R.j. Reynolds Tobacco Company

David B Coleman

Richard M Henderson

Roger A Foote

D Randall McHone

Henry H Warren, Jr

A method of and apparatus for automatically analyzing the degradation of processed leaf tobacco are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a conveyor system for diverting a sample of leaf tobacco from an operating tobacco processing line, supplying the tobacco to a degradation analyzer and returning the tobacco to the processing line after the degradation analysis has been performed. The degradation analyzer comprises a weigh conveyor for receiving the tobacco sample, weighing it to insure it is within prescribed limits and delivering it to a vibratory screen separator where the tobacco is separated into a plurality of fractions of different-sized tobacco particles. The separated fractions are collected in weigh buckets, electronically weighed and discharged to the conveyor system for return to the tobacco processing line. A microprocessor controls the operation of the apparatus and, based on the weights of the tobacco fractions, calculates the percentage by weight of each tobacco fraction to the total weight of all fractions. The distribution of the weight percentages is indicative of degradation of the leaf tobacco being processed.

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Richmond, VA, United States of America

David B Coleman