Patents by Inventor Robert K. Bates

Robert K. Bates 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).

  • Electrode cap with integral tank cover for acid mist collection
    Patent number: 5609738
    Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Murray, Michael R. Nees, William P. Imrie, Christopher C. Rayner, Chris L. Pfalzgraff, Robert K. Bates, Valmer H. Ness, Terrance J. Cox
  • Electrode cap with integral tank cover for acid mist collection
    Patent number: 5470445
    Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Murray, Michael R. Nees, William P. Imrie, Christopher C. Rayner, Chris L. Pfalzgraff, Robert K. Bates, Valmer H. Ness, Terrance J. Cox