Patents by Inventor Dale E. Matthews

Dale E. Matthews 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: 5221514
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing an existing fuel guide pin in an upper core plate of a nuclear fuel assembly. The existing guide pin is removed to the level of the bottom of the core plate and inside the bore in the core plate to a point adjacent the pin retaining nut. A longitudinal bore is then created in the remaining portion of the existing fuel guide pin. A replacement fuel guide pin formed from a pin body, collet lock, and bolt is inserted into the bore in the upper core plate and through the bore in the remaining portion of the existing pin. The bolt and collet lock are inserted into bore at opposite ends of the pin body and threaded together. A tapered shoulder at one end of the collet lock passes through the bore created in the existing guide pin and secures the replacement guide pin to the remaining portion of the existing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: B&W Nuclear Service Company
    Inventors: Steve K. Brown, Larry D. Dixon, Dale E. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5164154
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing an existing fuel guide pin in an upper core plate of a nuclear fuel assembly. The existing guide pin is removed to the level of the bottom of the core plate and inside the bore in the core plate to a point adjacent the pin retaining nut. A longitudinal bore is then created in the remaining portion of the existing fuel guide pin. A replacement fuel guide pin formed from a pin body, collet lock, and bolt is inserted into the bore in the upper core plate and through the bore in the remaining portion of the existing pin. The bolt and collet lock are inserted into a bore at opposite ends of the pin body and threaded together. A tapered shoulder at one end of the collet lock passes through the bore created in the existing guide pin and secures the replacement guide pin to the remaining portion of the existing pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: B&W Nuclear Service Company
    Inventors: Steve K. Brown, Larry D. Dixon, Dale E. Matthews