Abstract: A method of treating tobacco is disclosed. It comprises a first conditioning step wherein the moisture content of the tobacco is increased to a first level, and a second separate conditioning step wherein the pH of the tobacco is increased to at least pH 7.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for buffering and processing loose rod-like articles including a feeder belt in communication with an inlet rotary portion, an intermediate rotary portion in communication with the inlet rotary portion and a discharge rotary portion, and a discharge belt in communication with the discharge rotary portion. The inlet rotary portion, intermediate rotary portion, discharge rotary portion define a transit path that serves buffering and/or processing purposes for a rod segment or rod segment group. Mechanical separators are distributed circumferentially about a periphery of each of the rotary portions, with processing compartments formed between respective mechanical separators to receive the rod segment or rod segment group. One or more supplementary processing zones are distributed adjacent a circumference of one or more rotary portions with an assembly proximate the supplementary processing zones. The assembly exerts a controlled process transversely through the transit path.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco is disclosed. It comprises a first conditioning step wherein the moisture content of the tobacco is increased to a first level, and a second separate conditioning step wherein the pH of the tobacco is increased to at least pH 7.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for buffering and processing loose rod-like articles including a feeder belt in communication with an inlet rotary portion, an intermediate rotary portion in communication with the inlet rotary portion and a discharge rotary portion, and a discharge belt in communication with the discharge rotary portion. The inlet rotary portion, intermediate rotary portion, discharge rotary portion define a transit path that serves buffering and/or processing purposes for a rod segment or rod segment group. Mechanical separators are distributed circumferentially about a periphery of each of the rotary portions, with processing compartments formed between respective mechanical separators to receive the rod segment or rod segment group. One or more supplementary processing zones are distributed adjacent a circumference of one or more rotary portions with an assembly proximate the supplementary processing zones. The assembly exerts a controlled process transversely through the transit path.

Abstract: Method for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, wherein the conditioned material is exposed to the thermodynamic medium. Further into the stream of the thermodynamic medium flowing in the channel (1, 6, 8, 9, 10), using the adjustable diaphragms (4, 5, 7) there are introduced turbulences increasing relative speed between conditioned material and thermodynamic medium. Invention further relates to the apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, comprising inlet gate and supplying channel, conditioning channel and outlet, supplied from the source of the thermodynamic medium. Further the conditioning channel (6, 8, 9) has a spiral shape.

Abstract: A method and a feeder for increasing the efficiency of the expanding and drying process of organic plant materials, particularly in a jet dryer used for comminuted organic plant materials, particularly tobacco materials. The dryer uses a gaseous expanding and/or drying agent under an absolute working pressure in the range from 2.5 kPa to 10 MPa, such as overheated steam. During transporting the material from the feeding zone to the zone of contact with the expanding and/or drying agent, a feeder, preferably a rotary vane feeder (4) is flushed, preferably in a continuous manner. Openings are formed in the housing of the feeder, delivering the gaseous medium to the moving spaces between the vanes (3). There are additional openings leading out the gaseous medium from the moving spaces between the vanes, the additional openings being arranged respectively in the walls of the housing of the feeder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for obtaining the continuity of the uniformity of the structure and density of a stream of transported loose material, particularly organic plant material, and particularly tobacco material. According to the inventive method, a previously loosened material is compacted during transportation between conveyors, then, the compacted material is comminuted to a form suitable for further processing, and at least one intermediate element, preferably a bracket (5, 6), and thereby also the stream of the compacted material, is vibrated directly before the comminution process. A device according to the invention comprises at least one intermediate vibrating element, preferably this being at least one bracket (5, 6), located transversely to the direction of motion of the material.

Abstract: A device for transporting and compacting comminuted materials, particularly organic plant materials, comprises belt conveyors, located convergently to each other. Transporting and compacting carriers are made from a material accepted for contact with food products, particularly with tobacco material. According to the invention, both belt conveyors, situated at an angle (?, ?), respectively, relative to the horizontal direction, are equipped with uniform, continuous and endless belts. Elements increasing the adhesion and preventing sliding between the driving rollers and the surface of the belt are located on the inner surface of the belts of both conveyors, i.e., on the side, facing the driving rollers, while elements increasing the adhesion, preventing sliding between the belt and the transported material, are located on the external surface of the belt.

Abstract: Method for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, wherein the conditioned material is exposed to the thermodynamic medium. Further into the stream of the thermodynamic medium flowing in the channel (1, 6, 8, 9, 10), using the adjustable diaphragms (4, 5, 7) there are introduced turbulences increasing relative speed between conditioned material and thermodynamic medium. Invention further relates to the apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, comprising inlet gate and supplying channel, conditioning channel and outlet, supplied from the source of the thermodynamic medium. Further the conditioning channel (6, 8, 9) has a spiral shape.