Patents Examined by Helen M. S. Sned
  • Extraction and liquefaction of fossil fuels using gamma irradiation and solvents
    Patent number: 4772379
    Abstract: A new technology for the extraction of liquid hydrocarbon products from fossil fuel resources such as oil shales, tar sands, heavy oils and coals which comprises the mixing of a donor solvent with the fossil fuel and the exposure of the mixture to ionizing radiation. The donor solvent supplies hydrogen for combination with molecules whose bonds are broken by the irradiation process. The method may be conducted at or above ambient temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Ann Arbor Nuclear, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry J. Gomberg