Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating mixtures with ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the mixture can include a selected constituent and the method can include directing a continuous flow of the mixture into a treatment apparatus and altering a phase and/or a chemical composition of the selected constituent by exposing the mixture to ultrasonic energy while the mixture flows through the apparatus. The mixture can then be removed from the apparatus. In one aspect of this embodiment, the mixture can be under pressure while being exposed to the ultrasonic energy and the mixture can subsequently be exposed to a vacuum source to remove gas from the mixture. In another aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic energy can have a first frequency and the mixture can be exposed to ultrasonic energy of a second frequency different than the first frequency while in the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the recovery of one or more trace elements including gold and one or more platinum group elements from coal. More particularly, the present invention may specify parameters for the selection of coal for combustion, the parameters for combustion of the pre-selected coal, the parameters for the preparation and mixing of a charge for a furnace including ash from the combustion of the coal with an inquart and a fluxing agent, the parameters for the heating of the charge and casting of a dore bar and the parameters for the production of an anode slime from the dore bar. The method of the present invention may also specify parameters for the recovery of silver, gold and one or more trace platinum group elements from the anode slimes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting ultrasonic energy. The apparatus may include a vessel, such as a conduit, having a first end, a second end, and a vessel axis between the first and second ends. An ultrasonic energy emitter is positioned toward the first end of the vessel to direct ultrasonic energy into a fluid mixture contained within the vessel. An ultrasonic energy focuser is positioned toward the first end of the vessel proximate to the ultrasonic energy emitter to focus the ultrasonic energy toward the vessel axis as the ultrasonic energy approaches the second end of the vessel. A reflector is positioned toward the second end of the vessel and reflects the ultrasonic energy back toward the ultrasonic energy emitter. A signal reverser redirects at least part of the ultrasonic energy propagating away from the ultrasonic energy emitter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the recovery of one or more trace elements including gold and one or more platinum group elements from coal. More particularly, the present invention may specify parameters for the selection of coal for combustion, the parameters for combustion of the pre-selected coal, the parameters for the preparation and mixing of a charge for a furnace including ash from the combustion of the coal with an inquart and a fluxing agent, the parameters for the heating of the charge and casting of a dore bar and the parameters for the production of an anode slime from the dore bar. The method of the present invention may also specify parameters for the recovery of silver, gold and one or more trace platinum group elements from the anode slimes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluid mixtures with ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the fluid mixture may include a selected constituent and the method may include directing a flow of the fluid mixture into a treatment apparatus and altering a phase and/or a chemical composition of the selected constituent by exposing the fluid mixture to ultrasonic energy while the fluid mixture flows through the apparatus. In one embodiment, the fluid mixture may be under pressure while being exposed to the ultrasonic energy and the fluid mixture may subsequently be exposed to a vacuum source to remove gas from the fluid mixture. In another aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic energy may have a first frequency and the fluid mixture may be exposed to ultrasonic energy of a second frequency different than the first frequency while in the apparatus. The ultrasonic energy may cavitate a liquid portion of the fluid mixture to generate heat and pressure in the fluid mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting ultrasonic energy. The apparatus may include a vessel, such as a conduit, having a first end, a second end, and a vessel axis between the first and second ends. An ultrasonic energy emitter is positioned toward the first end of the vessel to direct ultrasonic energy into a fluid mixture contained within the vessel. An ultrasonic energy focuser is positioned toward the first end of the vessel proximate to the ultrasonic energy emitter to focus the ultrasonic energy toward the vessel axis as the ultrasonic energy approaches the second end of the vessel. A reflector is positioned toward the second end of the vessel and reflects the ultrasonic energy back toward the ultrasonic energy emitter. A signal reverser redirects at least part of the ultrasonic energy propagating away from the ultrasonic energy emitter.

Abstract: An ozone generator including a pair of electrodes separated by a dielectric element including a plurality of passages defining a corona discharge zone. In one embodiment of the invention, the passages may be convoluted in the sense that the lengths of the passages defining the corona discharge zone are greater than the length of the first and second electrodes and the dielectric element. This configuration provides for an extended period of exposure of the gas to the electric field and may result in production of ozone exhibiting improved stability and oxidation rate. In one embodiment, inner and outer concentric electrodes are held in spaced apart relationship by a concentric tubular dielectric. A corona discharge zone is defined between an inner surface of the outer tubular electrode and the outer surface of the concentric tubular dielectric by a plurality of passages formed on the outer surface of the concentric tubular dielectric.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating mixtures with ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the mixture can include a selected constituent and the method can include directing a continuous flow of the mixture into a treatment apparatus and altering a phase and/or a chemical composition of the selected constituent by exposing the mixture to ultrasonic energy while the mixture flows through the apparatus. The mixture can then be removed from the apparatus. In one aspect of this embodiment, the mixture can be under pressure while being exposed to the ultrasonic energy and the mixture can subsequently be exposed to a vacuum source to remove gas from the mixture. In another aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic energy can have a first frequency and the mixture can be exposed to ultrasonic energy of a second frequency different than the first frequency while in the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a vessel, such as a conduit, having a first end, a second end, and a vessel axis between the first and second ends. An ultrasonic energy emitter can be positioned toward the first end of the vessel to direct ultrasonic energy into the flowable substance during operation. An ultrasonic energy focuser can be positioned toward the first end of the vessel at least proximate to the ultrasonic energy emitter to focus the ultrasonic energy toward the vessel axis as the ultrasonic energy approaches the second end of the vessel. A reflector can be positioned toward the second end of the vessel to reflect the ultrasonic energy back toward the ult1.asonic energy emitter. A signal reverser can redirect at least part of the ultrasonic energy propagating away from the ultrasonic energy emitter.