Patents by Inventor Joseph G. Harrington

Joseph G. Harrington 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: 7011756
    Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Publication number: 20040020848
    Abstract: A method for treating (in situ) large bodies of water con ta minated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for (in situ) immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. The method is also able to treat the soil water boundary within the pit lake to provide additional immobilization. The pit lakes can include open pit lakes, subterranean mine lakes, flowing streams and the like. The method is also able to treat an abandoned mine prior to the filling of the mine with water. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6435769
    Abstract: A process for treating earth materials such as rock heaps to prevent acid rock drainage therefrom is disclosed. First, the oxygen concentration in the gas-phase of the rock heap is decreased, that is, displaced and/or depleted. This first step may be accomplished physically, chemically or biologically. Then, the gas-phase oxygen concentration in the heap is maintained at a low level. This second step may be provided for in a self-sustaining manner, like, for example, by covering the rock heap with soil and vegetation so that acid rock drainage is prevented indefinitely. Alternatively, the density of the gas-phase of the rock heap may be increased, and maintained at an elevated level indefinitely. The process is applicable to waste heaps from mining and industrial operations such as power generation and minerals processing, and to rubble collections in open and closed mines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6350380
    Abstract: A method for treating in situ large bodies of water contaminated with heavy metals and having varying density stratas to immobilize the contaminant metals is disclosed. The method, or process for in situ immobilization of metals is focused on treating large bodies of water having metals therein that are also adjacent a border of soil or earthen materials in an attempt to immobilize the metals from penetrating through the soil. Initially, the density mean of the body of water is determined, which is densest typical at regions at or approaching 4 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Publication number: 20010032725
    Abstract: A process for treating earth materials such as rock heaps to prevent acid rock drainage therefrom is disclosed. First, the oxygen concentration in the gas-phase of the rock heap is decreased, that is, displaced and/or depleted. This first step may be accomplished physically, chemically or biologically. Then, the gas-phase oxygen concentration in the heap is maintained at a low level. This second step may be provided for in a self-sustaining manner, like, for example, by covering the rock heap with soil and vegetation so that acid rock drainage is prevented indefinitely. Alternatively, the density of the gas-phase of the rock heap may be increased, and maintained at an elevated level indefinitely. The process is applicable to waste heaps from mining and industrial operations such as power generation and minerals processing, and to rubble collections in open and closed mines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6196765
    Abstract: A process for treating earth materials such as rock heaps to prevent acid rock drainage therefrom is disclosed. First, the oxygen concentration in the gas-phase of the rock heap is decreased, that is, displaced and/or depleted. This first step may be accomplished physically, chemically or biologically. Then, the gas-phase oxygen concentration in the heap is maintained at a low level. This second step may be provided for in a self-sustaining manner, like, for example, by covering the rock heap with soil and vegetation so that acid rock drainage is prevented indefinitely. Alternatively, the density of the gas-phase of the rock heap may be increased, and maintained at an elevated level indefinitely. The process is applicable to waste heaps from mining and industrial operations such as power generation and minerals processing, and to rubble collections in open and closed mines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph G. Harrington
  • Patent number: 5710361
    Abstract: A process for in situ immobilization of metals in waste stack affected zones including a waste stack and any adjacent boundary zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: J. R. Simplot Company
    Inventors: Joseph G. Harrington, Roger B. Humberger, Michael L. Orr, Charles H. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 5632715
    Abstract: A process for in situ immobilization of metals in waste stack affected zones including a waste stack and any adjacent boundary zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: J. R. Simplot Company
    Inventors: Joseph G. Harrington, Roger B. Humberger, Michael L. Orr, Charles H. Schwartz