Patents Assigned to Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
  • Metallothermal process and continuous drawing, in cold induction furnaces, of metals or alloys
    Patent number: 6409791
    Abstract: A metallothermy method includes continuously withdrawing an ingot of a metal product such as uranium or a uranium alloy as it is formed from an oxide or salt of the metal. The method employs upper and lower communicating crucibles. The upper crucible contains a layer of reducing medium floating on a solvent medium. The metal oxide or metal salt is reduced as it is introduced into the layer reducing medium to form metal particles and slag. The settling metal is melted by further induction heating, collected in the lower crucible and withdrawn. The slag is absorbed by the solvent medium which is regenerated with the use of electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Jany Petit, Laurent Philippe, Véronique Hurbin
  • Method for reducing nitrate and/or nitric acid concentration in an aqueous solution
    Patent number: 6383400
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to reduce the nitrate and/or nitric acid concentration of an aqueous solution—referred to as a denitration process—by means of a reaction with formic acid or formol wherein said reaction is carried out in heterogeneous catalysis. The solutions treated may for example be produced by processes related to nuclear fuel cycles such as the nitric acid solutions used in the treatment of radioactive waste or explosive substance manufacturing processes or surface treatment processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Jean-Charles Broudic, Philippe Brossard, Alekseï Ananiev
  • Device for locating radiation sources
    Patent number: 6380541
    Abstract: This device comprises a chamber (4) with a pinhole, the walls of the chamber acting as shielding (6) that absorbs radiation. The chamber contains means of forming images of the sources, due to radiation, and the area in which the sources are located, due to visible light from this area. A part (36) of the shielding in which the pinhole (32) is located, is free to move and is fixed to an optical system (34) capable of providing sharp images in visible light over the required field depth by replacing the pinhole for the formation of the image of the area, and vice versa for formation of the image of the sources. Application to localizing gamma radiation sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Frédéric Laine, Olivier Gal, Séverine Gaucher
  • Method and apparatus for continuously transforming plutonium oxalate into plutonium oxide
    Publication number: 20020004025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of transforming plutonium oxalate into plutonium oxide by drying and then calcining. In said method, in a characteristic manner, the operations of drying and calcining are implemented continuously, in the presence of oxygen and with gas extraction, in two adjacent zones of a single apparatus, e.g. of the screw oven type, that is maintained at negative pressure. The present invention also provides apparatus suitable for implementing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES MATIERES NUCLEAIRES
    Inventor: Gerard Bertolotti
  • Linking element with screw jack and its use for an industrial robot arm
    Patent number: 6337547
    Abstract: The linking component between two parts that contributes to maintaining them at a distance that is determined but adjustable comprises a jack with a screw and a nut. The movement of the jack is controlled by a motor. Universal joints are disposed between the two parts and the screw and the nut respectively, and the axes of rotation of one of the universal joints passes through the center of the nut. If play present in the assembly causes the screw to become skewed relative to the nut, the nut tilts freely until its axis is in line with that of the screw, thereby eliminating the flexion stresses caused by the cantilever on the screw. The component may be used to regulate the angle between two hinged sections of a robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventor: Tanguy Jouan de Kervenoaël
  • Rotating device for continuously filtering a liquid such as a solution containing a precipitate
    Publication number: 20010054581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating device for continuously filtering a liquid such as a solution containing a precipitate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Gerard Bertolotti, Yves Lebiez
  • Automatic distributor for container covers
    Publication number: 20010052483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributor that enables covers to be fitted automatically on containers in a chamber without requiring assistance from an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Christian Orange, Philippe Hunaut
  • Grid strap for a nuclear fuel assembly, and a grid including such straps
    Patent number: 6332012
    Abstract: A nuclear fuel assembly grid has a plurality of mutually interleaved straps forming an array of fuel rod receiving cells. Each strap is formed with regularly distributed slots for interleaving with other straps of the grid. The strap has dimples located between some at least of the slots for maintaining fuel rods in the cells. An uptstream portion of the plate extending in transverse relation to a coolant flow direction has a double sided concave chamfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignees: Framatome, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventor: Bernard Petit
  • System for supporting pipes in service galleries, especially in the nuclear industry
    Patent number: 6305424
    Abstract: A novel support system is disclosed for supporting pipes conducting fluid in service galleries, particularly in the chemical, petrochemical or nuclear industry. The support system includes at least one pre-assembled, movable portal frame including metal tubes welded together and set out as a main framework and rungs intended to support said pipes having a horizontal or inclined longitudinal axis. After moving the support system to a service gallery, an anchoring structure is used to anchor the pre-assembled, movable portal frame to structural works in the service gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Bernard Delouvee, Philippe Potard
  • Pneumatic weighing device
    Publication number: 20010025729
    Abstract: The scales include a tray (1) placed on a base (3) and lifted by an air cushion, with no mechanical connection with the base (3). The weight of an object (21) laid on the tray (1) varies the air cushion pressure, and the measurement of this pressure by an external sensor (19) is straightforward and gives the weight of the object (21) once a law of correlation has been determined. Lateral pipes enable gas to be blown against a flange (2) of the tray (1) and thus horizontal displacements of the tray and friction to be avoided. Several vertical pipes are generally provided so as to reduce tray (1) tipping after the object (21) has been thrown off centre, the weight being then given by the sum of the measurements of each vertical pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Paul Gallard, Francois Decool
  • Method of filling with powder a container that is closable by a lid, and associated apparatus for transferring said powder
    Patent number: 6293316
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling with powder a container having an interior and an opening to the interior that is closable by a lid. The method includes the steps of docking the opening in the container with a transfer apparatus including a powder-feed duct and dropping a coupling tube vertically downwardly through the duct to communicate with the interior of the container. The powder is passed vertically downwardly through said transfer apparatus downstream from the powder-feed duct through the coupling tube to said container, with the coupling tube serving to protect internal mechanical parts of said transfer apparatus. During the transfer, a low level of suction is maintained inside the transfer apparatus to avoid any accumulation of the powder and any release of the powder outside the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine
  • Vapor -liquid ejector with a removable nozzle
    Publication number: 20010020649
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vapor-liquid (V-L) ejector with a removable nozzle (2) in which the internal structure has been modified and improved concerning the clearance that exists to enable said nozzle (2) to be engaged in the body (10) of said ejector (1). The invention also provides a nozzle (2) for such an ejector (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Pierre Miquel, Francois Poncelet, Philippe Bretault, Didier Michel
  • Method for laying a cable beneath a slab
    Patent number: 6260826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for blind placement of a cable under a slab (14) such as a slab closing off a storage silo for the storage of noxious products, between two openings (24, 34). A target (42) is lowered through one (24) of the openings and a gun (38) is lowered through the other opening (34). The target (42) and the gun (38) are rotated to face each other and a projectile such as a harpoon (40) is then fired with a gun towards the target, after attaching a hemp rope (44) to the harpoon. After lifting the target (42) above the slab (14) and disconnecting the harpoon (40), the cable is attached to the other end of the hemp rope and the hemp rope is pulled through the opening (24) until the cable is put into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Guyot, Daniel Kerlau
  • Device for connecting two tubes together
    Patent number: 6227757
    Abstract: A device for connecting together a first tube and a second tube placed at a 90° angle with respect to one another. The device includes a flat base placed between the two tubes, and pierced with at least two holes, yokes for joining together the first tube with the base and for partially surrounding at least a portion of the first tube, and collars for joining the second tube and the base, the collars partially surrounding at least a portion of the second tube and interacting with the holes and with the yokes. The device may be used for connecting together pipes, especially in a gallery or a cell in the nuclear industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Bernard Delouvee, Alain Vernerey
  • Method for separating technetium from a nitric solution
    Patent number: 6179981
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating technetium from a nitric solution of technetium through cathodic electrodeposition of said technetium by electrolysis. According to the process of the invention, the nitric solution of technetium is denitrified and its pH is adjusted to a value of approximately 5.5 to 7.5 before electrolysis. Electrolysis is conducted at galvanostatic rate, and the cathode potential is approximately −1.36 V/SHE to −1.16/SHE. The ratio of the cathode surface area (S) to the volume of the technetium solution to be electrolyzed may be in the region of 0.25 to 0.50 cm−1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Michel Masson, Micha{umlaut over (e)}l Lecomte, Alexandre Masslennikov, Vladimir Peretroukhine
  • Thermal etching process of a ceramic under oxidizing conditions
    Patent number: 6171511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for thermal etching under oxidizing conditions of a ceramic, more particularly with the aim of revealing its grain boundaries and for the study of its granular microstructure. The invention applies to technical and nuclear ceramics and in particular UO2 and to (U, Pu) O2 mixtures. The thermal etching is performed in a furnace or kiln under a controlled atmosphere constituted by an oxidizing gas supplying a chemical oxygen potential of −75 to −125 kJ/mole and comprises the following successive stages: rapid rise in the temperature of the furnace to a rate of 900 to 1500° C./h from the initial temperature to a temperature plateau, maintaining the temperature at said plateau at a value of 1250 to 1450° C. for between 30 and 15 minutes, lowering the temperature to the final temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: François Charollais, Mireille Bauer, Michel Coster, Pascal Piluso, Claude Fort
  • Vibrating table with vertical acceleration
    Patent number: 6155707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating table with vertical acceleration for an object, comprising a rigid frame, a damping device and a vertical oscillation device connected to said frame so as to entrain said table in a vibratory movement. The table further presents a clamping device comprising:a bearing surface connected to said frame and on which an upper surface of said object is intended to be applied,a supporting plate at least vertically mobile with respect to said frame thanks to elevation means and intended to provide, with said bearing surface, a vise clamping said object, andblocking means ensuring hold of said object in clamped position during the vibratory phase of said vibrating table.The invention is more particularly applicable to the filling of a container of radioactive technological waste with concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Pierrick Brehier, Guy Maurin, Pierre Monthel
  • Conveying system for conveying substantially cylindrical objects such as nuclear fuel pellets
    Patent number: 6132297
    Abstract: For conveying in single file and in a lying position substantially cylindrical objects such as nuclear fuel pellets (P) in a substantially horizontal, non-linear path, a conveying system (20) is proposed, which comprises an endless belt (26) running over pulleys having substantially vertical axes. Regulatable guides (44) maintain the objects laterally on the upper edge (30) of the endless belt (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Jean Couzy, Michel Marchand
  • Method for separating metals by micellar ultrafiltration that can be used to process radioactive waste
    Patent number: 6113796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating metals by micellar ultrafiltration, that can be used to process radioactive waste.This process consists of adding to the aqueous solution a complexing anionic surfactant having the formula: ##STR1## M.sup.+ =cation, for example NA.sup.+m=1 or 2R=aliphatic group of at least eight carbon atoms, and optionally a nonionic surfactant such as Triton X-100 or Brij 35 to produce micelles (10) in the solution, and subsequently of filtering the solution through an ultrafiltration membrane (3) to retain the previously formed micelles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Philippe Tounissou, Marc Hebrant, Ludwig Rodehuser, Christian Tondre
  • Compacting process and compacting means and device suitable for the compacting of materials with a pyrophoric tendency
    Patent number: 6110307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacting process suitable particularly for the compacting of materials with a pyrophoric tendency and especially for the compacting of scrap metal generated in the nuclear industry: and compacting means (4), and a compacting device including said means (4), appropriate for the implementation of said process. In said process the blanketed materials are compacted with optimized complementary external blanketing. The inert gas used for said external blanketing is characteristically conveyed via the compacting means (4) and blown in through their lower end (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Guerin, deceased, by Robert Rene Armand Guerin, heir, by Christiane Guerin, heir, by Jean-Baptiste Guerin, heir, by Agnes Fernande Cano, heir, by Pierre Emmanuel Guerin, heir, Philippe Kerrien, Gerard Limeuil