This inventor holds 4 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: USA as Represented by Secretary of the Navy. Active years: 1986-2000.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1986-2000
Title: The Innovative Contributions of Robert A. Weinhardt
Introduction
Robert A. Weinhardt is a notable inventor based in Ridgecrest, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the development of innovative methods for producing prills from oxidizing salts of ammonia. With a total of 4 patents to his name, Weinhardt's work has implications for various applications in the industry.
Latest Patents
Weinhardt's latest patents include an "Apparatus for prilling an oxidizing salt of ammonia." This invention describes a process where prills of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) are prepared by melting the salt with a stabilizer. The molten salt is injected into an inert, perfluorinated carrier liquid, which is initially above the solidification temperature of the salt. The process involves turbulent flow through a heated conduit, where stationary vanes disperse the salt into droplets. The liquid and salt then pass through a cooled conduit for solidification into prills without agglomeration. The prills are separated from the liquid by flotation, and any liquid carried with the prills is recycled.
Another significant patent by Weinhardt involves "Prilling by introduction of a molten liquid into a carrier liquid." In this method, prills are prepared by melting a salt and introducing the molten salt into a carrier liquid. The oxidizing salts of ammonia, such as ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium dinitramide (ADN), are melted with a stabilizer and introduced into the carrier liquid under dry nitrogen pressure. This process can be executed in two embodiments, one where the carrier liquid is quiescent and below the salt solidification temperature, and another where the carrier liquid is initially above the solidification temperature.
Career Highlights
Weinhardt's career is marked by his innovative approaches to chemical processes and his contributions to the field of prilling technology. His work has been recognized for its potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of producing prills, which are essential in various applications, including propellants and fertilizers.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Weinhardt has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Stanley E. Wood and Allen J. Lindfors. These collaborations have further enriched his work and contributed to the advancements in the technologies he has developed.
Conclusion