Abstract: A dump-bin apparatus for waste transfer includes (a) a frame mountable to forks of a forklift; (b) a bin retainer pivotably mounted to the frame for securely retaining a dump bin, the bin retainer pivotable relative to the frame between an upright position and a dumping position; and (c) a release mechanism locking the bin retainer to the frame in the upright position. The release mechanism includes an actuator operable to release the bin retainer from the frame for pivoting toward the dumping position through pushing of the actuator in a forward direction away from the forklift when the frame is mounted to the forklift.

Abstract: Cigarettes are formed from tobacco filler which is at a temperature in excess of approximately 35.degree. Celsius and having an elevated moisture content. For example, particles of tobacco filler having an elevated moisture content of approximately 13.5% to approximately 17% are heated by being exposed to a source of heat having a temperature of between approximately 35.degree. and approximately 60.degree. Celsius before being formed into tobacco rods. Preferably a temperature range of between approximately 43.degree. and approximately 52.degree. Celsius is employed. The heating source can be selected from infrared radiation sources, hot water jackets, heating coils, microwave radiation sources or air heated by any one or more of the foregoing. The heating process can take place during the acceleration of the tobacco filler particles from the distributor up to the permeable rod conveyor belt or from the tobacco feeding system supplying the distributor.

Abstract: A wear shoe holder is provided for allowing the easy removal and replacement of wear shoes from sludge collector flights in a sludge collecting tank. The wear shoe holder is a retaining plate fastened to a sludge collecting flight. The inside surface of the retaining plate has detents that become axially aligned with the apertures in a wear shoe when the wear shoe is in its proper operating position. The detents hold the wear shoe securely in place during operation and allow for the easy replacement of a worn wear shoe.