Abstract: A lightweight cigarette filter including a filter element containing filter material having a total Denier of less than 35,000 or a bulk density of less than 0.12 gcm.sup.-3 in which part of the volume of the filter is occupied by a space filler impervious to smoke flow therethrough and the bulk density of which is less than the bulk density of the equivalent amount of filter material which it replaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for the separation of heavy and light particles from material which includes means for fluidising and agitating the material to cause heavy particles to sink from the acceptable material and comprising a deck adapted to receive material at a reception end and means for vibrating said deck to cause the material to move longitudinally along it to a discharge end, said deck having a number of longitudinally extending troughs separated by peaks and means for providing an upwardly directed air flow in the troughs characterised by means for causing two or more stratified material separation zones in each trough to classify the material two or more times.

Abstract: A method of separating objectionable particles from host tobacco material which includes fluidizing the tobacco material with a fluidizing air stream to allow heavy unwanted particles to fall, to cause light unwanted particles to rise and be air transported away and to leave a carpet of acceptable material.

Abstract: A method of separating objectionable particles from host tobacco material which includes fluidizing the tobacco material with a fluidizing air stream to allow heavy unwanted particles to fall, to cause light unwanted particles to rise and be air transported away and to leave a carpet of acceptable material.