Patents by Inventor Donald R. Hodges

Donald R. Hodges 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: 4627900
    Abstract: A method for electrochemically minimizing sulfide scale buildup on a metal surface by connecting the surface as an anode and periodically reversing the current flow at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Amax Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Sherwood, Paul B. Queneau, Jean-Paul Duterque, Donald R. Hodges
  • Patent number: 4517058
    Abstract: A cathode matrix is provided for producing dislodgeable metal slugs of electrolytically deposited metal comprising a laminar metal substrate having an array of raised bosses with exposed flat faces distributed over the substrate and integral therewith. The total surface of the cathode is covered by an adherent layer of an electrolyte resistant, substantially impermeable, low electrical conductivity material, such as fluorinated hydrocarbon, except for the exposed faces of the bosses, the exposed faces being adapted to receive electrodeposited metal thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: AMAX Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Hodges, William G. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 4243498
    Abstract: A fluid bed electrolysis process is provided for the recovery of nickel from nickel-containing solution, e.g., leach solution, in which a fluid bed of substantially pure nickel particles or pellets of size ranging from about 150 to 2000 microns is employed, the fluid bed being preferably formed of reduced nickel oxide, such as hydrogen-reduced nickel oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Amax Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Sherwood, Donald R. Hodges, Cvetko Nikolic
  • Patent number: 4240886
    Abstract: A fluid bed electrolysis system and process are provided for efficiently removing electroplatable metal ions from an electrolyte, the system utilizing a cell having an axially disposed anode surrounded by a cathode, the anode being partitioned from the cathode by a porous diaphragm. The porous diaphragm defines an anode chamber surrounded by an annular cathode chamber, the annular cathode chamber being adapted to support a fluidizable cathode bed of electrically conductive particulate material, the system having electrolyte circulating means for recirculating electrolyte through said cell and for maintaining said electrically conductive particulate material in an electrochemically active fluidized state, including means for disengaging gas bubbles from said circulated solution formed during electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: Amax Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Hodges, William G. Sherwood, Cvetko Nikolic
  • Patent number: 4202752
    Abstract: A fluid bed electrolysis cell and system are provided for efficiently extracting electroplatable metal ions from an electrolyte, the cell employed having preferably a plurality of anodes and cathodes concentrically disposed relative to each other, each of the anodes being partitioned from each of the cathodes by a porous diaphragm such as to define a plurality of anode chambers and cathode chambers. Each of the cathode chambers are adapted to support a fluidizable cathode bed of electrically conductive particulate material, e.g., powdered nickel, copper, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1980
    Assignee: Amax Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Sherwood, Donald R. Hodges, Cvetko Nikolic