Patents by Inventor Daniel P. SPEAKER

Daniel P. SPEAKER 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: 10772246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of additive manufacturing as applied to radiation shielding. In particular, additive manufacturing formulations are described which provide shielding for neutron and photon radiation and which can extend the useful operation life of remote sensing devices utilized to conduct surveillance and inspection work where such radiation fields are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Daniel P. Speaker, Albert J. Parvin, Jr., Nathan B. Hall
  • Publication number: 20200154617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of additive manufacturing as applied to radiation shielding. In particular, additive manufacturing formulations are described which provide shielding for neutron and photon radiation and which can extend the useful operation life of remote sensing devices utilized to conduct surveillance and inspection work where such radiation fields are present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel P. SPEAKER, Albert J. PARVIN, JR., Nathan B. HALL
  • Patent number: 9761332
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor includes a reactor pressure vessel and a nuclear reactor core comprising fissile material disposed in a lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel. The lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel is disposed in a reactor cavity. An annular neutron stop is located at an elevation above the uppermost elevation of the nuclear reactor core. The annular neutron stop comprises neutron absorbing material filling an annular gap between the reactor pressure vessel and the wall of the reactor cavity. The annular neutron stop may comprise an outer neutron stop ring attached to the wall of the reactor cavity, and an inner neutron stop ring attached to the reactor pressure vessel. An excore instrument guide tube penetrates through the annular neutron stop, and a neutron plug comprising neutron absorbing material is disposed in the tube at the penetration through the neutron stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P Speaker, Gary W Neeley, James B Inman
  • Publication number: 20150357058
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor includes a reactor pressure vessel and a nuclear reactor core comprising fissile material disposed in a lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel. The lower portion of the reactor pressure vessel is disposed in a reactor cavity. An annular neutron stop is located at an elevation above the uppermost elevation of the nuclear reactor core. The annular neutron stop comprises neutron absorbing material filling an annular gap between the reactor pressure vessel and the wall of the reactor cavity. The annular neutron stop may comprise an outer neutron stop ring attached to the wall of the reactor cavity, and an inner neutron stop ring attached to the reactor pressure vessel. An excore instrument guide tube penetrates through the annular neutron stop, and a neutron plug comprising neutron absorbing material is disposed in the tube at the penetration through the neutron stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel P. SPEAKER, Gary W. NEELEY, James B. INMAN