(57) A method to control a feeding unit (1) to feed components (2) for smoking articles
and comprising the steps of: feeding, by means of a first feed (3), a first flow of
components (2) having a first pitch (PI); and feeding, by means of a second feed (4),
a second flow of components (2) having a second pitch (PI), which is the same as the
first pitch (P1). In case of the regular operation of both feeds (3, 4), combining,
at a first drum (5), the components (2) of the first and second flows so as to create
a third flow of components (2), in which the components (2) of the first flow are
alternated with the components (2) of the second flow and have a third pitch (P3)
which is smaller then, in particular half, the first pitch (P1) and the second pitch
(P1). In case of regular operation of both feeds (3, 4), transferring the components
(2) of the third flow from the first drum (5) to a second drum (8) having the same
speed as the first drum (5). In case the first feed (3) stops, the steps of: carrying
out a pitch reduction of the components (2) of the second flow, in particular at the
output of the first drum (5), so as to obtain a third flow of components (2) having
a third pitch (P3) which is smaller than, in particular half, the first pitch (P1)
and the second pitch (P1); and transferring the components (2) of the third flow from
the first drum (5) to the second drum (8).
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