US2130880A - Tobacco stemming and threshing machine - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 20, 1938, J E N 2,139,880

TOBACCO STEMHING AND THRESHING wicnmiE Filed 001:. 3; 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 O\ e q I i 1 a ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1938. J. P. DURNING TOBACCO STEMMING AND THRESHING MACHINE Filed Oct. :5, 1955 s Sheets-Sheet 2" INVENfT O;

AITORNEY TOBACCO STEMMING AND THRESHING MACHINE Filed 00st. 3, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 20, 1938 PATENT OFFiCE TOBACCO STEMMING AND THRESHING MACHINE James P. Burning; St. Alba-us, N. Y., mi ito International Cigar Machinery Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application October 3, 1935, Serial'No. 43,330

64 Claims.

This invention relates to tobacco stemming and distintegrating or threshing machines, more particularly to a machine for disintegrating leaf tobacco and winnowing the same to provide short filler suitable for the manufacture of scrap cigars. The main object of the invention is to break up the tobacco leaves and to thoroughly remove the stem portions which are not suitable for use with the laminae as short filler. To this end an improved wi'nnowing device is provided for the pneumatic separation of the laminae, the stem portions having adhering laminae and the stem portions substantially devoid of laminae, the difierent specific gravities of the same being utilized to efiect the desired segregation.

A further object of the invention is to winnow the distintegrated leaves with separate currents I of air whereby most of the laminae are removed therefrom in the first air current and the remainder is re-subjected' to the second air cur-' rent for further removal of any remaining lanainae, and separation of any stem portions having adhering laminae. Still another object of the invention is to return the stem portions having adhering laminae, after the same have been segregated, to the disintegrating means for furthe-r removal of laminae therefrom. To these ends the winnowing device comprises a tower having an inlet and outlet, the inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with the tower outlet and return channels communicating with said feed channels, and a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, wherefore the laminae will be winnowed from the distintegrated leaves introduced into the primary channel and carried into the tower outlet and the stem por-' tions will be carried over into the return channels to be conducted into the current of air entering the secondary channel whereby the laminae carried over with stem portions will be propelled into the tower outlet and the stem portions having adhering laminae will pass through a pocket in one of the walls of the secondary channel and will be returned to the disintegrating means by conveyor belt. The laminae and stem portions having adhering laminae are separated in this manner from the stem portions devoid of laminae.

A further important object of the invention is to remove dust and sand from the disintegrated leaves, and for this purpose the disintegrated leaves may be transported to the tower inlet on a. screen belt running over a suction intake connected to a suction fan, the belt being suitably agitated to loosen the dust and sand in the disintegrated leaves so that it may be more readily removed by the suction created in said intake. A thresher of the well known Cardwell type may be used for disintegrating the leaves which may be delivered to the thresher by a conveyor belt, and a still further object of the invention is to remove dust and sand from the leaves prior to their delivery to the thresher.

Another important object of the invention is to effect the proper separation of laminae and stem portions having adhering lamiae from various grades of disintegrated tobacco, and with this end in view the secondary feed channel and the return channels are provided with gates which may be adjusted to effect the required segregation with the selected grade of tobacco.

The velocity of the separate air currents is adjusted to effect the proper segregation, and the same is accomplished in accordance with an additional object of the invention by providing a blower delivering a divided blast into the primary and secondary feed channels, the nozzle of the blower having separate orifices arranged below the primary and secondary channels. The velocity of the separate currents through the orifices 'may be governed to effect the required segregation in the primary and secondary channels, by

independently adjustable sets of shutters in the orifices or independently adjustable shutters on the inlets of the blower housings.

According to a modified form of the invention the dust and sand may be removed from the disintegrated leaves while they are being winnowed in the tower, the latter for this purpose having a screened perforation covered by a jacket connected to suction. With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in View, the invention consists in certain constructions and combinations hereinafter fully described and then specifically set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and in which like charactors of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Fig. 1 is a section side elevation of a stemming and threshing machine, embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a partial side elevation of the same, taken on line 22 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the machine as seen from line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of one of the gates adjustably mounted within the winnowing tower;

Fig; 5 is a detail side elevation of a modified form of winnowing tower, wherein the. dust and sand are removed from the disintegrated tobacco during the winnowing operation;

Fig. 6 is a sectional side elevation of a suitable form of twin blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents in the winnowing tower, taken on line 66 of Fig. '1;

Fig. '7 is a plan view of the same; and

Fig. 8 is a partial side elevation of the blower nozzle illustrating a modified form of control mechanism. a 7

Generally stated, in the particular embodiments of the invention herein illustrated the tobacco leaves are disintegrated and subjected to separate air currents to segregate therefrom the laminae and the stem portions having adhering laminae. The latter are preferably returned to the disintegrating means for further removal of laminae therefrom. In the best constructions contemplated the disintegrated leaves are introduced into the inlet of a winnowing'towor which is subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels and return channels communicating with the feed channels, and subjected to a divided blast which carries the laminae up the primary channel into the tower outlet, the stem portions being carried over through the return channels into the air current entering the secondary channel, for further winnowing of any laminae carried over therewith and segregation of stem portions having adhering laminae. The latter, in the best constructions contemplated, are returned to the disintegrating means for further removal of laminae therefrom. The particular machine selected to illustrate the invention is but one of many possible concrete embodiments of the same. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted to the details illustrated and described nor to the particular embodiments chosen as illustrative of the invention, as the same may be widely varied in a hinged lid l3. The tobacco leaves-L are placed by an attendant on a continuously moving conve'yor belt M. (Fig. 'l) and are fed under a pressure rolll5 into the thresher. On the periphery of a drum l6 revolving continuously within the threshing chamber are fastened a number of bars carrying integral threshing spikes l1. The spikes l1, as they revolve with the drum l6, pass between a number of stationary spikes l3 arranged in a row or other desirable formation and attached to the lid l3 of the threshing chamber. The drum I6 is mounted on a shaft l9 supported in bearings of the main frame ill. Shaft l9 carries a pulley 20 (Fig. 3) which may be driven by any suitable means such as V-belts 2|, from a pulley 22 mounted on the shaft 23 of a motor 24 supported by a-bracket 25 fastened to main frame lll.-

The conveyor belt I4 is driven by the pulley 26 and is led over an idler pulley 21 mounted on a shaft 23 mounted in adjustable bearings of supa,1so,eao. v

porti ngbrackets 23 attached to main frame Hi.

The driving pulley 26 is mounted on a shaft 30 also supported in bearings of the brackets 29. Shaft 30 carries a sprocket 3i driven through a. chain 32 (Fig. 3) by a sprocket 33 mounted on a cross-shaft 34 supported in bearings of the main frame l0. Shaft 34 is providedwith a bevel gear 35 meshing with a bevel gear 36 mounted on a vertical shaft 31 carrying a spiral gear 38 meshing with a spiral gear 39 (Fig. 1) mounted on the drum shaft l9. Spiral gears 38 and 39 are concealed in a gear housing 40 attached to main successive rowsof spikes in their movement past vthe pulley 26. Shaft 43 carries a shrouded gear 44 (Fig. 2) which is driven by -a shrouded gear 45 mounted on the pulley drive shaft 30.

Upon entering the threshing chamber the tobacco leaves L arev engaged by the threshing spikes l. 1-""on the revolving drum it which act to sweep the leaves against the stationary spikes l3, causing-the stems to-be torn from the leaves and the-latter tobe' disintegrated. The broken stem portions and laminae then fall to the concave l2 which has interstices or perforations 46 (Fig. l)' of-adesired size or shape according to the size of scrap tobacco wanted. It should be noted that the construction just'described is of the well known Cardwell type and that other suitable disintegratorsrnay be used instead. Laminae and stem portions of the desired size fall through the holes 46 on to a continuously moving screen belt 41 (Fig. 1) underneath which is mounted a suction intake 48, thereby causing removal of dust and sand D from the disintegrated tobacco leaves while they are transported on the screen belt 41, by suction created by a suction fan 49 located in a housing communicating with the intake 43. The suction fan 49 is provided with a pulley 50 driven through a belt 5i from another pulley 52 mounted on shaft 23 of the motor 24. To the suction intake 48 is. furthermore attached a suction conduit 53 connected to a suction chamber 54 forming apart of the stationary threshing chamber casting l3a'on which the lid i3 is hinged. The suction chamber 54 is provided with an elongated slot 55 (Fig. 1) through which some of the dust and grit D of the tobacco leaves are removed before the latter enter the thresh-. ing chamber. To the front of the suction chamber 54 is attached a plate 56 for the purpose of concentrating the suction upon the leaves just about to be engaged by pressure roller IS. The double dust removing system just described assures removal of all dust, grit and sand from the tobacco before the laminae are winnowed from the stem portions. Furthermore, any desired size of scrap may be obtained by replacing the concave l2 with a concave having interstices or perforations of different diameter.

The screen belt 41 is driven by a pulley 51 mounted on a shaft 58 (Fig. 1) supported in bear-- loosen the dust and sand from the disintegrated tobacco thereon and its lower run is supported by a number of rollers 64a mounted in bearings 01 main frame l0.

The traveling screen belt 4'! carries the laminae and the stem portions towards the winnowing tower l I, and, as the laminae and stems fall from the screen belt 41, they are blown upward into the inlet by an air current coming out of one oriflce 65 of the nozzle 66 of a twin blower 61 creating a divided air blast. The inlet of the winnowing tower l I is subdivided by a central transverse partition or wall We into generally vertical primary and secondary feed channels, the primary feed channel being further sub-divided by partitions 68a and 60b to form return channels extending upwardly and communicating with the secondary feed channel. The partition 68b has a corrugated configuration and together with the corrugated partition 68 provides a tortuous passage for the disintegrated tobacco while it is being carried up in the primary feed channel by the current of air delivered from the orifice 65 of the blower nozzle, wherefore the stem portions will impinge repeatedly on these partitions until they are carried over into. the return channels. It should.be .noted that the described arrangement of corrugated partitions in the primary channel provides expanded sections adjacent the upper ends of the return channels, thereby diminishing the velocity of the air current through expanded sections and thus permitting the stem portions to be carried over and drop into the return channels by reason of their greater specific gravity. The laminae, however, are carried up the primary channel and over into the tower outlet, whence they fall into a receptacle 69 in which they are collected.

Each of the return channels and the secondary feed channel have gates 10 at their upper ends which can be set at any desirable angle. Each gate I0 is mounted on a shaft H supported in bearings provided in the side walls of the tower H. One end of each shaft protrudes from the tower and is equipped with a knob 12 (Figs. 3 and 4) carrying a pointer sliding over a dial 14 attached to the exterior of one of the tower walls. The pointer 13 thus indicates on the dials 14 the exact position of the individual gates, wherefore the same may be set to effect the required segregation of the laminae, the stern portions having adhering laminae, and the stem portions substantially devoid of laminae.

The laminae blown up the primary channel into the tower outlet are, of course, suitable for use as short filler, but it is desirable to re-subject the stem portions carried over into the return channels to a further winnowing opera' tion to separate therefrom any laminae that may be carried over therewith. Accordingly, as the stem portions, and any laminae and curled tip ends accompanying the same, drop down through the return channels they encounter a second current of air issuing from the second orifice 15 0f the nozzle 66. This current of air is too weak to send them back up the return channels and propels the laminae up the secondary feed channel into the tower outlet, whence they likewise fall into the receptacle 69. The spaced baffleplates 88d and the at the entrance of the secondary channel guide this portion of the divided blast delivered by the blower nozzle, into the secondary channel, and the lower .ends of the partitions 68a and 68b are provided with stream-.

resistance to the flow of the air current therebetween and prevent the formation of whirlpools.

Certain of the stem portions dropping into the secondary air current from the return channels namely the excessively large or heavy stem portions substantially devoid of laminae, will fall down along the baille-plate 68d into the receptacle 16, but the remaining stem portions will be carried up into the secondary channel with the laminae. Some of the stem portions substantially devoid of laminae will-impinge on the bafiie 68e and drop through the space between the same and the other baflle into the receptacle 16. The remaining stem portions will be carried into the secondary channel for segregation therefrom of any curled tip ends and stem portions having adhering laminae.

It should also be noted that the wall 680 forming one side of the secondary channel has a corrugated configuration and the opposite side constitutes the inner wall of a return duct 11. The same is provided with adjustable gates 10c which may be set to form a pocket of any desired width therebetween through which the curled tip ends and stem portions having adhering laminae will pass as they are carried upthe secondary channel by the air current therein. These gates 10a are likewise mounted on shafts H mounted in the sides of the winnowing tower and each is provided with a pointer 13 riding over a dial 14 (Figs. 3 and 4), wherefore they may be set by the attendant to cause all the stem portions having adhering laminae to pass therebetween into the return duct 11. To assure the same, the wall 630 .is suitably corrugated to provide an expanded section adjacent the gates Ilia, wherein the velocity of the air current is diminished so that an air pocket will be formed thereat. This air pocket will enhance the movement of the stem portions having adhering laminae into the gap between the gates 10a. As a further safeguard against the delivery of stem portions to the tower outlet, the wall 680 is so corrugated as to provide an expanded section of even greater crosssection adjacent the outlet of the secondary channel, thereby further reducing the velocity of the air current therethrough and enhancing the separation of the laminae from the stem portions. The gate ii! underlies a reentrant portion on the bottom of the lip 53/ formed on the upper end of the wall tide and may be set by the attendant to permit the delivery of laminae only to the tower outlet. Any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae, which may have been carried up into the secondary channel, will impinge on the walls thereof repeatedly and finally fall down thechannel and through the space between upper end of the baffie $86 and the inner wall of the return duct down into the receptacle It.

The baffles 68d and Siic are adjustably mount ed in the side walls of the tower, wherefore they may be set in the most effective positions. Moreover, the inner wall of the duct i7 is depressed adjacent the baffle 686 to provide a gap therebetween sufficiently large to permit the stem portions to drop freely therethrough. It should also be noted that the top of the tower l l is cut away at the juncture of the tower inlet and outlet, as shown in Fig. l, and provided with a screen I lb, in order to prevent the building up of back pressure to the blast issuing from the blower nozzle. The same is important because the velocities of separate air currents are just sufilcient to carry the laminae into the tower outlet. in order that they may settle under their own weight into the receptacle 69 and thereby avoid the scattering of laminae which would take place if an air current of any appreciable velocity were di--- rected into the receptacle. Under these conditions it will be apparent that even a slight building of back pressure would disturb the equilibrium requisite for proper operation.

The stem portions having adhering laminae, which passover into the return duct 11, are trapped therein and fall down on to a return conveyor belt which carries them to a chute I9 suspended over the feed belt I4. These laminae then fall on to the belt I4 and pass through the machine a second time for further removal of laminae from the stem portions and further winnowing thereof. The return conveyor belt I8 is driven by means of a pulley 18a (Fig. 1) and trained over an idler pulley 18b. The entire conveyor belt I8 is enclosed within a housing 180 attached to the tower II and the main frame ID. The driving pulley 18a is mounted on a shaft 78d supported in a bearing of housing 182: and a bearing bracket 18c attached to the threshing chamber casting I3a. Shaft 18d carries a gear 18f meshing with a gear 18g loosely mounted on a stud 18h set in the bracket 18s. To gear 18g is attached a sprocket 182' (Fig. 3) which, through a chain 18k, is continuously driven by a sprocket 18! mounted on the feed conveyor drive shaft 38.

The twin blower 6'! (Figs. 1, 6 and 7) is: of a novel construction and consists of two blower housings 6'Ia-(Fig. 7), each housing enclosing a centrifugal fan of well .known construction driven by means of a shaft 88 supported in bearings 8| of bearing brackets 82 held by a pair of cross-bars 83 supported by the main frame l8. Cross-bar's 83 also support the two blower housings 61a, the latter being provided with lugs 84 secured to the former (Fig. 6). Shaft 88 also carries a pulley 85 which inay be driven byany suitable means such'as a pair of V-belts 86 from a pulley 81 (Figs. 1 and 3) mounted on the drum shaft I9. The outlets of the two blower housings 61a are provided with a common nozzle 66 whereby the air currents created by each blower fan are united. A partition 88 (Fig. 6) located at the mouth of nozzle 66 directs some-of the air current out of one orifice 65 while the rest of the air blast is guided out of the otherorifice of the nozzle. The nozzle 66 is so disposed that its orifice 65 is located under the channel between the partitions 68 and 68b of tower II and its other orifice I5 delivers the second blast into the channel between the partition 68c and the return duct 11. The separating action achieved by the described arrangement of the tower and nozzle actually does the work of two machines and assures clean scrap filler.

In order to be able to regulate or balance the air currents directed out of orifices 65 and 15, an adjustable wedge-shaped deflector 89 is provided and can be set to obtain any desirable flow of air through the two orifices 65 and 15. The deflector 89 is fulcrumed on hubs 98 (Figs. 6 and 7) attached to the interior of the side walls of nozzle 66. The'central portion of deflec'or 89 carries a pair of operating bars 9|, the hooked ends of which extend through slots 92 (Fig. 6)

in nozzle walls 66 to the. outside of the same( These projecting ends of bars 9| are provided with notches 93 which receive the studs 94 of a collar 95'mounted on a threaded shaft 96 supported in bearing brackets 91 fastened to the outside of the nozzle walls 66. One end of shaft 98 is equipped with a knob 98 by means of which shaft 88 can be turned, causing collar 95 to move up or down therealong and operate the bars 9| to change the position of the deflector 89 and thereby eflect an increase or a decrease of the air flow through the orifice 65 or I5. In this manner the velocity of the primary air blast may be varied with respect to the secondary air blast. In order to completely control the amount-of air taken in through the inlets 99 in each'side of the blower housings 61a, each inlet 9 is equipped with a shutter I88. To each shutter I88 is fastened a supporting lug IN, and each pair of shutters controlling one housing is mounted on an individual shaft I82, thus enabling operation of the shutter control for one housing independently of the other. Each shaft I82 is supportedin bearings of the main frame I8 and bearing brackets I83 supported by a cross member I84 of main frame I8. To one end of each shaft I82 is fastened an operating arm I85to which is pivoted a threaded lug I86 engaging with a threaded operating shaft I81 supported bya stud I88 pivoted to the main frame I8. The uppermost portion of each shaft I81 is equipped with a knob I89 by means of which the. shafts I81 can be turned in eitherv direction, thereby causing the shutters I88 to'open or close the inlets 99 of the respective housing 610,. This arrangement enables the operator to control the velocity of both air blasts and set the shutters for a light, medium or strong air current as required to obtain best possible results in the separating and cleaning of the different grades of tobacco.

A modified form of nozzle control shown in Fig. 8 can be used for regulating the amount of air current directed through each orifice 65 and I5 of nozzle '66. In this type of control the orifices 65 and I5 are provided with sets of shutters II8 mounted on shafts III pivoted in the side walls of the nozzle 66. The shutters III) of each set are connected to each other by a link I I2, and one shaft III 'of each set is equipped with a knob 3 by means of which each set of shutters II8 can be positioned at any desirable angle, so

that any desirable flow of air can be obtained.

from each of the two inlets 65 and I5. Each knob II3 also carries a pointer II4 for the purpose of indicating the position of the shutters II8 to the operator. In this type of control the mouth of the nozzle is similarly divided by a stationary. streamlined partition II5 into two orifices 65 and 15.

Instead of using the conveyor screen belt 41 shown in Fig. 1, the same may also be replaced by a suitable conveyor. belt of imperforate material, such as leather, canvas, etc.; and the suction intake 48, the suction fan 49, the suction conduit 53 and the suction chamber 54 are eliminated, wherefore the separating tower Ila is suitably modified as illustrated in Fig. 5 to remove the dust from the disintegrated tobacco leaves while the same are being winnowed. In this construction the top and one end wall of the tower are partly cut away and replaced by a screen II6 which is covered by a jacket II'I provided with a conduit H8 connected to a housing 49a enclosing a suction fan carrying a pulley 58 driven by a belt 5| from the pulley 52 on motor shaft 23. The construction of the winnowing tower and the twin blower is otherwise the same as that shown in Fig. 1, and the air currents created by the twin blower 61 blow all dust and sand upward to the screen 8 through which it isdrawn by the suction created by fan 480. This suction also acts to remove the dust from the jacket i I! and deliver the same through the outlet of the fan housing into a suitable receptacle (not shown). In order to prevent any back pressure in the tower Ila the top of the Jacket II'I is provided with an adjustable relief valve H9 (Fig. 5).

Moreover, the belt I! may be eliminated together with the suction intake, fan, housing and chamber; and the tower may be arranged close to the threshing. chamber together with the blower 61 to cause the latter to blow the leaf fragments falling through the apertures of the concave directly into the tower for the winnowing thereof in the manner just described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a tobacco stemming and disintegrating machine, the combination with disintegrating means operating to .break up tobacco leaves into 7 fragments and remove laminae from the same,

of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom in three separate portions the laminae, the stem fragments having adhering laminae and the stem fragments substantially devoid of laminae, and returning the stem fragments having adhering laminae to said disintegrating means for further removal of the laminae from the same, and means for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device.

2. In. a, tobacco stemming and disintegrating machine, the combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same,

of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom the laminae and any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and returning the stem portions having adhering laminae to said disintegrating means for further removal of the laminae from the same, and means for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device, said device also acting to trap curled tip ends and return them to said means.

3. In a tobacco stemming and disintegrating machine, the combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom in three separate portions the laminae, the stem fragments having adhering laminae and the stem fragments substantially devoid of laminae, and returning the stem fragments having adhering laminae to said disintegrating means for further removal of the laminae from the same, and means for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device, said device also acting to remove dust and sand from the disintegrated tobacco while it is being winnowed.

the disintegrated tobacco is winnowed having a perforated wall, a screen covering the perforation in said wall, a jacket covering said screen, and a suction fan connected to said jacket to create suction therein and thereby remove dust from said tower through the interstices of said screen.

5. In a tobacco stemming and disintegrating machine, the combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom the laminae and stem portions which are substantially devoid of laminae and returning any stem portions having adheringlaminae to said disintegrating means for further removal of the laminae from the stem portions, and a conveyor for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device.

6. In a tobacco stemming and disintegrating machine, the combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom the laminae and stem portions which are substantially devoid of laminae and returning any stem portions having adhering laminaeto said disintegrating means for further removal of the laminae from the stem portions, a conveyor for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device, and mechanism for removing dust and sand from the disintegrated tobacco while it is being transported by said conveyor.

7. In a tobacco stemming and disintegrating machine, the combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom the laminae and any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and returning the stem portions having adhering laminae to said disintegrating means for further removal of the laminae from the stern portions, means for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device, and a conveyor for delivering the disintegrated tobacco to said device,

said device including means for subjecting the disintegrated tobacco delivered by said conveyor to a primary current of air for segregation of nae, the stem fragments having adhering laminae andthe stem fragments which are substantially devoid of laminae, and a conveyor for transporting'the disintegrated tobacco from said thresher to said device.

9. In a tobacco stemming and threshing machine, the combination with a thresher, of means for delivering tobacco leaves to said thresher in order to break up the leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco to segregate therefrom the laminae and the stem portions which are substantially devoid of laminae, a conveyor for transporting the disintegrated tobacco from said thresher to said device, and mechanism for removing dust and sand from the tobacco leaves in said means and the disintegrated tobacco while it is being transported by said conveyor. I v

'10. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate in three separateportions the laminae, any stem fragments substantially devoid of laminae and the stem fragments having adhering laminae, and means for delivering the disintegrated tobacco leaves to said device.

11. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate in separate portions the laminae, and the stem fragments having adhering laminae, said device operating to segregate with the stem fragments having adhering laminae any curled tip ends present in the disintegrated leaves.

- 12. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break uptobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate therefrom the stem fragments having adhering laminae, said device operating to segregate with the stem fragments having adhering laminae any curled tip ends present in the disintegrated leaves and return the same to said disintegrating means.

13. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate in three separate portions the laminae, any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and the stem portions having adhering laminae.

14. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the 'same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate the laminae, any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and the stem portions having adhering laminae, a conveyor for delivering the disintegrated leaves to said device, and mechanism for removing dust and'sandfrom the disintegrated leaves being transported by said conveyor.

15. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated leaves to segregate the laminae, any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and the stem portions having adhering laminae, a traveling endless screen belt arranged to receive on its upper run the disintegrated leaves from said means, mechanism for agitating said upper runto loosen the dust and sand present in the disintegrated leaves, and suction means for removing vthe loosened sand and grit through the interstices of said screen belt.

16. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate the laminae, any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and the stem portions having adhering laminae, means for delivering the disintegrated tobacco leaves to said device, said device also acting to remove a,1so,sso

dust and sand from the disintegrated leaves dust and sand from the disintegrated leaves while they are being winnowed, and including a tower wherein the disintegrated leaves are winnowed, said tower having a perforated wall, .a screen coveringsaid perforation, a jacket covering said screen, and a suction fan connected to said jacket to create suction therein and thereby remove dust from the tower through the interstices of said screen.

18. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate in three separate portions the laminae, any stem portions substantially devoid of laminae and the stem portions having adhering laminae, said device including a tower having an intercommunicating inlet and outlet, a blower delivering a blast of air to said inlet to winnow laminae from the disintegrated leaves therein and carry the laminae into the tower outlet, said tower being perforated at the juncture of said inlet and outlet to vent the air blast delivered to said inlet and thereby prevent building up of back pressure therein, and a screen covering said perforation.

19. The combination with disintegrating means operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and remove laminae from the-same, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate in three separate portions the laminae, any stem fragments substantially devoid of laminae and the stem fragments having adhering laminae, said device including means for subjecting the disintegrated leaves delivered by said means to a primary current of air for winnowing of most of the laminae therefrom and re-subjecting the remainder to a separate secondary current of air for winnowing of the remaining laminae therefrom.

20. The combination with means for disintegrating tobacco leaves to substantially uniform pieces, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate in three separate portions the laminae, any stem fragments substantially devoid of laminae and the stem fragments having adhering laminae, and means arranged to receive the uniform pieces from the disintegrating means and convey them to said device. I

21. The combination with means for disintegrating tobacco leaves, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate therefrom as a separate portion the stem fragments having -adhering laminae, said device operating to return the stem fragments having adhering laminae to said disintegrating means for further removal of laminae therefrom.

- 22. The combination with means for disintegrating tobacco'leaves, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobaccoleaves' to segregate therefrom as a separate portion the stem fragments having adhering laminae, said device operating to segregate with the stem fragments having adhering laminae any curled tip ends present in the disintegrated leaves and return the same to said disintegrating means for further disintegraiion.

23. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided intoprimary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of means for creating separate currents of air through the primary and secondary feed channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith.

24. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of means for creating separate currents of air through the'primary and secondary feed channels, means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carriedup the primary channel and into the 'tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminaecarried over therewith, said secondary channel being provided with a pocket through which any stem portions having adhering laminae may be propelled by the air current through the secondary channel.

25. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels cornmunicating with said outlet, of means for creating separate air currents through the primary and I secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves Will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions and curled tip ends carried into the return channel from theprimary channel, for further winnowingft erefrorn of eny laminae carried over therewithlig I z'a rhe combination with a tower having an inlet nd' an, outlet, said inlet being subdivided primary and secondary feed channels commu icating with said outlet, of means, for creatirig'sepa'rate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions and curled tip ends carried into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith, said secondary channel being provided with a pocket through which the curled tip ends and any stem portions having adhering laminae may be carried by the air current through the secondary channel.

27. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of means for creat- 'channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions and curled tip ends carried into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith, said primary channel having an expanded section adjacent the juncture of the return channel therewith to reduce the velocity of the air current through the expanded section and thereby permit the stem portions and curled tip ends to be carried over into the return channel.

28. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, oi means for creating separate currents of air through the primary and secondary feed channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and intothe tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith, said primary channel having a tortuous configuration whereby the impinging of the stem portions on the walls thereof will enhance their delivery to the return channel.

29. The combination with a winnowing tower having an intercommunicating inlet and outlet,

of means for delivering disintegrated tobacco to,

the inlet of said tower, and a blower for delivering a blast of air to the tower inlet to wihnow free laminae from the disintegrated leaves and carry thesame into the tower outlet, said tower being perforated at the juncture of said inlet and outlet to prevent the building up in the tower of back pressure to the blast delivered from said blower, and said perforation being provided with a screen.

30. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air cur.- rents through the primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided.

into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel'whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said blower being provided with a nozzle having a pair of orifices and an adjustable deflector arranged between said orifices to varythe flow of air through the orifices into said feed channels.

32. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the'secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said blower including a pair of blower housings each having an inlet, fans in each of said housings, a nozzle communicating with both of said housings and provided with a pair of orifices, shutters for each of said blower housing inlets, and means for independently opening and closing each of said shutters to control the flow of air through either orifice.

33. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in. the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said blower including a nozzle having a pair of orifices, sets of shutters arranged in each orifice, and mechanism for independently adjusting the set of shutters in each orifice to govern the flow of air therethrough.

34. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents throughthe primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be car ried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a re turn channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged toconduct into the air current through the secondary municating with said outlet, and said inlet being provided with partitions forming return channels channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, the juncture of said secondary channel with the tower outlet and the juncture of the return channel with the primary channel being provided with adjustable gates which may be set so that the laminae may be wlnnowed from various grades of disintegrated tobacco.

35. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an-outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower delivering a divided blast for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby any free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried 'up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary'channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said secondary channel being provided with a pocket through which any stem portions having adhering laminae may be carried, said pocket having relatively adjustable gates.

36. The combination with a winnowing tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided by a central wall into upwardly extending primary and secondary teed channels comgrated leaves to said primary channel whereby the free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet and any stem portions carried over into the return channels will drop down therethrough into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stern portions.

3'7. The combination with a winnowing tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided by a central wall into upwardly extending primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, and said inlet being provided with partitions forming return channels extending upwardly in said primary channel, a bane-plate arranged at the entrance of said secondary channel, a blower for delivering separate currents of air to said primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering disintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby the tree laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet and any stem portions carried over into the return channels will drop down therethrough into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, the lower ends of said partitions being provided with streamlined lips adjacent said bane-plate to reduce the resistance to the flow oi the air current into the secondary channel and prevent the formation of ,whirlpools therein.

38. The combination with means for disintegrating tobacco leaves, of mechanism for con- .veying the leaves disintegrated by said means and simultaneously separating dust and sand therefrom, said mechanism including a traveling endless belt underlying said means to receive the disintegrated leaves therefrom and convey them away, said belt being provided with apertures fine enough to permit the passage of dust and sand therethrough and yet retain stem portions and laminae, means for agitating the portion of said belt on which the leaves are being conveyed to loosen the dust and sand therein, a suction intake located below said belt, and a suction fan for creating suction in said intake and thereby removing the dust and sand through the apertures of said belt.

39. The combination with a winncwing tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet and intermediate channels communicating with said primary and secondary channels, of a device for creating separate air currents through said primary and secondary channels whereby the free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried .up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said primary channel being provided with an expanded portion adjacent the juncture of the return channel therewith to decrease the velocity 01' the air current through the expanded portion and permit stem portions to be carried over into the return channel and conducted into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae carried over with the stem portions.

40. The combination with a winnowing tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary i'eed channels communicating with said outlet and intermediate channels communicating with said primary and secondary channels, 01' a device for creating sepreturn channel and conducted into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae carried over with the stem portions, said secondary channel being also provided with a pocket and an expanded section adjacent said pocket to reduce the velocity of the secondary air current through the expanded section of the secondary channel and permit any stem portions having adhering laminae to be carried over into said pocket.

41. The combination with a winnowing tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into upwardly extending primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet and intermediate return channels extending upwardly to different levels in said primary channel, of a device for creating separate currents=of air upwardly through said primary and secondary channels, whereby the free 1aminae present in disintegrated leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, the primary channel being provided with expanded portions adjacent the upper ends of the return channels to reduce the velocity of the air current in the expanded sections and permit the into said primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried'over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith.

43. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary i'eed channels communicating with said outlet, of means for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, whereby any free laminae presentin disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith, said secondary channel being provided with a pocket through which any stem portions having adhering laminae may be propelled by the air current through the secondary channel.

44. The combination with a tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of means for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into the primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into the primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions and curled tip ends carried into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith, said secondary channel being provided with a pocket through which the curled tip ends and stem portions having adhering lamchannels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions and curled tip ends carrieddnto the return channel from the primary channel, for'further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therewith, said primary channel having an expanded section adjacent the juncture of the return channel therewith to reduce the velocity of the air current through the expanded section and thereby permit the stem portions and curled tip ends to be carried over into the return channel.

.47. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of means for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels, whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the same and intothe tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions.

49. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a. blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said blower being provided with a nozzle having a pair of oriflees and an adjustable deflector arranged between said orifices to vary the flow of air through said orifices into said feed channels.

50. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels'communicating with said outlet, of a blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said .primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said blower including a pair of blower housings each having an inlet, fans in each of said housings, a nozzle communicating with bothoi said housings and provided with a pair of orifices, shutters for each of said blower housing inlots, and means for independently opening and closing each of said shutters to control the flow of air through either orifice.

51. The comblnationwith a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdividedinto primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carriedlnto the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of laminae which may be .carried over with the stem portions, said blower including a nozzle having a pair of orifices, sets oi shutters arranged in each orifice, and mechanism for independently adjusting the. set of shutters in each orifice to govern the flow of air therethrough.

, 52. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary teed channels communibeing also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom 01' any laminae carried over therewith, the juncture of said secondary channel with the tower outlet and the juncture of thereturn channel with the primary channel being provided with adjustable gates which may beset so that the laminae may be winnowed from various grades of disintegrated tobacco.

53. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary teed channels communicating with said outlet, of means creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels. whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and sec ndary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel the stem portions carried over into the return channel from the primary channel, for further winnowing therefrom of any laminae carried over therew th, said secondary channel being provided with a pocket throughwhich any stem portions having adhering laminae may be. carried, said pocket having relatively adiustable gates.

54. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel iorfurther winnowing of laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, said tower being provided with a bathe-plate arranged within the secondary channel to deflect the current of air entering the secondary channel away from one 01' the walls thereof and being suihciently spaced from said wall to establish a gap through which stem portions substantially devoid of laminae may drop.

55. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, of a blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into. the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing oi laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, and a pair of longitudinally spaced bailieplates at the entrance of said secondary channel to deflect the secondary current of air away from one of the walls of the secondary channel, the space between said baflle-plates being suflicient'to permit stem portions substantially void of laminae to drop therethrough.

56. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary feed channels communi eating with said outlet, 01 a blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communi= cating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, and a baffle-plate arranged at the entrance of said secondary channel to guide the secondary current of air into said secondary channel, the velocity oi the secondary current of air being such that excessively heavy stem portions substantially devoid of laminae may drop therethrough along said bame-plate.

57. The combination with a tower having an inlet and outlet, said inlet being subdivided into primary and secondary i'eed channels communicating with said outlet, of at blower for creating separate air currents through the primary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into said primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet, said inlet being also provided with a return channel communicating with said primary and secondary channels and arranged to conduct into the air current through the secondary channel any stem portions carried into the return channel from the primary channel for further winnowing of laminae 'which may be carried over with the stem portions, the velocity of the separate air currents being such that foreign matter may drop through both air currents.

58. The combination with a winnowing tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided by a central wall into upwardly extending primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, and said inlet being provided with partitions forming return channels extending upwardly in said Y primary channel, a bathe-plate arranged at the entrance of said secondary channel, and a blower for delivering separate currents of air to said pri mary and secondary channels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into the primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet and any stem portions carried over into the return channels will drop down therethrough into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over witth the stem portions.

59. The combination with a winnowing tower having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided by a central wall into upwardly extending primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlet, and said inlet being provided with partitions forming return channels extending upwardly in 'said primary channel, a baflle-plate arranged at the entrance of said secondary channel, and a blower for delivering separate currents of air to said primary 1 and secondarychannels whereby any free laminae present in disintegrated tobacco leaves intro duced into the primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet and any stem,

portions carried over into the return channels u will drop down therethrough into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, the lower ends of said partitions being provided with streamlined lips adjacent said baiiie-plate to reduce the represent in disintegrated tobacco leaves introduced into the primary channel will be carried up the same and into the tower outlet and any stem portions carried over into the return channels will drop down therethroughrinto the air current a through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, the upper end of said wall being provided with a lip having a reentrant portion in its bottom adjacent the juncture of the 45 secondary channel with the tower outlet, and the secondary channel having an adjustable gate below said reentrant portion.

61. In a tobacco threshing machine, the combination with a disintegrator operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments and free laminae, of a device for winnowing the disintegrated tobacco leaves to segregate the free laminae therefrom, said device including means for creating two separate currents of air whereby the disintegrated 'tobaccowill be initially subjected to one air current to winnow most of the free laminae and stem fragments devoid of laminae therefrom and then re-subjected to the second air current "to winnow the remainder of the free laminae therefrom. Y

62. In a tobacco threshing machine, the combinationwith a disintegrator operating to break up tobacco leaves into fragments andfree laminae, of a device arranged to receive the disintegrated tobacco directly from said disintegrator and winnow the same to segregate laminae therefrom and return the stem fragments having adhering laminae to said disintegrator.

63. In a tobacco threshing machine, the combination with a disintegrator operating to breakup tobacco leaves into fragments and free laminae, of a conveyor arranged to deliver tobacco leaves to said disintegrator, and means arranged to receive the disintegrated tobacco directly from said disintegrator and winnow the same to segregate free laminae therefrom and return the stem fragments having laminae to said conveyor.

64. The combination with a winnowing tower vhaving an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being subdivided by a central wall into upwardly extending primary and secondary feed channels communicating with said outlets, and said inlet being provided with partitions forming return channels extending upwardly in said primary channel, a baflle-plate arranged at the entrance of said secondary channel, a blower for delivering separate currents of air to said primary and secondary channels, and means for delivering dlsintegrated leaves to said primary channel whereby the free laminae present in the disintegrated leaves will be carried up the primary channel and into the tower outlet and any stem portions carried over into the return channels will drop down therethrough into the air current through the secondary channel for further winnowing of any laminae which may be carried over with the stem portions, the upper end of said wall being provided with a lip having a reentrant portion in its bottom adjacent the juncture of the secondary channel with the tower outlet, and the secondary channel having an adjustable gate below said reentrant portion.

JAMES P. BURNING.

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