Patents by Inventor Gary L. Sedlacek

Gary L. Sedlacek 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).

  • Patent number: 10872706
    Abstract: A passive cooling system for cooling the in-containment refueling water storage tank and the spent fuel pool of nuclear power plants that can extend the number of days the plants can safely be maintained without operator intervention. The cooling system employs a thermosiphon in a closed loop cycle that circulates a refrigerant around the cooling loop between heat exchangers within the spent fuel and in-containment refueling water and the ambient atmosphere outside the containment, by natural circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Conway, Gary L. Sedlacek
  • Publication number: 20200335233
    Abstract: A passive cooling system for cooling the in-containment refueling water storage tank and the spent fuel pool of nuclear power plants that can extend the number of days the plants can safely be maintained without operator intervention. The cooling system employs a thermosiphon in a closed loop cycle that circulates a refrigerant around the cooling loop between heat exchangers within the spent fuel and in-containment refueling water and the ambient atmosphere outside the containment, by natural circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Conway, Gary L. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 8958522
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive filtration system for a fuel handling area having a spent fuel pool in a nuclear reactor. The passive filtration system reduces a discharge into the atmosphere of particulates, such as radioactive particulates, generated in a spent fuel pool boiling event. The passive filtration system includes a discharge path, a vent mechanism positioned between the fuel handling area and the discharge path. The vent mechanism is structured to release a steam and air mixture from the fuel handling area to the discharge path. The steam and air mixture includes the particulates. The passive filtration system further includes an air filtration unit located in the discharge path and this unit has at least one passive filter. The steam and air mixture is forced through the at least one passive filter due to a differential pressure generated in the fuel handling area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Sedlacek, Luke G. Mulhollem, Michael A. Chvala, Justin D. Stirling
  • Publication number: 20120307957
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive filtration system for a fuel handling area having a spent fuel pool in a nuclear reactor. The passive filtration system reduces a discharge into the atmosphere of particulates, such as radioactive particulates, generated in a spent fuel pool boiling event. The passive filtration system includes a discharge path, a vent mechanism positioned between the fuel handling area and the discharge path. The vent mechanism is structured to release a steam and air mixture from the fuel handling area to the discharge path. The steam and air mixture includes the particulates. The passive filtration system further includes an air filtration unit located in the discharge path and this unit has at least one passive filter. The steam and air mixture is forced through the at least one passive filter due to a differential pressure generated in the fuel handling area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Sedlacek, Luke G. Mulhollem, Michael A. Chvala, Justin D. Stirling