Patents by Inventor Christopher P. Oertel

Christopher P. Oertel 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: 9683976
    Abstract: Containers for a fluid sample containing a radionuclide for measurement of radiation from the radionuclide include an outer shell having one or more ports between an interior and an exterior of the outer shell, and an inner shell secured to the outer shell. The inner shell includes a detector receptacle sized for at least partial insertion into the outer shell. The inner shell and outer shell together at least partially define a fluid sample space. The outer shell and inner shell are configured for maintaining an operating pressure within the fluid sample space of at least about 1000 psi. Systems for measuring radioactivity in a fluid include such a container and a radiation detector received at least partially within the detector receptacle. Methods of measuring radioactivity in a fluid sample include maintaining a pressure of a fluid sample within a Marinelli-type container at least at about 1000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC.
    Inventors: Nicholas R Mann, Matthew G Watrous, Christopher P Oertel, Christopher A McGrath
  • Publication number: 20160047785
    Abstract: Containers for a fluid sample containing a radionuclide for measurement of radiation from the radionuclide include an outer shell having one or more ports between and interior and an exterior of the outer shell, and an inner shell secured to the outer shell. The inner shell includes a detector receptacle sized for at least partial insertion into the outer shell. The inner shell and outer shell together at least partially define a fluid sample space. The outer shell and inner shell are configured for maintaining an operating pressure within the fluid sample space of at least about 1000 psi. Systems for measuring radioactivity in a fluid include such a container and a radiation detector received at least partially within the detector receptacle. Methods of measuring radioactivity in a fluid sample include maintaining a pressure of a fluid sample within a Marinelli-type container at least at about 1000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: NICHOLAS R. MANN, MATTHEW G. WATROUS, CHRISTOPHER P. OERTEL, CHRISTOPHER A. McGRATH
  • Patent number: 7923692
    Abstract: A device for collection of radionuclides includes a mixture of a polymer, a fluorescent organic scintillator and a chemical extractant. A radionuclide detector system includes a collection device comprising a mixture of a polymer, a fluorescent agent and a selective ligand. The system includes at least one photomultiplier tube (PMT). A method of detecting radionuclides includes providing a collector device comprising a mixture comprising a polymer, a fluorescent organic scintillator and a chemical extractant. An aqueous environment is exposed to the device and radionuclides are collected from the environment. Radionuclides can be concentrated within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Troy J. Tranter, Christopher P. Oertel, John R. Giles, Nicholas R. Mann, Michael E. McIlwain
  • Publication number: 20100084561
    Abstract: A device for collection of radionuclides includes a mixture of a polymer, a fluorescent organic scintillator and a chemical extractant. A radionuclide detector system includes a collection device comprising a mixture of a polymer, a fluorescent agent and a selective ligand. The system includes at least one photomultiplier tube (PMT). A method of detecting radionuclides includes providing a collector device comprising a mixture comprising a polymer, a fluorescent organic scintillator and a chemical extractant. An aqueous environment is exposed to the device and radionuclides are collected from the environment. Radionuclides can be concentrated within the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: TROY J. TRANTER, CHRISTOPHER P. OERTEL, JOHN R. GILES, NICHOLAS R. MANN, MICHAEL E. MCILWAIN
  • Patent number: 5067820
    Abstract: A circuit for measuring temperature differentials in a calorimeter is disclosed. The temperature differential between the reference element and sample element containing a radioactive material is measured via a wheatstone bridge arrangement of thermistors. The bridge is driven with an alternating current on a pulsed basis to maintain the thermal floor of the calorimeter at a low reference value. A lock-in amplifier connected to the bridge phase locks a signal from the bridge to the input pulsed AC signal to provide a DC voltage. The DC voltage is sampled over time and provided to a digital computer. The digital computer, using curve fitting algorithms, will derive a function for the sample data. From the function, an equilibrium value for the temperature may be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas P. Donohoue, Christopher P. Oertel, William H. Tyree, Joe L. Valdez