Abstract: This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20-30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20-30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.

Abstract: A portable chair commode for either male or female medical patients with limited mobility is disclosed which comprises a frame structure designed to support an open slot toilet seat. The underside surface of the toilet seat is provided with means for removably attaching a receptacle for collection of bowel and bladder discharge. The frame structure includes a pair of substantially vertical extensions connected to the rear legs for supporting a backrest and a pair of cantilevered armrests. A preferred embodiment has the cantilevered armrests pivotally mounted so that the armrests can be moved from a horizontal rest position to a substantially vertical position to improve ease of access to the open slot toilet seat. The preferred embodiment also includes means for adjusting the height of each leg and an adjustably mounted footrest associated with the front legs of the chair commode.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in tobacco expansion processes which are capable of dramatically improving tobacco throughput in high pressure tobacco impregnation systems. In accordance with various aspects of the invention, tobacco can be impregnated in a high pressure impregnation zone and removed from the zone for expansion in complete cycle times of less than one minute, typically less than about 15-30 seconds. In addition, tobacco throughputs are further improved in accordance with other aspects of the invention by achieving dramatically improved use of the available treatment space in a high pressure impregnation zone. In addition, the invention provides processes for minimizing the amount of expansion agent used to treat tobacco.

Abstract: This invention provides tobacco expansion processes and apparatus that can be employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates employing high pressure tobacco impregnation conditions. The processes and apparatus of the invention are particularly useful in tobacco expansion processes employing cycle times of less than 20-30 seconds; the use of preheated, prepressurized expansion agent such as propane; preheating of tobacco batches; and/or compression of tobacco within a high pressure impregnation zone for greatly improving use of available space in a high pressure impregnation vessel.

Abstract: Cigarettes which heat but do not burn tobacco are described, preferably having a carbonaceous fuel element extruded around a physically separate aerosol generating means, comprising an aerosol forming material. These cigarettes are capable of producing substantial quantities of aerosol, both initially and over the useful life of the article, without significant thermal degradation of the aerosol former and without the presence of substantial pyrolysis or incomplete combustion products. Preferably, a barrier member is provided to substantially prevent fluid flow between the aerosol generating means and the fuel element. The barrier member is disposable as the cigarette burns back.Also described are embodiments wherein the aerosol generating means encircles at least a portion of the extruded fuel element.In addition, apparatus and method for making smoking articles are described.

Abstract: A fluid pressure treating apparatus including a cylindrical tubular shell with a reciprocal spool assembly mounted for movement between a loading position outside the shell and a treating position within the shell, sealing members on said spool assembly for engaging the shell to form the pressure chamber. Conduits are provided to introduce processing fluid into the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An improved process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco is provided in which tobacco is contacted with vapors of an expansion agent such as, for example, a low-boiling highly volatile hydrocarbon and/or halocarbon, at elevated temperature and pressure conditions, then releasing the pressure to about atmospheric pressure in a relatively short time period, such as from one second to ten minutes, so that the tobacco is expanded so as to increase its filling capacity in the absence of a subsequent heating step.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing the escape of volatile treating agents into ambient air from a rotary treating drum used in treatment of particulate solids such as tobacco is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a flange on each end of the drum against which a washer is urged while a gas, such as air, is introduced between each flange and its associated washer ring.

Abstract: The method of transferring the material between a first and second zone having different atmospheres of a first and second fluid utilizing spaced sealing members and a liner extending between sealing members, said sealing members and liner adapted to be manipulated in a sequence to permit the material to pass from the first zone to the second zone without an admixing of the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for expanding tobacco wherein tobacco impregnated with an expansion agent is rapidly heated in the presence of a fluidized bed of hot inert solid particles to effect expansion of the tobacco.