Abstract: A continuous pneumatic tobacco conveyance system is described which automatically controls the rate at which tobacco is fed into the conveyance system and automatically controls the velocity of the tobacco which is pneumatically conveyed. The system utilizes a plurality of programmable logic controllers for analyzing the velocity of the tobacco in the system and the amount of tobacco required and currently existent in cigarette making machine. The system compensates for correct airflow and velocity of the tobacco in the pneumatic piping by controlling the rate at which tobacco is fed into the conveyance system and controlling the airflow required to move the tobacco at a continuous velocity by adjusting a flow control valve attached to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a reconstituted tobacco product wherein the process comprises extraction of tobacco furnish with an aqueous solvent in the presence of at least one ammonium salt or urea or a urea derivative or a mixture of urea or a urea derivative and at least one ammonium salt to provide an aqueous solvent extract and a fibrous material and forming the fibrous material into a sheet-like product using the papermaking process. The aqueous extract is then applied to the formed sheet-like material and further processing provides a reconstituted tobacco product having improved smoke quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is given for a low residence time redrying of strip tobacco. The apparatus thoroughly and evenly dries and cools the tobacco consistently through the entire tobacco bed as it passes through the dryer and cooler. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of individually controlled fluidized bed heating zones for drying the tobacco. An additional fluidized bed cooling zone is provided to cool the tobacco prior to reordering. A continuous conveyor extends through the heating zones and cooling zones. A steam tunnel is utilized to raise the moisture content of the dried tobacco to preselected moisture levels. A vibrating conveyor moves the tobacco through the steam tunnel.

Abstract: A high humidity drying apparatus for cut tobacco is shown. The apparatus has a furnace which heats circulated air within the apparatus. The air is forced through a first arcuate elbow which has a tobacco air inlet located thereon for inserting the cut tobacco into the airstream. The tobacco is then redirected into a vertically extending drying chamber. The air entrained tobacco is then forced through a second arcuate elbow which places the tobacco into a tangential separator for removing the tobacco from the heated air. The separator has dual air exhausts, each leading to a high efficiency cyclone for further removal of the tobacco dust form the circulated air. All of the air is then passed back to the furnace for heating and then recirculated through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A transfer car for transporting a container of tobacco from a first location to a second location includes an outer frame and an inner frame rotatable within the outer frame. The interior frame is adapted to hold a container therein and is provided with a lid lifter for removing the lid from a container. A system for rotating the container from an upright position to a dumping position is also included. The transfer car is also provided with an internal power source for moving the transfer car from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: In a method of making a smoking product a mixture comprising a particulate bulk material, tobacco for example, a binder, sugar, ammonia and an ammonium salt, preferably with the addition of water, is extruded to provide a coherent extrudate.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates film forming additives to modify cigarette paper in such a fashion as to reduce sidestream smoke. The sidestream smoke reduction paper includes an alginate as a film forming agent used in combination with a burn additive to form a coating to reduce visible sidestream smoke as compared to a control paper without the additives. The alginates include ammonium alginate, sodium alginate, and potassium alginate. The preferred burn additives include alkali metal salts, particularly alkali metal carboxylates, which include potassium succinate, potassium citrate, potassium acetate, sodium succinate, sodium citrate, and sodium acetate, added to the cigarette paper in combination with the film forming agents. An acid may be used in combination with a burn additive to form a precoat solution applied to the cigarette wrapping paper preceding the addition of a film forming agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening soft-cup packs of cigarettes. In progressive stages, the cellophane wrapper top and the pack closure strip are cut, the cellophane wrapper top piece is removed, the remaining cellophane is removed, the soft-cup is removed, and the foil bundle containing the cigarettes is raked open and the cigarettes removed. Various conveyors move the packs through the stages.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and method for feeding a cut loose-leaf material such as, for example tobacco, from a weight scale; dropping the tobacco into a hopper; compressing the tobacco into the desired size, shape, and density; and packaging the loose-leaf tobacco product. Packaging is accomplished by wrapping an inner foil and overwrap label around an arbor on a rotating arbor wheel. The package is constructed in various stages as the arbor wheel rotates to various positions. The inner foil is fed and wrapped around the arbor without extending the foil below the body of the package so that the foil does not form a bottom end. The foil extends above the body of the package and is folded to form a top end. An outer label having a sufficient length to extend past the top and bottom of the arbor is overwrapped about the foil innerwrap. The overwrap label extending past the bottom of the arbor is folded and glued over the foil innerwrap to form a top end to the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting foreign matter in a particulate material stream, particularly tobacco, including an optical scanner, in combination with a camera system with beam splitter and filters, and a computer to process signals from the camera to determine whether foreign matter is present. If foreign matter is detected, a diverter deviates the flow of the contaminated material onto a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A seal device between the infeed end of a rotating cylinder and the discharge end of a stationary chute wherein the discharge end of the stationary chute is received within an opening in the infeed end of the rotating cylinder. The seal device includes a flexible material of ring-shaped configuration wherein the inner diameter of the ring is substantially the same as the outer periphery of the discharge end of the stationary chute the flexible material being fixedly attached and circumscribing the discharge end of the cylinder. A compression device is attached to the discharge end of the stationary chute, the compression device including an outwardly extending end which is in compressing relationship with the outer periphery of the flexible material forcing the flexible material against a transversely extending inner wall of the infeed end of the rotating cylinder.

Abstract: A system for calibrating moisture meters by comparing data from a plurality of infrared moisture meters with data from analytical moisture tests for a plurality of blends of tobacco, wherein a computer is programmed to perform a statistical analysis on the resultant data to produce a calibration curve for each moisture meter for each blend of tobacco, and where the calibration curve is automatically transferred to a control system programmed to apply the corresponding calibration curve to raw data from the moisture meter to provide corrected meter data for affecting control of the tobacco handling process.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and method for feeding a cut loose-leaf material such as, for example tobacco, from a weight scale; dropping the tobacco into a hopper; compressing the tobacco into the desired size, shape, and density; and packaging the loose-leaf tobacco product. Packaging is accomplished by wrapping an inner foil and overwrap label around an arbor on a rotating arbor wheel. The package is constructed in various stages as the arbor wheel rotates to various positions. The inner foil is fed and wrapped around the arbor without extending the foil below the body of the package so that the foil does not form a bottom end. The foil extends above the body of the package and is folded to form a top end. An outer label having a sufficient length to extend past the top and bottom of the arbor is overwrapped about the foil innerwrap. The overwrap label extending past the bottom of the arbor is folded and glued over the foil innerwrap to form a top end to the package.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a reconstituted tobacco product wherein the process comprises extraction of tobacco furnish with an aqueous solvent in the presence of at least one ammonium salt or urea or a urea derivative or a mixture of urea or a urea derivative and at least one ammonium salt to provide an aqueous solvent extract and a fibrous material and forming the fibrous material into a sheet-like product using the papermaking process. The aqueous extract is then applied to the formed sheet-like material and further processing provides a reconstituted tobacco product having improved smoke quality.

Abstract: An apparatus for merging two or more parallel conveyor lanes of product into one final lane includes a pair of parallel conveyors, one disposed above and in spaced relationship over the other. A pivotally mounted slide at the discharge end of the first conveyor feeds product from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A timing member is pivotally mounted above the second conveyor for engagement with product flowing along the second conveyor at a preselected position beneath the discharge end of the slide and upon engagement with product on the second conveyor simultaneously engages with the slide to force the slide out of a feeding position. The slide is provided with at least one lifting tab thereon for engaging with at least one arm of a pivotally attached stop member whereby engagement or disengagement of the tabs with the arm of the stop member determines the position of the stop member in relationship with product moving along the first conveyor.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to verify proper operation of and to adjust a particulate emission detector in a system including a dust collector bag house. A by-pass apparatus is provided around the dust collector bag house which includes a conduit downstream of the inlet to said dust collector bag house and an outlet in fluid communication with a fluid outlet conduit extending from said dust collector bag house.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating filters in a feed hopper from which the filters are fed pneumatically to a filter attaching machine. The hopper drive apparatus includes an independent drive and speed reducer mechanism that drives the filter agitators as long as the filter attaching machine receives filters. The agitation system uses a stand alone independent drive system that uses a timing belt to drive the agitators. This agitation system provides a means for operating with fragile, segmented charcoal filters in that the filters are permitted to move up and down more freely than with conventional agitation devices, allowing more room for incoming filters from the receiver and reducing damage to the filters and jamming of the filters in the transfer system.