Patents by Inventor Robert B. MacDuff

Robert B. MacDuff 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).

  • Method for modifying existing transition pieces in bottom entry nuclear fuel assemblies for reducing coolant pressure drop
    Patent number: 5383227
    Abstract: A method is provided for retrofitting nuclear fuel assemblies in bottom entry fuel assembly type nuclear reactors having a transition piece to guide liquid coolant into a channel entry area. The transition piece is disposed above an entry orifice in a fuel assembly support plate. The transition piece has side walls and a multi-pronged lead-in finger. The method comprises the steps of removing the lead-in finger from the transition piece, machining internal surfaces of the side walls of the transition piece and installing an insert to be disposed within and supported by the machined transition piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Power Corporation
    Inventor: Robert B. Macduff
  • BWR critical-power-enhancing water rod (85-EN-3)
    Patent number: 4708846
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fuel assembly for boiling water reactors incorporating an advanced type of "water rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Exxon Nuclear Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Patterson, Robert B. MacDuff, Jack Yates