Terry H Floyd

US Patent:

49467972, Aug 7, 1990

Filed:

Jan 25, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/301805

Inventors:

Edwin D. Neas - Indian Trail NC
Terry S. Floyd - Clover SC

Assignee:

CEM Corporation - Matthews NC

International Classification:

G01N 128

US Classification:

436175

Abstract:

A rapid, microwave-based Kjeldahl digestion method wherein microwave energy is applied to an acid/sample mixture at the beginning of, and thereafter during the digestion. After the application of microwave energy is discontinued, the digestate is diluted by pulsed addition of water, followed by continuous addition of water. Dilution in this manner prevents a sudden surge in gas evolution, and eliminates the need for an intervening cooling step, thereby reducing processing time. Also provided is a method for fat separation from a fat-containing protein sample during the digestion.

US Patent:

48822868, Nov 21, 1989

Filed:

Oct 2, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/104569

Inventors:

Edwin D. Neas - Indian Trail NC
Terry S. Floyd - Clover SC

Assignee:

CEM Corporation - Matthews NC

International Classification:

G01N 100

US Classification:

436175

Abstract:

A microwave-based apparatus for rapid digestion of a sampel by a Kjeldahl method is provided which includes a reaction vessel surrounded by an insulator in the form of, for example, a cup. The reaction vessel is disposed in the internal chamber of a microwave system, which includes a wall having an aperture. A connector tube is slidably disposed in the aperture, wherein one end of the tube is connected to the mouth of the reaction vessel, and the other end is connected to a suction device external to the chamber. A biasing element is provided outside the chamber to assist in joining the slidable connector tube to the mouth of the vessel, yet enabling removal of the vessel from the chamber without detachment of the biasing element.

US Patent:

48615560, Aug 29, 1989

Filed:

Jun 8, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/055921

Inventors:

Edwin D. Neas - Indian Trail NC
Terry S. Floyd - Clover SC

Assignee:

CEM Corporation - Matthews NC

International Classification:

G01N 3112

US Classification:

422 78

Abstract:

A microwave-based apparatus useful for rapid digestion is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow tubular body having an end sealingly joined to a reaction vessel disposed within a microwave system. The end of the tubular body has grooves for the flow of air through the sealed tubular body/reaction vessel joint. A scrubber removes digestion off gases. Also provided is a rapid, microwave-based, Kjeldahl digestion method.