Patents by Inventor Dwight Goad

Dwight Goad 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: 5640704
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and processes for immobilizing and solidifying harmful heavy metal and radioactive species within a waste material. The processes of the present invention are also particularly advantageous for immobilizing and solidifying nitrate compounds with a waste material. One embodiment of the present invention is a method that can be carried out by admixing the waste material with cement and a complexant compound to form a grout admixture. Preferably, the complexant compound is an iron compound that can form a hydrated iron oxide in the presence of an aqueous solution. This grout admixture is then allowed to cure and solidify. The grout admixture is placed within a suitable containment vessel for final storage and disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas S. Snyder, David C. Grant, James T. Hallman, Martin Brownstein, Dwight Goad, Carol Kelly, Lori West
  • Patent number: 5439562
    Abstract: A novel method for decontaminating radio-contaminated nickel comprising, in an electrorefining cell having a semi-permeable membrane, cathodically depositing substantially contaminant-free nickel from an alkaline solution containing electrolyte, nickel ions, and radioactive ions. Preferably, the electrolyte solution is ammonium sulfate maintained at a pH of least about 10 (as measured at cell temperature). The electrorefining methods of the invention eliminate the need for separate dissolving and plating tanks, and may be operated by a single power source. These methods are particularly useful for remediating nickel contaminated by technetium, uranium and actinide metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Snyder, Dwight Goad