Patents by Inventor Rudolph S. Higgins

Rudolph S. Higgins 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: 4418960
    Abstract: Solution mining method particularly adapted for recovery of potash and the like from multiple beds of relatively thin, inclined strata at substantial depths. Dissolution of each ore strata overlain by an insoluble and impermeable strata takes place through a single borehole in sequential order beginning with the deepest ore strata. Water is injected down a borehole at a predetermined rate and, being much less dense than present brine, flows in an updip direction along the top of the cavity to the forward mining face remote from the drill hole. Loaded, heavy brine flows downdip along the bottom of the cavity to an outflow pipe communicating with the bottom of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Texasgulf Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph S. Higgins
  • Patent number: 4411474
    Abstract: Solution mining method particularly adapted for recovery of potash and the like from relatively thin, inclined strata at substantial depths and involving the dissolution of ore strata, overlain by insoluble strata, while leaving the remainder of the formation in place. Water is injected down a bore hole at a predetermined rate and, being much less dense than present brine, flows in an updip direction along the top of the cavity to a forward mining face remote from the drill hole. Loaded, heavy brine flows downdip along the bottom of the stratum to an outflow pipe communicating with the bottom of the bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Texasgulf Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph S. Higgins