Patents by Inventor Richard H. Eaman

Richard H. Eaman 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 detoxifying cyanide-containing water
    Patent number: 5264192
    Abstract: A method for treating cyanide-contaminated water in order to remove dissolved (e.g. free) cyanide (HCN and/or CN.sup.-) therefrom. Cyanide-contaminated water is a significant problem in the gold processing industry wherein cyanide compounds are used to remove gold from ore. The remaining cyanide solution after gold extraction is treated to reduce free cyanide levels therein by combining the solution with a crystalline waste by-product of the metal galvanizing industry having the following formula: (Fe.multidot.Zn)SO.sub.4 .multidot.7H.sub.2 O. This material preferably has a zinc content of about 1-14% by weight, and is added to the water in an amount equal to about 1-5 pounds per ton of ore being processed. As a result, a stable, solid, non-toxic complex is produced from the toxic free cyanide materials. This is accomplished without the generation of harmful acids, heavy metals, excessive iron levels or other undesired by-products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Thomas C. Shutt, Richard H. Eaman