To-bac′co-strip′ping ma-chine′.
（Tobacco.) A machine for tearing or cutting out the main stems or stalks of tobacco-leaves. Also called stemming. In patent No. 145,699, the tobacco-leaf is fed between two rollers having cutting-disks to remove the stems; then passes along, carried by two pairs of endless belts between four other pairs of rollers, when revolving brushes or scrapers loosen the leaf, and it passes on to a fan which automatically deposits the two portions of the stripped leaf in piles. In patent No. 156,608, the strippers are pivoted upon the frame, and their long arms are connected by a screw, whereby the inner edges of the scrapers may be adjusted to the rolls at will, and held with a yielding pressure. In patent No. 146,540, the leaves are fed to the separatingcutters, and are delivered upon one side of the machine by means of a pair of endless bands, so arranged over their rolls that when the leaves are divested of their stems they are pressed and smoothed. In patent No. 141,563, the leaves are passed between rollers having alternate flat and concave surfaces to crush the stems; then between another pair of rollers having knives and brushes, whereby the flattened stems are cut into narrow strips, and the leaf is brushed. Guides prevent the leaf from adhering to the pressing-rollers, and scrapers clean the cutting-rollers. See also patent No. 122,816, and Fig. 6496.
