Patents by Inventor John C. Strang

John C. Strang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Conditioning cylinder with flights, backmixing baffles, conditioning nozzles and air recirculation
    Patent number: 5103842
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning tobacco or other similar materials. In the preferred embodiment, a conditioning cylinder 200 comprises a plurality of flights 240, backmixing baffles 260, and ejection baffles 280, all mounted to the interior wall 220 of cylinder 200. Rotation of the cylinder 200 mixes and conveys the material. Spray nozzle assembly 400 is positioned adjacent to the entrance of the cylinder 200 and comprises spray nozzles 410-450. The spray nozzles are aimed at a plurality of predetermined target areas within the cylinder 200 for directing a conditioning spray onto the material in the target areas. Recirculation conduit 500 recirculates air exiting the cylinder 200 and, before reentering the cylinder, combines the recirculated air with ambient air from fresh air make-up ports 520.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: John C. Strang, Steven G. Muller