Patent ID: 8635847

Claim:
An apparatus for twisting a first string of tobacco leaves into a second string of tobacco leaves, the apparatus defining a first axis extending substantially in the direction of the first string, the apparatus comprising: a set of rollers, each of which defines a respective circumferential twisting surface for contacting the first string, and each of which defines a respective rotational axis, the rotational axes of the set of rollers being in a skewed arrangement relative to one another and relative to the first axis, the circumferential twisting surfaces being arranged so as to substantially confine the first string therebetween and so as to rotate the first string around the first axis; and a motor operable for rotating the set of rollers so as to cause the first string to rotate and be twisted by means of the twisting surfaces and simultaneously causing the second string to be conveyed along the first axis and out of the apparatus.