Patents by Inventor David Arguelles
David Arguelles 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).
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Publication number: 20230392362Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a tank system including a gravity tank configured to contain water at atmospheric pressure, a rigid pressurized tank positioned within the gravity tank and configured to contain water at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure, and a piston assembly positioned below the rigid pressurized tank and configured to open and close the rigid pressurized tank. The gravity tank is configured to channel water at atmospheric pressure into a toilet bowl at a first velocity and the rigid pressurized tank is configured to channel water at the pressure greater than atmospheric pressure into the toilet bowl at a second velocity. The second velocity is greater than the first velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: December 7, 2023Applicant: Strategic Water Solutions Holdings, LLCInventors: PAUL MICHAEL GOUDREAU, ANDREW NATHANIEL SMITH, TYLER LORNE HEBIG, MICHAEL WADE STRAWN, JUSTIN MAGOLINE, DAVID ARGUELLES
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Publication number: 20230077807Abstract: Example computer-implemented methods, media, and systems for configuring an energy consuming system are described. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving, for each type of energy of multiple types of energy, data defining a set of parameters related to a capacity of the type of energy for a particular region. The capacity for each type of energy is converted into a common unit of energy using the set of parameters for each type of energy. A determination is made, by evaluating a model using at least on the capacity of two o1r more of the types of energy and a required amount for each of the two or more types of energy, an operational adjustment to one or more components of an energy consuming system that adjusts energy consumption of the one or more components. The one or more components are reconfigured according to the operational adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Vivek Chidambaram, Rami El Debs, Thomas James Beswetherick, David Arguelles Elizondo, Lasse Kari, Christopher Kyle Gardner, Manas Ranjan Satapathy, Varun Bindal, Akrit Kaur
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Patent number: 11351578Abstract: In a submersible ultrasonic cleaning system for use in highly radioactive environments (e.g., cleaning radiated nuclear fuel assemblies), a bond between energy producing transducers and an radiating wall is strengthened with a polyurethane adhesive such as Permabond PT326, or 3M DP-190 adhesive. In various diagnostic tests, one or more of the transducers are operated in an energy-transmitting mode while one or more other transducers are operated in an energy-detecting mode to detect a weakened transducer/wall bond and/or acoustic conditions of the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: David Arguelles, Abby Margaret Pellman, Florian Weber
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Patent number: 11198630Abstract: A modular water purification system for a nuclear power plant includes a plurality of modules that may be selectively connected together directly or through the use of intermediary adapters in a plurality of arrangements. The modules may include a pump module, a FOSAR module, a particulate filtration module, a cross-flow filtration module, a degasification module, and/or a demineralization module, among other possible modules. The modules may have common interfaces so that they can be interconnected (directly or through intermediary adapters) in a variety of configurations for different purposes within the context of the nuclear power plant (e.g., filtering pool water; collecting large objects via vacuuming). Various modules may have form factors and/or mounting structures that are similar enough to the fuel assemblies of the plant that (1) the plant's fuel assembly handling equipment can grab, move, and reposition the modules, and/or (2) the modules may be stored in the fuel pool's storage rack.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David Arguelles, Michael J. Little, Robert D. Varrin, Jr.
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Patent number: 11170904Abstract: A method and system detects failures in nuclear fuel assemblies (600). A water treatment device degasses/removes fission gases from water used in the canister (500) of a vacuum sipping device (30). A sipping procedure then detects a failure in a fuel assembly in the canister. The degassing improves a signal-to-noise ratio of the detector used during the sipping process, and improves the failure detection sensitivity of the system. Additionally and/or alternatively, gas may be recirculated through the canister water before the vacuum is applied so that fission gas concentration in the recirculating gas reaches a baseline equilibrium with the canister water. The vacuum is thereafter applied and the sipping procedure proceeds such that an increase in detected radioactivity over the baseline equilibrium indicates a leak in the fuel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David Arguelles, Robert D. Varrin, Jr.
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Publication number: 20210122653Abstract: A modular water purification system for a nuclear power plant includes a plurality of modules that may be selectively connected together directly or through the use of intermediary adapters in a plurality of arrangements. The modules may include a pump module, a FOSAR module, a particulate filtration module, a cross-flow filtration module, a degasification module, and/or a demineralization module, among other possible modules. The modules may have common interfaces so that they can be interconnected (directly or through intermediary adapters) in a variety of configurations for different purposes within the context of the nuclear power plant (e.g., filtering pool water; collecting large objects via vacuuming). Various modules may have form factors and/or mounting structures that are similar enough to the fuel assemblies of the plant that (1) the plant's fuel assembly handling equipment can grab, move, and reposition the modules, and/or (2) the modules may be stored in the fuel pool's storage rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2018Publication date: April 29, 2021Applicant: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: David ARGUELLES, Michael J. LITTLE, Robert D. VARRIN, JR.
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Publication number: 20190217345Abstract: In a submersible ultrasonic cleaning system for use in highly radioactive environments (e.g., cleaning radiated nuclear fuel assemblies), a bond between energy producing transducers and an radiating wall is strengthened with a polyurethane adhesive such as Permabond PT326, or 3M DP-190 adhesive. In various diagnostic tests, one or more of the transducers are operated in an energy-transmitting mode while one or more other transducers are operated in an energy-detecting mode to detect a weakened transducer/wall bond and/or acoustic conditions of the working fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: David ARGUELLES, Abby Margaret PELLMAN, Florian WEBER
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Patent number: 9767927Abstract: A particulate removal apparatus and method are used to capture and remove particulates from nuclear reactor core coolant during normal operation. Bottom nozzle, particulate removal apparatus and top nozzle structures form an assembly sized to be installed in place of a nuclear fuel assembly. The particulate removal achieved reduces the inventory of corrosion product deposits, foreign objects and other particulates in the reactor coolant system. This in turn reduces activation or deposition of particulates on fuel cladding, with a corresponding improvement in fuel reliability and reduction in ex-core radiation fields.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Robert D. Varrin, Jr., David Arguelles, Michael J. Little
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Publication number: 20170032854Abstract: A method and system detects failures in nuclear fuel assemblies (600). A water treatment device degasses/removes fission gases from water used in the canister (500) of a vacuum sipping device (30). A sipping procedure then detects a failure in a fuel assembly in the canister. The degassing improves a signal-to-noise ratio of the detector used during the sipping process, and improves the failure detection sensitivity of the system. Additionally and/or alternatively, gas may be recirculated through the canister water before the vacuum is applied so that fission gas concentration in the recirculating gas reaches a baseline equilibrium with the canister water. The vacuum is thereafter applied and the sipping procedure proceeds such that an increase in detected radioactivity over the baseline equilibrium indicates a leak in the fuel assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: David ARGUELLES, Robert D. VARRIN, JR.
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Patent number: 8372206Abstract: Provided are a range of ultrasonic cleaning assemblies that include radiating surfaces activated by corresponding arrays of planar transducers configured to increase the power applied to a reduced volume of fluid associated with a fuel assembly, thereby increasing that applied power density for improved cleaning. The individual ultrasonic cleaning assemblies may be arranged in a variety of modules that, in turn, may be combined to increase the length of the cleaning zone and provide variations in the power density applied to improve the cleaning uniformity.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David J. Gross, David Arguelles
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Patent number: 8262806Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Jean Collin, Ryan Jones, Joshua Luszcz, Marc Kreider, Aaron Pellman, Robert D. Varrin, Jr., David Arguelles
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Patent number: 8197602Abstract: A method of in-situ cleaning of a portion of a boiling water reactor nuclear power plant. In one aspect, the method includes identifying a jet pump for the boiling water reactor nuclear power plant for cleaning, providing an ultrasonic cleaning tool that has a transducer, inserting at least a portion of the transducer into or adjacent to the interior cavity of the jet pump, in-situ, and energizing the transducer to a desired energy level.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventors: Michael J. Baron, Robert D. Geier, David Jonathan Gross, David Arguelles
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Publication number: 20110271986Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: DOMINION ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Jean COLLIN, Ryan Jones, Joshua Luszcz, Marc Kreider, Aaron Pellman, Robert D. Varrin, JR., David Arguelles
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Patent number: 8052879Abstract: A filter system and associated methods of filtering utilize a combination of ultrasonically enhanced backwashing and a modified filter media configurations for increasing the specific loading on a portion of the filter media, thereby tending to increase the total particulate holding capacity of the improved filter. Depending on factors such as the filter configuration, the particulate size distribution and the differential pressure that can be maintained across the filter, it is expected that the particulate holding capacity can be more than doubled relative to a conventional filter having similarly configured filter media.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David J. Gross, David Arguelles
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Patent number: 7967918Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Jean Collin, Ryan Jones, Joshua Luszcz, Marc Kreider, Aaron Pellman, Robert Varrin, Jr., David Arguelles
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Publication number: 20090241985Abstract: Provided are a range of ultrasonic cleaning assemblies that include radiating surfaces activated by corresponding arrays of planar transducers configured to increase the power applied to a reduced volume of fluid associated with a fuel assembly, thereby increasing that applied power density for improved cleaning. The individual ultrasonic cleaning assemblies may be arranged in a variety of modules that, in turn, may be combined to increase the length of the cleaning zone and provide variations in the power density applied to improve the cleaning uniformity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: David J. GROSS, David Arguelles
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Publication number: 20090223537Abstract: A method of in-situ cleaning of a portion of a boiling water reactor nuclear power plant. In one aspect, the method includes identifying a jet pump for the boiling water reactor nuclear power plant for cleaning, providing an ultrasonic cleaning tool that has a transducer, inserting at least a portion of the transducer into or adjacent to the interior cavity of the jet pump, in-situ, and energizing the transducer to a desired energy level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Michael J. Baron, Robert D. Geier, David Jonathan Gross, David Arguelles
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Publication number: 20080296236Abstract: A filter system and associated methods of filtering utilize a combination of ultrasonically enhanced backwashing and a modified filter media configurations for increasing the specific loading on a portion of the filter media, thereby tending to increase the total particulate holding capacity of the improved filter. Depending on factors such as the filter configuration, the particulate size distribution and the differential pressure that can be maintained across the filter, it is expected that the particulate holding capacity can be more than doubled relative to a conventional filter having similarly configured filter media.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: David J. GROSS, David Arguelles
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Publication number: 20080092924Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Jean Collin, Ryan Jones, Joshua Luszcz, Marc Kreider, Aaron Pellman, Robert Varrin, David Arguelles
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Patent number: 7134441Abstract: A passive assembly for operating two cleaning chambers using a single filtration system having a flow diverter assembly is disclosed. The flow diverter assembly is actuated by a fuel assembly when a fuel assembly is inserted into the cleaning chamber. The flow diverter assembly acts so that each cleaning chamber is supplied with suction flow whenever there is a fuel assembly in the cleaning chamber. When a cleaning chamber is empty, the flow diverter acts to block the suction flow from the filtration system, forcing suction flow through the opposite cleaning chamber. The flow diverter only provides suction head to a cleaning chamber when there is a fuel assembly in the cleaning chamber. When both cleaning chambers are empty, suction pressure from the pump increases to the point that the flow diverters in both chambers open sufficiently to maintain flow through the pumps and prevent the pumps from cavitating.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Dominion Engineering, Inc.Inventors: David Gross, David Arguelles, Brian Lipford