Patents by Inventor Charles E. Lutz

Charles E. Lutz 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: 5105876
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for driving inspection probes through steam generator tubes of a nuclear power plant, particularly eddy current probes. The system utilizes a single conduit that is connectable to the tube sheet of a steam generator and comprises a multiple-unit probe pusher having a housing containing a plurality of independently actuable drive paths, a multiple-unit probe storage device including a plurality of independently movable take-up reels, and a guide or deflector device for directing any one probe that is driven from any one of the drive paths of the probe pusher to the single conduit. Preferably, the entire system is also remotely controllable. The system enables one probe to be in use for tube inspection while providing readily available spare probes to replace a defective probe with a minimum of downtime and worker radiation exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert D. Burack, William C. Ritz, Charles E. Lutz