FREEPORT-MCMORAN COPPER & GOLD INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100263490 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RECOVERING RHENIUM FROM A COPPER LEACH - Various embodiments provide new methods of rhenium recovery. The methods can include subjecting a metal-bearing solution to an activated carbon bed, and adsorbing rhenium onto the activated carbon. The methods can also include heating a basic aqueous elution solution and eluting the rhenium from the activated carbon with the heated elution solution. | 10-21-2010 |
20100127853 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING AND TRACKING OBJECTS IN A MINING ENVIRONMENT - Methods and apparatus for locating and tracking objects in a mining environment are disclosed that include selecting an operational area within which the locations of a plurality of objects are to be determined and tracked over time. Radio transceiver systems and associated display systems provided to the plurality objects are operated to form an ad-hoc, peer-to-peer network. The relative positions of the various objects are determined by measuring the time-of-flight of radio signals exchanged between various ones of the radio transceiver systems and analyzing the time-of-flight of such exchanged radio signals. The relative positions of at least some of the objects within the operational area are then displayed on the display system. | 05-27-2010 |
20100026577 | RADIO-BASED POSITION LOCATION SYSTEMS, ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS, AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING ANTENNA CONFIGURATIONS - A radio-based position location system for determining a relative position of a first object with respect to a second object may include a first radio operatively associated with the first object. A first directional antenna having at least a high gain region is mounted to the second object so that the high gain region is directed generally outwardly from the second object and defines a first detection zone. A second directional antenna having at least a high gain region is also mounted to the second object and is oriented so that the high gain region is also directed generally outwardly and defines a second detection zone. A second radio connected to the first and second directional antennas exchanges radio signals with at least the first radio to determine the relative position of the first object with respect to the second object at least in part by determining a time-of-flight of a radio signal. The radio signals are primarily exchanged via the first directional antenna when the first object is in the first detection zone, whereas the radio signals are primarily exchanged via the second directional antenna when the first object is in the second detection zone. | 02-04-2010 |
20090293252 | METHOD FOR RETROFITTING AN EXISTING IDLER ASSEMBLY - A method for retrofitting a piece of equipment having a flexible track assembly is disclosed and may include disassembling an existing idler shaft from an idler gear and from at least one bearing block attached to the piece of equipment. The method may also include attaching a sleeve within the opening of the idler gear. A new idler shaft may then be positioned within an opening of at least one of the bearing blocks and within an opening in the sleeve. The new idler shaft and idler gear being configured such that the new idler shaft, idler gear, and sleeve rotate together. The method may then include placing at least one bushing liner within the opening of at least one bearing block and attaching a retaining device to at least one end of the new idler shaft to retain the new idler shaft axially. | 12-03-2009 |