US4299683A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for efficient transfer of powdered ore
Assignee: Alcoa Corp
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Filing: 1980-07-17
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Granted: 1981-11-10
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Expires: 2000-07-17
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for transferring powdered ore from a storage tank to a bin associated with an electrolytic cell. The cell defines a chamber containing an electrolyte and includes means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber. The apparatus comprises a fluidizing conveyor for conveying powdered ore from a storage tank to the bin, a first vent interconnecting the conveyor and bin and a second vent interconnecting the bin and chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a source of pressurized gas causes ore to flow through the conveyor, and the apparatus further comprises a pressure switch for closing the source in response to a buildup of fluid pressure in the conveyor. Another preferred feature is a fluidizing pad inside a conduit connecting the storage tank to the conveyor.
Inventors
- 👤 Vincent C. Adorno
- 👤 Elizabeth A. Fessenden
- 👤 Stephen R. Barr
- 👤 Zebulon T. Gibson, Jr.
- 👤 John P. Carroll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:50
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25C; C25C3/00; C25C3/06; C25C3/14; B; B65; B65G; B65G53/00; B65G53/34; B65G53/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
In combination with an electrolytic cell system comprising a chamber containing an electrolyte, a bin for storing powdered ore, means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber and a storage tank spaced from the bin for holding ore prior to transfer to the bin; apparatus for efficient transfer of powdered ore from the storage tank to the bin, said apparatus comprising a fluidizing conveyor for conveying powdered ore from the storage tank to the bin; a first vent for relieving fluid pressure from the conveyor, said first vent interconnecting the conveyor and the bin; and a second vent for relieving fluid pressure from the bin, said second vent interconnecting the bin and the chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
In combination with an electrolytic cell system comprising a chamber containing an electrolyte, a bin for storing powdered ore, means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber and a storage tank spaced from the bin for holding ore prior to transfer to the bin; apparatus for efficient transfer of powdered ore from the storage tank to the bin, said apparatus comprising a fluidizing conveyor for conveying powdered ore from the storage tank to the bin; a first vent for relieving fluid pressure from the conveyor, said first vent interconnecting the conveyor and the bin; and a second vent for relieving fluid pressure from the bin, said second vent interconnecting the bin and the chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first vent has a downwardly opening upper terminus in the conveyor and a lower terminus in the bin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said chamber further contains a space above the electrolyte and wherein said second vent interconnects the bin and the space above the electrolyte.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said second vent has a downwardly opening upper terminus in the bin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluidizing conveyor includes a source of pressurized gas and further comprising control means for opening and closing said source, said control means including a timer for closing said source at a preselected time interval after said source is opened.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said control means further comprises a pressure switch for closing said source in response to a predetermined fluid pressure in said conveyor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said control means includes a timing relay switch for closing said source a preselected time interval after the pressure switch is activated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said predetermined fluid pressure is about 10 to 15 inches of water.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluidizing conveyor includes a source of pressurized gas, said apparatus further comprising a pressure switch for closing said source in response to a predetermined fluid pressure in said conveyor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage tank is spaced upwardly of the conveyor and a conduit connects the storage tank to the conveyor, said apparatus further comprising a fluidizing pad inside said conduit for assisting transfer of powdered ore from said storage tank to said conveyor without obstructing said conduit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ore is powdered alumina having a continuous distribution of particle sizes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
138 words
In combination with an electrolytic cell system comprising a chamber containing an electrolyte, a bin for storing ore, means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber and a storage tank spaced from the bin for holding ore prior to transfer to the bin; apparatus for efficient transfer of powdered ore from the storage tank to the bin, said apparatus comprising a fluidizing conveyor for conveying ore from the storage tank to the bin, said conveyor including a source of pressurized gas; a conduit connecting the storage tank to the conveyor; a fluidizing pad inside said conduit for assisting transfer of ore from the storage tank to the conveyor without obstructing the conduit; and a pressure switch connected to the conveyor for shutting off the source of pressurized gas in response to a predetermined fluid pressure therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
138 words
In combination with an electrolytic cell system comprising a chamber containing an electrolyte, a bin for storing ore, means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber and a storage tank spaced from the bin for holding ore prior to transfer to the bin; apparatus for efficient transfer of powdered ore from the storage tank to the bin, said apparatus comprising a fluidizing conveyor for conveying ore from the storage tank to the bin, said conveyor including a source of pressurized gas; a conduit connecting the storage tank to the conveyor; a fluidizing pad inside said conduit for assisting transfer of ore from the storage tank to the conveyor without obstructing the conduit; and a pressure switch connected to the conveyor for shutting off the source of pressurized gas in response to a predetermined fluid pressure therein.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for transferring powdered ore to a bin in an electrolytic cell system from a storage tank spaced from the bin, said cell system including a chamber containing an electrolyte, a bin for storing ore proximal to the chamber, means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber and a storage tank spaced from the bin for holding ore prior to transfer to the bin, said method comprising the steps of conveying ore in a fluidizing conveyor from the storage tank to the bin; relieving excess fluid pressure in the conveyor by means of a first vent interconnecting the conveyor and the bin; and relieving excess fluid pressure from the bin by means of a second vent interconnecting the bin and the chamber.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for transferring powdered ore to a bin in an electrolytic cell system from a storage tank spaced from the bin, said cell system including a chamber containing an electrolyte, a bin for storing ore proximal to the chamber, means for transferring ore from the bin to the chamber and a storage tank spaced from the bin for holding ore prior to transfer to the bin, said method comprising the steps of conveying ore in a fluidizing conveyor from the storage tank to the bin; relieving excess fluid pressure in the conveyor by means of a first vent interconnecting the conveyor and the bin; and relieving excess fluid pressure from the bin by means of a second vent interconnecting the bin and the chamber.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 13 wherein a conduit connects the storage tank to the conveyor, and further comprising the step of fluidizing ore in the conduit by means of a fluidizing pad.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of sensing fluid pressure in the conveyor; and shutting off the conveyor in response to a predetermined fluid pressure therein.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-11-09 | 1985-05-11 | 1985-11-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-11-09 | 1989-05-11 | 1989-11-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-11-09 | 1993-05-11 | 1993-11-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |