Patents Assigned to United States Department of Energy
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Patent number: 6858998Abstract: A new and improved undulator design is provided that enables a variable period length for the production of synchrotron radiation from both medium-energy and high-energy storage rings. The variable period length is achieved using a staggered array of pole pieces made up of high permeability material, permanent magnet material, or an electromagnetic structure. The pole pieces are separated by a variable width space. The sum of the variable width space and the pole width would therefore define the period of the undulator. Features and advantages of the invention include broad photon energy tunability, constant power operation and constant brilliance operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Gopal Shenoy, John Lewellen, Deming Shu, Nikolai Vinokurov
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Patent number: 6857553Abstract: A method for determining the quality of an examined weld joint comprising the steps of providing acoustical data from the examined weld joint, and performing a neural network operation on the acoustical data determine the quality of the examined weld joint produced by a friction weld process. The neural network may be trained by the steps of providing acoustical data and observable data from at least one test weld joint, and training the neural network based on the acoustical data and observable data to form a trained neural network so that the trained neural network is capable of determining the quality of a examined weld joint based on acoustical data from the examined weld joint. In addition, an apparatus having a housing, acoustical sensors mounted therein, and means for mounting the housing on a friction weld device so that the acoustical sensors do not contact the weld joint. The apparatus may sample the acoustical data necessary for the neural network to determine the quality of a weld joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Daniel A. Hartman, Vivek R. Dave' , Mark J. Cola, Robert W. Carpenter
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Patent number: 6843541Abstract: A glove box assembly that includes a glove box enclosure attached to a longitudinally extending hollow tube having an entranceway, wherein the portion of the tube is in a liquid environment. An elevator member is provided for raising an object that is introduced into the hollow tube from the liquid environment to a gas environment inside the glove box enclosure while maintaining total containment.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: William C. Mills, Richard A. Rabe
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Patent number: 6844561Abstract: A rotating aperture system includes a low-pressure vacuum pumping stage with apertures for passage of a deuterium beam. A stator assembly includes holes for passage of the beam. The rotor assembly includes a shaft connected to a deuterium gas cell or a crossflow venturi that has a single aperture on each side that together align with holes every rotation. The rotating apertures are synchronized with the firing of the deuterium beam such that the beam fires through a clear aperture and passes into the Xe gas beam stop. Portions of the rotor are lapped into the stator to improve the sealing surfaces, to prevent rapid escape of the deuterium gas from the gas cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Brian Rusnak, James M. Hall, Stewart Shen, Richard L. Wood
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Patent number: 6844720Abstract: A calibration apparatus for calibrating a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) having an armature positioned in au LVDT armature orifice, and the armature able to move along an axis of movement. The calibration apparatus includes a heating mechanism with an internal chamber, a temperature measuring mechanism for measuring the temperature of the LVDT, a fixture mechanism with an internal chamber for at least partially accepting the LVDT and for securing the LVDT within the heating mechanism internal chamber, a moving mechanism for moving the armature, a position measurement mechanism for measuring the position of the armature, and an output voltage measurement mechanism. A method for calibrating an LVDT, including the steps of: powering the LVDT; heating the LVDT to a desired temperature; measuring the position of the armature with respect to the armature orifice; and measuring the output voltage of the LVDT.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Robert J. Pokrywka
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Patent number: 6838072Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing lithium intercalation compounds by plasma reaction comprising the steps of: forming a feed solution by mixing lithium nitrate or lithium hydroxide or lithium oxide and the required metal nitrate or metal hydroxide or metal oxide and between 10-50% alcohol by weight; mixing the feed solution with O2 gas wherein the O2 gas atomizes the feed solution into fine reactant droplets, inserting the atomized feed solution into a plasma reactor to form an intercalation powder; and if desired, heating the resulting powder to from a very pure single phase product.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Peter C. Kong, Robert J. Pink, Lee O. Nelson
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Patent number: 6830738Abstract: The synthesis of actinide tetraborides including uranium tetraboride (UB4), plutonium tetraboride (PuB4) and thorium tetraboride (ThB4) by a solid-state metathesis reaction are demonstrated. The present method significantly lowers the temperature required to ≦850° C. As an example, when UCl4 is reacted with an excess of MgB2, at 850° C., crystalline UB4 is formed. Powder X-ray diffraction and ICP-AES data support the reduction of UCl3 as the initial step in the reaction. The UB4 product is purified by washing water and drying.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Anthony J. Lupinetti, Eduardo Garcia, Kent D. Abney
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Publication number: 20040247791Abstract: A method for preparing nanocrystalline ceramic thin films, particularly at low firing temperatures <1000° C. The method for preparing ceramic thin films comprises preparing a seed gel of metal oxide, dissolving a source compound for cations of the oxide's metal constituents in the solution, then adding a polymerizable organic solvent to the solution and heating to form a polymeric precursor having uniformly dispersed gel seeds within a solid gel structure whereby any voids within the structure are filled with metal cation-containing polymeric precursor. The polymeric precursor is free of precipitates. A surface of a substrate is then coated with at least one layer of the gel-seeded polymeric precursor to form a uniform film of gel-seeded polymeric precursor wherein the film has a thickness of 100 nm to 200 nm per layer. The film is then sintered to convert the film to a nanocrystalline ceramic thin film having a thickness of 100 nm to 1 &mgr;m and being substantially free of defects.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: United States Department of EnergyInventors: Michael Z. Hu, Junhang Dong
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Patent number: 6827296Abstract: The invention relates to a method an apparatus for atomizing liquids. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for atomizing heavy hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel, as part of a fuel reforming process. During normal operating conditions the fuel is atomized by a high pressure fluid. Under start-up conditions when only a low pressure gas is available the fuel films across part of the nozzle and is subsequently atomized by a radially directed low pressure dispersion gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Vincent J. Novick, Rajesh K. Ahluwalia
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Patent number: 6823034Abstract: A canister is provided for storing, transporting, and/or disposing of spent nuclear fuel. The canister includes a canister shell, a top shield plug disposed within the canister, and a leak-tight closure arrangement. The closure arrangement includes a shear ring which forms a containment boundary of the canister, and which is welded to the canister shell and top shield plug. An outer seal plate, forming an outer seal, is disposed above the shear ring and is welded to the shield plug and the canister.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Marvin J. Doman
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Patent number: 6819962Abstract: An automated process defines and maintains connectivity regions within a dynamic network. The automated process requires an initial input of a network component around which a connectivity region will be defined. The process automatically and autonomously generates a region around the initial input, stores the region's definition, and monitors the network for a change. Upon detecting a change in the network, the effect is evaluated, and if necessary the regions are adjusted and redefined to accommodate the change. Only those regions of the network affected by the change will be updated. This process eliminates the need for an operator to manually evaluate connectivity regions within a network. Since the automated process maintains the network, the reliance on an operator is minimized; thus, reducing the potential for operator error. This combination of region maintenance and reduced operator reliance, results in a reduction of overall error.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: David A. Bailey
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Patent number: 6802643Abstract: A self-anchoring mast for deploying a high-speed submersible mixer in a tank includes operably connected first and second mast members (20, 22) and a foot member 46 operably connected to the second mast member for supporting the mast in a tank. The second mast member includes a track (36, 38) for slidably receiving a bearing of the mixer to change the orientation of the mixer in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Joseph E. Cato, Jr., Paul M. Shearer, Philip O. Rodwell
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Patent number: 6800262Abstract: The subject apparatus provides a means to produce UCl3 in large quantities without incurring corrosion of the containment vessel or associated apparatus. Gaseous Cl is injected into a lower layer of Cd where CdCl2 is formed. Due to is lower density, the CdCl2 rises through the Cd layer into a layer of molten LiCl—KCL salt where a rotatable basket containing uranium ingots is suspended. The CdCl2 reacts with the uranium to form UCl3 and Cd. Due to density differences, the Cd sinks down to the liquid Cd layer and is reused. The UCl3 combines with the molten salt. During production the temperature is maintained at about 600° C. while after the uranium has been depleted the salt temperature is lowered, the molten salt is pressure siphoned from the vessel, and the salt product LiCl—KCl-30 mol % UCl3 is solidified.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: William E. Miller, Zygmunt Tomczuk
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Patent number: 6772635Abstract: An apparatus for remote delivery and manipulation of a miniature tool adjacent a work piece in a restricted space, includes a tool carrier, a carriage for manipulating the tool carrier relative to the work piece, a first actuator for operating the carriage, and an optional remote secondary operating actuator for operating the first actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Christopher H. Sale, Daniel R. Kaltenbaugh
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Patent number: 6774635Abstract: A video toroid cavity imager for in situ measurement of electrochemical properties of an electrolytic material sample includes a cylindrical toroid cavity resonator containing the sample and employs NMR and video imaging for providing high-resolution spectral and visual information of molecular characteristics of the sample on a real-time basis. A large magnetic field is applied to the sample under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to simultaneously provide NMR spectroscopy and video imaging capabilities for investigating electrochemical transformations of materials or the evolution of long-range molecular aggregation during cooling of hydrocarbon melts.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Jairo Sanchez, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 6767444Abstract: A new process for recycling spent nuclear fuels, in particular, mixed nitrides of transuranic elements and zirconium. The process consists of two electrorefiner cells in series configuration. A transuranic element such as plutonium is reduced at the cathode in the first cell, zirconium at the cathode in the second cell, and nitrogen-15 is released and captured for reuse to make transuranic and zirconium nitrides.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: William E. Miller, Michael K. Richmann
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Patent number: 6767468Abstract: A process for removing uranium/vanadium-based contaminants from groundwater using a primary in-ground treatment media and a pretreatment media that chemically adjusts the groundwater contaminant to provide for optimum treatment by the primary treatment media.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Donald R. Metzler, Stanley Morrison
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Patent number: 6764620Abstract: A method for reaction forming refractory metal carbides. The method involves the fabrication of a glassy carbon preform by casting an organic, resin-based liquid mixture into a mold and subsequently heat treating it in two steps, which cures and pyrolizes the resin resulting in a porous carbon preform. By varying the amounts of the constituents in the organic, resin-based liquid mixture, control over the density of the carbon preform is obtained. Control of the density and microstructure of the carbon preform allows for determination of the microstructure and properties of the refractory metal carbide material produced. The glassy carbon preform is placed on a bed of refractory metal or refractory metal—silicon alloy. The pieces are heated above the melting point of the metal or alloy. The molten metal wicks inside the porous carbon preform and reacts, forming the refractory metal carbide or refractory metal carbide plus a minor secondary phase.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Marc N. Palmisiano, Kevin J. Jakubenas, Rita Baranwal
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Patent number: 6765214Abstract: A radiation dosimeter providing an indication of the dose of radiation to which the radiation sensor has been exposed. The dosimeter contains features enabling the monitoring and evaluating of radiological risks so that a user can concentrate on the task at hand. The dosimeter provides an audible alarm indication that a predetermined time period has elapsed, an audible alarm indication reminding the user to check the dosimeter indication periodically, an audible alarm indicating that a predetermined accumulated dose has been prematurely reached, and an audible alarm indication prior or to reaching the ¾ scale point.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: William J. Kosslow, Gregory S. Bandzuch
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Patent number: 6761761Abstract: A ceramic composition having at least one nanometric ceramic powder, at least one lower saccharide, and water. The composition is useful in many industrial applications, including preparation of stronger and substantially defect-free green and sintered ceramic bodies.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Christopher H. Schilling, Piotr Tomasik, Marek Sikora