Patents by Inventor James L. Whitlock

James L. Whitlock 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: 5169532
    Abstract: Biological treatment process removes free and metal complexed cyanides, and thiocyanate through oxidations. Even high concentrations of these pollutants are workable. Toxic heavy metals are absorbed and adsorbed within a biofilm. This process has been adapted to and performs well at high cyanide concentrations (e.g., even above about 100 mg/L and high pH (e.g., even higher than about 9.5). Mixed cultures of adapted strains of Pseudomonas are utilized to perform biological oxidation within the system. End products of oxidation include carbonates, sulfates, and nitrates. The pH is neutralized by metabolism of, or by, intermediate reaction products. The biological processes can be utilized as a pretreatment or post-treatment process in conjunction with chemical processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Homestake Mining Company
    Inventor: James L. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 4461834
    Abstract: Cyanides, thiocyanates and metal cyanide complexes present in an aqueous solution can be biologically degraded by certain mutant strains of the species Pseudomonas paucimobilis. Such microorganisms are useful in the biological treatment of cyanide-containing wastewaters.Pseudomonas paucimobilis mudlock was deposited at the ATCC on Nov. 3, 1982, and granted accession No. 39204.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Homestake Mining Company
    Inventors: Terrence I. Mudder, James L. Whitlock
  • Patent number: 4440644
    Abstract: Cyanides, thiocyanates and metal cyanide complexes present in an aqueous solution can be biologically degraded by certain mutant strains of the species Pseudomonas paucimobilis. Such microorganisms are useful in the biological treatment of cyanide-containing wastewaters.Pseudomonas paucimobilis mudlock was deposited at the ATCC on Nov. 3, 1982, and granted accession No. 39204.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Homestake Mining Company
    Inventors: Terrence I. Mudder, James L. Whitlock