Abstract: An ionization detector dynamic calibration monitor that regulates the high voltage power supply to the detector. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage boost current source provides an input voltage for a power out voltage regulator and for a +14.75 volt board regulator. The board regulator provides a voltage reference for various circuitry, and provides a voltage reference for coarse calibration and display calibration adjustment circuitry. The power voltage regulator provides the high voltage power supply drive signal. An error amplifier drives an integrator, which, in turn, drives a bargraph display. An optically-isolated output circuit drives an external alarm or relay. In an alternative embodiment, the pulse width of a detected circuit is linearized and converted to an analog control signal. The analog control signal drives conventional power supply control circuitry.

Abstract: A scintillation tube dynamic calibration monitor that regulates the high voltage power supply to a detector. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage boost current source provides an input voltage for a power out voltage regulator and for a +14.75 volt board regulator. The board regulator provides a voltage reference for various circuitry, and provides a voltage reference for coarse calibration and display calibration adjustment circuitry. The power voltage regulator provides the high voltage power supply drive signal. An error amplifier drives an integrator, which, in turn, drives a bargraph display. An optically-isolated output circuit drives an external alarm or relay. In an alternative embodiment, the pulse width of a detected circuit is linearized and converted to an analog control signal. The analog control signal drives conventional power supply control circuitry.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing tobacco sheet material comprising the steps of acoustic mixing with ultrasonic vibration a slurry containing tobacco components and forming sheets of tobacco material by casting the slurry after acoustic mixing. Additionally, the slurry is mixed with subsonic vibration and low shear mixing before the slurry is acoustic mixed. The slurry may include sized tobacco stems, sized tobacco dust and extract solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for in-place cleaning and priming of an in-place nozzle assembly which in normal operation receives from a reservoir and discharges to a work area a fluid material which tends to leave behind an accumulation of undesired residue. The apparatus includes control means for sequentially actuating for a selected cleaning time period first selectively actuatable means thereby to deliver an effective quantity of the cleaning substance to the nozzle and for actuating for a selected rinsing time period second selectively actuatable means thereby to deliver an effective quantity of the rinsing substance to the nozzle. The apparatus also includes third selectively actuatable means for drawing fluid material from the reservoir and delivering the same to the nozzle for a selected priming time period first to flush out any remaining rinsing substance from the nozzle and then to leave the nozzle primed with the fluid material.