Patents Assigned to The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research & Development Administration
  • Neutronic reactor
    Patent number: 4004973
    Abstract: A graphite-moderated nuclear reactor includes channels between blocks of graphite and also includes spacer blocks between adjacent channeled blocks with an axis of extension normal to that of the axis of elongation of the channeled blocks to minimize changes in the physical properties of the graphite as a result of prolonged neutron bombardment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1952
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: John T. Carleton
  • Electrolytic trapping of iodine from process gas streams
    Patent number: 4004993
    Abstract: A method for removing molecular, inorganic, and organic forms of iodine from process gas streams comprises the electrolytic oxidation of iodine in the presence of cobalt-III ions. The gas stream is passed through the anode compartment of a partitioned electrolytic cell having a nitric acid anolyte containing a catalytic amount of cobalt to cause the oxidation of effluent iodine species to aqueous soluble species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Donald E. Horner, James C. Mailen, Franz A. Posey
  • Method and means of reducing erosion of components of plasma devices exposed to helium and hydrogen isotope radiation
    Patent number: 4004890
    Abstract: Surfaces of components of plasma devices exposed to radiation by atoms or ions of helium or isotopes of hydrogen can be protected from damage due to blistering by shielding the surfaces with a structure formed by sintering a powder of aluminum or beryllium and its oxide or by coating the surfaces with such a sintered metal powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Manfred S. Kaminsky, Santosh K. Das, Thomas D. Rossing
  • Thermochemical process for the production of hydrogen using chromium and barium compound
    Patent number: 4005184
    Abstract: Hydrogen is produced by a closed cyclic process involving the reduction and oxidation of chromium compounds by barium hydroxide and the hydrolytic disproportionation of Ba.sub.2 CrO.sub.4 and Ba.sub.3 (CrO.sub.4).sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Carlos E. Bamberger, Donald M. Richardson
  • Laser action by optically depumping lower states
    Patent number: 4004250
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining laser action between an upper energy level and a lower energy level of a gaseous medium, which comprises populating the upper energy level to some degree (short of achieving a conventional inverted population) by any suitable pumping means, and thereafter establishing an inverted population by transiently and selectively depumping the lower energy level such as by exposing the medium to an intense source of radiation which selectively causes the transformation of the lower energy level species to some other energy level. Thus, a thermally pumped/optically depumped gas laser system is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: William F. Krupke
  • Radiant energy collector
    Patent number: 4002499
    Abstract: An electromagnetic energy collection device is provided which does not require a solar tracking capability. It includes an energy receiver positioned between two side walls which reflect substantially all incident energy received over a predetermined included angle directly onto the energy receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Roland Winston
  • Apparatus for measuring a flux of neutrons
    Patent number: 4002916
    Abstract: A flux of neutrons is measured by disposing a detector in the flux and applying electronic correlation techniques to discriminate between the electrical signals generated by the neutron detector and the unwanted interfering electrical signals generated by the incidence of a neutron flux upon the cables connecting the detector to the electronic measuring equipment at a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: James L. Stringer
  • Electrostatic lens to focus an ion beam to uniform density
    Patent number: 4002912
    Abstract: A focusing lens for an ion beam having a gaussian or similar density profile is provided. The lens is constructed to provide an inner zero electrostatic field, and an outer electrostatic field such that ions entering this outer field are deflected by an amount that is a function of their distance from the edge of the inner field. The result is a beam that focuses to a uniform density in a manner analogous to that of an optical ring lens. In one embodiment, a conically-shaped network of fine wires is enclosed within a cylindrical anode. The wire net together with the anode produces a voltage field that re-directs the outer particles of the beam while the axial particles pass undeflected through a zero field inside the wire net. The result is a focused beam having a uniform intensity over a given target area and at a given distance from the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Cleland H. Johnson
  • Method of recycling lithium borate to lithium borohydride through methyl borate
    Patent number: 4002726
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for the recycling of lithium borate to lithium borohydride which can be reacted with water to generate hydrogen for utilization as a fuel. The lithium borate by-product of the hydrogen generation reaction is reacted with hydrogen chloride and water to produce boric acid and lithium chloride. The boric acid and lithium chloride are converted to lithium borohydride through a methyl borate intermediate to complete the recycle scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Evan E. Filby
  • Method for thermochemical decomposition of water
    Patent number: 4002729
    Abstract: Water is thermochemically decomposed to produce hydrogen by the following sequence of reactions: KI, NH.sub.3, CO.sub. 2 and water in an organic solvent such as ethyl or propyl alcohol are reacted to produce KHCO 3 and NH.sub.4 I. The KHCO.sub.3 is thermally decomposed to K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, H.sub.2 O and CO.sub.2, while the NH.sub.4 I is reacted with Hg to produce HgI.sub.2, NH.sub.3 and H.sub.2. The K.sub.2 CO.sub.3 obtained by calcining KHCO.sub.3 is then reacted with HgI.sub.2 to produce Hg, KI, CO and O.sub.2. All products of the reaction are recycled except hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Bernard M. Abraham, Felix Schreiner
  • Coating method for graphite
    Patent number: 4002784
    Abstract: A method of limiting carbon contamination from graphite ware used in induction melting of uranium alloys is provided comprising coating the graphite surface with a suspension of Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 particles in water containing about 1.5 to 4% by weight sodium carboxymethylcellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: John G. Banker, Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr.
  • Thermal baffle for fast-breeder reacton
    Patent number: 4001079
    Abstract: A liquid-metal-cooled fast-breeder reactor includes a bridge structure for separating hot outlet coolant from relatively cool inlet coolant consisting of an annular stainless steel baffle plate extending between the core barrel surrounding the core and the thermal liner associated with the reactor vessel and resting on ledges thereon, there being inner and outer circumferential webs on the lower surface of the baffle plate and radial webs extending between the circumferential webs, a stainless steel insulating plate completely covering the upper surface of the baffle plate and flex seals between the baffle plate and the ledges on which the baffle plate rests to prevent coolant from washing through the gaps therebetween. The baffle plate is keyed to the core barrel for movement therewith and floating with respect to the thermal liner and reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: John A. Rylatt
  • Automatic range selector
    Patent number: 4001683
    Abstract: A device is provided for automatically selecting from a plurality of ranges of a scale of values to which a meter may be made responsive, that range which encompasses the value of an unknown parameter. A meter relay indicates whether the unknown is of greater or lesser value than the range to which the meter is then responsive. The rotatable part of a stepping relay is rotated in one direction or the other in response to the indication from the meter relay. Various positions of the rotatable part are associated with particular scales. Switching means are sensitive to the position of the rotatable part to couple the associated range to the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Clyde E. McNeilly
  • Stored program digital process controller
    Patent number: 4001557
    Abstract: A digital process control function generator wherein a timing clock, in conjunction with programmable read only memories controls variables in a process with respect to time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Dwight L. Stephenson
  • Matrix heat exchanger including a liquid, thermal couplant
    Patent number: 3999602
    Abstract: A tube-to-tube heat exchanger is disclosed with a thermally conductive matrix between and around the tubes to define annuli between the tubes and matrix. The annuli are filled to a level with a molten metal or alloy to provide a conductive heat transfer path from one tube through the matrix to the second tube. A matrix heat exchanger of this type is particularly useful for heat transfer between fluids which would react should one leak into the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Thomas E. Fewell, Charles T. Ward
  • Method and apparatus for preventing overspeed in a gas turbine
    Patent number: 3998047
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing overspeed in a gas turbine in response to the rapid loss of applied load is disclosed. The method involves diverting gas from the inlet of the turbine, bypassing the same around the turbine and thereafter injecting the diverted gas at the turbine exit in a direction toward or opposing the flow of gas through the turbine. The injected gas is mixed with the gas exiting the turbine to thereby minimize the thermal shock upon equipment downstream of the turbine exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: William E. Walker
  • Nuclear reactor for breeding U.sup.233
    Patent number: 3998692
    Abstract: A light-water-cooled nuclear reactor capable of breeding U.sup.233 for use in a light-water breeder reactor includes physically separated regions containing U.sup.235 fissile material and U.sup.238 fertile material and Th.sup.232 fertile material and Pu.sup.239 fissile material, if available. Preferably the U.sup.235 fissile material and U.sup.238 fertile material are contained in longitudinally movable seed regions and the Pu.sup.239 fissile material and Th.sup.232 fertile material are contained in blanket regions surrounding the seed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Charles S. Bohanan, David H. Jones, Harry F. Raab, Jr., Alvin Radkowsky
  • High speed radiation scanning technique for simultaneously determining the pitch and eccentricity of an encased oil
    Patent number: 3999067
    Abstract: A method of determining the pitch and eccentricity of the winding of a coil unit is provided. It specifically relates to nondestructively examining completely encased heating coils used to simulate the heat generated from fuel rods in reactor studies. The method comprises (1) the use of an x-ray transmission technique through the axial centerline of the coil unit after the winding of the coil unit has been completely encased, (2) the use of a radiation detection instrument to monitor the transmitted radiation, and (3) the use of recording instrumentation calibrated as a function of the distance between windings. A change in the pitch of the winding is detected by a general increase or decrease in the distance between recorded peaks of the transmitted radiation. Eccentricity is detected by a consistent variation in distance between peaks occuring in alternate pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Billy E. Foster
  • Rapid ignition of fluidized bed boiler
    Patent number: 3996863
    Abstract: A fluidized bed boiler is started up by directing into the static bed of inert and carbonaceous granules a downwardly angled burner so that the hot gases cause spouting. Air is introduced into the bed at a rate insufficient to fluidize the entire bed. Three regions are now formed in the bed, a region of lowest gas resistance, a fluidized region and a static region with a mobile region at the interface of the fluidized and static regions. Particles are transferred by the spouting action to form a conical heap with the carbonaceous granules concentrated at the top. The hot burner gases ignite the carbonaceous matter on the top of the bed which becomes distributed in the bed by the spouting action and bed movement. Thereafter the rate of air introduction is increased to fluidize the entire bed, the spouter/burner is shut off, and the entire fluidized bed is ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Liman D. Osborn
  • Method for control of subsurface coal gasification
    Patent number: 3997005
    Abstract: The burn front in an in situ underground coal gasification operation is controlled by utilizing at least two parallel groups of vertical bore holes disposed in the coalbed at spaced-apart locations in planes orthogonal to the plane of maximum permeability in the coalbed. The combustion of the coal is initiated in the coalbed adjacent to one group of the bore holes to establish a combustion zone extending across the group while the pressure of the combustion supporting gas mixture and/or the combustion products is regulated at each well head by valving to control the burn rate and maintain a uniform propagation of the burn front between the spaced-apart hole groups to gasify virtually all the coal lying therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Charles A. Komar