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 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: 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 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.

Abstract: In a wrapper rolling machine for the manufacture of cigars etc. and comprising a wrapper cutting out unit, means are provided to hold one half of a tobacco leaf while cutting is performed in its other half, and to deliver the first half, together with any scraps appending thereto, in a plane condition and a desired orientation for the subsequent cutting out of one or more wrappers from said first half.

Abstract: Tobacco leaves to be smoothed after moistening are advanced in their transverse direction, i.e. with one side edge leading, between a pair of smoothing implements while being gripped at points adjacent to said leading side edge and near to the stalk or butt end and the point end of the leaf, respectively. The apparatus comprises a pair of upper and lower smoothing implements that are reciprocable parallel to the path of advance of the leaves and are at the same time movable relative to each other in the vertical direction between a closed, or operative, position and an open, or inoperative, position.