Abstract: A method of and an appratus for automatically determining the moisture content of a tobacco sample and for then automatically determining the stem content of the tobacco sample are disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a dryer, such as a rotary drum dryer with internal agitating vanes, for applying heat to remove moisture and volatiles from the sample and for reducing the sample to lamina and stem portions. Electronic scales are used to weigh the sample before and after drying to determine and store the "wet" and "dry" weights of the sample. Based on the stored wet and dry weights the moisture content is determined. The stem portions are classified into two categories and weighed to determine the stem content by weight of the sample.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for automatically taking a cored sample of tobacco from a bale of tobacco and pneumatically transferring the sample to a remotely located receiving station, such as a stem content analyzer, are disclosed. A sample canister with vacuum-operated end closures for use in the pneumatic transfer of the tobacco sample is also disclosed. A compacted, cored sample of tobacco is delaminated and then deposited into an open sample canister which is closed and pneumatically transported to a stem content analyzer where it is opened, upended to deposit the sample into the stem content analyzer, reclosed and pneumatically returned for another sample of tobacco.

Abstract: A combined trailer-camper unit is disclosed and claimed herein suitable for towing behind a motorcycle, a small automobile or the like. A wheeled frame is provided having a body secured thereto. The body comprises a bottom section and a top section associated therewith and has a luggage rack provided atop same. The luggage rack is pivotally secured at a forward end of the body and in a luggage carrying capacity resides atop the body. The luggage rack can be pivotally moved to an extended position in front of the body top and is supported by a portion of the wheeled frame. In this position, the underside of the rack provides an extension that is co-planar with the top of the body to define a floor for sleeping or the like. A tent or other suitable structure that may be conveniently carried within the body of the unit can then be erected atop the body and luggage rack extension and secured thereto along the sides.