EQUIPMENT FOR INSERTION OF OBJECT INTO SMOKING ARTICLE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide improved means to incorporate flavor pellets or the like into cigarette filters, in an automated fashion.SOLUTION: Apparatus includes an object insertion unit 214 that positions objects within filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals, and an upper hopper 360 that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper 380. The lower hopper 380 is shaped so that objects are stacked therein, and the bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel 248. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel 248 incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets 454, each pocket 454 being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face 458 in the upper region of the rotating wheel 248.