Patents by Inventor Gregory T. Adel

Gregory T. Adel 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).

  • Apparatus and process for the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles using microbubble column flotation together with a process and apparatus for generation of microbubbles
    Patent number: 5814210
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine and coarse particles, especially coal and minerals, so as to produce high purity and high recovery efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a flotation column, microbubbles, recycling of the flotation pulp, and countercurrent wash water to gently wash the froth. Also disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a highly efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or in-line static generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gregory T. Adel, Gerald H. Luttrell
  • Apparatus for the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles using microbubble column flotation together with a process and apparatus for generation of microbubbles
    Patent number: 5397001
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine and coarse particles, especially coal, and minerals so as to produce high purity and high recovery efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a flotation column, microbubbles, recycling of the flotation pulp, and countercurrent wash water to gently wash the froth. Also disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a highly efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or in-line static generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignees: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State U., Virginia Tech Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gregory T. Adel, Gerald H. Luttrell
  • Video instrumentation for the analysis of mineral content in ores and coal
    Patent number: 5396260
    Abstract: Mineral content in processed ore and coal content in coal slurries are determined using a video system. A video image is taken of a sample, the video image is digitized, and gray levels are assigned to points or areas on the video image. The distribution of the gray levels for the image provides an indication of the purity of the minerals in the ore sample. The mean gray level for the image provides an indication of the mineral content of interest in the sample. The video system should be calibrated using ores that normally occur in the process environment and using samples of controlled moisture content. The video system has particular utility in determining phosphate content and calcium ratio in phosphate ores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignees: The Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Adel, Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gerald H. Luttrell
  • Apparatus and process for the separation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles using microbubble column flotation together with a process and apparatus for generation of microbubbles
    Patent number: 5167798
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine and coarse particles, especially coal and minerals, so as to produce high purity and high recovery efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a flotation column, microbubbles, recycling of the flotation pulp, and countercurrent wash water to gently wash the froth. Also disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a highly efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or in-line static generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gregory T. Adel, Gerald H. Luttrell
  • Process and apparatus for separating fine particles by microbubble flotation together with a process and apparatus for generation of microbubbles
    Patent number: 4981582
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the microbubble flotation separation of very fine particles, especially coal, so as to produce a high purity and large recovery efficiently. This is accomplished through the use of a high aspect ratio flotation column, microbubbles, and a countercurrent use of wash water to gently wash the froth. Also, disclosed are unique processes and apparatus for generating microbubbles for flotation in a high efficient and inexpensive manner using either a porous tube or an in-line static generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gregory T. Adel, Gerald H. Luttrell