Molins Plc

Molins Machine Co. Inc.

Ian Dunckley

David C Carter

Leonard G Lait

Kerry Hierons

Robert J Mitchell

A stream of rod-like articles such as cigarettes in multi-layer stack formation is separated by a movable gate having a leading end capable of limited reversible movement in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the gate is advanced, so as to facilitate advancement of the gate between articles of the stream. The gate may cooperate with a resilient closing strip in its closed position. Another form of gate comprises a pivoted plate biased into its closing position by a progressively increasing force.

Apparatus for handling rod-like articles

A variable capacity region for rod-like articles such as cigarettes, particularly a buffer reservoir (48) arranged at the juction between a conveyor (10) and the entrance (28) to a consuming machine, includes a continuously-driven inclined conveyor (36) to promote recirculation of articles within the reservoir and discourage extended periods of occupation by individual articles.

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High Wycombe, United Kingdom

Ian Dunckley