US4387019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aluminum can reclamation method
Assignee: Reynolds Metals Co
•
Filing: 1982-01-05
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Granted: 1983-06-07
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Expires: 2002-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A method for reclaiming aluminum cans from municipal refuse is disclosed. The method includes a first screening operation to remove materials substantially larger than the cans, a second screening operation to remove material substantially smaller than the cans, a magnetic separation to remove ferrous metals, a friction-gravity separation to remove lightweight materials, an air separation to remove heavy materials and a final reclamation of aluminum cans.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth H. Dale
- 👤 Walter G. Ludwig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:33
CPC Classifications
B; B07; B07B; B07B9/00; B03; B03B; B03B9/00; B03B9/06; B03B9/061; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W30/00; Y02W30/50; Y02W30/52; Y10; Y10S; Y10S209/00; Y10S209/93
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of reclaiming cans from waste material comprising screening said waste material to produce a large material fraction and a first remainder fraction, screening said first remainder fraction to produce a small material fraction and a second remainder fraction, magnetically classifying said second remainder fraction to produce a magnetic fraction and a third remainder fraction, gravitationally and frictionally classifying said third remainder fraction to produce a light material fraction and a fourth remainder fraction, air classifying said fourth remainder fraction to produce a heavy material fraction and a fifth remainder fraction and finally classifying said fifth remainder fraction to produce an aluminum can fraction and a final remainder fraction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said finally classifying comprises hand picking.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said finally classifying comprises eddy current separating.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising employing at least one of said large material fraction, said light material fraction, said heavy material fraction and/or said final remainder fraction as fuel for a facility employing said method.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said screenings are each accomplished in a trommel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said magnetic classifying is accomplished by means of an overhead magnetic belt.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said gravitational and frictional classifying is accomplished by means of a friction slide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said air classifying is accomplished by means of an air knife.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising classifying said small material fraction to recover glass, coins and/or magnetics.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said small material friction classifying is accomplished in a water cyclone.
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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) | 1986-06-06 | 1986-12-06 | 1987-06-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-06-06 | 1990-12-06 | 1991-06-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-06-06 | 1994-12-06 | 1995-06-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |