Patents by Inventor Randy M. Brown

Randy M. Brown 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: 11728050
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Patent number: 11721443
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20230120623
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
  • Patent number: 11501886
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Patent number: 11322266
    Abstract: Modular flow control systems include several differently-shaped structures to achieve desired flow characteristics in fluid flow. Systems include one or many plates held in desired positions by a retainer within the flow. The plates are uniquely shaped based on their position, or vice versa, to shape flow in a desired manner. The plates may fill an entire flow area or may extend partially throughout the area. Plates can take on any shape and are useable in systems installed in any type of flow conduit. When used in a PCCS upper manifold in a nuclear reactor, a chevron plate directly below the inlet divides flow along the entire upper manifold. Perforated plates allow flow to pass at ends of the PCCS upper manifold. The plates can be installed along a grooved edge during an access period and held in static position by filling the length of the PCCS upper manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20210225533
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Patent number: 10872702
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
  • Patent number: 10872703
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Publication number: 20200388407
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Patent number: 10770189
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Publication number: 20200185117
    Abstract: Modular flow control systems include several differently-shaped structures to achieve desired flow characteristics in fluid flow. Systems include one or many plates held in desired positions by a retainer within the flow. The plates are uniquely shaped based on their position, or vice versa, to shape flow in a desired manner. The plates may fill an entire flow area or may extend partially throughout the area. Plates can take on any shape and are useable in systems installed in any type of flow conduit. When used in a PCCS upper manifold in a nuclear reactor, a chevron plate directly below the inlet divides flow along the entire upper manifold. Perforated plates allow flow to pass at ends of the PCCS upper manifold. The plates can be installed along a grooved edge during an access period and held in static position by filling the length of the PCCS upper manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
  • Patent number: 10553322
    Abstract: Modular flow control systems include several differently-shaped structures to achieve desired flow characteristics in fluid flow. Systems include one or many plates held in desired positions by a retainer within the flow. The plates are uniquely shaped based on their position, or vice versa, to shape flow in a desired manner. The plates may fill an entire flow area or may extend partially throughout the area. Plates can take on any shape and are useable in systems installed in any type of flow conduit. When used in a PCCS upper manifold in a nuclear reactor, a chevron plate directly below the inlet divides flow along the entire upper manifold. Perforated plates allow flow to pass at ends of the PCCS upper manifold. The plates can be installed along a grooved edge during an access period and held in static position by filling the length of the PCCS upper manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20180019028
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through a motor and rotor powering a linear screw internal to an isolation barrier. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. The magnetic fields hold closed a releasable latch to disconnect the control elements from the linear drives. A control rod assembly may join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the magnetic fields and releasable latch together on opposite sides of an isolation barrier to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Publication number: 20180019027
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate magnetic fields and be moveable across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A motor may spin a linear screw to move the induction coils on a vertical travel nut. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Operation includes moving the induction coils with a linear screw to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization. No direct connection may penetrate the isolation barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
  • Publication number: 20180019026
    Abstract: Control rod drives include linearly-moveable control elements inside an isolation barrier. Control rod drives move the control element through secured magnetic elements subject to magnetic fields. Induction coils may generate the magnetic fields across a full stroke length of the control element in the reactor. A closed coolant loop may cool the induction coils, which may be in a vacuum outside the isolation barrier. A control rod assembly may house the magnetic elements and directly, removably join to the control element. The control rod assembly may lock with magnetic overtravel latches inside the isolation barrier to maintain an overtravel position. Overtravel release coils outside the isolation barrier may release the latches to leave the overtravel position. Methods of operation include selectively energizing or de-energizing induction coils to drive the control element to desired insertion points, including full insertion by gravity following de-energization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20170092382
    Abstract: Modular flow control systems include several differently-shaped structures to achieve desired flow characteristics in fluid flow. Systems include one or many plates held in desired positions by a retainer within the flow. The plates are uniquely shaped based on their position, or vice versa, to shape flow in a desired manner. The plates may fill an entire flow area or may extend partially throughout the area. Plates can take on any shape and are useable in systems installed in any type of flow conduit. When used in a PCCS upper manifold in a nuclear reactor, a chevron plate directly below the inlet divides flow along the entire upper manifold. Perforated plates allow flow to pass at ends of the PCCS upper manifold. The plates can be installed along a grooved edge during an access period and held in static position by filling the length of the PCCS upper manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
  • Patent number: 6095392
    Abstract: A pneumatic nailer having a safety mechanism that reduces accidental discharge of nailer is provided. The nailer includes a hollow main body housing having a main pressure chamber in pneumatic communication with a main valve housing. Pressurized gas is injected into main pressure chamber, and a metering hole between the main chamber and valve assembly allows gas pressure to equalize between the main chamber and the valve housing. A safety trigger and safety valve are in pneumatic communication with the pressurized valve housing. A ram cap positioned over the top portion of the valve assembly is struck, moving the main valve assembly downward, with unseating of a cylinder firing valve only if internal pressures have been adjusted by actuation of the safety valve by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Porta-Nails, Inc.
    Inventors: Namon B. Batts, Jr., Randy M. Brown
  • Patent number: 5190307
    Abstract: An automotive anti-smoking apparatus which includes at least one smoke sensor for detecting the presence of smoke located within a passenger compartment of an automobile, a beeper for emitting a beeping sound within the passenger compartment when smoke is detected, an illuminated "No Smoking" sign located on the dashboard of the automobile for flashing on and off when smoke is detected within the passenger compartment, an audio message playback device for broadcasting an anti-smoking message within the passenger compartment when smoke is detected, an adjustable engine governor for controlling the speed of the automobile when smoke is detected within the passenger compartment, an ignition control mechanism for preventing an operator from turning on the automobile while smoke is detected within the automobile, and a control circuit through which other elements of the present invention receive power and are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventors: Randy M. Brown, Robert E. Rivers
  • Patent number: D419048
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Porta-Nails, Inc.
    Inventors: Namon B. Batts, Jr., Randy M. Brown