Abstract: A cutting table for whole tobacco leaves out of which wrappers or binders are to be cut, comprises a perforated plate forming the top of a suction box and presenting a field illuminated from below, within which the mid rib of the tobacco leaf should be positioned, and also presenting indication lines likewise set off by illumination to facilitate the optimum position of the tobacco leaf in relation to the desired cutting pattern.

Abstract: In the production of cheroots and similar tobacco articles with a wrapper made from natural tobacco relieved of central rib portions but containing portions of side ribs, the said ribs are flattened solely in the end flap of the wrapper.

Abstract: In order to moisten bunched tobacco leaves without disarranging the leaves, the bunch, possibly after having been exposed to warm steam, is suspended with the strapped neck portion pointing upwards. After inversion, the neck and adjacent portion of the bunch is immersed in a moistening liquid, and subsequently the bunch is re-inversed and subjected to an oscillatory shaking movement, thereby causing the tobacco leaves to rub against one another to promote the liquid penetration. After setting, the bunches are again subjected to shaking for loosening of the leaves which are fully cut free at the neck portion while maintained as an orderly stack of substantially smooth leaves ready for further processing.