Patents by Inventor Robert G. Whittemore

Robert G. Whittemore 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: 4229422
    Abstract: In a process according to the present invention uranium is extracted into solution from its ore by leaching with an aqueous solution containing peroxomonosulphuric acid, the peroxoacid oxidizing the uranium through to its hexavalent state. Preferably the leaching is carried out at a temperature in the range of 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. The leach liquor can initially contain additional amounts of sulphuric acid or merely that present by virtue of the method of making the peroxomonosulphuric acid. In a preferred method of operation, the peroxoacid is introduced progressively into the leach liquor during the course of the leaching so as to maintain an electrochemical potential in the range of 450 to 650 mV.By use of the process, uranium is cleanly extracted into solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Interox Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: James W. Covington, Robert G. Whittemore