WO2019145740A1

WO2019145740A1 - A filling apparatus, a drum assembly for a filling apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component

Info

Publication number: WO2019145740A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/050239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dorcas CHAN; John Richardson; Gary Fallon
Original assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited
Priority date: 2018-01-29
Filing date: 2019-01-29
Publication date: 2019-08-01
Also published as: GB201801444D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a filling apparatus (10) for depositing a filler material (7,8) on a wrapper (W). The filling apparatus is configured to deposit the filler material in a space (S) between adjacent plugs (P) of a plurality of plugs of gas permeable material provided on the wrapper. The filling apparatus comprises a drum (12) that comprises one or more suction ports (25) configured to, in use, apply suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs to draw gas through the at least one plug such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs. The present disclosure also relates to a drum assembly for a filling apparatus and a method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component.

Description

A Filling Apparatus, a Drum Assembly for a Filling Apparatus, and a Method of Manufacturing a Tobacco Industry Product Component

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a filling apparatus and to a drum assembly for a filling apparatus. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component.

Background

It is known in the art to provide a cigarette with a capsule containing flavourant. During use, the user may break the capsule to release flavourant into smoke flowing through the cigarette. Therefore, the user is able to selectively add flavourant to the smoke. The capsule maybe added to the filter of the cigarette during assembly of the filter. Summary

There is provided a filling apparatus for depositing a filler material on a wrapper, the filling apparatus being configured to deposit the filler material in a space between adjacent plugs of a plurality of plugs of gas permeable material provided on the wrapper, the filling apparatus comprising a drum that comprises one or more suction ports configured to, in use, apply suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs to draw gas through the at least one plug such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs.

The drum may comprise a plurality of receiving portions for receiving the filler material. The receiving portions may be arranged in a helical formation.

In one embodiment, the filling apparatus comprises a first group of receiving portions for receiving a first type of filler material and a second group of receiving portions for receiving a second type of filler material.

In one embodiment, the filling apparatus comprises a filling device configured to deposit the filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs, and wherein the drum is configured to be located adjacent to the filling device. In one embodiment, the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs simultaneously to draw gas through the two or more plugs such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs.

In one embodiment, the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, simultaneously apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on opposite sides of the space. In one embodiment, the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, simultaneously apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on the same side of the space.

The one or more suction ports may follow a generally helical path about a rotational axis of the drum.

In one embodiment, the filling apparatus comprises a suction chamber for coupling to a suction source, wherein the one or more suction ports are conhgured to be fluidly communicated with the suction chamber.

In one embodiment, the drum comprises a peripheral wall that extends about the suction chamber, wherein the one or more suction ports extend through the peripheral wall. In one embodiment, the drum is configured to rotate such that each receiving portion moves between a loading position to receive filler material and an unloading positon to discharge filler material from the receiving portion, and wherein each receiving portion is conhgured to be huidly communicated with the suction chamber to apply suction to hller material in the receiving portion, and wherein gas how between each receiving portion and the suction chamber is restricted when the receiving portion is in the unloading position.

In one embodiment, the filling apparatus comprises a blocking member that is conhgured to substantially seal each receiving portion from the suction chamber when the receiving portion is in the unloading position. The drum may be conhgured to rotate relative to the blocking member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the blocking member is located inside the drum. The blocking member may be located inside the suction chamber.

In some embodiments, each receiving portion comprises a holding member configured to retain filler material in the receiving portion. Each holding member may be gas permeable. In some embodiments, the blocking member is configured to cover, or at least partially cover, each holding member when the respective receiving portion is in the unloading position. In some embodiments, each holding member comprises a protrusion that projects radially-inwardly from an internal surface of the drum.

There is also provided a method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component, the method comprising: providing a plurality plugs of gas permeable material on a wrapper such that a space is provided between adjacent plugs of the plurality of plugs; and, depositing a filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs, the method comprising applying suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs using one or more suction ports of a drum such that gas is drawn through the at least one plug to draw the filler material into the space between the adjacent plugs. In one embodiment, the method comprises applying suction to the at least one plug comprises applying suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs simultaneously to draw gas through the two or more plugs such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs. In one embodiment, the method comprises applying suction to the at least one plug comprises applying suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on opposite sides of the space.

In one embodiment, the method comprises applying suction to the at least one plug comprises applying suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on the same side of the space.

In one embodiment, the filler material comprises one or more of an additive, filtration medium and abrasive material. In one embodiment, the drum comprises a plurality of receiving portions for receiving filler material, and wherein depositing a filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs comprises discharging filler material from one or more of the receiving portions.

In one embodiment, the method comprises applying suction to one of the receiving portions to hold filler material in the receiving portion.

In one embodiment, the drum comprises a first group of receiving portions for receiving a first type of filler material and a second group of receiving portions for receiving a second type of filler material, wherein depositing the filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs comprises depositing the first type of filler material from one or more of the receiving portions of the first group and depositing the second type of filler material from one or more of the receiving portions of the second group.

In one embodiment, the method comprises depositing the filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs using a filling device, the drum being located adjacent to the filling device.

There is also provided a drum assembly for a filling apparatus, the filling apparatus configured to deposit a filler material on a wrapper, the filler material being deposited in a space between adjacent plugs of a plurality of plugs of gas permeable material provided on the wrapper, the drum assembly comprising: a drum comprising a plurality of receiving portions for fluid communication with a suction source to retain filling material in each receiving portion, wherein the drum is configured to rotate such that, in use, each receiving portion moves between a loading position to receive filler material and an unloading positon to deposit the filler material on the wrapper, the drum further comprising one or more suction ports configured to, in use, apply suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs to draw gas through the at least one plug such that the filler material is drawn from each receiving portion into a space between adjacent plugs when the receiving portion is in the unloading position; and, a blocking member configured to restrict gas flow between each receiving portion and the suction source when the receiving portion is in the unloading position.

The receiving portions may be arranged in a helical formation. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus comprises a first group of receiving portions for receiving a first type of filler material and a second group of receiving portions for receiving a second type of filler material.

In one embodiment, the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs simultaneously to draw gas through the two or more plugs such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs.

In one embodiment, the drum comprises a suction chamber for coupling to a suction source, wherein the one or more suction ports are conhgured to be fluidly

communicated with the suction chamber.

In one embodiment, the drum comprises a peripheral wall that extends about the suction chamber, wherein the one or more suction ports extend through the peripheral wall. In one embodiment, the drum is configured to rotate such that each receiving portion moves between a loading position to receive filler material and an unloading positon to discharge filler material from the receiving portion, and wherein each receiving portion is conhgured to be huidly communicated with the suction chamber to apply suction to hller material in the receiving portion, and wherein gas how between each receiving portion and the suction chamber is restricted when the receiving portion is in the unloading position. The drum may be configured to rotate relative to the blocking member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the blocking member is located inside the drum. The blocking member may be located inside the suction chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a smoking article;

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a filling apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a first channel of the filling apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of a portion of the filling apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a drum and a portion of a feeding apparatus of the filling apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a front view of the drum and portion of the feeding apparatus of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the drum and portion of the feeding apparatus of

Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a block diagram representing a method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component; and,

Fig. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of a filling apparatus.

Detailed Description

Referring now to Fig. 1, a tobacco industry product 1 in the form of a smoking article 1 is shown. The smoking article 1 comprises a tobacco rod 2 and a tobacco industry product component 3. In the present embodiment, the tobacco industry product component 3 comprises a smoking article component 3. An outer wrap 4 circumscribes the smoking article component 3 and a portion of the tobacco rod 2. The outer wrap 4 comprises a tipping paper 4 that attaches the tobacco rod 2 to the smoking article component 3. The tobacco rod 2 comprises a column of smokeable material 2A circumscribed by a rod wrapper 2B.

In the present embodiment, the smoking article component 3 is a smoking article filter 3 comprising first and second sections 5A, 5B of filter material and a cavity 6. The first and second sections 5A, 5B comprise first and second plugs 5A, 5B of filter material. The first and second plugs 5A, 5B maybe generally cylindrical in shape, although other shapes of plug 5A, 5B are possible.

The first and second plugs 5A, 5B are spaced in the axial direction of the smoking article 1 such that the cavity 6 is located between the first and second plugs 5A, 5B. The second plug 5B is located downstream of the tobacco rod 2. The first plug 5A is located downstream of the second plug 5B, on the opposite side of the cavity 6 to the second plug 5B. Thus, the first plug 5A is disposed at the mouth end of the smoking article 1.

The cavity 6 of the smoking article component 3 contains a first filler material 7 and a second filler material 8. The first and second filler materials 7, 8 may each comprise one or more of a filtration medium, such as activated carbon granules, abrasive material or additive, for example, a flavourant. The first and second filler materials 7, 8 may comprise capsules, powder, and/or granules. In one embodiment, the first filler material 7 comprises a flavourant, for example, flavourant microcapsules, and the second filler material 8 comprises an abrasive material that is configured to rupture the microcapsules to release flavourant. In another embodiment, the first filler material 7 comprises a first additive, for example, a first flavourant, and the second filler material 8 comprises a second additive, for example, a second flavourant, that is different to the first additive. The smoking article component 3 further comprises a plug wrap 9 that circumscribes the cavity 6 and at least a portion of the first and/or second plugs 5A, 5B. In the present embodiment, the plug wrap 9 circumscribes the entire length of both of the first and second plugs 5A, 5B. The portion of the plug wrap 9 and tipping paper 4 that overlies the cavity 6 form a wall of the smoking article component 3. The wall circumscribes the cavity 6. The wall retains the first and second filler materials 7, 8 within the cavity 6. The wall is deformable such that, in use, the user applies an external force to deform the wall radially inwardly such that the first and second filler materials 7, 8 are ground together to modify a characteristic of gas flowing through the smoking article component 3. In the example described above, the user grips the wall and rolls the smoking article component 3 between the fingers such that the abrasive particles of the second filler material 8 rupture the flavourant capsules of the first filler material 7 to release flavourant therefrom. In some embodiments (not shown), the plug wrap 9 is omitted and the wall comprises the tipping paper 4. In other embodiments (not shown), the tipping paper 4 is omitted and the wall comprises the plug wrap 9. In some embodiments (not shown), the wall comprises a further sheet of material (not shown) in addition to the tipping paper 4 and/ or plug wrap 9.

Referring now to Figs. 2 to 7, an embodiment of a filling apparatus 10 is shown. In the present embodiment, the filling apparatus 10 is configured for manufacturing the tobacco industry product component 3 of the tobacco industry product 1 of Fig. 1. However, it should be recognised that the filling apparatus 10 may be configured to manufacture a different type of tobacco industry product component.

The filling apparatus 10 comprises a feeding apparatus 11, a drum 12 and a conveyance apparatus 13. The feeding apparatus 11 comprises first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D. The first and third channels 14A, 14C are configured to supply a first filler material 7 from a first filler material source 15 to the drum 12. The second and fourth channels 14B, 14D are configured to supply a second filler material 8 from a second filler material source (not shown) to the drum 12.

The first filler material source 15 comprises a hopper 15 that contains the first filler material 7 and is configured to supply the first filler material 7 to the first and third channels 14A, 14C. In one embodiment, the first filler material source 15 further comprises a control device (not shown) that is operable to control the supply of the first filler material 7 from the first filler material source 15 to the first and third channels 14A, 14C. The control device may comprise a control gate that is selectively openable, for example, comprising a sliding or hinged door, to feed the first filler material 7 to the first and third channels 14A, 14C via gravity. In another embodiment, the control device comprises a conveyor belt (not shown) configured to feed the first filler material 7 to the first and third channels 14A, 14C. In a yet further embodiment (not shown), the control device comprises a threaded screw that is rotated to feed the first filler material 7 from the hopper 15 to the first and third channels 14A, 14C.

The second filler material source (not shown) comprises a hopper that contains the second filler material 8 and is configured to supply the second filler material 8 to the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D. In one embodiment, the second filler material source further comprises a control device (not shown) that is operable to control the supply of the second filler material 8 from the second filler material source to the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D. The control device maybe similar to the control device described above that supplies the first filler material 7 from the first filler material source 15, for example, comprising one or more of a control gate, conveyor belt and rotatable screw.

In the present embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D are of a similar arrangement and therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the first channel 14A will be described in detail hereinafter.

The first channel 14A comprises an outlet 16 that is fluidly communicated with the drum 12 to provide the first filler material 7 to the drum 12. Similarly, the second, third and fourth channels 14B, 14C, 14D comprise respective outlets (not shown) to supply first or second filler material 7, 8 to the drum 12.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the first channel 14A comprises a first outlet portion 17 that extends to the outlet 16 from upstream of the outlet 16 and a second outlet portion 18 that extends from the outlet 16 to downstream of the outlet 16.

The first channel 14A further comprises a supply portion 19 and a recirculation portion 20. The supply portion 19 of the first channel 14A is configured to transport the first filler material 7 from the first filler material source 15 to the first outlet portion 17. The recirculation portion 20 is configured to transport the first filler material 7 from the second outlet portion 18 to the supply portion 19 for recirculation to the outlet 16. Thus, first filler material 7 that is not transferred to the drum 12 is recirculated for re-supply to the drum 12.

The feeding apparatus 11 further comprises a gas flow device 21 that is configured to induce a gas flow within the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C 14D. Operation of the gas flow device 21 induces the gas flow in the first and third channels 14A, 14C to transport the first filler material 7 along the first and third channels 14A, 14C from the first filler material source 15 to the outlet 16 of the first and third channels 14A, 14C for supply to the drum 12. Furthermore, operation of the gas flow device 21 induces the gas flow in the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D to transport the second filler material 8 along the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D from the second filler material source to the outlets of the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D for supply to the drum 12. The gas flow device 21 may comprise, for example, a blower or compressed gas source. Transporting the first and second filler material 7, 8 by gas flow helps to prevent damage to the first and second filler material 7, 8.

The gas flow device 21 is located upstream of the first and second filler material sources 15 such that gas flow from the gas flow device 21 first passes the first and second filler material sources 15 and then passes the drum 12. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the gas flow device 21 may have a different position, for example, being located downstream of the first and/ or second filler material sources 15 such that gas flow from the gas flow device 21 first passes the drum 12 and then passes the first and/or second filler material sources 15. In one alternative embodiment (not shown), the feeding apparatus 11 comprises a plurality of gas flow devices that are each operable to induce a gas flow in a respective one of the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D.

The first channel 14A comprises a duct having a peripheral wall 22 that surrounds the first channel 14A. The outlet 16 comprises a recess 16 in the peripheral wall 22. The outlet 16 is curved to correspond to a curved peripheral surface 12A of the drum 12. A portion of the curved peripheral surface 12A of the drum 12 is received in the recess 16.

The first outlet portion 17 of the first channel 14A is arranged such that first filler material 7 travelling along the first outlet portion 17 towards the outlet 16 moves upwardly. In the present embodiment, first outlet portion 17 is generally vertical such that first filler material 7 travelling along the first outlet portion 17 towards the outlet 16 moves vertically. However, in other embodiments the first outlet portion 17 is inclined between the vertical and horizontal. In some embodiments, the first outlet portion 17 is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees or more, and optionally 45 degrees or more, to the horizontal.

The first outlet portion 17 of the first channel 14A being arranged such that first filler material 7 moves upwardly towards the outlet 16 provides the advantage of allowing for greater control of the velocity of the first filler material 7 within the first channel 14A. More specifically, since the first filler material 7 travels upwardly, it is moving against the force of gravity and thus a slower velocity of the first filler material 7 can be achieved for a given gas flow rate within the first channel 14A than if the first filler material 7 was not travelling upwardly. A slower velocity of the first filler material 7 in the first channel 14A makes it easier for the first filler material 7 to be transferred to the drum 12.

A slower velocity of the first filler material 7 in the first channel 14A may reduce the likelihood of damage to the first filler material 7 if the first filler material 7 strikes the first channel 14A and/ or drum 12 as the first filler material 7 moves through the first channel 14A.

The first outlet portion 17 is arranged such that gas flow in the first outlet portion 17 is directed to pass the drum 12 and enter the second outlet portion 18. Thus, first filler material 7 passing along the first outlet portion 17 has a tendency to bypass the drum 12, flowing into the second outlet portion 18, unless the drum 12 is operated to draw the first filler material 7 towards the drum 12 in the manner described below. This helps to prevent the first filler material 7 from accumulating on the drum 12, and potentially clogging the drum 12, when the drum 12 is not in a position wherein the first filler material 7 is drawn towards the drum 12. In one embodiment, the first outlet portion 17 is arranged such that gas flow is directed to pass the drum 12 substantially tangentially.

In some embodiments, the first outlet portion 17 is arranged such that first filler material 7 travels along the first outlet portion 17 in a direction (shown by arrow‘X’ in Fig. 5) that is at an angle A to an imaginary chord line (shown by arrow‘R’ in Fig. 5), wherein the chord line R extends radially outwardly in a straight line from a central axis (shown by the dashed line Ύ-U in Fig. 6) of the drum 12 to intersect a receiving portion 26 of the drum 12 that is proximate the outlet 16 and is in a loading position as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the angle A is between 20 and 160 degrees, between 45 and 135 degrees, or between 50 and 120 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle A is substantially 90 degrees such that the first filler material 7 travels along the first outlet portion 17 substantially tangentially to the drum 12. In some embodiments, the first outlet portion 17 extends linearly. The first outlet portion 17 being arranged such that the first filler material 7 travels along the first outlet portion 17 at said angle A helps to ensure that the first filler material 7 bypasses the drum 12, flowing into the second outlet portion 18, when the drum 12 is not operated to draw the first filler material 7 towards the drum 12. This helps to prevent the first filler material 7 accumulating on the drum 12, and potentially clogging the drum 12, when the drum 12 is not positioned to draw the first filler material 7 towards the drum 12.

The second outlet portion 18 extends from the outlet 16 to direct first filler material 7 that bypasses the outlet 16 such that the first filler material 7 moves away from the drum 12. In the present embodiment, the first and second outlet portions 17, 18 are aligned such that first filler material 7 travelling through the first and second outlet portions 17, 18 follows a substantially linear path. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second outlet portion 18 is at an angle to the first outlet portion 17. In one embodiment (not shown), the second outlet portion 18 is arranged such that first filler material 7 entering the second outlet portion 18 travels along a curved path away from the first outlet portion 17.

The supply portion 19 of the first channel 14A fluidly communicates the first filler material source 15 with the first outlet portion 17 of the first channel 14A. The recirculation portion 20 of the first channel 14A fluidly communicates the second outlet portion 18 with the supply portion 19 such that first filler material 7 which bypasses the outlet 16 and enters the second outlet portion 18 is recirculated to the supply portion 19 of the first channel 14A, thereby reducing waste. The first channel 14A may form a closed-loop.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the recirculation portion 20 recirculates the first filler material 7 into the first filler material source 15. For example, the

recirculation portion 20 may extend into the first filler material source 15.

Alternatively, the recirculation portion 20 may be fluidly communicated with a device, such as a cyclonic separation device, that is configured to separate the recirculated first filler material 7 from the gas flow and feed the recirculated first filler material 7 into the first filler material source 15. The first filler material 7 may then be re-supplied to the first channel 14A by the first filler material source 15 to be recirculated to the drum 12. The drum 12 comprises a generally cylindrical peripheral wall 23 that surrounds a suction chamber 24. The drum 12 is configured to rotate about the central axis (shown by the dashed line Ύ-U’ in Fig. 6). The drum 12 rotates relative to the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D. The drum 12 rotates in the direction of arrow ‘B’ (shown in Fig. 2). The filling apparatus 10 further comprises a drive mechanism (not shown) that is configured to rotate the drum 12. The drive mechanism may comprise, for example, an electric motor (not shown) and a gearbox (not shown).

The drum 12 comprises a plurality of suction ports 25 comprising apertures 25 which extend through the peripheral wall 23 of the drum 12 to fluidly communicate with the suction chamber 24. The suction chamber 24 is fluidly communicated with a suction device (not shown), for example, a pump, that is configured to apply suction to the suction chamber 24 such that the pressure in the suction chamber 24 is lower than the pressure on the outside of the peripheral wall 23 of the drum 12. Thus, air is drawn through the suction ports 25 and into the suction chamber 24 when the suction device is operated. The suction ports 25 are arranged in a helical formation about the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12. In one embodiment (not shown), the drum 12 comprises a plurality of suction chambers that are fluidly communicated with one or more suction devices, wherein each suction port 25 is fluidly communicated with one or more of the suction chambers.

The drum 12 further comprises a plurality of receiving portions 26 configured to each receive first or second filler material 7, 8 from one of the first, second, third or fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D. More specifically, the drum 12 comprises first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D. Each group of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D is spaced about the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12. Each group of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D is arranged in a helical formation at least partially about the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12. In the present embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D are arranged such that a receiving portion 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D of each group is aligned in the circumferential direction of the drum 12. The first group of receiving portions 26A are aligned with the outlet 16 of the first channel 14A such that the drum 12 can be rotated to communicate each receiving portion 26A of the first group with the outlet 16. The second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26B, 26C, 26D are aligned with the outlets (not shown) of the second, third and fourth channels 14B, 14C, 14D respectively such that the drum 12 can be rotated to communicate each receiving portion 26B, 26C, 26D of the second, third and fourth group with the outlet of the respective second, third and fourth channels 14B, 14C, 14D. In the present embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D comprises eight receiving portions 26. However, in other embodiments (not shown), each group comprises a different number of receiving portions. In the present embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D are spaced 360 degrees about the central axis Y- Y of the drum 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D are only provided about a portion of the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12. In other words, each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D subtends about the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12 by an angle less than 360 degrees.

Each receiving portion 26 comprises an aperture 27 and a holding member 28. Each aperture 27 is provided through the peripheral wall 23 of the drum 12 and is configured to receive first or second filler material 7, 8.

Each holding member 28 is configured to retain the first or second filler material 7, 8 in the aperture 27 of the respective receiving portion 26. Each holding member 28 extends over a respective aperture 27 on the inside surface of the peripheral wall 23 of the drum 12 and is impermeable, or substantially impermeable, to the first or second filler material 7, 8 to prevent the first or second filler material 7, 8 from entering the suction chamber 24 inside the drum 12. Thus, each aperture 27 and respective holding member 28 together form a recess of the drum 12 that receives first or second filler material 7, 8. The holding member 28 of each receiving portion 26 is gas permeable such that suction applied to the suction chamber 24 by the suction device (not shown) results in suction being applied to the apertures 27. Thus, operation of the suction device results in suction being applied to the aperture 27 such that the first/second filling material 7, 8 is drawn into the aperture 27 of the respective receiving portion 26 and retained in the aperture 27 during rotation of the drum 12.

In some embodiments, each holding member 28 comprises a protrusion 29 on the inside surface of the drum 12. Each protrusion 29 comprises an aperture 30 that is fluidly communicated with a corresponding aperture 27 in the peripheral wall 23 of the drum 12. A gas permeable member 31 is provided in, or over, the aperture 30 of each protrusion 29. Each gas permeable member 31 may comprise, for example, a mesh or portion of porous material, that is impermeable to the first or second filler material 7, 8 to prevent the first or second filler material 7, 8 from entering the suction chamber 24 on the inside of the drum 12. The gas permeable member 31 permits the flow of gas through the apertures 27, 30 in the peripheral wall 23 and protrusion 29 when suction is applied to the suction chamber 24.

In some embodiments, the aperture 30 of each protrusion 29 is configured to receive first or second filler material 7, 8 to increase the amount of filler material 7, 8 that can be received in each of the receiving portions 26.

The filling apparatus 10 further comprises a blocking member 32 that is provided inside the suction chamber 24 of the drum 12. The blocking member 32 is configured to selectively seal, or at least partially seal, each aperture 27 from the suction chamber 24. In the present embodiment, the blocking member 32 is configured to selectively cover, or at least partially cover, each gas permeable member 31 to seal, or partially seal, each gas permeable member 31.

The drum 12 is configured to rotate relative to the blocking member 32 and first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D such that each receiving portion 26 is moved between a loading position and an unloading position. When each receiving portion 26 is in the loading position, the receiving portion 26 is aligned with one of the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D to receive first or second filler material 7, 8 therefrom. When each receiving portion 26 is in the loading position, the aperture 27 of the receiving portion 26 is fluidly communicated with the suction chamber 24 via the gas permeable member 31 such that suction applied to the suction chamber 24 by the suction device (not shown) causes the first or second filler material 7, 8 to be drawn through the outlet 16 of the first, second, third or fourth channel 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D and drawn into the aperture 27 of the receiving portion 26.

When each receiving portion 26 is in the unloading position, the receiving portion 26 is aligned with the blocking member 32 such that the blocking member 32 covers, or at least partially covers, the gas permeable member 31 of the receiving portion 26. Thus, suction is no longer applied to the first or second filler material 7, 8 in the aperture 27 of the receiving portion 26, or the amount of suction is reduced, and the first or second filler material 7, 8 is discharged from the aperture 27 as described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the drum 12 and blocking member 32 are arranged such that each receiving portion 26 faces generally downwardly when in the unloading positon such that gravity helps to urge the first or second filler material 7, 8 out of the receiving portion 26.

In some embodiments, the blocking member 32 is connected to a gas flow device (not shown) that is configured to induce a gas flow through the blocking member 32 to blow the first or second filler material 7, 8 out of the aperture 27 of each receiving portion 26 when the receiving portion 26 is in the unloading position. The gas flow device may comprise, for example, a blower or compressed gas source. The blocking member 32 may comprise an aperture or channel (not shown) that is fluidly communicated with the gas flow device and aligns with each receiving portion 26 when the receiving portion 26 is in the unloading position to blow gas into the receiving portion 26. In some embodiments, each receiving portion 26 is fluidly communicated with the suction chamber 24 as the drum 12 rotates each receiving portion 26 between the loading and unloading positions. Thus, the suction applied to the suction chamber 24 by the suction device (not shown) helps to retain the first and second filling material 7, 8 in the receiving portions 26 travelling between the loading and unloading positions.

The blocking member 32 is centrally mounted within the drum 12 and comprises a projection 33 that extends radially outwardly towards the peripheral wall 23 of the drum 12. The projection 33 has an end surface 34 that is configured to overlie the gas permeable member 31 of each receiving portion 26 when in the unloading position to seal each gas permeable member 31. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown) the blocking member may have a different arrangement, for example, comprising a sleeve that extends partially about the inside of the drum 12 to block the receiving portions 26 when in the unloading position.

In the present embodiment, the blocking member 32 simultaneously overlies the gas permeable member 31 of a receiving portion 26 of each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D. However, in another embodiment (not shown), a plurality of blocking members maybe provided to each seal a receiving portion 26 of a respective one of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D when in the unloading position.

The conveyance apparatus 13 is configured to convey double-length plugs P of filter material on a web W of wrapping material along a conveyance path (shown by arrow‘C’ in Fig. 4). The web W comprises, for example, a strip of paper or plastic. The conveyance apparatus 13 comprises a garniture tongue (not shown), a garniture belt 35, and a belt drive 36 comprising first and second pulleys 36A, 36B around which the garniture belt 35 extends in a loop. The belt drive 36 further comprises an electric motor (not shown) configured to drive the first and/ or second pulley 36A, 36B to advance the garniture belt 35. The garniture belt 35 extends through the garniture tongue.

The conveyance apparatus 13 further comprises a spool 37 which supplies the web W to the garniture belt 35. The web W extends from the spool 37 to overlie the garniture belt 35 such that operation of the belt drive 36 feeds the web W through the garniture tongue. The garniture tongue comprises a first portion (not shown) that is shaped to form the web W into a U-shape as it passes through the garniture tongue. The drum 12 is configured to deposit the first and second filler material 7, 8 on the U-shaped web W between adjacent double-length plugs P. The U-shaped web W then passes through a second portion (not shown) of the garniture tongue that is shaped to fold a first longitudinal edge (not shown) of the web W over an opposite second longitudinal edge (not shown) such that the web W exiting the garniture tongue is formed into a cylinder. In some embodiments, the first portion of the garniture tongue is generally U-shaped in cross-section and the second portion of the garniture tongue is generally O-shaped in cross-section. The conveyance apparatus 13 further comprises a first adhesive applicator (not shown) configured to apply a line of adhesive to the web W such that when the W passes through the second portion (not shown) of the garniture tongue, the first longitudinal edge is folded over the opposite second longitudinal edge of the web W and is glued in position by the line of adhesive.

A plurality of double-length plugs P of filter material are disposed on the portion of the web W located on the garniture belt 35. The double-length plugs P are axially spaced such that a space S is formed between adjacent double-length plugs P. Each space S is configured to form a cavity 6 of a smoking article component 3. The double-length plugs P may be supplied from a plug feeder device (not shown), for example, a drum or conveyor belt, that is arranged to dispose the double-length plugs P on the web W such that the double-length plugs P are axially spaced. The conveyance apparatus 13 is configured such that the double-length plugs P and web W are transported along the conveyance path C and pass in proximity to the drum 12.

In some embodiments, the peripheral surface 12A of the drum 12 contacts the double- length plugs P as the double-length plugs P pass the drum 12. In the present embodiment, the conveyance path C passes underneath the drum 12.

However, in other embodiments (not shown) the conveyance apparatus 13 is configured such that the conveyance path C passes to one side of the drum 12.

The drum 12 is configured to deposit the first and second filler material 7, 8 on the web W in the spaces S between adjacent double-length plugs P as the double-length plugs P and web W are transported along the conveyance path C by the conveyance apparatus 13. The suction ports 25 of the drum 12 are configured to apply suction to at least one of the double-length plugs P to draw gas through the at least one double-length plug P such that the first and second filler material 7, 8 is drawn into the space S between the adjacent double-length plugs P.

An example of operation of the filling apparatus 10 will now be described. A plurality of axially spaced double-length plugs P of filter material are disposed on the web W of wrapping material and are conveyed along the conveyance path C by the conveyance apparatus 13. Meanwhile, the gas flow device 21 is operated to induce a gas flow in each of the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D to transport the first and second filler materials 7, 8 from the first and second filler material sources 15 towards the drum 12. In more detail, gas flow in the first and third channels 14A, 14C transports the first filler material 7 from the first filler material source 15 towards the outlet 16 of the first and third channels 14A, 14C and gas flow in the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D transports the second filler material 8 from the second filler material source towards the outlet of the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D. The gas flow may be air flow.

Furthermore, the suction device (not shown) is operated to apply suction to the suction chamber 24 of the drum 12. The suction device maybe continually operated during operation of the filling apparatus 10 or maybe intermittently operated to maintain the pressure in the suction chamber 24 below a predetermined pressure.

The suction applied to the suction chamber 24 causes first filler material 7 at the outlet 16 of the first and third channels 14A, 14C to be drawn into receiving portions 26 of the first and third groups of receiving portions 26A, 26C that are in the loading position. The suction applied to the suction chamber 24 also causes second filler material 8 at the outlet of the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D to be drawn into receiving portions 26 of the second and fourth groups of receiving portions 26B, 26D that are in the loading position.

The drum 12 is rotated (in the direction of arrow‘B’ shown in Fig. 2) such that first filler material 7 is drawn into successive receiving portions 26 of the first and third groups of receiving portions 26A, 26C and second filler material 8 is drawn into successive receiving portions 26 of the second and fourth groups of receiving portions 26B, 26D. Rotation of the drum 12 causes each receiving portion 26 to move from the loading positon to the unloading position. As the receiving portions 26 each move from the loading position to the unloading positon, suction is applied to the first and second filler material 7, 8 in the receiving portions 26 to retain the first and second filler material 7, 8 within the respective receiving portions 26. When each receiving portion 26 reaches the unloading position, the blocking member 32 overlies the gas permeable member 31 of the receiving portion 26 such that suction is no longer applied via the suction chamber 24 to the first or second filler material 7, 8 in the receiving portion 26. The first or second filler material 7, 8 in the receiving portion 26 is dispensed onto the web W in the space S between adjacent double-length plugs P.

In the present embodiment, a receiving portion 26 of the first group of receiving portions 26A dispenses first filler material 7 into a first space Si (shown in Fig. 4) between double-length plugs P. Meanwhile, a receiving portion 26 of the second group of receiving portions 26B dispenses second filler material 8 into a second space S2 (shown in Fig. 4) between double-length plugs P, a receiving portion 26 of the third group of receiving portions 26C dispenses first filler material 7 into a third space S3 (shown in Fig. 4) between double-length plugs P, and a receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D dispenses second filler material 8 into a fourth space S4 (shown in Fig. 4) between double-length plugs P. The first, second, third and fourth spaces Si, S2, S3, S4 are disposed consecutively along the conveyance path C.

Next, the web W and double-length plugs P are advanced along the conveyance path C and the drum rotates 12 such that the first space Si underlies a receiving portion 26 of the second group of receiving portions 26B, whereby second filler material 8 is dispensed into the first space Si from the receiving portion 26 of the second group of receiving portions 26B. Meanwhile, the second space S2 underlies a receiving portion 26 of the third group of receiving portions 26C, whereby first filler material 7 is dispensed into the second space S2 from the receiving portion 26 of the third group of receiving portions 26C, and the third space S3 underlies a receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D, whereby second filler material 8 is dispensed into the third space S3 from the receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D. At this point, the fourth space S4 has advanced along the conveyance path C beyond the drum 12 in the direction of the central axis Y-Y, having been filled with first and second filler material 7, 8 from each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D.

Next, the web W and double-length plugs P are advanced along the conveyance path C and the drum rotates 12 such that the first space Si underlies a receiving portion 26 of the third group of receiving portions 26C, whereby first filler material 7 is dispensed into the first space Si from the receiving portion 26 of the third group of receiving portions 26C. Meanwhile, the second space S2 underlies a receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D whereby second filler material 8 is dispensed into the second space S2 from the receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D. At this point, the third and fourth spaces S3, S4 have both advanced beyond the drum 12, having each been filled with first and second filler material 7, 8 from each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D. The web W and double-length plugs P are then further advanced along the conveyance path C whilst the drum rotates 12 such that the first space Si underlies a receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D, whereby second filler material 8 is dispensed into the first space Si from the receiving portion 26 of the fourth group of receiving portions 26D. At this point, the second, third and fourth spaces S2, S3, S4 have advanced beyond the drum 12, having each been filled with first and second filler material 7, 8 from each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D.

The web W and double-length plugs P are then further advanced along the conveyance path C such that the first, second, third and fourth spaces Si, S2, S3, S4 are advanced beyond the drum 12, having each been filled with first and second filler material 7, 8 from each of the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D. As the web W and double-length plugs P are advanced along the conveyance path C, further double-length plugs P separated by spaces S move under the drum 12 such that the spaces S are filled with first and second filler material 7, 8 from the first, second, third and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D.

The web W and double-length plugs P are subsequently cut by a cutting device (not shown) to form smoking article components 3. In one embodiment, every other double- length plug P is cut in half (along line D-D shown in Fig. 6) to form double-length smoking article components each comprising a central double-length plug P with a single-length plug provided at each end, wherein a cavity 6 comprising first and second filler material 7, 8 is disposed between the double-length plug P and each single-length plug. The web W is also cut, such that a double-length plug wrap surrounds the single- length plugs, double-length plugs P and cavities 6 containing the first and second filler material 7, 8. A tobacco rod 2 is then attached to each end of the double-length smoking article component by tipping paper 4 and then the double-length smoking article component is cut in half, by cutting the double-length plug wrap and double-length plug P in half, to form two smoking articles 1 each comprising a smoking article component 3. The smoking article components 3 each comprise a first and second plug 5A, 5B of filter material separated by a cavity 6 comprising first and second filler material 7, 8 and surrounded by a plug wrap 9. In an alternative embodiment, the web W and double-length plugs P are cut to form a plurality of smoking article components 3 each comprising first and second single-length plugs 5A, 5B separated by a cavity 6 comprising first and second filler material 7, 8 and surrounded by a single-length plug wrap 9. Each smoking article component 3 is then attached to a respective tobacco rod 2 to form a smoking article 1.

The suction ports 25 of the drum 12 are configured to help draw the first and second filler material 7, 8 out of the respective receiving portions 26 and into the spaces S between adjacent double-length plugs P when each receiving portion 26 is in the unloading position. More specifically, the suction ports 25, which are fluidly

communicated with the suction chamber 24, apply suction to the cylindrical peripheral surface of double-length plugs P on either side of the space S that is to be filled with the first or second filler material 7, 8. This causes air to be drawn out of said space S through the double-length plugs P (as shown by arrow Έ’ in Fig. 6), which are manufactured from a gas permeable material. The plugs P maybe cellulose acetate plugs. Thus, suction ports 25 apply suction to the space S, via the double-length plugs P, to draw the first and second filler material 7, 8 into the space S. This helps to ensure that the first and second filler material 7, 8 is transferred from the receiving portions 26 to the web W, since otherwise some of the first and second filler material 7, 8 may remain in the receiving portions 26 during unloading.

In embodiments wherein the double-length plugs P each comprise a plug wrap (not shown) that surrounds the filter material, the plug warp is gas permeable. For example, the plug wrap may comprise a paper that is itself gas permeable. Alternatively, or additionally, perforations may be formed in the plug wrap to allow gas to pass through the plug wrap.

In the present embodiment, suction ports 25 are provided on both sides of one or more of the receiving portions 26 when in the unloading position to apply suction to double- length plugs P on both sides of one or more of the spaces S being filled with first/second filler material 7, 8 by said receiving portion(s) 26. However, the suction ports 25 may be arranged to only apply suction to a double-length plug P on one side of one or more of the spaces S being filled with the first/second filler material 7, 8. For example, in the present embodiment the suction ports 25 only apply suction to the double-length plug P on one side of some of the receiving portions 26 of the first and fourth groups of receiving portions 26A, 26D and thus suction is only applied to the double-length plug P on one side of the spaces S filled by said receiving portions 26.

A block diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component 3 is shown in Fig. 8. The method comprises providing (Si) a plurality plugs P of gas permeable material on a wrapper W such that a space S is provided between adjacent plugs P of the plurality of plugs P; and, depositing (S2) a filler material 7, 8 on the wrapper W in the space S between the adjacent plugs P. The method comprises applying suction to at least one plug P of the plurality of plugs P using one or more suction ports 25 of the drum 12 such that gas is drawn through the at least one plug P to draw the filler material 7, 8 into the space S between the adjacent plugs P.

In the above described embodiment, a first filler material 7 is supplied to the first and third channels 14A, 14C and a second filler material 8 is supplied to the second and fourth channels 14B, 14D. This promotes layering of the first and second filler materials 7, 8 within each space S to ensure a more even distribution of the first and second filler materials 7, 8.

In some alternative embodiments (not shown), a different filler material is supplied to each of the first, second, third and fourth channels 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D.

In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the filling apparatus 10 comprises fewer or more than four channels. For example, the filling apparatus 10 may comprise a single channel and the drum 12 comprises a single group of receiving portions, the single channel configured to supply a first filling material to each receiving portion of the single group of receiving portions. In another embodiment (not shown), the filling apparatus 10 comprises a first channel to supply a first filler material to a first group of receiving portions of the drum and a second channel to supply a second filler material to a second group of receiving portions. In the above described embodiment, each channel 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D comprises a recirculation portion 20 for recirculating the first/second filler material 7, 8. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown), the first/second filler material 7, 8 is not recirculated. In one such embodiment (not shown), first/ second filler material 7, 8 that bypasses the outlet 16 of the channel 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D may instead be vented to a waste receptacle for disposal. In one embodiment (not shown), each channel 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D terminates at the outlet 16 such that first/second filler material 7, 8 accumulates at the outlet 16 until it is received in a receiving portion 26 of the drum 12. Optionally, gas flow in each channel 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D may vent at the outlet 16 via a filter (not shown) that is substantially impermeable to the first/second filler material 7, 8.

Referring now to Fig. 9, a filling apparatus 50 of another embodiment is shown. The filling apparatus 50 comprises a feeder apparatus 51, first and second drums 52A, 52B, and a conveyance apparatus (not shown).

The conveyance apparatus is configured to convey double-length plugs P of filter material on a web W of wrapping material along a conveyance path (shown by arrow‘C’ in Fig. 9). The conveyance apparatus maybe of a similar arrangement to the

conveyance apparatus 13 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, comprising a garniture tongue, and a garniture belt that is driven by a belt drive to feed the web W through the garniture tongue.

The feeder apparatus 51 is configured to supply a first filler material 7 to the spaces S between adjacent double-length plugs P as the spaces S move along the conveyance path C and pass under the feeder apparatus 51. In the present embodiment, the feeder apparatus 51 comprises a filling device 51 in the form of a hopper 51 that feeds the first filler material 7 to the spaces S. However, it should be recognised that in other embodiments (not shown) the filling device has a different configuration. For example, the filling device may comprise a conveyor belt or rotatable screw that supplies the first filler material 7 to the spaces S. In another embodiment (not shown), the filling device comprises a drum comprising receiving portions for receiving the first filler material 7 and depositing the first filler material 7 in the spaces S when each receiving portion is in an unloading position. The drum may be similar to the drum 12 described above in reference to Figs. 2 to 7, but the suction ports 25 of the drum 12 for applying suction to double-length plugs P maybe omitted. In some embodiments, the feeder apparatus 51 is configured to apply a plurality of different filler materials to the spaces S, for example, first and second filler materials and may, for example, comprise a plurality of hoppers each comprising a different filler material. The first and second drums 52A, 52B are disposed on opposite sides of the feeder apparatus 51. Each drum 52A, 52B is configured to rotate about a central axis (shown by the dashed line Y-Y in Fig. 9). The first and second drums 52A, 52B are arranged such that double-length plugs P moving along the conveyance path C in the axial direction to first pass the first drum 52A, then pass the feeder apparatus 51, and then pass the second drum 52B.

The first and second drums 52A, 52B each comprise a generally helical peripheral surface 53 that comprises a plurality of suction ports 54 arranged in a generally helical formation. The suction ports 54 are fluidly communicated with a suction device (not shown) that is operated to draw gas, for example, air, through the suction ports 54 and into each drum 52A, 52B. In some embodiments, the suction ports 54 are fluidly communicated with the suction device via a suction chamber (not shown). However, in other embodiments the suction ports 54 are fluidly communicated with the suction device via channels or tubes extending through the drums 52A, 52B.

The suction ports 54 of the first and second drums 52A, 52B are configured to apply suction to at least one of the double-length plugs P to draw gas through the at least one double-length plug P such that the first and second filler material 7, 8 is drawn into the space S between the adjacent double-length plugs P. This helps to ensure that the first filler material 7 is transferred from the feeder apparatus 51 to the web W. The provision of first and second drums 52A, 52B on opposite sides of the feeding device 51 helps to draw air from the spaces S in both axial directions and thus increase the amount of suction that is applied to the spaces S. The suction ports 54 therefore help to draw the first and second filler material 7, 8 from the feeding apparatus 51 into the spaces S between adjacent double-length plugs P. More specifically, suction ports 54 of the first drum 52A overlie the cylindrical peripheral surface of double-length plugs P approaching the feeding apparatus 51 to apply suction thereto. This causes air to be drawn out of one or more of the spaces S being filled with the first filler material 7 by the feeding apparatus 51 and through one or more double-length plugs P (as shown by arrows Έ’ in Fig. 9), which are manufactured from a gas permeable material such cellulose acetate plugs. The air may be drawn through a plurality of double-length plugs P to flow between the space S being filled with the first filler material 7 and the suction ports 54 of the first drum 52A, and may pass through one or more additional spaces S to flow between the space S being filled with filler material 7, 8 and the suction ports 54. In another embodiment (not shown), air is drawn through a single double-length plug P to flow between the space S being filled with the first filler material 7 and the suction ports 54 of the first drum 52A. In the present embodiment, the suction ports 54 simultaneously overlie the cylindrical peripheral surfaces of a plurality of double-length plugs P approaching the feeding apparatus 51 to apply suction thereto. This causes air to be drawn out of one or more of the spaces S being filled with the first filler material 7 by the feeding apparatus 51 and through the plurality of double-length plugs P to enter the suction ports 54.

Suction ports 54 of the second drum 52B overlie the cylindrical peripheral surface of double-length plugs P that have passed the feeding apparatus 51 to apply suction thereto. This causes air to be drawn out of one or more of the spaces S being filled with the first filler material 7 by the feeding apparatus 51 and through one or more double- length plugs P (as shown by arrow Έ’ in Fig. 9). The air may be drawn through a plurality of double-length plugs P, and also through first filler material 7 already provided in spaces S between said double-length plugs P. Therefore, the air flows between the space S being filled with the first filler material 7 and the suction ports 54 of the second drum 52B. In another embodiment (not shown), air is drawn through a single double-length plug P to flow between the space S being filled with the first filler material 7 and the suction port 54 of the second drum 52B. In the present embodiment, the suction ports 54 simultaneously overlie the cylindrical peripheral surfaces of a plurality of double-length plugs P that have passed the feeding apparatus 51 to apply suction thereto. This causes air to be drawn out of one or more of the spaces S being filled with the first filler material 7 by the feeding apparatus 51 and through the plurality of double-length plugs P to enter the suction ports 54.

In another embodiment (not shown), one of the first and second drums 52A, 52B is omitted.

In the above described embodiments, the suction ports 25, 54 are arranged in a helical formation. As the drums 12, 52A, 52B are rotated, successive suction ports 25, 54 overlie the double-length plugs P to apply suction thereto. The helical formation of the suction ports 25, 54 means that successive suction ports 25, 54 are axially further forward in the direction of the conveyance path C. Rotation of the drums 12, 52A, 52B and operation of the conveyance apparatus 13 are synchronised such that successive suction ports 25, 54 advance in the direction of the conveyance path C at the same speed that the double-length plugs P and web W are transported along the conveyance path C. This configuration allows for suction to be reliably applied to the double-length plugs P by the suction ports 25, 54 even when the plugs P are moved along the conveyance path C continuously at high speed. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the suction ports 25, 54 are not arranged in a helical formation. For instance, the suction ports 25, 54 may instead be arranged in rings about the central axis Y-Y of the drums 12, 52A, 52B such that the suction ports 25, 54 of each ring are aligned in the axial direction. Such an arrangement may require for the plugs P to be moved along the conveyance path C at a lower speed and/ or intermittently conveyed along the conveyance path C such that conveyance is halted temporarily to allow for suction to be applied to each plug P.

In the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 7, the receiving portions 26 of the drum 12 are arranged in one or more a helical formations. As the drum 12 is rotated, successive receiving portions 26 overlie the spaces S to be filled with the first and second filler material 7, 8. The helical formation of the receiving portions 26 means that successive receiving portions 26 are axially further forward in the direction of the conveyance path C.

Rotation of the drum 12 and operation of the conveyance apparatus 13 are synchronised such that successive receiving portions 26 advance in the direction of the conveyance path C at the same speed that the double-length plugs P and web W are transported along the conveyance path C. This configuration allows for first and second filler material 7, 8 to be reliably dispensed into the spaces S between adjacent double-length plugs P even when the plugs P are moved along the conveyance path C continuously at high speed. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the receiving portions 26 are not arranged in a helical formation. For instance, the receiving portions 26 may instead be arranged in one or more rings about the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12 such that the receiving portions 26 of each ring are aligned in the axial direction.

In the above described embodiments, the drums 12, 52A, 52B comprise a plurality of suction ports 25, 54. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the drums 12, 52A, 52B each comprise a single suction port. For example, the suction port may comprise a groove that extends about the central axis Y-Y of the drum 12, 52A, 52B. In one such embodiment (not shown), the groove is a helical groove extending in a helical formation about the central axis Y-Y. In the above described embodiments, the filling apparatus 10, 50 is configured to convey double-length plugs P of filter material on a web W of wrapping material along a conveyance path C and to deposit a filler material 7, 8 in the spaces S between adjacent double-length plugs P as the spaces S move along the conveyance path C. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the filling apparatus 10, 50 is configured to convey single-length plugs 5A, 5B of filter material on a web W of wrapping material along a conveyance path C and to deposit a filler material 7, 8 in the spaces S between adjacent single-length plugs 5A, 5B as the spaces S move along the conveyance path C. The web W is then cut to form a smoking article component 3 comprising the single- length plugs 5A, 5B and filler material 7, 8 wrapped in a plug wrap 9.

In the above described embodiments, the conveyance apparatus 13 of the filling apparatus 10, 50 comprises a garniture tongue and a garniture belt that is driven by a belt drive. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the conveyance apparatus has a different arrangement, for example, comprising a drum or conveyor belt that is configured to advance the double-length plugs P and web W along a conveyance path.

In one such embodiment, the double-length plugs P are disposed on a wrapper that is located in the flute of a drum that is rotated to move the plugs and wrapper along an arcuate conveyance path. The first/second filler material is fed onto the wrapper between the plugs when the drum is rotated to move the wrapper and plugs along the conveyance path.

In embodiments wherein the first and/or second filler material 78 comprises an additive, the additive may comprise a flavourant. As used herein, the terms“flavour” and“flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers. They may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.

In the present embodiment, the smoking article component 3 is in the form of a smoking article filter 3. However, it should be recognised that in alternative embodiments (not shown) the smoking article component 3 is of a different configuration.

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.

In order to address various issues and advance the art, the entirety of this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) maybe practiced and provide for a superior filling apparatus, method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component, and drum assembly for a filling apparatus. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of

embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments maybe utilised and modifications maybe made without departing from the scope and/ or spirit of the disclosure. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A filling apparatus for depositing a filler material on a wrapper, the filling apparatus being configured to deposit the filler material in a space between adjacent plugs of a plurality of plugs of gas permeable material provided on the wrapper, the filling apparatus comprising a drum that comprises one or more suction ports configured to, in use, apply suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs to draw gas through the at least one plug such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs.

2. A filling apparatus according claim l, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of receiving portions for receiving the filler material.

3. A filling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the receiving portions are arranged in a helical formation.

4. A filling apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, comprising a first group of receiving portions for receiving a first type of filler material and a second group of receiving portions for receiving a second type of filler material.

5. A filling apparatus according claim 1, further comprising a filling device configured to deposit the filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs, and wherein the drum is configured to be located adjacent to the filling device.

6. A filling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs simultaneously to draw gas through the two or more plugs such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs.

7. A filling apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, simultaneously apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on opposite sides of the space.

8. A filling apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the one or more suction ports are configured to, in use, simultaneously apply suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on the same side of the space.

9. A filling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more suction ports follow a generally helical path about a rotational axis of the drum.

10. A filling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a suction chamber for coupling to a suction source, wherein the one or more suction ports are configured to be fluidly communicated with the suction chamber.

11. A filling apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the drum comprises a peripheral wall that extends about the suction chamber, wherein the one or more suction ports extend through the peripheral wall.

12. A filling apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11, when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the drum is configured to rotate such that each receiving portion moves between a loading position to receive filler material and an unloading positon to discharge filler material from the receiving portion, and wherein each receiving portion is configured to be fluidly communicated with the suction chamber to apply suction to filler material in the receiving portion, and wherein gas flow between each receiving portion and the suction chamber is restricted when the receiving portion is in the unloading position.

13. A filling apparatus according to claim 12, comprising a blocking member that is configured to substantially seal each receiving portion from the suction chamber when the receiving portion is in the unloading position.

14. A method of manufacturing a tobacco industry product component, the method comprising:

providing a plurality plugs of gas permeable material on a wrapper such that a space is provided between adjacent plugs of the plurality of plugs; and,

depositing a filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs, the method comprising applying suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs using one or more suction ports of a drum such that gas is drawn through the at least one plug to draw the filler material into the space between the adjacent plugs.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein applying suction to the at least one plug comprises applying suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs simultaneously to draw gas through the two or more plugs such that the filler material is drawn into the space between the adjacent plugs.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein applying suction to the at least one plug comprises applying suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on opposite sides of the space.

17. A method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein applying suction to the at least one plug comprises applying suction to two or more of the plurality of plugs located on the same side of the space.

18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the filler material comprises one or more of an additive, filtration medium and abrasive material.

19. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the drum comprises a plurality of receiving portions for receiving filler material, and wherein depositing a filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs comprises discharging filler material from one or more of the receiving portions.

20. A method according to claim 19, comprising applying suction to one of the receiving portions to hold filler material in the receiving portion.

21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the drum comprises a first group of receiving portions for receiving a first type of filler material and a second group of receiving portions for receiving a second type of filler material, wherein depositing the filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs comprises depositing the first type of filler material from one or more of the receiving portions of the first group and depositing the second type of filler material from one or more of the receiving portions of the second group.

22. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising depositing the filler material on the wrapper in the space between the adjacent plugs using a filling device, the drum being located adjacent to the filling device.

23. A drum assembly for a filling apparatus, the filling apparatus configured to deposit a filler material on a wrapper, the filler material being deposited in a space between adjacent plugs of a plurality of plugs of gas permeable material provided on the wrapper, the drum assembly comprising:

a drum comprising a plurality of receiving portions for fluid communication with a suction source to retain filling material in each receiving portion, wherein the drum is configured to rotate such that, in use, each receiving portion moves between a loading position to receive filler material and an unloading positon to deposit the filler material on the wrapper, the drum further comprising one or more suction ports configured to, in use, apply suction to at least one plug of the plurality of plugs to draw gas through the at least one plug such that the filler material is drawn from each receiving portion into a space between adjacent plugs when the receiving portion is in the unloading position; and,

a blocking member configured to restrict gas flow between each receiving portion and the suction source when the receiving portion is in the unloading position.

24. A drum assembly according to claim 23, wherein the drum comprises the features of the drum of any one of claims 3 to 4 or 6 to 13.