Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Edward A. Steen
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Patent number: 5575981Abstract: The invention provides an autoclave configuration for pressure leaching lateritic ores at elevated temperatures. The autoclave configuration includes at least one primary autoclave. The primary autoclave includes a slurry inlet port for receiving slurries of lateritic ore from a lateritic slurry supply, an acid inlet port for receiving leaching acids, an agitation means for agitating the slurries of lateritic ore, and an outer port for removing partially leached slurries of lateritic ore. A multi-compartment autoclave follows the primary autoclave. The multi-compartment autoclave is divided into at least two chambers connected in series. The chambers contain a means for agitating the partially leached slurries and divider walls for separating the chambers. An inlet port is connected to the first of the chambers for receipt of the partially leached slurries. An outlet port is connected to the last of the series of chambers for removal of the finally leached slurries.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1995Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Assignee: Goro Nickel S.A.Inventor: Eberhard Krause
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Patent number: 5545392Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing nickel hydroxide from elemental metal. Elemental nickel is first introduced into an aqueous ammonia or ammonia/ammonium salt solution capable of dissolving nickel. The potential, as measured by a standard calomel electrode, is allowed to reach a negative or reducing level. Oxygen is added to the aqueous solution at a rate that maintains the negative potential to facilitate the conversion of elemental nickel to nickel hydroxide. Nickel hydroxide may be readily precipitated from the aqueous solution.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Juraj Babjak, Victor A. Ettel
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Patent number: 5535992Abstract: The invention provides an autoclave configuration for pressure leaching lateritic ores at elevated temperatures. The autoclave configuration includes at least one primary autoclave. The primary autoclave includes a slurry inlet port for receiving slurries of lateritic ore from a lateritic slurry supply, an acid inlet port for receiving leaching acids, an agitation means for agitating the slurries of lateritic ore, and an outlet port for removing partially leached slurries of lateritic ore. A multi-compartment autoclave follows the primary autoclave. The multi-compartment autoclave is divided into at least two chambers connected in series. The chambers contain a means for agitating the partially leached slurries and divider walls for separating the chambers. An inlet port is connected to the first of the chambers for receipt of the partially leached slurries. An outlet port is connected to the last of the series of chambers for removal of the finally leached slurries.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Goro Nickel S.A.Inventor: Eberhard Krause
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Patent number: 5531337Abstract: There is provided an automated rail car uncoupling system that reduces the possibility of injury. The system includes an object locator that detects and locates a locking pin actuator associated with a coupler. Upon confirmation of the location of the actuator, a robot reaches over and moves the actuator thus uncoupling the cars.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Joseph Cappelletti, Samir Zakaria
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Patent number: 5530330Abstract: A system for automatically steering a vehicle through an irregular structure. A flexible lighting tube, in proximity to the back of the structure, communicates with at least one canted video camera. A processor takes the output of the camera, determines the position of the vehicle, and provides guidance to the vehicle's steering mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Greg Baiden, Everett Henderson, Samir Zakaria
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Patent number: 5497086Abstract: A sensor for measuring the density of a magnetic porous material such as foam. The sensor includes a load cell connected to a magnet. The magnet is spaced a predetermined distance away from the material. The load sensed by the pull of the magnet is translated into a perceivable density value.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Paul A. Hynek, Vladimir Paserin, John Ambrose
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Patent number: 5478417Abstract: The invention provides a controlled coefficient of thermal expansion alloy having in weight percent about 26-50% cobalt, about 20-40% nickel, about 20-35% iron, about 4-10% aluminum, about 0.5-5% niobium plus 1/2 of tantalum weight percent and about 1.5-10% chromium. Additionally the alloy may contain about 0-1% titanium, about 0-0.2% carbon, about 0-1% copper, about 0-2% manganese, about 0-2% silicon, about 0-8% molybdenum, about 0-8% tungsten, about 0-0.3% boron, about 0-2% rhenium, about 0-2% hafnium, about 0-0.3% zirconium, about 0-0.5% nitrogen, about 0-1% yttrium, about 0-1% lanthanum, about 0-1% total rare earths other than lanthanum, about 0-1% cerium, about 0-1% magnesium, about 0-1% calcium, about 0-4% oxidic dispersoid and incidental impurities. The alloy may be further optimized with respect to crack growth resistance by annealing at temperature below about 1010.degree. C. or temperatures between 1066.degree. C. or 1110.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Goro Nickel S.A.Inventors: Karl A. Heck, Melissa A. Moore, Darrell F. Smith, Jr., Larry I. Stein, John S. Smith
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Patent number: 5477125Abstract: A battery charge is provided which automatically controls the charging process independent of individual battery construction or temperature. Control of the charging process is achieved by periodically interrupting the charging current, determining resistance-free voltage of the battery in fixed intervals after interruptions of current, and comparing the resistance-free voltage with a reference voltage. Reference voltage is automatically determined for each recharging subject by analyzing the change in resistance-free voltage with respect to time during an initial, constant current period to locate certain characteristic points indicative of the onset of overcharge. The charging current is reduced as necessary, so that the resistance-free voltage does not exceed the reference voltage and significant overcharge is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignees: Inco Limited, Norvik Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Victor A. Ettel, Jan Hohercak, Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys, Douglas Charles
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Patent number: 5458091Abstract: The invention provides a clumpable animal litter mixture having about 5 to 50 weight percent bentonite, about 0.1 to 25 weight percent gum-containing clumping agent and balance filler particulate. The gum-containing clumping agent is formed from a plant selected from the group consisting of the Plantago and Cydonia families. The clumpable animal litter mixture is pourable into a litter box and agglomerates into a clump upon contact with urine. The clump of the agglomerated bentonite, gum-containing clumping agent, filler particulate and urine is capable of removal with a perforated scoop after as little as one minute of formation. The clumpable mixture is formed by introducing the gum-containing clumping agent into a foam. The gum-containing mixture is mixed into the foam to distribute the clumping agent throughout the foam. The mixed gum-containing clumping agent and foam is then added to solid particulate to adhere the gum-containing clumping agent to the solid particulate.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Western Aggregates, Inc.Inventors: Maurice G. Pattengill, Jerry D. Glynn, Martin A. Jones
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Patent number: 5447552Abstract: The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of metals. In particular, an aqueous feed solution originating from acid leaching is provided. The aqueous feed solution contains nickel and/or cobalt ions. The pH of the solution is maintained at a level between about 2 and 6. The aqueous feed solution is contacted with a water-immiscible organic phase containing an extractant to load the nickel and/or cobalt metal ions to form a metal-bearing organic phase. The extractant has at least one organic soluble dithiophosphinic acid, alkali, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salt thereof. The aqueous feed solution has sufficiently low levels of chromium (VI) ions, iron (III) ions and copper ions to allow repeated use of the extractant. The metal-bearing organic phase is then separated from the metal-containing aqueous feed solution.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignee: Goro Nickel S.A.Inventors: Indje O. Mihaylov, Eberhard Krause, Steve W. Laundry, Cuong V. Luong
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Patent number: 5447707Abstract: A process for producing nickel hydroxide from nickel powders, in which the feed nickel powder is directly converted in an aqueous solution containing nitrate and particulate nickel at least at room temperature and a pH in excess of about 6 into nickel hydroxide of a high density. Nickel powders of high surface area, e.g. 0.4 m.sup.2 /g or higher, typically produced by the thermal decomposition of nickel carbonyl, are particularly suitable as feed materials for this process.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1994Date of Patent: September 5, 1995Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Juraj Babjak, Victor A. Ettel, Stephen J. Baksa
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Patent number: 5441760Abstract: A chipseal overlay coating having in situ deicing properties. An absorbent material such as lightweight aggregate, is mixed with oil, asphalt and/or concrete to form a thoroughfare chipseal overlay. Deicing materials are applied to the overlay or to the absorbent material prior to the mixing process. Due to the highly absorbent nature of the chipseal overlay, the deicing material is absorbed. During icing and snow conditions, the impregnated material reacts with the ice and snow to cause them to melt.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Western Aggregates, Inc.Inventors: Maurice G. Pattengill, Martin A. Jones
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Patent number: 5439640Abstract: The invention provides a controlled coefficient of thermal expansion alloy having in weight percent about 26-50% cobalt, about 20-40% nickel, about 20-35% iron, about 4-10% aluminum, about 0.5-5% niobium plus 1/2 of tantalum weight percent and about 1.5-10% chromium. Additionally the alloy may contain about 0-1% titanium, about 0-0.2% carbon, about 0-1% copper, about 0-2% manganese, about 0-2% silicon, about 0-8% molybdenum, about 0-8% tungsten, about 0-0.3% boron, about 0-2% rhenium, about 0-2% hafnium, about 0-0.3% zirconium, about 0-0.5% nitrogen, about 0-1% yttrium, about 0-1% lanthanum, about 0-1% total rare earths other than lanthanum, about 0-1% cerium, about 0-1% magnesium, about 0-1% calcium, about 0-4% oxidic dispersoid and incidental impurities. The alloy may be further optimized with respect to crack growth resistance by annealing at temperature below about 1010.degree. C. or temperatures between 1066.degree. C. or 1110.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.Inventors: Karl A. Heck, Melissa A. Moore, Darrell F. Smith, Jr., Larry I. Stein, John S. Smith
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Patent number: 5431286Abstract: A column flotation system including tailings recirculation. The system includes a column for particle separation and a gas injected reactor providing the site for bubble generation within a treated slurry feed. The reactor may contain a plurality of the spaced internal discs that cause shearing of the slurry to generate and entrain bubbles therein. The column may contain internal partitions in order to accommodate additional reactors. Recirculation of the tailings permits increased bubble control and improved particle separation.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Manqiu Xu, Jeff McLaughlin, Peter Quinn, Ric Stratton-Crawley
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Patent number: 5425912Abstract: A high strength, low coefficient of thermal expansion superalloy exhibiting improved toughness over a broad temperature range down to about 4.degree. K. The composition is adapted for use with wrought superconducting sheathing.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignees: Inco Alloys International, Inc., Massachusetts Institute Of TechnologyInventors: Darrell F. Smith, Larry I. Stein, Il S. Hwang
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Patent number: 5422071Abstract: The invention provides a welding material useful for welding cast iron, the welding material forms a weld deposit containing, as measured in the undiluted condition, by weight percent, about 30-50% nickel, about 8-20% manganese, about 0 to 0.6% carbon, about 1 to 8% of at least one carbide selected from the group consisting of chromium carbide, niobium carbide, tantalum carbide, titanium carbide or vanadium carbide and balance iron and incidental impurities.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.Inventor: Samuel D. Kiser
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Patent number: 5422085Abstract: A technique for substantially reducing nitrogen oxide (NO.sub.x) emissions in internal combustion engine exhaust gases. The NO.sub.x laden stream is contacted with a As catalytic material supported on a metal plated Ni foam substrate in the presence of a reducing agent. The NO.sub.x is reduced to nitrogen, water and/or carbon, and carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: James A. E. Bell, Raymond A. Bradford
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Patent number: 5403547Abstract: An oxidation resistant alloy containing iron, cobalt, nickel and at least 4 to 5% by weight aluminum having at least a duplex crystalline structure. One crystalline component of this structure is a gamma (fcc) phase having a gamma prime phase dispersed therein. The second crystalline component is enriched in aluminum compared to the first crystalline component and exhibits characteristics under X-ray diffraction and electron diffraction analysis of a BCC B2 structured phase.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1994Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.Inventors: John S. Smith, Darrell F. Smith, Jr., Roneldo L. Fisher, Karl A. Heck
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Patent number: 5396163Abstract: A charger for rechargeable cells or batteries utilizes a mechanism whereby resistance-free voltage is continually monitored during periodic current-off intervals in the charging process and compared to an independent reference voltage to prevent overcharge. After a certain degree of charge has been obtained, the current is gradually reduced to a finishing charge. Several means are provided for terminating the finishing charge while avoiding overcharge. Another embodiment of a charger provides for measurement of the resistance-free voltage during the current-off period after sufficient time is allowed for the recombination of any oxygen which may have been produced during charging, thus taking into account inherent variations in cells of the same type.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignees: Inco Limited, Norvik Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jiri K. Nor, Josef V. Soltys, Victor A. Ettel
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Patent number: 5390983Abstract: A hard surface roadbed profiler designed to perform a repetitive drill hole collaring cycle. By generating a series of interconnected collar holes, an extended flat surface is created. The profiler includes a movable percussive device mounted onto a chassis. A flat faced bit is attached to the percussive device to create the individual collars that are linked together to form a flat array.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignee: Inco LimitedInventors: Gregory R. Baiden, Donald D. Young, Donald A. Desjardins