Abstract: A device for spreading tobacco leaves comprises a suction box with a perforated wall and a shield composed of a plurality of sections transversely movable outwards from a closed position in which they cover the perforated wall with the exception of a central area against which the mid rib portion of the tobacco leaf can be clamped by means of a rail. The leaf is held by suction against the shield sections during their opening movement and is so spread and stretched transversely in a direction away from the mid rib. Trailing brushes that are moved outwards together with the shield sections are further provided for this purpose. The perforated wall may comprise knives which, when being run over by a roller, cut out wrappers or binders or blanks therefor from the tobacco leaf while this is still being held firmly against the wall after full opening of the shield.

Abstract: In a process for the growing of aquatic animals in a controlled environment wherein water is continuously circulated through a tank, the improvement which comprises introducing fresh water into said tank having an inner wall; at the upper rim sufficiently tangential to said inner wall of the tank and at a sufficient rate to maintain a circular water flow throughout the tank, and discharging wastewater at the lower end of the tank.