A method and apparatus for processing digital data representing the color content of abutting blocks of pixels defining an image. The method comprises, for each block (i) determining a measure of the variation in color content of pixels in the block; and, (ii) if the variation lies within a predetermined range, applying a compression algorithm to the digital data defining the block.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for applying foamed material to tobacco, and for drying and setting the foamed material, particularly in connection with the making of cigarettes. The foamed material may be added to the tobacco, for example, in the paper guide section of a cigarette maker, at the garniture mouth or through the short tongue or through both, or at the chimney. Drying and setting can occur in the chimney, on the vacuum belt, or in the garniture, after the material has been appl...

A modified laser tube including a second pinch off tube or port for flowing argon and krypton gas through the laser for processing to remove contaminants to improve performance of new and used tubes such as ALC 60X argon ion lasers. Lasing discharge is maintained during processing to release contaminants for removal by plasma scrubbing of the laser bore. A magnetic field is applied and rotated in a plane perpendicular to the laser during discharge to enhance contamination release during plasma s...

A processing apparatus includes a processing chamber and an insertion jig for inserting an object to be processed into the processing chamber. The processing chamber and the insertion jig are adapted to be individually movable relative to a heating section, so that the operation of loading and unloading the object into and from the processing chamber effected by the insertion jig is conducted outside the heating section, thereby preventing the outside air from being induced to enter the heated p...

A film-processing device comprises a lid having mounted therein a plunger or the like, which plunger is required to be rotatable in either direction in the lid and which is also required to be locked stationary in the lid. The plunger is connected with a cap which fits over the lid and which rotates with the plunger. The cap has a slidable member mounted thereon or therein with at least one detent member mounted on its underside so that, in one position of the slidable member, the cap is able to...

Flue-cured tobacco can be treated with burley tobacco flavor components and subjected to volume expansion conditions. Flavor components are supercritically extracted from burley tobacco and directly applied to the flue-cured tobacco while the extraction fluid is in a supercritical or subcritical state.

An apparatus for the processing of a film contained in a cassette, the cassette being of the kind comprising a substantially cylindrical body formed with protruding light-tight longitudinally extending film exit slot means and having the film wound thereon, said apparatus comprising a light-tight columnar body having a longitudinal axis and a block accommodated by said columnar body having a central aperture for receiving the cassette and retaining the cassette body, and having a space sufficien...

Apparatus for adding salt to a continuous stream of hot glutinous curd in the manufacture of Pasta Filata cheese, comprises an open-ended trough for passage therethrough of the stream of curd, a measuring roller rotatably mounted on a swing frame pivotally mounted on the trough with the roller in rolling engagement with the top of the curd, electrical means measuring the angle of the swing frame and the rotational speed of the roller so as to provide an output corresponding to the volumetric rat...

Apparatus for processing samples, such as tissue samples, including a rotatable table which carries either the samples or solutions in which the samples are to be immersed. The table is rotatable between a series of sample processing stations and is also arranged for axial movement between positions at which a sample is and is not respectively immersed in a solution. A single reversible motor is operable to both rotate the table and cause axial movement thereof. The motor drives a spindle having...

The specification describes a method and apparatus for processing bivalve shellfish, particularly scallops. The two shells are first parted by a small amount and a cutting tool is inserted to detach the shellfish from one of the shells. The two shells are then separated. The shell having the shellfish attached is rotated about an axis passing through the center of the edible portion and the offal is cut or blown away from the edible portion and is thrown centrifugally away. The edible portion is...