Patents by Inventor Alec Sunderland

Alec Sunderland has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4348005
    Abstract: A bellows-type valve includes several additional safeguards in the form of back-up seals which are effective to prevent in- or out-leakage should the bellows fail. Some of the seals can be changed while the valve remains closed. There is provision for testing the integrity of the seals while the valve remains operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1972
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels Limited
    Inventors: Alan Eaton, William T. Mitchell, Alec Sunderland
  • Patent number: 4245532
    Abstract: A shear machine for irradiated nuclear fuel elements has a replaceable shear assembly comprising a fuel element support block, a shear blade support and two clamp members which hold the fuel element to be sheared in contact with the support block. A first clamp member contacts the fuel element remote from the shear blade and a second clamp member contacts the fuel element adjacent the shear blade and is advanced towards the support block during shearing to compensate for any compression of the fuel element caused by the shear blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels Limited
    Inventors: Michael Astill, Alec Sunderland, Maurice G. Waine