The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 29, 1977
Filed:
Sep. 11, 1975
Robert G Owen, Huntington Beach, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An apparatus for extracting metals from ore by electrical discharge therethrough which melts the available metallic values into separated nuggets. Pulverized ore, preferably ionized, is supported upon one electrode and subjected to random discharge of electrical current from at least one opposing electrode. In one form, the ore contacts the opposing electrodes so that the ever changing paths of least resistance conduct the current therebetween to create the smelting heat. In another form, a multiplicity of closely spaced electrode points are spaced from the ore so that ever changing paths of least resistance 'spikes' arc therebetween to create the smelting heat. This method is preferably protectively conducted between closely related electrodes contacting the ore therebetween, and/or in an inert environment or immersed in a fluid. The electrical energy is intermittely applied at frequencies best suited to react efficiently on the ore involved, and the processing of ore and resultant production of solid fused metals is preferably continuous with the use of conveyor means delivering the same from the electrodes.