Abstract: A system for removing biomass from a stem includes a frame, a conveyor mechanism which moves the stem in a horizontal conveying direction, a pair of rollers which exert a rubbing force between each other for removing the biomass from the stem, and a tensioning system arranged to exert a force which holds the stem to the conveyor mechanism. A first axial end of each roller is connected to an inlet end side of the conveyor mechanism, and a second axial end of each roller is connected to a transmission such that the rollers are angled downward from the first axial ends to the second axial ends. The conveyor mechanism moves the stem so as to pass between the rollers such that the rubbing force removes the biomass from the stem, and such that the rubbing force moves downward along the stem as the stem moves in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing tobacco, in which tobacco leaves are threshed to form a mixture of free lamina, clean stem pieces from which lamina has been completely or substantially completely removed and uncleaned stem pieces which have useful pieces of lamina attached thereto. This mixture is sifted to separate the clean stem pieces from the unclean stem pieces. The unclean stem pieces are subjected to additional threshing by recycling the unclean stem pieces to the thresher. A sieve may be used to carry out the method and as a part of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for spreading individual tobacco leaf halves, comprising a first conveyor formed by two endless elements, the operative runs of which are in contact with one another for clamping an edge part of the tobacco leaf portion and by a second conveyor, the conveying run of which joins the side of the first conveyor and the advancing direction of which is at an acute angle to that of the first conveyor, means being provided for lifting the operative runs of the first conveyor each time apart from one another, owing to the oblique conveyance of the second conveyor, the loose part of the tobacco leaf, laying on said second conveyor, which is moved away from the first conveyor while the transverse speed component of the second conveyor ensures stretching or spreading of the tobacco leaf.