Patents by Inventor Donald A. Gorscak

Donald A. Gorscak 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).

  • Stuck fuel rod capping sleeve
    Patent number: 4732730
    Abstract: A stuck fuel rod capping sleeve to be used during derodding of spent fuel assemblies if a fuel rod becomes stuck in a partially withdrawn position and, thus, has to be severed. The capping sleeve has an inner sleeve made of a lower work hardening highly ductile material (e.g., Inconel 600) and an outer sleeve made of a moderately ductile material (e.g., 304 stainless steel). The inner sleeve may be made of an epoxy filler. The capping sleeve is placed on a fuel rod which is then severed by using a bolt cutter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Donald A. Gorscak, John J. Maringo, Roy J. Nilsen