Abstract: A method of acclimatizing dates includes placing a plurality of dates into a vacuum chamber, heating the dates to a first temperature, and increasing a vacuum pressure of the vacuum chamber with the dates in the vacuum chamber. The first temperature is below a boiling point of water at an initial pressure within the vacuum chamber and the increase in vacuum pressure modifies the boiling point to below the first temperature. The method includes adjusting a relative humidity of the vacuum chamber towards a target relative humidity until the plurality of dates reach an equilibrium relative humidity, the target relative humidity corresponding to a target moisture content of the dates on an isotherm of the dates at the first temperature. The method includes cooling the dates to a second temperature to stop transpiration of water within the plurality of dates and decreasing the vacuum pressure of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method for removing foreign matter from an agricultural product stream of a manufacturing process. The method includes conveying a product stream past an inspection station; scanning a region of the agricultural product stream as it passes the inspection station using at least one light source of a single or different wavelengths; generating hyperspectral images from the scanned region; determining a spectral fingerprint for the agricultural product stream from the hyperspectral images; comparing the spectral fingerprint obtained in step (c) to a spectral fingerprint database containing a plurality of fingerprints using a computer processor to determine whether foreign matter is present and, if present, generating a signal in response thereto; and removing a portion of the conveyed product stream in response to the signal. A system for detecting foreign matter within an agricultural product stream is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning method of reducing the power consumption. The cleaning method including: generating a jet of a cleaning liquid from a nozzle; moving the nozzle so that the jet collides with a target portion of a workpiece; acquiring a current position of the nozzle; determining whether the current position is within a target region corresponding to the target portion; ejecting the jet having an ejection pressure of a first pressure when the current position is within the target region; and ejecting the jet having the ejection pressure lower than the first pressure when the current position is other than the target region.

Abstract: Embodiments of a water detection apparatus are disclosed that can detect characteristics of food products. The apparatus may include a conveying mechanism configured to move a food product through an aperture in the apparatus, a transmitter coil configured to transmit a signal within the aperture, and a receiver coil configured to receive the signal altered by the food product, and a signal processing unit configured to determine an output value associated with the food product moving through the aperture. The output value can be based, at least in part, on the signal and the altered signal. The output value can corresponds to a characteristic of the food product.

Abstract: A method for removing foreign matter from an agricultural product stream of a manufacturing process. The method includes conveying a product stream past an inspection station; scanning a region of the agricultural product stream as it passes the inspection station using at least one light source of a single or different wavelengths; generating hyperspectral images from the scanned region; determining a spectral fingerprint for the agricultural product stream from the hyperspectral images; comparing the spectral fingerprint obtained in step (c) to a spectral fingerprint database containing a plurality of fingerprints using a computer processor to determine whether foreign matter is present and, if present, generating a signal in response thereto; and removing a portion of the conveyed product stream in response to the signal. A system for detecting foreign matter within an agricultural product stream is also provided.

Abstract: Machines, systems and methods for curing materials, including organic and nonorganic materials, are described. In particular, machines, systems and methods for machines, systems and methods for materials, such as organic plant materials or inorganic materials, including cannabis materials. In particular, the present invention relates to machines, systems and methods for an automated drying and curing chamber machine for both personal and commercial applications, wherein the machine uses customized variable settings and laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure to ensure the optimal curing and drying environment for plant materials are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tobacco shred feeding treatment device and a method for improving the heat energy and feed liquid absorption efficiency of tobacco shred, comprising: a tobacco shred feeding machine, said tobacco shred feeding machine mainly comprises a roller, a process warm-air pipe, a power blower, a heater, a steam nozzle, a feed liquid nozzle and an air inlet pipe; the process warm-air is blown into said roller from said air inlet pipe via said steam nozzle and said heater under the action of said power blower, and mixed with the tobacco shred; said air inlet pipe is provided directly under the central axis of said roller; the opening of said air inlet pipe faces up obliquely, and the opening direction of which could be adjusted into any position within the roller according to the requirements; said steam nozzle is mounted between the power blower and the heater, to achieve heating the condensed water in the steam, and to avoid directly injecting the steam to burn the tobacco shred.

Abstract: Methods of curing tobacco that reduce the levels of TSNAs and/or improve leaf quality are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for measuring a property of a material such as the moisture content of cotton fiber. An embodiment is specifically adapted for determining an absolute value of the moisture content of the cotton fiber while being conveyed through ducts such as the ducts of the ginning machine. The embodiment combines large area capacitor plates with light detectors.

Abstract: A flue-curing apparatus and a related method are provided. The flue-curing apparatus includes a circulation chamber and a curing chamber that are separated by a divider wall. An air circulation system includes a blower positioned in the circulation chamber that directs air to a heater device and a lower passage into the curing chamber. The air may be received from one or both of an inlet and an upper passage extending from the curing chamber to the circulation chamber. A humidity control system humidifies the air directed into the curing chamber. A controller may receive signals from wet and dry bulb thermometers to determine the conditions in the curing chamber and the condition of tobacco leaves being cured therein. The controller may adjust various operational parameters to cause the tobacco leaves in the curing chamber to cure at a desired rate.

Abstract: A system for a tobacco curing barn is capable of collecting tobacco-derived moisture from tobacco while that tobacco is cured. The system incorporates a tobacco curing barn or other type of curing enclosure, such as bulk curing barn used for the flue-curing of tobacco. The curing barn is equipped with at least one reclamation element configured to condense and collect moisture released from tobacco cured within the barn. The reclamation element is disposed in proximity with the enclosure in a manner and location providing passage of moist air released from the tobacco across a surface of the reclamation element. The system also includes at least one storage container disposed in fluid communication with the reclamation element surface and configured to store moisture and moisture-borne material collected by the reclamation element. The resulting tobacco-derived components can be blended with other tobacco materials, such as is common practice during tobacco reordering.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting an organoleptic quality to a recipient product using a sensate substance obtained from a donor product, the apparatus comprising a donor product storage chamber; and a recipient product storage chamber, the apparatus being arranged to allow a fluid to circulate repeatedly between the donor product storage chamber and the recipient product storage chamber so that at least one sensate substance obtained from the donor product is conveyed from the donor product storage chamber into the recipient product storage chamber and into contact with the recipient product.

Abstract: A flue-curing apparatus and a related method are provided. The flue-curing apparatus includes a circulation chamber and a curing chamber that are separated by a divider wall. An air circulation system includes a blower positioned in the circulation chamber that directs air to a heater device and a lower passage into the curing chamber. The air may be received from one or both of an inlet and an upper passage extending from the curing chamber to the circulation chamber. A humidity control system humidifies the air directed into the curing chamber. A controller may receive signals from wet and dry bulb thermometers to determine the conditions in the curing chamber and the condition of tobacco leaves being cured therein. The controller may adjust various operational parameters to cause the tobacco leaves in the curing chamber to cure at a desired rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing moisture retention of tobacco in which dynamic rules on moisture desorption of the cut tobacco in a dry environment are investigated by using a dynamic vapor sorption system and has found that a dry basis moisture content at an earlier stage of moisture desorption of the cut tobacco has a preferred linear correlation with a square root of time. A linear fitting for t0.5 is made by using values of a dry basis moisture content Mt at a time point t, and a rate constant k is obtained from a slop of the obtained straight line and used as a reference of testing the moisture retention of tobacco. The method can also be used to investigate the moisture retention of tobacco and filter humectants of cigarettes. In comparison with the conventional method, the method is convenient and applicable, and has a short testing period, a high degree of automation, preferred accuracy and preferred reproducibility, etc.

Abstract: A flash dryer of cut tobacco comprises a drying duct (16) for connecting a feeding section (14) of cut tobacco to a tangential separator (18). The drying duct (16) has an upstream-side duct portion (16a) extending straight from the feeding section (14) at an elevation angle ranging from 30° to 60° and a downstream-side duct portion (16b) curving upward in a convex shape. A dry gas that flows through the drying duct (16) may contain superheated steam.

Abstract: A method of curing tobacco comprises drying a harvested tobacco plant in a controlled environment for a time sufficient to substantially prevent the formation of at least one nitrosamine. The tobacco is first subjected to the controlled environment while at least a majority of the tobacco is in a green state. The resulting cured tobacco usually has tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) levels which are undetectable and are similar to levels found in freshly harvested, green tobacco.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning of organic materials including an inlet gate, an outlet gate, a conditioning chamber having a set of nozzles for supplying thermodynamic medium, and an immobilizing device. The set of nozzles and the immobilizing device are arranged in relation to each other such that thermodynamic medium flowing through the set of nozzles places organic material in the immobilizing means and flows over conditioned organic material placed in the immobilizing means.

Abstract: A tobacco curing enclosure includes roof vents, sidewall fan assemblies with heaters, a humidity augmentation system, and internal air circulation devices. Internal temperature and humidity monitors are connected with a control system for the fans, vents, heaters, humidity augmentation system and air circulation devices. The control system in conjunction with the enclosure allows humidity inside the enclosure to be controlled according to a predetermined schedule despite the ambient weather conditions, thereby enhancing the quality of cured tobacco.

Abstract: A humidification control device comprising a container with a chamber for storing and dispensing liquids and a base section in which is formed an opening with a contact surface around the opening's periphery. Also provided is a cigar having at least one exposed cut end and a receptacle, which is hermetically sealed, inside the container's chamber for receiving and retaining the cigar. Additionally provided is a closure plug having a tubular housing member with a closed bottom, a top with an opening and a projecting flange for engaging the opening in the base section conformable to the shape of the area of the container peripheral to the opening. The device includes a humidification source and a tubular case, which is adapted to releasably join with the tubular housing member of the closure plug, for holding the humidification source, and an opening defined by a projecting rim in the tubular case through which the humidification vapors may freely pass.

Abstract: A twin chamber humidifying tube distinguished by a double chamber that allows an evenly and uniform moisturizing of cigars sideways, and also the revival of dried cigars, fitted with a cigar punch or cutter and that allows the viewing the cigar contained in it with its vitola and brand.

Abstract: A method and a feeder for increasing the efficiency of the expanding and drying process of organic plant materials, particularly in a jet dryer used for comminuted organic plant materials, particularly tobacco materials. The dryer uses a gaseous expanding and/or drying agent under an absolute working pressure in the range from 2.5 kPa to 10 MPa, such as overheated steam. During transporting the material from the feeding zone to the zone of contact with the expanding and/or drying agent, a feeder, preferably a rotary vane feeder (4) is flushed, preferably in a continuous manner. Openings are formed in the housing of the feeder, delivering the gaseous medium to the moving spaces between the vanes (3). There are additional openings leading out the gaseous medium from the moving spaces between the vanes, the additional openings being arranged respectively in the walls of the housing of the feeder.

Abstract: A facility and method steps for air curing tobacco in an enclosure include hanging the tobacco in the enclosure-having at least one vertically arranged air duct positioned in a central portion of the enclosure, at least one in-line fan positioned in a vertical portion of the at least one vertically arranged air duct, at least one ventilating fan located in an upper portion of the enclosure and at least one openable and closeable opening in at least one side wall of the enclosure. The humidity within the enclosure is lowered by opening the openable and closeable openings in at least one side wall of the enclosure and forcing warm air from the top of the enclosure down through the tobacco within the enclosure by operating the ventilation fans located in a top portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to process gas conditioning for tobacco dryers. In particular, it relates to a device for conditioning dryer which includes a vaporization unit with a chamber for introducing and vaporizing water to be added to the process gas, wherein the vaporization unit is arranged before the tobacco dryer and before the tobacco is introduced into the process gas. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vaporization unit for introducing water vapor into the flow of process gas in a tobacco dryer which includes a through-flow tank in which water introduced via a number of spray jets is completely vaporized, in contact with the process gas, and to a method for conditioning process gas for a tobacco dryer, in particular a flow dryer, wherein vapor is added to the process gas by introducing and vaporizing water, the water in the flow of process gas being vaporized in an vaporization unit before the tobacco dryer and before the tobacco is introduced into the process gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conditioning comminuted tobacco material by heating and moistening with water vapor, wherein the comminuted tobacco material free-falls down through a chamber operating in a continuous process and is treated during free-fall with water vapor via nozzles; a hyperbaric pressure is maintained in said chamber.

Abstract: This invention describes a pressurized drying process particularly useful for changing the aroma of Burley tobacco, and the taste and flavor of cigarettes comprising such processed tobacco. Burley tobacco is treated in a pressurized dryer at temperatures of 120° C. or more in a pressure range of 0.25-7 Bar absolute to provide a processed Burley tobacco with a more toasted character.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regulating the output moisture content of tobacco conditioned by a loosening/conditioning and optionally casing (saucing) drum comprising injecting a throughflow of water into the infeed region of the drum by a first nozzle regulated depending on the target value for the tobacco output moisture content and the actual values for the tobacco mass flow, the steam throughflow and the tobacco input moisture content; and injecting a throughflow of water in the outlet region of the drum through a second nozzle, the target value of which is computed depending on the target value and actual value for the tobacco output moisture content.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco to reduce the content of, or prevent formation of, harmful nitrosamines which are normally found in tobacco is disclosed. The method includes the step of subjecting at least a portion of the plant, while the portion is uncured and in a state susceptible to having the amount of nitrosamines reduced or formation of nitrosamines arrested, to a controlled environment capable of providing a reduction in the amount of nitrosamines or prevention of the formation of nitrosamines, for a time sufficient to reduce the amount of or substantially prevent the formation of at least one nitrosamine, wherein the controlled environment is provided by controlling at least one of humidity, rate of temperature change, temperature, airflow, CO level, CO2 level, O2 level, and arrangement of the tobacco plant. Tobacco products and an apparatus for producing such tobacco products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand held portable humidor including an upper housing and a telescopically interfitting lower housing, with a ridge structure integrally formed on the upper housing and adapted to secure both a cigar cutter and a belt clip mechanism to the upper housing. In a preferred embodiment, the lower housing is formed with substantially parallel ribs thereacross which contact the upper housing when the lower housing slides within the upper housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regulating the output moisture content of tobacco conditioned by a loosening/conditioning and optionally casing (saucing) drum comprising injecting a throughflow of water into the infeed region of the drum by a first nozzle regulated depending on the target value for the tobacco output moisture content and the actual values for the tobacco mass flow, the steam throughflow and the tobacco input moisture content; and injecting a throughflow of water in the outlet region of the drum through a second nozzle, the target value of which is computed depending on the target value and actual value for the tobacco output moisture content.

Abstract: A method of treating tobacco to reduce the content of, or prevent formation of, harmful nitrosamines which are normally found in tobacco is disclosed. The method includes the step of subjecting at least a portion of the plant, while the portion is uncured and in a state susceptible to having the amount of nitrosamines reduced or formation of nitrosamines arrested, to a controlled environment capable of providing a reduction in the amount of nitrosamines or prevention of the formation of nitrosamines, for a time sufficient to reduce the amount of or substantially prevent the formation of at least one nitrosamine, wherein the controlled environment is provided by controlling at least one of humidity, rate of temperature change, temperature, airflow, CO level, CO2 level, O2 level, and arrangement of the tobacco plant. Tobacco products and an apparatus for producing such tobacco products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for regulating the output moisture content of tobacco conditioned by a loosening/conditioning and optionally casing (saucing) drum comprising injecting a throughflow of water into the infeed region of the drum by a first nozzle regulated depending on the target value for the tobacco output moisture content and the actual values for the tobacco mass flow, the steam throughflow and the tobacco input moisture content; and injecting a throughflow of water in the outlet region of the drum through a second nozzle, the target value of which is computed depending on the target value and actual value for the tobacco output moisture content.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for generating moisture in a humidor and regulating the internal humidity of the humidor. The device includes a thermoelectric module, a cold plate, and a heatsink (that may comprise the humidor housing). Energizing the thermoelectric module cools the cold plate below the dew point. The moisture that condenses on the cold plate is directed to the interior of the humidor.

Abstract: A method for treating a formed tobacco product/smoking article is disclosed. The method includes a two phase process. The first phase involves exposing the formed tobacco product to aromatic extracts to introduce vapor of the extracts to an interior of the tobacco product. To expose the tobacco product to the extracts, a cedar filament is moistened with a first extract and then wrapped around the product. After a predetermined time period, a second cedar filament may be moistened with a second extract and wrapped around the product for an additional time period, and so on. The second phase involves immersing the phase one treated tobacco product in a damp paste containing ground spices, flavored coffee, aromatic extracts, and flavored alcohol. Preferably, the paste covered product is kept in a humidor for a six week period, with the paste freshened weekly. A cigar treated by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tray with grooves and slots for recirculation of moist air for a humidor in operation, intended to conserve products, typically cigars, fresh and in their natural state. These grooves or channels are substantially parallel to each other, and each rounded groove preferably contains a lengthwise slot through the tray from the top to the bottom surface and located substantially in the bottom center of the rounded groove. These slots provide for the recirculation of moist air around and through each individual product. The humidor of the present invention consists of a plurality of such product-containing trays stacked and spaced vertically in a suitable case, including means for removal of the trays for insertion or removal of product. Space for moist air circulation is also provided around each sliding tray. The humidor of the present invention also contains a source of moisture and humidity sensing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is given for a low residence time redrying of strip tobacco. The apparatus thoroughly and evenly dries and cools the tobacco consistently through the entire tobacco bed as it passes through the dryer and cooler. The apparatus utilizes a plurality of individually controlled fluidized bed heating zones for drying the tobacco. An additional fluidized bed cooling zone is provided to cool the tobacco prior to reordering. A continuous conveyor extends through the heating zones and cooling zones. A steam tunnel is utilized to raise the moisture content of the dried tobacco to preselected moisture levels. A vibrating conveyor moves the tobacco through the steam tunnel.

Abstract: A method and a facility for dehydrating plants, particularly for dehydrating forage. The method consists in introducing the forage to be dehydrated in a drier with a retention time and a temperature that are suitable to achieve the at least partial drying of the leaves of the forage. The forage, when it leaves the drier, is subjected to an operation for separating the leaves from the stalks, and the leaves and stalks thus separated are then subjected, separately from each other, to additional treatments that include at least one additional drying for at least one of the two components constituted by the leaves and the stalks.

Abstract: In order to maintain the quality of cigarettes in a cigarette storage chamber (10), the latter is arranged in a housing (16) which is closed on all sides. Constant climatic conditions which are appropriate for maintaining the quality of the cigarettes are established within the housing. The cigarette storage chamber is located in apparatus for manufacturing and packaging cigarettes between cigarette making machine or filter-attaching machine and a cigarette packaging machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a water vapor-air mixture for treating a hygroscopic material having a mixing chamber, supply for providing air to the mixing chamber at a temperature in the range of 0.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of 1 to 3 bar, supply for providing steam to the mixing chamber at a temperature in the range of 100.degree. C. to 25.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of 1 to 10 bar, the mixing chamber having an outlet in connection with a treatment chamber to provide the treatment chamber with a water vapor-air mixture at a temperature below 200.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of 1 to 5 bar.

Abstract: The present invention entails a process for curing and drying tobacco and other related agricultural products. A three-mode controller having proportional, integral and derivative functions is utilized to actuate an inlet damper associated with a curing and drying structure. In order to compensate for outside environmental changes and dynamic changes within the structure, a proportional, integral and derivative tuning module is provided which continues to tune and establish new proportional, integral and derivative functions as the curing and drying process is moved up a temperature ramp.

Abstract: A process for reordering tobacco wherein tobacco is contacted with an air stream having a relative humidity near the equilibrium conditions of the tobacco. As the OV content of the tobacco increases, the relative humidity of the air stream contacting the tobacco is increased to effect reordering of the tobacco. Also provided is a process for drying tobacco, wherein tobacco is contacted with an air stream having a relative humidity near or below the equilibrium conditions of the tobacco. As the OV content of the tobacco decreases, the relative humidity of the air stream contacting the tobacco is decreased to effect drying of the tobacco. Tobacco is reordered or dried according to the processes of the present invention in a continuous manner preferably using a self-stacking spiral conveyor.

Abstract: A continuous casing system is provided for bringing air dried tobacco in case. The system includes a greenhouse structure and at least one casing bay defined within the greenhouse. The casing bay is defined by appropriate structural members which are spaced apart a predetermined distance generally equal to the length of tobacco rods from which the tobacco is hung. Means are provided within the greenhouse structure for maintaining a predetermined relative humidity within the greenhouse, preferably around 90 percent humidity. A system for variably conveying the tobacco rods through the casing bay along the support structure in a substantially continuous manner is also provided whereby the tobacco rods with tobacco stalks hanging therefrom can be placed upon the support structure at one end of the casing bay and conveyed therethrough at a predetermined rate so that the tobacco is brought in case before being unloaded at the opposite end of the casing bay.

Abstract: In a drying process for increasing the filling power of tobacco material, the cut and moistened tobacco material is conveyed in a drying gas flow, dried within a tubular drying section and subsequently separated from the drying gas. The drying gas has at a feed point into the drying section a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. and a flow velocity of at least 30 m/sec. The flow velocity of the drying gas is reduced in the drying section. The flow velocity of the drying gas at the charge point into the drying section is at the most 100 m/sec. Within the drying section, to reduce the local heat transfer coefficient and the local mass transfer coefficient between the surface of the tobacco material and the surrounding drying gas, along with the reduction of the flow velocity of the drying gas, the flow velocity of the tobacco material is also reduced. At the end of the drying section the drying gas has a flow velocity of at the most 15 m/sec and a temperature of at the most 130.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning whole dried cloves, including a trough, for inputting a quantity of whole dried cloves into the trough, the trough having a top and a bottom, and a fully flighted screw conveyor for transporting a quantity of whole cloves therethrough. The trough further includes a plurality of steam inputs oriented at the bottom of the trough and a plurality of water inputs located at the top of the trough. The trough further includes an output to which the quantity of whole cloves is passed. The combination further includes a cutting apparatus having an input coupled to the output of the trough, a hopper, a first and second converging slotted conveyor belt, and a rotating knife drum which includes a plurality of cutting knives arranged thereon. Additionally, the combination includes a conveyor dryer having a plurality of independently controlled drying chambers and a conveyor belt for providing said cloves through said plurality of drying chambers.

Abstract: A mixture of unsatisfactory fragments of tobacco ribs and shreds of tobacco leaf laminae and/or tobacco ribs which are bonded to each other and/or are clumped together and/or crimped is treated to loosen the coherent and/or clumped shreds and/or uncrimp individual shreds and to thereupon separate the fragments of ribs from the thus liberated and/or straightened shreds. The treatment involves heating the mixture with steam, thereafter cooling (if necessary) the mixture, and thereupon pneumatically separating the shreds from the fragments of tobacco ribs. The heating operation can take place simultaneously with moisturizing of the mixture and can be carried out in a rotary or vibratory conveyor.

Abstract: A continuous method for processing dry whole cloves into particles suitable for inclusion in cigarettes comprising steps of: a) raising the moisture content of the whole dried cloves by (i) providing said cloves in a heat conducting receptacle, and (ii) simultaneously providing steam and water into said receptacle; b) continuously slicing said moisturized whole cloves into finely chopped particles; and c) drying said clove particles at a variety of different convective air drying rates and temperatures. Apparatuses includes means for conditioning whole dried cloves, including a trough, means for inputting a quantity of whole dried cloves into the trough, the trough having a top and a bottom, and a fully flighted screw conveyor for transporting a quantity of whole cloves therethrough. The trough further includes a plurality of steam inputs oriented at the bottom of the trough and a plurality of water inputs located at the top of the trough.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method for curing and drying tobacco wherein the initial phase of the curing and drying process, that is the yellowing phase, is accelerated by the simultaneous application of ethylene and heat. In particular, the process of the present invention entails coloring the tobacco at a temperature range of 100.degree.-120.degree. F. and actually applying a concentration of ethylene to the tobacco while the tobacco is subjected to this coloring temperature range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning tobacco or other similar materials. In the preferred embodiment, a conditioning cylinder 200 comprises a plurality of flights 240, backmixing baffles 260, and ejection baffles 280, all mounted to the interior wall 220 of cylinder 200. Rotation of the cylinder 200 mixes and conveys the material. Spray nozzle assembly 400 is positioned adjacent to the entrance of the cylinder 200 and comprises spray nozzles 410-450. The spray nozzles are aimed at a plurality of predetermined target areas within the cylinder 200 for directing a conditioning spray onto the material in the target areas. Recirculation conduit 500 recirculates air exiting the cylinder 200 and, before reentering the cylinder, combines the recirculated air with ambient air from fresh air make-up ports 520.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the treatment of tobacco material and other biological materials includes a mechanism comprising a dynamic seal having components having cooperating movable surfaces for sealing a treatment chamber that substantially prevents the passage of fluid at the treatment chamber pressure during movement of the components for introducing material into and removing material from the chamber. The seal components preferably comprise advanced structural ceramic components having a hardness of at least 900 kg/mm.sup.2 and a flatness of at least 70 microinches. The process is preferably conducted at supercritical gaseous conditions.

Abstract: Dried tobacco leaves evenly spread by a vibrator, cleaned and sorted out, are directed through the opening of two converging cylinders, and tightly held on between two belts.Now, the belts carrying the leaves, enter into a hot wash basin full of warm water at a temperature of 40 degrees C. They are washed for 4-5 minutes and moved thereafter into a second basin with water heated at 100 degrees C. The bathing of the leaves takes 6-8 seconds and immediately thereafter they are moved into a third, filled with cold water. The three consecutive baths cause the removal by extraction of resins, tars and nicotine. Dissolved by the water and washed away also the are pesticides.The cold water washes away the nitrogenous substances. Hydrolysis removes the textrines. If stronger intervention is desired, the leaves after the first bath may be directed into freezing dry chamber.The wet leaves fall now into another system of reversible conveyors, located in a heated tunnel.

Abstract: Bales or portions of bales of relatively dry compressed tobacco leaf laminae or ribs are heated microwaves, or in an to a temperature not less than 50.degree. C., and are immediately admitted into a shredding machine without previous cooling and/or breaking up. The moisture content of the shreds is raised to between 12 and 13.5% for admission into a cigarette maker, or such moisture content is raised well above the optimum value for further processing in order to increase the filling power of the shreds. The shreds are thereupon dried to reduce their moisture content to between 12 and 13.5% prior to conversion into the filler of a cigarette rod. Two or more different types of shreds can be mixed prior to admission into the cigarette maker.