Richard A Potts

US Patent:

60592060, May 9, 2000

Filed:

Dec 23, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/771966

Inventors:

Richard A. Potts - East Bethel MN

Assignee:

Mercury Waste Solutions, Inc. - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B02C 1912
B02C 2308

US Classification:

241 2412

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the separation of materials from within fluorescent lamps and other mercury containing commercial elements. The process and apparatus can separate materials of different compositions by non-chemical means into easily treatable segments without causing significant introduction of wastes (especially mercury waste) into the environment during physical separation. This invention operates by repeatedly crushing and breaking the original article (e. g. , the fluorescent lamp) into progressively smaller pieces under controlled circumstances and controlled air pressure so that their various component materials are separately collected and these separately collected components may be individually processed (recycled or purified) without significant introduction of mercury into the environment. The location of venting means and negative air pressure draw path proximally away from the final position of material flow by itself can significantly increase recovery of mercury in the waste stream.

US Patent:

56853351, Nov 11, 1997

Filed:

Oct 30, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/550176

Inventors:

Dennis Sewill - Andover MN
Timothy J. Sullivan - Coon Rapids MN
Richard Potts - East Bethel MN
Bret Robole - North Branch MN
Gregory J. Patten - Woodbury MN
Wade Beauchaine - Champlin MN

International Classification:

F16K 1503
B60C 1912

US Classification:

1375276

Abstract:

A lamp processing machine for separating glass, powder and metal lamp components placed within the machine. The machine may include two generally cylindrical, concentrically mounted screens and a tube concentrically mounted between the screens. The screens may be mounted within an enclosure having separate outlets for the powder, glass and metal.

US Patent:

56830416, Nov 4, 1997

Filed:

May 20, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/246869

Inventors:

Dennis Sewill - Andover MN
Timothy J. Sullivan - Coon Rapids MN
Richard Potts - East Bethel MN
Bret Robole - North Branch MN
Gregory J. Patten - Woodbury MN
Wade Beauchaine - Champlin MN

International Classification:

B02C 1912
B02C 2308

US Classification:

241 19

Abstract:

A lamp processing machine for separating glass, powder and metal lamp components placed within the machine. The machine may include two generally cylindrical, concentrically mounted screens and a tube concentrically mounted between the screens. The screens may be mounted within an enclosure having separate outlets for the powder, glass and metal.