Patents by Inventor Ricky L. Hughes

Ricky L. Hughes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5167243
    Abstract: A disinfestation system for agricultural products, for example recovered tobacco, comprises a disinfestation unit which is releasably connected to plural containers. The disinfestation unit supplies a disinfestation gas (CO.sub.2) through the conduit means to the container, and periodically withdraws sample gas from said container. A thermal conductivity detector produces an electrical signal representation of the level of CO.sub.2 in the container, which is supplied, along with a temperature dependent signal, to a computer. The processor controls the introduction of additional CO.sub.2 throughout the process. Preferably, the system also includes heater elements, and the processor generates control signals for controlling temperature in the container. The computer controls the disinfestation process of multiple containers such multiple disinfestation processes can be carried out simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Lorillard Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Floyd S. Cowan, David A. Grider, Ricky L. Hughes, Neil A. Thaggard, John R. Wagner, Leroy G. Webb, James G. Williams, III