Abstract: Apparatus for classifying tobacco includes a plurality of vertical lift, single-pass, closed loop apparatus projecting a stream of mixed tobacco components across a classifying chamber of each module, and a portion thereof directly into the infeed apparatus of the next downstream module. A common porous conveyor extending through the modules of the closed loop air stream removes tobacco heavies. A second lower reversible conveyor removes overflow and dust or other particles falling out of suspension and deposits same in the heavier discharge or in another collection point. The modules as well as the infeed apparatus are interchangeable.

Abstract: Apparatus for classifying tobacco includes a plurality of vertical lift, single-pass, closed loop apparatus projecting a stream of mixed tobacco components across a classifying chamber of each module, and a portion thereof directly into the infeed apparatus of the next downstream module. A common porous conveyor extending through the modules of the closed loop air stream removes tobacco heavies. A second lower reversible conveyor removes overflow and dust or other particles falling out of suspension and deposits same in the heavier discharge or in another collection point. The modules as well as the infeed apparatus are interchangeable.

Abstract: Intermixed light leaf and heavy stem tobacco particles are fed or propelled inwardly and across a vertical separator chamber of the classifier while forced air is directed upwardly through the intermixed particles and at varying velocities across the length of the separator chamber to gently separate the leaf particles from the heavier stem particles. The stream of intermixed particles is projected across the separator chamber at a variable initial velocity and the varying velocities of the upwardly directed forced air streams are correlated with the velocity of the stream of particles being fed across the separator chamber to gently separate the light leaf particles from the heavier stem particles. An adjustable deflector plate is supported adjacent the inlet feed for varying the angular position of the feeding of the stream of intermixed particles across the separator chamber to thereby vary the classifying plane in which the particles are projected across the separator chamber.