A processing machine for rod-shaped articles includes a base frame including a back plate extending upward from the base frame; and a plurality of function modules each adapted to perform a manufacturing function on a rod-shaped article. Each function module includes a mounting plate adapted to removably attach the function module to the back plate as a unit, and a dedicated drive motor supported on the mounting plate and adapted to move at least a portion of the function module. The plurality of function modules includes at least one of a rod infeed module, a hopper module, a drum module, a knife module, and a gluing module. A method of configuring a modular processing machine for rod-shaped articles is also described.

A processing machine for rod-shaped articles includes a base frame including a back plate extending upward from the base frame; and a plurality of function modules each adapted to perform a manufacturing function on a rod-shaped article. Each function module includes a mounting plate adapted to removably attach the function module to the back plate as a unit, and a dedicated drive motor supported on the mounting plate and adapted to move at least a portion of the function module. The plurality of function modules includes at least one of a rod infeed module, a hopper module, a drum module, a knife module, and a gluing module. A method of configuring a modular processing machine for rod-shaped articles is also described.

An inspection device for the quality control of rod-shaped smoking articles includes a drum and an inspection assembly. Each transfer drum has a succession of peripheral retaining portions, each having a retaining groove aligned with the axis of rotation of the transfer drum and configured to receive a respective smoking article to be inspected. Each inspection assembly, which is rotatable about the axis of rotation of the transfer drum, is equipped with a succession of detectors. Each detector has a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion of the respective smoking article to be inspected and is equipped with a sensor adapted to detect an internal structure within the smoking article. The inspection device also comprises a movement device configured to move each peripheral retaining portion and the corresponding detector reciprocatingly towards and away from each other during the rotation of the transfer drum.

An inspection device for the quality control of rod-shaped smoking articles includes a drum and an inspection assembly. Each transfer drum has a succession of peripheral retaining portions, each having a retaining groove aligned with the axis of rotation of the transfer drum and configured to receive a respective smoking article to be inspected. Each inspection assembly, which is rotatable about the axis of rotation of the transfer drum, is equipped with a succession of detectors. Each detector has a cavity configured to insertably receive an end portion of the respective smoking article to be inspected and is equipped with a sensor adapted to detect an internal structure within the smoking article. The inspection device also comprises a movement device configured to move each peripheral retaining portion and the corresponding detector reciprocatingly towards and away from each other during the rotation of the transfer drum.

The method and device for checking quality of rod-like products (R, R) for the tobacco industry, wherein the steps are performed of moving rod-like products (R, R) placed in a transport socket (4) of a conveyor (2) along an audit trail (P), checking the quality of a rod-like products (R, R) with a scanning device (5) placed on the audit trail (P), characterized further by rotating the rod-like product (R, R) placed in the transport socket (4), during the step of checking the quality of rod-like products (R, R), using at least one track (7) interacting with a lateral surface (6) of the rod-like products (R, R).

Provided herein are systems and methods for testing a heat-not-burn tobacco product. A heater carrier may be movable with respect to a tobacco product placement region and configured to heat a first end of a tobacco product located in the tobacco product placement region. A puffing simulator is configured to fluidically couple to a second end of the tobacco product. The puffing simulator is configured to draw air through the tobacco product thereby simulating a puff of the tobacco product. A thermocouple placement right is configured to selectively position one or more thermocouples in or along the tobacco product. A drill is configured to selectively drill one or more holes at positions within the tobacco product. The thermocouple(s) are positioned on or within the tobacco product and generate data corresponding to detected temperatures of the tobacco product as the puffing simulator simulates one or more puffs.

A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in the production of an article by adding a Stokes-shifting taggant to an oil or lubricant of a machine utilized to produce the article or a component thereof, irradiating the articles produced with a first wavelength of radiation, and monitoring the articles for emission of radiation at a second wavelength. The taggant can be in the form of a composition containing a Stokes-shifting taggant, which absorbs radiation at a first wavelength and emits radiation at a second wavelength, different from said first wavelength, dissolved or dispersed in an oil or lubricant.

A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in the production of an article by adding a Stokes-shifting taggant to an oil or lubricant of a machine utilized to produce the article or a component thereof, irradiating the articles produced with a first wavelength of radiation, and monitoring the articles for emission of radiation at a second wavelength. The taggant can be in the form of a composition containing a Stokes-shifting taggant, which absorbs radiation at a first wavelength and emits radiation at a second wavelength, different from said first wavelength, dissolved or dispersed in an oil or lubricant.

The present disclosure relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for assembling cartridges for aerosol delivery devices. The cartridges may be assembled by transporting carriages between various substations at which parts are added to a base. In another assembly method, the base may be moved between a plurality of robots which direct the base downwardly into contact with components to couple the components therewith. An inspection system may inspect the cartridges at various stages of completion.

A system for testing and validating the performance of a pressure sensor includes a test fixture operatively connected to the pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor is configured to identify a fluid pressure relative to an atmospheric pressure. A microcontroller is in electrical communication with the test fixture and the pressure sensor, and the microcontroller is configured to cause the test fixture to introduce air and/or vapor through the pressure sensor at a known fluid pressure. The microcontroller is also configured to receive the identified fluid pressure from the pressure sensor, the identified fluid pressure being based on the air and/or vapor flowing through the pressure sensor. A power source is in electrical communication with the microcontroller, and a display is in electrical communication with the microcontroller. The display is configured to display results to a user, the results comprising the determination of the performance of the pressure sensor.