Abstract: A system for inflating an inflatable device includes a ducted fan aspirator coupled to the inflatable device and having a fan and a fan motor configured to drive the fan to direct first air into the inflatable device. The system further includes a compressor aspirator coupled to the inflatable device and having a compressor and a compressor motor configured to drive the compressor to direct second air into the inflatable device.

Abstract: A plant and a method for separating labels, caps and other contaminating materials from containers and bottles made of plastics, in particular bottles made of PET, in the field of treating and recycling plastics.

Abstract: A system for monitoring environmental conditions of a tobacco curing site within which tobacco is cured is provided. A power supply of the system may include a supercapacitor configured to provide power, and a photovoltaic cell connected to and from which the supercapacitor may be chargeable. A temperature and humidity sensor may be positioned proximate the tobacco curing site and configured to measure a temperature or humidity within the tobacco curing site, and generate a signal corresponding to the temperature or humidity so measured. A local control unit may have a distal position relative the tobacco and be configured to receive the signal, and generate corresponding measurement data, and wirelessly transmit the corresponding measurement data to a remote control unit configured for display or analysis.

Abstract: This utility model relates to a shed for the air drying and curing of tobacco and the growth and production of seedlings, comprising: (i) a plurality of columns (2) which can be positioned at spaced intervals; (ii) a structure (4) mounted on the said columns; (iii) a removable flexible roof (5) stretched over the said structure (4); (iv) removable flexible side panels (3) extending between the said columns; (v) fixing elements (8) to attach the said side panels (3) and the flexible roof (5).

Abstract: A rotating suction chamber apparatus for sorting a mixture of materials comprises a cylindrical drum with its upper end is at a higher elevation than its lower end. An upper housing connected to the upper end has a material intake for receiving the mixture of materials for introduction to the upper end. The mixture of materials includes a light fraction and a heavy fraction, and the upper housing has an outlet for the light fraction. A suction hood connected to the light fraction outlet includes a light separator shaft with a substantially vertical portion, and an air blower is adapted to create an airflow from the lower end, to the upper end, through the light fraction outlet and through the suction hood. A rotator rotates the drum about its longitudinal axis so that the heavy fraction is moved through the drum and falls out of the lower end.

Abstract: A flue-curing apparatus and a related method are provided. The flue-curing apparatus includes a circulation chamber and a curing chamber that are separated by a divider wall. An air circulation system includes a blower positioned in the circulation chamber that directs air to a heater device and a lower passage into the curing chamber. The air may be received from one or both of an inlet and an upper passage extending from the curing chamber to the circulation chamber. A humidity control system humidifies the air directed into the curing chamber. A controller may receive signals from wet and dry bulb thermometers to determine the conditions in the curing chamber and the condition of tobacco leaves being cured therein. The controller may adjust various operational parameters to cause the tobacco leaves in the curing chamber to cure at a desired rate.

Abstract: A system for a tobacco curing barn is capable of collecting tobacco-derived moisture from tobacco while that tobacco is cured. The system incorporates a tobacco curing barn or other type of curing enclosure, such as bulk curing barn used for the flue-curing of tobacco. The curing barn is equipped with at least one reclamation element configured to condense and collect moisture released from tobacco cured within the barn. The reclamation element is disposed in proximity with the enclosure in a manner and location providing passage of moist air released from the tobacco across a surface of the reclamation element. The system also includes at least one storage container disposed in fluid communication with the reclamation element surface and configured to store moisture and moisture-borne material collected by the reclamation element. The resulting tobacco-derived components can be blended with other tobacco materials, such as is common practice during tobacco reordering.

Abstract: A system for a tobacco curing barn is capable of collecting tobacco-derived moisture from tobacco while that tobacco is cured. The system incorporates a tobacco curing barn or other type of curing enclosure, such as bulk curing barn used for the flue-curing of tobacco. The curing barn is equipped with at least one reclamation element configured to condense and collect moisture released from tobacco cured within the barn. The reclamation element is disposed in proximity with the enclosure in a manner and location providing passage of moist air released from the tobacco across a surface of the reclamation element. The system also includes at least one storage container disposed in fluid communication with the reclamation element surface and configured to store moisture and moisture-borne material collected by the reclamation element. The resulting tobacco-derived components can be blended with other tobacco materials, such as is common practice during tobacco reordering.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting an organoleptic quality to a recipient product using a sensate substance obtained from a donor product, the apparatus comprising a donor product storage chamber; and a recipient product storage chamber, the apparatus being arranged to allow a fluid to circulate repeatedly between the donor product storage chamber and the recipient product storage chamber so that at least one sensate substance obtained from the donor product is conveyed from the donor product storage chamber into the recipient product storage chamber and into contact with the recipient product.

Abstract: A system for a tobacco curing barn is capable of collecting tobacco-derived moisture from tobacco while that tobacco is cured. The system incorporates a tobacco curing barn or other type of curing enclosure, such as bulk curing barn used for the flue-curing of tobacco. The curing barn is equipped with at least one reclamation element configured to condense and collect moisture released from tobacco cured within the barn. The reclamation element is disposed in proximity with the enclosure in a manner and location providing passage of moist air released from the tobacco across a surface of the reclamation element. The system also includes at least one storage container disposed in fluid communication with the reclamation element surface and configured to store moisture and moisture-borne material collected by the reclamation element. The resulting tobacco-derived components can be blended with other tobacco materials, such as is common practice during tobacco reordering.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments or implementations are disclosed of methods, apparatus, and systems for operating motors in variable speed situations. In an exemplary implementation, a method of controlling a variable-speed motor includes defining a control duration as a predetermined number of cycles of a multiple-phase power supply. Each speed in a range of speeds is defined by a corresponding number of the cycles of the control duration. Power is provided to the motor from the power supply at a selected one of the speeds, by enabling input from the power supply for the number of the cycles of the control duration corresponding to the selected speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a smokeless tobacco composition adapted for oral use, the composition including a tobacco material and an effervescent material. The effervescent material includes a sugar material containing an entrapped gaseous component, such that release of the entrapped gaseous component occurs upon dissolution of the sugar material in the oral cavity. The invention also provides a method for making a smokeless tobacco composition that involves mixing a tobacco material with an effervescent material, the mixing step including either admixing a granulated composition comprising a tobacco material with a gasified sugar material in particulate form, or forming a gasified sugar material in situ by mixing a water source with a molten composition comprising a tobacco material and a sugar alcohol.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a tobacco blend, at least two different types of tobacco are thermally treated and blended so as to form the tobacco blend. Thermal treatment as well as blending of the different types of tobacco is performed by introducing the different types of tobacco into a combined thermal treating and blending unit, where thermally treating as well as blending of the at least two different types of tobacco is performed.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a tobacco blend, at least two different types of tobacco are thermally treated and blended so as to form the tobacco blend. Thermal treatment as well as blending of the different types of tobacco is performed by introducing the different types of tobacco into a combined thermal treating and blending unit, where thermally treating as well as blending of the at least two different types of tobacco is performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for hindering formation of tobacco-specific nitrosamines during processing of dark fire tobacco, as well as a facility in which at least portions of these methods may be conducted. According to the present invention, dark fire tobacco that has been harvested and that is generally green and/or yellow is exposed to an uncontrolled, yet active, ambient airflow so as to provide a substantially aerobic environment about the tobacco. This exposure of the dark fire tobacco to the ambient airflow may be done until the tobacco is substantially brown and/or substantially free of enzymatic activity. Subsequently, the tobacco is exposed to gaseous emissions (e.g., smoke) from combusting sawdust/wood. This step may be conducted at least until the tobacco exhibits a moisture content of no more than about 16% and/or until the tobacco exhibits a gloss or shine on a surface of the tobacco.

Abstract: Tobaccos are cured in a manner so as to provide tobaccos having extremely low tobacco specific nitrosamine (TSNA) contents. Harvested Virginia tobacco is subjected to flue-curing so as to provide flue-cured tobacco. During the curing processing steps, contact of the tobacco with nitric oxide gases, such as those produced as combustion products of propane burning heating units, is avoided. Tobacco in curing barns is not subjected to direct-fire curing techniques, but rather, heat for tobacco curing can be provided by heat exchange or electrical heating methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for expanding foodstuffs and luxury foodstuffs/tobacco materials capable of being expanded, in particular moist tobacco materials, wherein said materials in a carrier flow comprising steam pass through an expansion zone, comprising a Laval nozzle, in which the speed of sound is attained in the narrowest cross section.

Abstract: A facility and method steps for air curing tobacco in an enclosure include hanging the tobacco in the enclosure having at least one vertically arranged air duct positioned in a central portion of the enclosure, at least one in-line fan positioned in a vertical portion of the at least one vertically arranged air duct, at least one ventilating fan located in an upper portion of the enclosure and at least one openable and closeable opening in at least one side wall of the enclosure. The humidity within the enclosure is lowered by opening the openable and closeable openings in at least one side wall of the enclosure and forcing warm air from the top of the enclosure down through the tobacco within the enclosure by operating the ventilation fans located in a top portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of extracting corrosion inhibiting constituents from tobacco comprises the steps of soaking tobacco in an extraction solution under certain extraction conditions, followed by filtration to remove tobacco residue from the resultant aqueous tobacco solution. This tobacco solution is used as a corrosion inhibitor to minimize the amount of corrosion occurring at galvanic corrosion cells that are established at areas of union of metals having different electrochemical potentials.

Abstract: Tobacco is treated with an effective amount of one or more bactericidal gases before or during curing to reduce or eliminate bacteria, bacterial activity and/or fungal activity from tobacco leaves, and/or to reduce or eliminate the amount of tobacco-specific nitrosamine or bacterial endotoxin in cured tobacco leaves. Cured tobacco is treated with an effective amount of one or more bactericidal gases before or during storage to reduce or eliminate bacteria, bacterial activity and/or fungal activity from the cured tobacco.

Abstract: A heat treatment process for fiber feedstock, comprises repeatedly subjecting the bale to a reduced pressure atmosphere followed by the introduction of steam which permeates the bale. The interior of the bale may ultimately reach a temperature of about 80° C., which conditions and sanitizes the cotton fibers. Reduced pressure in the range of 20-200 mbar and steam treatment time in the order of 5 minutes can be employed.

Abstract: A cigarette manufacturing system includes a feed hopper for feeding cut tobacco at a preselected rate to a cigarette rod forming device which in turn feeds formed cigarette rods to a filter tip attaching device. A tobacco recovery system is provided which includes air conveying conduits in flow communication with the rod forming device, the filter tip attachment device and a tobacco dust and useable tobacco particle separator wherein particles of tobacco dust and useable tobacco particles recovered from the rod forming section of the cigarette maker and the filter tip attaching device are separated. The useable particles are re-fed back into the feed hopper. The tobacco dust is transferred to a tobacco dust recovery collector. The tobacco dust and useable tobacco particles separator include a centrifugal curved conduit in combination with a classifying chamber having a bottom outlet for removing useable tobacco and a top outlet for removing tobacco dust.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco to reduce the content of, or prevent formation of, harmful nitrosamines which are normally found in tobacco is disclosed. The method includes the step of subjecting at least a portion of the plant, while the portion is uncured and in a state susceptible to having the amount of nitrosamines reduced or formation of nitrosamines arrested, to a controlled environment capable of providing a reduction in the amount of nitrosamines or prevention of the formation of nitrosamines, for a time sufficient to reduce the amount of or substantially prevent the formation of at least one nitrosamine, wherein the controlled environment is provided by controlling at least one of humidity, rate of temperature change, temperature, airflow, CO level, CO2 level, O2 level, and arrangement of the tobacco plant. Tobacco products and an apparatus for producing such tobacco products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for expanding foodstuffs and luxury foodstuffs/tobacco materials capable of being expanded, in particular moist tobacco materials, wherein said materials in a carrier flow comprising steam pass through an expansion zone, comprising a Laval nozzle, in which the speed of sound is attained in the narrowest cross section.

Abstract: A humidifying cylinder includes a first rotatable cylinder having an inlet end and an outlet end and a plurality of first blades extending substantially radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the first cylinder. The humidifying cylinder further includes a second rotatable cylinder having an inlet end and an outlet end and a plurality of second blades extending substantially radially inwardly from an interior surface of the second cylinder, the second cylinder being substantially coaxial with the first cylinder and the first cylinder being disposed inside of the second cylinder such that the exterior surface of the first cylinder and the interior surface of the second cylinder define an annular space. At least one drive is provided for rotating the first cylinder and the second cylinder. At least one conduit is disposed in the annular space for introducing moisture into the annular space. A method of humidifying material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, incorporating particulate smoke-modifying agent in a smoking material rod, wherein said agent is introduced into a flow of filamentary smoking material to the suction band of a rod making machine, the location of introduction being in the vicinity of the suction band of said machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regulating the output moisture content of tobacco conditioned by a loosening/conditioning and optionally casing (saucing) drum comprising injecting a throughflow of water into the infeed region of the drum by a first nozzle regulated depending on the target value for the tobacco output moisture content and the actual values for the tobacco mass flow, the steam throughflow and the tobacco input moisture content; and injecting a throughflow of water in the outlet region of the drum through a second nozzle, the target value of which is computed depending on the target value and actual value for the tobacco output moisture content.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco to reduce the content of, or prevent formation of, harmful nitrosamines which are normally found in tobacco is disclosed. The method includes the step of subjecting at least a portion of the plant, while the portion is uncured and in a state susceptible to having the amount of nitrosamines reduced or formation of nitrosamines arrested, to a controlled environment capable of providing a reduction in the amount of nitrosamines or prevention of the formation of nitrosamines, for a time sufficient to reduce the amount of or substantially prevent the formation of at least one nitrosamine, wherein the controlled environment is provided by controlling at least one of humidity, rate of temperature change, temperature, airflow, CO level, CO2 level, O2 level, and arrangement of the tobacco plant. Tobacco products and an apparatus for producing such tobacco products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regulating the output moisture content of tobacco conditioned by a loosening/conditioning and optionally casing (saucing) drum comprising injecting a throughflow of water into the infeed region of the drum by a first nozzle regulated depending on the target value for the tobacco output moisture content and the actual values for the tobacco mass flow, the steam throughflow and the tobacco input moisture content; and injecting a throughflow of water in the outlet region of the drum through a second nozzle, the target value of which is computed depending on the target value and actual value for the tobacco output moisture content.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for generating moisture in a humidor and regulating the internal humidity of the humidor. The device includes a thermoelectric module, a cold plate, and a heatsink (that may comprise the humidor housing). Energizing the thermoelectric module cools the cold plate below the dew point. The moisture that condenses on the cold plate is directed to the interior of the humidor.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus are provided for processing tobacco for expansion thereof including process and apparatus for forming a batch of tobacco for delivery to a tobacco impregnation apparatus and processes and apparatus for unloading the expanded tobacco and purging expansion agent from the expanded tobacco. The tobacco batch forming and feeding system forms and feeds tobacco batches of predetermined weight which can be readily changed to accommodate different types of tobacco. Expanded tobacco is unloaded directly into an unloading chamber wherein expansion agent is purged from the expanded tobacco. The tobacco unloading chamber includes a purge gas circulation system for circulating the purge gas through the expanded tobacco in the lower portion of the unloading chamber and removing the released expansion agent from an upper portion of the unloading chamber.

Abstract: A tobacco enhancement apparatus and a method of enhancing tobacco using the apparatus comprising a tunnel (12) having a vibratory conveyor floor (18), and an inlet (14) for receiving unexpanded tobacco shreds. A steaming and swirling station (32) is located downstream of the inlet and comprises an array of overhead steam nozzles arranged above the floor for steaming and expanding the shreds. The steam nozzles are positioned and angled to create vortices amongst the shreds. A conditioning venturi station (50) is located downstream of the steaming station for prolonging the exposure of the expanded tobacco shreds to conditions of increased vapor pressure. A set point controller (198) is provided for automatically monitoring and adjusting the downward angle of the steam nozzles, the steam pressure, the height of the nozzles, the height of the venturi station and the temperature of the expanded tobacco.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tray with grooves and slots for recirculation of moist air for a humidor in operation, intended to conserve products, typically cigars, fresh and in their natural state. These grooves or channels are substantially parallel to each other, and each rounded groove preferably contains a lengthwise slot through the tray from the top to the bottom surface and located substantially in the bottom center of the rounded groove. These slots provide for the recirculation of moist air around and through each individual product. The humidor of the present invention consists of a plurality of such product-containing trays stacked and spaced vertically in a suitable case, including means for removal of the trays for insertion or removal of product. Space for moist air circulation is also provided around each sliding tray. The humidor of the present invention also contains a source of moisture and humidity sensing means.

Abstract: The present invention provides humidifiers for use in maintaining tobacco at desired levels of humidity. The humidifier includes a humidifier tank having a reservoir chamber fluidly connected to a pair of evaporation chambers by a pair of capillary tubes having a fluid passageway. Evaporation media is contained within the evaporation chambers. A pair of shutters having shutter openings are adjustably mounted on the evaporation chambers to open and close front evaporation openings in the evaporation chambers. Rear evaporation openings are also provided on the evaporation chambers which are continuously open. The humidifying fluid evaporates from the evaporation media in the evaporation chambers through the front and rear evaporation openings to humidify the tobacco environment. A fluid level indicator on the humidifier permits the fluid level in the humidifier to be monitored and the humidifier to be refilled as needed.

Abstract: A high humidity drying apparatus for cut tobacco is shown. The apparatus has a furnace which heats circulated air within the apparatus. The air is forced through a first arcuate elbow which has a tobacco air inlet located thereon for inserting the cut tobacco into the airstream. The tobacco is then redirected into a vertically extending drying chamber. The air entrained tobacco is then forced through a second arcuate elbow which places the tobacco into a tangential separator for removing the tobacco from the heated air. The separator has dual air exhausts, each leading to a high efficiency cyclone for further removal of the tobacco dust form the circulated air. All of the air is then passed back to the furnace for heating and then recirculated through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is given for a low residence time redrying of strip tobacco. The apparatus thoroughly and evenly dries and cools the tobacco consistently through the entire tobacco bed as it passes through the dryer and cooler. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of individually controlled fluidized bed heating zones for drying the tobacco. An additional fluidized bed cooling zone is provided to cool the tobacco prior to reordering. A continuous conveyor extends through the heating zones and cooling zones. A steam tunnel is utilized to raise the moisture content of the dried tobacco to preselected moisture levels. A vibrating conveyor moves the tobacco through the steam tunnel.

Abstract: A high humidity drying apparatus for cut tobacco is shown. The apparatus has a furnace which heats circulated air within the apparatus. The air is forced through a first arcuate elbow which has a tobacco air inlet located thereon for inserting the cut tobacco into the airstream. The tobacco is then redirected into a vertically extending drying chamber. The air entrained tobacco is then forced through a second arcuate elbow which places the tobacco into a tangential separator for removing the tobacco from the heated air. The separator has dual air exhausts, each leading to a high efficiency cyclone for further removal of the tobacco dust form the circulated air. All of the air is then passed back to the furnace for heating and then recirculated through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: In a drying process for increasing the filling power of tobacco material, the cut and moistened tobacco material is conveyed in a drying gas flow, dried within a tubular drying section and subsequently separated from the drying gas. The drying gas has at a feed point into the drying section a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. and a flow velocity of at least 30 m/sec. The flow velocity of the drying gas is reduced in the drying section. The flow velocity of the drying gas at the charge point into the drying section is at the most 100 m/sec. Within the drying section, to reduce the local heat transfer coefficient and the local mass transfer coefficient between the surface of the tobacco material and the surrounding drying gas, along with the reduction of the flow velocity of the drying gas, the flow velocity of the tobacco material is also reduced. At the end of the drying section the drying gas has a flow velocity of at the most 15 m/sec and a temperature of at the most 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A mixture of unsatisfactory fragments of tobacco ribs and shreds of tobacco leaf laminae and/or tobacco ribs which are bonded to each other and/or are clumped together and/or crimped is treated to loosen the coherent and/or clumped shreds and/or uncrimp individual shreds and to thereupon separate the fragments of ribs from the thus liberated and/or straightened shreds. The treatment involves heating the mixture with steam, thereafter cooling (if necessary) the mixture, and thereupon pneumatically separating the shreds from the fragments of tobacco ribs. The heating operation can take place simultaneously with moisturizing of the mixture and can be carried out in a rotary or vibratory conveyor.

Abstract: A method of separating objectionable particles from host tobacco material which includes fluidizing the tobacco material with a fluidizing air stream to allow heavy unwanted particles to fall, to cause light unwanted particles to rise and be air transported away and to leave a carpet of acceptable material.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for accurately measuring the moisture content of a moving bed of a product, such as strip tobacco, are disclosed. As the bed of tobacco is conveyed by a perforated or porous conveyor, a flow of air is directed upwardly through the conveyor and into the bed of tobacco. The air flow agitates and homogenizes the tobacco to provide a localized area of the bed of tobacco that has a substantially uniform moisture content from top to bottom. A moisture sensor located downstream of the air flow measures the moisture content of the agitated portion of the tobacco bed.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method for curing and drying tobacco wherein the initial phase of the curing and drying process, that is the yellowing phase, is accelerated by the simultaneous application of ethylene and heat. In particular, the process of the present invention entails coloring the tobacco at a temperature range of 100.degree.-120.degree. F. and actually applying a concentration of ethylene to the tobacco while the tobacco is subjected to this coloring temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an apparatus for blowing cut tobacco material, wherein a stream of a carrier gas and entrained tobacco ribs is surrounded in a flow channel section at least at one point by a hot gas stream separately introduced and accelerating the afore-mentioned mixed stream. The acceleration is preferably effected at several successive points. The cover stream is introduced through annular jets, the cross-section of the flow channel remaining constant along the entire extent of the flow channel section.

Abstract: The flavor substances of the present invention are prepared by toasting (heating) natural tobacco in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 225.degree. C., condensing at least a portion of the volatiles driven-off during the toasting, and collecting the a portion of the uncondensed volatiles by sorption (adsorption and/or absorption) on a solid or liquid sorbent medium. Either the sorbent medium containing the trapped volatiles or the volatiles themselves may be used as the flavor substances of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotary dryer for tobacco products comprising a cylinder arranged for rotation about an inclined axis and having means for feeding tobacco into one end of the drying cylinder and means for conveying dried tobacco from the other end of the drying cylinder, heating means arranged to heat the cylinder, a housing arranged to contain the drying cylinder and sealed to be substantially airtight, means for reducing pressure in the drying cylinder below atmospheric pressure; and preferably but not essentially, means for superheating steam, means for injecting steam adjacent the superheating means, for conveying steam leaving the injection means at one end of the cylinder to the superheating means, and ducting for conveying superheated steam for said superheating means to the other end of said cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and conditioning tobacco which includes a housing into which steam is supplied to treat tobacco being uniformly conveyed therethrough and wherein the inlet and outlet to the housing include rotating vanes for allowing for the passage of tobacco while restricting the discharge of steam.

Abstract: Apparatus for the expansion of tobacco includes a substantially cylindrical container (10), conveyors for feeding tobacco into the container and jet nozzles or slits for introducing a heating medium in the form of steam and/or humid air into the container. The jet nozzles or slits (12) are arranged substantially longitudinally of the container axis serving to direct high pressure steam and/or humid air substantially tangentially to the interior surface of the container (10) to engage the tobacco being fed into the container causing a turbulent mixture of steam, and/or humid air, and tobacco to travel along a helical path and to be maintained by centrifugal force in close proximity to the interior surface of the container as the stream moves axially therein and to maintain the circulation and to provide a succession of repeated high relative velocity, highly turbulent and dispersive contacts between the heating medium and the tobacco.

Abstract: A process for degreening and coloring tobacco by subjecting the tobacco to air containing ethylene gas and thereafter wilting, dehydrating and curing. The air containing ethylene gas is exchanged within a controlled environment at a substantially high rate to not only replenish the oxygen and nitrogen content, but also to remove the carbon dioxide generated in the coloring process that can inhibit further coloring. The process also permits increasing the temperature around the tobacco during the wilting and dehydrating stages so as to substantially decrease the total time required for curing the tobacco.

Abstract: Tobacco conditioning apparatus comprising a covered generally U-shaped trough containing an axially extending rotatable paddle assembly. Tobacco to be conditioned is introduced through an aperture in the cover at the inlet end, and the trough is mounted with its axis inclined downwardly towards the outlet end so that the tobacco is progressively moved from the inlet to the outlet by rotation of the paddle assembly, while being conditioned with a steam spray. The tobacco leaves the outlet end through an aperture in the base of the trough.

Abstract: A tobacco treating process for forming favorable flavor compounds in a moisturized tobacco including the steps of introducing the moistened tobacco into a containing zone; introducing an ammonia source into the containing zone; heating the contained zone when substantially closed to bring the tobacco to a preselected temperature to improve flavor compounds through reaction of the ammonia source and reducing sugars, and/or other tobacco components; and cooling and removing the tobacco from the closed zone.