Robert J Fix

US Patent:

53638859, Nov 15, 1994

Filed:

Jun 2, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/071145

Inventors:

Bain C. McConnell - Winston-Salem NC
Robert J. Fix - Kernersville NC
Philip A. Deal - Winston-Salem NC
Timothy A. Hobbs - Greensboro NC
Larry S. Jordan - Lexington NC
Harold L. Steelman - Yadkinville NC

Assignee:

R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company - Winston-Salem NC

International Classification:

B65B 104
B65B 304

US Classification:

141 1

Abstract:

A method of and a robotic system for preparing product samples to be analyzed at a later time has a plurality of processing stations in different locations. Each station performs a different function of a process for preparing a product sample for later chemical analysis. A robot moves a first container between a container storage area and a prepared sample area for storing in a second container a product sample which has been prepared for analysis and in which the robot moves the first container from the container storage area to each of the processing stations in a predetermined sequence and then removes some of the prepared product sample from the first container and dispenses it into the second container which is located in the prepared sample area. A specific application of such a robotic sample preparation system is disclosed for use in preparing tobacco samples for analysis of nicotine and sugar content.

US Patent:

56061536, Feb 25, 1997

Filed:

Apr 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/224610

Inventors:

Robert J. Fix - Kernersville NC
Bain C. McConnell - Clemmons NC
James T. Atkins - Pfafftown NC
Philip A. Deal - Winston-Salem NC
Timothy A. Hobbs - Greensboro NC
John L. Nelson - Lewisville NC
John W. Thompson - Advance NC

Assignee:

R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company - Winston-Salem NC

International Classification:

G01G 1900
G01G 1300
B65G 6900
G05B 1500

US Classification:

177145

Abstract:

A method of, and apparatus for, a robotic filter weighing system for weighing filters stored in sample holders which includes a sample cabinet which holds a carousel having a plurality of filter samples contained in a like plurality of sample holders and in which a robotic system is used for removing in turn each of the sample holders and sequentially placing each of the sample holders in a filter extraction station for removing the filter from its respective holder. The robot system then moves the extracted filter to a weighing system which calculates the weight of the particulate matter contained on the filter and then replaces the filter in its sample holder and replaces the sample holder back in the sample cabinet.

US Patent:

61112380, Aug 29, 2000

Filed:

Mar 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/034454

Inventors:

Robert Joseph Fix - Kernersville NC
Jannell Mills Rowe - Clemmons NC
Samuel Mark DeBusk - Lexington NC
Bain Clifford McConnell - Clemmons NC
John Larkin Nelson - Lewisville NC
Nancy Carol Huettel - Pfafftown NC

Assignee:

R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company - Winston-Salem NC

International Classification:

H05B 668
H05B 678

US Classification:

219700

Abstract:

An automated microwave sample digestion system is disclosed in which a focused microwave digestion system is operated under computer control in association with a computer controlled robotic positioning system such that sample tubes containing samples to be digested are loaded and unloaded into and out from the cooking cavities of the microwave digestion oven in a preprogrammed manner in order to both increase the efficiency of the processing of samples as well as to produce consistent operating conditions for each sample being digested. An additional pump and syringe line is provided for both washing the tube condenser utilized during the digestion process as well as for diluting the digested sample.