Patents Examined by Thomas A. Lithgow
  • Patent number: 7981287
    Abstract: A dissolved air flotation system and method for purifying fresh water. The system is self-contained within a standard shipping container, with all components disposed in-line within the shipping container. Float is removed from the flotation tank with a skimmer that drives float downstream onto a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt conveys float away from the flotation tank, in the downstream direction, and deposits the float in a collection tank. Clean water may be drawn from the flotation tank continuously, while float may be removed periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sionix Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Lambert, James J. Houtz
  • Patent number: 4938865
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the benefication of mineral ores by the flotation method whereby a slurry is introduced under pressure into the top of a first column through a downwardly facing nozzle, and air is entrained into the slurry forming a downwardly moving foam bed in the first column. The foam bed passes from the bottom of the first column into a second column where the froth and liquid separate, the froth carrying the values floating upwardly and over a weir and the liquid being drained with the gangue. The liquid/froth interface level in the second column is kept above the bottom of the first column, and the air flow rate into the top of the first column is controlled to keep the first column substantially full of foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: University of Newcastle Research Assoc., Ltd.
    Inventor: Graeme J. Jameson