Abstract: A tobacco curing enclosure includes roof vents, sidewall fan assemblies with heaters, a humidity augmentation system, and internal air circulation devices. Internal temperature and humidity monitors are connected with a control system for the fans, vents, heaters, humidity augmentation system and air circulation devices. The control system in conjunction with the enclosure allows humidity inside the enclosure to be controlled according to a predetermined schedule despite the ambient weather conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of cured tobacco.

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: Apparatus and method for facilitating a tobacco curing process, with the apparatus being for use in a tobacco barn, with the tobacco barn having a plurality of internal cross members for supporting tobacco leaves during curing. The apparatus includes a plenum for attachment to a tobacco barn; a device for generating air movement in fluid communication with the plenum for delivering atmospheric air thereto; and a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with the plenum for receiving airflow therefrom, the conduits being formed with a plurality of openings therein to allow air to flow outwardly therefrom, the conduits being configured for disposition within the barn for fluid communication with tobacco in a curing disposition within the barn.

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: 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 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: 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: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the content of and preventing formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in harvested leafy plants such as tobacco and marijuana, are disclosed. The methods are directed to subjecting the plant to microwave and/or higher frequency radiation, at appropriate times in the cure cycle. With tobacco, products suitable for human consumption, such as cigarettes, cigars, etc., can be made in accordance with the present invention, having contents of tobacco-specific nitrosamines on a par with fresh-cut, green tobacco. In preferred embodiments, the resultant tobacco products are dried, golden-yellow leaves having almost negligible amounts of the known carcinogens NNN and NNK, in comparison to conventionally cured tobacco.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are a barn and a procedure for curing Virginia type tobacco. The barn consists of an air heating device with an impulsion fan (9) connected by means of an inlet duct (10) to several curing units (1-8) where the Virginia type tobacco leaves are contained said curing units (1-8) being mutually connected. The heated air introduced into the barn by the fan (9) flows continuously and sequentially through the curing units (1-8), said air thereby acquiring the adequate moisture and temperature for each step of the Virginia type tobacco curing process.The barn and procedure of the invention provide improved fuel efficiency and ease of management.

Abstract: A heating system for a transportable enclosure comprising a first side wall and a second side wall; the first side wall being an exterior wall and the second side wall being an interior wall; a third side wall connected to and facing the second side wall, a fourth side wall defining an interior space of the enclosure; the second side wall and the third side wall defining a predetermined space therebetween; an inlet passage provided at a first location in communication with said predetermined space; an air passage provided at a second location in communication with said predetermined space; heating means for supplying heat to said inlet passage; conduit means for connecting said heating means and said inlet passage; means for distributing said heat throughout said predetermined space; and, exhaust means for exhausting said heat from said predetermined space.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting, storing, and blending tobacco employs a plurality of ventilated containers, each containing bales of a designated grade of tobacco. Containers are stored side-by-side and stacked several containers high, and rows of stacked containers are placed back-to-back so that all of the doors face outwardly. Following storage, the containers with various grades of tobacco are moved to a blending conveyor belt, and bales from the various containers are combined on the belt to form moxules of tobacco of a desired blend.

Abstract: There is disclosed an environmental control system for a large volume structure (one horizontal dimension of at least 60 feet) having an air tempering unit including a horizontal cylindrical duct of about three feet diameter with an axial flow propellor fan and motor placed in one end to draw air through the duct and a gaseous fuel burner upstream from the fan with oxygen supplied from the air stream and with combustion products thereof being propelled through the fan. A series of propeller-fan air movers are placed in the structure near ceiling level with the first of the air movers placed about 25 to 50 feet in front of the air tempering unit. The air tempering unit and the air movers are operated by a control unit in response to a cycle timer and various sensor elements including an air velocity sensor for outside air supplied to the air tempering unit and an internal air temperature sensor.

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 tobacco curing bin for use in a tobacco curing kiln is provided, the said bin comprising a box-like structure with opposing ends, a top, a front, a back, a floor, and having tynes adapted to pierce and support the tobacco leaves therein; each said end being adapted to be impervious to the flow of curing air; the said front being adapted with holes to receive said tynes and having at least one gate to permit loading and unloading of the bin; the said back being adapted to provide a support for the tobacco leaves in the bin when the bin is being loaded or unloaded and further adapted to receive said tynes; the said tynes being adapted to pass through the holes in the front, to pierce the tobacco leaves and to engage with the said back to support the tobacco leaves within the bin; the said floor being adapted to be pervious to the flow of curing air and being characterized in that said floor is adapted to slope upwardly from the ends to a middle portion in said floor to permit an improved flow of curing air th

Abstract: An auxiliary wood furnace for a bulk curing tobacco barn is arranged for installation in a basement immediately below the conventional oil or gas fired furnace for ease of barn modification and adaptation to burning wood as the source of heat.

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: Apparatus for bulk curing tobacco comprising a barn having a heat exchanger therein defining interior flow paths for heated water and exterior heat exchange surfaces disposed within the curing air flow path within the barn, hot water storage tank unit, a power operated pump for circulating hot water between the hot water storage tank unit and the heat exchanger, a hot water heating unit and a power driven pump for continuously circulating water between the hot water heating unit and the hot water storage unit.

Abstract: The furnace includes an upstanding hopper-like member having an increasing cross-sectional area from a fuel inlet at its upper end to a hollow box-like grate releasably and removably mounted within its lower end portion at an elevation slightly below the upper extremity of a gas passageway opening laterally from such member and communicating with a manifold chamber extending horizontally therefrom. The grate has elongate slot-like openings extending horizontally of and vertically through its medial portion, and preferably includes cylindrical solid rods extending longitudinally of the upper portions of such openings. An electrically-powered blower is releasably connected to the grate, for movement therewith, and during operation conducts air to the interior of the hollow sections of the grate. The latter are provided with apertures which discharge jets of air vertically upwardly and downwardly, and also angularly upwardly and downwardly, from the grate.

Abstract: A heat cycling apparatus and method is provided for heating at least two chambers utilizing a pressurized heat source. The heated air is directed first to one chamber and then to the other on a predetermined repetitive time cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of monitoring air flow in a bulk tobacco curing and drying structure wherein the system and method is designed to actuate an alarm device in response to the air flow within the bulk tobacco curing and drying structure falling below a preset level. In particular, the system and method entails providing an air flow monitoring device in the path of a system of air that is circulated vertically through the mass of bulk tobacco contained within the curing and drying structure. The air flow monitoring device is operatively associated with a master "on-off" switch and is operatively connected to a main control panel or unit that is in turn operatively associated and connected to an alarm device such as a siren.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for loading and unloading a bulk curing tobacco barn so that large heavy containers filled with tobacco leaves will be properly positioned in the barn in a close front-to-back relationship.

Abstract: The present invention entails a bulk tobacco barn having a generally enclosed drying area and a forced air heating system associated directly with the barn for generating a system of air and circulating the air through tobacco supported within the drying area of the barn. As a part of the forced air heating system, there is provided heating means that is thermostatically controlled to heat the system of air to maintain an appropriate temperature level within the drying area of the structure during the curing and drying process. Provided in conjunction with the bulk tobacco barn is an auxiliary heating system that comprises a stove or heater having a fire box for receiving and burning material such as wood or coal.

Abstract: A heat cycling apparatus and method is provided for a bulk tobacco curing barn having at least two chambers in which the tobacco is cured in bulk utilizing a pressurized heat source. The heated curing air is directed first to one chamber and then to the other on a predetermined repetitive time cycle. Crops other than tobacco may be cured or dryed with the same apparatus and method on an appropriate time cycle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for bulk curing tobacco in which the temperature conditions in the tobacco curing barn are automatically controlled by heating the air being circulated through the barn in a controlled manner to maintain a predetermined differential in the dry bulb temperature of the air entering and leaving the curing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling device that is adapted to have utility in both a greenhouse operation and a bulk tobacco curing and drying structure. More particularly, in use with a greenhouse, the material handling device of the present invention is adapted to support plant seedlings or pots of soil with seeds appropriately planted therein. The same material handling device of the present invention can also be utilized in a bulk tobacco curing and drying operation as a support and handling medium for bulk tobacco disposed within the curing and drying structure.

Abstract: A tobacco bulk curing barn construction including a furnace section and a plurality of portable barn sections each having imperforate side walls and top wall that form substantially complete exterior walls and roof of an integral transverse section of a composite curing part of the barn construction. Flanges and sealing gaskets are provided along edges of each section to provide sealing engagement of adjacent sections in a series row formation. A screen is secured across one end of the barn section to define with the side walls a full section open curing space for receiving tobacco filled in bulk therein when the section is disposed flat on the screened end. A pair of open frames is mounted between the side walls for movement from open positions after an initial amount of tobacco has been filled into position on top of the leaves to limit the amount of compression which can subsequently be applied to the initial tobacco by virture of the subsequent full loading of leaves into the curing space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulk tobacco curing and drying structure that comprises an elongated main housing having a cross sectional area substantially arcuate shaped and adapted to receive and support bulk tobacco or other crop material therein for curing and drying. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the elongated housing is of a generally cylindrical shape and supported by an underlying cradle support structure. Defined internally within the cylindrical housing is a drying chamber having laterally spaced supports for supporting a plurality of bulk tobacco containers or racks therein over a defined plenum area within the cylindrical housing. A forced air furnace system provided with the curing and drying structure acts to circulate air vertically through bulk tobacco contained within the drying chamber, and generally maintains a desired temperature level therein during the curing and drying process.

Abstract: Incoming fresh air, which is introduced for heating in the furnace of a bulk curing barn for tobacco, travels the length of the barn in heat exchange relationship in a direction opposite to that of the hot, moist exhaust air leaving the curing chamber. The incoming fresh air is further preheated by means of a solar roof immediately beneath which the fresh air flows on its way to the furnace. The curing chamber itself is made substantially air tight, is insulated, and has the floor thereof elevated above the ground, thereby preventing heat loss as much as possible. The barn is sometimes portable so that it can be loaded with tobacco adjacent or near the tobacco field and moved to whatever location desired for the curing operation.In a preferred embodiment, additional amounts of fresh air are introduced beneath the edges of a corrugated surface which forms the solar roof, which air streams are heated both by the solar furnace from above, and also by the hot exhaust air in an exit duct immediately therebeneath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a greenhouse, drying, storing and nursery system and entails a simple multi-purpose structure which includes the capability to effectively utilize solar energy within a greenhouse and is adapted to control temperature, humidity and other environmental parameters. The multi-purpose structure may be utilized as a drying structure wherein a crop material or some other suitable product may be placed within the greenhouse-drying structure and a curing and/or drying effect may be realized by passing a system of air through the product or material disposed therein. As a part of the curing and/or drying system, the device of the present invention is adapted to circulate a system of air through the structure and to effectively collect solar energy when available for use during the curing or drying period.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying and/or curing cereal grains, tobacco and other materials, elements of which may be ingested by human beings, comprises a tube defining a flow passage in the inlet end of which is positioned a device for moving a pressured flow of air through said passage and in the outlet end of which is positioned and projected therefrom a means defining a combustion chamber. In connection with the combustion chamber are means arranged to deliver and ignite oil to produce a flame capped by and projected interiorly of the combustion chamber. The flame is enveloped in a pressured flow of air the impetus of which has its source in a blower embodied in an oil burner assembly mounted on the outer surface of the tube, which burner assembly provides for a pressured delivery of the oil. Means are provided to insure that the oil burner assembly and its blower are operating under pressure equal to or greater than the pressure of the air flow through said tube.

Abstract: A curing module is provided of generally rectangular solid configuration of which the bottom is imperforate and includes runners to facilitate lifting by fork lift; the top is imperforate with means for minimizing air leakage between the tobacco and top inner surface; the rear wall is imperforate with horizontal ledges to support the ends of tines which penetrate the tobacco; the front is generally imperforate, but opens to facilitate loading and when closed enables insertion of sharp rods which penetrate the tobacco and provide vertical support; and two opposed perforate side walls which permit horizontal cross-flow of the curing gas. One wall of which may be hinged to permit mechanized unloading of the cured leaf. Also provided is a simplified curing structure to receive the modules which are stacked by conventional fork lift equipment and to direct curing air horizontally through the perforate sides of the modules at controlled temperature, himidity and velocity.

Abstract: Leaf tobacco or the like in a substantially airtight enclosure is cured and dried by circulating through the enclosure air that is controllably heated by a forced air fuel burner located in an elongated vertically oriented duct outside the enclosure. The outlet end of the duct is communicated with the enclosure at the bottom thereof, and its upper inlet end is controllably communicable with the enclosure at the top thereof and with the ambient atmosphere. The air intake port of the fuel burner receives only air flowing through the duct. Air circulation is effected by an electric motor driven fan near the inlet of the duct, and a restriction in the duct produces a pressure drop across the burner that prevents back-drafts through it.

Abstract: A tobacco handling and curing system is provided for in-the-field loading of tobacco leaves into a rectangular curing box and for securing the tobacco leaves within the box by means of a plurality of spikes. The curing box is transferred to a tobacco barn where it is lifted and rotated 90.degree. by a hoist and loaded into the tobacco barn by means of a roller and track arrangement. The tobacco barn is provided with a downward air flow system having uniform temperature and flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of drying crops, the apparatus having a central heating system in which air is forced in a vertical path, downwardly, by a blower, across a heater and into a lower plenum chamber. A flapper valve in the plenum chamber regulates the ratio of heated air to be distributed to the flexible heated air ducts. A plurality of barns radially disposed, around the heater are respctively connected to the heated air ducts and are also connected to the upper plenum chamber of the heating system, via return air ducts. Fresh air is introduced through the upper plenum chamber. Each barn has a carriage consisting of wheels and axles and a tongue by means of which the barn is pulled by a tractor or other prime mover. The housing of each barn is mounted on the carriage and has a front door and a removable top. The crop to be collected and dried, if tobacco, is placed on racks and, if, peanuts or a grain, is through the open top, after the roof has been removed.

Abstract: A plurality of foraminous wedge-shaped tobacco leaf containers with leaf impaling means are arranged in a circular array on a plenum foundation having connections with an external burner and blower assembly. A center passage for hot curing air is surrounded by the array of containers and the air flows radially outwardly through the containers and tobacco leaves with the leaves oriented edgewise to the air flow. A return annular air passage surrounding the containers leads back to the plenum and exterior burner and fan assembly. The exterior wall of the apparatus is insulated to confine heat. The air circulation may be reversed in the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a large quantity of green tobacco leaves in bulk form with an intermediate screen separating portions of the leaves along the entire length of the container and with a plurality of independent support rods for supporting the tobacco leaves in generally vertical position while the leaves are being cured. The tobacco container is open at one side only during filling and is open at the top and bottom only during the curing process.

Abstract: A tobacco handling and curing system and method is provided and in one aspect includes a curing container of generally rectangular solid configuration of which four side walls are generally imperforate and a pair of opposed side walls are perforate for the passage of curing gas therethrough. Such container may include one or more perforate interior transverse walls parallel to the opposed walls; adjustable edge baffles for the perforate side walls; and means carried by a pair of imperforate side walls to assist in handling the container. In another aspect of the present invention, novel curing mechanism is provided to receive a plurality of the containers and to direct gas therethrough at predeterminable temperature, humidity and volume.