US3932284A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Barrel shaped mercury separator with spoked agitator
Assignee: Teck Metals Ltd
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Filing: 1975-01-06
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Granted: 1976-01-13
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Expires: 1995-01-06
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for separating mercury from mercury containing material is disclosed. Apparatus comprises a closed horizontal generally barrelshaped vessel having ports for charging the vessel and for discharging the mercury and the treated residue, and agitating means. The vessel has opposed conical sections and a central cylindrical section. The agitating means comprises a rotatable spindle coaxially extending within the vessel and provided with a plurality of spokes varying in length to conform with the shape of the vessel. Preferably the spokes are provided with knife-like tips and they may be arranged in rows, the spokes in each row being off-set from the spokes in the next row except for those in the central cylindrical section.
Inventors
- 👤 Fred Ellsworth Howe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:49
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22B; C22B43/00; B; B01; B01D; B01D21/00; B01D21/0018; B01D21/02; B01D21/24; B01D21/2427; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
Apparatus for separating mercury from mercury containing material comprising a closed horizontal generally barrel-shaped vessel, having opposed conical end sections and a central cylindrical section, and provided with ports for charging the vessel, and for discharging the mercury and the treated residue, agitating means comprising a rotatable spindle coaxially extending within said vessel, and provided with a plurality of spokes, said spokes being arranged in rows, said rows of spokes being parallel to each other and equally spaced along the length of the spindle, each row having at least four spokes equiangularly positioned about the circumference of the spindle, the spokes in each row being off-set from the spokes in the next row except for those in the central cylindrical section which are not off-set, said spokes being of equal length in each row, but of different lengths in different rows, such that a constant distance exists between the free ends of each of the spokes and the inner wall of the vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
Apparatus for separating mercury from mercury containing material comprising a closed horizontal generally barrel-shaped vessel, having opposed conical end sections and a central cylindrical section, and provided with ports for charging the vessel, and for discharging the mercury and the treated residue, agitating means comprising a rotatable spindle coaxially extending within said vessel, and provided with a plurality of spokes, said spokes being arranged in rows, said rows of spokes being parallel to each other and equally spaced along the length of the spindle, each row having at least four spokes equiangularly positioned about the circumference of the spindle, the spokes in each row being off-set from the spokes in the next row except for those in the central cylindrical section which are not off-set, said spokes being of equal length in each row, but of different lengths in different rows, such that a constant distance exists between the free ends of each of the spokes and the inner wall of the vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the three centre rows have eight spokes, and the remaining rows each have six spokes, wherein the spokes of each row are off-set 30° from those of the next row.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spokes are provided with knife-like tips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the knife-like tips are adapted to be attached to the spoke without detaching the spoke from the spindle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the knife-like tips are adapted to be detached from the spoke without detaching the spoke from the spindle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the knife-like tips are fabricated from wear-resistant material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the knife-like tips are fabricated from wear-resistant material.
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) | 1979-01-12 | 1979-07-14 | 1980-01-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-01-12 | 1983-07-14 | 1984-01-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-01-12 | 1987-07-14 | 1988-01-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |