Patents by Inventor Nicolas Vigier

Nicolas Vigier 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: 11594344
    Abstract: A method for preparing a powder comprising an intimate mixture of U3O8 particles and PuO2 particles and which may further comprise particles of ThO2 or NpO2. The method comprises: preparing, via oxalic precipitations, an aqueous suspension S1 of particles of uranium(IV) oxalate and an aqueous suspension S2 of particles of plutonium(IV) oxalate; mixing the aqueous suspension S1 with the aqueous suspension S2 to obtain an aqueous suspension S1+2; separating the aqueous suspension S1+2 into an aqueous phase and a solid phase comprising the particles of uranium(IV) oxalate and the particles of plutonium(IV) oxalate; and calcining the solid phase to convert (1) the particles of uranium(IV) oxalate to particles of triuranium octoxide and (2) the particles of plutonium(IV) oxalate to particles of plutonium(IV) dioxide, whereby the powder is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignees: COMMISSARIAT À L'ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ÉNERGIES ALTERNATIVES, ORANO RECYCLAGE
    Inventors: François Poncelet, Nicolas Vigier, Bénédicte Arab-Chapelet, Aurélie Gauthe, Eléonore Welcomme, Marie Hélène Noire
  • Publication number: 20210166826
    Abstract: A method for preparing a powder comprising an intimate mixture of U3O8 particles and PuO2 particles and which may further comprise particles of ThO2 or NpO2. The method comprises: preparing, via oxalic precipitations, an aqueous suspension S1 of particles of uranium(IV) oxalate and an aqueous suspension S2 of particles of plutonium(IV) oxalate; mixing the aqueous suspension S1 with the aqueous suspension S2 to obtain an aqueous suspension S1+2, separating the aqueous suspension S1+2 into an aqueous phase and a solid phase comprising the particles of uranium(IV) oxalate and the particles of plutonium(IV) oxalate; and calcining the solid phase to convert (1) the particles of uranium(IV) oxalate to particles of triuranium octoxide and (2) the particles of plutonium(IV) oxalate to particles of plutonium(IV) dioxide, whereby the powder is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: François Poncelet, Nicolas Vigier, Bénédicte Arab-Chapelet, Aurélie Gauthe, Eléonore Welcomme, Marie Hélène Noire
  • Patent number: 10026510
    Abstract: A process is described for synthesizing a mixed peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide of an actinyl and at least one cation X1, wherein the actinyl is a uranyl or neptunyl and the at least one cation X1 is a di-, tri- or tetra-charged metal cation. This process includes the reaction in a solvent of a salt of the at least one cation X1 with a compound C2 selected from mixed peroxides and hydroxo-peroxides of the actinyl and of at least one singly charged cation X2, whereby compound C2 is converted to the peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide by replacement of the at least one cation X2 by said at least one cation X1. Also disclosed is a process for synthesizing a mixed oxide of an actinide selected from uranium and neptunium, and of at least one metal able to form a di-, tri- or tetra-charged cation, which implements the preceding synthesis process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Orano Cycle
    Inventors: Florent Blanchard, Francis Abraham, Stéphane Grandjean, Nicolas Vigier, Isabelle Hablot, Murielle Rivenet
  • Publication number: 20160314858
    Abstract: A process is described for synthesizing a mixed peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide of an actinyl and at least one cation X1, wherein the actinyl is a uranyl or neptunyl and the at least one cation X1 is a di-, tri- or tetra-charged metal cation. This process includes the reaction in a solvent of a salt of the at least one cation X1 with a compound C2 selected from mixed peroxides and hydroxo-peroxides of the actinyl and of at least one singly charged cation X2, whereby compound C2 is converted to the peroxide or hydroxo-peroxide by replacement of the at least one cation X2 by said at least one cation X1. Also disclosed is a process for synthesizing a mixed oxide of an actinide selected from uranium and neptunium, and of at least one metal able to form a di-, tri- or tetra-charged cation, which implements the preceding synthesis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: AREVA NC
    Inventors: Florent Blanchard, Francis Abraham, Stéphane Grandjean, Nicolas Vigier, Isabelle Hablot, Murielle Rivenet
  • Patent number: 9325039
    Abstract: In a system and method for detecting venting of a sealed storage cell, the sealed storage cell comprises a container with a sealing cap adapted to be detached from the container and move in the presence of gas overpressure inside the container to allow venting of the storage cell. The detection system comprises a printed circuit board with a central portion designed to be situated opposite the sealing cap, a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion and connected to the central portion by a hinge adapted to flex during movement of the sealing cap, and at least one frangible portion adapted to break upon movement of the sealing cap. An electrical printed track connects the peripheral portion to the central portion through the hinge and frangible portion(s), and is designed to be broken upon breaking of the frangible portion(s) following movement of the sealing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SAFT
    Inventors: Laurent Guidal, Pascal Susset, Nicolas Vigier
  • Publication number: 20130280559
    Abstract: In a system and method for detecting venting of a sealed storage cell, the sealed storage cell comprises a container with a sealing cap adapted to be detached from the container and move in the presence of gas overpressure inside the container to allow venting of the storage cell. The detection system comprises a printed circuit board with a central portion designed to be situated opposite the sealing cap, a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion and connected to the central portion by a hinge adapted to flex during movement of the sealing cap, and at least one frangible portion adapted to break upon movement of the sealing cap. An electrical printed track connects the peripheral portion to the central portion through the hinge and frangible portion(s), and is designed to be broken upon breaking of the frangible portion(s) following movement of the sealing cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: SAFT
    Inventors: Laurent GUIDAL, Pascal SUSSET, Nicolas VIGIER
  • Patent number: 7745024
    Abstract: A sealed accumulator (1) having an electrochemical bundle (9) including at least one positive electrode and one negative electrode arranged in a container (2); positive (6) and negative (7) current output terminals arranged on a cover (5) of the container and respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes; a circuit-breaker including a connecting piece (10) and a membrane (20), electrically insulated from the connecting piece and suitable for deforming under the effect of an overpressure in the container, to break the connecting piece. The connecting piece extends over the top of the cover of the container and conducts an electric current between an electrode of one polarity and its current output terminal. The connecting piece is dimensioned to allow the passage of a current greater than 50 A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: SAFT
    Inventors: Frederic Dewulf, Nicolas Vigier
  • Patent number: 7568958
    Abstract: A terminal for a sealed accumulator includes a single-piece body made of aluminium with at least one tinned zone for soldering to an electronic card and at least one non-tinned zone for connection to a current output terminal of the accumulator. The electrical terminal has a limited space requirement; welds well onto an accumulator container made of aluminium and allows easy assembly with an electronic card by soldering without risk of migration of tin which could cause a short circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Saft Groupe SA
    Inventor: Nicolas Vigier
  • Publication number: 20080220667
    Abstract: A terminal for a sealed accumulator comprises a single-piece body made of aluminium with at least one tinned zone for soldering to an electronic card and at least one non-tinned zone for connection to a current output terminal of the accumulator. The electrical terminal has a limited space requirement; welds well onto an accumulator container made of aluminium and allows easy assembly with an electronic card by soldering without risk of migration of tin which could cause a short circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: SAFT GROUPE SA
    Inventor: Nicolas VIGIER
  • Publication number: 20060199046
    Abstract: A sealed accumulator (1) comprises an electrochemical bundle (9) comprising at least one positive electrode and one negative electrode arranged in a container (2); positive (6) and negative (7) current output terminals arranged on a cover (5) of the container and respectively connected to the positive and negative electrodes; a circuit-breaker comprising a connecting piece (10) and a membrane (20), electrically insulated from the connecting piece and suitable for deforming under the effect of an overpressure in the container, to break the connecting piece. The connecting piece extends over the top of the cover of the container and conducts an electric current between an electrode of one polarity and its current output terminal. The connecting piece is dimensioned to allow the passage of a current greater than 50 A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: SAFT
    Inventors: Frederic Dewulf, Nicolas Vigier
  • Patent number: 7074518
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery comprises a casing (1) presenting a surface of revolution about an axis, having at least one air inlet opening (4) and at least one air outlet opening (5), and housing firstly in a central portion (6), fan means (7), and secondly around the periphery of the central portion, secondary electrochemical cells (8) arranged in such a manner as to deliver selected electrical characteristics. The air flow generated by the axial fan means (7) between the air inlet opening (4) and the air outlet opening (5) sweep over the cells (8), thereby regulating their temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Saft Finance S.AR.L.
    Inventors: Nicolas Vigier, Stéphane Besse
  • Publication number: 20030198864
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery comprises a casing (1) presenting a surface of revolution about an axis, having at least one air inlet opening (4) and at least one air outlet opening (5), and housing firstly in a central portion (6), fan means (7), and secondly around the periphery of the central portion, secondary electrochemical cells (8) arranged in such a manner as to deliver selected electrical characteristics. The air flow generated by the axial fan means (7) between the air inlet opening (4) and the air outlet opening (5) sweep over the cells (8), thereby regulating their temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Nicolas Vigier, Stephane Besse