Method and apparatus for recovering germanium from optic fibers
US10792668B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W30/62
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for processing strands of optic fiber in which a box containing one or more pairs of wheels either crush, cut or bend and break the strands of optic fiber before being transported to a separator. The separator can be positioned to deposit material onto a conveyor belt, into a storage container or into a separate structure known as a step-cleaner. The box can contain a pair of cutting and anvil wheels, a pair of drive wheels or a pair of wheels featuring teeth that cut, crush or bend the strands of optic fiber prior to a suction force removing them from the box and transporting them to the separator. A step cleaner contains one or more rotating wheels with tines that agitate and move the cut, broken or crushed fibers. The suction force is created by a blower operably connected to a passage that communicates with the separator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.