Patents by Inventor Carl W. Prather

Carl W. Prather has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9266045
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a strainer system comprising a plurality of strainer modules, each of which comprises multiple cassettes or cartridges assembled together in a prescribed arrangement. In the strainer system constructed in accordance with the present invention, the “clean” sides of the strainer modules are fluidly connected to each other by a plenum duct which also has a suction pump fluidly coupled thereto. Integrated into the plenum duct is a pressure released membrane (PRM) which is positioned so as to effectively isolate one of the strainer modules from the remaining active strainer modules included in the strainer system. The pressure released membrane is uniquely configured so as to facilitate the activation of the isolated strainer module when pressure across the plenum duct increases beyond a prescribed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaw Kielbowicz, Carl W. Prather
  • Patent number: 9233324
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an increased efficiency strainer system which is particularly suited for use in the emergency core cooling system of a nuclear power plant. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the strainer system includes one or more strainer cassettes or cartridges, with each such cassette or cartridge including a plurality of strainer pockets disposed in side-by-side relation to each other. In these embodiments, multiple cassettes or cartridges may be assembled together to form a strainer module of the strainer system. The strainer pockets of the cartridge each define an inflow end. Within the cartridge, or the module including multiple cartridges, the inflow ends of one or more of the strainer pockets may be enclosed by an elastic metal membrane. When in a closed position, the membrane prevents liquid flow into the corresponding strainer pocket via the inflow end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanislaw Kielbowicz, Carl W. Prather
  • Publication number: 20110084008
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an increased efficiency strainer system which is particularly suited for use in the emergency core cooling system of a nuclear power plant. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the strainer system includes one or more strainer cassettes or cartridges, with each such cassette or cartridge including a plurality of strainer pockets disposed in side-by-side relation to each other. In these embodiments, multiple cassettes or cartridges may be assembled together to form a strainer module of the strainer system. The strainer pockets of the cartridge each define an inflow end. Within the cartridge, or the module including multiple cartridges, the inflow ends of one or more of the strainer pockets may be enclosed by an elastic metal membrane. When in a closed position, the membrane prevents liquid flow into the corresponding strainer pocket via the inflow end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: STANISLAW KIELBOWICZ, Carl W. Prather
  • Publication number: 20110084009
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a strainer system comprising a plurality of strainer modules, each of which comprises multiple cassettes or cartridges assembled together in a prescribed arrangement. In the strainer system constructed in accordance with the present invention, the “clean” sides of the strainer modules are fluidly connected to each other by a plenum duct which also has a suction pump fluidly coupled thereto. Integrated into the plenum duct is a pressure released membrane (PRM) which is positioned so as to effectively isolate one of the strainer modules from the remaining active strainer modules included in the strainer system. The pressure released membrane is uniquely configured so as to facilitate the activation of the isolated strainer module when pressure across the plenum duct increases beyond a prescribed threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Stanislaw Kielbowicz, Carl W. Prather