Patents by Inventor Michael J. Garska

Michael J. Garska 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: 11958753
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process for selective adsorption and recovery of lithium from natural and synthetic brines, and more particular to a process for recovering lithium from a natural or synthetic brine solution by passing the brine solution through a lithium selective adsorbent in a continuous countercurrent adsorption and desorption circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ILIAD IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Marston, Michael J. Garska
  • Publication number: 20230234857
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process for selective adsorption and recovery of lithium from natural and synthetic brines, and more particular to a process for recovering lithium from a natural or synthetic brine solution by passing the brine solution through a lithium selective adsorbent in a continuous countercurrent adsorption and desorption circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES R. MARSTON, MICHAEL J. GARSKA
  • Publication number: 20220324717
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process for selective adsorption and recovery of lithium from natural and synthetic brines, and more particular to a process for recovering lithium from a natural or synthetic brine solution by passing the brine solution through a lithium selective adsorbent in a continuous countercurrent adsorption and desorption circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES R. MARSTON, MICHAEL J. GARSKA
  • Patent number: 11365128
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process for selective adsorption and recovery of lithium from natural and synthetic brines, and more particular to a process for recovering lithium from a natural or synthetic brine solution by passing the brine solution through a lithium selective adsorbent in a continuous countercurrent adsorption and desorption circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Marston, Michael J. Garska
  • Publication number: 20200189924
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system and process for recovery of select minerals and lithium from a geothermal brine. The system and process are configured for the sequential recovery of zinc, manganese, and lithium from a Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area brine. The system and process includes: 1) an impurity removal circuit; then 2) a continuous counter-current ion exchange (CCIX) circuit for selectively recovering lithium chloride from the brine flow and concentrating it using a CCIX unit; and then 3) a lithium chloride conversion circuit for converting lithium chloride to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: JOHN L. FEATHERSTONE, PAUL J. HANSON, MICHAEL J. GARSKA, CHARLES R. MARSTON
  • Publication number: 20200189925
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system and process for recovery of select minerals and lithium from a geothermal brine. The system and process are configured for the sequential recovery of zinc, manganese, and lithium from a Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area brine. The system and process includes: 1) an impurity removal circuit; then 2) a continuous counter-current ion exchange (CCIX) circuit for selectively recovering lithium chloride from the brine flow and concentrating it using a CCIX unit; and then 3) a lithium chloride conversion circuit for converting lithium chloride to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: JOHN L. FEATHERSTONE, PAUL J. HANSON, MICHAEL J. GARSKA, CHARLES R. MARSTON
  • Patent number: 10604414
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system and process for recovery of select minerals and lithium from a geothermal brine. The system and process are configured for the sequential recovery of zinc, manganese, and lithium from a Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area brine. The system and process includes: 1) an impurity removal circuit; then 2) a continuous counter-current ion exchange (CCIX) circuit for selectively recovering lithium chloride from the brine flow and concentrating it using a CCIX unit; and then 3) a lithium chloride conversion circuit for converting lithium chloride to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: John L. Featherstone, Paul J. Hanson, Michael J. Garska, Charles R. Marston
  • Publication number: 20190256368
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process for selective adsorption and recovery of lithium from natural and synthetic brines, and more particular to a process for recovering lithium from a natural or synthetic brine solution by passing the brine solution through a lithium selective adsorbent in a continuous countercurrent adsorption and desorption circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: CHARLES R. MARSTON, MICHAEL J. GARSKA
  • Publication number: 20190248667
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system and process for recovery of select minerals and lithium from a geothermal brine. The system and process are configured for the sequential recovery of zinc, manganese, and lithium from a Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area brine. The system and process includes: 1) an impurity removal circuit; then 2) a continuous counter-current ion exchange (CCIX) circuit for selectively recovering lithium chloride from the brine flow and concentrating it using a CCIX unit; and then 3) a lithium chloride conversion circuit for converting lithium chloride to lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: ENERGYSOURCE MINERALS LLC
    Inventors: JOHN L. FEATHERSTONE, PAUL J. HANSON, MICHAEL J. GARSKA, CHARLES R. MARSTON
  • Patent number: 8702860
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are stabilized kaolin slurries comprising a kaolin comprising no more than about 80% by weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 2 microns and at least one stabilizer, wherein the stabilized kaolin slurry has a 28-day pour test result of at least about 80% poured. Also disclosed are methods of making such stabilized kaolin slurries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, Robert J. Pruett
  • Publication number: 20110155018
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are stabilized kaolin slurries comprising a kaolin comprising no more than about 80% by weight of particles having an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 2 microns and at least one stabilizer, wherein the stabilized kaolin slurry has a 28-day pour test result of at least about 80% poured. Also disclosed are methods of making such stabilized kaolin slurries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, Robert J. Pruett
  • Patent number: 7780779
    Abstract: The Rio Capim Kaolin deposit contains a lower bed of soft kaolin clay that averages 10 meters thick, and an upper bed of “hard” kaolin (“RCC hard kaolin”) that may be as thick as 6 to 8 meters. Due to their high impurity content fine particle size, cementetious nature, and high degree of particle aggregation, hard kaolins are difficult to process. Disclosed herein are compositions comprising kaolin having a particle size distribution such that at least about 90% of the kaolin has a particle size of less than 1 micron and a GE brightness of at least about 91, where the kaolin may be derived from a crude kaolin having a Fe2O3 content of at least about 1.0% by weight, and optionally comprises titania in an amount of at least about 1.5% by weight. Also disclosed herein are methods of refining the hard kaolins, such as RCC hard kaolins, by dispersing the kaolin with at least one anionic organic dispersant and at least one inorganic dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Garska, Ismail Yildirum, Robert J. Pruett, Johnny W. Larimore
  • Patent number: 7226005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Philip E. Jones, Robert J. Pruett, Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, David O. Cummings, Bomi M. Bilimoria, Robin Wesley
  • Patent number: 7214264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Philip E. Jones, Robert J. Pruett, Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, David O. Cummings, Bomi M. Bilimoria, Robin Wesley
  • Patent number: 7208039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Philip E. Jones, Robert J. Pruett, Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, David O. Cummings, Bomi M. Bilimoria, Robin Wesley
  • Patent number: 7122080
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of beneficiating and dewatering kaolin clays. The product of the improved process is a brightened, dewatered kaolin, suitable for use in pigments and paper coating compositions. The improved beneficiation process provides refined kaolin for pigments and other purposes of the same or better quality as prior art processes, but with the use of fewer steps and materials, at significant cost and environmental savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventors: Robert J. Pruett, Jun Yuan, Christopher R. L. Golley, Michael J. Garska
  • Publication number: 20030141224
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of beneficiating and dewatering kaolin clays. The product of the improved process is a brightened, dewatered kaolin, suitable for use in pigments and paper coating compositions. The improved beneficiation process provides refined kaolin for pigments and other purposes of the same or better quality as prior art processes, but with the use of fewer steps and materials, at significant cost and environmental savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Imerys Pigments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Pruett, Jun Yuan, Christopher R.L. Golley, Michael J. Garska
  • Publication number: 20030085012
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrous kaolin product having improved optical properties, for example, when used in the production of paper products. The present invention comprises an improved barrier coating for paper and a method of making the coated paper. The present invention also comprises an improved method from making filled and coated paper products. The present invention uses a composition comprising kaolin having a shape factor of at least about 70:1, such as at least about 80:1 or at least about 100:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: J. Philip E. Jones, Robert J. Pruett, Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, David O. Cummings, Bomi M. Bilimoria, Robin Wesley
  • Patent number: 6068693
    Abstract: A method of enhancing the brightness and increasing the yield of a kaolin clay by optimizing the removal of the titania and mica impurities in the clay and the amount of clay remaining in the slurry is disclosed. The method is a selective flocculation process wherein the clay is blunged, dispersed, and conditioned before flocculation. In the flocculation step, a high molecular weight anionic polymer and a low molecular weight anionic polymer, such as sodium polyacrylate, are added to the slurry after the conditioning process, whereby the titania-mica enriched flocs are separated from the suspension which is enriched with kaolin. This final kaolin product has titania levels ranging from 0.1% to 0.5%, a reduced mica level, a high usable product yield, and a brightness greater than 89.5 and at least 91.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: ECC International Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Garforth, Robert J. Pruett, Dona L. Archer, Jun Yuan, Michael J. Garska, H. Vince Brown