Abstract: A filter cigarette comprising a tobacco rod and filter portion comprising a fluted tubular extrusion. The flutes are blocked intermediate the rod end and mouth end of the extrusion. The tobacco rod is circumferentially wrapped with a porous wrapper comprising a longitudinal band of perforations. The fluted tubular extrusion is attached with tipping paper to the tobacco rod. A mouthband and a rodband of perforations circumscribes the tipping paper. A rod of charcoal-impregnated filter material may abut the tubular extrusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing tobacco filler by cutting whole tobacco leaves, including stems, is provided. The leaves, with stems in, are cut to produce strands of lamina and strands of stem and lamina. The strands are carded to disentangle them and then put through a separator to separate the strands of lamina, for use as filler, from strands of stem and lamina. The strands of stem and lamina can be carded again to disentangle may remaining strands of lamina that there may be, and the strands can then be passed through another separator. The process can be repeated several times if necessary.