Patents Examined by Archie R. Borchelt
  • Method for determining the concentration of fission products in a reactor coolant
    Patent number: 3989945
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the concentration of fission products in the reactor coolant of a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor. Reactor coolant is bypassed at constant temperatures and constant velocity through a flow sampling system containing a sampling tube. After a period of time, the sampling tube is isolated and removed from the bypass system; the liquid metal coolant is removed from the tube; and, the radionuclides deposited on the sampling tube are measured by gamma spectroscopy. The concentration of fission products in the reactor coolant is then determined from the measured radioactivity of the deposited nuclides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Martin H. Cooper
  • Liquid oxygen compatible biodegradable dye penetrant and method of dye
    Patent number: 3989949
    Abstract: Liquid oxygen-compatible water washable substantially biodegradable dye penetrant composition having excellent sensitivity and high stability, for use in non-destructive dye penetrant inspection particularly of parts or mechanical components which are later placed in contact with liquid oxygen, such composition consisting essentially of an organic dye, preferably a fluorescent dye, a carrier or solvent for said dye, in the form of certain ethoxylated linear alcohols, particularly the biodegradable nonionic surfactants comprised of ethoxylates of a mixture of secondary alcohols having linear alkyl chains of from 11 to 15 carbon atoms, and an average of from 3 to 12 moles of ethylene oxide, and a nonflammable liquid halocarbon which is volatile at room temperature, e.g. 1,1,1-trichloroethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventor: Orlando G. Molina
  • Waveguides
    Patent number: 3990026
    Abstract: Hollow circular or rectangular waveguides for supporting electromagnetic waves in the dipole mode are disclosed. Special surface impedances are required for such waveguides and examples are given. The waveguides may or may not have a central member also with a special surface impedance. Means for launching the dipole mode in waveguides of this type are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1976
    Assignee: National Research Development Corporation
    Inventor: Harold Everard Monteagle Barlow
  • Photomultiplier tube gain regulating system
    Patent number: 3988590
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved system for regulating the gain of a photomultiplier tube, and was designed for use with the photomultiplier tubes of a GeMSAEC fast analyzers. It has the following advantages over the prior system: noise is virtually eliminated; sample analysis can begin after 3 to 4 revolutions of the rotor; fluorescent and light scattering solutions can be used as a reference; and the reference solution can be in any cuvette on the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Wayne F. Johnson
  • Method and apparatus for indicating the radioactive decay products of radium in an environment
    Patent number: 3988587
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing an indication of the radiation activity of the radioactive decay products of radium in an environment wherein the alpha particle activity and the beta particle activity at a test site are detected and the detected alpha particle and the beta particle activities provide the indication of the radiation activity of radon and the decay products of radon at the test site. The background radiation activity at the test site is detected, and the detected alpha particle and the beta particle activities less the detected background radiation activity provide the indication of the radiation activity of radon and the decay products of radon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1976
    Assignee: Kerr-McGee Nuclear Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Shreve, Jr., Larry S. Trowsdale, Adare Hill
  • Acoustic surface wave device with harmonic coupled transducers
    Patent number: 3987376
    Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustic surface wave device having surface wave transducers coupled to a piezoelectric substrate by harmonic coupling. In one embodiment the device has two transducers, each having a different selected fundamental periodicity and harmonic piezoelectric coupling in a selected range of operating frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1976
    Assignee: Hazeltine Corporation
    Inventor: Sheldon J. Kerbel
  • Surface wave apparatus
    Patent number: 3987378
    Abstract: A surface wave apparatus which comprises an insulation substrate having a smooth surface; a surface wave conversion interdigitated electrode evaporated on the smooth surface of the insulating substrate; a piezoelectric plate, on the smooth surface of which the insulation substrate is mounted at a prescribed space in contact with the electricity-surface wave conversion interdigitated electrode; an insulation liquid layer provided between the smooth surface of the piezoelectric plate and the electricity-surface wave conversion interdigitated electrode as well as between the smooth surface of the piezoelectric plate and the smooth surface of the insulation substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1976
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiro Onodera
  • Self-powered neutron detector for external reactor instrumentation
    Patent number: 3986032
    Abstract: A self-powered neutron detector comprises a tubular collector, a tubular emitter surrounding this collector, and a tubular collector surrounding this emitter, with electrical insulation between the emitter and the two collectors. The collectors are electrically interconnected. This arrangement produces a detector suitable for external instrumentation on the outside of the pressure vessel of a reactor, for instance, a pressurized-water reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: Kraftwerk Union Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erich Klar, Hans-Gerd Spillekothen, Pierre Haller
  • Selective shielding device for scintiphotography
    Patent number: 3986036
    Abstract: A selective shielding device to be used in combination with a scintillation camera. The shielding device being of a substantially oval-shaped configuration and removably secured to the scintillation camera. As a result of this combination scanning of preselected areas of a patient can be rapidly and accurately performed without the requirement of mounting any type of shielding paraphernalia on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Inventors: John W. Harper, Thomas D. Kay
  • Apparatus for proton radiography
    Patent number: 3986026
    Abstract: An apparatus for effecting diagnostic proton radiography of patients in hospitals comprises a source of negative hydrogen ions, a synchrotron for accelerating the negative hydrogen ions to a predetermined energy, a plurality of stations for stripping extraction of a radiography beam of protons, means for sweeping the extracted beam to cover a target, and means for measuring the residual range, residual energy, or percentage transmission of protons that pass through the target. The combination of information identifying the position of the beam with information about particles traversing the subject and the back absorber is performed with the aid of a computer to provide a proton radiograph of the subject. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a back absorber comprises a plurality of scintillators which are coupled to detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventor: Ronald L. Martin
  • Wind measurement system
    Patent number: 3984685
    Abstract: A system for remotely measuring vertical and horizontal winds present in discrete volumes of air at selected locations above the ground. A laser beam is optically focused in range by a telescope, and the output beam is conically scanned at an angle .theta. about a vertical axis. The backscatter, or reflected light, from the ambient particulates in a volume of air, the focal volume, is detected for shifts in wavelength, and from these, horizontal and vertical wind components are computed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Inventors: James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, William C. Cliff, Robert M. Huffaker, Werner K. Dahm, James A. L. Thomson, Thomas R. Lawrence, Michael C. Krause, David J. Wilson
  • Radiation guard apparatus
    Patent number: 3984695
    Abstract: Radiation shielding apparatus for use in conjunction with a pad on a table. The apparatus comprises a set of units, each unit comprising a pair of joined substantially flat orthogonal flaps. The flaps are formed of a radiation shielding material and are adapted for removable placement under the pad whereby one flap contacts the table and the other flap extends vertically from an edge thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the set consists of five units that provide protection around three sides of a rectangular table. In this embodiment, two of the units are identical and have asymmetrical trapezoidal flaps, and two others of the units are also identical, but have trapezoidal flaps which are of reversed orientation with respect to the first-mentioned two units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Medi-Ray, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Collica, Leonard Epifano, Ralph Farella
  • Circuitry for use with an ionizing-radiation detector
    Patent number: 3984690
    Abstract: An improved system of circuitry for use in combination with an ionizing-radiation detector over a wide range of radiation levels includes a current-to-frequency converter together with a digital data processor for respectively producing and measuring a pulse repetition frequency which is proportional to the output current of the ionizing-radiation detector, a dc-to-dc converter for providing closely regulated operating voltages from a rechargeable battery and a bias supply for providing high voltage to the ionization chamber. The ionizing-radiation detector operating as a part of this system produces a signal responsive to the level of ionizing radiation in the vicinity of the detector, and this signal is converted into a pulse frequency which will vary in direct proportion to such level of ionizing-radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: MDH Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Howard Marshall, III, Timothy M. Harrington
  • Radiation detection system
    Patent number: 3984332
    Abstract: A radiation detection system which utilizes the generation of Cerenkov light in and the transmission of that light longitudinally through fiber optic wave guides in order to transmit intelligence relating to the radiation to a remote location. The wave guides are aligned with respect to charged particle radiation so that the Cerenkov light, which is generated at an angle to the radiation, is accepted by the fiber for transmission therethrough. The Cerenkov radiation is detected, recorded, and analyzed at the other end of the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Energy Research and Development Administration
    Inventors: Melvin A. Nelson, Terence J. Davies, John R. Morton, III
  • Scintillation camera for high activity sources
    Patent number: 3984689
    Abstract: A scintillation camera is provided with electrical components which expand the intrinsic maximum rate of acceptance for processing of pulses emanating from detected radioactive events. Buffer storage is provided to accommodate temporary increases in the level of radioactivity. An early provisional determination of acceptability of pulses allows many unacceptable pulses to be discarded at an early stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: G. D. Searle & Co.
    Inventor: Roger E. Arseneau
  • Light-measuring apparatus with lamp indicator for determining balance of a measuring bridge
    Patent number: 3984676
    Abstract: This invention relates to a light-measuring apparatus wherein a photoelectric element is arranged in a leg of a measuring bridge, the output voltage of said element controlling the brightness of two signal lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Durst AG. Fabrik Fototechnischer Apparate Bozen
    Inventor: Siegfried Barbieri
  • Focused laser doppler velocimeter
    Patent number: 3984686
    Abstract: A system for remotely measuring velocities present in discrete volumes of air in which a CO.sub.2 laser beam is focused by a telescope at such a volume, a focal volume, and within the focusable range, near field, of the telescope. The back scatter, or reflected light, principally from the focal volume, passes back through the telescope and is frequency compared with the original frequency of the laser, and the difference frequency or frequencies represent particle velocities in that focal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Inventors: James C. Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of Fletcher, James W. Bilbro, Werner K. Dahm, Ronald B. Campbell, Jr., Robert M. Huffaker, Harold B. Jeffreys, Albert V. Jelalian, Wayne H. Keene, Michael C. Krause, Thomas R. Lawrence, Charles M. Sonnenschein, David J. Wilson, James A. L. Thomson
  • Acoustic surface wave devices
    Patent number: 3983515
    Abstract: An acoustic surface wave device comprising a monocrystalline body of piezoelectric material having a launching and receiving transducer applied to a planar ASW propagation surface. The piezoelectric material and the orientation of the propagation surface and the axial propagation direction relative to the crystal axes are selected to provide zero piezoelectric coupling between the transducers and a longitudinal axial bulk wave and that one of the two shear axial bulk waves that has substantially no component of particle motion perpendicular to said propagation surface. A method of manufacturing the aforesaid ASW device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Frank Mitchell, Eileen Read, Richard Stevens
  • Wand for reading optically encoded graphic symbols
    Patent number: 3983389
    Abstract: A wand suitable for scanning the universal product code (UPC) symbol uses a light emitting diode for illuminating the symbol and a silicon photodetector for receiving the reflected energy. A single optical fiber is coupled to the diode and to a portion of a second single fiber for conducting narrow bandwidth visible light centered about 6,500 A to the terminus of the wand. The reflected light energy from the symbol when it is scanned by the wand is transmitted to the silicon photodetector via the said second single fiber which is also coupled to a third single fiber which conducts the reflected light energy to the silicon detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Cowardin, George J. Laurer
  • Radiation camera exposure control
    Patent number: 3983394
    Abstract: A system and method for governing the exposure of an image generated by a radiation camera to an image sensing camera is disclosed. The exposure is terminated in response to the accumulation of a predetermined quantity of radiation, defining a radiation density, occurring in a predetermined area. An index is produced which represents the value of that quantity of radiation whose accumulation causes the exposure termination. The value of the predetermined radiation quantity represented by the index is sensed so that the radiation camera image intensity can be calibrated to compensate for changes in exposure amounts due to desired variations in radiation density of the exposure, to maintain the detectability of the image by the image sensing camera notwithstanding such variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1976
    Assignee: Picker Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald J. Martone, Michael Yarsawich, Walter Wolczek