R.j. Reynolds Tobacco Company

Harold L Steelman

Philip Andrew Deal

Bain C McConnell

Robert J Fix, Sr

Larry S Jordan

Timothy A Hobbs

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.

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Yadkinville, NC, United States of America

Harold L Steelman