Abstract: A method of producing expanded tobacco stems for tobacco cut filler comprises the steps of: providing rolled tobacco stems having a rolled thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; conditioning the rolled stems to increase the moisture content; cutting the conditioned tobacco stems; impregnating the cut tobacco stems with liquid carbon dioxide; heating the impregnated stems to bring about expansion; and re-conditioning the stems after heating to increase the moisture content. The rolled tobacco stems may be combined with tobacco lamina prior to the treatment steps.

Abstract: A method of treating Burley tobacco stems for use in tobacco cut filler comprises the steps of: providing rolled Burley tobacco stems having a rolled thickness of 0.1 to 0.5 mm; conditioning the rolled stems to increase the moisture content; applying a casing solution to the rolled, conditioned stems; heating the rolled stems with the casing solution applied; re-conditioning the stems after heating to increase the moisture content; cutting the tobacco stems from step; and drying the cut rolled stems. The rolled Burley tobacco stems may be combined with tobacco lamina prior to the treatment steps.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants, particularly dopant, from halosilane-containing carrier gases, such as those which are produced in the production of high-purity silicon. The process of the invention is perferably carried out with aid of zeolites which has a low proportion of aluminum and are used in the anhydrous state by bringing the zeolites into contact with the carrier gases. Zeolites, after use, can be regenerated and re-used by increasing the temperature and/or decreasing the pressure of the procedure.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based clock which has both a current time digital display and an alarm time digital display, as well as controls for setting both the current time and the alarm time either ahead or backward at selectable rates such that a single knob provides rapid setting of the setting time and a single knob provides rapid setting of the alarm time. An improved regulating circuit provides the microprocessor with a first substantially constant DC voltage and a second DC voltage limited to a given magnitude. User-accessable controls are provided for effecting a snooze alarm function, alarm setting and for disarming the alarm function for a relatively long period of time, e.g., for 24 hours. One of the controls includes strips bridgable by a conductive member such as a finger.

Abstract: A tubelet pocket construction for holding the positive electrodes of accumulators and a method for making same comprises two pieces of a textile sheet material which are connected together by parallel longitudinal seams which define a plurality of parallel tubelets. The textile sheet material comprises an electrolyte-resistant nonwoven fabric which is reinforced by a woven or laid fabric of electrolyte-resistant fibers.