the second flute 8B of the transport drum 5 such that the second 2X tube 7B is transferred from said groove 3A to the second flute 8B. The transport drum 5 continues to rotate (in the direction of arrow Ύ' in Fig. 2) until said groove 3A, which now contains only the third 2X tube 8C, is aligned with a third flute 8C of the transport drum 5. At this point, suction is no longer applied to the third suction hole in said groove 3A and is instead applied to the suction hole in the third flute 8C of the transport drum 5 such that the third 2X tube 7C is transferred from said groove 3A to the third flute 8C. Once first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5 contain respective first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C, suction is applied to the suction holes of said first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C to hold the respective first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C in position until the alignment drum 6 is reached. The aforementioned process is then repeated to transfer further first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C, which have also been formed from a single 6X tube 2A, from further grooves 3A of the toothed wheel 3 into respective first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5.

Thus, the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are transferred sequentially from each groove 3A of the toothed wheel 3 into corresponding first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5.

The first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are arranged in respective first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5 such that they are staggered in the axial direction of the transport drum 5. The first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are then transferred to the alignment drum 6, wherein the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are subsequently arranged into a single column such that they are aligned in the axial direction of the alignment drum 6.

The alignment drum 6 is configured to rotate (in the direction of arrow 'Z' in Fig. 2) in the opposite direction to the transport drum 5 to transport the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C away from the transport drum 5. The alignment drum 6 comprises a plurality of grooves or flutes 9 arranged at the periphery of the alignment drum 6. The plurality of flutes 9 are grouped sequentially into first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C. Each of the first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6 comprises a plurality of suction holes (not shown) that are spaced along the length of the first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C and are fluidly coupled to a suction device (not shown).

The transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 are configured such that during rotation of the transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C in the first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5 are transferred sequentially into first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C respectively of the alignment drum 6. In more detail, the transport drum 5 is rotated (in the direction of arrow Ύ in Fig. 2) and the alignment drum 6 is rotated (in the direction of arrow 'Z' in Fig. 2) such that each first, second and third flute 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5 aligns with a corresponding first, second and third flute 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6 and the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are transferred

therebetween.

In one embodiment, the transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 each comprise the same number of first, second and third flutes 8A, 9A, 8B, 9B, 8C, 9C and rotate at the same speed. In an alternative embodiment, one of the transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 comprises twice as many first, second and third flutes 8A, 9A, 8B, 9B, 8C, 9C as the other one of the transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 and rotates at half the speed of said other one of the transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6.

The transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 rotate to a position wherein a first flute 8A of the transport drum 5 is proximate the alignment drum 6 and is aligned with a first flute 9A of the alignment drum 6. At this point, suction is no longer applied to the suction hole in said first flute 8A of the transport drum 5 and is instead applied to the suction holes in the first flute 9A of the alignment drum 6 such that the first 2X tube 7A located in said first flute 8A of the transport drum 5 is transferred to said first flute 9A of the alignment drum 6.

The transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 continue to rotate (in the direction of arrow Ύ and arrow 'Z' respectively in Fig. 2) until a second flute 8B of the transport drum 5 is proximate the alignment drum 6 and is aligned with a second flute 9B of the alignment drum 6. At this point, suction is no longer applied to the suction hole in said second flute 8B of the transport drum 5 and is instead applied to the suction holes in said second flute 9B of the alignment drum 6 such that the second 2X tube 7B located in said second flute 8B of the transport drum 5 is transferred to said second flute 9B of the alignment drum 6. The transport drum 5 and alignment drum 6 continue to rotate until a third flute 8C of the transport drum 5 is proximate the alignment drum 6 and is aligned with a third flute 9C of the alignment drum 6. At this point, suction is no longer applied to the suction hole in said third flute 8C of the transport drum 5 and is instead applied to the suction holes in said third flute 9C of the alignment drum 6 such that the third 2X tube 7C located in said third flute 8C of the transport drum 5 is transferred to said third flute 9C of the alignment drum 6. The above process is then repeated to transfer further first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C located in other first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transport drum 5 into corresponding first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6. Thus, the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are transferred sequentially from first, second and third flutes 8A, 8B, 8C of the transfer drum 5 into corresponding first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6. The first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are initially arranged in respective first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6 such that they are staggered in the axial direction of the alignment drum 6. More specifically, each first 2X tube 7A is positioned in a corresponding first flute 9A towards a first end 6A of the alignment drum 6 and each third 2X tube 7C is positioned in a corresponding third flute 9C towards a second end 6B of the alignment drum 6, which is opposite to the first end 6A (as shown in Fig. 8). Each second 2X tube 7B is positioned towards the centre of a corresponding second flute 9B of the alignment drum 6 such that each second 2X tube 7B is positioned at or near to the centre of the alignment drum 6 between the first and second ends 6A, 6B of the alignment drum 6.

The apparatus 1 further comprises first and second blocking plates 10, 11, first and second air flow generators 12, 13 and a cover or shroud 14.

The first and second blocking plates 10, 11 are generally circular. The first blocking plate 10 is attached to the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6. The first blocking plate 10 comprises a plurality of air holes 15 that are arranged about the centre of the first blocking plate 10. The air holes 15 are positioned to each fluidly communicate with a corresponding first flute 9A of the alignment drum 6. The first blocking plate 10 is arranged to restrict the flow of air into and out of the ends of the second and third flutes 9B, 9C at the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6. In the present embodiment, the ends of the second and third flutes 9B, 9C at the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6 are covered by the first blocking plate 10 to be sealed or substantially sealed by the first blocking plate 10. The second blocking plate 11 is attached to the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6. The second blocking plate 11 comprises a plurality of air holes 16 that are arranged about the centre of the second blocking plate 11. The air holes 16 are positioned to each fluidly communicate with a corresponding third flute 9C of the alignment drum 6. The second blocking plate 11 is arranged to restrict the flow of air into and out of the ends of the first and second flutes 9A, 9B at the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6. In the present embodiment, the ends of the first and second flutes 9A, 9B at the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6 are covered by the second blocking plate n to be sealed or substantially sealed by the second blocking plate n.

The first air flow generator 12 is in the form of a first blower 12 that is configured to be selectively fluidly communicated with each of the air holes 15 of the first blocking plate

10 to blow air through each of the air holes 15 and into the first flutes 9A at the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6. The second air flow generator 13 is in the form of a second blower 13 that is configured to be selectively fluidly communicated with each of the air holes 16 of the second blocking plate 11 to blow air through each of the air holes 16 and into the third flutes 9C at the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6.

The first blower 12 comprises a housing 12A with a chamber 12B that is fluidly communicated with a compressed gas source (not shown), for example, a compressor or gas tank. The housing 12A of the first blower 12 is located over the surface of the first blocking plate 10 that is distal to the alignment drum 6 such that the chamber 12B is adjacent said surface. The chamber 12B is generally arcuate and subtends partially around the centre of the first blocking plate 10 to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of air holes 15 in the first blocking plate 10. Therefore, when the alignment drum 6 rotates the air holes 15 in the first blocking plate 10 are covered by the housing 12A of the first blower 12 and are fluidly communicated with the chamber 12B such that air from the compressed gas source is blown through said air holes 15 and into the first flutes 9A of the alignment drum 6.

The second blower 13 also comprises a housing 13A with a chamber 13B that is fluidly communicated with a compressed gas source. The housing 13A of the second blower 13 is located over the surface of the second blocking plate 11 that is distal to the alignment drum 6 such that the chamber 13B is adjacent said surface. The chamber 13B is generally arcuate and subtends partially around the centre of the second blocking plate

11 to correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of air holes 16 in the second blocking plate 11. Therefore, when the alignment drum 6 rotates the air holes 16 in the second blocking plate 11 are covered by the housing 13A of the second blower 13 and are fluidly communicated with the chamber 13B such that air from the compressed gas source is blown through said air holes 16 and into the third flutes 9C of the alignment drum 6. The first and second blowers 12, 13 may be fluidly connected to the same compressed gas source (not shown).

In alternative embodiments, the first and/ or second blowers 12, 13 may instead comprise a fan that is arranged to blow air into the air holes 15, 16 of the first and/or second blocking plates 10, 11.

The air holes 15, 16 of the first and second blocking plates 10, 11 are arranged to induce an annular air flow in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C respectively of the alignment drum 6. The air holes 15 in the first blocking plate 10 are each generally annular, comprising first and second arcuate portions 15A, 15B that are separated at each end by a corresponding separating portion 15C. Similarly, the air holes 16 in the second blocking plate 11 are each generally annular, comprising first and second arcuate portions (now shown) that are separated at each end by a corresponding separating portion (not shown). Thus, air flowing through the air holes 15, 16 of the first and second blocking plates 10, 11 from the first and second blowers 12, 13 respectively is shaped into a substantially annular flow that flows at the surface of the respective first and third flutes 9A, 9C of the alignment drum 6 and the shroud 14. The shroud 14 is generally arcuate and is positioned over a portion of the alignment drum 6 to subtend partially about the rotational axis of the alignment drum 6. The shroud 14 may overlap the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 in the rotational direction of the alignment drum 6. As the alignment drum 6 rotates, the first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6 move under the shroud 14 such that the shroud 14 covers said first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C.

The shroud 14 may be spaced from the alignment drum 6 to accommodate the first, second and third 2X tubes A, 7B, 7C, which in certain embodiments may project slightly from the alignment drum 6. Alternatively, the first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C may be sufficiently deep that the first, second and third 2X tubes A, 7B, 7C do not project from the alignment drum 6.

The shroud 14 is configured to reduce the amount of air that flows out of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C, in a direction radially outwardly of the alignment drum 6, after being blown into said first and third flutes 9A, 9C via the first and second air flow generators 12, 13. In one embodiment (not shown), the shroud 14 comprises a seal (not shown) that seals against the alignment drum 6 and/or the first and second blocking plates 10, 11 to further reduce the amount of air that escapes from the first and third flutes 9A, 9C. The seal may extend around at least a portion of the periphery of the shroud 14. In one embodiment, the seal is a rubber gasket. However, it should be recognised that it is not essential that the shroud 14 provides an airtight seal and instead a gap may be provided between the shroud 14 and the alignment drum 6 and/ or the first and second blocking plates 10, 11.

In one embodiment, the shroud 14 comprises a first portion 14A and a second portion 14B. The air flow induced in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C by the first and second blowers 12, 13 and/or suction applied to the inside of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C (for example, by a suction hole provided in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C as described in more detail below) draws the second portion 14B of the shroud 14 against the surface of the alignment drum 6 to create a seal against said surface. The second portion 14B of the shroud 14 may be manufactured from a flexible material, for example, plastic or metal, such that the air flow causes the second portion 14B to flex towards the alignment drum 6. The second portion 14B of the shroud maybe removeably attached to the first portion 14A, for example, by screws or other fastening means, to facilitate repair and/or replacement of the second portion 14B. In one embodiment, the second portion 14B of the shroud 14 is manufactured from a softer material than the outer surface of the alignment drum 6 such that when the second portion 14B rubs against the alignment drum 6 the second portion 14B, which can easily be replaced, is worn quicker than the alignment drum 6. In one embodiment, the second portion 14B of the shroud 14 comprises plastic and, optionally, the outer surface of the alignment drum 6 comprises metal.

The first blower 12 is configured to selectively blow air into each of the air holes 15 of the first blocking plate 10 such that air flows along the first flutes 9A from the first end 6A towards the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6. Thus, the first 2X tubes 7A in the first flutes 9A, which are initially located proximate the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6 and are staggered with respect to the second and third 2X tubes 7B, 7C, are moved by the air flow towards the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6 (in the direction of arrow 'A' in Fig. 9). A stop 17 is provided in each of the first flutes 9A of the alignment drum 6, between the centre of the alignment drum 6 (depicted by dashed line C-C in Figs. 9 and 10) and the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6. Each stop 17 is in the form of a projection that is arranged such that when the first 2X tube 7A in a first flute 9A is blown by the first blower 12 towards the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6 it abuts the stop 17 in the first flute 9A and therefore comes to rest at the centre C-C of the alignment drum 6 (as shown in Fig. 10). The second blower 13 is configured to selectively blow air into each of the air holes 16 of the second blocking plate 11 such that air flows along the third flutes 9C from the second end 6B towards the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6. Thus, the third 2X tubes 7C in the third flutes 9C, which are initially located proximate the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6 and are staggered with respect to the first and second 2X tubes 7 A, 7B, are moved by the air flow towards the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6 (in the direction of arrow 'B' in Fig. 9). A stop 18 is provided in each of the third flutes 9C of the alignment drum 6, between the centre C-C and the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6. Each stop 18 is in the form of a projection that is arranged such that when the third 2X tube 7C in a third flute 9C is blown by the second blower 13 towards the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6 it abuts the stop 18 in the third flute 9C and therefore comes to rest at the centre C-C of the alignment drum 6 (as shown in Fig. 10).

Thus, the first and second blowers 12, 13 are configured to align the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C in the axial direction of the alignment drum 6 such that the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C are positioned in the centre C-C of the alignment drum 6 and are aligned with the second 2X tubes 7B, which are already located in the centre C-C of the alignment drum 6 after being transferred from the transport drum 5. Therefore, the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are aligned in a single column in the first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C of the alignment drum 6.

The single column of aligned first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C may then be processed to produce a smoking article. For example, the aligned first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C may be used in a '2-UP' smoking article manufacturing process. For instance, a smoking article element (not shown), such as a filter, tobacco rod or wrapper, may be located at each end of each of the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C and attached thereto. Each of the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C may then be cut in half to produce six lx tubes (not shown) that are each attached to a respective smoking article element. Each of the lx tubes forms a separate smoking article component. In one such process, the lx tubes and corresponding smoking article elements are each attached to further smoking article elements to form respective smoking articles. The provision of the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 at the first and second ends 6A, 6B of the alignment drum 6 has been found to be effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C in the respective first and third flutes 9A, 9C of the alignment drum 6. This is because the air that is blown into the first and third flutes 9A, 9C by the first and second blowers 12, 13 abuts the ends of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C to urge the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment with the second 2X tubes 7B. Moreover, the first and second blowers 12, 13 may be configured such that the air flow abuts the entire end of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C. If the first and third 2X tubes were instead moved into alignment with the second 2X tubes 7B solely by suction that is applied to the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C via a vacuum hole in the surface of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C (which draws air into the ends of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C) then the air flow would tend to flow immediately through the centre of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C, without first abutting the annular ends of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C, and thus would not be as effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the end of each of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C can be made larger than that of a vacuum hole provided in the surface of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C. Thus, blowing air into the ends of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C using the first and second blowers 12, 13 allows for an increased air flow rate to be induced in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C which is more effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment.

In addition, it has been found that the annular air flow induced by the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 is particularly effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes 7 , 7C in the respective first and third flutes 9A, 9C of the alignment drum 6. This is because the annular air flow is shaped to flow along the periphery of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C such that the air flow is urged against the annular ends of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C instead of immediately flowing through the hollow centre of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C. The annular air flow induced in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C can be shaped to correspond to the shape of the annular ends of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C.

Alternative configurations of the first and second air flow generators (not shown) wherein the generated air flow is not annular are also intended to fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) the air holes of the first and second blocking plates instead comprise circular holes. Thus, the air flow that enters the first and third flutes from the respective air holes has a circular cross-sectional shape, rather than annular. It has been found that a larger portion of such non-annular air flow immediately passes through the hollow centre of the first and third 2X tubes without first abutting the end of the first and third 2X tubes and thus an increased flow rate of air may be required to move the first and third 2X tubes. However, since the first and second air flow generators are provided at the ends of the alignment drum at least a portion of the non-annular air flow will abut the ends of the first and third 2X tubes and so will be more effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes than arrangements wherein a vacuum hole is provided in the first and third flutes that moves the first and third 2X tubes using suction (for the reasons discussed above).

In the above described embodiment, each of the 6X tubes 2A that are fed to the toothed wheel 3 from the hopper 2 has a length of 66 mm. Thus, each of the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C that are fed to the alignment drum 6 has a length of 22 mm and therefore the final length of the smoking article component, namely the lx tubes, has a length of 11 mm. However, it should be recognised that the apparatus 1 may instead be used with 6X tubes having a length other than 66 mm in order to produce smoking article components having a length other than 11 mm.

In the above described embodiment, the hopper 2 supplies 6X tubes 2A to the toothed wheel 3 which are then cut twice by the cutting device 4 to form first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the hopper instead supplies tubes of a different length, for example, 4X tubes or 8X tubes, which are cut a different number of times, for example one or three times, by the cutting device. In one such embodiment, the hopper supplies 4X tubes to the toothed wheel. The 4X tubes are each cut in half by the cutting device to form first and second 2X tubes. The first and second 2X tubes are then fed to the transport drum, which comprises groups of first and second flutes, such that the first and second 2X tubes are provided in respective first and second flutes of the transport drum and are positioned such that they are staggered in the axial direction of the transport drum. The first and second 2X tubes are then fed from the transport drum to the alignment drum, which also comprises groups of first and second flutes, such that the first and second 2X tubes are provided in respective first and second flutes of the alignment drum. The first and second 2X tubes are initially staggered on the alignment drum such that the first 2X tubes are proximate the first end of the alignment drum and the second 2X tubes are proximate the second end of the alignment drum. The first air flow generator is configured to blow the first 2X tubes towards the second end of the alignment drum until the first 2X tubes each abut a respective stop and are positioned in the centre of the alignment drum. Similarly, the second air flow generator is configured to blow the second 2X tubes towards the first end of the alignment drum until the second 2X tubes each abut a respective stop and are positioned in the centre of the alignment drum. Thus, the first and second 2X tubes are positioned such that they are aligned in the axial direction of the alignment drum to form a single column on the alignment drum. The aligned first and second 2X tubes may then be further processed in the manner described above, for example, each being attached at each end to another type of smoking article component, such as a filter, tobacco rod or wrapper, and then cut in half to form lX tubes. In yet another embodiment, the flutes of the transport drum and alignment drum are grouped into first, second, third and fourth flutes that are configured to receive staggered first, second, third and fourth 2X tubes respectively that are arranged into a single column on the alignment drum by the first and second air flow generators.

In the above described embodiment, the cutting device 4 is configured to form a plurality of 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C which are subsequently cut to form lX tubes. However, it should be recognised that in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the cutting device may instead be configured to form lx tubes on the toothed wheel. In one such embodiment 3X tubes, namely tubes that are three times the length of a lX tube, are supplied to the toothed wheel from the hopper. The 3X tubes are each cut twice by the cutting device to form first, second and third lX tubes, which are then transferred to the transport drum such that they are located in respective first, second and third flutes of the transport drum and are staggered in the axial direction of the transport drum. The first, second and third lX tubes are then transferred to respective first, second and third flutes of the alignment drum and are then aligned in the axial direction of the alignment drum by the first and second air flow generators to form a single column of first, second and third lX tubes. The aligned first, second and third lX tubes may then be used in a Ί-UP' manufacturing process to produce smoking articles without requiring further cutting. For example, a smoking article element may be attached to one end of each of the first, second and third lX tubes.

In the above described embodiment, the smoking article components are in the form of hollow tubes. However, it should be recognised that the apparatus 1 may alternatively be configured to manufacture smoking article components that are non-tubular. For example, the smoking article components may have a solid shape that has a circular or non-circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the smoking article components have a solid shape and may be rods of smoking article material, for example, rods of smokeable material.

In the above described embodiment, the smoking article components are cylindrical. However, it should be recognised that the apparatus 1 may alternatively be configured to manufacture smoking article components that have a non-circular cross-section.

In one embodiment (not shown), each of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C comprises a suction hole that is connected to a suction source, for example, a vacuum pump. The suction holes are configured to draw the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment on the alignment drum 6. Thus, the first and second blowers 12, 13 blow the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment on the alignment drum 6 and the suction holes also urge the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment on the alignment drum 6 such that a greater force may be applied to the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C to move them into alignment. In the above described embodiment, the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 are in the form of first and second blowers 12, 13 that are configured to blow air into the first and third flutes 9A, 9C of the alignment drum 6 via the air holes 15, 16 in the first and second blocking plates 10, 11. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the first and/or second air flow generators are instead in the form of first and/or second suction generators that are configured to draw air out of the ends of the first and/ or third flutes of the alignment drum. For example, the first and second air flow generators may be in the form of first and second suction generators that each comprise a housing with a chamber. The chambers are fluidly connected to respective first and second suction generators, for example, first and second suction pumps. In one such embodiment, the air holes in the first blocking plate are fluidly communicated with the ends of the third flutes at the first end of the alignment drum and the air holes in the second blocking plate are fluidly communicated with the end so the first flutes at the second end of the alignment drum. Therefore, when the air holes in the first blocking plate are aligned with the chamber of the first suction generator, air is drawn through said air holes to urge the third 2X tubes in the third flutes from the second end to the first end of the alignment drum. Similarly, when the air holes in the second blocking plate are aligned with the chamber of the second suction generator, air is drawn through said air holes to urge the first 2X tubes in the first flutes from the first end to the second end of the alignment drum. The provision of the first and second suction generators at the first and second ends of the alignment drum has been found to be effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes in the respective first and third flutes of the alignment drum 6. This is because the air that is drawn out of the first and third flutes by the first and second suction generators creates an area of low pressure in the first and third flutes that extends about the periphery of the first and third flutes to correspond to the annular ends of the first and third 2X tubes to urge the first and third 2X tubes into alignment with the second 2X tubes. If the first and third 2X tubes were instead moved into alignment with the second 2X tubes by suction that is applied to the first and third 2X tubes via a vacuum hole in the surface of the first and third flutes (which draws air into the ends of the first and third flutes) then the air flow would tend to flow immediately through the centre of the first and third 2X tubes and thus would not be as effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the end of each of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C can be made larger than that of a suction hole provided in the surface of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C. Thus, drawing air out of the ends of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C using the first and second suction generators allows for an increased air flow rate to be induced in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C which is more effective at moving the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first blower is provided at the second end of the alignment drum to blow air into the first flute at the second end of the alignment drum and the second blower is provided at the first end of the alignment drum to blow air into the third flute at the first end of the alignment drum.

In the above described embodiment, the apparatus 1 comprises first and second blocking plates 10, 11 that are arranged to cover the first and second ends 6A, 6B of the alignment drum 6 respectively. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the first and/or second blocking plates are omitted. In one such embodiment, the ends of the first and second flutes at the second end of the alignment drum and the ends of the second and third flutes at the first end of the alignment drum are instead blocked by alternative means, for example, by a stopper or bung located in each of the first and second flutes at the second end of the alignment drum and in each of the second and third flutes at the first end of the alignment drum. In another embodiment, the ends of the first and second flutes at the second end of the alignment drum and the ends of the second and third flutes at the first end of the alignment drum are instead blocked due to the shape of the first, second and third flutes. In one such embodiment, the first flutes are U-shaped such that they are only open-ended at the first end of the alignment drum, being closed at the second end of the alignment drum, and the third flutes are U- shaped such that they are only open-ended at the second end of the alignment drum. The second flutes may be shaped such that they are closed at both ends. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the ends of the first, second and third flutes are not sealed or blocked. Instead, the first air flow generator is configured to only apply air flow to the first flutes at the first end of the alignment drum and the second air flow generator is configured to only apply air flow to the third flutes at the second end of the alignment drum. In one such embodiment (not shown), the first air flow generator comprises a plurality of first air flow nozzles that are each communicated with a respective first flute at the first end of the alignment drum to blow air into the first air flutes to move corresponding first 2X tubes therein towards the second end of the alignment drum. Similarly, the second air flow generator comprises a plurality of second air flow nozzles that are each communicated with a respective third flute at the second end of the alignment drum to blow air into the third air flutes to move corresponding third 2X tubes therein towards the first end of the alignment drum. The first and second air flow nozzles may be arranged to continuously blow air into the respective first and third flutes of the alignment drum or may be timed to blow pulses of air into the respective first and third flutes. In another embodiment, the first and second air flow nozzles are instead configured to apply suction to the respective first and third flutes of the alignment drum.

In the above described embodiment, the second flutes 9B are blocked by the first and second blocking plates 10, 11 at the first and second ends 6A, 6B of the alignment drum 6. However, it should be recognised that it is not essential that the ends of the second flutes 9B are blocked. For example, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the ends of the second flutes are not blocked and instead the first and second blowers are configured to blow air into the second flutes from the first and second ends of the alignment drum. In one such embodiment, the flow rate of air blown into each second flute by the first blower is equal in magnitude to the flow rate of air blown into each second flute by the second blower but is in the opposite direction thereto such that the second 2X tubes in the second flutes remain stationary in the centre of the alignment drum.

In embodiments wherein the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 are in the form of first and second blowers 12, 13 which are configured to blow air into the first and third flutes 9A, 9C, the apparatus 1 may comprise one or more vents (not shown) configured to allow air to flow out of the first and third flutes. Alternatively, if the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 are in the form of first and second suction generators which are configured to draw air out of the first and third flutes 9A, 9C, the apparatus 1 may comprise one or more vents (not shown) configured to allow air to flow into the first and third flutes 9A, 9C. In either case, the vents may encourage an air flow in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C that urges the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C into alignment with the second 2X tubes. The vents may be in the form of apertures in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C or the shroud 14 to allow for air to be vented to atmosphere from the first and third flutes 9A, 9C or to be drawn into the first and third flutes 9A, 9C from atmosphere. Alternatively, a gap may be provided between the alignment drum 6 and the shroud 14 through which air can be vented to atmosphere from the first and third flutes 9A, 9C or to be drawn into the first and third flutes 9A, 9C from atmosphere.

In the above described embodiment, the first and second blocking plates 10, 11 are attached to the alignment drum 6, for example, by screws or bolts. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the first and second blocking plates are integrally formed with the alignment drum. In one embodiment, the first and second blocking plates, the first and second air flow generators, and the shroud 14 may be retrofitted to existing drums used for manufacturing smoking article components.

In the above described embodiment, the second 2X tubes 7B are positioned in the centre of the alignment drum 6 and the stops 17, 18 are positioned such that the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C are moved to the centre of the alignment drum 6 such that the first, second and third 2X tubes are aligned in a single column in the centre of the alignment drum 6, approximately equidistant to the first and second ends 6A, 6B of the alignment drum 6. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the apparatus is configured such that the first, second and third 2X tubes are aligned in a single column that is offset from the centre of the alignment drum and is closer to the first or second ends of the alignment drum. This may be achieved by configuring the transfer and alignment drums such that the second 2X tubes are positioned in the respective second flutes of the alignment drum nearer to one of the first or second ends of the alignment drum. Moreover, the stops in the first and third flutes of the alignment drum are positioned such that the air flow induced by the first and second air flow generators causes the first and third 2X tubes to be moved into abutment with the stops such that the first and third 2X tubes are aligned with the off-centre second 2X tubes into a single column.

In the above described embodiment, each air hole 15, 16 comprises first and second arcuate portions 15A, 16A, 16B, 16B which are arranged to induce an annular air flow in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C. However, it should be recognised that other configurations of air hole may also induce an annular air flow. For example, in alternative embodiments (not shown) each air hole instead comprises a different number of arcuate portions, for example, three, four, five, six, seven or eight arcuate portions. In one such embodiment, each air hole comprises four arcuate portions that each subtends nearly ninety degrees about the centre of said air hole such that four quadrants are formed. In another embodiment, the arcuate portions of the air holes are omitted and instead each air hole comprises a plurality of circular apertures, for example, eight, twelve or sixteen circular apertures that are arranged in a circle around the centre of the air hole. When air is blow through the plurality of circular apertures a substantially annular flow is induced.

In the above described embodiment, stops 17, 18 are provided in the first and third flutes 9A, 9C of the alignment drum 6 to limit the range of movement of the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C within the first and third flutes 9A, 9C to ensure that the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B, 7C are aligned into a single column. However, the stops 17, 18 may be omitted. In one such embodiment (not shown), air flow is induced in the first and third flutes for a predetermined amount of time that ensures movement of the first and third 2X tubes within the respective first and third flutes is such that the first, second and third 2X tubes are aligned into a single column. For example, the air holes of the first and second blocking plates may be fluidly communicated with the chambers of the first and second air flow generators for a predetermined amount of time, depending on the flow rate of the air flow in the first and third flutes, which ensures that the first and third 2X tubes are blown to the centre of the alignment drum. The amount of time that the air holes are fluidly communicated with the chambers of the first and second air flow generators may be controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the alignment drum.

In an alternative embodiment, the transport drum 5 is omitted and instead the toothed wheel 3 is configured to feed the first, second and third 2X tubes 7A, 7B , C directly to the first, second and third flutes 9A, 9B, 9C respectively of the alignment drum 6.

In the above described embodiment, the end of each first flute 9A at the second end 6B of the alignment drum 6 is sealed by the second blocking plate 11 and the end of each third flute 9C at the first end 6A of the alignment drum 6 is sealed by the first blocking plate 10. Thus, no air flows between the first flutes 9A and the second air flow generator

13 and no air flows between the third flutes 9C and the first air flow generator 12.

However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the end of each first flute at the second end of the alignment drum is only partially blocked, rather than completely sealed, and the end of each third flute at the first end of the alignment drum is only partially blocked. For example, small apertures may be provided in the first blocking plate to allow air to flow between the first air flow generator and the third flutes and small apertures may be provided in the second blocking plate to allow air to flow between the second air flow generator and the first flutes. The apertures may have a smaller bore than the bore of the first and third flutes. The first 2X tube in each first flute will still be moved in the direction of the air flow induced by the first air flow generator because the air flow induced by the second air flow generator is partially blocked in the first flutes and so will exert a weaker force on the first 2X tubes than the first air flow generator. Similarly, the third 2X tube in each third flute will still be moved in the direction of the air flow induced by the second air flow generator because the air flow induced by the first air flow generator is partially blocked in the third flutes and so will exert a weaker force on the third 2X tubes than the second air flow generator. In the above described embodiment the apparatus 1 comprises a shroud 14. The shroud

14 helps to prevent air from flowing out of the first and third flutes 9A, before the air has been urged against the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C. Thus, the shroud 14 reduces the flow rate of the air flow that must be induced by the first and second air flow generators 12, 13 in order to move the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C. However, it should be recognised that the shroud 14 may be omitted, in which case more of the air will escape from the first and third flutes 9A, 9C before contacting the first and third 2X tubes 7A, 7C and so a higher flow rate of air flow will usually need to be induced by the first and second air flow generators.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram representing several steps of a method of arranging tobacco industry products on a fluted drum according to some embodiments of the invention. The method comprises the steps of providing a first tobacco industry product component in a first flute of the drum such that the first tobacco industry product component is located towards a first end of the drum (Si); providing a second tobacco industry product component in a second flute of the drum such that the second tobacco industry product component is located towards a second end of the drum, opposite the first end of the drum (S2); inducing an air flow in the first flute by providing a first air flow generator at one of the first and second ends of the drum to urge said first tobacco industry product component towards the second end of the drum (S3); and, inducing an air flow in the second flute by providing a second air flow generator at the other one of the first and second ends of the drum to urge said second tobacco industry product component towards the first end of the drum (S4). In the exemplary embodiment of the method shown in the block diagram of Fig. 11, steps Si and S2 are performed sequentially. However, in another embodiment, step S2 is performed before Si. In yet another embodiment, steps Si and S2 are performed simultaneously such that the first tobacco industry product is provided in the first flute at the same time that the second tobacco industry product is provided in the second flute. Moreover, whilst steps S3 and S4 are shown as being performed sequentially, in alternative embodiments step S4 may be performed before step S3 or these steps may be performed simultaneously. As used herein, the term "tobacco industry product" is intended to include smoking articles comprising combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own cigarettes, (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material), electronic smoking articles such as e-cigarettes, heating devices that release compounds from substrate materials without burning such as tobacco heating products, hybrid systems to generate aerosol from a combination of substrate materials, for example hybrid systems containing a liquid or gel or solid substrate; and aerosol-free nicotine delivery articles such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising breathable powders and smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff. In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a smoking article for combustion, selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.

In one embodiment, the tobacco industry product is a non-combustible smoking article.

In one embodiment the tobacco industry product is a heating device which releases compounds by heating, but not burning, a substrate material. The material may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment the heating device is a tobacco heating device. In one embodiment, the apparatus or method is used to manufacture a consumable for a heating device.

In another embodiment the tobacco industry product is a hybrid system to generate aerosol by heating, but not burning, a combination of substrate materials. The substrate materials may comprise for example solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and a solid substrate. The solid substrate may be for example tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. In one embodiment the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel substrate and tobacco.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in

understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components, wherein the apparatus comprises a drum which has first and second flutes for receiving first and second tobacco industry product components respectively, the apparatus further comprising first and second air flow generators that are located adjacent to respective opposite ends of the drum, wherein, in use, the first air flow generator is configured to induce an air flow in the first flute to urge said first tobacco industry product component towards a first of the opposite ends of the drum and the second air flow generator is configured to induce an air flow in the second flute to urge said second tobacco industry product component towards a second of the opposite ends of the drum.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second air flow generators comprise first and second blowers that are configured to blow air into the first and second flutes respectively.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second air flow generators comprise first and second suction generators that are configured to draw air out of the first and second flutes respectively.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first and second air flow generators is configured to induce an annular air flow in the respective flute.

5. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first flute is selectively fluidly communicated with the first air flow generator and the second flute is selectively fluidly communicated with the second air flow generator.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein an end of the first flute distal to the first air flow generator is at least partially blocked and an end of the second flute distal to the second air flow generator is at least partially blocked.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said end of the first flute and said end of the second flute are sealed.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, comprising first and second blocking plates which are located at opposite ends of the drum, the end of the first flute distal to the first air flow generator being at least partially blocked by the first blocking plate and the end of the second flute distal to the second air flow generator being at least partially blocked by the second blocking plate.

9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a first air hole that is fluidly communicated with the first flute and a second air hole that is fluidly

communicated with the second flute.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, when dependent on claim 8, wherein the first air hole is located in the first blocking plate and the second air hole is located in the second blocking plate.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first air hole is selectively fluidly communicated with the first air flow generator and the second air hole is selectively fluidly communicated with the second air flow generator.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the drum rotates the first air hole is configured to align with the first air flow generator to fluidly communicate with the first air flow generator and the second air hole is configured to align with the second air flow generator to fluidly communicate with the second air flow generator.

13. An apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of first flutes and second flutes and wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of first air holes that are each fluidly communicated with a respective one of the first flutes and a plurality of second air holes that are each fluidly communicated with a respective one of the second flutes.

14. An apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the first and second air holes are shaped to induce an annular air flow in the first and second flutes

respectively.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first and second air holes are substantially annular shaped.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first and second air holes each comprise a plurality of arcuate apertures.

17. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 16, comprising a shroud that is configured to restrict air from flowing radially into, or out of, the first and second flutes.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the shroud has a surface which is generally arcuate and subtends at least partially about the central axis of the drum.

19. An apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein, in use, the air flow induced by the first and second air flow generators draws the shroud against the drum.

20. An apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the shroud comprises a first portion and a second portion that is removable from the first portion.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the drum comprises an outer surface and wherein the first portion of the shroud comprises a softer material than the outer surface of the drum and, optionally, comprises plastic.

22. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the first and second flutes comprises a stop that is configured to restrict movement of the respective tobacco industry product component within the respective flute.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the or each stop is configured to allow air to flow past the stop in the respective first and/ or second flute.

24. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 23, comprising a first vent hole that allows air to flow into, or out of, the first flute and a second vent hole that allows air to flow into, or out of, the second flute.

25. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein first flute comprises a surface having a suction source configured to draw said first tobacco industry product component towards the first of the opposing ends of the drum in use and/or the second flute comprises a surface having a suction source configured to draw said second tobacco industry product component towards the second of the opposing ends of the drum in use.

26. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the drum comprises a third flute for receiving a third tobacco industry product component.

27. An apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the third flute is at least partially blocked at the first and second ends of the drum and, optionally, is sealed at the first and second ends of the drum.

28. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 27, wherein the drum comprises a centre that is equidistant to the opposing ends of the drum and wherein the first and second air flow generators are configured to urge the first and second tobacco industry product components towards the centre of the drum.

29. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 28, wherein the first and second flutes are configured to receive first and second tobacco industry product components which are tubes and, optionally, are paper tubes.

30. An apparatus for manufacturing a tobacco industry product component comprising the apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components defined in any of claims 1 to 29.

31. An apparatus for feeding tobacco industry product components to a tobacco industry product assembly apparatus, wherein the apparatus for feeding tobacco industry product components comprises the apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components defined in any of claims 1 to 29.

32. A method of arranging tobacco industry product components on a fluted drum having opposite first and second ends, comprising the steps of:

providing a first tobacco industry product component in a first flute of the drum such that the first tobacco industry product component is located towards the first end of the drum;

providing a second tobacco industry product component in a second flute of the drum such that the second tobacco industry product component is located towards the second end of the drum, opposite the first end of the drum; inducing an air flow in the first flute by providing a first air flow generator at one of the first and second ends of the drum to urge said first tobacco industry product component towards the second end of the drum; and,

inducing an air flow in the second flute by providing a second air flow generator at the other one of the first and second ends of the drum to urge said second tobacco industry product component towards the first end of the drum.

33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises blowing air into an end of the first flute and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises blowing air into an end of the second flute.

34. A method according to claim 32, wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises applying suction to an end of the first flute and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises applying suction to an end of the second flute.

35. A method according to any of claims 32 to 34, wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises inducing an annular air flow in the first flute and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises inducing an annular air flow in the second flute.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises fluidly communicating the first flute with the first air flow generator via a first annular air hole and the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises fluidly communicating the second flute with the second air flow generator via a second annular air hole.

37. A method according to any of claims 32 to 36, wherein an end of the first flute at said other one of the first and second ends of the drum is sealed or partially blocked and an end of the second flute at said one of the first and second ends of the drum is sealed or partially blocked.

38. A method according to claim 37, wherein a first blocking plate is provided at said other one of the first and second ends of the drum to seal or partially block the first flute at said other one of the first and second ends of the drum and a second blocking plate is provided at said one of the first and second ends of the drum to seal or partially block the second flute at said one of the first and second ends of the drum.

39. A method according to any of claims 32 to 38, wherein the steps of inducing an air flow in the first flute and inducing an air flow in the second flute comprise covering the first and second flutes with a shroud.

40. A method according to any of claims 32 to 39, wherein a first stop is provided in the first flute and a second stop is provided in the second flute, wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the first flute comprises urging the first tobacco industry product component against the first stop and wherein the step of inducing an air flow in the second flute comprises urging the second tobacco industry product component against the second stop.

41. A method according to any of claims 32 to 40, wherein the first and second tobacco industry product components are tubes and, optionally, are paper tubes.

42. An apparatus for arranging tobacco industry product components as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. A method of arranging tobacco industry product components on a fluted drum as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.