Patents by Inventor Peter Colombo

Peter Colombo 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: 5926772
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Brookhaven Science Associates LLC
    Inventors: Paul D. Kalb, Peter Colombo
  • Patent number: 5732364
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Kalb, Peter Colombo
  • Patent number: 5678234
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for encapsulating and stabilizing radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes in a modified sulfur cement composition. The waste may be incinerator fly ash or bottom ash including radioactive contaminants, toxic metal salts and other wastes commonly found in refuse. The process may use glass fibers mixed into the composition to improve the tensile strength and a low concentration of anhydrous sodium sulfide to reduce toxic metal solubility. The present invention preferably includes a method for encapsulating radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially anhydrous wastes, molten modified sulfur cement, preferably glass fibers, as well as anhydrous sodium sulfide or calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide in a heated double-planetary orbital mixer. The modified sulfur cement is preheated to about 135.degree..+-.5.degree. C., then the remaining substantially dry components are added and mixed to homogeneity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Associated Universities, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Colombo, Paul D. Kalb, John H. Heiser, III
  • Patent number: 5649323
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and process for disposal of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes. The present invention preferably includes a process for multibarrier encapsulation of radioactive, hazardous and mixed wastes by combining substantially simultaneously dry waste powder, a non-biodegradable thermoplastic polymer and an anhydrous additive in an extruder to form a homogenous molten matrix. The molten matrix may be directed in a "clean" polyethylene liner, allowed to cool, thus forming a monolithic waste form which provides a multibarrier to the dispersion of wastes into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventors: Paul D. Kalb, Peter Colombo
  • Patent number: 4174293
    Abstract: A process for disposing of radioactive aqueous waste solutions whereby the waste solution is utilized as the water of hydration to hydrate densified powdered portland cement in a leakproof container; said waste solution being dispersed without mechanical inter-mixing in situ in said bulk cement, thereafter the hydrated cement body is impregnated with a mixture of a monomer and polymerization catalyst to form polymer throughout the cement body. The entire process being carried out while maintaining the temperature of the components during the process at a temperature below 99.degree. C. The container containing the solid polymer-impregnated body is thereafter stored at a radioactive waste storage dump such as an underground storage dump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1979
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Peter Colombo, Robert M. Neilson, Jr., Walter W. Becker
  • Patent number: 4020003
    Abstract: A method for the fixation of tritium comprising reacting tritiated water with calcium carbide to produce calcium hydroxide and tritiated acetylene, polymerizing the acetylene, and then incorporating the polymer in a solidifying matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Meyer Steinberg, Peter Colombo, Jacob Pruzansky