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).
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Patent number: 11728050Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Patent number: 11721443Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
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Publication number: 20230120623Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2020Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
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Patent number: 11501886Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Patent number: 11322266Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
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Publication number: 20210225533Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Patent number: 10872702Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
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Patent number: 10872703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Publication number: 20200388407Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Patent number: 10770189Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Publication number: 20200185117Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2020Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
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Patent number: 10553322Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
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Publication number: 20180019028Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Publication number: 20180019027Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown, Gerald A. Deaver
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Publication number: 20180019026Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: Kenneth A. Morgan, David L. Major, Randy M. Brown
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Publication number: 20170092382Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Mitra Hosseini, Gerald A. Deaver, Jesus G. Diaz-Quiroz, Randy M. Brown
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Patent number: 6095392Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Porta-Nails, Inc.Inventors: Namon B. Batts, Jr., Randy M. Brown
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Patent number: 5190307Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 1991Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Inventors: Randy M. Brown, Robert E. Rivers
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Patent number: D419048Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Porta-Nails, Inc.Inventors: Namon B. Batts, Jr., Randy M. Brown