Abstract: A method for determining the percent of solids in a solid-liquid mixture or slurry by heating the slurry, removing vapor formed by heating the slurry, passing an ultrasonic signal through the heated slurry, and measuring the velocity and alteration of the ultrasonic signal in the slurry. An apparatus for carrying out this method includes a measuring loop in flow communication with a slurry processing system which includes a slurry heating device, a device for removing vapors from the heated slurry and an ultrasonic generating and measuring device.

Abstract: A mixture of botanical fines and sand is separated by a porous separating medium horizontally disposed within an enclosed chamber in which an upflowing stream of gas carries out the separation. The porous separating medium is comprised of a plurality of particles constrained in a close-packed array between two opposed retaining members. While the gas flows up through the array of particles they are subjected to vibration, the separation being primarily determined by the flow of gas through the array and mobility of the particles. The separation is primarily controlled by altering the volume constraining the particles in the array which affects both the velocity of gas flow and the mobility of the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smokable tobacco product comprised of a tobacco portion consisting essentially of tobacco particles having a mean ratio of area to perimeter squared of at least about 0.049 and a short dimension not in excess of 0.5 inch wherein the particles are of a substantially normal particle size distribution. By forming a smokable tobacco product of such particles, the lattice structure is highly resilient, enabling product formation at lower than normal weights while retaining similar firmness, end stability and burn properties as conventional cigarettes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing smokable tobacco products through selective handling of strip tobacco based on particle size and shape. In the process, small strip tobacco is removed from bulk tobacco. The bulk tobacco is then cut to reduce its size. The removed small strip tobacco is thereafter combined with the cut tobacco. The combined cut tobacco and small strip tobacco are then passed through machinery which forms the smokable tobacco product. A specified inclusion level of small strip tobacco of total tobacco in the smokable product is thus obtained resulting in a product having improved physical and chemical properties.