Abstract: A method of treating leaf tobacco for storage includes removing the stems from the tobacco leaves, tightly packing the leaves in a container that is non-conductive and while the leaves have a relatively high moisture content; subjecting the packed leaves to a heat treatment by exposing the packed container to an electromagnetic field to heat the leaves to a temperature of approximately 180.degree.; subsequently subjecting the packed leaves to a high vacuum to reduce the moisture content thereof and to reduce the temperature of the leaves; the packed container may also be subjected to a low temperature treatment while being subjected to the vacuum.

Abstract: A conveyor system with an automatic operating capability is disclosed. The system is particularly adapted to conveying articles into a steam chamber, vessel, oven or the like and retrieving articles after treatment therein. The system includes a truck driven horizontally, preferably by a chain drive along tracks which extend from a pick-up point, into the chamber, or through the chamber, to a deposit point. The bed of the truck is elevated or depressed, preferably pneumatically, and the system further includes opposed rail members disposed parallel to the tracks, outboard of the tracks, and at an elevation slightly above that of the truck bed in its deflated or depressed condition. Articles to be conveyed are sequentially loaded on the forward end of the truck, the truck bed elevated, and the articles conveyed horizontally to a desired point. The truck bed is then deflated or depressed to deposit the articles on the opposed rails.