DISPOSITICO PER TRASFERIRE SIGARETTE DA SERBATOI IN UN FLUSSO DI ARTICOLI A PIU' STRATI

Apparatus for converting discrete block-shaped arrays of parallel cigarettes into a continuous mass flow of cigarettes has an elevator which receives discrete arrays from individual trays while in a raised position and which thereupon deposits a freshly received array on the mobile bottom wall in the compartment of a magazine having upright front and rear walls which are movable independently of each other. The compartment receives one array at a time. A conveyor adjacent the front wall of the magazine carries the trailing end of the mass flow, and the array in the compartment can be added to the trailing end of the mass flow in response to movement of the front wall transversely of the direction of transport of the mass flow. At such time, the bottom wall and the rear wall of the magazine are moved forwardly to expel the array from the magazine. The front wall is then returned to its normal position and the rear wall is retracted to provide room for delivery of a fresh array into the magazine. The quantity of cigarettes on the conveyor outside of the magazine is monitored and the signals which are generated by the monitoring means are used to control the operation of the elevator, of the bottom wall and front and rear walls of the magazine, and of a conveyor which receives cigarettes from the front end of the mass flow and delivers them to a processing machine.