Component spool and shell pressure vessel with hydraulic fluid actuated pressure seals

US5647382A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY · US

Inventors

• James Edward Lovette · Winston-Salem, US
• Lucas J. Conrad · Winston-Salem, US
• John Edward Crook · Winston-Salem, US
• Robert Eugene Grubbs · Winston-Salem, US
• Wayne David Detwiler · King, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 1, 1996
• Grant date: Jul 15, 1997
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A24B3/182
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A process and apparatus for tobacco expansion is employed for expanding tobacco at rapid throughput rates. The apparatus includes a spool and shell assembly wherein the spool is moveable into and out of the shell between loading, impregnating, and unloading positions. In the impregnating position, sealing assemblies seal the radial clearance between the spool and shell to provide a pressure vessel for tobacco impregnation. The sealing assemblies include at least one elastically deformable sealing ring and an annularly shaped axial pressure applying member to releasably impart axial pressure to the sealing ring. The axial pressure applying member receives fluid pressure from a hydraulic fluid and preferably receives additional fluid pressure from the expansion agent used to expand the tobacco.