Patents by Inventor Darel R. Clark

Darel R. Clark 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).

  • Fuel assembly top nozzle repair sleeve and method for repairing a fuel assembly
    Patent number: 7551705
    Abstract: A method and device to repair nuclear fuel assembly structural defects in the top nozzle to guide thimble connection, wherein the device includes a repair sleeve comprising tendons configured to deflect to allow establishment of a structural connection between a projection on each tendon and a dimple area of a guide thimble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Areva NP, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Pabis, Anthony A. Pugh, Raymond A. King, Darel R. Clark
  • Fuel assembly nozzleless handling tool and method
    Patent number: 7424084
    Abstract: A device and method to move a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor, wherein the device eliminates the potential for dropping the fuel assembly due to stress corrosion cracking of the upper guide thimble sleeves that attach the top nozzle to guide thimbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Areva NP Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Pabis, Darel R. Clark, Anthony A. Pugh, Raymond A. King
  • Fuel assembly nozzleless handling tool and method
    Publication number: 20080112529
    Abstract: A device and method to move a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor, wherein the device eliminates the potential for dropping the fuel assembly due to stress corrosion cracking of the upper guide thimble sleeves that attach the top nozzle to guide thimbles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: George S. Pabis, Darel R. Clark, Anthony A. Pugh, Raymond A. King
  • Fuel assembly nozzleless handling tool and method
    Patent number: 7239683
    Abstract: A device and method to move a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor, wherein the device eliminates the potential for dropping the fuel assembly due to stress corrosion cracking of the upper guide thimble sleeves that attach the top nozzle to guide thimbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Framatome ANP, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Pabis, Darel R. Clark, Anthony A. Pugh, Raymond A. King
  • Drive tool for upper end fitting locking arrangement
    Patent number: 5461647
    Abstract: A tool for use with an integral reusable locking arrangement between the guide tubes and upper end fitting in a nuclear fuel assembly. A positioner on the tool locates the tool on the upper end fitting grillage and aligns a wrench on the tool with projections on a spring collar used in the locking arrangement. The wrench on the lower end of the tool has slots that engage with the reusable locking arrangement on the guide tube upon application of downward pressure on the tool driver. Rotation of the driver causes corresponding rotation of the spring collar on the reusable locking arrangement for locking or unlocking of the upper end fitting in place relative to the guide tubes. Axial and rotational motion of the driver is limited by interaction between a set screw on the positioner and slots in the driver. Upward motion of the driver disengages the wrench from the spring collar for removal of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: B&W Fuel Company
    Inventors: Darel R. Clark, D. Michael Minor