Abstract: A self-loading tobacco trailer is provided for loading and transporting burley tobacco stalks impaled on tobacco rods. The trailer comprises a wheeled undercarriage configured to be connected to a work vehicle; a generally upright side structure running lengthwise relative to the trailer; and a tobacco rod carrying assembly also running lengthwise relative to the trailer and supported by the side structure. The tobacco rod carrying assembly may comprise oppositely faced parallel carrying members at a height such that the tobacco stalks impaled on the tobacco rods hang freely within the side structure between the carrying members. Chains guided by the carrying members transversely position the tobacco rods with respect to the carrying members. A drive mechanism is operatively connected to the chains and is configured to move them in at least one lengthwise direction with respect to the carrying members.

Abstract: A continuous casing system is provided for bringing air dried tobacco in case. The system includes a greenhouse structure and at least one casing bay defined within the greenhouse. The casing bay is defined by appropriate structural members which are spaced apart a predetermined distance generally equal to the length of tobacco rods from which the tobacco is hung. Means are provided within the greenhouse structure for maintaining a predetermined relative humidity within the greenhouse, preferably around 90 percent humidity. A system for variably conveying the tobacco rods through the casing bay along the support structure in a substantially continuous manner is also provided whereby the tobacco rods with tobacco stalks hanging therefrom can be placed upon the support structure at one end of the casing bay and conveyed therethrough at a predetermined rate so that the tobacco is brought in case before being unloaded at the opposite end of the casing bay.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for increasing the efficiency of gathering cut tobacco stalks, particularly burley tobacco stalks. The apparatus includes a metal tobacco stick being of a length sufficient so that the stick can be pushed into the ground with a portion thereof remaining above ground for supporting a plurality of cut tobacco stalks which are to be impaled thereon. A spear tip is provided and adapted to be fitted to the end of the tobacco stick above the ground. The spear tip also provides a worker with a means for grasping and pushing the tobacco stick into the ground. The spear tip has a cross-sectional area which is greater than that of the tobacco stick but generally less than that of the cut tobacco stalks so that the stalks can be threaded onto the stick by forcing the stalk onto the spear tip and subsequently sliding the stalk down onto the tobacco stick.

Abstract: A method is provided for filling seed trays particularly tobacco seed trays, with growing filler material whereby dry pockets are prevented from forming in the seed trays. The method includes partially filling an upright loading device with the filler material in a manner so that the surface plane of the filler material is at an inclined angle of repose with respect to horizontal. A leading edge of the filler material is established and maintained from the front end of the loading device. A seed tray is passed below the loading device so that the forward edge of the seed tray initially passes below the leading edge of the filler material so that the filler material cascades down into the individual pockets of the seed tray at a controlled rate. In practicing this method, the individual pockets of the seed tray are generally completely filled from the bottom up with the filler material before being conveyed under the bulk portion of the filler material, thereby minimizing the occurrence of dry pockets.

Abstract: A portable curing cell assembly is provided for storing tobacco for curing, the curing cell assembly may comprise a kit of component parts capable of being easily assembled and disassembled in the field. The curing cell assembly includes a frame structure which defines at least one storage bay through which an elevating trailer can be transported. Tobacco rod holding members are provided disposed longitudinally along the side of the storage bay so that tobacco laden tobacco rods can be suspended from the holding members across the storage bay. A roof is disposed across and above the storage bay, the roof being supported generally by the frame structure as a predetermined height above the tobacco rod holding members.

Abstract: An elevating scaffold trailer is provided for transporting burley tobacco stalks impaled on tobacco rods from the field into a curing cell and subsequently out of the curing cell. The trailer comprises an elevating device for raising tobacco rod carrying devices above the height of holding racks within the curing cell. The trailer is transported into the curing cell whereby the elevating device lowers the tobacco rod carrying device below the level of the holding racks so that the tobacco rods are transferred to the holding racks. A method for gathering and transporting burley tobacco to a curing cell is also provided. The method involves using the elevating wheeled scaffold trailer to transport cut burley tobacco stalks to the curing cell and for transferring the tobacco to holding racks within the curing cell.