Patents by Inventor John C. Watts

John C. Watts 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).

  • Method for solution mining of uranium ores
    Patent number: 4320923
    Abstract: In the solution mining of uranium ores using an aqueous ammonium carbonate leaching solution containing hydrogen peroxide and/or molecular oxygen as oxidant, permeability of the ore formation during the leaching operation is maintained or improved by including a small amount of alkali metal silicate dissolved in the leaching solution. The silicate also improves the stability of the oxidant in many instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Bernard C. Lawes, John C. Watts
  • Process for solution mining of uranium ores
    Patent number: 4302429
    Abstract: In a process for the solution mining of a uranium ore formation using an aqueous alkaline carbonate leaching solution containing hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, the solution is passed through the ore formation in the presence of an alkylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid. Such an acid has been found to be unique in its capability for stabilizing the peroxide against decomposition in the presence of the uranium ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Bernard C. Lawes, John C. Watts