Abstract: A flotation system to support rehabilitation of patients in an aquatic environment. The system includes a restriction pad to limit the level of flexing associated with select aquatic exercises and pathologies. In addition, the system includes two symmetrically opposed outriggers connected to the upper float section for increase stability during use along with a strapping system on all sections to decrease movement on the device.The rehabilitation float system of the present invention permits patient access to aquatic based exercises even when the patient is handicapped or being rehabilitated from a significant and disabling trauma.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus according to the invention has a hollow shaft having two open ends, a disc mounted on the hollow shaft and rotated together therewith, a shaft, a plurality of holding arms, a rotating mechanism for rotating each holding arm about the axis of a filter cigarette, a laser generating source, and an optical system. The holding arms are arranged on the periphery of the disc, in the circumferential direction thereof, and hold filter cigarettes such that the filters project from the holding arm. The laser generating source emits a laser beam into the hollow shaft, toward one of its open ends and at a predetermined pulse separation. The optical system has a reflecting mirror which rotates together with the hollow shaft. The reflecting mirror has reflecting surfaces which correspond to the holding arms and reflect the laser beam toward the outer periphery filter. The optical system additionally has a focusing lens for focusing the laser beam on the outer periphery of the filter.

Abstract: The tar and nicotine content of tobacco is reduced by passing through the tobacco a combination of steam and starch cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing tobaccoless herbal chew and snuff products which include an herbal component capable of being encased with a casing material providing a coherent cud in the oral cavity during use. In particular the present invention contemplates the use of a nicotine-free herbal substitute, such as red clover in the case of snuff and dandelion leaf in the case of chew, which can be encased with, among other things, a binder to provide a coherent cud in the mouth during use. As a result of this invention, safe nicotine-free snuff and chew compositions can be provided.

Abstract: A non-smoking material comprises a non-cellulose carrier homogenously mixed with a flavor enhancing proportion of distiller's dried grain with solubles. The non-burning composition is useful as a tobacco substitute. In one use, the composition of the invention is disposed in a cigarette like form to simulate a cigarette and used in a similar manner to give the "smoker" pleasure and oral gratification.

Abstract: A continuous stream of tobacco shreds is built at the underside of the lower reach of an air-permeable belt conveyor by conveying tobacco shreds in currents of air which impinge upon the lower reach of the conveyor at a variable angle and at a variable speed. The density of various layers of the stream at a plurality of points at different distances from the lower reach of the conveyor is monitored by a device which directs X-rays transversely across the stream and has a uni- or two-dimensional detector with one or more rows of diodes exposed to X-rays which have penetrated through the stream. The signals which are thereby generated by the diodes denote the monitored density at the plurality of points and are scanned, evaluated and processed to actuate one or more servomotors which vary one or more parameters that influence the orientation of shreds in the stream, the density and/or other characteristics of the stream.