Patents Examined by Sharon M Davis
  • Fuel assembly for a nuclear boiling water reactor
    Patent number: 10395780
    Abstract: A fuel assembly for a nuclear power boiling water reactor, including: a fuel channel defining a central fuel channel axis, fuel rods, each having a central fuel rod axis, at least 3 water channels for non-boiling water, each water channel having a central water channel axis and each water channel having a larger cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of (the average) fuel rod. The fuel rods comprise a first group of full length fuel rods and a second group of shorter fuel rods. The fuel assembly comprises at least 5 fuel rods which belong to said second group and which are positioned such that the central fuel rod axis of each of these at least 5 fuel rods is closer to the central fuel channel axis than any of the water channel axes of the water channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB
    Inventors: Uffe Bergmann, Jonas Aurén, Lars-Erik Johansson
  • Integrated primary and special nuclear material alarm resolution
    Patent number: 10393915
    Abstract: The present specification discloses methods for inspecting an object. The method includes scanning an object in a two-step process. In the primary scan, a truck or cargo container (container) is completely scanned with a fan beam radiation, the transmitted radiation is measured with an array of detectors, and the transmission information and optionally the fission signatures are analyzed to determine the presence of high-density, high-Z and fissionable materials. If the container alarms in one or more areas, the areas are subjected to a secondary scan. This is done by precisely repositioning the container to the location of the suspect areas, adjusting the scanning system to focus on the suspect areas, performing a stationary irradiation of the areas, and analyzing the measured feature signatures to clear or confirm the presence of SNM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsahi Gozani, Joseph Bendahan, Michael Joseph King, Timothy John Shaw, John David Stevenson
  • Reactor module support structure
    Patent number: 10395782
    Abstract: A support structure for attenuating seismic forces in one or more reactor modules housed in a reactor building includes a mounting structure that may be configured to securely connect the support structure to a floor of the reactor building. A receiving area may be sized to receive a lower portion of a reactor module, and the support structure may be configured to at least partially surround the lower portion of the reactor module within the receiving area. The support structure may further include a retention system located near a top surface of the support structure. The retention system may be configured to contact the reactor module during a seismic event, and an upper portion of the reactor module may extend above the retention system without contacting the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NUSCALE POWER, LLC
    Inventors: Tamas Liszkai, Heqin Xu, Matthew Snyder, William Koski
  • Magnetostrictive wire control rod position indicator
    Patent number: 10395786
    Abstract: A magnetostrictive wire control rod position indicator for determining a real-time position of a control rod using a mutual interference effect between a magnetic field formed by supplying a pulse current to a magnetostrictive wire provided inside a protecting tube and a magnetic field formed by a permanent magnet of a drive shaft includes magnet members installed at an upper limit position and a lower limit position of the magnetostrictive wire control rod position indicator to cause magnetic field interference with the permanent magnet of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae Seon Lee, Jong-Wook Kim, Keung Koo Kim
  • Spacer grid
    Patent number: 10388415
    Abstract: A spacer grid includes interlocked straps comprising metal sheets or plates welded together to define a spacer grid having a top and bottom. The interlocked straps define a plurality of cells comprising vertical passages connecting the top and bottom of the spacer grid. The cells include: upper dimples proximate to the top of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid; lower dimples proximate to the bottom of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid; cantilevered upper springs having fuel rod engagement surfaces proximate to the top of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid; and cantilevered lower springs having fuel rod engagement surfaces proximate to the bottom of the spacer grid and distal from the mid-plane of the spacer grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis A. Walton, George S. Pabis, Andrew W. Doan, James G. Hatmaker
  • Migration prevention system for radioactive wastewater of underground nuclear power plant
    Patent number: 10373720
    Abstract: A migration prevention system for radioactive wastewater from an underground nuclear power plant. The underground nuclear power plant includes a nuclear island including an underground cavern group including a reactor cavity and auxiliary cavities. The migration prevention system includes a protective layer coating the reactor cavity and an impermeable layer surrounding the nuclear island. The protective layer includes an inner liner, a drainage layer, and a filling layer of rock fractures in that order. The inner liner is configured to prevent exosmosis of the radioactive wastewater of the reactor cavity. The drainage layer is configured to gather and drain seepage water. The impermeable layer is disposed in the periphery of the underground cavern group including the reactor cavity and the auxiliary cavities, and is configured to isolate the underground cavern group from natural underground water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CHANGJIANG SURVEY PLANNING DESIGN AND RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xinqiang Niu, Qigui Yang, Hongbin Li, Shuda Zhou, Xin Zhao, Huatang Shi, Qianlong Han, Nianfeng Xu, Haibo Liu, Jie He, Weina Yu, Lijun Su, Yanguo Fang
  • Isotope energy conversion and spent nuclear fuel storage systems
    Patent number: 10373723
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices and systems for excimer fluorescence energy conversion from isotopes. Unprocessed spent nuclear fuel can be used as an isotope, and processed spent nuclear fuel can be used as an isotope. A method includes placing an excimer in the path of radiation decay from the isotope. The excimer is selected according to the isotope to absorb the radiation decay and emit photons in response. Surrounding environment is shielded from the radiation decay. Photons generated from the fluorescence of the excimer are received with photovoltaic material to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy is applied to a load. Systems of the invention can be based upon spent storage casks and handle unprocessed spent nuclear fuel, or can be greatly reduced in size and handle processed fuel, with single isotope isolation allowing consumer battery sized systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Robert V. Tompson, Jr., Mark A. Prelas
  • Piping enhancement for backflow prevention in a multiple loop, metal cooled nuclear reactor system
    Patent number: 10354763
    Abstract: A sodium-cooled nuclear reactor includes at least one electromagnetic pump assembly and a backflow reduction pipe. The backflow reduction pipe may include an inlet, an outlet, at least one tubular section having a first length and a first diameter, and at least one fluid diode section between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Eric Paul Loewen, Seth Ryan Paul Strege, Nicholas Francis O'Neill, Colin Christopher O'Connor, Chelsea Ann Curtin, Edwin Wu
  • Method for annulus spacer detection in nuclear reactors
    Patent number: 10347384
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting and/or repositioning annulus spacers used to maintain the position of a pressure tube within a calandria tube of a nuclear reactor. The method comprises the steps of: vibrationally isolating a section of the pressure tube; vibrating the wall of said pressure tube within said isolated section; detecting vibration of the wall at a minimum of two axial positions within said isolated sections; and detecting the reduction in vibration level of the wall at one or more of said axial positions in comparison to the remaining axial positions. The apparatus comprises a tool head to be inserted into the pressure tube, the tool head comprising a first end and a second and a clamping block m each of said ends. The clamping blocks are used to vibrationally isolate a section of the pressure tube located between said ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ATOMIC ENERGY OF CANADA LIMITED
    Inventors: James M. King, Bruce A. W. Smith, Paul Feenstra
  • Apparatus and method for generating medical isotopes
    Patent number: 10332646
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating medical isotopes provides an annular fissile solution vessel surrounding a neutron generator. The annular fissile solution vessel provides for good capture of the emitted neutrons and a geometry that provides enhanced stability in an aqueous reactor. A neutron multiplier and/or a neutron moderator may be used to improve the efficiency and control the criticality of the reaction in the annular fissile solution vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Piefer, Thad Alexander Heltemes, Eric Nicholas Van Abel, Ross Francis Radel
  • Method and device for storing containers having an encapsulated fuel rod or a fuel rod section
    Patent number: 10332645
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating a fuel rod or a fuel rod section in a container includes inserting the fuel rod or fuel rod section into the container. One of the ends of the container is connected to a purging-gas line. The container is dehydrated and purged by use of a purging gas. The ends of the container are connected to a bypass line in such a way that a closed gas circuit is produced and a hot gas is circulated in the gas circuit until the absolute moisture content reaches an end value at which the absolute moisture content no longer rises. The container is disconnected from the gas circuit and subsequently the container is closed in a fluid-tight manner at both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Framatome GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hummel, Egon Neubauer, Werner Hoefers, Klaus Kurzer
  • Apparatus and method for stripping tritium from molten salt
    Patent number: 10332643
    Abstract: A method of stripping tritium from flowing stream of molten salt includes providing a tritium-separating membrane structure having a porous support, a nanoporous structural metal-ion diffusion barrier layer, and a gas-tight, nonporous palladium-bearing separative layer, directing the flowing stream of molten salt into contact with the palladium-bearing layer so that tritium contained within the molten salt is transported through the tritium-separating membrane structure, and contacting a sweep gas with the porous support for collecting the tritium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Holcomb, Dane F. Wilson
  • Localised energy concentration
    Patent number: 10315180
    Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a localized concentration of energy. The method includes creating at least one shockwave propagating through a non-gaseous medium so as to be incident upon a pocket of gas suspended within the medium. The pocket of gas is spaced from a surface shaped so as, at least partially, to reflect said shockwave in such a way as to direct it onto said gas pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: OXFORD UNIVERSITY INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Yiannis Ventikos, Nicholas Hawker
  • Piping enhancement for backflow prevention in a multiple loop, metal cooled nuclear reactor system
    Patent number: 10319483
    Abstract: A sodium-cooled nuclear reactor includes at least one electromagnetic pump assembly and a backflow reduction pipe. The backflow reduction pipe may include an inlet, an outlet, at least one tubular section having a first length and a first diameter, and at least one fluid diode section between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Eric Paul Loewen, Seth Ryan Paul Strege, Nicholas Francis O'Neill, Colin Christopher O'Connor, Chelsea Ann Curtin, Edwin Wu
  • Fault tolerant turbine speed control system
    Patent number: 10311985
    Abstract: A generator is installed on and provides electrical power from a turbine by converting the turbine's mechanical energy to electricity. The generated electrical power is used to power controls of the turbine so that the turbine can remain in use through its own energy. The turbine can be a safety-related turbine in a nuclear power plant, such that, through the generator, loss of plant power will not result in loss of use of the turbine and safety-related functions powered by the same. Appropriate circuitry and electrical connections condition the generator to work in tandem with any other power sources present, while providing electrical power with properties required to safely power the controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Arthur M. Thinguldstad, Mark A. Bergman
  • Inspection apparatus and method of inspecting a reactor component using the same
    Patent number: 10311986
    Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an installation platform and a scan head. The scan head may be configured to engage in an index movement, a theta movement, a wrist fold movement, and a scan movement. During the scan movement, a transducer of the scan head travels a circumferential path so as to allow an inspection of a surface that is opposite of a surface on which the installation platform is mounted. The inspection apparatus may be used to inspect a reactor component in a nuclear reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Hastings, Ryan M. Smith, Lenin N. Benicki
  • Actuating a nuclear reactor safety device
    Patent number: 10304575
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor trip apparatus includes a remote circuit breaker trip device operatively connected to a reactor trip breaker to release a control rod into a nuclear reactor core, an active power source, a passive power source, and a local circuit breaker trip device operatively connected to the reactor trip breaker including a sensor to trigger the local circuit breaker trip device upon sensing a predefined condition. The active power source is electrically coupled to energize the remote circuit breaker trip device under normal operating conditions. The passive power source is electrically coupled to energize the remote circuit breaker trip device based on a loss of the active power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: NuScale Power, LLC
    Inventors: Ted Hough, Aaron Abb, Tim Branam
  • Magnetic jack type in-vessel control element drive mechanism
    Patent number: 10304571
    Abstract: A magnetic jack type in-vessel control element drive mechanism includes: an upper coil assembly which includes a first sleeve configured to coaxially wrap a control element drive shaft, a first coil, and a first coil housing which is externally coupled to the first sleeve; a lower coil assembly which includes a second sleeve configured to coaxially wrap the control element drive shaft, a second coil, and a second coil housing which is externally coupled to the second sleeve, wherein the lower coil assembly is located under the upper coil assembly, a connecting member which connects the upper coil assembly and the lower coil assembly; a support tube which extends downward from the lower coil assembly; a motor assembly which is located between the control element drive shaft, and the first and second sleeves; and an anti-separation cap which prevents separation of the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: KEPCO ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jin Seok Park, Yong Tae Jang, Myoung Goo Lee, Sang Gyoon Chang, Dae Hee Lee
  • Passive containment cooling and filtered venting system, and nuclear power plant
    Patent number: 10290379
    Abstract: A passive containment cooling and filtered venting system includes: an outer well; a scrubbing pool arranged in the outer well; a cooling water pool installed above the dry well and the outer well; a heat exchanger partly submerged in the cooling water; a gas supply pipe that is connected to the inlet plenum of the ruin of the heat exchanger at one end and connected to a gas phase region of the containment vessel at the other end; a condensate return pipe that is connected to the outlet plenum of the heat exchanger at one end, and connected to inside the containment vessel at other end; and a gas vent pipe that is connected to the outlet plenum of the heat exchanger at one end and is submerged in the scrubbing pool at other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sato, Keiji Matsumoto
  • Thermoacoustic enhancements for nuclear fuel rods
    Patent number: 10283225
    Abstract: A nuclear thermoacoustic device includes a housing defining an interior chamber and a portion of nuclear fuel disposed in the interior chamber. A stack is disposed in the interior chamber and has a hot end and a cold end. The stack is spaced from the portion of nuclear fuel with the hot end directed toward the portion of nuclear fuel. The stack and portion of nuclear fuel are positioned such that an acoustic standing wave is produced in the interior chamber. A frequency of the acoustic standing wave depends on a temperature in the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Steven L. Garrett, James A. Smith, Dale K. Kotter