Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Seyfert

Christopher M. Seyfert 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).

  • Publication number: 20230266490
    Abstract: Provided herein are neutron imaging systems (e.g., radiography and tomography) systems and methods that provide, for example, high-quality, high throughput 2D and 3D fast or thermal neutron and/or X-ray images. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale imaging of industrial components. In certain embodiments, provided herein are system comprising a plurality of independent neutron absorber-lined collimators (e.g., 4 or more collimators) extending outwards from a central neutron source assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Ross Radel, Evan Sengbusch, Michael Taylor, Christopher M. Seyfert, Eli Moll, Lucas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 11728055
    Abstract: A system and method for performing active scanning on a nuclear fuel rod are provided. The system includes an electrically-driven neutron generator including an ion source, an accelerator, and a target; a moderator surrounding the neutron generator and configured to moderate neutrons generated by the neutron generator; a fuel rod channel disposed within the moderator, the fuel rod channel configured to receive a nuclear fuel rod and subject the nuclear fuel rod to a predetermined neutron flux; and a plurality of radiation detectors. When the nuclear fuel rod is subjected to the predetermined neutron flux, neutrons induce a secondary radiation of prompt and delayed gamma emissions, neutron emission, or a combination thereof that are detected by the plurality of radiation detectors to determine an amount of fissile material in the nuclear fuel rod and a spatial distribution of the fissile material along a length of the nuclear fuel rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: SHINE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Evan R. Sengbusch, Arne V. Kobernik, Eli C. Moll, Christopher M. Seyfert, Ross F. Radel, Mark Thomas, Jake Hecla
  • Patent number: 11662485
    Abstract: Provided herein are neutron imaging systems (e.g., radiography and tomography) systems and methods that provide, for example, high-quality, high throughput 2D and 3D fast or thermal neutron and/or X-ray images. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale imaging of industrial components. In certain embodiments, provided herein are system comprising a plurality of independent neutron absorber-lined collimators (e.g., 4 or more collimators) extending outwards from a central neutron source assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: PHOENIX NEUTRON IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Ross Radel, Evan Sengbusch, Michael Taylor, Christopher M. Seyfert, Eli Moll, Lucas Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20210405227
    Abstract: Provided herein are neutron imaging systems (e.g., radiography and tomography) systems and methods that provide, for example, high-quality, high throughput 2D and 3D fast or thermal neutron and/or X-ray images. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale imaging of industrial components. In certain embodiments, provided herein are system comprising a plurality of independent neutron absorber-lined collimators (e.g., 4 or more collimators) extending outwards from a central neutron source assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Ross Radel, Evan Sengbusch, Michael Taylor, Christopher M. Seyfert, Eli Moll, Lucas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 11131783
    Abstract: Provided herein are neutron imaging systems (e.g., radiography and tomography) systems and methods that provide, for example, high-quality, high throughput 2D and 3D fast or thermal neutron and/or X-ray images. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale imaging of industrial components. In certain embodiments, provided herein are system comprising a plurality of independent neutron absorber-lined collimators (e.g., 4 or more collimators) extending outwards from a central neutron source assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: PHOENIX NEUTRON IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Ross Radel, Evan Sengbusch, Michael Taylor, Christopher M. Seyfert, Eli Moll, Lucas Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20210280329
    Abstract: A system and method for performing active scanning on a nuclear fuel rod are provided. The system includes an electrically-driven neutron generator including an ion source, an accelerator, and a target; a moderator surrounding the neutron generator and configured to moderate neutrons generated by the neutron generator; a fuel rod channel disposed within the moderator, the fuel rod channel configured to receive a nuclear fuel rod and subject the nuclear fuel rod to a predetermined neutron flux; and a plurality of radiation detectors. When the nuclear fuel rod is subjected to the predetermined neutron flux, neutrons induce a secondary radiation of prompt and delayed gamma emissions, neutron emission, or a combination thereof that are detected by the plurality of radiation detectors to determine an amount of fissile material in the nuclear fuel rod and a spatial distribution of the fissile material along a length of the nuclear fuel rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: EVAN R. SENGBUSCH, ARNE V. KOBERNIK, ELI C. MOLL, CHRISTOPHER M. SEYFERT, ROSS F. RADEL, MARK THOMAS, JAKE HECLA
  • Patent number: 10950409
    Abstract: A negative ion source includes a plasma chamber, a microwave source, a negative ion converter, a magnetic filter and a beam formation mechanism. The plasma chamber contains gas to be ionized. The microwave source transmits microwaves to the plasma chamber to ionize the gas into atomic species including hyperthermal neutral atoms. The negative ion converter converts the hyperthermal neutral atoms to negative ions. The magnetic filter reduces a temperature of an electron density provided between the plasma chamber and the negative ion converter. The beam formation mechanism extract the negative ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: PHOENIX LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sherman, Evan R. Sengbusch, Ross F. Radel, Arne V. Kobernik, Tye T. Gribb, Preston J. Barrows, Christopher M. Seyfert, Logan D. Campbell, Daniel J. Swanson, Eric D. Risley, Jin W. Lee, Kevin D. Meaney
  • Patent number: 10896768
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to the field of performing active scanning of a nuclear fuel rod to identify variations in enrichment along a length of the fuel rod. More specifically, the present application relates to systems and methods for performing active scanning of a nuclear fuel rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: PHOENIX LLC
    Inventors: Evan R. Sengbusch, Arne V. Kobernik, Eli C. Moll, Christopher M. Seyfert, Ross F. Radel, Mark Thomas, Jake Hecla
  • Publication number: 20190317229
    Abstract: Provided herein are neutron imaging systems (e.g., radiography and tomography) systems and methods that provide, for example, high-quality, high throughput 2D and 3D fast or thermal neutron and/or X-ray images. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale imaging of industrial components. In certain embodiments, provided herein are system comprising a plurality of independent neutron absorber-lined collimators (e.g., 4 or more collimators) extending outwards from a central neutron source assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Ross Radel, Evan Sengbusch, Michael Taylor, Christopher M. Seyfert, Eli Moll, Lucas Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20190279835
    Abstract: A negative ion source includes a plasma chamber, a microwave source, a negative ion converter, a magnetic filter and a beam formation mechanism. The plasma chamber contains gas to be ionized. The microwave source transmits microwaves to the plasma chamber to ionize the gas into atomic species including hyperthermal neutral atoms. The negative ion converter converts the hyperthermal neutral atoms to negative ions. The magnetic filter reduces a temperature of an electron density provided between the plasma chamber and the negative ion converter. The beam formation mechanism extract the negative ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sherman, Evan R. Sengbusch, Ross F. Radel, Arne V. Kobernik, Tye T. Gribb, Preston J. Barrows, Christopher M. Seyfert, Logan D. Campbell, Daniel J. Swanson, Eric D. Risley, Jin W. Lee, Kevin D. Meaney
  • Patent number: 10297412
    Abstract: A negative ion source includes a plasma chamber, a microwave source, a negative ion converter, a magnetic filter and a beam formation mechanism. The plasma chamber contains gas to be ionized. The microwave source transmits microwaves to the plasma chamber to ionize the gas into atomic species including hyperthermal neutral atoms. The negative ion converter converts the hyperthermal neutral atoms to negative ions. The magnetic filter reduces a temperature of an electron density provided between the plasma chamber and the negative ion converter. The beam formation mechanism extract the negative ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: PHOENIX LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sherman, Evan R. Sengbusch, Ross F. Radel, Arne V. Kobernik, Tye T. Gribb, Preston J. Barrows, Christopher M. Seyfert, Logan D. Campbell, Daniel J. Swanson, Eric D. Risley, Jin W. Lee, Kevin D. Meaney
  • Publication number: 20180122615
    Abstract: A negative ion source includes a plasma chamber, a microwave source, a negative ion converter, a magnetic filter and a beam formation mechanism. The plasma chamber contains gas to be ionized. The microwave source transmits microwaves to the plasma chamber to ionize the gas into atomic species including hyperthermal neutral atoms. The negative ion converter converts the hyperthermal neutral atoms to negative ions. The magnetic filter reduces a temperature of an electron density provided between the plasma chamber and the negative ion converter. The beam formation mechanism extract the negative ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sherman, Evan R. Sengbusch, Ross F. Radel, Arne V. Kobernik, Tye T. Gribb, Preston J. Barrows, Christopher M. Seyfert, Logan D. Campbell, Daniel J. Swanson, Eric D. Risley, Jin W. Lee, Kevin D. Meaney
  • Patent number: 9847205
    Abstract: A negative ion source includes a plasma chamber, a microwave source, a negative ion converter, a magnetic filter and a beam formation mechanism. The plasma chamber contains gas to be ionized. The microwave source transmits microwaves to the plasma chamber to ionize the gas into atomic species including hyperthermal neutral atoms. The negative ion converter converts the hyperthermal neutral atoms to negative ions. The magnetic filter reduces a temperature of electrons provided between the plasma chamber and the negative ion converter. The beam formation mechanism extracts the negative ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PHOENIX LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sherman, Evan R. Sengbusch, Ross F. Radel, Arne V. Kobernik, Tye T. Gribb, Preston J. Barrows, Christopher M. Seyfert, Logan D. Campbell, Daniel J. Swanson, Eric D. Risley, Jin W. Lee, Kevin D. Meaney
  • Publication number: 20170358375
    Abstract: A system and method for performing active scanning on a nuclear fuel rod are provided. The system includes an electrically-driven neutron generator including an ion source, an accelerator, and a target; a moderator surrounding the neutron generator and configured to moderate neutrons generated by the neutron generator; a fuel rod channel disposed within the moderator, the fuel rod channel configured to receive a nuclear fuel rod and subject the nuclear fuel rod to a predetermined neutron flux; and a plurality of radiation detectors. When the nuclear fuel rod is subjected to the predetermined neutron flux, neutrons induce a secondary radiation of prompt and delayed gamma emissions, neutron emission, or a combination thereof that are detected by the plurality of radiation detectors to determine an amount of fissile material in the nuclear fuel rod and a spatial distribution of the fissile material along a length of the nuclear fuel rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: EVAN R. SENGBUSCH, ARNE V. KOBERNIK, ELI C. MOLL, CHRISTOPHER M. SEYFERT, ROSS F. RADEL, MARK THOMAS, JAKE HECLA
  • Publication number: 20160163495
    Abstract: A negative ion source includes a plasma chamber, a microwave source, a negative ion converter, a magnetic filter and a beam formation mechanism. The plasma chamber contains gas to be ionized. The microwave source transmits microwaves to the plasma chamber to ionize the gas into atomic species including hyperthermal neutral atoms. The negative ion converter converts the hyperthermal neutral atoms to negative ions. The magnetic filter reduces a temperature of electrons provided between the plasma chamber and the negative ion converter. The beam formation mechanism extracts the negative ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: Phoenix Nuclear Labs LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Sherman, Evan R. Sengbusch, Ross F. Radel, Arne V. Kobernik, Tye T. Gribb, Preston J. Barrows, Christopher M. Seyfert, Logan D. Campbell, Daniel J. Swanson, Eric D. Risley, Jin W. Lee, Kevin D. Meaney
  • Patent number: 6501458
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting a signal corresponding to a rotation of a spherical body. The apparatus includes a housing having an aperture, and a substantially spherical body having a first portion disposed within the housing so as to have a portion of the body disposed within the aperture, the spherical body operable to rotate within the housing. A first and second permanent magnets are disposed within the spherical body, and are operable to emit a magnetic field. A first magnetic sensing device is disposed within the housing, the first magnetic sensing device being operable to detect the magnetic fields and to generate a first output signal as a function of the strength of the magnetic fields. The first output signal is transmitted via a first conductive path coupled with the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas M. Baker, Christopher M. Seyfert, Michael D. Seyfert
  • Publication number: 20020003527
    Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting a signal corresponding to a rotation of a spherical body. The apparatus includes a housing having an aperture, and a substantially spherical body having a first portion disposed within the housing so as to have a portion of the body disposed within the aperture, the spherical body operable to rotate within the housing. A first and second permanent magnets are disposed within the spherical body, and are operable to emit a magnetic field. A first magnetic sensing device is disposed within the housing, the first magnetic sensing device being operable to detect the magnetic fields and to generate a first output signal as a function of the strength of the magnetic fields. The first output signal is transmitted via a first conductive path coupled with the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: THOMAS M. BAKER, CHRISTOPHER M. SEYFERT, MICHAEL D. SEYFERT