Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting a gas-driven stream of generally flat and light-weight articles of varying dimensions execute a, preferably optical, inspection and upon so finding a non-conforming article remove the latter from the stream. In particular, the inspection and the sorting are executed during a substantially straight movement of the articles. The removing is executed through gas driving in a direction substantially transverse to the straight movement. Advantageously, the inspection is preceded by orienting the articles through a centrifugal force that orients said articles against an inclined wall in a transition to the vertical movement. Also airflow means (83,84) can be used to confine the articles in a thin layer.

Abstract: Device for the forming of pastry bases, in particular for pies of cheesecake type, which comprises a support base for at least one circular pan adapted to contain a quantity of dough to distribute at its interior, an operating head which is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position and is provided with a roller for distributing the dough. Such roller with the head in lowered position is arranged at a predefined height and distance respectively from the bottom and inner side of the pan to define the height and thickness of the pastry base. The roller is equipped with a rotation motion around its own axis and a related revolution motion around an axis parallel to the rotation axis, orthogonal to the bottom of the pan and passing through the centre of the latter.

Abstract: The machine (1) includes a tunnel structure (2) which defines a chamber (8) with inclined, downwardly converging longitudinal side walls (9) and in which a substantially horizontal conveyor (10) for conveying a layered flow of shredded tobacco (T) from the input end (6) to the output end (7) of the chamber (8) extends adjacent the lower edges (9b) of the converging side walls (9).

Abstract: A machine for releasing a bale, particularly a bale of tobacco from a package, comprises a structure movable along an upright and having two arms with rotatable gripping devices for gripping, lifting and rotating a packaged bale so that the block of tobacco can be released from the packaging box, and the empty box can be transferred to a discharge area.

Abstract: A tobacco bale slicing machine having a support structure with an inlet opening for the insertion of a bale, and with an outlet portal. A conveyor transfers a bale from the inlet opening to the outlet portal in which there is a guillotine-like cutting device. A thrust device bears against the rear end surface of the bale to urge it towards and through the outlet portal in a controlled manner. The thrust device includes a motor-driven carriage disposed above the conveyor and has a thrust member mounted on an arm which moves between a raised and lowered position. When in a lowered, working position the thrust member can be brought to bear against the rear end surface of a bale carried by the conveyor in order to urge it toward the outlet portal in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The machine comprises a support structure including a vertical upright, a cross member which can move vertically along the upright, two horizontal arms, one end of each being articulated to the cross member and the other end having a rotatable gripping device for gripping a bale, motor means and associated control devices for moving the cross member, for moving the arms apart and towards each other and for rotating their gripping devices, and a cutting device for cutting the wrapper of a bale which is gripped and rotated by the gripping devices of said arms.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting a block of tobacco includes a support structure having a rotatable shaft and a plurality of blade-holder carriages rotatable with the shaft. Each carriage includes a cutting blade for cutting through and penetrating a block of tobacco. Each carriage is capable of a translatory movement relative to the shaft along a line parallel to the axis of the shaft. A drive device includes plurality of rotary pinions which bring about the translatory movement of each carriage in synchronism with the rotation of the shaft during cutting the block of tobacco.

Abstract: A process for the expansion of tobacco, wherein in step (a) the tobacco is cooled by being mixed with cold carbon dioxide; (b) the cooled tobacco is impregnated with liquid carbon dioxide through treatment with gaseous carbon dioxide under a predetermined pressure; (c) the liquid carbon dioxide condensed in the tobacco is converted to solid carbon dioxide through pressure reduction; and (d) the tobacco containing solid carbon dioxide is subjected to a hot gas treatment to achieve the expansion. In step (a) the tobacco is cooled to a temperature of -30.degree. C. to -100.degree. C. through expansion of liquid carbon dioxide and the simultaneous mixing of the tobacco therewith.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an apparatus for blowing cut tobacco material, wherein a stream of a carrier gas and entrained tobacco ribs is surrounded in a flow channel section at least at one point by a hot gas stream separately introduced and accelerating the afore-mentioned mixed stream. The acceleration is preferably effected at several successive points. The cover stream is introduced through annular jets, the cross-section of the flow channel remaining constant along the entire extent of the flow channel section.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a block of tobacco includes a rotatable support and guide structure mounted for rotation about an axis disposed at an angle to the direction of advance of the block of tobacco. A plurality of movable blade carrier elements are mounted on the support guide structure with each element carrying a cutting blade adapted to intersect and penetrate the block of tobacco. Each carrier element is axially movable independently of the other carrier elements and is pressed against a stationary cam member by a thrust member. Upon rotation of the support and guide structure, each blade carrier reciprocates in response due to engagement with the cam member.