Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting a block of tobacco includes a support structure having a rotatable shaft and a plurality of blade-holder carriages rotatable with the shaft. Each carriage includes a cutting blade for cutting through and penetrating a block of tobacco. Each carriage is capable of a translatory movement relative to the shaft along a line parallel to the axis of the shaft. A drive device includes plurality of rotary pinions which bring about the translatory movement of each carriage in synchronism with the rotation of the shaft during cutting the block of tobacco.

Abstract: The dispenser comprises a feed belt (C) provided with transversely-arranged, equally-spaced tubes (3) receiving the articles to be dispensed which are held therein by stationary boundary walls. While being transferred between two magazines (1-2) in which it is to be stacked, the feed belt is submitted to a slight temporary torsion in the longitudinal direction, so that one end of the tubes will be directed downwards and upon passing in registry with an underlying opening (9) it will permit the articles housed within the tubes to be discharged by the action of gravity. In the upper portion of the guide (F) submitting the charger to said torsion, there is provided an opening (13) with which the top ends of the tubes on the feed belt become aligned during the step-by-step movement of the latter in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction, in order to fill the tubes with new articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a block of tobacco includes a rotatable support and guide structure mounted for rotation about an axis disposed at an angle to the direction of advance of the block of tobacco. A plurality of movable blade carrier elements are mounted on the support guide structure with each element carrying a cutting blade adapted to intersect and penetrate the block of tobacco. Each carrier element is axially movable independently of the other carrier elements and is pressed against a stationary cam member by a thrust member. Upon rotation of the support and guide structure, each blade carrier reciprocates in response due to engagement with the cam member.

Abstract: A plate-edge machining apparatus comprises a workbench for supporting a plate and a movable abutment for positioning the plate border to be machined in a machining position projecting beyond the workbench. The plate is retained by a movable plate holder. A tool carriage is reciprocably movable relative to a fixed sliding guide and carries two machining tools, each tool being associated with a relative edge of the plate border such that both of said edges can be machined.