Patents by Inventor Robert L. Wilhelm

Robert L. Wilhelm 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).

  • Anodic protection systems and methods
    Patent number: 6998029
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Michael S. Moats, Carl W. Brown, Jr., Robert L. Wilhelm, Edward M. Halko, Zane A. Wade
  • Anodic protection systems and methods
    Publication number: 20030066759
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Michael S. Moats, Carl W. Brown, Robert L. Wilhelm, Edward M. Halko, Zane A. Wade
  • Spiral feed and discharge manifold for electrolytic cells
    Publication number: 20020005362
    Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell can include, as a manifold, a spiral manifold assembly. This spiral manifold assembly will comprise a first outer assembly member, a second outer assembly member and a center assembly member. The overall structure can provide reduced loss of metal or gas and minimal loss of electrical current during an electrolytic process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Applicant: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Wilhelm, William A. Nutter
  • Spiral feed and discharge manifold for electrolytic cells
    Patent number: 6328863
    Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell can include, as a manifold, a spiral manifold assembly. This spiral manifold assembly will comprise a first outer assembly member, a second outer assembly member and a center assembly member. The overall structure can provide reduced loss of metal or gas and minimal loss of electrical current during an electrolytic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Robert L. Wilhelm, William A. Nutter