Abstract: In a pressure-diecast light-alloy piston for internal combustion engines, which piston comprises shaped fibrous bodies which are partly embedded in at least one of the piston head, ring zone, piston pin bosses and skirt of the piston, which bodies comprise short ceramic fibers, lying in a common plane and in said plane having a random orientation, the improvement wherein the piston (1) is made of a high-temperature magnesium alloy, the piston skirt at least on its sliding surfaces has a chemically applied or electrodeposited metallic sliding layer (3) which has a thickness of about 10 to 30 .mu.m and a hardness of about 740 to 850 HV.sub.0.01, and the inside surface of the piston is coated with a thin plastic paint layer (2) or an anodized magnesium oxide layer.

Abstract: The lubricating-oil circulating system of a piston internal-combustion engine is supplied by a main oil pump arranged in the oil pan and driven by the crankshaft. A second oil pump, which is also driven by the crankshaft, supplies hydraulic pressure to hydraulic camshaft rotating devices. The second oil pump is integrated in an intermediate timing gear and is driven by it, the camshafts being driven by the crankshaft by way of this intermediate timing gear.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for cleaning chambers such as those of engines and transmissions, including a reservoir, a quantity of synthetic cleaning fluid disposed in the reservoir, a first channel for fluidly connecting the reservoir with a first oil passageway opening in an internal combustion engine, a second channel for fluidly connecting the reservoir to a second oil passageway opening in the internal combustion engine, and a pump for pumping the synthetic cleaning fluid from the reservoir through the first channel and into the engine and then back to the reservoir through the second channel.

Abstract: A vehicle and drive unit therefor including a transversely disposed engine located in an engine compartment. The cylinders are inclined to the rear from a vertical plane at an acute angle and the engine crankshaft drives an accessory shaft that rotates in a plane disposed at an acute angle to the vertical and forwardly of the cylinder axis and at an acute angle to the cylinder axis. Accessories are driven from this accessory shaft as are the front wheel axles which lie on the opposite side of the plane containing the cylinder axis from the output shaft axis. The accessory drive is disposed inwardly of the ends of the engine so as to provide a compact body and the engine body is recessed to receive the accessory drive so as to minimize the distance between the accessory shaft and the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: The invention is a pulsed, hydraulically actuated fuel injector ignitor system for an internal combustion engine with combustion chambers and a fuel injector, comprising an outer shell containing a fuel inlet cavity, a fuel supply and scavenging chamber supplied with fuel from the inlet cavity through the rod bore of the injector rod, and a fuel pressure chamber, which is resupplied through check valve from the supply chamber after each injection has taken place. The pressure chamber has a poppet valve responsive to a predetermined fuel pressure in the pressure chamber, resulting from the intrusion of injector piston into the pressure chamber, thereby spraying fuel into the combustion chamber through a hot-throated venturi and igniting the fuel as it passes through venturi. Concentric open-ended cylinders form the control body assembly and are positioned between the base assembly and the fluid manifold head cap and having alternate open-ended cylinders in communication with sliding contact.

Abstract: An intake system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having an intake manifold that is made up of a common intake passage and separate intake passages that branch off from the common intake passage and connect to intake ports of the engine cylinders. An upstream throttle valve is located in the common intake passage. Downstream throttle velves located in the separate branched intake passages near the intake ports. A controller controls intake air actually introduced into the cylinder by actuating the downstream throttle valves to throttle down, smaller than the upstream throttle valve in a light engine load range and by actuating the upstream throttle valve to throttle down smaller than the downstream throttle valves in a heavier engine load range.

Abstract: A mechanical speed governor for a fuel injection pump of air-compressing auto-ignition internal combustion engines has a stop bracket effecting the release of the starting quantity and limiting the full-load quantity, a flyweight arrangement with integrated positive adaptation acting in the upper speed range and a rocker lever which is in effective connection with the flyweight arrangement. The stop bracket is shifted from a position corresponding to the full-load speed. The rocker lever alters the control travel of the quantity control member for full load via the stop bracket and a counterstop connected to the quantity control member, and effects a negative adaptation in the lower speed range.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a diagnosis system and an optimum control unit for an internal combustion engine. The basic concept of the present invention resides in that a random retrieved signal of which auto correlation function is an impulse shape is superposed on a signal of an internal combustion engine, said superposed signal is used to measure a change of an operation state of the internal combustion engine, and an optimum direction of a control value is detected by a correlation between said measured value and retrieved signal.

Abstract: An ignition timing controlling apparatus which calculates a crank angle when the pressure building-up rate in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is the maximum, and feedback-controls an ignition timing so as to make the deviation value between the crank angle and the target value thereof be zero. The apparatus does not feedback-control in the predetermined running region where the crank angle at which pressure building-up rate in the cylinder at the time of light loading, idling and so on is the maximum is unstabilized, and ignites a plug at a basic ignition timing determined by running state of the engine as well as makes the gain of feedback-control differ from each other according to whether the deviation is in the advanced angle side or delayed angle side, and is capable of controlling ignition timing so that the maximum torque can be obtained regardless of elapsing change and dispersion in manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for controlling the fuel metered to an engine and especially to a diesel engine. The engine includes a fuel pump drive by a shaft for which injection start and injection end is fixed by a corresponding control of the electromagnetically actuated valve. The drive pulses for pump-delivery start and pump-delivery end are generated in dependence upon the analog signal of an angle sensor.

Abstract: In a mechanically driven supercharger (1) whose rotor (6) is propelled by an internal combustion engine by way of a primary shaft (2), a planet gear (8) that is geared up and a rotor shaft (7), the working life of a support (11, 12) for the rotor shaft (7) is increased. For that purpose, the support floats with radial play (17) and axial play (19) in a fixed housing section (10) of the supercharger (1).

Abstract: A pneumatic gun incorporating a striker (50) moving in response to the urging of a compressed power spring (77) from a cocked position in a striker chamber (46) to impact on a primary valve assembly (80) and thereby effect the release of compressed gas for propelling a projectile from the gun and for recocking the striker (50) is disclosed. The primary valve assembly (80) incorporates a single full-pressure main valve (87) for regulating the release of all compressed gas, and a unidirectional low pressure secondary valve (88) for providing a portion of the compressed gas released by the main valve to the striker chamber (46) for urging the striker (50) to move back to the cooked position.

Abstract: It has been found that an air filter may be provided for a food cooking apparatus to avoid the necessity for venting same within a building and permitting the use of a free standing independently movable structure capable of receiving a movable cooking apparatus or accommodating a fixed cooking apparatus such as a grill.

Abstract: A disposable and/or sterilizable cushioning device is used with a plurality of different types of laryngoscopes. Each laryngoscope includes a blade having a lateral shelf which has a top surface land-area which may come into contact with a patient's teeth, gums and lips, causing dental damage or possibly the bruising of his gums and/or his lips. The disposable and/or sterilizable cushioning device includes an elongated clip which is formed from a soft and resilient material and which wraps snugly around the top surface land-area of the blade, where the elongated clip comes in contact with a patient's teeth or his gums thereby protecting his teeth and gums the elongated clip having a first side surface, a second side surface, a bottom surface and a top surface and which has a longitudinal slit on the bottom surface adjacent to the first side surface.

Abstract: A cervical speculum of the type having a first upper blade and a second lower blade, the blades movable in relation to one another via a rare hinge portion, and having the ability to be adjustable and used in conjunction with the gynecological procedure of, for example, surgery on the cervix. The improvement would include a pair of evacuator tubes which would be adaptable to the interior surfaces of the upper and lower blades respectively, each of the tubes having an adhesive material on that portion of the tube that would make adhesive contact with the surfaces of the upper and lower blades, with the tubes extending with their open ends at the ends of each of the blade portions, and extending rearwardly to the ends of the blades that are hingedly attached.

Abstract: In an apparatus for treating vascular, metabolic and functional imbalance, and edema of a limb by variation in pressure of a high-density fluid around the limb, a fluid-tight flexible bag serves to protect the limb to be treated and a filling bag delimits a filling enclosure with the protective bag. The apparatus includes a pump for producing upward and downward displacement of the fluid within the enclosure between a bottom level, a top level and intermediate levels, a timing circuit for maintaining the fluid at predetermined levels during predetermined periods of time, and a programmable logic circuit for adjusting the levels of fluid within the enclosure. An electronic variator are employed for regulating the speeds of upward and/or downward displacement of the fluid within the enclosure in respect of different levels.

Abstract: In a massage machine, a pair of rotatable shafts are mounted to extend through a top plate of a housing, and a pair of kneading balls are loosely fitted respectively to the top ends of the shafts. The shafts include oblique portions such that the kneading balls are rotated eccentrically to provide an oscillating motion. Cover pieces having spherical surfaces corresponding to the oscillating traces of the kneading balls are mounted about the rotatable shafts and interposed in a gap formed in the top plate of the housing. The kneading balls can be oscillated so that portions thereof circulate along the outer surfaces of the cover pieces. A vibration plate can be supported above the top plate by an elastic support leg, such that the massage machine can provide a kneading effect and a vibration effect simultaneously.

Abstract: A baby sleep inducer and calming method and device adapted for placement in a concealed or unobtrusive place in a baby crib or on a mattress, free of any connection to an energy source, having a housing for containing a self-contained source of energy and sound developer coupled thereto for producing a sound characteristic of a womb sound in the last four months of a foetus gestation period having a soothing, calming and sleep-inducing affect for a newborn infant when energized by the source of energy, which is free of external leads extending from the housing; the housing includes a protective casing to conceal and prevent unwanted access to the sound developer and the source of energy.

Abstract: A brace for preventing or attenuating the effects of tennis elbow utilizes a pair of shock absorbing elements that are placed over the arm over the lateral and medial epicondyle of the humerus bone. These shock absorbing elements provide a medium for absorbing a portion of the shock energy and vibration that can travel along the forearm and exit the elbow of a person during physical activity. The elbow brace also includes pressure transmitting elements which are designate to localize pressure directly on the tendon that extends from the extensor digitorum muscle that is attached to the humerus. The other pressure transmitting element can be placed in contact with the arm directly over the tendon of the triceps brachii which is attached to the olecranon of the ulna.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of male impotence. The apparatus has a cylinder of a biocompatible polymer which is implanted in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. The cylinder is attached at its proximal end to a base mount which is implanted in the pelvic area. In the flaccid state, the cylinder is empty and limp, and a spring within the cylinder folds the cylinder wall in upon itself to decrease its effective length. Fluid is pumped into the cylinder causing it to stiffen in the erect state. The effective length of the cylinder is increased by the addition of the fluid which compresses the internal spring and unfolds the cylinder. In this manner, the length of the penis is increased from the flaccid to the erect state.

Abstract: A method and device by which sexual emission in the male can be delayed or alternatively prevented during sexual activity. The method is based on the physiological fact that a preliminary to ejaculation is a drawing up of the scrotum and an ascent of the testicles. Hence, obstructing such ascent of the testicles delays ejaculation or even prevents it. The device is an annulus-forming member applicable solely around the neck of the scrotum, the annulus formed being of a size barring passage of the testicles so as to obstruct their ascent. The member does not cause pain or discomfort, and does not encumber sexual activity. Further, the annulus formed is easily released and the member removed entirely, if desired, by either party to influence timing of ejaculation readily. The device is useful for treatment of male premature ejaculation as well as treatment, in some cases, of frigidity in the female.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee brace which includes an upper and lower cuff which are attached at the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint by freecentric locking hinges. The freecentric hinge includes a free floating center of rotation which allows simultaneous translation and rotation of the upper hinge arm relative to the lower hinge arm. The freecentric hinge may further include a locking mechanism which comprises a pin located on the upper hinge arm and a hook located on the lower hinge arm which may be forced into engagement to prevent further rotation of the hinge when it is desired to prevent hyperextension of the user's knee. A pair of tension straps may be attached across the back of the user's knee from the upper cuff to the lower cuff, and adjusted in its length so that extension of the knee tends to generate tension in the strap which aids in pulling the upper and lower cuff members to be pulled towards each other.

Abstract: A limb brace or immobilizer having at least two relatively rigid support arms extending medially and laterally along opposite sides of a wearer's limb, each support arm having a limb-contacting plate of arcuate cross-sectional configuration and a traction plate connected to or formed integrally with the limb-contacting plate. Each traction plate has a pair of wing portions extending anteriorly and posteriorly in relation to the limb-support arm and spaced outwardly from the limb-contacting plate, with the span of the wing portions being substantially less than the anterior-posterior dimensions of the associated limb-contacting plate. Attachment straps are adjustably secured to the wing portions and join corresponding wing portions of the traction plates on opposite sides of a wearer's limb to secure the assembly in limb-bracing or limb-immobilizing condition.

Abstract: A system and related method for ankle arthroscopy distraction includes both non-invasive external and invasive skeletal distractors which may be individually applied in a serial manner to provide ever increasing distraction forces as may be dictated by the required arthroscopic procedure. The angle of the distracted ankle may be selectively varied at anytime during any of the non-invasive or invasive distraction techniques without the need to halt the procedure, thereby obviating the need to reprep or to reposition or redrape the patient. The non-invasive distractor is of relatively simple and compact construction and is easily repositionable with changes in the angle of the ankle to allow ready and complete access for all surgical procedures.

Abstract: A water proof member protects casts, splints, or other appliances or surgical dressings from water damage. A combination of a securing member and straps secure the member and provide a water proof seal between the water proof member and the wearer.

Abstract: A device and method for immobilizing a person having cervical injuries in a bed having a rigid, horizontal frame member, the device comprising a halo for attachment to the person's head, anterior and posterior support rods, cross mmembers connecting the halo to the anterior and posterior support rods, and a vest having an anterior section only. The anterior support rods are attached to the vest, while the posterior support rods are attached to the horizontal frame member of the bed.

Abstract: A nebulizer providing a moistened breathing mixture of aerosol for inhalation therapy is provided with an improved accumulator chamber and heater configured to heat aerosol discharged from the nebulizer so as to most efficiently utilize the heat energy and to most efficiently transfer heat energy from the heater to the aerosol. Passage of the aerosol through and accumulation in a relatively long annular accumulator chamber that adjoins the heater allows introduction of heated water vapor into the aerosol. A central chamber collects precipitated droplets from the mixing chamber, and flows the collected liquid, under pressure, into the accumulator chamber where it is heated and vaporized.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic atomizer (10), which is intended for an inhalation treatment apparatus for persons suffering from respiratory diseases. The ultrasonic atomizer (10) comprises an atomizer device (11) provided with a drug container (12) as well as an ultrasonic oscillator (13) connected to the container (12), the oscillator preferably comprising an oscillating crystal. The atomizer device (11) is provided with a duct passing into the patient, advantageously a mouth piece and an air-inlet duct (15). The atomizer device (11) comprises a pressure detector (36) directly connected to it or a duct (16) that is connected to the atomizer device (11) and passes to the pressure detector (36) and transmits the pressure of the breathing air. The pressure detector (36) detects the changes in pressure resulting from inhalation or exhalation of the patient, whereby, starting from the beginning of the inhalation stage, atomizing can be switched on by the apparatus.

Abstract: A process is proposed for heat recovery with possible recovery and use of humidity yielded directly or indirectly by the human body and in particular to heat air to be breathed in the first case or to heat the body with exhaled hot air.

Abstract: A portable device allowing the rapid aiding of individuals suffering from difficulty in breathing, movement and communication, in a situation of environmental risk in the form of toxic and contaminating agents, said device comprising a wrapping of flexible material impermeable to gas, vapor, fumes, aerosol and dusts, a window in said wrapping, hermetically closed by a flexible transparent material for the visualization of the inside thereof, a box-shaped body in fluid communication with an extremity of said wrapping and carrying a system for the filtering, feeding and pressurization of the air, and at least one exhaust valve of the air in said wrapping.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a controllable expiration valve having a control valve for generating an end expiratory overpressure with the control valve providing the changeable control pressure. The expiration valve is improved so that it is made controllable for compensating dynamic end expiratory overpressure. For this purpose, the membrane chamber of the expiration valve as well as the outflow chamber of the control valve are connected with a device for generating an underpressure.

Abstract: A respirator cartridge having body, cover and filter media elements, and including a sealant dispersion member in one of the body or cover elements. The dispersion member directs the sealant material to the peripheral edge of the filter media without wetting the filtering surface of the media. An improved method for rotational molding filter media in/or for a filter assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A pacemaker has means for producing first and second signals one of which changes rapidly in response to changes in exercise level but may inaccurately represent the appropriate pacing rate. Such signal may be derived from a vibration sensor. The second signal accurately represents the required pacing rate but changes slowly in response to exercise level and may represent any of a number of different physiological variables, such as respiratory rate. The signals may be derived from the same or separate sensors. A control circuit provides a pacing rate appropriate to resting conditions if the first signal has a value less than a threshold regardless of the value of the second signal. The pacing rate is elevated to a predetermined level, such as 95 beats/min, if the first signal exceeds the threshold but the second signal has a value indicative of a pacing rate less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: An arrhythmia control system and method having automatic determination of the tachycardia confirmation interval. The interval is dynamically set at the minimum of an absolute detection interval and a value calculated as a function of either average sinus interval or tachycardia cycle length or both. The continued presence or the reversion of a pathologic tachycardia can be reliably confirmed, particularly when the patient experiences an elevated heart rate due to, for example, exercise, prior to onset of the tachycardia.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for effecting timed treatment of varying intensity in an electronic stimulating device, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. Biphasic constant current output pulses are applied to a user through electrode pairs noninvasively positioned at the skin of the user. Microprocessor generated control pulses control generation of the biphasic output pulses at a biphasic output stage associated with each electrode pair. Stimulation may be continuously applied at a level selected by the user or may be applied in timed varying intensities the maximum level of which is selectable, with a display also being provided of selected and applied intensity levels.

Abstract: A disposable probe made of a transparent plastic material, for the determination of vaginal pH and other indices, including a small pipe with a closed head, a hole provided near the head and one or more pH indicators or other indicators disposed within the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for gain control in a Doppler or other scan system which projects a plurality of scan lines at a given angle to determine velocity of movement of a predetermined medium at the angle. A training line is generated at the angle of the scan lines, the training line being utilized to determine portions of the scan line which are in a flow medium of interest, such as blood, and portions of the scan line which are in clutter. Information from the training line is then utilized to control the gain of the scan lines so that the gain is substantially maximized when scan lines are in the flow medium, while being reduced so as not to saturate the system in general, and A/D converters in particular, when in clutter. When an image line is utilized in the system, this line may also function as the training line.

Abstract: A defibrillation electrode for implantation on or about the heart and for connection to a defibrillation system. The electrode comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements spaced apart and electrically connected together, thus, increasing the number of discharging edges on the electrode. In a first embodiment, the electrode comprises a plurality of concentric conductive rings electrically connected together. In a second embodiment, electrode comprises a plurality of conductive planar elements electrically connected together in a generally puzzle-like configuration. In a third embodiment, the electrode comprises electrically conductive wires wrapped around the length of a cardiac catheter. In a fourth embodiment, electrically conductive wires are concentrically spiralled into a spiral patch configuration. In a fifth specific embodiment, a plurality of electrically isolated active sites are provided on the distal portion of an endocardial catheter.

Abstract: In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for use in magnetic resonance diagnosis of a patient, there is provided a transmitter-receiver coil affixed to a holding member or bracket which is movably supported by three easily hand bendable, flexible members which rigidly hold the position in which they are bent. The lower extremity of each flexible member is mounted upon a fixing member which can be moved longitudinally along a patient support or table for placement of the coil.

Abstract: A permanent magnet assembly used for creating a uniform magnetic field across a portion of an air gap has a permanent magnet grouping, including a first, principal magnet, a pole piece contacting said principal magnet, and a set of auxiliary magnets extending about the periphery of the pole piece. Two such magnet groupings are positioned within a test chamber, separated a spacer, with the magnet groupings and the chamber defining the air gap across which the magnetic field extends. The strength and uniformity of the magnetic field is adjusted by including a second set of auxiliary permanent magnets or a set of electromagnetic shim coils positioned within the air gap surrounding and overtapping a portion of the air gap. Further adjustment of the magnetic field is accomplished shaping the front surfaces of the pole pieces, thus affecting the shape and direction of the resulting magnetic field.

Abstract: A guidewire for use with a catheter has varying radiopacity at its distal end. The guidewire includes a shaft having an outer helical coil attached to the distal region of the shaft, the coil extending distally beyond the distal end of the shaft and terminating in a tip weld. The outer coil is formed from a small diameter highly radiopaque wire. A smaller diameter inner helical coil, formed from a larger diameter highly radiopaque wire is disposed within the outer coil and is attached at its proximal end to the distal end of the shaft and at its distal end to the tip weld. The guidewire thus defines an arrangement which when viewed fluoroscopically will have a highly radiopaque distal portion and a moderately radiopaque proximal portion.

Abstract: Pressure measuring lumen allows a coarse pressure value of a subject to be read. A liquid filled lumen is allowed to pressure communicate with an atmosphere adjacent to a patient, through the use of a membrane and an atomosphere-opening lumen. A liquid pressure value read from the liquid filled lumen is used to adjust the pressure value to compensate for pressure changes induced by a positional change of the subject.

Abstract: The multiple frequency impedance measurement system of the present invention permits noninvasive examination of living tissue at any one of a plurality of frequencies. Precise frequency control is provided by a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit which is adjustable among at least a plurality of frequencies by locking the loop to the output signal generated by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) divided by a selectable divisor. By selecting the divisor of the output signal of the VCO, the frequency is changed and, due to the use of a PLL circuit, each selected frequency is stably maintained. Electrodes connecting the circuit to tissue to be monitored are driven by a high-Q filter and buffer amplifier which convert the square wave output from a voltage controlled clipper circuit to a sine wave signal. The clipper circuit receives the output signal from the VCO and is part of a feedback loop which maintains a constant examination current for the system.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the device is in the form of a face mask for affixing to the face of a patient to monitor the patient's respiration. It is self-powered and self-contained so that such respiration can be monitored all the while the patient is being transported. It incorporates light-emitting diodes which are illuminated, sequentially, to evidence regular breathing. When the patient stops breathing, the diodes do not illuminate, and an audible alarm is sounded to make medical personnel immediately aware of the breathing cessation.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a resistive heating unit secured in an insulated scrotum sack. The heating unit is linked to a control unit by conductors. The control unit forms part of a carrying case worn at the user's waistline and which contains a power source, on-off switch, low battery indicator, defective element indicator, timer, beeper and telethermometer. The control unit and heating unit produce a significant increase in intrascrotal temperature which creates a suppression of spermatogenesis rendering the person temporarily sterile. The heating unit can be concentrated at the posterior end of the sack for quickly suppressing spermatogenesis in the human epididymis.

Abstract: A mouthguard that has an integral tethering strap is packaged by forming a loop at the distal end of the strap and then folding the strap back over the front of the U-shaped mouthguard body so as to nest the loop within the U-shaped body. The mouthguard is then ensealed in a transparent plastic clamshell enclosure. The enclosure is assembled to a paperboard carrier which contains cut-outs that are symmetrical about a line of folding for a flap portion of the carrier. When the flap is folded back onto the carrier, the margin of the clamshell is trapped. A second flap opposite the first one is also folded back onto the same side of the carrier as the first flap. The opposing faces of this second flap and the carrier contain a warranty card and a warranty certificate.

Abstract: An athletic brace to be worn with conventional shoulder pads for reducing the chance of subluxation of the shoulder which includes a wide elastic member that is internally wrapped about the upper arm and brought across the chest for attachment to the front of the shoulder pads. The elastic member tends to limit both abduction and external rotation of the upper arm of the user thereby reducing the chance of the athlete reaching the point that tends to stress the glenohumeral joint to the point of subluxation or dislocation.

Abstract: Refractive error of the cornea is corrected by a scraping procedure of rotating or oscillating a sharpened knife edge blade that is tangential to and against a top of the cornea at its center axis, and micro-axially advanced until the refractive error has been corrected.

Abstract: The ratio of different types of tobacco in a tobacco stream which is conveyed past a trimming device is monitored by monitoring the distance of the trimming plan from the conveyor for the stream while the mass flow of the stream is maintained at a constant value. Variations of the distance of the trimming plane from the conveyor are indicative of variations of the ratio of different tobaccos in the stream, and such variations are further indicative of fluctuations of filling power of tobacco which forms the stream.

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.