Patents by Inventor Stephen R. Hutchins

Stephen R. Hutchins 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).

  • Thermophilic microbial treatment of precious metal ores
    Patent number: 4729788
    Abstract: A method is provided for the recovery of precious metals, such as gold and silver, from refractory sulfidic material and refractory carbonaceous sulfidic material. The sulfidic material is pulped and bioleached using either facultative or obligate thermophiles at temperatures in excess of about 45.degree. C. and ranging up to about 90.degree. C. The residue remaining from the bioleach is neutralized and washed and the precious metals therein recovered by dissolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Advanced Mineral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Hutchins, Michael S. Davidson, James A. Brierley, Corale L. Brierley