Abstract: A slicing machine comprises a frame having a support surface (10) onto which the block of material to be sliced is placed, a cutter assembly (14) for moving in a cutting plane transversely of said support surface, said cutter assembly being movable between upper and lower positions (K, K1) and a pusher (11) for moving the block of material in stepwise fashion towards said cutting plane, said pusher being movable from a rearmost position (A) in a forward direction during successive slicing operations to a forwardmost position (A1) close to the cutting plane. A pivoted retainer (22) is pivotally connected to the frame and movable between a non-retaining position and a retaining position for retaining and supporting the last slide of the block. The retainer is actuated by a pneumatic rotary actuator. The pusher moves toward its rearmost position as soon as the last slice is in a retained and supported situation.

Abstract: A process for converting cigarette tobacco winnowings into usable form for cigarette making, comprises crushing the winnowings, which have a moisture content compatible with cigarette making, effecting a first sieving operation on the resulting crushed winnowings, and effecting a second sieving operation on the smaller fraction resulting from the first sieving operation to remove particles unsuitable for direct use. Any larger fraction resulting from the first sieving operation may be subjected to cutting and thereafter a third sieving operation.Suitable apparatus for converting cigarette tobacco winnowings having a moisture content compatible with cigarette making into usable form for cigarette making, comprises crushing rollers (11, 12) to which the winnowings are fed, a sieve (18) arranged to receive the crushed winnowings from the crusher, and a second sieve (19) provided to separate the tobacco usable for cigarette making from tobacco dust.