Patents by Inventor David Grey Smith
David Grey Smith 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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Patent number: 10672521Abstract: Fuel spacers include at least one specialized bathtub on an outer perimeter band. Specialized bathtubs include an elastic resistive extension and a corresponding deflection limiter on a same outer face of the perimeter band. The elastic resistive extension provides flexible resistance to the channel, and the deflection limiter provides rigid movement limitation beyond a particular threshold between channel and spacer. The positioning, spring constant, length, number, and other properties of the specialized bathtub can be chosen based on the desired fuel assembly properties and expected transverse loads in fuel shipping and operation against which specialized bathtubs resiliently protect. The specialized bathtubs can be formed from a simplified stamp operation out of the perimeter band. Bathtubs can be placed on any position(s) on the perimeter band of example embodiment spacers used in nuclear fuel assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL—AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Kathryn M. Martin, David Grey Smith, Thomas J. Rambach
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Patent number: 9899107Abstract: One embodiment provides a multi-segment rod that includes a plurality of rod segments. The rod segments are removably mated to each other via mating structures in an axial direction. An irradiation target is disposed within at least one of the rod segments, and at least a portion of at least one mating structure includes one and/or more combinations of neutron absorbing materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Russell Patrick Higgins, Vernon W. Mills, David Grey Smith, Gerald Anthony Luciano, Roger Howard Van Slyke, William Earl Russell, II, Bradley D. Bloomquist
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Publication number: 20170352437Abstract: One embodiment provides a multi-segment rod that includes a plurality of rod segments. The rod segments are removably mated to each other via mating structures in an axial direction. An irradiation target is disposed within at least one of the rod segments, and at least a portion of at least one mating structure includes one and/or more combinations of neutron absorbing materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2010Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Russell Patrick Higgins, Vernon W. Mills, David Grey Smith, Gerald Anthony Luciano, Roger Howard Van Slyke, William Earl Russell, II, Bradley D. Bloomquist
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Patent number: 9396825Abstract: A capsule for holding, irradiating, and eluting a material is provided. Methods of fabricating and using the capsule are also provided. The capsule may include a multidiameter tube with a first end region, a second end region, and a middle region. Washers and filters are provided in the end regions and the end regions may be sealed using various methods and materials with the end caps press fit into the end regions. The middle region is designed to store a material to be irradiated by a neutron flux source. The capsule components may be made from materials having a low nuclear cross section so that the capsule may be handled safely after an irradiation step is performed. The capsule is also designed to have a symmetric configuration as an elution and irradiation column so that the same capsule may be used to elute the material within the middle region of the capsule after an irradiation step is performed.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Bradley Bloomquist, Jennifer Bowie, David Grey Smith, William Earl Russell, II
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Patent number: 9362009Abstract: An isotope production target rod for a power generating nuclear reactor is provided. The isotope production target rod can include at least one rod central body including an outer shell that defines an internal cavity and a plurality of irradiation targets within the internal cavity. The irradiation targets can be positioned in a spatial arrangement utilizing a low nuclear cross-section separating medium to maintain the spatial arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, II, Christopher J. Monetta, Russell Patrick Higgins, Vernon W. Mills, David Grey Smith, Carlton Wayne Clark, Michael S. DeFilippis
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Patent number: 9239385Abstract: In a method of producing isotopes in a light water power reactor, one or more targets within the reactor may be irradiated under a neutron flux to produce one or more isotopes. The targets may be assembled into one or more fuel bundles that are to be loaded in a core of the reactor at a given outage. Power operations in the reactor irradiate the fuel bundles so as to generate desired isotopes, such as one or more radioisotopes at a desired specific activity or stable isotopes at a desired concentration.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Russell Morgan Fawcett, Randy Peter Gonzales, Russell Patrick Higgins, Robert Bryant James, Michael Thomas Kiernan, William Earl Russell, II, Steven Bruce Shelton, David Grey Smith, Russell Edward Stachowski, Lukas Trosman
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Publication number: 20150348663Abstract: In a method of producing isotopes in a light water power reactor, one or more targets within the reactor may be irradiated under a neutron flux to produce one or more isotopes. The targets may be assembled into one or more fuel bundles that are to be loaded in a core of the reactor at a given outage. Power operations in the reactor irradiate the fuel bundles so as to generate desired isotopes, such as one or more radioisotopes at a desired specific activity or stable isotopes at a desired concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2010Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Russell Morgan Fawcett, Randy Peter Gonzales, Russell Patrick Higgins, Robert Bryant James, Michael Thomas Kiernan, William Earl Russell, II, Steven Bruce Shelton, David Grey Smith, Russell Edward Stachowski, Lukas Trosman
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Patent number: 9202598Abstract: A fuel bundle for a nuclear reactor core is provided. The fuel bundle may include a plurality of rods comprised of nuclear fuel rods and/or isotope production rods. Each rod includes a plurality of interconnected rod segments, wherein at least two of the rod segments of at least one rod have different outside diameters. The fuel bundle may additionally include a plurality of rod spacer grids securely retained between axially adjacent, interconnected rod segments. The rod spacer grids interconnected between axially adjacent rod segments form an array of substantially equally spaced rods. The fuel bundle may further include an elongate tubular channel in which the arrayed rods are housed.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, II, Christopher J. Monetta, John D. Fuller, Lukas Trosman, David Grey Smith, Carlton Wayne Clark, Robert Bryant James
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Patent number: 9183959Abstract: Provided is an isotope delivery system and a method for irradiating a target and delivering the target to an extraction point. The isotope delivery system may include a cable including at least one target for irradiation, a drive system configured for moving the cable, and a first guide configured to guide the cable for insertion and extraction from a nuclear reactor. The method for irradiating a target and delivering a target may include pushing a cable with an attached target through a first guide and into a nuclear reactor using a drive system, irradiating the target in the nuclear reactor, pulling the cable with the attached irradiated target towards the drive system, pushing the cable with the irradiated target towards a loading/unloading area using the drive system, and placing the irradiated target into a transfer cask, wherein the cable is pulled and pushed by the drive system.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Bradley Bloomquist, Jennifer M. Bowie, Heather Hatton, Nicholas R. Gilman, William Earl Russell, II, David Grey Smith
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Patent number: 8953731Abstract: In a method of producing isotopes in a light water power reactor, one or more targets within the reactor may be irradiated under a neutron flux to produce one or more isotopes. The targets may be assembled into one or more fuel bundles that are to be loaded in a core of the reactor at a given outage. Power operations in the reactor irradiate the fuel bundles so as to generate desired isotopes, such as one or more radioisotopes at a desired specific activity or stable isotopes at a desired concentration.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Russell Morgan Fawcett, Randy Peter Gonzales, Russell Patrick Higgins, Robert Bryant James, Michael Thomas Kiernan, William Earl Russell, II, Steven Bruce Shelton, David Grey Smith, Russell Edward Stachowski, Lukas Trosman
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Patent number: 8885791Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a fuel rod having end pieces on either end containing irradiation targets. Example embodiment end pieces may contain materials that may be converted to desired isotopes when exposed to neutron flux encountered at the end piece position. Example embodiment end pieces may be fabricated from the materials or may otherwise house the materials. Example embodiment end pieces may mate with a variety of full-length and/or part-length fuel rods and may function as upper and/or lower end plugs, mating the fuel rods to upper and/or lower tie plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, II, David Grey Smith
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Publication number: 20140307844Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to a fuel rod having end pieces on either end containing irradiation targets. Example embodiment end pieces may contain materials that may be converted to desired isotopes when exposed to neutron flux encountered at the end piece position. Example embodiment end pieces may be fabricated from the materials or may otherwise house the materials. Example embodiment end pieces may mate with a variety of full-length and/or part-length fuel rods and may function as upper and/or lower end plugs, mating the fuel rods to upper and/or lower tie plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, David Grey Smith
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Patent number: 8842798Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods for producing radioisotopes in instrumentation tubes of operating commercial nuclear reactors. Irradiation targets may be inserted and removed from instrumentation tubes during operation and converted to radioisotopes otherwise unavailable from nuclear reactors. Example apparatuses may continuously insert, remove, and store irradiation targets to be converted to useable radioisotopes.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, Christopher J. Monetta, David Grey Smith, Russell Edward Stachowski
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Patent number: 8842800Abstract: Example embodiments may include a nuclear fuel rod and/or segment design using fuel element spacers. Fuel element spacers may be placed at intervals within fuel rods and/or segments in order to manipulate operating characteristics of the fuel rods and/or segments and/or decrease consequences of fretting of the fuel rod and/or segment. Example methods may include using fuel rods and/or segments having fuel element spacing elements by adjusting intervals of the spacing elements so as to affect the mechanical, neutronic, and/or thermal properties of the fuel rod and/or segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: William Earl Russell, II, Christopher J. Monetta, David Grey Smith
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Patent number: 8842801Abstract: A rod assembly for a fuel bundle of a nuclear reactor may include an upper end piece, lower end piece and a plurality of rod segments attached between the upper and lower end pieces and to each other so as to form an axial length of the rod assembly. The rod assembly may include an adaptor subassembly provided at given connection points for connecting adjacent rod segments or a given rod segment with one of the upper and lower end pieces. The connection points along the axial length of the rod assembly may be located where the rod assembly contacts a spacer in the fuel bundle. One (or more) of the rod segments may include an irradiation target therein for producing a desired isotope when a fuel bundle containing one (or more) rod assemblies is irradiated in a core of the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Russell Morgan Fawcett, Randy Peter Gonzales, Russell Patrick Higgins, Robert Bryant James, Michael Thomas Kiernan, William Earl Russell, II, Steven Bruce Shelton, David Grey Smith, Russell Edward Stachowski, Lukas Trosman
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Publication number: 20140169516Abstract: Nuclear fuel rods have cladding or fuel with physical parameters that substantially change based on axial position within a rod. Parameters include inner and outer cladding and fuel diameters or widths, volume, mass, internal volume, thickness, rod width, etc. Parameters are selected and implemented based on calculated operating conditions and/or desired fuel response at an axial position across an entire rod length and/or fuel assembly position, including both fueled regions and non-fueled zones. Desired parameters can be achieved through fabrication or later alterations. Parameter variations versus axial position and fuel assembly position are intentional and achieve desired fuel properties and responses, such as optimized fuel mass, pressure drop, over-pressurization protection, etc. Fuel rods can be compatible with existing fuel types and replace conventional fuel rods therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Randall J. Dunavant, David Grey Smith, Peter R. Diller
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Publication number: 20140133617Abstract: A capsule for holding, irradiating, and eluting a material is provided. Methods of fabricating and using the capsule are also provided. The capsule may include a multidiameter tube with a first end region, a second end region, and a middle region. Washers and filters are provided in the end regions and the end regions may be sealed using various methods and materials with the end caps press fit into the end regions. The middle region is designed to store a material to be irradiated by a neutron flux source. The capsule components may be made from materials having a low nuclear cross section so that the capsule may be handled safely after an irradiation step is performed. The capsule is also designed to have a symmetric configuration as an elution and irradiation column so that the same capsule may be used to elute the material within the middle region of the capsule after an irradiation step is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Bradley BLOOMQUIST, Jennifer BOWIE, David Grey SMITH, William Earl RUSSELL, II
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Patent number: 8699651Abstract: A capsule for holding, irradiating, and eluting a material is provided. Methods of fabricating and using the capsule are also provided. The capsule may include a multidiameter tube with a first end region, a second end region, and a middle region. Washers and filters are provided in the end regions and the end regions may be sealed using various methods and materials with the end caps press fit into the end regions. The middle region is designed to store a material to be irradiated by a neutron flux source. The capsule components may be made from materials having a low nuclear cross section so that the capsule may be handled safely after an irradiation step is performed. The capsule is also designed to have a symmetric configuration as an elution and irradiation column so that the same capsule may be used to elute the material within the middle region of the capsule after an irradiation step is performed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Bradley Bloomquist, Jennifer Bowie, David Grey Smith, William Earl Russell, II
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Patent number: 8681921Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a system that allows for simultaneously assembling or disassembling multiple segmented nuclear fuel rods (hereinafter “segmented rods”). An embodiment of the present invention, may receive, secure, and move the segmented rods into a position that allows for performing the tasks of either assembly or disassembly, allowing for an operator to use a tool to complete the aforementioned tasks.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLCInventors: Bradley D. Bloomquist, David Grey Smith, David P. Ketcham, William Earl Russell, II
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Patent number: 8638899Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for generating desired isotopes within water rods of nuclear fuel assemblies. Example methods may include selecting a desired irradiation target based on the target's properties, loading the target into a target rod based on irradiation target and fuel assembly properties, exposing the target rod to neutron flux, and/or harvesting isotopes produced from the irradiation target from the target rod. Example embodiment target rods may house one or more irradiation targets of varying types and phases. Example embodiment securing devices include a ledge collar and/or bushing that support target rods within a water rod and permit moderator/coolant flow through the water rod. Other example embodiment securing devices include one or more washers with one or more apertures drilled therein to hold one or more example embodiment target rods in a water rod while permitting coolant/moderator to flow through the water rod.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: David Grey Smith, William Earl Russell, II