Abstract: Cut shredded or otherwise comminuted tobacco is treated with a volatile flavoring additive in a continuous process wherein the additive is combined with a polyhydric alcohol carrier and the additive/polyhydric alcohol combination is applied to the tobacco [by gas-atomizing spray nozzle means] under controlled conditions.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for applying treating fluids to tobacco involves a vertically disposed tower or chamber that is provided with tobacco inlet and outlet means, a plurality of cooperating, vertically spaced baffles arranged in alternating fashion and a plurality of spraying devices located within the tower or chamber at points intermediate the inlet and outlet means. Tobacco and treating fluid are introduced into the tower or chamber at controlled flow rates via the tobacco inlet means and spraying devices, respectively, to give tobacco treated with the desired quantities of treating fluid.

Abstract: Dry, compacted masses of tobacco are conditioned by inserting an array of parallel perforated probes into the mass and passing high pressure steam through the probes and probe perforations into the tobacco mass as the probes are inserted and withdrawn. The conditioning apparatus includes a frame supporting a probe array and a ram for moving the array toward and away from a tobacco mass supported by a conveyor. The probes are flexibly mounted to prevent bending, and extend through a stripper plate which is supported from the array by way of a latching mechanism. The stripper plate holds the tobacco mass in place to prevent lifting of the mass upon withdrawal of the probes.