Abstract: The invention provides a method for reducing the protein content of tobacco material which includes either: (1) extracting the tobacco material with an anionic surfactant; (2) treating the tobacco material with a proteolytic enzyme followed by extraction with a surfactant; (3) applying a surfactant solution to the tobacco material, separating the solution from the tobacco material, removing the surfactant and polypeptides from the tobacco material, optionally with the use of an insoluble adsorbent, and combining the tobacco material with the remaining solution; or (4) first extracting the tobacco material with an aqueous solvent and then with a surfactant. The invention further provides a tobacco material of reduced protein content produced by extraction with an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for reducing the protein content of tobacco material which includes extracting the tobacco material with a solution containing a surfactant. The tobacco material may be first extracted with an aqueous solvent to produce an aqueous extract before being treated with the solution containing a surfactant. This invention also provides a method for removing polypeptides from an aqueous extract of tobacco material which includes treating the extract with an insoluble adsorbent selected from the group comprising hydroxyapatite and a fuller's earth mineral such as bentonite. Treatment of the aqueous extract with bentonite will produce an extract having a reduced pigment and polypeptide content.

Abstract: A moisture detection unit for sensing the moisture content of tobacco is disclosed. A capacitor sensor forming part of a C.R. network is arranged so that the tobacco is passed through or near the sensor. The capacitance of the sensor is proportional to the moisture content of the tobacco, and this capacitance determines the frequency derived by an oscillator to which the C.R. network is connected. The output frequency is inversely proportional to the sensor capacitance. A frequency to voltage converter derives a voltage proportional to the frequency and this voltage signal is then passed through an inverter. The inverter has an off-set which compensates for the standing capacitance of the sensor, to derive an output voltage which is proportional to the moisture content of the tobacco. This voltage can then be used to drive a digital read-out.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for counting, collating and packaging a predetermined number of tubular articles. Known devices for handling and delivering a batch of such articles, for example cigarette tubes with filter tip, are not capable of automatically delivering and packing a predetermined number of articles. The present apparatus automatically delivers a predetermined number of articles in a packed box by the coordinated action of a counting device, separator gate and first picking plate movable horizontally towards a second picking plate so that the predetermined number of tubular articles are scooped and eventually retained between the two picking plates before removal into a waiting box.