Robert W Grubbs

US Patent:

20130037661, Feb 14, 2013

Filed:

Aug 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/207194

Inventors:

Robert Grubbs - Bristol WI, US

International Classification:

F16L 3/14
F16L 3/00

US Classification:

248 62, 248 65

Abstract:

A universal hanger device mounts components of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system within an architectural structure. The universal hanger device allows HVAC components such as duct members to be mounted in any position and/or configuration.

US Patent:

56473826, Jul 15, 1997

Filed:

Jul 1, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/673985

Inventors:

James Edward Lovette - Winston-Salem NC
Lucas Jones Conrad - Winston-Salem NC
John Edward Crook - Winston-Salem NC
Robert Eugene Grubbs - Winston-Salem NC
Wayne David Detwiler - King NC

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

A24B 318

US Classification:

131291

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.

US Patent:

50657747, Nov 19, 1991

Filed:

Aug 18, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/395877

Inventors:

Robert E. Grubbs - Winston-Salem NC
Richard G. Haberkern - King NC
Michael E. Edwards - Windsor NC
James D. Frederickson - late of Winston-Salem NC

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

A24B 318

US Classification:

131291

Abstract:

The invention is directed to a process for increasing the filling capacity of tobacco under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure. Tobacco is impregnanted with a low boiling impregnant and thereafter subjected to a pre-expansion treatment. The pre-expansion treatment includes a pre-expansion temperature which is above the atmospheric boiling point of the impregnant and which is at least ten degrees below the critical temperature of the impregnant; and a pressure which is at least five atmospheres above the boiling point pressure of the impregnant at the pre-expansion temperature. Under these conditions, the impregnant is maintained primarily in the liquid phase throughout the pre-expansion treatment. Following the pre-expansion treatment, the pressure of the treated tobacco is rapidly reduced to a pressure below the boiling point pressure of the impregnant to thereby effect tobacco expansion without the need for a separate heating step.

US Patent:

56877480, Nov 18, 1997

Filed:

Jul 1, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/674001

Inventors:

Lucas Jones Conrad - Winston-Salem NC
Robert Eugene Grubbs - Winston-Salem NC
James Edward Lovette - Winston-Salem NC

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

A24B 318

US Classification:

131291

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 within the shell between loading, impregnating, and unloading positions. In the impregnating position, sealing assemblies seal the radial clearance between shell and the end members of the spool to provide a pressure vessel for tobacco impregnation. The sealing assemblies includes at least one elastically deformable sealing ring associated with the circumferential exterior of the end member. A pressure applying member is operatively associated with an axial end of each of the sealing members to releasably impart axial pressure onto the axial end of the sealing member when the spool is in the treating position to cause radial expansion of the deformable sealing ring and thereby accomplish sealing of the spool within the shell.

US Patent:

49627732, Oct 16, 1990

Filed:

Aug 13, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/085439

Inventors:

Jackie L. White - Pfafftown NC
Robert E. Grubbs - Lexington NC
Hoyt S. Beard - Winston-Salem NC
Mark L. Raker - Clemmons NC
Thomas A. Perfetti - Winston-Salem NC
Richard G. Haberkern - King NC

Assignee:

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

International Classification:

A24B 318
A24C 560

US Classification:

131291

Abstract:

Cigarette rods and filter rods are provided by manufacturing rods from tobacco cut filler and a circumscribing paper wrap, and then subjecting the rods to conditions such that the cut filler undergoes volume expansion while within the paper wrap. For example, the tobacco rods can be exposed to propane under supercritical conditions within a pressure chamber followed by a venting of the gaseous fluid to expand the tobacco cut filler. The resulting rods are very firm, have good integrity, and frequently do not undergo any noticeable visible change. The resulting rods which contain the volume expanded tobacco can be used as smokable rods for cigarettes or as cigarette filters.