Patents by Inventor Sean P. Premeau

Sean P. Premeau 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).

  • Materials and method for the biological production of sulfuric acid
    Patent number: 6790418
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the biological production of sulfuric acid are provided. The invention utilizes a pile containing a sulfur material, an acidophilic microbe and, preferably, a packing material. The pile is aerated and contacted with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau, Janet M. Cassells
  • Materials and method for the biological production of sulfuric acid
    Publication number: 20040086450
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the biological production of sulfuric acid are provided. The invention utilizes a pile containing a sulfur material, an acidophilic microbe and, preferably, a packing material. The pile is aerated and contacted with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: PHILLIPS PETROLEUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau, Janet M. Cassells
  • Method for the microbiological production of sulfuric acid
    Patent number: 6610268
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the biological production of sulfuric acid are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau, Janet M. Cassells
  • Methods for leaching of ores
    Publication number: 20030075021
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are efficient methods for leaching minerals from ores using an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid. Additional factors which can improve mineral recovery include the use of an alkali metal halide, grinding the ore, addition of a carbon source, and/or adjustment of the temperature at which the process is carried out. Minerals such as titanium, iron, nickel, colbalt, silver and gold may be recovered by the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau
  • Methods for leaching of ores
    Patent number: 6471743
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are efficient methods for leaching minerals from ores using an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid. Additional factors which can improve mineral recovery include the use of an alkali metal halide, grinding the ore, addition of a carbon source, and/or, adjustment of the temperature at which the process is carried out. Minerals such as titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, silver and gold may be recovered by the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: MBX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau
  • Carbon catalyzed leaching of metal-containing ores
    Patent number: 6139602
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is an efficient process for extraction of metals from ores using carbon catalyzed leaching. Specifically exemplified is the extraction of cobalt and nickel from laterite ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: James E. Sharp, Kevin L. Stuffle, Sean P. Premeau