A distribution supply apparatus includes: a distributor configured to receive articles dropped from above and distribute the articles circumferentially; a plurality of conveyors arrayed radially along a circumferential edge of the distributor, the plurality of conveyors each being configured to convey, in a direction away from the distributor, an article received from among the articles from the distributor; a support shaft extending vertically and upward from substantially a center of the distributor; a plate configured to change, in contact with each of the articles to fall, a falling direction of each of the articles; a universal joint coupling a center of the plate and a leading end portion of the support shaft; and a regulator configured to regulate an angle of inclination of the plate that slants based on the universal joint, within a range from an angle at which the plate is horizontal to an angle at which each of the articles falls from the plate in a sliding manner.

A cigarette filter insertion apparatus and method are provided for automated cigarette production. The apparatus comprises at least one filter delivery tube, a filter positioner with a passage terminating at a stop face, and a detainer yoke movable between obstructing and permitting filter movement. The detainer yoke includes a gate and a compliant detainer, such as a spring-biased pogo pin, to frictionally engage filters and prevent multiple filters from advancing. An actuator, such as a solenoid, controls the detainer yoke, and an air assist port delivers a puff of air to advance a single filter. Photodetectors may monitor filter position and synchronize filter release and air assist. The passage may include slots to vent excess air and minimize filter disturbance. The apparatus deposits filters into a trough formed in a belt for subsequent encapsulation. The method includes conveying, detaining, actuating, air-assisted advancement, and controlled release of cigarette filters.

A cigarette filter insertion apparatus and method are provided for automated cigarette production. The apparatus comprises at least one filter delivery tube, a filter positioner with a passage terminating at a stop face, and a detainer yoke movable between obstructing and permitting filter movement. The detainer yoke includes a gate and a compliant detainer, such as a spring-biased pogo pin, to frictionally engage filters and prevent multiple filters from advancing. An actuator, such as a solenoid, controls the detainer yoke, and an air assist port delivers a puff of air to advance a single filter. Photodetectors may monitor filter position and synchronize filter release and air assist. The passage may include slots to vent excess air and minimize filter disturbance. The apparatus deposits filters into a trough formed in a belt for subsequent encapsulation. The method includes conveying, detaining, actuating, air-assisted advancement, and controlled release of cigarette filters.

The invention relates to a system (10) for weighing a predetermined mass of a food product, comprising an electric stepping motor (30) supported by a chassis (11) and having an output shaft, a food-product receiving member (22) which is able to move along the axis of travel between a position for receiving and a position for tipping out the food product, and an electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor. According to the invention, the receiving member is unable to move independently of the output shaft and the weighing system is configured so that, in the receiving position, the receiving member and food product apply a static torque to the output shaft, and that the electronic control unit is configured to apply a resistive torque, for a predetermined mass of the food product, to the output shaft so that when the static torque is at least equal to the resistive torque, the output shaft changes position.

The invention relates to a system (10) for weighing a predetermined mass of a food product, comprising an electric stepping motor (30) supported by a chassis (11) and having an output shaft, a food-product receiving member (22) which is able to move along the axis of travel between a position for receiving and a position for tipping out the food product, and an electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor. According to the invention, the receiving member is unable to move independently of the output shaft and the weighing system is configured so that, in the receiving position, the receiving member and food product apply a static torque to the output shaft, and that the electronic control unit is configured to apply a resistive torque, for a predetermined mass of the food product, to the output shaft so that when the static torque is at least equal to the resistive torque, the output shaft changes position.