Patents Examined by Sean P. Burke
  • Patent number: 9704603
    Abstract: A method of impacting liquid droplets onto a surface includes providing a series of liquid droplets, and directing the liquid droplets at a non-planar target surface to cause a shockwave in the droplets upon impact. An apparatus for impacting liquid droplets onto a surface includes a mechanism to produce a series of liquid droplets, and a mechanism to direct the liquid droplets at a non-planar target surface to cause a shockwave in the droplets upon impact. The non-planar target surface is shaped to intensify the shockwave in the droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Yiannis Ventikos, Nicholas Hawker
  • Patent number: 9695507
    Abstract: Provided are an automatic lithium target regenerating apparatus and an automatic lithium target regenerating method, which are equipped with a measurement function of a lithium film thickness of a lithium target, and may automatically regenerate the consumed lithium target by moving a vapor deposition source to the lithium target. An automatic lithium target regenerating apparatus (106) is allowed to automatically regenerate lithium of a lithium target. The automatic lithium target regenerating apparatus (106) includes a lithium vapor deposition unit (1) for vapor-depositing the lithium on the lithium target. The lithium vapor deposition unit (1) is allowed to vapor-deposit the lithium on the lithium target by moving to the lithium target side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Cancer Intelligence Care Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryo Fujii, Masaru Nakamura, Yoshio Imahori, Masaharu Hoshi
  • Patent number: 9697914
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a nuclear power plant has a core; a reactor pressure vessel; a dry well; a wet well; a vacuum breaker; a containment vessel including the dry well, the LOCA vent pipe, the wet well, and the vacuum breaker; a cooling water pool placed outside the containment vessel; a heat exchanger at least partially submerged in cooling water; a gas supply pipe connected to the inlet plenum of the heat exchanger and the dry well; a condensate return pipe connected to the outlet plenum of the heat exchanger and the containment vessel; and a gas vent pipe connected to the outlet plenum of the heat exchanger and an outside of the wet well so that non-condensable gas inside the heat exchanger is released out of the wet well. The gas vent pipe is not connected to the wet well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sato, Keiji Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9691511
    Abstract: A small, low-enriched, passively safe, low-power nuclear reactor comprises a core of target and fuel pins that can be processed to produce the medical isotope 99Mo and other fission product isotopes. The fuel for the reactor and the targets for the 99Mo production are the same. The fuel can be low enriched uranium oxide, enriched to less than 20% 235U. The reactor power level can be 1 to 2 MW. The reactor is passively safe and maintains negative reactivity coefficients. The total radionuclide inventory in the reactor core is minimized since the fuel/target pins are removed and processed after 7 to 21 days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Coats, Edward J. Parma
  • Patent number: 9693443
    Abstract: A self-shielding target for isotope production systems is provided. The target includes a body configured to encase a target material and having a passageway for a charged particle beam, and a component within the body, wherein the charged particle beam induces radioactivity in the component. Additionally, at least one portion of the body is formed from a material having a density value greater than a density value of aluminum to shield the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tomas Eriksson, Jonas Norling
  • Patent number: 9672948
    Abstract: A thermally conductive cask for storing high level radioactive waste. In one aspect the invention can be a thermally conductive cask comprising: a gamma shielding cylindrical body forming a cavity for receiving high level radioactive waste and having an outer surface formed of a first material having a first thermal conductivity; a neutron shielding cylindrical body surrounding the gamma shielding cylindrical body and having a layer formed of a second material having a second thermal conductivity that is greater than the first thermal conductivity, the layer forming an inner surface of the neutron shielding cylindrical body; and wherein the layer is clad to the outer surface of the gamma shielding cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 9666316
    Abstract: A nuclear power plant control system (1) includes a control button (21) which receives an operation for controlling a control target device (40), a notification lamp (12) which notifies that a control signal corresponding to the operation received by the control button (21) arrives at a predetermined position on a path connected from a control panel (20) to the control target device (40), and a control signal inhibition unit (33) which inhibits a control signal from arriving at the control target device (40) in midstream between the predetermined position on the path and the control target device (40) in response to an operation received by a test permission button (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujimoto, Hironobu Shinohara, Yasutake Akizuki, Toshiki Fukui, Yuichi Tanaka, Shinji Kiuchi, Hiroshi Shirasawa
  • Patent number: 9659675
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel rod auto-loading apparatus for a nuclear fuel assembly, which disposes fuel rods in a fuel rod case in a bundle to assemble the fuel rods into the nuclear fuel assembly. The fuel rod auto-loading apparatus includes a fuel rod storage unit having a plurality of stacked racks for fuel rods, a fuel rod loading unit raised/lowered to the racks and transferring the fuel rods, a feeding unit placing the fuel rods in rows and loading the fuel rods into the fuel rod case, a fuel rod unloading unit selectively unloading some of the fuel rods stored in the fuel rod storage unit and transferring the fuel rods to the feeding unit, a fuel rod assembly lifter which is disposed parallel to the feeding unit, and a controller controlling driving of the fuel rod loading unit, the feeding unit, and the fuel rod unloading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: KEPCO NUCLEAR FUEL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ju Young Lee, Chang Hwan Hwang, Hung Soon Chang, Soon Ki Guk, Yeon Doo Jung, Ui Jea Lee
  • Patent number: 9659674
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor having a penetration seal ring interposed between the reactor vessel flange and a mating flange on the reactor vessel head. Radial ports through the flange provide passage into the interior of the reactor vessel for utility conduits that can be used to convey signal cables, power cables or hydraulic lines to the components within the interior of the pressure vessel. A double o-ring seal is provided on both sides of the penetration flange and partial J-welds on the inside diameter of the flange between the flange and the utility conduits secure the pressure boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Conway, Alexander W. Harkness
  • Patent number: 9646724
    Abstract: In a fuel assembly, a plurality of fuel rods are arranged in an array of 10 rows and 10 columns in the cross section of the fuel assembly. A flow resistance member is disposed in a central portion in the cross section at upper end portions of partial length fuel rods which are a part of the fuel rods. In the flow resistance member, resistance members are each disposed between ferrules arranged in an array of 6 rows and 6 columns in the diagonal direction of the flow resistance member. Resistance members are each disposed between the ferrules in a peripheral portion of the flow resistance member. By disposing the resistance members, the pressure loss in an inner region in the cross section of the fuel assembly is increased, and the flow rate of a gas-liquid two-phase flow in an outer region surrounding the inner region is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Mitsuyasu, Motoo Aoyama, Takuji Nagayoshi, Kenichi Katono
  • Patent number: 9636524
    Abstract: A therapy apparatus for producing thermal neutrons at a tumor site in a patient has a plurality of fast neutron sources surrounding a moderator, a fast neutron reflecting media around the fast neutron sources, a gamma-ray and neutron shielding media surrounding the fast neutron reflecting media, and a patient chamber positioned inside the moderator. The fast neutron sources are positioned around the moderator to maximize and direct the neutron flux to said tumor site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Adelphi Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Harris Pantell, Charles Kevin Gary, Melvin Arthur Piestrup
  • Patent number: 9633751
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for liquid lithium first walls for electromagnetic control of plasmas in fusion power reactor environments. In particular, the method involves installing at least one layer of at least one tile on the surface area of the internal walls of the reactor chamber. A portion of the tile(s) facing the interior of the reactor chamber includes a plurality of channels. The method further involves applying an electric charge to the liquid lithium. Further, the method involves circulating the liquid lithium throughout the interior network of the tile(s) to allow for the liquid lithium to flow into the channels and to reach the external surface of the tile(s) that faces the interior of the reactor chamber. In some embodiments, the method also involves installing at least one magnetic coil between the tile(s) and the surface area of the internal walls of the reactor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas Lyman Weaver
  • Patent number: 9620247
    Abstract: A method of producing a localized concentration of energy includes providing a series of projectiles and firing the projectiles at a target. An apparatus for producing localized concentration of energy includes: a mechanism to provide a series of projectiles and a mechanism to fire the projectiles at a target. The target is configured such that upon striking the target, a projectile traps and compresses a volume of gas between the projectile and the target. The target and the projectile are also configured such that impact of the projectile onto the target gives rise to a converging shockwave inside the trapped volume of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Yiannis Ventikos, Nicholas Hawker
  • Patent number: 9620248
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Dispersion Ceramic Micro-Encapsulated (DCM) nuclear fuel as a meltdown-proof, accident-tolerant fuel to replace uranium dioxide fuel in existing light water reactors (LWRs). The safety qualities of the DCM fuel are obtained by the combination of three strong barriers to fission product release (ceramic coatings around the fuel kernels), highly dense inert ceramic matrix around the coated fuel particles and metallic or ceramic cladding around the fuel pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ultra Safe Nuclear, Inc.
    Inventor: Francesco Venneri
  • Patent number: 9620251
    Abstract: A new interface between the cladding and the stack of pellets in a nuclear control rod. According to the invention, an interface joint made of a material transparent to neutrons, in the form of a structure with a high thermal conductivity and open pores, adapted to deform by compression across its thickness, is inserted between the cladding and the stack of pellets made of B4C neutron absorber material over at least the height of the stack. The invention also relates to associated production methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Maxime Zabiego, Patrick David, Alain Ravenet, Denis Rochais
  • Patent number: 9620255
    Abstract: A high temperature reed switch position indicator for a pressurized water reactor in which the drive rod housing is completely immersed in the reactor coolant. The reed switch sensor modules positioned along the control rod drive rod travel housing are constructed solely of metallic, ceramic and glass materials and are sealed within an outer housing to isolate the sensor assembly from the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kowles, David A. Story
  • Patent number: 9613726
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing the storage time of spent nuclear fuel. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a sample of spent nuclear fuel and irradiating the spent nuclear fuel with substantially collimated gamma ray photons having energy levels of about 10 MeV to about 15 MeV for a predetermined time period to initiate a photofission reaction in the remaining fertile fissile material in the spent nuclear fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter Moshchansky Livingston
  • Patent number: 9607719
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlled fusion in a field reversed configuration (FRC) magnetic topology and conversion of fusion product energies directly to electric power. Preferably, plasma ions are magnetically confined in the FRC while plasma electrons are electrostatically confined in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by the nuclear force, thus forming fusion products that emerge in the form of an annular beam. Energy is removed from the fusion product ions as they spiral past electrodes of an inverse cyclotron converter. Advantageously, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement and energy conversion system include advanced (aneutronic) fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Alan VanDrie, Eusebio Garate, Yuanxu Song
  • Patent number: 9607720
    Abstract: The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be scaled up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Starfire Industries LLC
    Inventors: Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk, Darren Adam Alman, Matthew David Coventry, Michael Jerome Schaus
  • Patent number: 9589678
    Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for a complex shape structure for liquid lithium first walls of fusion power reactor environments. In particular, the method involves installing at least one tile on the surface area of the internal walls of the reactor chamber. The tile(s) is manufactured from a high-temperature resistant, porous open-cell material. The method further involves flowing liquid lithium into the tile(s). Further, the method involves circulating the liquid lithium throughout the interior network of the tile(s) to allow for the liquid lithium to reach the external surface of the tile(s) that faces the interior of the reactor chamber. In addition, the method involves outputting the circulated liquid lithium from the tile(s). In one or more embodiments, the reactor chamber is employed in a fusion reactor. In some embodiments, the tile is manufactured from a ceramic material or a metallic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas Lyman Weaver