WO2024201077A1

WO2024201077A1 - Apparatus for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision

Info

Publication number: WO2024201077A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/050889
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeong Hwan Park; Daniel Bray; Richard LEBBON
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-28
Publication date: 2024-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-28
Also published as: GB202304539D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular apparatus (1) for the assembly of articles (2) for aerosol provision and a method of manufacturing articles (2) for aerosol provision. The modular apparatus (1) comprising a plurality of modules (11). Each of the plurality of modules (11) comprises a plurality of functional units (16). The plurality of modules comprise a first module (12) and a second module (13). The first module (12) comprises a cutting unit (21) and a separating unit (22). The first module (12) is configured to receive a plurality of double length rods (3) formed of rods (4) of aerosol generating material (5) between two first filter rods (6). The second module (13) is located downstream of the first module (12) and comprises a filter insertion unit (24), a wrapping unit (25), and a cutting unit (26).

Description

Apparatus for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision Technical Field The present invention relates to a modular apparatus for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing articles for aerosol provision. Background of the Invention Certain tobacco industry products produce an aerosol during use, which is inhaled by a user. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate. Summary of the Invention In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a first aspect there is provided a modular apparatus for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision, the modular apparatus comprising: a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules comprising a plurality of functional units, the plurality of modules comprising: a first module comprising a cutting unit and a separating unit, the first module being configured to receive a plurality of double length rods formed of rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods, a second module located downstream of the first module and comprising a filter insertion unit, a wrapping unit, and a cutting unit. In some embodiments, the cutting unit in the first module may be configured to cut the plurality of double length rods in half through the midpoint of the double length rod to form a first group of rods and a second group of rods, each of the first and second groups of rods comprising a first filter rod and a rod of smokeable material. In some embodiments, the separating unit may be located downstream of the cutting unit and may be configured to separate the first group of rods from the second groups of rods to form a filter rod receiving space between the rod of aerosol generating material of the first group of rods and the rod of aerosol generating material of the second group of rods. In some embodiments, the filter insertion unit of the second module may be configured to insert a double length filter rod into the filter rod receiving space to form a single group of rod articles. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit may be located downstream of the filter insertion unit and configured to wrap a wrapper around the single group of rod articles to form a double length article. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit may be configured to wrap a wrapper around the entire length of the double length filter rod and at least partially around the rods of aerosol generating material of the double length article. In some embodiments, the cutting unit of the second module may be located downstream of the wrapping unit and may be configured to cut the double length article in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rod to form a first article and a second article, each of the first and second articles comprising a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol generating material, and a second filter rod. In some embodiments, the second module may further comprise a turning unit located downstream of the cutting unit. In some embodiments, the turning unit may comprise a turning drum having a plurality of article receiving sections, the turning drum may be configured to receive first and second articles in second filter rod to second filter rod arrangement in longitudinally aligned first and second parts of the rod receiving sections and to output first and second articles in circumferentially spaced adjacent first and second parts of the rod receiving sections. In some embodiments, the turning drum may comprise a turning mechanism having a pivoting arm configured to rotate 180 degrees such that the first and second parts of the rod receiving sections are circumferentially spaced to reverse the direction of one of the first and second articles such that the first and second articles are arranged in the same orientation and circumferentially spaced on the turning drum. In some embodiments, the second module may further comprise a perforation unit configured to perforate the articles. In some embodiments, the second module may further comprise an inspection unit. In some embodiments, the second module may further comprise an outfeed unit. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a second aspect there is provided a manufacturing system for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision, the manufacturing system comprising: a double length rod forming system , the system configured to assemble a plurality of double length rods formed of rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods; and a modular apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims. In some embodiments, the double length rod forming system may comprise a tobacco rod manufacturing machine configured to manufacture quadruple length tobacco rods. In some embodiments, the double length rod forming system may further comprise a transfer machine configured to transfer the quadruple length tobacco rods from being conveyed in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis to being conveyed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the double length rod forming system may further comprise a double length tobacco rod former comprising a cutting unit configured to cut the quadruple length tobacco rods in half and a turning unit configured to turn one of the double length tobacco rods and align the double length tobacco rods transversely. In some embodiments, the double length rod forming system may further comprise a filter insertion machine configured to insert a double length filter rod at one end of each double length tobacco rod form a group of rods. In some embodiments, the double length rod forming system may further comprise a second transfer machine configured to transfer the group of rods from being conveyed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis to being conveyed in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the double length rod forming system may further comprise a rod combining machine configured to align the groups of rods in double length filter rod to double length tobacco rod alignment and to wrap the plurality of groups of rods to form an endless rod. In some embodiments, the rod combining machine may be configured to cut the endless rod at the midpoints of the double length filter rods to form the plurality of double length rods formed of rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, in a third aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing an article for aerosol provision, the method comprising: providing a plurality of double length rods comprising a double length rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods; cutting the double length rod in half through the midpoint of the double length rod of aerosol generating material to form a first group of rods and a second group of rods; separating the first group of rods from the second group of rods to form a filter rod receiving space between the rod of aerosol generating material of the first group of rods and the rod of aerosol generating material of the second group of rods; inserting a double length filter rod into the filter rod receiving space to form a single group of rod articles; wrapping a wrapper around the single group of rod articles to form a double length article; and cutting the double length article in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rod to form a first article and a second article arranged longitudinally, each of the first and second articles comprising a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol generating material, and a second filter rod. In some embodiments, separating the first group of rods from the second group of rods may comprise providing suction to the first filter rod ends of the first and second groups of rods. In some embodiments, the step of wrapping the single group of rod articles to form a double length article may comprise wrapping a wrapper around the entire length of the double length filter rod and at least a part of the length the rod of aerosol generating material of the first and second groups of rods. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of turning one of the first article and second article to reverse its orientation such that the first and second articles are aligned transversely in the same orientation. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of perforating the articles. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of inspecting the articles. In some embodiments, the step of providing a plurality of double length rods comprising a rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods may comprises: forming an endless rod of aerosol generating material and cutting it into quadruple length rods; cutting the quadruple length rods in half into double length rods and turning one of the double length rods such that the two double length rods are moved from being longitudinally aligned with each other to being transversely aligned adjacent to each other; inserting a first double length filter rod at one end of each of the double length rods to form a group of rods; combining the groups of rods in a double length filter rod to double length rod orientation and wrapping to form an endless rod; and cutting the endless rod at the midpoint of the double length filter rods to form a plurality of double length rods comprising a rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.1 shows a schematic view of a modular apparatus for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision; Fig.2a shows a cross-sectional side view of a double length rod; Fig.2b shows a cross-sectional side view of a rod; Fig.3 shows a schematic side view of a first module; Fig.4 shows a schematic representation of the operations performed in the first module; Fig.5 shows a schematic side view of a second module; Fig.6 shows a schematic representation of the operations performed in the second module; Fig.7 shows a schematic perspective view of a turning drum; Fig.8 shows a schematic representation of a system for manufacturing a double length rod; and Fig.9 shows a schematic representation of a manufacturing system for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision. Detailed Description As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials. According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a filter, a filter rod, a filter segment, a tobacco rod, a spill, an aerosol-modifying agent release component such as a capsule, a thread, or a bead, or a paper such as a plug wrap, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol- generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non- combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol- generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol- generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol- generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials. An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol- modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance. The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour. As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang- ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3. Referring now to Fig.1, a schematic view of a modular apparatus 1 for the assembly of articles 2 for aerosol provision is shown. The modular apparatus 1 is an article assembly machine. That is, the modular apparatus 1 is configured to assemble an article 2, shown in Fig.2. That is, the modular apparatus 1 is configured to receive a plurality of double length rods 3 and to assemble articles 2 starting with the plurality of double length rods 3. The double length rods 3 comprise a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6. The article 2 is assembled from the double length rod 3 by being transported along a conveyance path through the modular apparatus 1 and undergoing a sequence of operations. Referring specifically to Fig.2a, a cross-sectional side view of the double length rod 3 is shown. In the present embodiment, the double length rod 3 is a generally cylindrical rod shape. The double length rod 3 has a longitudinal axis L extending along its largest dimension, i.e. its length. The double length rod 3 comprises the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5. The rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 is a double length rod of aerosol generating material 7. The double length rod 3 also comprises a first filter rod 6 located at either end of the double length rod of aerosol generating material 7. The double length rod of aerosol generating material 7 and the two first filter rods 6 may be joined together by a first wrapper 8. Referring specifically to Fig.2b, a cross-sectional side view of the article 2 is shown. In the present embodiment, the article 2 comprises a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9. The second filter rod 9 is configured to be the mouth end of the article 2. Therefore, the first filter rod 6 forms the upstream end of the article 2. The rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 is located downstream of the first filter rod 6. The second filter rod 9 is located downstream of the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5. The second filter rod 9 may be joined to the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 by a second wrapper 10. Referring back to Fig.1, the modular apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of module 11. The plurality of modules 11 includes at least a first module 12 and a second module 13. Each of the plurality of modules 11-13 may comprise a base unit 15, which may be fitted with at least one functional unit 16. At least one module 11 may comprise a plurality of

functional units 16. The plurality of units 16 may comprise at least one drum 17. Therefore, each of the plurality of modules 11-13 may comprise a plurality of drums 17 fitted on the based unit 15. The plurality of drum 17 may be rotatable drums that rotate about their central axis A. The plurality of functional units 16 may define a conveyance path through the modular apparatus 1. Where each of the plurality of functional units 16 comprise at least one drum 17, the plurality of drums 17 may define a conveyance path through the modular apparatus 1. The first module 12 comprises a cutting unit 21 and a separating unit 22. The first module 12 is configured to receive a plurality of double length rods 3 formed of the double length rod of aerosol generating material 7 between two first filter rods 6. The second module 13 is located downstream of the first module 12. The second module 13 comprises a filter insertion unit 24, a wrapping unit 25, and a cutting unit 26. Referring to Fig.3, a schematic side view of the first module 12 is shown. The first module 12 is configured to receive a plurality of double length rods 3 formed of the double length rod of aerosol generating material 7 between two first filter rods 6. The first module 12 may be configured to receive the double length rods 3 sequentially. The first module 12 may be configured to receive the double length rods 3 in an orientation in which the double length rods 3 are moved in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. The cutting unit 21 of the first module 12 may be configured to cut the plurality of double length rods 3 in half through the midpoint of the double length rod 3 to form a first group of rods 28 and a second group of rods 29. Each of the first group of rods 28 and the second group of rods 29 may comprise a first filter rod 6 and a rod 4 of smokeable material 5, as shown in Fig.4. That is, the cutting unit 21 may be configured to cut the double length rods 3 through the middle of the double length rod of aerosol generating material 7. As shown in the illustrated embodiment in Fig.3, the first module 12 may comprise a feed drum 31. The feed drum 31 may be configured to receive a stream of double length rods 3. The feed drum 31 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 32 configured to receive the double length rods 3. The plurality of rod receiving sections 32 may be formed as channels, also referred to a flutes, in the circumferential surface 33 of the feed drum 31. The rod receiving sections 32 may extend parallel to the rotational axis A of the feed drum 31 and be spaced circumferentially around the feed drum 31. The rod receiving sections 32 my comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the double length rods 3 to retain the double length rods 3 to their respective rod receiving section 32. In some embodiments, the first module 12 further comprises a hopper 34. In such an embodiment, the double length rods 3 may be received by the feed drum 31 from the hopper 34. However, as described in more detail hereinafter, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the first module 12 may not comprise a hopper 34 and the double length rods 3 may be received by the feed drum 31 directly from another machine. The first module 12 further comprises the cutting unit 21. The cutting unit may be located downstream of the feed unit 31. The cutting unit 21 may be located immediately downstream of the feed unit 31 such that the cutting unit 21 receives double length rods 3 from the feed drum 31. The cutting drum 36 may be configured to receive the double length rods 3 from the feed unit 31. The cutting unit 21 may comprise a cutting drum 36. The cutting drum 36 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 37 configured to receive the double length rods 3. The plurality of rod receiving sections 37 may be formed as channels, also referred to a flutes, in a circumferential surface 38 of the cutting drum 36. The rod receiving sections 37 may extend parallel to the rotational axis A of the cutting drum 36 and be spaced circumferentially around the cutting drum 36. The rod receiving sections 37 may comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the double length rods 3 to retain the double length rods 3 to their respective rod receiving section 37. The cutting unit 21 may further comprise a cutting knife 39. The cutting knife 39 may be a circular knife. The cutting knife 39 may be a circular knife. The cutting knife 39 may be configured to cut through the double length rod 3 to form the first group of rods 28 and the second group of rods 29 by cutting through the midpoint of the double length rod, i.e. through the middle of the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5. The cutting drum 36 may be configured to rotate and move the double length rods 3 towards the cutting knife 39. When the double length rods 3 reach the cutting knife 39, the cutting knife 39 cuts the double length rod 3 in half through the midpoint of the double length rod 3. Therefore, referring to Fig.4, the cutting unit 21 creates a first group of rods 28 and a second group of rods 29, which are identical. Each of the first group of rods 28 and the second group of rods 29 may comprise a first filter rod 6 and a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5. The first and second groups of rods 28, 29 may be aligned in a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 to rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 orientation in the rod receiving sections 32 of the cutting drum 36. Referring back to Fig.3, the first module 12 may further comprise a transfer drum 41. The transfer drum 41 may be located downstream of the cutting drum 36. The transfer drum 41 may be located immediately downstream of the cutting drum 36. Thus, the transfer drum 41 may be configured to receive the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 to rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 orientation. The transfer drum 41 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 42 configured to receive the first and second groups of rods 28, 29. The plurality of rod receiving sections 42 may be formed as channels, also referred to as flutes, in the circumferential surface 43 of the transfer drum 41. The rod receiving sections 42 may extend parallel to the rotational axis A of the transfer drum 41 and be spaced circumferentially around the transfer drum 41. The rod receiving sections 42 my comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 to retain the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 to their respective rod receiving section 42. The first module 12 further comprises the separating unit 22. The separating unit 22 may comprise a separation drum 45. The separation drum 45 may be located downstream of the cutting unit 21. The separation drum 45 may be located downstream of the transfer drum 41. In the present embodiment, the separation drum 45 is located immediately downstream of the transfer drum 41. Thus, the separation drum 45 may be configured to receive the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 to rod 4 of aerosol generating material orientation. However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the separation drum 45 may be located immediately downstream of the cutting drum 36, and optionally immediately upstream of the transfer drum 41. In such circumstances the separation drum 45 may be configured to receive the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 to rod 4 of aerosol generating material orientation directly from the cutting unit 21. The separation drum 45 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 46 configured to receive the first and second groups of rods 28, 29. The plurality of rod receiving sections 46 may be formed as channels, also referred to as flutes, in the circumferential surface 47 of the separation drum 45. The rod receiving sections 47 may extend parallel to the rotational axis A of the separation drum 45 and be spaced circumferentially around the separation drum 45. The rod receiving sections 47 may comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 to retain the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 to their respective rod receiving section 47. The separating unit 22 may be configured to perform a separating operation, as shown in Fig.4. The separating unit 22 may be configured to separate the first group of rods 28 from the second group of rods 29 to form a filter rod receiving space 48 between the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first groups of rods 28 and the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the second group of rods 29. The filter rod receiving space 48 may be large enough to receive a double length filter rod that is the size of two second filter rods 9. The separating unit 22 may comprise a separating mechanism 49. The separating mechanism may comprise vacuum nozzles (not shown) at either end of the separation drum 45. The vacuum nozzles may be configured to draw the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 apart to opposite ends of the rod receiving section 46. Alternatively or additionally, the separating mechanism may comprise a stationary plough (not shown) or a barrel cam (not shown) configured to separate the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 to form the filter rod receiving space 48. Such separating mechanisms are generally known and so a detailed description herein will be omitted. Referring to Fig.5, a schematic side view of the second module 13. The second module 13 is located downstream of the first module 12. The second module 13 may be located immediately downstream of the first module 12. That is, the second module 13 may be configured to receive the spaced first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in a spaced rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first group of rods 28 to a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the second group of rods 29 arrangement from the first module 12. That is, the second module 13 is configured to receive first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 to rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 arrangement, or orientation, with a filter rod receiving space 48 between the rods 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first and second groups of rods 28, 29. The second module 13 comprises a filter insertion unit 24, a wrapping unit 25, and a cutting unit 26. In some embodiments, the second module 13 may comprise a feed drum, although the feed drum is not illustrated in the embodiment depicted in the drawings. The feed drum (not shown) may be configured to receive the stream of first and second groups of rods 28, 29 spaced apart by a filter rod receiving space 48. The feed drum may be essentially the same as the feed drum 31 previously described and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. However, it will be appreciated that the feed drum of the second module 13 may have longer rod receiving sections (not shown) to accommodate the length of the longitudinally align first and second groups of rods 28, 29 with a filter rod receiving space 48 therebetween. The second module 13 comprises the filter insertion unit 24. The filter insertion unit 24 may be located at the upstream end of the second module 13. The filter insertion unit 24 may be the first unit in the second module 13. That is, the filter insertion unit 24 may directly receive spaced first and second groups of rods 28, 29 from the first module 12. In an alternative embodiment, the filter insertion unit 24 may be located downstream of a feed drum, optionally immediately downstream of a feed drum, when present. The filter insertion unit 24 may be configured to insert a double length filter rod 51 into the filter rod receiving space 48 to form a single group of rod articles 52, as shown in Fig.6. That is, the filter insertion unit 24 may be configured to insert a double length filter rod 51 into the filter rod receiving space 48 between the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first group of rods 28 and the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the second group of rods 29. The filter insertion unit 24 may comprise a hopper 54 configured to receive double length filter rods 51. The filter insertion unit 24 may further comprise a filter rod insertion drum 55 and a filter rod receiving drum 56. The filter rod insertion drum 55 and the filter rod receiving drum 56 may be essentially the same as the drums previously described, such as the feed drum 31. The filter rod insertion drum 55 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 58 configured to receive double length filter rods 51. The double length filter rods 51 may comprise a double length second filter rod 9, see Fig.2, i.e. two second filter rods 9 that have not yet been separated. The plurality of rod receiving sections 58 may be formed as channels, also referred to as flutes, in the circumferential surface 59 of the filter rod insertion drum 55. The rod receiving sections 58 may extend parallel to the rotational axis A of the filter rod insertion drum 55 and be spaced circumferentially around the filter rod insertion drum 55. The rod receiving sections 58 may comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the double length filter rod 51 to retain the double length filter rods 51 in their respective rod receiving section 58. The filter rod receiving drum 56 may also comprise a plurality of rod receiving section 61. The rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56 may be configured to receive the first group of rods 28 and the second group of rods 29 spaced apart by the filter rod receiving space 48 and a double length filter rod 51 in the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first and second groups of rods 28, 29. The plurality of rod receiving sections 61 may be formed as channels, also referred to as flutes, in the circumferential surface 62 of the filter rod receiving drum 56. The rod receiving sections 61 may comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the double length filter rod 51 and the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 to retain the double length filter rods 51 and first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in their rod receiving sections 61 along the conveyance path. The filter rod insertion drum 55 may be configured to receive a double length filter rod 51 from the hopper 54 and to place the double length filter rod 51 directly into the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first group of rods 28 and the second group of rods 29 in the rod receiving section 62 on the filter rod receiving drum 56. The filter rod receiving drum 56 may be configured to receive the double length filter rod 51 in the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 in the rod receiving section 61. It will be appreciated that in some instances the filter rod insertion drum 55 may be omitted and the hopper 54 may feed double length filter rods 51 directly into the rod receiving section 61 on the filter rod receiving drum 56. In practice, depending on the arrangement of the module, the double length filter rod 51 may be placed into the filter rod receiving space 48 by being placed into the rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56 that already contains the spaced first and second groups of rods 28, 29 or the double length filter rod 51 may be placed into an empty rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56 in the part of the rod receiving section 61 where the filter rod receiving space 48 between the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 will be when the first and second groups of rods 28, 29 are subsequently transferred to the rod receiving section 61 of the filter rod receiving drum 56. The second module 13 comprises the wrapping unit 25. The wrapping unit 25 may be located downstream of the filter insertion unit 24. The wrapping unit 25 may be located immediately downstream of the filter insertion unit 24. The wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap a second wrapper 10 around the single group of rod articles 52 to form a double length article 65. In the present embodiment, the wrapping unit 25 is configured to wrap the second wrapper 10 around the entire length of the double length filter rod 51 and at least a part of the rods 4 of aerosol generating material 5 on either side of the double length filter rod 51, i.e. at least a part of the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first group of rods 28 and at least a part of the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the second group of rods 29. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap the second wrapper 10 around the entire length of the double filter rod 51 and the entire length of the rods 4 of aerosol generating material 5 on either side of the double filter rod 51. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap the second wrapper 10 around the entire length of the double filter rod 51 and the entire length of the rods 4 of aerosol generating material 5 on either side of the double filter rod 51 and at least a part of the first filter rods 6 at either end of the single group of rod articles 52. In some embodiments, the wrapping unit 25 may be configured to wrap the second wrapper 10 around the entire length of the single group of rod articles 52. The wrapping unit 25 may comprise a swash plate drum 71. The swash plate drum 71 may be configured to push the first group of rods 28, double length filter rod 51, and second group of rods 29 together. The wrapping unit 25 may further comprise a rolling drum 72. The rolling drum 72 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 73 configured to receive the single group of rod articles 52, i.e. first group of rods 28, double length filter rod 51, and second group of rods 29. The wrapping unit 25 may further comprise a tipper unit 74 and a glue unit 75. The tipper unit 74 may comprise cutting knives (not shown) cutting against a cutting drum (not shown), which cuts the second wrapper 10 to the required length. The tipper unit 74 then transfers the cut second wrappers 10 onto the single group of rod articles 52. The glue unit 75 may include a glue roller (not shown), which runs in glue, and a transfer roller to which the glue roller transfers glue. The transfer roller may be configured to transfer glue to the second wrapper 10. It will appreciated that the tipper unit 74 and glue unit 75 may be integral as shown. Tipper units 74 and glue units 75 are generally known in the art and so a more detailed description and illustration will be omitted herein. The wrapping unit 25 may further comprise a roll hand 77. The roll hand may be a static curved block which sits adjacent to the rolling drum 52. The roll hand 57 may comprise a kicker bar 78. When the single group of rod articles 52, which are on the rolling drum 2, reach the entry point of the roll hand 77, the kicker bar 78 pushes the single group of rod articles 52 out of the rod receiving section 73 of the rolling drum 72 and the single group of rod articles 52 is then rolled between the rolling drum 52 and the roll hand 57 until the second wrapper 10 is wrapped around the single group of rod articles to form the double length article 65 and the double length article 65 falls into the next rod receiving section 73 on the rolling drum 72. The second module 13 further comprises the cutting unit 26. The cutting unit 26 may be located downstream of the wrapping unit 25. The cutting unit 26 may be located immediately downstream of the wrapping unit 25. That is, the cutting unit 26 may be configured to receive the double length article 65 from the wrapping unit 25. The cutting unit 26 may be configured to cut the double length article 65 in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rod 51 to form a first article 2a and a second article 2b. Each of the first article 2a and the second article 2b may comprise a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9. The cutting unit 26 may comprise a cutting drum 81. The cutting drum 81 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 82 configured to receive the double length article 65 from the wrapping unit 25. The plurality of rod receiving section 82 may be formed as channels, also referred to as flutes, in the circumferential surface 83 of the cutting drum 81. The rod receiving sections 82 may comprise at least one hole (not shown) through which suction can be applied to the double length articles 65 to retain the double length articles 65 in their respective rod receiving sections 82 along the conveyance path. That is, the cutting drum 81 may be located immediately downstream of the rolling drum 72 on the conveyance path of the rod articles through the modular apparatus 1. The cutting unit 81 may further comprise a cutting knife 85. The cutting knife 85 may be a circular knife. The cutting knife 85 may be configured to cut through the midpoint of the double length filter rod 51 in the centre of the double length article 65 to create a first article 2a and a second article 2b. That is, the cutting knife 85 may be configured to cut through the midpoint of the double length filter rod 51 in the centre of the double length article 65 to create two second filter rods 9, a first second filter rod 9 forming a part of a first article 2a and a second second filter rod 9 forming a part of a second article 2b. The cutting drum 81 may be configured to rotate and move the double length article 65 towards the cutting knife 85. When the double length articles 65 reach the cutting knife 85, the cutting knife 85 cuts the double length articles 65 in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rods 51. Therefore, the cutting unit 26 creates two identical articles 2a, 2b, which each comprise a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9. The two identical articles 2a, 2b may be longitudinally aligned in the rod receiving section 82 of the cutting drum 81 in a second filter rod 9 to second filter rod 9 orientation once they have been cut. The second module 13 may further comprise a turning unit 91. The turning unit 91 may be located downstream of the cutting unit 26. The turning unit 91 may be located immediately downstream of the cutting unit 26. That is, the turning unit 91 may be configured to receive a first article 2a and a second article 2b from the cutting unit 26. The turning unit 91 may receive the first article 2a and the second article 2b in a second filter rod 9 to second filter rod 9 arrangement. The turning unit 91 may comprise a turning drum 92. The turning drum 92 may be configured to turn one of the first article 2a or second article 2b to move them from being longitudinally aligned to being aligned transversely, i.e. sequentially in the direction of travel along the conveyance path. The turning drum 92 may comprise a plurality of rod receiving sections 93. The plurality of rod receiving sections 93 may be formed as channels, also referred to as flutes, on the circumferential surface 94 of the turning drum 92. As shown in Fig.7, the rod receiving sections 93 are formed by channels in raised blocks on the circumferential surface 94 of the turning drum 92. The rod receiving sections 93 may extend parallel to the rotational axis A of the turning drum 92 and be spaced circumferentially around the turning drum 92. Referring to Fig.7, the turning drum 92 may be configured such that each rod receiving section 93 comprises a first part 96 and a second part 97. The first part 96 of the rod receiving section 93 may be configured to receive the first article 2a and the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 may be configured to receive the second article 2b. Initially, when receiving the first and second articles 2a, 2b, the turning drum 92 may be configured such that the first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 are in a first position. In the first position, the first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 may be longitudinally aligned. Therefore, the first and second articles 2a, 2b may be longitudinally aligned on the turning drum 92 when received from the drum of the upstream unit. The turning drum 92 may be configured to output the first and second articles 2a, 2b in circumferentially spaced adjacent first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving sections 93. That is, one of the first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 may be configured to move into a second position. In the section position one of the first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 92 may be configured to move so that it is circumferentially spaced from the other of the first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93. Thus, when the first and second articles 2a, 2b are output from the turning drum 92, the first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 may extend parallel to each other but may be circumferentially spaced from each other about the circumferential surface 94 of the turning drum 92. The turning drum 92 may comprise a positioning mechanism in the form of a turning mechanism 101. The turning mechanism 101 may be configured to arrange the first and second parts 96, 97, and therefore first and second articles 2a, 2b, circumferentially spaced and transversely adjacent to each other such that the first and second articles 2a, 2b are arranged in the same orientation. That is, the turning mechanism 101 may be configured to rotate one of the first part 96 and the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 such that the articles 2a, 2b held therein are in the same orientation in which the first filter rods 6 of the articles 2a, 2b are located on the same side of the turning drum 92 with respect to the rotation axis of the turning drum 92. In particular, the turning mechanism 101 of the turning drum 92 may be configured to pivot the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 into parallel but circumferentially spaced alignment with the first part 96 of the rod receiving section 93. That is, the turning mechanism 101 may be configured to take the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 from longitudinal alignment with the first part 96 of the rod receiving section 93 and rotate the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 so that is in parallel but circumferentially spaced alignment with the first part 96 of the rod receiving section 93. As shown in Fig.7, the turning mechanism 101 may comprise a plurality of pivoting arms 102. The plurality of pivoting arms 102 are distributed around the circumference of the turning drum 92. The plurality of pivoting arms 102 may be located along one side of the turning drum 92, i.e. on the same longitudinal side of the turning drum 92. Each of the pivoting arms 102 may form a second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 of the turning drum 92. Longitudinally adjacent to each of the pivoting arms 102 is a corresponding first part 96 of the rod receiving section 93, when the pivoting arms 102 are in their first position when the first and second articles 2a, 2b are input onto the turning drum 92. Each pivoting arm 102 may be configured to pivot about a pivot axis X substantially perpendicularly to the rotation axis A of the turning drum 92. Each pivoting arm 92 may be configured to rotate by an angle of 180 degrees about the pivot axis X between the first and second positions. The pivot axis X may extend along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93, and therefore to the second article 2b held therein. That is, each pivoting arm 102 may be moveable between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 in the pivoting arm 102 is in a longitudinal alignment with the associated first part 96 of the rod receiving section 93. In the second position, the second part 97 of the rod receiving section 93 in the pivoting arm 102 is parallel to but spaced from the first part 96 of the rod receiving section of the turning drum 92 in the rotational direction, or circumferential direction, of the turning drum 92. Therefore, the turning drum 92 may receive first and second consumables 2a, 2b into the first part 96 and second part 97 of the rod receiving sections 93 that are longitudinally aligned and facing in opposite direction, i.e. the first filter rods 6 of the first and second articles 2a, 2b are located on opposing sides of the turning drum 92 such that the second filter rods 9 are longitudinally adjacent to each other; in a second filter rod 9 to second filter rod 9 arrangement. The pivoting arm 102 may then be rotated through 180 degrees as the turning drum 92 rotates. The pivoting arm 102 may rotate such that the first and second articles 2a, 2b are held in first and second parts 96, 97 of the rod receiving section 93 that are circumferentially spaced apart such that the first and second articles 2a, 2b face in the same direction, i.e. the first filter rods 6 of the first and second articles 2a, 2b are located on the same side of the turning drum 92, as shown in Fig.7. Thus, in the present embodiment, the turning unit 91 is configured to reverse the direction of the second article 2b. Once the articles 2a, 2b have been passed onto the next function unit/drum, the pivoting arm 102 may return to the first position in order to repeat the process with another pair of articles 2aa, 2b when the turning drum 92 rotates the rod receiving section 93 back to the infeed point from the previous unit/drum. Referring back to Fig.5, the second module 13 may further comprise a perforation unit 104. The perforation unit 104 may be configured to perforate the second wrapper 10 to increase ventilation in the articles 2. The perforation unit 104 may be located downstream of the turning unit 91. The perforation unit 104 may be located immediately downstream of the turning unit 91. That is, the perforation unit 104 may receive articles 2 directly from the turning unit 91. The perforation unit 104 may comprise a transport drum 105. The transport drum 105 may be located downstream of the turning unit 91. The transport drum 105 may be located immediately downstream of the turning unit 91. That is, the transport drum 105 may be configured to receive a stream of transversely aligned articles 2 from the turning drum 92 of the turning unit 91. The perforation unit 104 may further comprise a perforating device 106. The perforating device 106 may be configured to perforate the second wrapper 10 of the article 2 to provide ventilation holes therein. The perforating device 106 may be a laser. Alternatively, the perforating device 106 may comprise a drum having radially extending pins configured to puncture the second wrapper 10 of the articles 2 to form ventilation holes. In some embodiment, the second module 13 may further comprise an inspection unit 107. The inspection unit 107 may be configured to inspect the quality of the finished article 2. The inspection unit 107 may comprise a transfer drum 108. The transfer drum 108 may be configured to transport the articles 2 through the inspection unit 107. In some embodiment, the perforation unit 104 and the inspection unit 107 may be combined to form a perforation and inspection unit 104, 107, as illustrated in Fig.5. In such an embodiment, the transport drum 105 and the transfer drum 108 may be the same drum. The inspection unit 107 may further comprise at least one inspection device 109. The inspection device 109 may be configured to determine the quality of the articles 2 produced by the modular apparatus 1. In some embodiments, the inspection unit 107 may comprise a plurality of inspection devices 109. The inspection device(s) 109 may be configured to inspect the articles 2 for, for example but not limited to, flagged ends, i.e. wrapper corners that are not properly glued down. This may be done via, for example, but not limited to, an image sensor. At least one of the inspection devices 109 may be configured to determine whether the densities of the rods are within or outside of an acceptable range, i.e. not enough filter material or not enough aerosol generating material. In some embodiment, it will be appreciated that the second module 13 may further comprise an outfeed unit (not shown) in the form of an outfeed drum (not shown). In some embodiments, the transport drum 105 and/or transfer drum 108 may also be the outfeed drum. As previously mentioned, the modular apparatus 1 may receive double length rods 3 into a hopper 34. However, in an alternative embodiment, the double length rods 3 may be received by the feed drum 31 of the first module 11 directly from another machine, as will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to Fig.8. Referring to Fig.8, a system 200 for manufacturing a double length rod 3 is shown in a top schematic view. The system 200 comprises a plurality of separate, dedicated machines 201. The system 200 may be collectively referred to as a consumable maker machine. The consumable maker machine may be configured to assemble a plurality of double length rod 3, as described with reference to Fig.2a. Thus, when the system 200, or consumable maker machine, is aligned with the modular apparatus 1 a manufacturing system 300 for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision is formed, as shown schematically in Fig.9. The system 200 may comprise a first machine 203. The first machine 203 may be a tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203. The tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203 may be configured to manufacture quadruple length tobacco rods. The tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203 may manufacture a continuous tobacco rod and then cut it into quadruple length tobacco rods. Thus, the tobacco rod manufacturing machine 203 may comprise a rod formation unit 204 and a cutting unit 205. The system 200 may further comprise a second machine 207. The second machine 20 may be a transfer machine 207. The transfer machine 207 may comprise a transfer unit 208. The transfer unit 208 may be configured to transfer the quadruple length tobacco rods from being conveyed in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis to being conveyed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis. The system 200 may further comprises a third machine 211. The third machine 211 may be a double length tobacco rod former 211. The third machine 211 may comprise a cutting unit 212. The cutting unit 212 may be configured to cut the quadruple length tobacco rods in half. The double length tobacco rod former 211 may further comprise a turning unit 213. The turning unit 213 may be configured to turn one of the double length tobacco rods and align the double length tobacco rods transversely. The system 200 may further comprise a fourth machine 215. The fourth machine 215 may be a filter insertion machine 215. The filter insertion machine 215 may comprise a filter insertion unit 216. The filter insertion machine 215 may be configured to insert a double length filter rod at one end of each double length tobacco rod to form a group of rods. The system 200 may further comprise a fifth machine 218. The fifth machine may be a second transfer machine 218. The second transfer machine 218 may be configured to transfer the group of rods from being conveyed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis to being conveyed in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis. The system 200 may further comprise a sixth machine 221. The sixth machine 221 may be a rod combining machine 221. The rod combining machine 221 may comprise an alignment unit 222. The alignment unit 222 may be configured to align the groups of rods in double length filter rod to double length tobacco rod alignment. The rod combining machine 221 may further comprise a wrapping unit 223. The wrapping unit 223 may be configured to wrap the plurality of groups of rods to form an endless rod. The rod combining machine 221 may further comprise a cutting unit 224. The cutting unit 224 may be configured to cut the endless rod at the midpoints of the double length filter rods to form the plurality of double length rods 3 formed of rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6. Although described above in detail, a method of manufacturing an article 2 for aerosol provision will now be described for clarity. The method comprises providing a plurality of double length rods 3 comprising a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6, cutting the double length rod 3 in half through the midpoint of the double length rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 to form a first group of rods 28 and a second group of rods 29, separating the first group of rods 28 from the second group of rods 29 to form a filter rod receiving space 48 between the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first group of rods 28 and the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the second group of rods 29, inserting a double length filter rod 51 into the filter rod receiving space 48 to form a single group of rod articles 52, wrapping a wrapper 10 around the single group of rod articles 52 to form a double length article 65, and cutting the double length article 65 in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rod 52 to form a first article 2a and a second article 2b arranged longitudinally, each of the first and second articles 2a, 2b comprising a first filter rod 6, a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5, and a second filter rod 9. The step of separating the first group of rods 28 from the second group of rods 29 may comprise providing suction to the first filter rod 6 ends of the first and second groups 28, 29 of rods. The step of wrapping the single group of rod articles 52 to form a double length article 65 may comprise wrapping a wrapper 10 around the entire length of the double length filter rod 51 and at least a part of the length the rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 of the first and second groups of rods 28, 29. The method may further comprises the step of turning one of the first article 2a and second article 2b to reverse its orientation such that the first and second articles 2a, 2b are aligned transversely in the same orientation. The method may further comprises the step of perforating the articles 2. The method may further comprise the step of inspecting the articles 2. The step of providing a plurality of double length rods 3 comprising a rod 4 of aerosol generating material 5 between two first filter rods 6 may comprise forming an endless rod of aerosol generating material and cutting it into quadruple length rods, cutting the quadruple length rods in half into double length rods and turning one of the double length rods such that the two double length rods are moved from being longitudinally aligned with each other to being transversely aligned adjacent to each other, inserting a first double length filter rod 6 at one end of each of the double length rods 4 to form a group of rods, combining the groups of rods in a double length filter rod to double length tobacco rod orientation and wrapping to form an endless rod, and cutting the endless rod at the midpoint of the double length filter rods 6 to form a plurality of double length rods 3 comprising a rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods. The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the inventions as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitable comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be in the future.

Claims

Claims 1. A modular apparatus for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision, the modular apparatus comprising: a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules comprising a plurality of functional units, the plurality of modules comprising: a first module comprising a cutting unit and a separating unit, the first module being configured to receive a plurality of double length rods formed of rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods, a second module located downstream of the first module and comprising a filter insertion unit, a wrapping unit, and a cutting unit.

2. The modular apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting unit in the first module is configured to cut the plurality of double length rods in half through the midpoint of the double length rod to form a first group of rods and a second group of rods, each of the first and second groups of rods comprising a first filter rod and a rod of smokeable material.

3. The modular apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the separating unit is located downstream of the cutting unit and is configured to separate the first group of rods from the second groups of rods to form a filter rod receiving space between the rod of aerosol generating material of the first group of rods and the rod of aerosol generating material of the second group of rods.

4. The modular apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the filter insertion unit of the second module is configured to insert a double length filter rod into the filter rod receiving space to form a single group of rod articles.

5. The modular apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the wrapping unit is located downstream of the filter insertion unit and configured to wrap a wrapper around the single group of rod articles to form a double length article.

6. The modular apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the wrapping unit is configured to wrap a wrapper around the entire length of the double length filter rod and at least partially around the rods of aerosol generating material of the double length article.

7. The modular apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the cutting unit of the second module is located downstream of the wrapping unit and is configured to cut the double length article in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rod to form a first article and a second article, each of the first and second articles comprising a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol generating material, and a second filter rod.

8. The modular apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module further comprises a turning unit located downstream of the cutting unit.

9. The modular apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the turning unit comprises a turning drum having a plurality of article receiving sections, the turning drum being configured to receive first and second articles in second filter rod to second filter rod arrangement in longitudinally aligned first and second parts of the rod receiving sections and to output first and second articles in circumferentially spaced adjacent first and second parts of the rod receiving sections.

10. The modular apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the turning drum comprises a turning mechanism having a pivoting arm configured to rotate 180 degrees such that the first and second parts of the rod receiving sections are circumferentially spaced to reverse the direction of one of the first and second articles such that the first and second articles are arranged in the same orientation and circumferentially spaced on the turning drum.

11. The modular apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module further comprises a perforation unit configured to perforate the articles.

12. The modular apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module further comprises an inspection unit.

13. The modular apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module further comprises an outfeed unit.

14. A manufacturing system for the assembly of articles for aerosol provision, the manufacturing system comprising: a double length rod forming system , the system configured to assemble a plurality of double length rods formed of rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods; and a modular apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The manufacturing system according to claim 14, wherein the double length rod forming system comprises a tobacco rod manufacturing machine configured to manufacture quadruple length tobacco rods.

16. The manufacturing system according to claim 15, wherein the double length rod forming system further comprises a transfer machine configured to transfer the quadruple length tobacco rods from being conveyed in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis to being conveyed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis.

17. The manufacturing system according to claim 16, wherein the double length rod forming system further comprises a double length tobacco rod former comprising a cutting unit configured to cut the quadruple length tobacco rods in half and a turning unit configured to turn one of the double length tobacco rods and align the double length tobacco rods transversely.

18. The manufacturing system according to claim 17, wherein the double length rod forming system further comprises a filter insertion machine configured to insert a double length filter rod at one end of each double length tobacco rod form a group of rods.

19. The manufacturing system according to claim 18, wherein the double length rod forming system further comprises a second transfer machine configured to transfer the group of rods from being conveyed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis to being conveyed in a direction parallel to their longitudinal axis.

20. The manufacturing system according to claim 19, wherein the double length rod forming system further comprises a rod combining machine configured to align the groups of rods in double length filter rod to double length tobacco rod alignment and to wrap the plurality of groups of rods to form an endless rod.

21. The manufacturing system according to claim 20, wherein the rod combining machine is configured to cut the endless rod at the midpoints of the double length filter rods to form the plurality of double length rods formed of rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods.

22. A method of manufacturing an article for aerosol provision, the method comprising: providing a plurality of double length rods comprising a double length rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods; cutting the double length rod in half through the midpoint of the double length rod of aerosol generating material to form a first group of rods and a second group of rods; separating the first group of rods from the second group of rods to form a filter rod receiving space between the rod of aerosol generating material of the first group of rods and the rod of aerosol generating material of the second group of rods; inserting a double length filter rod into the filter rod receiving space to form a single group of rod articles; wrapping a wrapper around the single group of rod articles to form a double length article; and cutting the double length article in half through the midpoint of the double length filter rod to form a first article and a second article arranged longitudinally, each of the first and second articles comprising a first filter rod, a rod of aerosol generating material, and a second filter rod.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the step of wrapping the single group of rod articles to form a double length article comprises wrapping a wrapper around the entire length of the double length filter rod and at least a part of the length the rod of aerosol generating material of the first and second groups of rods.

24. The method according to any one of claim 22 or claim 23, further comprising the step of turning one of the first article and second article to reverse its orientation such that the first and second articles are aligned transversely in the same orientation.

25. The method according to any one of claim 22 to claim 24, wherein the step of providing a plurality of double length rods comprising a rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods comprises: forming an endless rod of aerosol generating material and cutting it into quadruple length rods; cutting the quadruple length rods in half into double length rods and turning one of the double length rods such that the two double length rods are moved from being longitudinally aligned with each other to being transversely aligned adjacent to each other; inserting a first double length filter rod at one end of each of the double length rods to form a group of rods; combining the groups of rods in a double length filter rod to double length rod orientation and wrapping to form an endless rod; and cutting the endless rod at the midpoint of the double length filter rods to form a plurality of double length rods comprising a rod of aerosol generating material between two first filter rods.