Patents by Inventor Christopher M. Welsh
Christopher M. Welsh 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).
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Patent number: 11904397Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Jack T. Matsumoto, Mark D. Sumner, Christopher M. Welsh
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Publication number: 20220161342Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Jack T. Matsumoto, Mark D. Sumner, Christopher M. Welsh
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Patent number: 11273508Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Jack T. Matsumoto, Mark D. Sumner, Christopher M. Welsh
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Patent number: 10760603Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Christopher M. Welsh, Nicholas Kandabarow, Barry H. Koepke
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Publication number: 20200206834Abstract: EDM assemblies mount on a machining surface and discharge rotating sub-electrodes against the surface. The sub-electrodes can also revolve about another shared axis while discharging. Rotation and revolution may be achieved with planetary gears fixed with the sub-electrodes and meshing with a stationary sun gear. Several sub-electrodes can be used in a single assembly. Downward movement of the sub-electrodes from a central shaft on the mount allows several inches of the surface to be machined. Assemblies are usable in a nuclear reactor during a maintenance period to machine a hole for a replacement manway cover underwater in the flooded reactor. The differing rotational movements and vertical movement can be independently controlled with separate motors in the assembly. Power and controls may be provided remotely through an underwater connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2018Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Jack T. Matsumoto, Mark D. Sumner, Christopher M. Welsh
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Patent number: 10697485Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Christopher M. Welsh, Nicholas Kandabarow, Barry H. Koepke
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Publication number: 20180328393Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Christopher M. WELSH, Nicholas KANDABAROW, Barry H. KOEPKE
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Patent number: 10024346Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Christopher M. Welsh, Nicholas Kandabarow, Barry H. Koepke
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Publication number: 20170298972Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Christopher M. WELSH, Nicholas Kandabarow, Barry H. Koepke
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Patent number: 9638227Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energry Americas LLCInventors: Christopher M. Welsh, Nicholas Kandabarow, Barry H. Koepke
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Publication number: 20150233403Abstract: An apparatus configured to structurally replace a cracked weld in a nuclear plant may include: a first body portion that includes a first gripping portion; a second body portion that includes a second gripping portion; a wedge portion between the first and second body portions; and/or an adjustment portion. The first body portion may be configured to slidably engage the second body portion. The wedge portion may be configured to exert force on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. The adjustment portion may be configured to increase or decrease the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions. When the adjustment portion increases the force exerted by the wedge portion on the slidably engaged first and second body portions, a distance between the first and second gripping portions may decrease.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Christopher M. WELSH, Nicholas KANDABAROW, Barry H. KOEPKE
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Patent number: 8824618Abstract: Disclosed is an unlatching tool that may be used to unlatch a control rod from a control drive. The unlatching tool may include a baseplate, a first guide member and a second guide member attached to the baseplate, a first frame and a second frame attached to the baseplate, a stepper motor attached to the first frame, a worm drive attached to the first frame, a cable reel shaft attached to the first and second frame, a hose wrapped around the cable reel shaft, and a hook attached to a first end of the hose. The hook may include a cylindrical sleeve having a at least one finger configured to fold and unfold. Disclosed also is a method of unlatching a control rod from a control drive.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Jack Matsumoto, Robert W. Whitling, Christopher M. Welsh, Gregory A. Francisco
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Patent number: 8792605Abstract: Disclosed is an unlatching tool that may be used to unlatch a control rod from a control drive. The unlatching tool may include a baseplate, a first guide member and a second guide member attached to the baseplate, a first frame and a second frame attached to the baseplate, a stepper motor attached to the first frame, a worm drive attached to the first frame, a cable reel shaft attached to the first and second frame, a hose wrapped around the cable reel shaft, and a hook attached to a first end of the hose. The hook may include a cylindrical sleeve having a at least one finger configured to fold and unfold. Disclosed also is a method of unlatching a control rod from a control drive.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Jack Matsumoto, Robert W. Whitling, Christopher M. Welsh, Gregory A. Francisco
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Publication number: 20120114090Abstract: Disclosed is an unlatching tool that may be used to unlatch a control rod from a control drive. The unlatching tool may include a baseplate, a first guide member and a second guide member attached to the baseplate, a first frame and a second frame attached to the baseplate, a stepper motor attached to the first frame, a worm drive attached to the first frame, a cable reel shaft attached to the first and second frame, a hose wrapped around the cable reel shaft, and a hook attached to a first end of the hose. The hook may include a cylindrical sleeve having a at least one finger configured to fold and unfold. Disclosed also is a method of unlatching a control rod from a control drive.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Jack Matsumoto, Robert W. Whitling, Christopher M. Welsh, Gregory A. Francisco
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Patent number: 7715516Abstract: A method for delivery of a tool into a submerged bore includes controlling the movement of a tool delivery device in the pool by operating at least one propulsion drive located on the tool delivery device. The tool delivery device is coupled to an inlet to the bore and a tool is inserted from the tool delivery device through the inlet and into the bore.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jarred Smith, Jack Matsumoto, Christopher M Welsh, Trevor J Davis
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Patent number: 7543512Abstract: A probe for inspecting a bore includes a housing dimensioned for insertion into the bore and a plurality of stabilization legs having a first end attached to the housing and a second end extendable from the housing. The stabilization legs are configured to contact the inner surface of the bore. A plurality of sensor arms is extendable from the housing and is rotatable relative to the stabilization legs. A motor provides for rotating the sensor arms relative to the stabilization legs.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jarred A Smith, Christopher M. Welsh, Trevor J Davis
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Patent number: 7512207Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a tool into a nuclear reactor jet pump submerged in a reactor pool includes a frame, and a propulsion unit for controlling the movement of the tool delivery apparatus within a pool of liquid. A guide assembly provides for delivery and insertion of the tool into an inlet of the jet pump and includes a bore insertion portion. A tool position driver provides for controlling the vertical position of the tool in relation to the guide assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jarred Smith, Jack T Matsumoto, Christopher M Welsh, Trevor J Davis, Jeffrey J Grinnell, David P Ketcham
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Patent number: 7000623Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a substrate implementing a surface tension reducing process are provided. In one example, a substrate preparation system includes a chuck which fingers for edge gripping the substrate. The chuck is hollow to provide simultaneous access to both active and backside surfaces of the substrate, and is configured to rotate the substrate. The system includes dispense arms positioned over the substrate surfaces. The dispense arms are capable of moving between a center region and a periphery of the substrate surfaces, and each dispense arm includes a pair of supply lines for delivering fluids over the substrate surfaces. A connection couples the upper dispense arm with the lower dispense arm so that the dispense arms synchronously move between the center region and the periphery of the substrate, and remain aligned on opposite surfaces of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Christopher M. Welsh, Jack T. Matsumoto
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Publication number: 20030000034Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a substrate implementing a surface tension reducing process are provided. In one example, a substrate preparation system includes a chuck which fingers for edge gripping the substrate. The chuck is hollow to provide simultaneous access to both active and backside surfaces of the substrate, and is configured to rotate the substrate. The system includes dispense arms positioned over the substrate surfaces. The dispense arms are capable of moving between a center region and a periphery of the substrate surfaces, and each dispense arm includes a pair of supply lines for delivering fluids over the substrate surfaces. A connection couples the upper dispense arm with the lower dispense arm so that the dispense arms synchronously move between the center region and the periphery of the substrate, and remain aligned on opposite surfaces of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Christopher M. Welsh, Jack T. Matsumoto
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Patent number: 5600687Abstract: A tool for radially positioning a hoisted load suspended from the refueling bridge by a cable and facilitating lowering of the hoisted load into the downcomer annulus of a boiling water reactor. During repair of the shroud, hardware must be lowered into the annulus for installation. The hardware installation in turn requires the lowering of tooling into the annulus and its subsequent removal via cables. The feedwater sparger and core spray piping are located above and partially obstruct the vertical access to the annulus. To protect the feedwater sparger and core spray piping against damage during the lowering of various hardware and tooling into the annulus, a cover is installed over the feedwater sparger and core spray piping at the azimuthal location of the hoist. This cover further limits the vertical access to the annulus. A steam dam slide with a cable manipulator is seated on the shroud flange at the azimuthal location of the repair procedure.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Christopher M. Welsh