Abstract: A method for recovering metals from metals-containing wastes, and vitrifying the remainder of the wastes for disposal. Metals-containing wastes such as circuit boards, cathode ray tubes, vacuum tubes, transistors and so forth, are broken up and placed in a suitable container. The container is heated by microwaves to a first temperature in the range of approximately 300-800.degree. C. to combust organic materials in the waste, then heated further to a second temperature in the range of approximately 1,000-1,550.degree. C. at which temperature glass formers present in the waste will cause it to melt and vitrify. Low-melting-point metals such as tin and aluminum can be recovered after organics combustion is substantially complete. Metals with higher melting points, such as gold, silver and copper, can be recovered from the solidified product or separated from the waste at their respective melting points. Network former-containing materials can be added at the start of the process to assist vitrification.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 25, 1998
Date of Patent:
November 7, 2000
Assignees:
The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy, University of Florida
Inventors:
George G. Wicks, David E. Clark, Rebecca L. Schulz
Abstract: An instant-type camera for producing collage photographs is provided, the camera comprising an overlay transparency designed to fit above a film pack in the camera, the overlay transparency having a predetermined image thereon and a generally gray background of a specified density, whereby photographs produced by the camera include the predetermined image from the overlay transparency such that a unitary and realistic collage photograph is produced.
Abstract: A method for retrofitting metal fiber felt in polymer filtration devices comprising removing the filter from the outer shield and the exhausted metal fiber felt.
Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing unauthorized operation of an engine of a motorized vehicle having a cellular telephone whereby certain DTMF tones must be generated on the cellular telephone prior to the engine of a motor vehicle being operational.
Abstract: A punching bag support apparatus is provided comprising a mounting plate, a pivot shaft, an elongated rail rotably attached to the pivot shaft, and a trolley frame slidably riding on and supported by the rail, thereby enabling a punching bag supported on the trolley frame to be moved rotationally about the central vertical axis of the support apparatus as well as able to be linearly moved through the central vertical axis of the support apparatus.
Abstract: A cover is illustrated for confining in compression a bale of cotton being transported to a textile mill. The cover is warp knitted from cotton mote yarn spun on an open-ended apparatus, possesses a yarn count of 3 to 12 and is of Atlas stitch construction produced by using suitable lapping movements in conjunction with two or more partially-threaded guide bars.
Abstract: A hypodermic syringe is provided having a barrel with a movable plunger therein to inject a fluid through a hollow needle thereof which is housed within a passageway of a needle assembly that is attached to the barrel by ultrasonic welding means or other permanent attaching means. Positioned between sacrificial supports in the needle assembly and the barrel is a deformable base. The deformable base houses an enlarged head of the needle which is in contact with energy storage means within the passageway of the needle assembly. The plunger has a rupturable boot thereon which, upon completion of an injection, contacts a deformable base forcing it downward and severing a sacrificial support means within the needle assembly thereby permitting the base to move the enlarged head of the needle downward, until it is blocked by the passageway. Further movement of the base forces the enlarged needle head from the base and into contact with the rupturable boot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 1991
Date of Patent:
May 18, 1993
Inventors:
William B. S. Pressly, Charles A. Vaughn, Sr.