Patents Assigned to The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development
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Patent number: 4011307Abstract: .sup.203 Pb-tris complex injected for use in the detection and localization of tumors. The lead-203 is produced from the deuteron bombardment of a thallium target and chemically separated from the thallium. The tris is added which complexes with the lead-203.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1976Date of Patent: March 8, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Richard M. Lambrecht, Samuel Packer, Jerald C. Merrill, Harold L. Atkins, Alfred P. Wolf, Patrick R. Bradley-Moore
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Patent number: 4011463Abstract: An improved high-voltage pulse generator has been provided which is especially useful in ultrasonic testing of rock core samples. An N number of capacitors are charged in parallel to V volts and at the proper instance are coupled in series to produce a high-voltage pulse of N times V volts. Rapid switching of the capacitors from the paralleled charging configuration to the series discharging configuration is accomplished by using silicon-controlled rectifiers which are chain self-triggered following the initial triggering of a first one of the rectifiers connected between the first and second of the plurality of charging capacitors. A timing and triggering circuit is provided to properly synchronize triggering pulses to the first SCR at a time when the charging voltage is not being applied to the parallel-connected charging capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1975Date of Patent: March 8, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: George E. Fasching
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Patent number: 4011076Abstract: Thin-walled beryllium structures are prepared by plasma spraying a mixture of beryllium powder and about 2500 to 4000 ppm silicon powder onto a suitable substrate, removing the plasma-sprayed body from the substrate and placing it in a sizing die having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the beryllium, exposing the plasma-sprayed body to a moist atmosphere, outgassing the plasma-sprayed body, and then sintering the plasma-sprayed body in an inert atmosphere to form a dense, low-porosity beryllium structure of the desired thin-wall configuration. The addition of the silicon and the exposure of the plasma-sprayed body to the moist atmosphere greatly facilitate the preparation of the beryllium structure while minimizing the heretofore deleterious problems due to grain growth and grain orientation.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1976Date of Patent: March 8, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Victor M. Hovis, Jr., Walter G. Northcutt, Jr.
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Patent number: 4009614Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring two-phase flow is provided that is particularly related to the monitoring of transient two-phase (liquid-vapor) flow rates such as may occur during a pressurized water reactor core blow-down. The present invention essentially comprises the use of flanged wire screens or similar devices, such as perforated plates, to produce certain desirable effects in the flow regime for monitoring purposes. One desirable effect is a measurable and reproducible pressure drop across the screen. The pressure drop can be characterized for various known flow rates and then used to monitor nonhomogeneous flow regimes. Another useful effect of the use of screens or plates in nonhomogeneous flow is that such apparatus tends to create a uniformly dispersed flow regime in the immediate downstream vicinity. This is a desirable effect because it usually increases the accuracy of flow rate measurements determined by conventional methods.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1975Date of Patent: March 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: John D. Sheppard, Long S. Tong
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Patent number: 4010287Abstract: An improved process for producing porous spheroidal particles consisting of a metal carbide phase dispersed within a carbon matrix is described. According to the invention metal-loaded ion-exchange resin microspheres which have been carbonized are coated with a buffer carbon layer prior to conversion of the oxide to carbide in order to maintain porosity and avoid other adverse sintering effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1974Date of Patent: March 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Ronald L. Beatty
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Patent number: 4010100Abstract: An isotope separation method which comprises physically adsorbing an isotopically mixed molecular species on an adsorptive surface and irradiating the adsorbed molecules with radiation of a predetermined wavelength which will selectively excite a desired isotopic species. Sufficient energy is transferred to the excited molecules to desorb them from the surface and thereby separate them from the unexcited undesired isotopic species. The method is particularly applicable to the separation of hydrogen isotopes.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1975Date of Patent: March 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Kenneth S. Suslick
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Patent number: 4009444Abstract: Peak power multiplication of a radio frequency source by simultaneous charging of two high-Q resonant microwave cavities by applying the source output through a directional coupler to the cavities and then reversing the phase of the source power to the coupler, thereby permitting the power in the cavities to simultaneously discharge through the coupler to the load in combination with power from the source to apply a peak power to the load that is a multiplication of the source peak power.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1974Date of Patent: February 22, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Zoltan D. Farkas, Perry B. Wilson
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Patent number: 4008899Abstract: A seal is provided for allowing a thin flexible tape to be pulled from a high vacuum region (less than 10.sup.-.sup.6 torr) into atmospheric pressure. The tape first passes through a slit in an elastomer and thence through a pool of vacuum pump fluid into a differentially pumped volume. A second slit in an elastomer is the final seal element prior to exit of the tape to atmospheric pressure. The vacuum seal is utilized in a system for the rapid removal of samples, implanted in the surface of the tape, from a vacuum system to atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1976Date of Patent: February 22, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: H. Kennon Carter, Ronald L. Mlekodaj
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Patent number: 4007729Abstract: A device is provided for improving the thermal efficiency of a cylindrical radiant energy collector. A channel is placed next to and in close proximity to the nonreflective side of an energy reflective wall of a cylindrical collector. A coolant is piped through the channel and removes a portion of the nonreflective energy incident on the wall which is absorbed by the wall. The energy transferred to the coolant may be utilized in a useful manner.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1975Date of Patent: February 15, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Bei Tse Chao, Ari Rabl
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Patent number: 4008411Abstract: This invention relates to a neutron generator and a method for the production of 14 MeV neutrons. Heavy ions are accelerated to impinge upon a target mixture of deuterium and tritium to produce recoil atoms of deuterium and tritium. These recoil atoms have a sufficient energy such that they interact with other atoms of tritium or deuterium in the target mixture to produce approximately 14 MeV neutrons.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1975Date of Patent: February 15, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Robert M. Brugger, Lowell G. Miller, Robert C. Young
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Patent number: 4008399Abstract: An improved, self-powered, gamma compensated, neutron detector having two electrically conductive concentric cylindrical electrodes and a central rod emitter formed from a material which emits beta particles when bombarded by neutrons. The outer electrode and emitter are maintained at a common potential and the neutron representative current is furnished at the inner cylindrical electrode which serves as a collector. The two concentric cylindrical electrodes are designed to exhibit substantially equal electron emission induced by Compton scattering under neutron bombardment to supply the desired gamma compensation.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1975Date of Patent: February 15, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Donald P. Brown
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Patent number: 4006073Abstract: Applying a thin film coating to the surface of a workpiece, in particular, applying a coating of titanium nitride to a klystron window by means of a crossed-field diode sputtering array. The array is comprised of a cohesive group of numerous small hollow electrically conducting cylinders and is mounted so that the open ends of the cylinders on one side of the group are adjacent a titanium cathode plate. The workpiece is mounted so as to face the open ends of the other side of the group. A magnetic field is applied to the array so as to be coaxial with the cylinders and a potential is applied across the cylinders and the cathode plate, the cylinders as an anode being positive with respect to the cathode plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1975Date of Patent: February 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Kimo M. Welch
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Patent number: 4006107Abstract: The method of preparing Pb.sub.x Mo.sub.y S.sub.z where x = 0.8-1.1, y = 4.5-5.6, and z = 5.4-7.2 comprising the steps of mixing commercial reagent grade powders of the reactants, heating in a sealed, evacuated reaction vessel to a temperature of 950.degree.-1150.degree. C, maintaining the temperature until the compound is formed, and then cooling the compound at a controlled rate not in excess of 4.degree. C per minute.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1975Date of Patent: February 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Simon Foner, Edward J. McNiff, Jr., Edwin J. Alexander
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Patent number: 4005750Abstract: The orientation of hydraulically-induced fractures in relatively deep subterranean earth formations is normally confined to vertical projections along a plane parallel to the maximum naturally occurring (tectonic) compressive stress field. It was found that this plane of maximum compressive stress may be negated and, in effect, re-oriented in a plane projecting generally orthogonal to the original tectonic stress plane by injecting liquid at a sufficiently high pressure into a wellbore fracture oriented in a plane parallel to the plane of tectonic stress for the purpose of stressing the surrounding earth formation in a plane generally orthogonal to the plane of tectonic stress.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1975Date of Patent: February 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Lowell Z. Shuck
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Patent number: 4005521Abstract: A method for spacing fast reactor fuel rods using a wire wrapper improved by orienting the wire-wrapped fuel rods in a unique manner which introduces desirable performance characteristics not attainable by previous wire-wrapped designs. Use of this method in a liquid metal fast breeder reactor results in: (a) improved mechanical performance, (b) improved rod-to-rod contact, (c) reduced steel volume, and (d) improved thermal-hydraulic performance. The method produces a "locked wrap" design which tends to lock the rods together at each of the wire cluster locations.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1975Date of Patent: February 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Samuel Kaplan, Alan J. Chertock, James R. Punches
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Patent number: 4005990Abstract: The structural quality of niobium germanide as a high-transition-temperature superconducting material is substantially improved by the presence of about 5 at. % oxygen. Niobium germanide having this oxygen content may readily be prepared as a bulk coating bonded to a metallic substrate by chemical vapor deposition techniques.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1975Date of Patent: February 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Lawrence R. Newkirk, Flavio A. Valencia
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Patent number: 4006034Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell is assembled in an uncharged state for the preparation of a lithium alloy-transition metal sulfide cell. The negative electrode includes a material such as aluminum or silicon for alloying with lithium as the cell is charged. The positive electrode is prepared by blending particulate lithium sulfide, transition metal powder and electrolytic salt in solid phase. The mixture is simultaneously heated to a temperature in excess of the melting point of the electrolyte and pressed onto an electrically conductive substrate to form a plaque. The plaque is assembled as a positive electrode within the cell. During the first charge cycle lithium alloy is formed within the negative electrode and transition metal sulfide such as iron sulfide is produced within the positive electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1976Date of Patent: February 1, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Hiroshi Shimotake, Louis G. Bartholme, John D. Arntzen
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Patent number: 4005233Abstract: The present invention relates to a filament wound spherical structure comprising a plurality of filament band sets disposed about the surface of a mandrel with each band of each set formed of a continuous filament circumferentially wound about the mandrel a selected number of circuits and with each circuit of filament being wound parallel to and contiguous with an immediate previously wound circuit. Each filament band in each band set is wound at the same helix angle from the axis of revolution of the mandrel and all of the bands of each set are uniformly distributed about the mandrel circumference. The pole-to-equator wall thickness taper associated with each band set, as several contiguous band sets are wound about the mandrel starting at the poles, is accumulative as the band sets are nested to provide a complete filament wound sphere of essentially uniform thickness.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1975Date of Patent: January 25, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: William S. Dritt, Howard L. Gerth, Charles E. Knight, Jr., Robert M. Pardue
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Patent number: 4005178Abstract: The reduction of UF.sub.5 to UF.sub.4 in a molten fluoride salt by sparging with hydrogen is catalyzed by metallic platinum. The reaction is also catalyzed by platinum alloyed with gold reaction equipment.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1975Date of Patent: January 25, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventors: Melvin R. Bennett, Carlos E. Bamberger, A. Donald Kelmers
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Patent number: 4005289Abstract: A method for locating and mapping the magnitude and extent of terrestrial heat-flow anomalies from 5 to 50 times average with a tenfold improved sensitivity over orthodox applications of aerial temperature-sensing surveys as used for geothermal reconnaissance. The method remotely senses surface temperature anomalies such as occur from geothermal resources or oxidizing ore bodies by: measuring the spectral, spatial, statistical, thermal, and temporal features characterizing infrared radiation emitted by natural terrestrial surfaces; deriving from these measurements the true surface temperature with uncertainties as small as 0.05 to 0.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1976Date of Patent: January 25, 1977Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development AdministrationInventor: Nancy Kerr Del Grande