Patents by Inventor Vincent C. Ward

Vincent C. Ward 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).

  • Water jet abrasive recycling apparatus and method
    Patent number: 6805618
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to an abrasive recovery apparatus for use in conjunction with the slurry generated by water jet cutting or conditioning operations. The generated slurry is comprised of both non-recyclable fines and recyclable particles. The abrasive recovery apparatus comprises a slurry intake system having one or more pumps which collect and distribute slurry. The abrasive recovery apparatus further comprises a vibrating separator having a filter sized and shaped such that the non-recyclable fines in the slurry are separated from the recyclable particles in the slurry. The abrasive recovery apparatus still further comprises a fluidized bed dryer having heating elements to dry the recyclable particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Zuluboy, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent C. Ward, Mark V. Ward, Bryce D. Ward
  • Method for recovering metallics and non-metallics from spent catalysts
    Patent number: 5030274
    Abstract: An electric arc furnace includes a crucible having a metal shell for recovering precious metals from spent material. The shell includes a metal tap hole and a slag door positioned above and opposite the metal tap hole. A removable swinging roof is provided above the crucible together with a plurality of electodes for heating the spent material. Also, a cooling band circumscribes the crucible for cooling the metal shell. Conveyors are provided for distributing the spent material at a plurality of points located between the electrodes and the wall of the crucible. The crucible is tilted to allow the removal of the slag and metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Vincent C. Ward
  • Conveyor residue removal apparatus
    Patent number: 4938866
    Abstract: An electric arc furnace includes a crucible having a metal shell for recovering precious metals from spent material. The shell includes a metal tap hole and a slag door positioned above and opposite the metal tap hole. A removable swinging roof is provided above the crucible together with a plurality of electrodes for heating the spent material. Also, a cooling band circumscribes the crucible for cooling the metal shell. Conveyors are provided for distributing the spent material at a plurality of points located between the electrodes and the wall of the crucible. The crucible is tilted to allow the removal of the slag and metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Vincent C. Ward
  • Apparatus for recovery of metallics and non-metallics from spent catalysts
    Patent number: 4870655
    Abstract: An electric arc furnace includes a crucible having a metal shell for recovering precious metals from spent material. The shell includes a metal tap hole and a slag door positioned above and opposite the metal tap hole. A removable swinging roof is provided above the crucible together with a plurality of electrodes for heating the spent material. Also, a cooling band circumscribes the crucible for cooling the metal shell. Conveyors are provided for distributing the spent material at a plurality of points located between the electrodes and the wall of the crucible. The crucible is tilted to allow the removal of the slag and metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Vincent C. Ward