Patents by Inventor Rick D. Williamson

Rick D. Williamson 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).

  • Nuclear fuel assembly lower end fitting
    Patent number: 5361287
    Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly lower end fitting. Two plates each having a network of diagonal and lateral ribs in conjunction with hubs for the guide thimble hole pattern are provided. The pitch between ribs corresponds to one-half of the fuel rod pitch. This allows for the fuel rods to be supported by every other rib. One plate is rotated horizontally ninety degrees relative to the other plate so that the lateral ribs of the plates are at right angles. A screen formed from approximately 0.03 inch diameter wire with 0.100 inch pitch is provided with guide tube bosses. The plates and screen are rigidly attached to each other to form a debris filtering lower end fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: B&W Fuel Company
    Inventor: Rick D. Williamson