Patents by Inventor Paul E. Cantonwine
Paul E. Cantonwine 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: 11887741Abstract: The fuel assembly includes at least one fuel rod and an outer channel with four sidewalls surrounding the fuel rod, the outer channel having a configuration based on a position of the fuel assembly within a core of the nuclear reactor, wherein at least a first select sidewall, of the four sidewalls of the outer channel, is a reinforced sidewall, the remaining sidewalls of the outer channel, other than the at least a first select sidewall, are non-reinforced sidewalls, the at least a first select sidewall being in a controlled location that faces and is directly adjacent to a control blade that is to be utilized in the nuclear reactor, wherein an entirety of the reinforced sidewall as a whole is at least one of thicker and made from a material that is more resistant to radiation-induced deformation as compared to an entirety of the non-reinforced sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLCInventors: Jason B Ingraham, Gerald D. Kvaall, Jr., Paul E. Cantonwine, Michael W. Thomas, William C. Cline
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Publication number: 20220139575Abstract: The fuel assembly includes at least one fuel rod and an outer channel with four sidewalls surrounding the fuel rod, the outer channel having a configuration based on a position of the fuel assembly within a core of the nuclear reactor, wherein at least a first select sidewall, of the four sidewalls of the outer channel, is a reinforced sidewall, the remaining sidewalls of the outer channel, other than the at least a first select sidewall, are non-reinforced sidewalls, the at least a first select sidewall being in a controlled location that faces and is directly adjacent to a control blade that is to be utilized in the nuclear reactor, wherein an entirety of the reinforced sidewall as a whole is at least one of thicker and made from a material that is more resistant to radiation-induced deformation as compared to an entirety of the non-reinforced sidewalls.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLCInventors: Jason B. INGRAHAM, Gerald D. KVAALL, JR., Paul E. CANTONWINE, Michael W. THOMAS, William C. CLINE
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Patent number: 11244768Abstract: The method includes assessing operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, the assessing including determining if the fuel assembly is to be placed in a controlled location in the reactor core, a controlled location being positioned adjacent to a control blade that is to be utilized, and configuring the sidewalls of the outer channel by making at least a first select sidewall of the outer channel a reinforced sidewall, the remaining sidewalls of the outer channel, other than the at least a first select sidewall, being non-reinforced sidewalls. The entirety of the reinforced sidewall as a whole is at least one of thicker and made from a material that is more resistant to radiation-induced deformation as compared to an entirety of the non-reinforced sidewalls.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLCInventors: Jason B. Ingraham, Gerald D. Kvaall, Jr., Paul E. Cantonwine, Michael W. Thomas, William C. Cline
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Patent number: 10957456Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components useable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Ledford, Yuk-Chiu Lau, David W. White, Yang-Pi Lin, Paul E. Cantonwine, Nicholas R. Gullette, Timothy W. Clark
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Publication number: 20200365283Abstract: The method includes assessing operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, the assessing including determining if the fuel assembly is to be placed in a controlled location in the reactor core, a controlled location being positioned adjacent to a control blade that is to be utilized, and configuring the sidewalls of the outer channel by making at least a first select sidewall of the outer channel a reinforced sidewall, the remaining sidewalls of the outer channel, other than the at least a first select sidewall, being non-reinforced sidewalls. The entirety of the reinforced sidewall as a whole is at least one of thicker and made from a material that is more resistant to radiation-induced deformation as compared to an entirety of the non-reinforced sidewalls.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLCInventors: Jason B. INGRAHAM, Gerald D. KVAALL, JR., Paul E. CANTONWINE, Michael W. THOMAS, William C. CLINE
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Patent number: 10658086Abstract: Fuel assemblies include an outer channel having a physical configuration optimized for a position of the fuel assembly within a core of a nuclear reactor. The position of the fuel assembly with respect to an employed control blade in the nuclear reactor determines if the outer channel may be thickened, reinforced, and/or fabricated of Zircaloy-4 or similar distortion-resistant material, so as to reduce or prevent distortion of the channel against the control blade, or thinned so as to increase water volume and enhance reactivity in the assembly. Reactor cores having configured fuel assemblies include fuel assemblies having different outer channels. Methods include determining operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, including likelihood of being placed directly adjacent to an employed control blade, and physically selecting or modifying the outer channel of the fuel assembly based thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLCInventors: Jason B. Ingraham, Gerald Dean Kvaall, Jr., Paul E. Cantonwine, Michael W. Thomas, William C. Cline
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Publication number: 20180254110Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components useable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Kevin L. Ledford, Yuk-Chiu Lau, David W. White, Yang-Pi Lin, Paul E. Cantonwine, Nicholas R. Gullette, Timothy W. Clark
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Patent number: 9911511Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL—AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Ledford, Yuk-Chiu Lau, David W. White, Yang-Pi Lin, Paul E. Cantonwine, Nicholas R. Gullette, Timothy W. Clark
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Publication number: 20170178755Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: June 22, 2017Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Ledford, Yuk-Chiu Lau, David W. White, Yang-Pi Lin, Paul E. Cantonwine, Nicholas R. Gullette, Timothy W. Clark
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Patent number: 9564249Abstract: Fuel spacers include a perimeter piece and alignment strips extending within the perimeter piece. Alignment strips may have directional variation while still extending in an overall straight line between two contact points on the perimeter piece. Two alignment strips, by their relative positioning and shape, create distinct openings for fuel rods, through which rods may pass and be supported by the spacer on all sides. Alignment strips can be parallel or skew but need not physically intersect or extend at overall right angles to form such surrounding and supporting openings. Shape may be variable, such as a waveform, zig-zag, or saw-tooth. Several layers of alignment strips at any desired angle are useable in spacers, and alignment strips may be varied in length, shape, and number to account for different fuel assembly sizes and features, such as water rods.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas LLCInventor: Paul E. Cantonwine
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Publication number: 20160203879Abstract: Fuel assemblies include an outer channel having a physical configuration optimized for a position of the fuel assembly within a core of a nuclear reactor. The position of the fuel assembly with respect to an employed control blade in the nuclear reactor determines if the outer channel may be thickened, reinforced, and/or fabricated of Zircaloy-4 or similar distortion-resistant material, so as to reduce or prevent distortion of the channel against the control blade, or thinned so as to increase water volume and enhance reactivity in the assembly. Reactor cores having configured fuel assemblies include fuel assemblies having different outer channels. Methods include determining operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, including likelihood of being placed directly adjacent to an employed control blade, and physically selecting or modifying the outer channel of the fuel assembly based thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Jason B. INGRAHAM, Gerald D. KVAALL, JR., Paul E. CANTONWINE, Michael W. THOMAS, William C. CLINE
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Patent number: 9287012Abstract: Fuel assemblies include an outer channel having a physical configuration optimized for a position of the fuel assembly within a core of a nuclear reactor. The position of the fuel assembly with respect to an employed control blade in the nuclear reactor determines if the outer channel may be thickened, reinforced, and/or fabricated of Zircaloy-4 or similar distortion-resistant material, so as to reduce or prevent distortion of the channel against the control blade, or thinned so as to increase water volume and enhance reactivity in the assembly. Reactor cores having configured fuel assemblies include fuel assemblies having different outer channels. Methods include determining operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, including likelihood of being placed directly adjacent to an employed control blade, and physically selecting or modifying the outer channel of the fuel assembly based thereon.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL—AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Jason B. Ingraham, Gerald D. Kvaall, Jr., Paul E. Cantonwine, Michael W. Thomas, William C. Cline
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Publication number: 20140254741Abstract: Fuel spacers include a perimeter piece and alignment strips extending within the perimeter piece. Alignment strips may have directional variation while still extending in an overall straight line between two contact points on the perimeter piece. Two alignment strips, by their relative positioning and shape, create distinct openings for fuel rods, through which rods may pass and be supported by the spacer on all sides. Alignment strips can be parallel or skew but need not physically intersect or extend at overall right angles to form such surrounding and supporting openings. Shape may be variable, such as a waveform, zig-zag, or saw-tooth. Several layers of alignment strips at any desired angle are useable in spacers, and alignment strips may be varied in length, shape, and number to account for different fuel assembly sizes and features, such as water rods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: Paul E. Cantonwine
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Publication number: 20140254740Abstract: Nuclear reactor components are treated with thermal methods to increase wear resistance. Example treatments include thermal treatments using particulate or powderized materials to form a coating. Methods can use cold spray, with low heat and high velocities to blast particles on the surface. The particles impact and mechanically deform, forming an interlocking coating with the surface and each other without melting or chemically reacting. Materials in the particles and resultant coatings include metallic alloys, ceramics, and/or metal oxides. Nuclear reactor components usable with methods of increased wear resistance include nuclear fuel rods and assemblies containing the same. Coatings may be formed on any desired surface, including fuel rod positions where spacer contact and fretting is most likely.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Kevin L. Ledford, Yuk-Chiu Lau, David W. White, Yang-Pi Lin, Paul E. Cantonwine, Nicholas R. Gullette, Timothy W. Clark
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Publication number: 20120020447Abstract: Fuel assemblies include an outer channel having a physical configuration optimized for a position of the fuel assembly within a core of a nuclear reactor. The position of the fuel assembly with respect to an employed control blade in the nuclear reactor determines if the outer channel may be thickened, reinforced, and/or fabricated of Zircaloy-4 or similar distortion-resistant material, so as to reduce or prevent distortion of the channel against the control blade, or thinned so as to increase water volume and enhance reactivity in the assembly. Reactor cores having configured fuel assemblies include fuel assemblies having different outer channels. Methods include determining operational characteristics of the fuel assembly, including likelihood of being placed directly adjacent to an employed control blade, and physically selecting or modifying the outer channel of the fuel assembly based thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Jason B. INGRAHAM, Gerald D. Kvaall, JR., Paul E. Cantonwine, Michael W. Thomas, William C. Cline