Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for use in a flue-cured barn. The apparatus comprises a combustion chamber for burning fuel; an exhaust pipe for allowing combustion gases to leave the combustion chamber; and a fan for drawing the combustion gases along the exhaust pipe away from the combustion chamber and for generating a negative pressure within the combustion chamber and exhaust pipe compared with the pressure outside the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing plant material to remove leaves from a plant stalk. The apparatus comprises a conveyor for transporting a plant with leaves hanging down from the stalk; and a defoliator mechanism having two opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces being movable between (i) a disengaged position for receiving leaves hanging down from the conveyor, and (ii) an engaged position in which the opposing surfaces are configured to grip leaves received by the defoliator mechanism; wherein the opposed surfaces act in the engaged position to apply a force on the gripped leaves to separate them from the stalk.

Abstract: There is provided a basket (10) for receiving, transporting and curing tobacco leaves, the basket having a substantially cuboidal shape, having a base (110), opposing side walls (120, 130) rigidly attached to the base (110), and a back wall (140) rigidly attached to the base (110) and to the side walls (120, 130), the basket (10) being open to the front and to the top.

Abstract: A dump unit comprises a main chassis (2); a metallic body (3) for containing a bulk material, wherein the bulk material can be discharged from one end of the metallic body; a hydraulic actuator (8) for lifting the discharge end of the metallic body with respect to the chassis; and at least one metallic conveyor (E) located on the floor of the body (3), which is operable to discharge the bulk material from the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for use in a flue-cured barn. The apparatus comprises a combustion chamber for burning fuel; an exhaust pipe for allowing combustion gases to leave the combustion chamber; and a fan for drawing the combustion gases along the exhaust pipe away from the combustion chamber and for generating a negative pressure within the combustion chamber and exhaust pipe compared with the pressure outside the apparatus.

Abstract: A heater (160) is provided for use in curing tobacco or other similar processes. The heater comprises: a furnace (211) having a chamber in which to burn fuel to generate heat; and a heat exchanger (230) for transferring heat from the heater to an airflow for use in curing the tobacco or other similar process. The airflow passes outside the heater. The heat exchanger has one or more pipes (220B-2,220A-2) that connect into the chamber of the furnace and is integrated into the furnace. For example, the heat exchanger may have a plurality of pipes (220B-2,220A-2) that connect into the chamber of the furnace, wherein the plurality of pipes (220B-2,220A-2) comprises two rows of pipes, one on each side of the furnace. The heat exchanger may further include a plenum (231B, 231A), wherein each of the pipes (220B-2,220A-2) leads upwards from the furnace chamber (211) to the plenum (231B, 231A). The heat exchanger may be integrated into the furnace by the use of one or more welded junctions.

Abstract: A dump unit comprises a main chassis (2); a metallic body (3) for containing a bulk material, wherein the bulk material can be discharged from one end of the metallic body; a hydraulic actuator (8) for lifting the discharge end of the metallic body with respect to the chassis; and at least one metallic conveyor (E) located on the floor of the body (3), which is operable to discharge the bulk material from the body.