Patents by Inventor David C. Crone

David C. Crone 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).

  • Process for application of lubricant to fuel rod during fuel assembly loading process
    Patent number: 8599990
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nuclear reactors, and more particularly, to nuclear reactors having fuel assemblies that employ support grids. A method of reducing friction and physical contact between a fuel rod and support grid in a nuclear fuel assembly is provided. The method includes applying a lubricant composition to the outer surface of the fuel rod during fuel assembly fabrication and removing the lubricant composition afterward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael O. Bausch, David C. Crone, Randal K. Lincoln
  • PROCESS FOR APPLICATION OF LUBRICANT TO FUEL ROD DURING FUEL ASSEMBLY LOADING PROCESS
    Publication number: 20110150163
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nuclear reactors, and more particularly, to nuclear reactors having fuel assemblies that employ support grids. A method of reducing friction and physical contact between a fuel rod and support grid in a nuclear fuel assembly is provided. The method includes applying a lubricant composition to the outer surface of the fuel rod during fuel assembly fabrication and removing the lubricant composition afterward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael O. Bausch, David C. Crone, Randal K. Lincoln