Patents Represented by Attorney Allen H. Uzzell
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Patent number: 4190637Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a graphite article comprises the steps of impregnating a coke article by first heating the coke article in contact with a thermoplastic pitch at a temperature within the range of 250.degree.-300.degree. C. at a pressure within the range of 200-2000 psig for at least 4-10 hours and then heating said article at a temperature within the range of 450.degree.-485.degree. C. at a pressure of 200-2000 psig for about 16-24 hours to provide an impregnated article; heating the impregnated article for sufficient time to carbonize the impregnant to provide a second coke article, and graphitizing the second coke article. A graphite having improved thermal stress resistance results when the coke to be impregnated contains 1-3 wt.% sulfur and no added puffing inhibitors. An additional improvement in thermal stress resistance is achieved when the second coke article is heated above about 1400.degree. C. at a rate of at least 10.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1978Date of Patent: February 26, 1980Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Charles R. Kennedy
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Patent number: 4175048Abstract: Gaseous insulators comprise compounds having high attachment cross sections for electrons having energies in the 0-1.3 electron volt range. Multi-component gaseous insulators comprise compounds and mixtures having overall high electron attachment cross sections in the 0-1.3 electron volt range and moderating gases having high cross sections for inelastic interactions with electrons of energies 1-4 electron volts. Suitable electron attachment components include hexafluorobutyne, perfluorobutene-2, perfluorocyclobutane, perfluorodimethylcyclobutane, perfluorocyclohexene, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, hexafluorobutadiene, perfluoroheptene-1 and hexafluoroazomethane. Suitable moderating gases include N.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2. The gaseous insulating mixture can also contain SF.sub.6, perfluoropropane and perfluorobenzene.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1977Date of Patent: November 20, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Loucas G. Christophorou, David R. James, Marshall O. Pace, Robert Y. Pai
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Patent number: 4169884Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen comprises the step of reacting metallic Cu with Ba(OH).sub.2 in the presence of steam to produce hydrogen and BaCu.sub.2 O.sub.2. The BaCu.sub.2 O.sub.2 is reacted with H.sub.2 O to form Cu.sub.2 O and a Ba(OH).sub.2 product for recycle to the initial reaction step. Cu can be obtained from the Cu.sub.2 O product by several methods. In one embodiment the Cu.sub.2 O is reacted with HF solution to provide CuF.sub.2 and Cu. The CuF.sub.2 is reacted with H.sub.2 O to provide CuO and HF. CuO is decomposed to Cu.sub.2 O and O.sub.2. The HF, Cu and Cu.sub.2 O are recycled. In another embodiment the Cu.sub.2 O is reacted with aqueous H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 solution to provide CuSO.sub.4 solution and Cu. The CuSO.sub.4 is decomposed to CuO and SO.sub.3. The CuO is decomposed to form Cu.sub.2 O and O.sub.2. The SO.sub.3 is dissolved to form H.sub.2 SO.sub.4. H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, Cu and Cu.sub.2 O are recycled. In another embodiment Cu.sub.2 O is decomposed electrolytically to Cu and O.sub.2.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1978Date of Patent: October 2, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Carlos E. Bamberger, Donald M. Richardson, deceased
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Patent number: 4158606Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that radiation-induced voids which occur during fast neutron irradiation can be controlled by small but effective additions of titanium and silicon. The void-suppressing effect of these metals in combination is demonstrated and particularly apparent in austenitic stainless steels.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1978Date of Patent: June 19, 1979Assignee: The United States Department of EnergyInventors: Everett E. Bloom, James O. Stiegler, Arthur F. Rowcliffe, James M. Leitnaker
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Patent number: 4148663Abstract: Novel concrete compositions comprise particles of aggregate material embedded in a cement matrix, said cement matrix produced by contacting an oxide selected from the group of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, La.sub.2 O.sub.3, Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3, Sm.sub.2 O.sub.3, Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 with an aqueous solution of a salt selected from the group of NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3, NH.sub.4 Cl, YCl.sub.3 and Mg(NO.sub.3).sub.2 to form a fluid mixture; and allowing the fluid mixture to harden.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1977Date of Patent: April 10, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.
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Patent number: 4144059Abstract: Malleable long range ordered alloys having high critical ordering temperatures exist in the V(Fe, Co).sub.3 and V(Fe, Co, Ni).sub.3 systems. These alloys have the following compositions comprising by weight: 22-23% V, 14-30% Fe, and the remainder Co or Co and Ni with an electron density no more than 7.85. The maximum combination of high temperature strength, ductility and creep resistance are manifested in the alloy comprising by weight 22-23% V, 14-20% Fe and the remainder Co and having an atomic composition of V(Fe .sub.0.20-0.26 C Co.sub.0.74-0.80).sub.3. The alloy comprising by weight 22-23% V, 16-17% Fe and 60-62% Co has excellent high temperature properties. The alloys are fabricable into wrought articles by casting, deforming, and annealing for sufficient time to provide ordered structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1978Date of Patent: March 13, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Chain T. Liu, Henry Inouye
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Patent number: 4134960Abstract: PuO.sub.2 -containing solids, particularly residues from incomplete HNO.sub.3 dissolution of irradiated nuclear fuels, are dissolved in aqueous HI. The resulting solution is evaporated to dryness and the solids are dissolved in HNO.sub.3 for further chemical reprocessing. Alternatively, the HI solution containing dissolved Pu values, can be contacted with a cation exchange resin causing the Pu values to load the resin. The Pu values are selectively eluted from the resin with more concentrated HI.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1977Date of Patent: January 16, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Benedict L. Vondra, Othar K. Tallent, James C. Mailen
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Patent number: 4132639Abstract: An improvement in the separation of suspended solids from coal-derived liquids by a separations process in which solids size is a separations parameter is achieved by contacting the coal-derived liquid containing suspended solids with an effective amount of an additive selected from the group of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphoric anhydride and salts of sulfuric and phosphoric acid, and maintaining the contacted liquid at a temperature within the range of about 150.degree.-400.degree. C and for a time sufficient to achieve the desired separation rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1977Date of Patent: January 2, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Sidney Katz, Billy R. Rodgers
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Patent number: 4131527Abstract: The rate of reduction of Pu(IV) to Pu(III) in nitric acid solution containing a reducing agent is enhanced by exposing the solution to 200-500 nm electromagnetic radiation. Pu values are recovered from an organic extractant solution containing Pu(IV) values and U(VI) values by the method of contacting the extractant solution with an aqueous nitric acid solution in the presence of a reducing agent and exposing the aqueous solution to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of 200-500 nm. Under these conditions, Pu values preferentially distribute to the aqueous phase and U values preferentially distribute to the organic phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1977Date of Patent: December 26, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Horace A. Friedman, Louis M. Toth, Jimmy T. Bell
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Patent number: 4129463Abstract: A NTD semiconductor material comprising polycrystalline silicon having a mean grain size less than 1000 microns and containing phosphorus dispersed uniformly throughout the silicon rather than at the grain boundaries.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1977Date of Patent: December 12, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: John W. Cleland, Russell D. Westbrook, Richard F. Wood, Rosa T. Young
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Patent number: 4106186Abstract: High temperature BN-insulated heaters for use as fuel pin simulators in reactor thermal hydraulic test facility studies comprise a cylindrical housing and a concentric heating element disposed within the housing and spaced apart from the housing to define an annular region therebetween. The annular region contains BN for providing electrical resistance and thermal conductivity between the housing and the heating element. The fabrication method of this invention comprises the steps of cold pressing BN powder at a pressure of 20 to 80,000 psig and a dwell time of at least 0.1-3 seconds to provide hollow cylindrical preforms of suitable dimensions for insertion into the annular region, the BN powder having a tap density of about 0.6-1.1 g/cm.sup.3 and an orientation ratio of at least about 100/3.5. The preforms are inserted into the annular region and crushed in place.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1976Date of Patent: August 15, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Chester S. Morgan, Jr., O. Burl Cavin, Reginald W. McCulloch, David L. Clark
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Patent number: 4095106Abstract: A radiaton attenuation gauge for measuring thickness and density of a material comprises, in combination, a source of gamma radiation contained within a housing comprising magnetic or ferromagnetic material, and a means for measuring the intensity of gamma radiation. The measuring means has an aperture and magnetic means disposed adjacent to the aperture for attracting and holding the housed source in position before the aperture. The material to be measured is disposed between the source and the measuring means.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1977Date of Patent: June 13, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Steven A. Wallace
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Patent number: 4087573Abstract: Adhesive plaster compositions are provided by treating particles of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3, Eu.sub.2 O.sub.3, Gd.sub.2 O.sub.3 or Nd.sub.2 O.sub.3 with dilute acid solutions. The resulting compositions have been found to spontaneously harden into rigid reticulated masses resembling plaster of Paris. Upon heating, the hardened material is decomposed into the oxide, yet retains the reticulated rigid structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1975Date of Patent: May 2, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., Ronald L. Swain, John G. Banker, Charlene C. Edwards
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Patent number: 4072501Abstract: Metal powders, metal oxide powders, and mixtures thereof of controlled particle size are provided by reacting an aqueous solution containing dissolved metal values with excess urea. Upon heating, urea reacts with water from the solution leaving a molten urea solution containing the metal values. The molten urea solution is heated to above about 180.degree. C. whereupon metal values precipitate homogeneously as a powder. The powder is reduced to metal or calcined to form oxide particles. One or more metal oxides in a mixture can be selectively reduced to produce metal particles or a mixture of metal and metal oxide particles.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1977Date of Patent: February 7, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Thomas C. Quinby
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Patent number: 4072183Abstract: A shell and tube-type heat exchanger, such as a liquid sodium-operated steam generator for use in nuclear reactors, comprises a shell containing a primary fluid tube bundle, a secondary fluid tube bundle at higher elevation, and an intermediate fluid vaporizing at the surface of the primary fluid tubes and condensing at the surface of the secondary fluid tubes.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1976Date of Patent: February 7, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Arthur P. Fraas
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Patent number: 4070438Abstract: An improved method of preparing nuclear reactor fuel by carbonizing a uranium loaded cation exchange resin provided by contacting a H.sup.+ loaded resin with a uranyl nitrate solution deficient in nitrate, comprises providing the nitrate deficient solution by a method comprising the steps of reacting in a reaction zone maintained between about 145.degree.-200.degree. C, a first aqueous component comprising a uranyl nitrate solution having a boiling point of at least 145.degree. C with a second aqueous component to provide a gaseous phase containing HNO.sub.3 and a reaction product comprising an aqueous uranyl nitrate solution deficient in nitrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1976Date of Patent: January 24, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Karl J. Notz, Robert H. Rainey, Charles W. Greene, William E. Shockley
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Patent number: 4069293Abstract: The fluoride-catalyzed, non-oxidative dissolution of plutonium dioxide in HNO.sub.3 is significantly enhanced in rate by oxidizing dissolved plutonium ions. It is believed that the oxidation of dissolved plutonium releases fluoride ions from a soluble plutonium-fluoride complex for further catalytic action.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1976Date of Patent: January 17, 1978Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Othar K. Tallent
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Patent number: 4063005Abstract: A molten salt electrochemical system for battery applications comprises tetravalent sulfur as the active cathode material with a molten chloroaluminate solvent comprising a mixture of AlCl.sub.3 and MCl having a molar ratio of AlCl.sub.3 /MCl from greater than 50.0/50.0 to 80/20.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1976Date of Patent: December 13, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Gleb Mamantov, Roberto Marassi
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Patent number: 4057678Abstract: A high temperature secondary battery comprises an anode containing lithium, a cathode containing a chalcogen or chalcogenide, a molten salt electrolyte containing lithium ions, and a separator comprising a porous sheet comprising a homogenous mixture of 2-20 wt.% chrysotile asbestos fibers and the remainder inorganic material non-reactive with the battery components. The non-reactive material is present as fibers, powder, or a fiber-powder mixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1977Date of Patent: November 8, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Robert D. Walker, Jr.
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Patent number: 4051202Abstract: A method for separating mono-octylphenyl phosphoric acid ester and di-octylphenyl phosphoric acid ester from a mixture thereof comprises reacting the ester mixture with a source of lithium or sodium ions to form a mixture of the phosphate salts; contacting the salt mixture with an organic solvent which causes the dioctylphenyl phosphate salt to be dissolved in the organic solvent phase and the mono-octylphenyl phosphate salt to exist in a solid phase; separating the phases; recovering the phosphate salts from their respective phases; and acidifying the recovered salts to form the original phosphoric acid esters.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1975Date of Patent: September 27, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Wesley D. Arnold, Jr.