Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1983-1985
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Ralph D. Heifner
Introduction
Ralph D. Heifner, located in Rockville, Indiana, is an esteemed inventor known for his significant contributions to metal recovery technologies. With a total of two patents to his name, Heifner has pioneered methods that enhance the efficiency of recovering aluminum from metal-bearing dross, an essential process in metallurgy.
Latest Patents
Heifner's latest patents include a "Metal Recovery Compression Mechanism" and a "Metal Recovery Process from Aluminum Dross." Both inventions utilize a trough for dross collection, with a wedge member that compresses the dross. This innovative approach allows for the decanting of metal from the compressed dross, enhancing recovery rates significantly. The mechanism cools the dross material during the process, thereby reducing metal loss due to thermite reactions. Remarkably, the improved method boasts a recovery rate of about 95% of aluminum metal from dross that contains approximately 70% aluminum, a substantial improvement over prior art techniques that achieved around 50% recovery.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Ralph D. Heifner has worked with reputable companies, including the Anaconda Company and Atlantic Richfield Company. His experiences in these industries have contributed to his understanding and subsequent innovations in metal recovery.
Collaborations
In his journey as an inventor, Heifner has worked alongside notable colleagues such as David J. Roth and Lawrence R. Culler. Their collaborations have further enriched the development and implementation of effective metal recovery solutions.
Conclusion
Ralph D. Heifner's innovative patents have made a significant impact on the field of metallurgy, particularly in the recovery of aluminum. With a combination of his expertise and collaborative efforts, he continues to lead advancements that improve recycling processes and efficiency in the industry. His work serves as an inspiration for future inventors and a testament to the importance of innovation in addressing industrial challenges.