Arrangement and process for the assembly of at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker

Abstract

Arrangement and process for assembling at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker. The arrangement includes at least two flow surfaces and feed devices structured and arranged to convey tobacco on the at least two flow surfaces. Each of the at least two flow surfaces are structured and arranged to guide the tobacco from the feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively, and the feed devices include at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for assembling at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker (rod-making machine).

[0004] The invention further relates to a corresponding rod maker with such an arrangement and a process for assembling at least two tobacco rods from a single tobacco supply.

[0005] 2. Discussion of Background Information

[0006] A corresponding arrangement for the assembly of at least one tobacco rod in a cigarette rod maker is known from the commonly owned German Patent Application No. DE 101 54 807.9 (and its patent family member European Patent Application No. EP 1 285 592). This arrangement described there was based on the object of further intensifying and stabilizing the positive effect of the fluidized bed distributor by means of an optimized structural and fluidic design of the tobacco feed device. In this manner, the feed device of the arrangement for assembling at least one tobacco rod in a tobacco rod maker leads to a suction rod conveyor and includes a sifting device arranged upstream of a measuring device discharging into the flow surface, such that the tobacco on the feed device is guided by a flow surface forming a tobacco/air layer and measured and sifted tobacco on the feed device toward the suction rod conveyor. The sifting device can hereby preferably be a zigzag sifter. Within the scope of the invention the flow surfaces are provided in particular to form a tobacco/air layer.

[0007] It is further known from German Patent No. DE 36 19 579 C2 (and its U.S. patent family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,138) to charge a double rod maker by a tobacco duct, such that a sifter is arranged behind the duct in the tobacco conveying direction. With a device or arrangement according to German Patent No. DE 36 19 579 C2, tobacco is applied over the entire width of the distributor shown there, e.g., in FIG. 1 of the cited document, the extent of which distributor width-wise can be seen well in FIG. 3, on the conducting surface shown there. In this regard, it is noted that this conducting surface corresponds to a “flow surface” within the scope of this invention. In a plan view of view direction III in FIG. 2 of the cited patent, the width of the conducting surface or flow surface can be seen very clearly, which surface extends crosswise to the movement direction of the tobacco over the entire conducting surface or flow surface. Moreover, the disclosures of German Patent No. DE 36 19 579 C2, U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,138, German Patent Application No. DE 101 54 807.9, and European Patent Application No. EP 1 285 592 are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In contrast to the prior art, the present invention provides a possibility for accelerating a corresponding cigarette rod maker provided with a generic arrangement with respect to the processing speed of the tobacco. Accordingly, a uniform distribution of the tobacco with more than one tobacco rod, as far as fiber length, mixture and type are concerned, should always be ensured. Furthermore, a variant is disclosed, with which the rod formation is possible across the entire width or essentially the entire width of the arrangement, so that a very fast rod formation can be realized.

[0009] According to the invention, an arrangement for assembling at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker includes feed devices for conveying, in particular, measured and sifted tobacco on at least two flow surfaces respectively leading to at least one suction rod conveyor. In this regard, the feed devices include at least two ducts that are arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor.

[0010] The arrangement according to the invention renders possible a very fast and effective transport of tobacco, whereby at least two very uniform tobacco rods can be assembled quickly.

[0011] The ducts preferably extend essentially across the entire width of the arrangement. Within the scope of the invention the width of the arrangement is in particular the entire pouring width of the tobacco or the entire width across the flow surfaces before they are divided into further flow surfaces. Moreover, within the scope of this invention the term “essentially the entire width” also covers the entire width. In this regard, a housing, not provided for tobacco distribution or for tobacco rod assembly, which is arranged around the arrangement, is not added to the width. Within the framework of FIG. 4 of German Patent No. DE 32 09 195 C2 (and its U.S. patent family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,767), the entire width would be the entire width across duct 31, including the thickness of wall 36. In other words, the width is the effective width of the arrangement used for tobacco formation. Moreover, the disclosures of German Patent No. DE 32 09 195 C2 and U.S. Patent No. 4,463,767 are expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0012] If the ducts are essentially parallel to one another, particularly uniform tobacco rods can be produced. Within the framework of the invention the ducts are arranged in particular one behind the other, and preferably crosswise to the width. When an operator stands in front of the arrangement and the suction rod conveyors extend from his/her point of view from left to right (and vice versa), the ducts are positioned one behind the other.

[0013] If at least one tobacco sifter is provided, such that the at least one tobacco sifter is arranged before the ducts with regard to the tobacco flow, a tobacco sifting can take place shortly before production of the tobacco supply. In this case, tobacco should preferably be fed that is not sifted or not completely sifted. In particular in the scope of the invention, no tobacco sifter is arranged in the conveying direction of the tobacco behind the ducts, so that uniform tobacco rods can be produced without much transport air being required. The tobacco is preferably taken from at least one common tobacco supply.

[0014] If a charging device is provided to render possible an alternating charging with tobacco of the at least two ducts, a uniform distribution of the tobacco can be realized. Alternatively, essentially a simultaneous filling can take place continuously. However, in such a case, measures need to be taken to realize a uniform filling. For instance a flap, a Y-piece, a belt that moves to and fro and the like are possible as charging devices according to the invention. Further descriptions are provided in the scope of the Figure descriptions. The charging device is preferably driven with a charging frequency greater, preferably substantially greater, than the discharge frequency of the gate. A separation of the tobacco is ensured through this embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention. The charging frequency can be, e.g., ten times as large as the discharge frequency of the ducts or, e.g., only five times as large. The gate is arranged before the pre-distributor and receives the cut tobacco that is conveyed to the cigarette machine pneumatically as a rule, which tobacco has been prepared in the tobacco preparation (primary).

[0015] If at least one first gate is provided between the space provided for the tobacco supply and the ducts, tobacco can be transported to the ducts in a very controlled manner. In this way, in particular the first gate is provided for separating an air flow from the tobacco in order to convey the tobacco onwards in a controlled manner with as little air as possible after a pneumatic sifting of the tobacco, so that not too much air needs to be suctioned off on the way to the suction rod conveyor.

[0016] If at least one second gate is arranged between the space provided for the eliminated tobacco and the ducts, whereby the second gate is provided for portioning the tobacco that arrives in the ducts, a uniform filling of the ducts is possible. The second gate is preferably arranged downstream of the first gate. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, at least one gate is provided that has the function of the at least one first gate and the at least one second gate.

[0017] If an air suctioning is provided in the area of the at least two suction rod conveyors, a particularly uniform rod formation is possible. The air suction ensures that the excess air that is provided for the tobacco flow on the flow surfaces is suctioned off, in so far as the suction rod conveyors and a possibly provided rolling space itself cannot suction off sufficient air. The air suctioning is useful in particular if the tobacco is conveyed to the suction rod conveyors with more air than is suctioned off by the suction rod conveyors. An air suctioning is preferably provided at each of the channel walls facing the flow surface, in particular in the area of each suction rod conveyor.

[0018] A particularly fast and effective conversion of the tobacco into tobacco rods is possible if the at least two flow surfaces are divided into respectively two flow surfaces that lead respectively to one suction rod conveyor so that in total four tobacco rods can be produced at the same time. Alternatively, the conversion of the tobacco into tobacco rods can be carried out more slowly than usual so that the subsequent processing steps are less critical from a time perspective without a loss of productivity.

[0019] If tobacco can be taken from two tobacco supplies and can be fed separately to the at least two ducts, it is possible to produce two tobacco rods simultaneously that are different regarding the type of tobacco, so that with an arrangement for the assembly of at least two tobacco rods two different cigarette brands can be produced in one cigarette rod maker. This thus provides a high degree of variability in cigarette production.

[0020] The present invention is directed to the use of at least two ducts arranged or aligned crosswise to the conveying direction of suction rod conveyors to be one behind the other in order to produce at least two, and preferably four, tobacco rods in one cigarette rod maker. If at least two different types of tobacco can be processed simultaneously to make tobacco rods, a high variability of the cigarette production is possible. Furthermore, the instant invention is directed to a corresponding cigarette rod maker that includes at least one of the arrangements according to the invention.

[0021] Finally, a cigarette rod maker of the instant invention includes an arrangement for assembling at least three, preferably 2m, tobacco rods, in which “m” is a natural number greater than 1. Through the cigarette rod maker according to the invention, it is possible to produce several tobacco rods, i.e., at least three tobacco rods, very quickly, so that the production of cigarettes can be carried out even more quickly than has hitherto been possible. Preferably “n” ducts are provided. In a preferred embodiment of the cigarette rod maker according to the invention, at least one of the above-described arrangements according to the invention is provided.

[0022] Moreover, according to the invention, a cigarette rod maker with 2n ducts and the same or twice the number of suction rods is provided to produce respectively n or 2n tobacco rods of different types of tobacco. In this regard, “n” is a natural number (i.e., a whole number of 1 or greater). Through the cigarette rod maker according to the invention, it is possible to simultaneously process several types of tobacco into cigarette rods in the cigarette rod maker and to subsequently produce cigarettes from them so that two or more different cigarette brands can be produced at the same time.

[0023] The invention is further attained through a process to assemble at least two tobacco rods from a single tobacco supply, such that at least two ducts are charged in particular directly with tobacco from the tobacco supply. In this manner, the tobacco is conveyed from the at least two ducts onto respectively at least one flow surface and is subsequently fed to at least two suction rod conveyors. The ducts are arranged or aligned crosswise to the conveying direction of the suction rod conveyors. The process according to the invention renders possible a uniform and fast tobacco rod formation.

[0024] Preferably, if the at least two ducts are filled alternately, a separation of the tobacco is counteracted. In this way, a filling of the ducts takes place in portions, so that a plurality of portions is necessary to provide a complete filling. In a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention the frequency of the filling of the ducts is greater, in particular substantially greater, than the discharge frequency of the tobacco gate.

[0025] If filling the ducts and conveying onto the respectively at least one flow surface is provided across essentially the entire width of a distributor unit for distributing tobacco on at least two suction rod conveyors, a particularly effective and fast formation of tobacco rods is possible.

[0026] The tobacco is preferably sifted beforehand so that as little transport air as possible needs to be used to form the tobacco rods. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, three, four or more tobacco rods are produced in particular simultaneously. If twice as many tobacco rods are produced as ducts are provided, in particular the flow surfaces are divided in terms of their width into respectively two further flow surfaces of equal width in order to obtain a uniform distribution of tobacco fibers and tobacco rod, as in German Patent No. DE 36 19 579 C2 or European Patent Application No. EP 1 174 046 A2. Moreover, in addition to the above incorporation of German Patent No. DE 36 19 579 C2, the disclosure of European Patent Application No. EP 1 174 046 A2 is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Thus, in accordance with the instant invention, the simultaneous production of not just two tobacco rods is possible, but also four or more.

[0027] If a separation of transport air and tobacco occurs between the tobacco supply and the at least two ducts, a good result regarding the uniform formation of the tobacco rods can be achieved during the subsequent formation of the tobacco rods with as little air suctioning-off as possible.

[0028] The tobacco is preferably fed to the ducts in portions. Furthermore preferably in the area of the flow surfaces and/or in the area of the suction rod conveyors in particular further air is suctioned off.

[0029] The present invention is directed to an arrangement for assembling at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker. The arrangement includes at least two flow surfaces and feed devices structured and arranged to convey tobacco on the at least two flow surfaces. Each of the at least two flow surfaces are structured and arranged to guide the tobacco from the feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively, and the feed devices include at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor.

[0030] According to a feature of the invention, the arrangement has a width extending crosswise to a machine direction, and the at least two ducts may be arranged to extend essentially across an entirety of the width.

[0031] In accordance with another feature of the instant invention, the at least two ducts can be arranged essentially parallel to one another.

[0032] The arrangement can further include at least one tobacco sifter. The at least one tobacco sifter may be arranged before the at least two ducts with respect to the tobacco flow.

[0033] Further, the arrangement can also include at least one common tobacco supply, so that tobacco for the arrangement is supplied from the at least one common tobacco supply.

[0034] According to another feature of the present invention, the arrangement can also include a charging device structured and arranged to alternatingly charge the at least two ducts with tobacco. Moreover, at least one first gate can be located between a space provided for the tobacco supply and the at least two ducts. The first gate may be structured and arranged to separate an air flow from the tobacco. Further, at least one second gate can be positioned between a space provided for the tobacco separated from the air flow and the at least two ducts, so that the second gate may be structured and arranged to portion the tobacco forwarded to the at least two ducts. The second gate can be arranged downstream of the first gate.

[0035] According to still another feature of the invention, at least one gate can be provided between a space for receiving a tobacco supply and the at least two ducts. The at least one gate may be structured and arranged to separate excess air from the tobacco and to portion the tobacco forwarded to the at least two ducts.

[0036] The arrangement can further include at least one air suctioning-off element located in an area of the at least two suction rod conveyors. The at least one air suctioning-off element can be provided, with respect to a flow direction, in front of each suction rod conveyor.

[0037] According to a further feature of the present invention, each of the at least two flow surfaces can be divided into first and second flow surfaces structured and arranged to guide the tobacco from the feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively.

[0038] In accordance with a still further feature of the instant invention, the arrangement can also include two tobacco supplies, so that tobacco from the two tobacco supplies may be fed separately to the at least two ducts.

[0039] Moreover, the tobacco to be conveyed on the at least two flow surfaces is at least one of measured and sifted tobacco.

[0040] The invention is also directed to a cigarette rod maker that includes at least one of the above-described arrangements.

[0041] The cigarette rod maker can include two of the above-described arrangements. Further, the two arrangement can be structured and arranged to simultaneously produce four cigarette rods.

[0042] Moreover, the at least one arrangement can be structured and arranged to simultaneously produce at least two cigarette rods.

[0043] The present invention is directed to a process for producing tobacco rods in a cigarette maker having a suction rod conveyor extending in a conveying direction. The process includes guiding tobacco through at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to the conveying direction and simultaneously producing at least two tobacco rods in the cigarette rod maker.

[0044] According to a feature of the invention, four tobacco rods can be simultaneously produced in the cigarette rod maker.

[0045] The present invention is directed to a cigarette rod maker that includes an arrangement structured and arranged to simultaneously assemble at least three tobacco rods.

[0046] In accordance with a feature of the invention, the arrangement can be structured and arranged to simultaneously assemble 2m tobacco rods, in which m is a natural number greater than one. Further, the arrangement comprises m ducts. Still further, suction rod conveyors can be arranged in a conveying direction to guide the tobacco rods and the m ducts may be aligned in a direction crosswise to the conveying direction.

[0047] According to still another feature of the present invention, the arrangement may include at least two flow surfaces and feed devices structured and arranged to convey at least one of measured and sifted tobacco on the at least two flow surfaces. Each of the at least two flow surfaces can be structured and arranged to guide the at least one of measured and sifted tobacco from the feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively, and the feed devices may include at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor. Moreover, the cigarette rod maker can include a second arrangement including at least two second flow surfaces and second feed devices structured and arranged to convey at least one of measured and sifted tobacco on the at least two flow surfaces. Each of the at least two second flow surfaces can be structured and arranged to guide the at least one of measured and sifted tobacco from the second feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively, and the second feed devices may include at least two second ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor.

[0048] The present invention is directed to a cigarette rod maker that includes a quantity of ducts corresponding to a number 2n, wherein n represents a natural number, and a quantity of suction rods corresponding to one of a same or twice the quantity of ducts. The quantity of ducts and the quantity of suction rods are arranged to produce one of n or 2n tobacco rods of different tobacco types.

[0049] The present invention is directed to a process for assembling at least two tobacco rods from a single tobacco supply. The process includes charging at least two ducts with the tobacco from the single tobacco supply, conveying the tobacco from each of the at least two ducts onto at least one flow surface, respectively, and feeding the tobacco to at least two suction rod conveyors. The at least two ducts are aligned crosswise to a conveying direction of the at least two suction rod conveyors.

[0050] In accordance with a feature of the invention, the process can further include alternately filling the at least two ducts. The filling of the ducts and the conveying on the at least one respective flow surface can occur essentially over an entire width of a distributor device arranged to distribute tobacco on the at least two suction rod conveyors.

[0051] According to another feature of the instant invention, the process may also include sifting the tobacco before charging the at least two ducts.

[0052] Further, in accordance with the process of the instant invention, at least three tobacco rods are produced, and preferably, at least four tobacco rods are produced.

[0053] In accordance with still another feature, a number of tobacco rods produced can be twice the number of ducts.

[0054] The process can further include separating transport air and tobacco between the tobacco supply and the at least two ducts.

[0055] Moreover, the process provides that the tobacco is fed to the at least two ducts in portions.

[0056] The process further includes suctioning air off in an area of at least one of the respective flow surfaces and the at least two suction rod conveyors.

[0057] The present invention is directed to an apparatus coupled to a rod assembly unit having a plurality of suction rod conveyors in a machine for producing tobacco rods. The apparatus includes at least a first and second duct arranged parallel to each other and aligned in a machine direction, the first and second ducts being arranged to receive a tobacco supply, at least one first flow surface arranged to guide the tobacco supply from the first duct to the rod assembly unit, and at least one second flow surface arranged to guide the tobacco supply from the second duct to the rod assembly unit.

[0058] According to a feature of the invention, the at least one first flow surface can include two separate flow surfaces and the at least one second flow surface can include two additional separate flow surfaces. The two separate flow surfaces and the two additional separate flow surfaces may be arranged to guide their the tobacco supplies from their respective ducts to separate ones of the plurality of suction rod conveyors of the rod assembly unit.

[0059] In accordance with a further feature, a first removal roll can be positioned between the first duct and the at least one first flow surface and a second removal roll can be positioned between the second duct and the at least one second flow surface. Moreover, first and second beater rolls can be respectively coupled to the first and second removal rolls. The first and second ducts can include exit ends respectively positioned adjacent the first and second removal rolls. Still further, first and second vibration elements can be respectively arranged at the exit ends of the first and second ducts.

[0060] According to another feature of the instant invention, a sifter device may be arranged upstream of the first and second ducts, with respect to the machine direction, such that the first and second ducts receive a sifted tobacco supply. The sifter device can include a zigzag sifter. Further, an air circulating system may be arranged to guide tobacco to be sifted through the sifter device. The air circulating system can include a cross-flow blower and a tobacco/air separator. The tobacco/air separator may be arranged to remove air from the air circulating system from the sifted tobacco.

[0061] Moreover, the apparatus can include a device, positioned upstream of the first and second ducts, with respect to the machine direction, for portioning the tobacco to be supplied to the first and second ducts. The device for portioning may include an impeller wheel. Further, the apparatus can include a device, positioned upstream of the first and second ducts, with respect to the machine direction, for removing air from the tobacco to be supplied to the first and second ducts. The device for removing air can include a bucket wheel gate. The device for removing air can be positioned upstream of the device for portioning.

[0062] In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the apparatus can include a distributor to alternatingly feed the tobacco supply to the first and second ducts. The distributor may include at least one pivotably mounted flap arranged to alternatingly cover openings to the first and second ducts. The flap can be pivotably mounted at a junction point between the first and second ducts. Further, the first and second ducts can be arranged so that, in a first position, the flap allows the tobacco supply to fall into the first duct and, in a second position, the flap feeds the tobacco supply into the second duct. The distributor can further include a bucket wheel gate positioned upstream from the flap that is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco supply fed to the first and second ducts. Still further, the at least one flap may include a first and second flap pivotably mounted such that, when feeding the first duct, the second flap is pivoted to cover the opening to the second duct and, when feeding the second duct, the first flap is pivoted to cover the opening to the first duct. The first and second flaps can be pivotably mounted parallel to each other to move parallel to each other. Further, a junction point between the first and second ducts can be pivotably mounted to alternatingly increase a size of the openings to the first and second ducts during the respective feeding of the tobacco supply. The distributor can further include a bucket wheel gate positioned upstream from the sliding element that is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco supply fed to the first and second ducts. Moreover, the distributor can include a circulating belt structured and arranged for bi-directional rotation. The distributor may further include at least two reels around which the circulating belt is rotated, the at least two reels can be positioned in a region above openings to the first and second ducts. Further still, the distributor can include a Y-distributor pivotably mounted at a junction between the first and second ducts. Also, a gate can be positioned upstream from the Y-distributor that is structured and arranged to seal air and to portion the tobacco supply fed to the first and second ducts. Still further, the distributor may include one of a vibration element or a reel located at a junction between the first and second ducts. The distributor can be a reel mounted for bi-directional rotation so that rotation in a first direction feeds the tobacco supply to the first duct and rotation in a second direction feeds the tobacco supply to the second duct. Moreover, the distributor can include a sliding element structured and arranged to alternatingly slide over openings to the first and second ducts. The distributor can further include a bucket wheel gate positioned upstream from the sliding element that is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco supply fed to the first and second ducts. Yet again, the distributor can include a first and second conveyor belt, in which each the first and second conveyor belt includes sliding elements. The sliding elements for feeding the tobacco supply to the first duct can be arranged over the second duct and the sliding elements for feeding the tobacco supply to the second duct can be arranged over the first duct. Further still, magnetic strips can be located downstream from the distributor structured and arranged to remove metallic particles from the tobacco supply. At least one magnetic strip can be located in a region of the openings to the first and second ducts.

[0063] According to still another feature of the invention, the first and second flow surfaces can include respective first and second bifurcations so that the first flow surface is divided into third and fourth flow surfaces and the second flow surface is divided into fifth and sixth flow surfaces. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth flow channels may be arranged to guide the tobacco supply to separate suction rod conveyors.

[0064] In accordance with a further feature of the instant invention, the first and second ducts can be coupled to a common tobacco reservoir.

[0065] According to a still further feature, first and second tobacco reservoirs can be respectively coupled to the first and second ducts. Further, first and second sifting devices may be respectively coupled between the first and second ducts and the first and second tobacco reservoirs. Still further, first and second circulating air systems can be respectively associated with the first and second sifting devices. The sifting device may include zigzag sifters.

[0066] The apparatus can be utilized in combination with the suction rod conveyors. The suction rod conveyors can be arranged to convey tobacco rods in a direction crosswise to the machine direction such that the first and second ducts are aligned crosswise to the conveying direction of the suction rod conveyors.

[0067] In accordance with still yet another feature of the instant invention, first and second air supplies can be respectively coupled to the first and second flow surfaces to move the tobacco over the first and second flow surfaces in a direction toward the rod assembly unit.

[0068] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

[0070] FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates a sectional view of another embodiment of the arrangement in accordance with the invention;

[0072] FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates a sectional view of still: another embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

[0073] FIGS. 4-12 diagrammatically illustrate sectional views of various distributors in accordance with the instant invention;

[0074] FIG. 13 diagrammatically illustrates a partial sectional view of a variant of the distributor depicted in FIG. 12;

[0075] FIG. 14 diagrammatically illustrates a partial sectional view of another variant of the distributor depicted in FIG. 12;

[0076] FIG. 15 diagrammatically illustrates another embodiment of the arrangement in accordance with the instant invention; and

[0077] FIG. 16 diagrammatically illustrates yet another embodiment of the arrangement in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0078] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

[0079] FIG. 1 shows an arrangement according to the invention for assembling two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker. It is noted that, in this regard, the diagrammatic representation of FIG. 1 shows only those elements of a tobacco distributor necessary to describe the invention.

[0080] Tobacco is fed from a pneumatic gate 11 to a pre-distributor 10 provided with rotary rakes 12 and 13. Pre-distributor 10 opens into a tobacco reservoir 16 to which a steep conveyor 17 is assigned on the discharge side. Steep conveyor 17 interacts with a paddle roll 18 combing the tobacco and with a separating roll 21 deflecting tobacco into a feed duct 19 leading downwards. Feed duct 19 is limited by a boundary plate 20 and opens laterally into a section of a sifting device in the form of a zigzag sifter 22 arranged vertically.

[0081] Zigzag sifter 22 is part of a circulating air system 24 driven by a cross-flow blower 23. A circulating air bender is provided downstream of cross-flow blower 23 with respect to the flow direction of circulating air system 24. The air bender changes in the area of its outer radius into a bypass branching off from the circulating air system 24 and changes in the area of its inner radius into a surplus flow channel into which a tobacco surplus transport device opens in the form of a screw conveyor and a bucket wheel. While the details of the bender are not shown in FIG. 1, they can be found in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 of German Patent Application No. DE 101 54 807.9 (and its patent family member European Patent Application No. EP 1 285 592), which have been incorporated by reference into the instant disclosure.

[0082] Furthermore, a tobacco/air separator 26, embodied or formed as a Coanda separator, is integrated into circulating air system 24 of the sifter circuit, and a separator edge 36 is arranged so that one side of separator edge 36 is connected to a suction side of cross-flow blower 23, and the other side of separator edge 36 is connected to an opening into a bucket wheel gate 37 arranged above two ducts 40 and 40′.

[0083] Ducts 40 and 40′ are arranged essentially vertically and end in duct outlets adjacent removal rolls 42 and 42′, which are arranged to interact with deflection (beater) rolls 41 and 41′. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, the duct outlets can be embodied or formed as vibrating duct outlets with corresponding vibrating elements 60 and 60′, at their lower ends. An impeller wheel 38 is provided for portioning the tobacco between bucket wheel gate 37 and ducts 40 and 40′. Further, via a distributor element 39, ducts 40 and 40′ can be alternately filled with the portioned tobacco.

[0084] Bucket wheel gate 37 is used to separate transport air, due to circulating air system 24, from the tobacco conveyed from a tobacco separator space 81, which is located above bucket wheel gate 37. Further, it is noted that bucket wheel gate 37 and impeller wheel 38 are structured and arranged to form two gates. In contrast, the exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate variants in which only one gate 35 (FIG. 6) or one gate in the form of an impeller wheel 38 (FIG. 2) is provided. In the case of FIG. 6, single gate 35 can perform the functions of bucket wheel gate 37 and impeller wheel 38, i.e., the separation of air and tobacco and the portioning of tobacco. In the case of FIG. 2, a separation of the transport air from the tobacco is not necessary, since, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, a sifting either does not occur or occurs before steep conveyor 17.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 1, below removal rolls 42 and 42′, respective guiding channels are visible that are limited by guide surfaces that change into respective single-lane flow surfaces 44 and 44′ of flow channels. At the beginning, the flow channels lie one above the other. By air blast feeds 43 and 43′, air flow is produced to closely abut flow surfaces 44 and 44′ so as to transport tobacco over flow surfaces 44 and 44′ (or through the flow channels). Flow surfaces 44 and 44′ are arranged to lead upwards and to discharge below a rod assembly unit of a double rod maker. By way of example, in FIG. 1, two suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′ are depicted and, in FIGS. 2 and 3, a rod assembly unit 51 featuring a corresponding number (albeit not shown) of suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′ is depicted. The suction rod conveyors are constructed in accordance with DE 36 19 579 C2, and the tobacco fill flows leading upward arrive at two suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, which are arranged parallel to one another and include permeable conveyor belts running in perforated bases of tobacco channels so that the conveyor belt (and the tobacco supplied onto it) is acted on by a suction effect from a vacuum chamber. Moreover, before suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′, surplus transport air, i.e., from air flow 43 and 43′, is suctioned off by air suctioning elements 30 and 30′.

[0086] Tobacco/air separator 26 is arranged around a pipe body 48. Moreover, a machine direction, depicted by arrow 49, shows the general path of movement of the tobacco within the machine from pre-distributor 10 and 10′ to suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′. Moreover, it is noted that the width of the machine is crosswise to machine direction 49, i.e., perpendicular to the page. For further clarification on the machine width, reference is made to FIG. 3 of incorporated documents DE 36 19 579 C2 (and its U.S. patent family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,138) and FIG. 4 of incorporated documents DE 32 09 195 C2 (and its U.S. patent family member U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,767).

[0087] Zigzag sifter 22 is equipped with a screw 47 positioned to transport the eliminated sifter material, such as tobacco ribs, away. Other elements, such as a post-sifter, can be additionally provided, e.g., as described in German Patent Application No. DE 101 54 807.9.

[0088] The mode of operation of the sifter system preparing the assembly of a fleece-like tobacco flow transferred to a rod formation path and integrated into the distributor of a cigarette rod maker is as follows:

[0089] The tobacco goes via gate 11 and pre-distributor 10 into tobacco reservoir 16 and onto steep conveyor 17, equipped with steep conveyor combs to comb tobacco from tobacco reservoir 16. Steep conveyor 17 then charges the sifter system with a continuous flow of tobacco. In order to achieve a uniform covering of steep conveyor 17, surplus tobacco is scraped off by paddle roll 18. By monitoring the rotational speed of steep conveyor 17, a machine dead halt can be triggered at reduced rated speed to, e.g., prevent damage by foreign bodies.

[0090] The tobacco lying on steep conveyor 17 reaches the effective area of separating roll 21, which transfers the tobacco by coarse pre-separation into zigzag sifter 22 in an accelerated manner. The rotational speed of separating roll 21 is adjusted with regard to a compromise between tobacco destruction and necessary separation, preferably in a range between 800 and 900 revolutions per minute (rpm).

[0091] As a result of the characteristic form of zigzag sifter 22, light tobacco fibers of the tobacco flow are transported upwards, as well as set in motion crosswise to the main flow. Since the flow profile is markedly inhomogeneous, areas result with high and low air speed, which set the tobacco fibers in a circulating motion, i.e., so called “induced resistances.” In this way, the ribs contained in the tobacco flow are eliminated and are moved downward by gravity, and the light tobacco fibers are repeatedly transported upwards step by step in the zigzag sifter 22. This process takes place at each sifter step embodied or formed as serration.

[0092] The rib material falling out of zigzag sifter 22 can be blown with the aid of sifter air tapped from the circulating air system through a post-sifter, through which lighter tobacco particles still adhering to the ribs are transported back into the main air flow. The tobacco ribs are then removed by a gate in a known manner, whereby reference is again made in particular to German Patent Application No. DE 101 54 807.9.

[0093] The sifted tobacco flow reaches tobacco/air separator 26 such that the separation of tobacco and air takes place by centrifugal force and the Coanda effect. In this manner, the tobacco fibers are moved by centrifugal force along the outer geometry in the form of a curved outer side of separator 26 and the air spreads against the inner radius of the geometry in the form of a cylindrical surface of pipe body 48 due to the Coanda effect. The final separation of air and tobacco takes place at separator edge 36, so that the air separated from the tobacco is fed back to cross-flow blower 23, which provides a uniform flow profile or a homogeneous speed distribution across the width (perpendicular to the drawing plane) of the distributor.

[0094] The tobacco separated in tobacco/air separator 26 is removed from the sifter system by bucket wheel gate 37 and, via impeller wheel 38, portioned tobacco quantities arrive at ducts 40 and 40′ through distributor element 39. In this regard, the position of distributor element 39 shown in FIG. 1 conveys the tobacco portion to duct 40′, i.e., on the right-hand side, and the position of distributor element 39 shown as a dotted line in FIG. 1 conveys the tobacco portion to duct 40, i.e., on the left-hand side. In the arrangement itself, ducts 40 and 40′ are arranged one behind the other and extend across an entire width of the arrangement, i.e., perpendicular to the drawing plane.

[0095] The tobacco is transferred in finely separated form from ducts 40 and 40′ by removal rolls 42 and 42′ and beater rolls 41 and 41′ via a guide surface to flow surfaces 44 and 44′, which are embodied or formed as nozzle troughs. Corresponding air blast feeds 43 and 43′, as well as additional air blast feeds (as described in, e.g., German Patent No. DE 101 54 807.9 or European Patent Application No. EP 1 174 046 A2), can be used to achieve an excellent separation of tobacco fibers.

[0096] Maintaining an ideal pressure in the form of a slight vacuum close to 0 mb in a known manner, a close sitting tobacco fluidized bed flow is produced to the tobacco assembly unit 51 (FIG. 2) or, as shown in FIG. 1, to suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′, such that a tobacco fluidized bed flow across the entire width of the arrangement is achieved. Preferably, regulator units for adjusting and maintaining optimal flow conditions and pressure conditions are also provided, so that air suction elements 30 and 30′ (as depicted in FIG. 1) are arranged shortly before suction rod conveyors 50 and 50′ in order to suction off surplus air.

[0097] Suction rod conveyors convey tobacco, which is not shown, in direction 91, i.e., into the drawing plane of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

[0098] Through the assembly of tobacco rods across the entire width of the arrangement according to the invention, a very homogenous and very fast tobacco rod formation can occur. Moreover, preferably two ducts are used that are embodied or formed across the entire width of the arrangement, so that a uniform and fast rod formation is possible.

[0099] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, in which no sifter is provided. By this embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, unsifted tobacco, such as, e.g., kretek, can be assembled into tobacco rods or tobacco sifted beforehand can be further processed. Steep conveyor 17 conveys, in a known manner, tobacco into a drop duct 52, to which impeller wheel 38 is connected for portioning the tobacco. The portioned tobacco is fed to distributor element 39 to alternately convey the tobacco into the ducts 40 and 40′, which are arranged one behind the other. In this exemplary embodiment, vibration elements 60 and 60′ are provided in the lower area of ducts 40 and 40′ in order to uniformly release tobacco from ducts 40 and 40′. The other elements correspond to those depicted in FIG. 1.

[0100] In FIG. 3, an embodiment according to the invention is provided in which, flow surfaces 44 and 44′ are divided, in a per se known manner into respective flow surfaces 441 and 442 and 441′ and 442′ so that four tobacco rods can be simultaneously produced. This division of the tobacco flows from one flow surface to two flow surfaces is known from, e.g., German Patent No. DE 36 19 579 C2, German Patent Application No. DE 101 54 807.9, and European Patent Application No. EP 1 174 046 A2.

[0101] FIGS. 4 through 7 show different embodiments of distributor element 39. According to FIG. 4, the tobacco fibers arriving in portions, e.g., from impeller wheel 38, into drop duct 70 are fed to ducts 40 and 40′ via two flaps 71 and 71′. Flaps 71 and 71′ are pivoted about rotating elements and are moved parallel with respect to one another, so that the movement direction is indicated by the double arrows.

[0102] So that no tobacco fibers remain on the point forming between the ducts, a loose edge 72 is formed that renders possible a rotation about a rotational axis 73 in accordance with the double arrow, whereby, through a cut 74, a separation of loose edge 72 from the walls bordering ducts 40 and 40′ is rendered possible.

[0103] FIG. 5 shows a distributor element formed by a transport belt 75 deflected around reels 76 and 76′. Transport belt 75 is moved to and fro in order to correspondingly distribute the tobacco arriving from drop duct 70 into ducts 40 and 40′.

[0104] The distributor element according to FIG. 6 is a Y-distributor 78 that can be rotated from the depicted position, in which an opening to duct 40 is provided, into a position in which an opening to duct 40′ is provided. In this exemplary embodiment, a gate 35 provides a sealing to air and a portioning of tobacco.

[0105] According to FIG. 7, a vibration element 77 or a reel 77 is utilized, which prevents tobacco fibers from sticking to an edge formed by the boundary walls of ducts 40 and 40′, so that clogging is counteracted at this point.

[0106] According to FIG. 8, magnetic strips 90 and 90′ are attached in the distributor element in front of ducts 40 and 40′. Magnetic strips 90 and 90′ are used to detach metallic particles from the tobacco and are normally arranged above the duct. Due to the smaller tobacco flow, in this exemplary embodiment, there is a better degree of detachment of magnetic particles. Furthermore, a flap 71 is positioned to divide the tobacco flow.

[0107] FIG. 9 shows a further variant of the distributor element that includes a bucket wheel gate 37 and a closing element 82 and 82′. In position 82, duct 40′ is covered and, in position 82′, duct 40 is covered. The advantage of this device is a simple construction and the fact that the tobacco is not destroyed by closing element 82 or 82′. Closing element 82 or 82′ is arranged on a sliding strip (not shown), and a drive of bucket wheel gate 37 can be coupled to the sliding strip. By way of example, the drive can be a belt drive with an eccentric for the sliding strip.

[0108] FIGS. 10 and 11 show further variants of the distributor element, in which two flaps 71 or 71′ are utilized in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10, and one flap 71 is utilized in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11.

[0109] Finally, a further variant of the distributor element is shown in FIG. 12, in which a belt gate 83 is composed of two conveyor belts 84 and 84′ and sliding elements 85. Sliding elements 85 of each conveyor belt 84 and 84′ are moved in a direction of their respective arrows. By acting on tobacco falling in belt gate 83 with a force through sliding elements 85, sliding elements 85 of conveyor belts 84 and 84′ thus convey tobacco alternately into ducts 40 and 40′. If a type of paddle 86 or 87 is used as sliding elements 85, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the distribution of the tobacco is more precise.

[0110] FIG. 15 shows a section of a further embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, which is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3. The tobacco from flow surfaces 44 and 44′ is distributed onto four suction rod conveyors (not shown) in rod assembly unit 51 via a bifurcation 88 or 88′ which are also embodied or formed across the entire width of flow surfaces 44 or 44′. This variant can be achieved in simple constructive terms.

[0111] FIG. 16 shows a diagrammatic representation of a particularly preferred arrangement according to the invention. The difference from, e.g., FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is that tobacco can be fed separately from two supplies 80 and 80′ to ducts 40 and 40′. This provides the advantage that different cigarette brands or cigarette rods of different tobacco can be produced on one cigarette rod maker or in an arrangement of the type according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 16, these are respectively two rods of different types of tobacco. The features of the device for feeding tobacco from tobacco gate 11 or 11′ and pre-distributor 10 or 10′ to ducts 40 and 40′ correspond to those features of FIG. 1, in which elements of the second device for conveying and pre-distributing tobacco from FIG. 16 are marked the same reference numeral and a prime “′”. In this respect, reference is made to the description of FIG. 1 in its entirety. Finally, regarding the division of the flow surfaces 44 and 44′ into the flow surfaces 441, 441′, 442 and 442′, reference is made to the Figure description of FIG. 3 in its entirety.

[0112] The flow surfaces 44 and 44′ are preferably arranged essentially parallel in the embodiments.

[0113] It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0114] List of Reference Numbers

10	10′	Pre-distributor
11	11′	Tobacco gate
12	12′	Rotary rake
13	13′	Rotary rake
16	16′	Tobacco reservoir
17	17′	Steep conveyor
18	18′	Paddle roll
19	19′	Feed duct
20	20′	Boundary plate
21	21′	Separating roll
22	22′	Zigzag sifter
23	23′	Cross-flow blower
24		Circulating air system
26	26′	Tobacco/air separator
30	30′	Air suctioning-off element
35		Gate
36		Cutting edge
37	37′	Bucket wheel gate
38		Impeller wheel
39		Distributor element
40	40′	Duct
41	41′	Deflection roll
42	42′	Removal roll
43	43′	Air flow
44	44′	Flow surface
441	441′	442, 442′ Flow surface
47		Screw
48		Pipe body
49		Machine direction
50	50′	Suction rod conveyor
51		Rod assembly unit
52		Drop duct
60	60′	Vibration element
70		Drop duct
71	71′	Flap
72		Loose edge
73		Rotational axis
74		Cut
75		Transport belt
76	76′	Reel
77		Vibration element or reel
78		Y-distributor
80		Tobacco supply
81	81′	Tobacco separation area
82	82′	Closing element
83		Belt gate
84	84′	Conveyor belt
85		Sliding element
86		Sliding element
87		Sliding element
88	88′	Bifurcation
90	90′	Magnetic strip
91		Conveying direction

Claims

1. An arrangement for assembling at least two tobacco rods in a cigarette rod maker, comprising: at least two flow surfaces; feed devices structured and arranged to convey tobacco on said at least two flow surfaces; each of said at least two flow surfaces being structured and arranged to guide the tobacco from said feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively; and said feed devices comprising at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor.

2. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein said arrangement has a width extending crosswise to a machine direction, and said at least two ducts are arranged to extend essentially across an entirety of said width.

3. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein said at least two ducts are arranged essentially parallel to one another.

4. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one tobacco sifter, wherein said at least one tobacco sifter is arranged before said at least two ducts with respect to the tobacco flow.

5. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one common tobacco supply, wherein tobacco for said arrangement is supplied from said at least one common tobacco supply.

6. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a charging device, wherein said charging device is structured and arranged to alternatingly charge said at least two ducts with tobacco.

7. The arrangement in accordance with claim 5, further comprising at least one first gate located between a space provided for the tobacco supply and said at least two ducts.

8. The arrangement in accordance with claim 7, wherein said first gate is structured and arranged to separate an air flow from the tobacco.

9. The arrangement in accordance with claim 7, further comprising at least one second gate positioned between a space provided for the tobacco separated from the air flow and said at least two ducts, wherein said second gate is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco forwarded to said at least two ducts.

10. The arrangement in accordance with claim 9, wherein said second gate is arranged downstream of said first gate.

11. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one gate provided between a space for receiving a tobacco supply and said at least two ducts, wherein said at least one gate is structured and arranged to separate excess air from the tobacco and to portion the tobacco forwarded to said at least two ducts.

12. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one air suctioning-off element located in an area of the at least two suction rod conveyors.

13. The arrangement in accordance with claim 12, wherein said at least one air suctioning-off element is provided, with respect to a flow direction, in front of each suction rod conveyor.

14. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said at least two flow surfaces are divided into first and second flow surfaces structured and arranged to guide tobacco from said feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively.

15. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, further comprising two tobacco supplies, wherein tobacco from said two tobacco supplies are fed separately to said at least two ducts.

16. The arrangement in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tobacco to be conveyed on said at least two flow surfaces is at least one of measured and sifted tobacco.

17. A cigarette rod maker comprising at least one arrangement in accordance with claim 1.

18. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 17, wherein said at least one arrangement comprises two arrangements.

19. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 18, wherein said two arrangements are structured and arranged to simultaneously produce four cigarette rods.

20. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 17, wherein said at least one arrangement is structured and arranged to simultaneously produce at least two cigarette rods.

21. A process for producing tobacco rods in a cigarette maker having a suction rod conveyor extending in a conveying direction, said process comprising: guiding tobacco through at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to the conveying direction; and simultaneously producing at least two tobacco rods in the cigarette rod maker.

22. The process in accordance with claim 21, wherein four tobacco rods are simultaneously produced in the cigarette rod maker.

23. A cigarette rod maker comprising: an arrangement structured and arranged to simultaneously assemble at least three tobacco rods.

24. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 23, wherein said arrangement is structured and arranged to simultaneously assemble 2m tobacco rods, in which m is a natural number greater than one.

25. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 24, wherein said arrangement comprises m ducts.

26. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 25, further comprising suction rod conveyors arranged in a conveying direction to guide the tobacco rods; and said m ducts being aligned in a direction crosswise to the conveying direction.

27. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 23, wherein said arrangement comprises: at least two flow surfaces; feed devices structured and arranged to convey at least one of measured and sifted tobacco on said at least two flow surfaces; each of said at least two flow surfaces being structured and arranged to guide the at least one of measured and sifted tobacco from said feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively; and said feed devices comprising at least two ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor.

28. The cigarette rod maker in accordance with claim 27, further comprising a second arrangement comprising: at least two second flow surfaces; second feed devices structured and arranged to convey at least one of measured and sifted tobacco on said at least two flow surfaces; each of said at least two second flow surfaces being structured and arranged to guide the at least one of measured and sifted tobacco from said second feed devices to at least one suction rod conveyor, respectively; and said second feed devices comprising at least two second ducts arranged one behind the other crosswise to a conveying direction of the suction rod conveyor.

29. A cigarette rod maker comprising: a quantity of ducts corresponding to a number 2n, wherein n represents a natural number; a quantity of suction rods corresponding to one of a same or twice the quantity of ducts; and said quantity of ducts and said quantity of suction rods being arranged to produce one of n or 2n tobacco rods of different tobacco types.

30. A process for assembling at least two tobacco rods from a single tobacco supply, said process comprising: charging at least two ducts with the tobacco from the single tobacco supply; conveying the tobacco from each of the at least two ducts onto at least one flow surface, respectively; feeding the tobacco to at least two suction rod conveyors, wherein the at least two ducts are aligned crosswise to a conveying direction of the at least two suction rod conveyors.

31. The process in accordance with claim 30, further comprising alternately filling the at least two ducts.

32. The process in accordance with claim 30, wherein the filling of the ducts and the conveying on the at least one respective flow surface occurs essentially over an entire width of a distributor device arranged to distribute tobacco on the at least two suction rod conveyors.

33. The process in accordance with claim 30, further comprising sifting the tobacco before charging the at least two ducts.

34. The process in accordance with claim 30, wherein at least three tobacco rods are produced.

35. The process in accordance with claim 34, wherein at least four tobacco rods are produced.

36. The process in accordance with claim 30, wherein a number of tobacco rods produced is twice the number of ducts.

37. The process in accordance with claim 30, further comprising separating transport air and tobacco between the tobacco supply and the at least two ducts.

38. The process in accordance with claim 30, wherein the tobacco is fed to the at least two ducts in portions.

39. The process in accordance with claim 30, further comprising suctioning air off in an area of at least one of the respective flow surfaces and the at least two suction rod conveyors.

40. An apparatus coupled to a rod assembly unit having a plurality of suction rod conveyors in a machine for producing tobacco rods, comprising: at least a first and second duct arranged parallel to each other and aligned in a machine direction, said first and second ducts being arranged to receive a tobacco supply; at least one first flow surface arranged to guide the tobacco supply from said first duct to the rod assembly unit; and at least one second flow surface arranged to guide the tobacco supply from said second duct to the rod assembly unit.

41. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, wherein said at least one first flow surface comprises two separate flow surfaces and said at least one second flow surface comprises two additional separate flow surfaces, and wherein said two separate flow surfaces and said two additional separate flow surfaces are arranged to guide their the tobacco supplies from their respective ducts to separate ones of the plurality of suction rod conveyors of the rod assembly unit.

42. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising a first removal roll positioned between said first duct and said at least one first flow surface and a second removal roll positioned between said second duct and said at least one second flow surface.

43. The apparatus in accordance with claim 42, further comprising first and second beater rolls respectively coupled to said first and second removal rolls.

44. The apparatus in accordance with claim 42, wherein said first and second ducts comprise exit ends respectively positioned adjacent said first and second removal rolls.

45. The apparatus in accordance with claim 42, further comprising first and second vibration elements respectively arranged at said exit ends of said first and second ducts.

46. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising a sifter device arranged upstream of said first and second ducts, with respect to the machine direction, such that said first and second ducts receive a sifted tobacco supply.

47. The apparatus in accordance with claim 46, wherein said sifter device comprises a zigzag sifter.

48. The apparatus in accordance with claim 46, further comprising an air circulating system arranged to guide tobacco to be sifted through said sifter device, said air circulating system comprising a cross-flow blower and a tobacco/air separator.

49. The apparatus in accordance with claim 48, wherein said tobacco/air separator is arranged to remove air from said air circulating system from the sifted tobacco.

50. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising a device, positioned upstream of said first and second ducts, with respect to the machine direction, for portioning the tobacco to be supplied to said first and second ducts.

51. The apparatus in accordance with claim 50, wherein said device for portioning comprises an impeller wheel.

52. The apparatus in accordance with claim 50, further comprising a device, positioned upstream of said first and second ducts, with respect to the machine direction, for removing air from the tobacco to be supplied to said first and second ducts.

53. The apparatus in accordance with claim 52, wherein said device for removing air comprises a bucket wheel gate.

54. The apparatus in accordance with claim 52, wherein said device for removing air is positioned upstream of said device for portioning.

55. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising a distributor to alternatingly feed the tobacco supply to said first and second ducts.

56. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, wherein said distributor comprises at least one pivotably mounted flap arranged to alternatingly cover openings to said first and second ducts.

57. The apparatus in accordance with claim 56, wherein said flap is pivotably mounted at a junction point between said first and second ducts.

58. The apparatus in accordance with claim 56, wherein said first and second ducts are arranged so that, in a first position, said flap allows the tobacco supply to fall into said first duct and, in a second position, said flap feeds the tobacco supply into said second duct.

59. The apparatus in accordance with claim 56, wherein said distributor further comprises a bucket wheel gate positioned upstream from said flap that is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco supply fed to said first and second ducts.

60. The apparatus in accordance with claim 56, wherein said at least one flap comprises a first and second flap pivotably mounted such that, when feeding said first duct, said second flap is pivoted to cover said opening to said second duct and, when feeding said second duct, said first flap is pivoted to cover said opening to said first duct.

61. The apparatus in accordance with claim 60, wherein said first and second flaps are pivotably mounted parallel to each other to move parallel to each other.

62. The apparatus in accordance with claim 60, wherein a junction point between said first and second ducts is pivotably mounted to alternatingly increase a size of said openings to said first and second ducts during the respective feeding of the tobacco supply.

63. The apparatus in accordance with claim 60, wherein said distributor further comprises a bucket wheel gate positioned upstream from said sliding element that is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco supply fed to said first and second ducts.

64. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, wherein said distributor comprises a circulating belt structured and arranged for bi-directional rotation.

65. The apparatus in accordance with claim 64, wherein said distributor further comprises at least two reels around which said circulating belt is rotated, said at least two reels being positioned in a region above openings to said first and second ducts.

66. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, wherein said distributor comprises a Y-distributor pivotably mounted at a junction between said first and second ducts.

67. The apparatus in accordance with claim 66, further comprising a gate positioned upstream from said Y-distributor that is structured and arranged to seal air and to portion the tobacco supply fed to said first and second ducts.

68. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, wherein said distributor comprises one of a vibration element or a reel located at a junction between said first and second ducts.

69. The apparatus in accordance with claim 68, wherein said distributor comprises reel mounted for bidirectional rotation so that rotation in a first direction feeds the tobacco supply to said first duct and rotation in a second direction feeds the tobacco supply to said second duct.

70. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, wherein said distributor comprises a sliding element structured and arranged to alternatingly slide over openings to said first and second ducts.

71. The apparatus in accordance with claim 70, wherein said distributor further comprises a bucket wheel gate positioned upstream from said sliding element that is structured and arranged to portion the tobacco supply fed to said first and second ducts.

72. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, wherein said distributor comprises a first and second conveyor belt, in which each said first and second conveyor belt includes sliding elements.

73. The apparatus in accordance with claim 72, wherein said sliding elements for feeding the tobacco supply to said first duct are arranged over said second duct and said sliding elements for feeding the tobacco supply to said second duct are arranged over said first duct.

74. The apparatus in accordance with claim 55, further comprising magnetic strips located downstream from said distributor structured and arranged to remove metallic particles from the tobacco supply.

75. The apparatus in accordance with claim 74, wherein at least one magnetic strip is located in a region of said openings to said first and second ducts.

76. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, wherein said first and second flow surfaces comprise respective first and second bifurcations so that said first flow surface is divided into third and fourth flow surfaces and said second flow surface is divided into fifth and sixth flow surfaces.

77. The apparatus in accordance with claim 76, wherein said third, fourth, fifth, and sixth flow channels are arranged to guide the tobacco supply to separate suction rod conveyors.

78. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, wherein said first and second ducts are coupled to a common tobacco reservoir.

79. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising first and second tobacco reservoirs respectively coupled to said first and second ducts.

80. The apparatus in accordance with claim 79, further comprising first and second sifting devices respectively coupled between said first and second ducts and said first and second tobacco reservoirs.

81. The apparatus in accordance with claim 80, further comprising first and second circulating air systems respectively associated with said first and second sifting devices, wherein said sifting device comprise zigzag sifters.

82. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40 in combination with the suction rod conveyors, wherein the suction rod conveyors are arranged to convey tobacco rods in a direction crosswise to said machine direction such that said first and second ducts are aligned crosswise to said conveying direction of the suction rod conveyors.

83. The apparatus in accordance with claim 40, further comprising first and second air supplies respectively coupled to said first and second flow surfaces to move the tobacco over said first and second flow surfaces in a direction toward the rod assembly unit.