Patents by Inventor Derek BASS
Derek BASS 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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Publication number: 20240079155Abstract: A nuclear power plant includes a nuclear structure, a frontline support equipment, and a support structure. The nuclear structure includes, and is configured to protect from incurring damage due to a damaging event, at least one of a nuclear reactor or a nuclear fuel storage. The frontline support equipment is configured to perform a fundamental safety function. The support structure is spatially separate from the nuclear structure and includes an initiating support equipment configured to trigger the frontline support equipment to perform the fundamental safety function such that the fundamental safety function is performed independently of the initiating support equipment subsequent to the triggering. The support structure may be a non-protected structure that is not configured to protect the initiating support equipment from incurring damage due to the damaging event.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek BASS, Dennis HENNEKE, Tatjana B. KIRBY, Luben I. TODOROVSKI, Mark J. ENDRE
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Patent number: 11919278Abstract: Described is a method of making a densified fiber batt that includes the steps of: a) providing a fiber batt with a first plurality of fibers having a first melting point and a second plurality of fibers having a second melting point different from the first melting point; and b) subjecting the fiber batt to heat and pressure in a static press, thereby forming a densified fiber batt having a first surface and an opposed second surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: James Burns, Tom Odum, Jay Vecsey, Jean Briere, Derek Bass
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Patent number: 11842821Abstract: A nuclear power plant includes a nuclear structure, a frontline support equipment, and a support structure. The nuclear structure includes, and is configured to protect from incurring damage due to a damaging event, at least one of a nuclear reactor or a nuclear fuel storage. The frontline support equipment is configured to perform a fundamental safety function. The support structure is spatially separate from the nuclear structure and includes an initiating support equipment configured to trigger the frontline support equipment to perform the fundamental safety function such that the fundamental safety function is performed independently of the initiating support equipment subsequent to the triggering. The support structure may be a non-protected structure that is not configured to protect the initiating support equipment from incurring damage due to the damaging event.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek Bass, Dennis Henneke, Tatjana B. Kirby, Luben I. Todorovski, Mark J. Endre
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Patent number: 11746550Abstract: A nuclear reactor is constructed in sub-modules and super modules which are manufactured, packaged, and shipped to a construction site. At least some of the modules are packaged in suitable shielding containers or portions of containers, which may be steel. The modules are assembled on-site, and some of the modules remain within their respective shipping containers after assembly. One or more of the shipping containers may be used as concrete forms to support the pouring of concrete in between selected modules. The concrete may be used for structural support, shielding, or both.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: TERRAPOWER, LLCInventors: Derek Bass, Michael F. Dimitri, Brian C. Johnson, Calen Kaneko, Christopher A. Martin, Sean T. Mosier, Philip M. Schloss, Nathan Smith, Mark R. Werner
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Publication number: 20230142980Abstract: Combined cleanup and heat sink systems work with nuclear reactor coolant loops. Combined systems may join hotter and colder sections of the coolant loops in parallel with any steam generator or other extractor and provide optional heat removal between the same. Combined systems also remove impurities or debris from a fluid coolant without significant heat loss from the coolant. A cooler in the combined system may increase in capacity or be augmented in number to move between purifying cooling and major heat removal from the coolant, potentially as an emergency cooler. The cooler may be joined to the hotter and colder sections through valved flow paths depending on desired functionality. Sections of the coolant loops may be fully above the cooler, which may be above the reactor, to drive flow by gravity and enhance isolation of sections of the coolant loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2023Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Derek Bass, Christer N. Dahlgren
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Patent number: 11545274Abstract: Combined cleanup and heat sink systems work with nuclear reactor coolant loops. Combined systems may join hotter and colder sections of the coolant loops in parallel with any steam generator or other extractor and provide optional heat removal between the same. Combined systems also remove impurities or debris from a fluid coolant without significant heat loss from the coolant. A cooler in the combined system may increase in capacity or be augmented in number to move between purifying cooling and major heat removal from the coolant, potentially as an emergency cooler. The cooler may be joined to the hotter and colder sections through valved flow paths depending on desired functionality. Sections of the coolant loops may be fully above the cooler, which may be above the reactor, to drive flow by gravity and enhance isolation of sections of the coolant loop.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek Bass, Christer N. Dahlgren
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Publication number: 20220328203Abstract: A nuclear reactor facility may include a reactor building, a reactor vessel housed within the reactor building, and an auxiliary cooling system integrated with the reactor building. The reactor building has a visible section above a ground level and a buried section below the ground level. The reactor vessel contains a fuel core and is housed within the buried section of the reactor building below the ground level. The auxiliary cooling system includes a plurality of ducts integrated with the reactor building and is configured to passively cool the reactor vessel via natural air circulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek BASS, Michael F. DIMITRI, Tatjana B. KIRBY, Luben I. TODOROVSKI
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Publication number: 20220328205Abstract: A nuclear power plant includes a nuclear structure, a frontline support equipment, and a support structure. The nuclear structure includes, and is configured to protect from incurring damage due to a damaging event, at least one of a nuclear reactor or a nuclear fuel storage. The frontline support equipment is configured to perform a fundamental safety function. The support structure is spatially separate from the nuclear structure and includes an initiating support equipment configured to trigger the frontline support equipment to perform the fundamental safety function such that the fundamental safety function is performed independently of the initiating support equipment subsequent to the triggering. The support structure may be a non-protected structure that is not configured to protect the initiating support equipment from incurring damage due to the damaging event.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2022Publication date: October 13, 2022Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek BASS, Dennis HENNEKE, Tatjana B. KIRBY, Luben I. TODOROVSKI, Mark J. ENDRE
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Patent number: 11443859Abstract: A nuclear plant including a nuclear reactor and a natural circulation air cooling system configured to provide cooling of the nuclear reactor based on circulating ambient air from an air inlet opening to absorb nuclear reactor rejected heat through an outlet air opening, due to natural circulation of said ambient air induced by the ambient air absorbing said rejected heat, may further include a pile structure covering at least one opening of the air inlet opening or the air outlet opening. The pile structure may include a pile of packing objects covering the at least one opening, such that the at least one opening is obscured from direct exposure to the ambient environment by the pile of the packing objects.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek Bass, Eric Paul Loewen, Haaken Lysne
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Publication number: 20220208402Abstract: A nuclear plant including a nuclear reactor and a natural circulation air cooling system configured to provide cooling of the nuclear reactor based on circulating ambient air from an air inlet opening to absorb nuclear reactor rejected heat through an outlet air opening, due to natural circulation of said ambient air induced by the ambient air absorbing said rejected heat, may further include a pile structure covering at least one opening of the air inlet opening or the air outlet opening. The pile structure may include a pile of packing objects covering the at least one opening, such that the at least one opening is obscured from direct exposure to the ambient environment by the pile of the packing objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2020Publication date: June 30, 2022Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Derek BASS, Eric Paul LOEWEN, Haaken LYSNE
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Publication number: 20220051811Abstract: A nuclear reactor is designed to allow efficient packing of components within the reactor vessel, such as by offsetting the core, and/or vertically stacking components. The in-vessel storage system can be separate from the support cylinder and these components can be fabricated and shipped separately and coupled together at the construction site. Furthermore, the in-vessel storage system can be located adjacent to the core rather than being located circumferentially around it, and may also be located beneath the heat exchanger to further improve packing of components within the vessel. Through these, and other changes, the delicate components can be manufactured in a manufacturing facility, assembled, and shipped by commercial transportation options without exceeding the shipping envelope.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Derek Bass, Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Pavel Hejzlar, Brian C. Johnson, Calen Kaneko, Christopher A. Martin, Sean Mosier, Philip M. Schloss, Nathan Smith, Mark R. Werner
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Publication number: 20220049516Abstract: A nuclear reactor is constructed in sub-modules and super modules which are manufactured, packaged, and shipped to a construction site. At least some of the modules are packaged in suitable shielding containers or portions of containers, which may be steel. The modules are assembled on-site, and some of the modules remain within their respective shipping containers after assembly. One or more of the shipping containers may be used as concrete forms to support the pouring of concrete in between selected modules. The concrete may be used for structural support, shielding, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Derek Bass, Michael F. Dimitri, Brian C. Johnson, Calen Kaneko, Tatjana Kirby, Christopher A. Martin, Sean Mosier, Philip M. Schloss, Nathan Smith, Mark R. Werner
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Publication number: 20210370654Abstract: Described is a method of making a densified fiber batt that includes the steps of: a) providing a fiber batt with a first plurality of fibers having a first melting point and a second plurality of fibers having a second melting point different from the first melting point; and b) subjecting the fiber batt to heat and pressure in a static press, thereby forming a densified fiber batt having a first surface and an opposed second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: James Burns, Tom Odum, Jay Vecsey, Jean Briere, Derek Bass
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Patent number: 11031140Abstract: Cover gas control systems include a reservoir and injection path for direct injection into fuel transfer machinery. If seals in the fuel handling machinery leak, cover gas is provided from the reservoir to flow to the leak without contamination from a reactor to which the fuel transfer machinery is joined. This providing cover gas may be passive or automatic in response to a detected low pressure level, detected ambient air ingress, low volume level of cover gas, or manually actuated through an operator. The cover gas may be injected from below the leak but above the reactor. A limitation in the injection path keeps cover gas injection at rates sufficient to allow operator reaction and sealing before the reservoir is depleted. A pressure pulse transmitter, blowout preventer, and transfer port plug are useable in the systems, which can be implemented in fuel handling machinery for reactors using a cover gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Brian S. Hunt, Derek Bass
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Publication number: 20210090753Abstract: Combined cleanup and heat sink systems work with nuclear reactor coolant loops. Combined systems may join hotter and colder sections of the coolant loops in parallel with any steam generator or other extractor and provide optional heat removal between the same. Combined systems also remove impurities or debris from a fluid coolant without significant heat loss from the coolant. A cooler in the combined system may increase in capacity or be augmented in number to move between purifying cooling and major heat removal from the coolant, potentially as an emergency cooler. The cooler may be joined to the hotter and colder sections through valved flow paths depending on desired functionality. Sections of the coolant loops may be fully above the cooler, which may be above the reactor, to drive flow by gravity and enhance isolation of sections of the coolant loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Derek Bass, Christer N. Dahlgren
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Publication number: 20200071886Abstract: Disclosed are artificial turfs having a nonwoven backing layer and a plurality of turf fibers extending through the nonwoven backing layer such that a face side portion of the turf fibers extends from the face side of the nonwoven backing layer and a back side portion of the turf fibers extends from the back side of the nonwoven backing layer, wherein at least a portion of the back side portion of turf fibers are bonded to themselves. Also disclosed herein are the methods of making the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Philipe Aldahir, Derek Bass, Jim Burns
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Publication number: 20190164653Abstract: Cover gas control systems include a reservoir and injection path for direct injection into fuel transfer machinery. If seals in the fuel handling machinery leak, cover gas is provided from the reservoir to flow to the leak without contamination from a reactor to which the fuel transfer machinery is joined. This providing cover gas may be passive or automatic in response to a detected low pressure level, detected ambient air ingress, low volume level of cover gas, or manually actuated through an operator. The cover gas may be injected from below the leak but above the reactor. A limitation in the injection path keeps cover gas injection at rates sufficient to allow operator reaction and sealing before the reservoir is depleted. A pressure pulse transmitter, blowout preventer, and transfer port plug are useable in the systems, which can be implemented in fuel handling machinery for reactors using a cover gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: Brian S. Hunt, Derek Bass
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Publication number: 20180134016Abstract: Disclosed are layered composite articles comprising: a) a rigid backing portion comprising a rigid core having a first surface and an opposed second surface, wherein the rigid core comprises at least one densified fiber batt and wherein the at least one densified fiber batt is comprised of a first plurality of oriented fibers having a first melting point and a second plurality of oriented fibers having a second melting point different from the first melting point; and b) a decorative portion having a first surface and an opposed second surface, wherein the second surface of the decorative portion is affixed to the first surface of the rigid core. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: James Burns, Tom Odum, Jay Vecsey, Jean Briere, Derek Bass
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Patent number: 9911513Abstract: A passive shutdown system for a liquid metal cooled reactor may include a tube and a neutron absorber within the tube. The tube may be configured to extend through a core of the liquid metal cooled reactor. The tube has an upper end and a lower end. The tube defines a flow path for a liquid metal coolant. The neutron absorber is a mobile structure configured to partially obstruct a flow of the liquid metal coolant within the flow path. A method of operating a liquid metal cooled reactor may involve the use of the passive shutdown system.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLCInventors: Eric Paul Loewen, Weston Matthew Cundiff, Pradip Saha, Derek Bass
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Patent number: 9406407Abstract: A system and a method for capturing gaseous, particulate and liquid radioactive material released from primary containment of a Light Water Reactor (LWR) during severe accident conditions. The system includes a below-grade media area, connected to a reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and portions of primary containment, providing varying levels of adsorption/absorption of the radioactive material. The media area is located on-site to offer a passive, self-regulating structure for stabilizing a nuclear reactor. The capture system provides for liquid drainage and gaseous venting of the radioactive material, and a treatment capable of treating the media following stabilization of the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLCInventors: Eric P. Loewen, Jose Maria Caro, Derek Bass