US1476771A - Tobacco-stemming machine - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 11 1923.

F. QSCHOFIELD ToBAcco STEMMING MAGHINE Filed Feb. 24. 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ming to the stemming elements. To accurately feed and forward all the stems held by` thebars to thestemming means,"wliich is spaced some distance from the separating bars, is a matter, however, which has not been found free from diiculty. If thebars have engaged, for example, the extreme butt ends ofthe stems, these butt ends when rel leasedor'freed by the bars are at a distance Y from the "stemming devices or forwarding VVdevices kassociated therewith when they are so freed and difficulty has been encountered in directing theVV freed butt ends through the 1 provision of a stemming machine of the type A referred to having novel and improved means for feeding and advancing the tobacco leaves andstems; the provision of means for permitting the definite positioning ofthe Y leaves Vwith all "their butt ends `accurately 'alin'ed, associated 'with means for feeding 'the'leavesfrom such position into a predetermined position to be grasped or clamped the provisionof a i feeding means of this by the closing complemental gripper bars;

nature which is operative topositively grip the leaves and advance the same into said predetermined position; the provision of apparatus of this nature in whichthe alinin g means.A is out of the path of movement of fthe bars and arranged in vsuch a manner that the buttends of the leaves are fed for `gripping .purposes after being alined and are fed to permitthe gripping of the de- 4siredplortion of the butt ends of the leaves; fthe Vfurther provision of feedinof means capable of releasing hold of the tobacco leaves when the same are gripped by the bars and Y rstems from the gripper bars to the secondary drawn on thereby; the'still Vfurther provision 'of means for directly. feeding the l stemming devices withV such means arranged to grip the stems close to the rbutt ends thereof following thereleaseof tliesame by the bars and the'further VprovisionV of apparatus of this nature simple in construe Y .tion `and capable of efficient operation and control. Y Y Y Totlie accomplishment of the foregoing and such otheriobgects as mayhereinafter appear, my invention consists in the elements and their relationoneto the other, as hereinafter particularly described and sought to bedeiined in the claims, reference Y being had to the accompanying 'drawings which show a preferred embodiment of my invention and in which:

` Figure 1 is an elevational view of my `stemming machine showing the means for Y leaves and prime `desideratuin of my present Y feeding and advancing the leaves and stems, parts of the stemming machine being broken away and other parts shown in section, Figures 2 and 3 are fragmentar Y elevational views of the means for fee ing the advancin the same to the gripperbars showingv t e same in successive stages of operation,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary elevational lview with parts in cross section of the means for feeding the stems to the secondary stemming elements, the parts being here shown in a successive stage of operation as compared with Figure 1, and

AFigure 5 is a plan view of the stemming machine with the parts in position as shown in Figure 1.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the stemming machine of my present invention is of the type as disclosed in my prior patents above mentioned, in which are provided complemental sets of companion endless chains 10 and 11, the endless chains 10 comprising the upper carrier chains upon which are arranged 1n spaced relation Y the clamping bars 12, the set of chains 11 comprising the lower carrier chains upon which are spacedly arranged the companion gripper bars 13. The endless carrier chains 10 are movable over sets of spaced sprocketwheels 14 and 15 respectively, the sprocket wheels 14 being pinned to a shaft 16 journalled in the framework 17 at one end of-the machine, the sprocket wheels 15 being similarly pinned to a shaft 18 journalled in the framework 17 of the machine at the other end of the saine. In a similar manner the lower carrier chains 11 are trained and movable over the sets of spaced sprocket wheels 19 and 20, the sprocket wheels 19 being fixed to a shaft 21 rjournalled in the framework of the machine,

thesaid shaft being arranged in the plane of the shaft 16 and the sprocket wheels 20 being ixe'd to a shaft 22 journalled in thc framework of the machine, the said latter shaft being arranged in the plane of the shaft 18. For suitably tensioiiin the sprocket chains 10 and 11 the sha ts 16 and 21 may be slidably mounted in the framework` 17 of the machine and to this end the said shafts are -journalled in blocks 23 and 2li respectively, the said blocks being movable in guideways 25 and 26 respectively, adjusting or set screw devices 27 and 28 respectively being employed for adjustling and locking the journalled blocks 23 and 24 in desired position. The endless carrier and 19 meet and close for clamping or gripping therebetween the butt'endsof the 4tobacco leaves fedor advanced.,thereto as is well known in this type of device, the leaves so clamped by the bars being then drawn through stemming elements (not shown) such as `disclosed in my prior patents, the removal of the lamina or blades from the stems of the lea-ves being effected during movement of the leaves through the stemming elements. Y

As heretofore mentioned, a principal object of my present invention comprehends the provision of a construction in which the tobacco leaves may be accurately `fed with Vthei: butt ends in properly alined positions to the movable gripper or clampin bars 12 and 13 so` that the clamping o' all the leaves fed'to the bars will be assured and so that such clamping takes place not only with suicient security to draw the leaves through'the stemming elements without the occurrence of drops but at predetermined portions of the butt ends of the leaves to the end of preventing or minimizing too .large a portion of the stems being gripped between the bars and shielded from the main stemming elements. To thisrend my invention comprehends an arrangement in which the butt ends of the leaves may be alined ina definite mannerprior to feeding the leaves to a position intersecting the path of movement of the gripper bars, then after the leaves are so alined to feed the same into the desired position in a positive manner and so that predetermined portions of the butt ends ofthe leaves will be presented for clamping action to the bars. Referring to the drawings which show one eX- empliication of my invention, I provide the central table T upon which are spread a plurality of leaves L and arranged between the said table T and the endless chain carriers 10 and 1l T provide a butt end alining means A, the leaves L positioned by hand on thertaible T being spread apart by the operator and moved into definite positioning witl:` the butt ends of the leaves up against the alining means A and for feeding the leaves from-such positions to a position to be gripped by the gripper bars 12 and 13 T provide the feeding means F.

The table T of myV invention is preferably made to comprise an oscillatable support for a purpose as will appear presently, the said table being oscillatably mounted on the side tables 29 and 30 by means of the trunnions 31 and 32. The butt end alining means A in the present form of my invention comprises preferably an oscillatable gauge board or gatef33 journalled by means of the trunnions 34 and 35 in suitable bearings 36 and 37 forming part of the framework of the machine, the saidgate or gauge board being movable from a verticalv position asshown in Figure 1 to aposition in- -clined thereto, as shown in Figures 2 and Vin the preferred construction the saidbutt alining means is preferably moved by the oscillation of the table T. To this end the said, table VT is provided with the end plates '38 and 39 secured to the sides of the table T in any Vpreferred manner, the said plates 38 and 39 being provided with lugs 40 and 41 receiving the set screws 42 and 43, the

The butt alin- SOV bottoms of the said set screws being intendi ed for engaging the linger pieces 44 andi45 f iiXedly attached to the trunnions 34 and 35 of the butt alining means A. With this construction it will be apparent that upon downward movement of the table T the set screws 43 and 43 will positively engage the fingers 44 and 45 and move the butt alining means to the yvertical position as shown in Figure 1 of the drawings; and with this construction it'will be further apparent that when the butt alining means A is so Vmoved tov vertical position the gate or gauge'board 33 will assume a definite and rigid position capable of definitely alining vthe butt ends of the leaves L. For moving the alining means to the inclined position asv shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, YI preferably provide the tension springs 46 and 47 each anchored at yone end to the table T as at 48 and 49 and at the other end to the butt alining means A beneath the axis .of oscillation thereof, as at .L into position to be clamped by the gripper bars 12 and 13 the feeding means F of myV construction comprises, generically, a supporting roller 52 preferably journalled in the end plates 33 and 39 of the table T and a cooperating drum segment 53 iiXedto a shaft 54'journalled in the framework of the machine, the said shaft being intended to be' positively driven to effect the rotation of the segment 53 Vin the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 1 of the drawings; The supporting roller 52 is preferably provided with a resilient contact surface such as rubber and is so relatively disposed to the drum segment 53 as to permit a'yielding yet positive gripping or clamping of the leaves L for 'feeding the same forward. A'The provision of a druinzsegine'nt-ei as shown permits the insertion or' the positioningforl the-leaves L and .after `the lea'ves Vare so'. positioned the drinn. seornent n'iovahle the'ieover and :into

cooperation with tne resilient roller` 52 grasps ,theleaves in apositive `manner .for

feeding` the .saine forward.

For the', nir ose of reventinsr the drinn J, O- segnienti'lroin connng1 into contact-.With the itohacco leaves. prior to the point of Ur1ppingithe'sand this to the endk or preventing dragging or the tobacco out of line or pushing` f partei 'the leavesahea d the roller 52 is prefer? ablygiven ainotion to and frein the drinn segmento?) andit isto this endk that-thetahle lrjnponivlnch therolle'r 52 `is journalled .is vmounted lor Yosciilatahle niotion. ."lo. theend of; eilecting-tlienp and 'downniovenient of' Afthe roller andtheioscillationofthe table l lower. 5'?, .the latter T Ifprovidethe cani fixed to the shaft.

thesaid cani being provided withthe cani tracll: 56 with which cooperates. the `cani tolnionnted at the end of a cam; slide 58,- the said kslide being pro- Cil videdwith a toe portion 59 at itsloottoin portioniorreceivngfangadgusting or set screw,

device 60,th'eshanlz of the set scre'aT device fr Gl which slide lfnnovesthe' table T upwardly, the

.carnlfollowert riding `overthe cani track` 56. 'leaves are by-this inean'spositively engagedhetween the roller 52 and drinn seg# vrnent 53, thesepartsiurtherniore having a tendency .to Vspreadthe butt ends of the leaves apart.- Withzont moving the `leaves longitudinally one-relative to Athe other, all the ontt ends being thus conditioned for proper 'gripping action by theiclaniping hars. The

adjustingrdevice Aor ,set screw Y60 is provided to the end`v eli adjusting the :yielding clainping between the roller 52 and the drinn seg- Y Figures lfto. 3 of the drawings it will ment 58. YThe drinn segment 53, moreover, 1s preferably. ina-de or the proper length or surface. or'degree ci' Ya circle to adv/ance the` tobacco .toY pointvvhere thegripper hars V,12 and 13 take the properhold of:y the tobacco steinsandthen pass on, allowing theV bars tordrag or draw the tobacco Without retarding-interference.- Upon comparison of he seen that prior-to the engagement or the druni segment Withi the leavesY L theroller 52 is Vin` its descended position with ythe hut-t alin ing. means infverti'cal position, (Figure l) and as the drinn segment 53 nieves into engageinentglwvith Afthe -Vleaves L the roller 52 is -inovedy totv ascended position Whiley l e -side plate 'lo .tt ends of' simultaneously the butt alining,r means A 1s inovedto inclined position (Figure 2);

`the said: huttaalining vmeansanow fune,y intoalined positions, Without` interference tioning or serving `as a slide or guide for v the butt ends of the leaves, the leaves being then advanced into.- position to he gripped hy the grippelxbr-rs l2 and 13, thegarrangeinent of the parts being such thatall the butt ends and only the butt ends are presented for clampingaction by the bars, this being clearly shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. the drnin segment 53 nioving out of contact with the roller. as shown in Figure 2l, ailer the gripping oi? the leaves hy the hars has been The Vtahleis then moved to de,- scended position ready for the .next spread of tobacco lea-ves thereon.

'For the purpose of drivingr or operating the cain 55 andthe drum segment 53 I provide `the gear` Wheel G2 .fixed to the cani shaft 54 andnieshing with this gear wheel I provide-the pinion the latter being fixed to a Vshaft (3f/l cin'rying the bevel gear (l5. the hitter. meshing with a heve] pinion (lo fixed to a sha'tt Gf? jonrnallcd as at (S8 in the frameivorci? the machine. vFor the purpose ot preuk-terniiningv .the position of the drum s ment 53 with respect to the rmovable gripper hars J,2 and 13 and for advancing or retardiner the 'Former with res )ect to the latter I or the purpose of giving the hars a greater Vor lesser hold on the tobacco, as desired.

I pro ide n'ieans for relatively adjnstilnl the posi'iiion oit' the drinn segment 53 with respect to the movement of the'grippcr ,hars 12 and 1S. lo this end I provide the drive shaft,

vfhich has a inotioir synchronized with the inotion ofthe carrier chains l() and 11, the said drive shaft` 69 'being connected to the shaft 67 by ineans ot' a coupling: 70. the latter pinned to the shaft has at 71. and connected tothe shaft 67 uhy means ofi a releasahle screw or holt 72. lith the pro` vision et this means it will he seen that the holtl or, similar device 72n1ay he released and that the shaftA 67 may he rotated rela-- tively to theshaft 69 for advancing or retardii the position of the drinn segment 53 relative to vthe position of they gripper bars l2and 13.

As heretofore mentioned, a further principal object of my ,present invention coingrehends the provision of means for acenrately feeding the stripped stems from he tween thegripper bars 12 and 13 to a secondary or supplemental.stemming device for removing the' lannna adhering! to the,

leaves as7 for example, such lamina at the the leaves which have been shielded from thestemming` action of the inainstennning devices and such lamina which have .escaped theaction of the main stennning apparatus. The secondary stemming devices are arranged at the advance end of the machine;v and referring to Figures llll 1,. 4 and 5 of the drawings, I show the provision of al set of supplementary stemming rolls 73 and 74 of the usual type having, forv example, card clothing surfaces7 the said stemming rolls being rotatable inopposite directions as shown by the arrows in the figures, the stemming rolls receiving inotion in any suitable manner as from a belt 75 movable over a `pulley 76- fixed to the shaft of one of the stemming'elements, the

stemming rolls being housed by the chute i cover-77. For forwarding the stems S of the leaves L. from the gripperA bars l2 and 13 to the lstemming rolls 73 and 474 Il provide the forwarding rolls 78 and 79, these ior-V warding rolls being. actuated by any suitable means asby means of a sprocket chain 80 trained over `sprockets 81 and 82 arranged respectively on the sprocket shaft18fand the shaft of the'roll 7 8. Upon separation of the gripper bars 12 and 13 as they roundthe sets of sprockets land 20 the stems S1 are fed to the forwarding rolls 78 and 79, the latter moving at a peripheral speed equal to the rectilinear speed Yof the. gripper bars, the forwarding rolls inf turn feeding the leaves to the stemming rolls 73 vand 741,-the latter beingfrotated at a speedfmuch greater than Mio the advancing speed of the forwarding rolls 78 and 79, stemming of the adhering Vlaminataking place in this manner, as clearly appears from a consideration of Figure 4c of the drawings, the tobacco flakes removed from thel stems S falling into the chute 77.

The feedingof the stemsS from the gripperl Abars 12 and 13 hto the'secondary stem# ming devices has been found Vto be a matter attended with considerable difculty, especially where a plurality of stems are intend-` ed to be forwarded with precision through the forwarding rolls. The forwarding rolls are, of necessity, situated at a distance from the separating gripper bars and where the butt ends of the stems S only have been gripped by the bars, the butt ends when released by the gripper bars are at a substantial distance from the forwarding rolls 7 8V and 79 and directing of these free ends betweenthe for-` warding rolls is attended with difficulty. To the end of improving the means for feeding the stems tothe forwarding rolls 78 and 7 9 my present invention comprehends the 'provision of an apparatus by which the stems S maybe taken hold 'of'close to or substantially close to the butt ends when the latter are freed by the separation of the gripper bars, the leaves so'taken hold of being capable of easier feeding into the forwarding rolls 78 and 79. To these ends my present invention comprehends the provision of means rotatable about the axies of the sets of sprocket wheels 15 and V2O,V suchmeans being constructed so as not to interfere with the action of the ripper bars and being arranged to follow t ev gripper bars and clamp Vgripper bars.

rolls 78 and 79, as clearly appears from av i consideration of Figure l of the drawings.

The operation ofmy stemming` machine and the feeding means therefor will, in the main, be apparent from the above detailed description thereof.v 1t will be apparent that when the leaves L are untied from a liandthey may be spread ovei1 the table T by the operator, the operator pushing the leaves with their butt ends into alined position against the gauge board 33, the latter being rigidly positioned to effect proper alining of all the leaves. `After the leaves are so alined they are positively and resiliently gripped between thesupporting rollerV 52'and the drum segment 53, these parts being so constructed and operated as to prevent any relative'longitudinal movement of the leaves and as toprevent the pushing of Y part ofthe leaves ahead, the leaves being by this means gripped in a positive and definite manner for advancing the same into a prejdetermined definite position relative tothe movable gripper bars'12y and 13, the latter securelyclamping the butt ends only of the leaves Vfor drawing the same on for stemming activity. After the leaves have been stemmed the stems S are forwarded in an 'eflicient manner by means of the drum segments 83l and 84 to the secondary stemming rolls 73 and 711, tlieflatter lfunctioning for removing thev lamina stems. v i f v Vhile I have shownmy device in the prevstill adhering tothe ferred form, it will be obvious that many changes and modifications may be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention, defined in the following claims.

vl' claim: I i Y 1. ln a stemming machine, in combination with movable complemental gripper devices for clamping therebetween the tobacco leaves and conveying the same through stemming elements, a support for receiving theyleaves to be stemmed and continuously operable mechanism effective intermittently on the leaves `for feeding the same from said support in'to position to be clamped by said gripper devices.V i

2. In a stemming machine, in combination with movable com lemental gripper devices forclainping 'there et/Ween the tobacco leaves yigfand conveying-the same throughstemming porting roller and a rotatable drum segment -felementsa'support forirec'eiving the leaves 'cooperating'therewith, the roller and segfj to"` bestemmedjmeans associated'with said mentcooperating to grip the leaves there- :asu-p'port 'for positioning-the leaves on' the betweenand feed the sameforward posi 'support'witlr their Istem endsI a'lined and tiveiy.- *mechanism -operciveyonly aiter-'the .leaves 8. In ya-maehine of the class described1 1n aarefsopositional-,for feeding-the same from combination,l means for ,feeding leaves for- -V-said-.sn'pport into' position-:to be" lclamped byfwardlyfor 'stemming the l same, Ithe said Y -i;- said-'geipper devices. Y means including a 'feeding drum segment.

i0 r 3.11111y a-s'temming machinain'combination 9. lIn a machine ofV the class described, in fi'vith movable eompleinental gripper devices combination, means for 'feeding leaves `forv'lier' clamping therebetween-thetobaccoleaves wardlyfor stemming the same, the said yandaconveyingzthe;same-threugh -s't'ennning'means including" rotatable members posiielements, a'snpportfor receiving the''leaves tioned to` grip AAtherebetween the tobacco 'l5' to be'stemmedga'ndk mechanism" Iori feeding',- )leaves and 'feedzthe same, one of suid` meini theflpeaves'from saidf support into position tof bers comprisinga drum' segment.

be'elainped by said gripper devices; thesaid "-l0.`ln aimach-ine ofthe class described, in hanism; eomprisingvineans'active'pinter-feombinatiom means 'forfeedingleaves foi ttentlyffor ``engaging" 'thei'leaves' on/'op'pofwlvardly` for1 'stemmingY the same.` `the said 'lsit'esi'des thereof'andforv'positivelyffeedingmeansfinelnding rotatable members posi 'thefsiime-orward. -r A Y 'Y tioned to" grip' therebetween the 'tobacmii u `Llria stemming machine,'in'coinbiirationf 'leaves andfeed- 'thelsamm oneof said mt1m With'm'vable complementari gripper vdevices?v-bers comprising a supporting roller `and the or 1 vclamping 'therebetween =the-ytobacco othert of-'said'flmembers comprising a drum eavesl andconveyingV thet same-througlrfsegment li'ntermittently cboperating theretemmingelemeiits, -afsupp'ortforfreceiving with.V

Qa said'fsupp'ortionadvancingftlie leaves from wardly for stemmingithe'same, the said Y 30 thefsuppot intocposi'tion to beclamped by 'rm'eans' including oppositely rotatable drum I said-:gripperdevices.; j i segments .operative for gripping the 'leali 1 In-afstemminginacliine,iin combination stems therebetween and V :ulvaiming the same. `A`withmovableedmpleinental gripperdevices T12. In a tobacco stemming machine, in liaving apredetermined pathofnoi/ementy i combination with endless complemental carndlopeiatfive Vfor'"clamping-therebetween vriersand':companion gripper'bars arranged y 'thetobaceoi yleaves fand*.conneyingltheisame Athereon; fthe Said gripperbars being movthrough"1stemining-elements, eSupport for able into' andf'outfof gripping relation to eceivi'ngthe leves'to" be stemmed; means Melampleafstems `ther-ebetweenundfeed the positienedfbetween sai'dsupport andthe'path- .fsame frwardlyand means for gripping and fzoffmovementeofsaid grippeitdevices fo'rpo-A fe'edinglthe stems :upon release of thestcnis Y sitioningffthe-*leaves with itheiflbutt"endsiybythefgripper bars, the said means includa'linedz- "and" meehaiiisnisoperative 'only after f i ling. drum segments. ff-the leavesla'reso positioned oradvaneing 13. 'In a'V tobacco stemming machine. in the leaves so positioned fiom thefsupportz combination, complement/al endless carriers 45"'intof'positionitobe clam'pedxbyi thel gripper"movable"about- -axes arranged in planes "devices Y 'i'spacedlongitudinally of the machine, coni- 6 'Infa'stemmingmachine; in'Y combination lpanion gripper bars disposed'on said vendless ."ivit'l movable complementabgripper deiifices carriers and movable into and ont of' griplt'or' clampingftherebetweenfg the'fjtobaceo ping relation for clamping and feeding the leaves and eonveyingth'e same thronglis'tem#fsteinsand drum segments arranged for roming elements, a support for `receiving tl'ietationfabouttheaxes iny one offsaid planes, 'leaves-'to be"ste"mmed and mechanism tor'lthe construction*bei-ng such' that the drum y, edingfthe leavesfroinsaidsnpport `iio segments'followT thednoving bars and coposition-jte be clampetlbyfsaid gripper de5 operateoi- 'gripping and feeding'thestems vices, theosaid mechanism including a druml npon'iseparation of the bars. t`'segment; p y 14.1111 atobacco stemming 'imwhinm in '117. -Inastemmingm'aehine; inpcombination"-lcombinatioin a' stemming device. comple-- th'inovable' complemental gripper devices mentalendless carriers movable abbnt axes i rf'f'clamping: therebetween 'the tobacco 'arranged in planes spaced longitudinally of leaves''f'andfconveying"fthe saine*tlrougli'fzthefmaehine,vfbompanion gripper bnrs'disstemming elements, a support for receivi11g-"posed on saidendless carriers and movable the'l'e'avesfto bestemmed andiine'chanism fori into 'and out ofgnipping relation for clampfifeeding'fthe leavesifr'om saidi suppotiinto ingfanlilfeedingfth'e* stems to said stemmingr position'rftobe fclamped'fbyf said!gripper dell;devieeiandfdrumlsegments arranged for r0- vces; the Said mechanism ineludingpa suptation about the axes in one of said planes,

l f the leaves to be 'stemmed andme'chanism in-V 11.1'In`a'machine of theclass described, in- Y Y VVAtermittentl'ye'operative onleaves `received by f combination, means for feeding leaves'forfill lllfl lll.)

Y operate for gripping and feeding the stems to said stemming device upon separation of the bars.

l5. ln a machine of theV class described, `means for feeding leaves to be stemmed, the said means comprising a rotatable supporting member, aV rotating drum segment mov-` able thereover and into gripping contact therewith and means for moving the member to and from the drum segment.

1G. ln a machine of the class described,ia

support for receiving leaves to be stemmed,

means for feeding the leaves from the said support, the said means comprising a rotatable supporting member journalled'in the support, a rotating drumsegment movable thereover and into gripping contact therewith and means for moving the support and its member to and from the drum segment.

17. In a machine of the class described, means for feeding leaves to be stemmed, the'said means comprising a rotatable supporting member, a 'rotating `drum segment movable thereover and into gripping contact therewith, means for moving the member to and from the drum segment and means for adjusting or regulating the grip- S ino' contact between the said member and drum seoment.

18. ln a tobacco stemming machine, means for receiving the leaves tobe stemmed, the said means including a movable element for alining the butt ends of the leaf stems, mechanism for feeding the leaves forwardly, the said mechanism including a rotatable supporting member and aV drum segment movable into and out of cooperative relation therewith and instrumentalities for eiecting movement ofthe said elements.

il). ln a machine of the class described, a1 movable gate for alining the ends of the leaves to be stemmed, means for feeding the leaves, the said means comprising a -rotatable supporting member, a rotatingdrum segment movable thereover and into gripping contact therewith and means for moving the member to and from. the drum segment, the construction being such that movethe drum segment, the construction bein@ such that movement of said support anc .member effects movement of the stem alining means.

21. ln a machine of the class described, in combination, means for feeding leaves forwardly for stemming the same, the said means including a feeding drum segment and mechanism for rotating the drum segment, the said mechanism including means for advancing or retarding the drum segment relative to a driving means.

22. ln a stemming` machine, in combination with movable complemental gripper devices for clamping therebetween the stem ends 'vot ltobacco leaves and conveying the same throughV stemming elements, mechanism including a rotatable drum segment for advancing the leaves into position to be clamped by the gripper bars, mechanism for moving-the devices and rotating the segment and means for advancing or retarding thegripper devices andsegment one relative to the other.

23. In a tobacco stemmingrmachine, an

oscillatable gate member arranged for oscillation from a vertical position to a position inclined thereto, the member being active as a gauge and a slide in the vertical and inclined positions respectively, an oscillatable support, a roller in said support, means connecting said support with said gate member whereby oscillation of said support will effeet oscillation of said gate member and means for oscillating said support.

2d. ln a `machine of the class described,

in combination, means for feeding leaves forwardly for stemming the same, the said means including rotatable members positioned to grip therebetween the stems of the leaves and feed the same, one of said members comprising a supporting roller and the other of said members comprising a drum segment intermittentlv cooperating therewith and means for adjusting the polsition ofthe roller relative to the drum segment.-

25.'ln a machine of the class described, in combination with movable complemental gripper devices, means for feeding leaves to be stemmed to said gripper devices, the said means comprising a rotatable supporting member, a rotating drum` segment movable thereover and into gripping Contact therewith and means for moving` the member to and from the drum segment; Y

Signed at Lynchburg,.in the county of Campbell and State of Virginia this 17th day of February A. @31922.

FREDERICK C. SCHOFIELD.

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