Abstract: In order to minimize the misaligned and wrinkled cigarettes during cigarette handling in ZF12B cigarette reservoir and transfer system, a horizontal conveying device was designed to replace elevating and diversion process in cigarette conveying at corner section. An open cigarette hopper was designed in the place of the original cigarette input unit to let cigarettes be delivered into the hopper directly and horizontally at lower internal pressure in the cigarette flow. The speed control algorithm for the conveying belt was redesigned to ensure a consistent cigarette flow. Two ZF12B systems were tested in Xiangyang Cigarette Factory, and the results showed that the frequency of cigarette misalignment and the amount of wrinkled cigarettes decreased by 86.7% and 84.5% respectively, and the emergent machine stop reduced by 59.5%. The operational efficiency and packaging quality of ZF12B system was promoted effectively. This method provides a support for improving cigarette packaging quality and efficiency.