Method and apparatus for facilitating a tobacco curing process
OwnerThomas W. Hutchensinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and method for facilitating a tobacco curing process, with the apparatus being for use in a tobacco barn, with the tobacco barn having a plurality of internal cross members for supporting tobacco leaves during curing. The apparatus includes a plenum for attachment to a tobacco barn; a device for generating air movement in fluid communication with the plenum for delivering atmospheric air thereto; and a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with the plenum for receiving airflow therefrom, the conduits being formed with a plurality of openings therein to allow air to flow outwardly therefrom, the conduits being configured for disposition within the barn for fluid communication with tobacco in a curing disposition within the barn.
Claims33
An apparatus for facilitating a tobacco curing process for use in a tobacco barn, with the tobacco barn having a plurality of internal cross members for supporting tobacco leaves during curing, said apparatus comprising:
- a plenum formed from pliant material for attachment to a tobacco barn;
- a device for generating air movement in fluid communication with said plenum for delivering atmospheric air thereto;
- and
- a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said plenum for receiving airflow therefrom, said conduits being formed with a plurality of openings therein to allow air to flow outwardly therefrom, said conduits being configured for disposition within the barn for fluid communication with tobacco in a curing disposition
- within the barn.
An apparatus for facilitating a tobacco curing process for use in a tobacco barn, with the tobacco barn having a plurality of internal cross members for supporting tobacco leaves during curing, said apparatus comprising:
- an inflatable plenum for attachment to a tobacco barn;
- a fan in fluid communication with said plenum for delivering atmospheric air thereinto;
- and
- a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said plenum for receiving airflow therefrom, said conduits being formed from pliant material for at least partial inflation by said fan, and being formed with a plurality of openings therein to allow air to flow outwardly therefrom, said conduits being configured for disposition within the barn for movement between a stowed disposition and a use disposition for fluid communication with tobacco in a curing disposition within the barn.
A method for facilitating a tobacco curing process for use in a tobacco barn, with the tobacco barn having a plurality of internal cross members for supporting tobacco leaves during curing, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus for facilitating a tobacco curing process including a plenum formed from pliant material for attachment to a tobacco barn;
- a device for generating air movement in fluid communication with said plenum for delivering atmospheric air thereto;
- and a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said plenum for receiving airflow therefrom;
- said conduits being formed with a plurality of openings therein to allow air to flow outwardly therefrom;
- placing tobacco for curing in the barn with at least a portion thereof overlying said at least one of said conduits;
- applying atmospheric air to said plenum using said device for generating air movement, thereby directing moving air into said at least one conduit wherein atmospheric air is directed outwardly through said openings and into contact with said tobacco.
A method for facilitating a tobacco curing process for use in a tobacco barn, with the tobacco barn having a plurality of internal cross members for supporting tobacco leaves during curing, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus for facilitating a tobacco curing process including a plenum for attachment to a tobacco barn, a portion of said plenum being configured as a reservoir for holding tobacco treatment liquid;
- a fan in fluid communication with said plenum for delivering atmospheric air thereto;
- and a plurality of conduits in fluid communication with said plenum for receiving airflow therefrom, said conduits being formed with a plurality of openings therein to allow air to flow outwardly therefrom, said conduits being movable between a stowed disposition and a use disposition;
- introducing a tobacco treatment liquid into said reservoir, said tobacco treatment liquid chosen from the group consisting of aromatics, flavorants, humectants and water;
- moving at least one of said conduits from a stowed disposition to a use disposition;
- placing tobacco for curing in the barn with at least a portion thereof overlying said at least one of said conduits;
- applying atmospheric air to said plenum using said device for generating air movement, thereby directing moving air into said at least one conduit wherein atmospheric air is directed outwardly through said openings and into contact with said tobacco.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.