Abstract: In the production of wrappers or binders of different sizes from tobacco leaves, these leaves are at first divided into strip pieces that are transferred to a conveyor section and by means of a scanner are scanned to ascertain usable areas with preference from the largest to the smallest size. The strip pieces cut out of the same halves of tobacco leaves (right and left sides) are advanced on a further conveyor section consisting of separate, parallel belts, from which strip pieces of equally large, usable areas are collected in the same bobbin, in which they are oriented parallel to the axis of the bobbin and with their usable areas aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bobbin web. The cutting of nondefective final wrappers or binders is subsequently carried out in a separate operation and without further sorting. This provides for obtaining an optimum output from the tobacco leaves by using an apparatus of non-complicated design.

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 a device for spreading tobacco leaves which, subsequent to having been moistened, are smoothed by passage in their transverse direction between a base and a sweeping brush or an analogous smoothing tool, said tool may be "broken" from its normal or straight operating position into a position in which its ends are raised higher from the base than its center portion. The operator is thus left more space for his hands that seize the leading edge of the tobacco leaf to be pulled across the base, and the smoothing operation at the largest portion of the tobacco leaf can be started earlier than the smoothing operation closer to the point and stalk ends of the leaf.

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.