Patents by Inventor Donald R Bradford

Donald R Bradford 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).

  • Patent number: 7077945
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable Cu—Ni—Fe anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventors: S. Craig Bergsma, Craig W. Brown, Donald R Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 6866768
    Abstract: Electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a molten salt electrolyte employing inert anode and cathodes, the anode having a box shape with slots for the cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Donald R Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 6837982
    Abstract: A method of maintaining molten salt concentration in a low temperature electrolytic cell used for production of aluminum from alumina dissolved in a molten salt electrolyte contained in a cell free of frozen crust wherein volatile material is vented from the cell and contacted and captured on alumina being added to the cell. The captured volatile material is returned with alumina to cell to maintain the concentration of the molten salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner, Donald R Bradford
  • Patent number: 6811676
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing aluminum from alumina having a reservoir for collecting molten aluminum remote from the electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventors: Donald R Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 6800191
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising providing a molten salt electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell. A plurality of anodes and cathodes having planar surfaces are disposed in a generally vertical orientation in the electrolyte, the anodes and cathodes arranged in alternating or interleaving relationship to provide anode planar surfaces disposed opposite cathode planar surfaces, the anode comprised of carbon. Electric current is passed through anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes depositing aluminum at the cathodes and forming carbon containing gas at the anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner, Donald R Bradford
  • Publication number: 20040011660
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing aluminum from alumina having a reservoir for collecting molten aluminum remote from the electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Donald R. Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Publication number: 20040011661
    Abstract: Electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a molten salt electrolyte employing inert anode and cathodes, the anode having a box shape with slots for the cathodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Donald R. Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Publication number: 20030201189
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable Cu—Ni—Fe anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: S. Craig Bergsma, Craig W. Brown, Donald R. Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Publication number: 20030173227
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising providing a molten salt electrolyte having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell. A plurality of anodes and cathodes having planar surfaces are disposed in a generally vertical orientation in the electrolyte, the anodes and cathodes arranged in alternating or interleaving relationship to provide anode planar surfaces disposed opposite cathode planar surfaces, the anode comprised of carbon. Electric current is passed through anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes depositing aluminum at the cathodes and forming carbon containing gas at the anodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner, Donald R. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20030141197
    Abstract: A method of maintaining molten salt concentration in a low temperature electrolytic cell used for production of aluminum from alumina dissolved in a molten salt electrolyte contained in a cell free of frozen crust wherein volatile material is vented from the cell and contacted and captured on alumina being added to the cell. The captured volatile material is returned with alumina to cell to maintain the concentration of the molten salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner, Donald R. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6558525
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventors: Donald R. Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Patent number: 4202753
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly efficient reduction cell hood which utilizes an improved shield installation which is easily movable by hand thereby allowing for fewer shields which results in a corresponding decrease in the number of joints which must be sealed. The reduction cell hood of the present invention is constructed of a material which is capable of withstanding the operating temperatures of the electrolyte process without warping, buckling or other damage thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald R. Bradford, James E. White