Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Studer

Stephen J. Studer 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).

  • Absorber tube for BWR control rods
    Patent number: 8787517
    Abstract: In a control rod having a plurality of elongated members for absorbing neutrons within a nuclear reactor to control a nuclear reaction, each elongated member may include a cylindrical inner capsule configured to contain neutron absorbing material therein. The elongated member may also include an absorber tube enclosing the cylindrical inner capsule, the absorber tube having an outer surface configured with a plurality of generally flat, planar sides between adjacent rounded corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dennis S. Nelson, Stephen J. Studer
  • Laser welding of castings to minimize distortion
    Publication number: 20090139969
    Abstract: A process of using laser welding in the assembly of boiling water reactor fuel debris filters is disclosed. The laser welding process minimizes the distortion of the debris filter cast lower tie plate by applying minimal heat during the welding. Fixtures hold the cast lower tie plate through four degrees of motion under a constant controlled laser source during welding. The welding process also reduces the potential for stress corrosion cracking resulting from crevices in partial penetration welds that might occur in a laser welding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas LLC
    Inventors: David Grey Smith, Richard C. Longren, Gerald A. Luciano, Stephen J. Studer