Patent US3850477A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3850477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Chemical comminution and mining of coal
Assignee: Syracuse University
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Filing: 1973-06-29
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Granted: 1974-11-26
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Expires: 1993-06-29
Abstract
Abstract Coal, whether in a sub-surface stratum or in large lumps as mined by standard means is reduced to fragments by treatment with compounds which weaken interlayer forces at natural interfaces present in the coal. When coal below the earth''s surface is treated with such compounds, the fragments can be suspended in inert gas moving at a sufficiently rapid rate and carried to the surface where the comminuted coal can be collected.
Inventors
- 👤 R Aldrich
- 👤 D Keller
- 👤 R Sawyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:59
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21C; E21C37/00; C; C10; C10L; C10L9/00; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/28; E21B43/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A METHOD OF MINING SUB-SURFACE COAL COMPRISING THE STEPS OF FORMING AT LEAST ONE OPENING INTO A SUB-SURFACE STRATUM OF SOLID COAL, INJECTING INTO SAID SUB-SURFACE STRATUM AN EFFECTIVE AMOUNT OF A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF SUBSTANTIALLY ANHYDROUS LIQUID AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS GASEOUS AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS METHANOL, ANHYDROUS METHANOL CONTAINING ABOUT ONE-FOURTH MOLE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE PER LITER, ANHYDROUS ETHANOL, ANHYDROUS ETHANOL CONTAINING ABOUT ONE-FOURTH MOLE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE PER LITER, ANHDROUS ISOPROPANOL, ANHYDROUS ISOPROPANOL CONTAINING
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
A METHOD OF MINING SUB-SURFACE COAL COMPRISING THE STEPS OF FORMING AT LEAST ONE OPENING INTO A SUB-SURFACE STRATUM OF SOLID COAL, INJECTING INTO SAID SUB-SURFACE STRATUM AN EFFECTIVE AMOUNT OF A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF SUBSTANTIALLY ANHYDROUS LIQUID AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS GASEOUS AMMONIA, ANHYDROUS METHANOL, ANHYDROUS METHANOL CONTAINING ABOUT ONE-FOURTH MOLE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE PER LITER, ANHYDROUS ETHANOL, ANHYDROUS ETHANOL CONTAINING ABOUT ONE-FOURTH MOLE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE PER LITER, ANHDROUS ISOPROPANOL, ANHYDROUS ISOPROPANOL CONTAINING
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said comminuting compound and said inert gas are forced through one of two pipes leading through said opening from the surface to said stratum of coal and said suspension of comminuted coal in inert gas is led to the surface through the other of said pipes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said pipes are essentially concentric.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said comminuting agent is introduced through said opening into said stratum of coal, allowed to remain in contact with said coal for a period sufficient for comminution of said coal, after which said inert gas is introduced to form said suspension and carry said suspension through said opening to the surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of fragmenting said coal in said stratum with a boring-tool.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method of mining sub-surface coal as defined 1n claim 1, wherein said compound is one of the following solutions, the two members of each solution being present in roughly equal volumes, 40 percent methylamine with anhydrous methanol, 70 percent ethylamine with anhydrous ethanol, anhydrous methanol with acetone, anhydrous ethanol with acetone, anhydrous isopropanol with acetone, glacial acetic acid with acetone.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |