Patents by Inventor Elmer L. Speer

Elmer L. Speer 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).

  • Method and apparatus for in-cell vacuuming of radiologically contaminated materials
    Patent number: 4695299
    Abstract: A vacuum air flow operated cyclone separator arrangement for collecting, handling and packaging loose contaminated material in accordance with acceptable radiological and criticality control requirements. The vacuum air flow system includes a specially designed fail-safe prefilter installed upstream of the vacuum air flow power supply. The fail-safe prefilter provides in-cell vacuum system flow visualization and automatically reduces or shuts off the vacuum air flow in the event of an upstream prefilter failure. The system is effective for collecting and handling highly contaminated radiological waste in the form of dust, dirt, fuel element fines, metal chips and similar loose material in accordance with radiological and criticality control requirements for disposal by means of shipment and burial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Peter R. Spadaro, Jay E. Smith, Elmer L. Speer, Arnold L. Cecconi