Apparatus for compacting multi-sectional particulate containing filters

Claim 1

In combination with a multi-sectional particulate containing cigarette filter tips having spaced apart fibrous filter sections defining a cavity being partially filled with a granular material, an apparatus for moving a portion of the filter fibers of one filter section into the cavity whereby said cavity is filled with granular material and filter fibers protruding therein comprising a rotatable shaft; a transfer drum mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said drum having a plurality of circumferentially spaced peripheral grooves for receiving said filter tips; a pair of punch wheels mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, each said punch wheel having a generally cylindrical peripheral sleeve defining outwardly directed undulations and grooves on the opposite side of said undulations, each said groove being aligned with a respective groove of said transfer drum; a plurality of punches, each said punch being slidably mounted in a respective groove of said punch wheel and each said punch having a pin mounted on the end thereof and extending in the direction towards said transfer drum and being in alignment with said filter tips residing in said transfer drum peripheral grooves, each said pin being of a smaller cross-section than the aligned filter tip; and cam means mounted about said shaft and in contact with said punches, said cam means being adapted to guide said punches reciprocally within said respective sleeve to cause said pins to engage said filter tips and move a portion of said filter fibers to protrude into said cavity to compact a portion of said granular material in said cavity and thereby forming a recess therein.