Abstract: Flavorful tobacco substances are provided by extracting tobacco with water, spray drying the resulting liquid tobacco extract, contacting the spray dried extract with a glycerine carrier, and subjecting the extract and carrier to a temperature above 150.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to eliminate the harsh or "green" taste provided by the extract. The flavorful tobacco substances are useful as forms of tobacco in smoking product manufacture.

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: Uncured tobacco leaves are heated by microwaves or in an electric high-frequency field prior to subdivision into ribs and strips. The strips are separated from the ribs, preferably with a stream of conditioned air, and are thereupon heated again and condensed, and the condensed strips are dried and cooled in vacuo prior to packing. The separated ribs are heated and are thereupon introduced into containers. The containers are then admitted into a vacuum chamber for cooling and drying of the ribs therein prior to packing.

Abstract: The moisture content of the fillers of cigarettes is maintained at a preselected value by feeding to the stream building zone of the cigarette rod maker a flow of tobacco particles whose moisture content exceeds the desired value and with a surplus which is removed by an adjustable trimmer to convert the flow into a trimmed stream which is ready for draping into a web of cigarette paper to form a cigarette rod which is subdivided into cigarettes of desired length. The removed surplus is heated by a drying device and the heated surplus with its reduced moisture content is returned into the distributor of the cigarette rod maker to be admixed to the already advancing flow of fresh tobacco particles whose moisture content is excessive. The heating action is regulated as a function of signals generated by one or more moisture detectors which can monitor the moisture content of fibrous material in the surplus prior or subsequent to drying and/or the moisture content of the filler or trimmed stream.

Abstract: A temperature control method of a cut tobacco leaves drying apparatus having a rotary hollow cylinder around which a plurality of heaters are mounted and in which the cut tobacco leaves are dried while they are carried along the rotational axis of the cylinder toward the exit of the cylinder during the rotation of the cylinder.The method is capable of bringing moisture rate of the cut tobacco leaves to a desired value as fast as possible when they are dried for a period of time shortly after the cut tobacco leaves begin to flow into the drying apparatus.The heaters mounted on the cylinder are supplied heat with the amount of heat medium controlled independently of each other. Therefore the inner space of the cylinder defines cascaded drying-spaces of which the temperatures are controlled in response to a fow rate of the cut tobacco leaves flowing through the drying-spaces.

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.

Abstract: A system for controlling the lamina size in a raw material treatment process for tobacco leaves comprising measuring means for measuring the production rate of the laminae larger than a given size in the raw material treatment process in which the tobacco leaves which have been provided with a water content and temperature by a humidity controller are stripped into laminae and ribs by means of rib removing machines capable of changing a mechanical impact force applied upon the tobacco leaves by changing the rotational number of grid or threshing gear and are then separated by means of separating machines, and operational control means for receiving measurement signals from said measuring means as a feedback signal for searching a water content, temperature and rotational number of grid or threshing gear which minimize the production rate of the laminae not larger than a given size by a hill-climb method using the water content and temperature provided by the humidity controller and the rotational number of gr

Abstract: A system for controlling the water content and temperature of tobacco leaves in a humidity controller is provided.

Abstract: An improved tobacco treating process for smoking articles including the steps of shredding the tobacco in a disc shredder, controlling the specific energy imparted to the tobacco being shredded to an empirically predetermined value, and processing the shredded tobacco under high humidity drying conditions.

Abstract: An improved tobacco treating process for smoking articles including the steps of introducing tobacco to be dryed into a restricted pressure and flow controllable system to be entrained by pressurized stream for preselected residence time before disentrainment therefrom, the steam being held at preselected minimum pressure and velocity to improve fill value and smoking quality of the tobacco.

Abstract: In order to pest control tobacco there is provided in a gas tight tobacco storage room an inert O.sub.2 lacking atmosphere with O.sub.2 between 0 and 5%, CO.sub.2 between 1 and 20% and the balance N.sub.2. This atmosphere is maintained until mortality of the pest. The system for providing this atmosphere includes essentially a generator, which can be a combustion chamber (1) associated with a catalytic chamber (2) (in the case of an open circuit system in which air is drawn from the atmosphere) or a catalytic chamber alone (in the case of a closed circuit system in which air is drawn from the tobacco storage room itself) and a cooling tower (3).The system is generally provided also with an evaporator (5) and a condenser (6) to control the humidity of the inert atmosphere, and a heat exchanger (7) in which the combustion heat is utilized to heat the inert atmosphere at a temperature which speeds up the mortality of the pest.

Abstract: A dry pre-mix is provided whereby a moist snuff can be prepared by addition of water. The pre-mix consists of a mixture of snuff-type tobaccos, cut to a predetermined size and having a moisture level between 6% and 16%.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and conditioning tobacco leaves, including a heater for heating conditioning air for conditioning tobacco leaves after drying, a temperature controller for controlling the heater so that the temperature of the conditioning air becomes a preset temperature, an atomized water sprayer for cooling the conditioning air fed to the heater, a humidifier for humidifying the conditioning air, and a humidity controller for detecting the moisture content of the tobacco leaves after drying and conditioning and controlling the humidifier so that the moisture content of the tobacco leaves becomes a target moisture content. The humidity controller is so constructed as to control the humidifier on the basis of a wet-bulb temperature. Saving of heat energy can be attained, and because a cooling chamber is not needed, the apparatus can be made compact and it becomes easier to stabilize a target moisture content.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method is proposed according to which a tobacco mass is proportioned for primary processing. The system and method provide for a controlled selection handling and proportioning of the tobacco mass, and for conditioning of the tobacco mass before further primary processing. The apparatus provides for conditioning an entire tobacco mass or for selected proportioning of the tobacco mass into smaller predetermined portions prior to conditioning. The system and method allow for blending different types of tobacco masses while utilizing the proportioning apparatus on selected tobacco masses.

Abstract: An improved tobacco treating process for smoking articles including the steps of moistening and shredding tobacco stems at a preselected temperature range and drying such shredded stems under high humidity conditions controlled to obtain unexpectedly high fill values.

Abstract: A tobacco drying machine of rotary cylindrical type having a steam pipe at the wall thereof and a heated air source at the lower side of a material supply inlet, comprises means for detecting the flow of tobacco raw material at a pretreatment process line of the drying machine; a water spraying nozzle at the raw material supply inlet into which pressurized air is supplied as a carrier; and a control circuit for providing a signal to the water spraying nozzle when a predetermined period of time has passed since said circuit received a signal representative of the passage of the front or rear end of the tobacco raw material through the detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reordering or remoistening tobacco wherein a circulating treating medium is passed through the tobacco bed. The apparatus is provided with both water and steam nozzles, and controls are provided such that the water input maintains a desired tobacco moisture level, whereas the steam input is controlled to keep the temperature of the circulating treating medium at a predetermined level. The water is in the form of an atomized fine mist at point of contact with the tobacco bed.

Abstract: In the curing of tobacco leaf in a curer heated air is circulated through the curer and controlled so that a first temperature is maintained in the curer for a given period of time. During this period the relative humidity level is reduced to a desired level. Thereafter a maximum predetermined temperature difference is maintained between upper and lower zones in the curer to dry the leaf.

Abstract: A stream dryer comprises in addition to the control bypass which bypasses the heat source a second ready-use bypass which is in parallel with the control bypass and bypasses the heat source. In the event of short-duration interruptions in working, the supply of steam is interrupted and the circulation of the hot gas is maintained substantially only through the ready-use bypass, so that the temperature of the circulated hot gas substantially does not change when the relatively small heat losses due to surface and exhaust gas losses are compensated. Temperature regulation is effected through the agency of the control bypass in this state of readiness also.

Abstract: Apparatus for expelling moisture from a continuous stream of tobacco which passes through a conditioning zone defined by a hollow rotary drum-shaped dryer has a control unit employing a computer whose output signal is indicative of the quantity of moisture to be expelled from tobacco per unit of time during travel through the dryer in order to ensure that the final moisture content of tobacco will match a predetermined value. The signal which is generated by the computer is used to regulate a valve in a conduit connecting the conditioning zone with a source of steam. The rate of steam admission or the pressure of admitted steam increases when the quantity of moisture which is contained in tobacco entering the dryer per unit of time decreases and vice versa. This ensures that the total quantity of moisture in the conditioning zone remains at least substantially constant even though the moisture content and/or the quantity of tobacco in the stream entering the dryer varies within a wide range.

Abstract: Significant amounts of heat energy, otherwise wasted in the curing and drying systems previously known, are recovered and recycled in the multi-chamber system of the present invention to thereby significantly increase efficiency and reduce fuel requirements. Tobacco or other moisture containing material is cured and dried in batches in a plurality of individual chambers, with each chamber having suitable controls for individually controlling the temperature and humidity conditions of the curing air which is circulated through the chamber. Means and methods are disclosed for recovering and recycling the heat content of the heated exhaust air from the respective chambers, for using solar energy for further heating the air, and for recovering and recycling the heat energy of the batch of material as it is cooled down at the end of the curing and drying cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying tobacco includes a heater for heating a drying and conveying gas to a predetermined temperature sufficient to dry the tobacco to a predetermined moisture content, a tobacco-gas separator device of the short residence type located downstream of the heater, a first duct establishing gas flow communication between the hot gas outlet from the heater and the entrance to the tobacco-gas separator device, and a tobacco feed device located substantially at the entrance to the separator device for introducing tobacco to be dried into the duct at the entrance to the separator device. In addition, an apparatus of the class described wherein the tobacco to be dried and the drying gas are separately introduced into the separator device.

Abstract: Particles of tobacco which form a continuous stream are heated during transport through a rotary drum-shaped dryer. The inlet end of the dryer receives a continuous current of heated air whose temperature is constant, and the dryer is heated by internal coils for circulating steam whose pressure is constant. The quantity of tobacco particles in the stream is varied in dependency on deviations of measured final moisture content from a desired final moisture content and/or in dependency on deviations of measured initial moisture content from anticipated initial moisture content.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of increasing the volume of cut tobacco ribs by impregnating tobacco ribs with an impregnating agent, which contains at least water, up to a water content of at least 45% by weight, heating the impregnated tobacco rib parts with a gaseous heating and transport medium containing steam and having a temperature of from approx. 105.degree. to approx. 250.degree. C., said tobacco rib parts being transported through an expansion zone and a drying zone a pneumatic transport system. The impregnated tobacco rib parts are kept in the expansion and drying zones for a period of at least approx. 10 seconds and are dried to a final moisture content of at least 12.5% by weight.

Abstract: A method for quickly conditioning a mass of tobacco uniformly throughout the mass with steam for the purpose of moisturizing and heating the tobacco evenly throughout.A probe is provided to be inserted within the mass of tobacco for drawing a vacuum while steam is applied to the tobacco mass.A temperature sensor is mounted on the probe to indicate the temperature of inner mass of tobacco.Steam is applied until a desired temperature is sensed at the sensor. The application of steam is continued at that temperature for a period adequate to moisturize and sterilize the tobacco throughout.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, curing tobacco leaf in a curer barn. Air is caused to circulate through the barn to dry the leaf. The temperature of the air is controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature or humidity difference between upper and lower zones inside the barn, within a predetermined tolerance. The result is that the curing process is optimally controlled by the condition of the leaf itself and independently of ambient conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a forced air recirculation tobacco curing apparatus which provides support for tobacco bins within the apparatus and is adapted to permit a loading vehicle to drive in and out of the apparatus to load or unload the bins.

Abstract: A continuous stream of moist tobacco particles is withdrawn from a magazine by a carded belt conveyor, and successive increments of the stream are weighed prior to transport past a measuring unit which ascertains the initial moisture content of successive increments of the stream. The signals which are generated by the weighing device are used to regulate the speed of the carded conveyor so as to insure that each unit length of the stream reaching the measuring unit contains identical quantities of tobacco particles per weight. The stream is thereupon transported through a moisture increasing unit wherein the stream is traversed by ascending currents of steam and wherein one or more nozzles sprinkle metered quantities of water onto successive increments of the stream.

Abstract: A continuous stream of tobacco particles is conveyed through a conditioning zone wherein the stream is agitated and is directly contacted by a current of hot air. The moisture content of the thus dried tobacco particles is measured downstream of the conditioning zone and the temperature of hot air is changed when the measured moisture content of dried tobacco particles deviates from a desired value. A second parameter of hot air (e.g., its initial moisture content) is varied when the temperature of freshly dried tobacco particles deviates from a preselected temperature. This ensures that the moisture content of tobacco particles does not fluctuate subsequent to cooling which follows the drying operation.

Abstract: Tobacco stems are expanded by superheated steam in a U-shaped, tubular expansion device, which is provided with a venturi tube and cooling jackets. The superheated steam under high pressure is ejected toward the venturi tube. The rapid speed of the steam stream creates a Bernoulli flow, namely strong suction force in the venturi tube. By this force, the tobacco stems, which are being continuously supplied into a hopper from a tobacco cutter, are automatically sucked into the expansion device via the venturi tube. Tobacco stems primarily expanded in the expansion device are sent to a cyclone system and further puffed therein.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for increasing the filling power of tobacco lamina filler without the use of exogenous impregnants by contacting the filler with a heat transfer medium such that heat is transferred rapidly and substantially uniformly from the medium to the filler for a total contact time sufficient to stiffen and expand the filler. The filler has an OV value, immediately before treatment, within the range of from about 8% to about 30% and, most preferably, within the range of from about 10% to about 14%. The filler, immediately before treatment, is preferably at ambient temperature and it is preferred that the entire process be conducted at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for drying and expanding cut tobacco by introducing the tobacco into an elongated tubular shaped conduit through which high temperature, high velocity superheated steam is recycled. The conduit has a reduced area section into which the tobacco is introduced and provision is made to allow recycle of steam and hence minimal energy consumption.

Abstract: Freshly cut tobacco leaves are processed wherein the processing includes particle size reduction and drying immediately upon harvesting.

Abstract: Novel shredded tobacco stem material having a much lower burn rate than other stem material and other beneficial properties and useful in the formation of cigarettes is formed by a novel procedure which produces only a relatively minor proportion of particulate material. The procedure, which is also applicable to tobacco stalk and tobacco winnowing, involves an initial thorough soaking of the stem, stalk or winnowings to a relatively high moisture level and mechanical fiberizing of the soaked material in a disc refiner at atmospheric pressure and preferably at ambient temperatures. The resulting shredded stem, stalk or winnowings in fibrous form is dried to the desired moisture level.

Abstract: A continuous stream of moist tobacco particles is withdrawn from a magazine by a carded belt conveyor, and successive increments of the stream are weighed prior to transport past a measuring unit which ascertains the initial moisture content of successive increments of the stream. The signals which are generated by the weighing device are used to regulate the speed of the carded conveyor so as to insure that each unit length of the stream reaching the measuring unit contains identical quantities of tobacco particles per weight. The stream is thereupon transported through a moisture increasing unit wherein the stream is traversed by ascending currents of steam and wherein one or more nozzles sprinkle metered quantities of water onto successive increments of the stream.

Abstract: A method of fermenting and aging tobacco under endothermic conditions in which the tobacco is fermented in an atmosphere containing more than 25% by volume oxygen and preferably in either pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air. The tobacco product is thereby fermented more rapidly than with earlier endothermic techniques, with reduction in the nicotine content, less condensate, and reduced pesticide content.

Abstract: In tobacco cut rag being fed to a drier not only the moisture content of the cut rag is regulated to be constant, but the temperature of the cut rag is also regulated to be constant. In addition the dry mass flow rate is kept constant. Except for local temperature control to ensure constant heat exchange levels, the temperature in the drier and the subsequent cooler is kept constant.

Abstract: A method for increasing the filling power of sheet or shredded reconstituted tobacco which is normally not susceptible to conventional expansion techniques is provided. In the practice of the method reconstituted tobacco having a uniform moisture content of 15-50 weight percent is heated to a temperature above about 90.degree. C. for a period of time beyond that required to drive off substantially all moisture and then is reordered. Heating may be effected in a convection or microwave oven or a drying tower. By means of the method, the tobacco is stiffened whereby a substantially irreversible filling power increase is effected.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying tobacco under relatively high absolute humidity drying conditions to increase the filling power of tobacco.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the build-up of undesirable materials such as tobacco in a bend in a conduit containing a gas stream having water vapor therein.

Abstract: Burlap-clad bales of turkish or other oriental small leaf tobacco are passed between two upright steam applicators each having a plurality of individual steam jet openings. The openings cause injection of steam through the outer burlap cover and penetration into the loosely packed bale along the grain of the bale. The outer burlap cover is then removed and the bale opened by placing the same on a vibrating conveyor.

Abstract: 1-Ethynyl-2,2-6-trimethyl-cyclohexanol, a compound of formula ##STR1## possesses useful perfuming and flavoring properties. Use of said hydroxy-acetylenic derivative as perfume and flavor ingredient is discussed.