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: The present invention relates to a process of treating tobacco for the development of distinctive organoleptic properties, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) inserting the previously moistened tobacco to be treated in a closed vessel; (b) monitoring the treatment environment temperature to keep the temperature of the moistened tobacco substantially uniform; (c) keeping the material under treatment for a period of time sufficient for the development of distinguishing flavor and taste; and (d) removing the treated tobacco with an appropriate moisture content having customized flavor features of the product; wherein the material is gently and continuously revolved during the whole treatment in a way not to fragmentize or otherwise damage the raw material being treated.

Abstract: Equipment for treatment of tobacco or another bulk material sensitive to mechanical stress, the equipment having: (i) a rotatable treatment drum with a material inlet and a material outlet; (ii) a treatment fluid inlet; (iii) a treatment fluid excess outlet; (iv) a drive motor for the rotatable treatment drum; and (v) a temperature sensor.

Abstract: Equipment for treatment of tobacco or another bulk material sensitive to mechanical stress, the equipment having: (i) a rotatable treatment drum with a material inlet and a material outlet; (ii) a treatment fluid inlet; (iii) a treatment fluid excess outlet; (iv) a drive motor for the rotatable treatment drum; and (v) a temperature sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating tobacco for the development of distinctive organoleptic properties, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) inserting the previously moistened tobacco to be treated in a closed vessel; (b) monitoring the treatment environment temperature to keep the temperature of the moistened tobacco substantially uniform; (c) keeping the material under treatment for a period of time sufficient for the development of distinguishing flavour and taste; and (d) removing the treated tobacco with an appropriate moisture content having customized flavour features of the product; wherein the material is gently and continuously revolved during the whole treatment in a way not to fragmentise or otherwise damage the raw material being treated.

Abstract: A smoking article comprising discrete segments of smokable material having an encapsulated flavourant contained within a component of the smokable material to provide a stable release of flavourant at different points during smoking, and in particular in the final puffs. The encapsulated flavourant is incorporated within a reconstituted tobacco material for ease of manufacture and for improved flavour stabilisation. A method of making a segmented smoking article having encapsulated flavourant therein is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a machine for opening cigarette packs and inspecting cigarettes (1), used to recover cigarettes contained in soft cup type packs (72), comprising: cigarette pack accumulator (2); transfer channel (3); first drum (4); cigarette pack holding pouches (27); device for opening the flaps of the aluminum foil lining (28); guide means (42); flap pressing and label housing displacing device (29); unopened packs rejection device (52); second drum (5); guide means; cigarette storage bin (6); counter-rotating roll (54); inspection drum (9); cigarette inspection device (57); cigarette rejection device; storage bins for label housings (12), aluminum foil linings (13), and cigarettes (11); rejected packs storage bin (22); selected cigarettes collector belt (10); and frame (71).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a machine for opening cigarette packs and inspecting cigarettes (1), used to recover cigarettes contained in soft cup type packs (72), comprising: cigarette pack accumulator (2); transfer channel (3); first drum (4); cigarette pack holding pouches (27); device for opening the flaps of the aluminum foil lining (28); guide means (42); flap pressing and label housing displacing device (29); unopened packs rejection device (52); second drum (5); guide means; cigarette storage bin (6); counter-rotating roll (54); inspection drum (9); cigarette inspection device (57); cigarette rejection device; storage bins for label housings (12), aluminum foil linings (13), and cigarettes (11); rejected packs storage bin (22); selected cigarettes collector belt (10); and frame (71).