Patents by Inventor Geoff Gettelfinger

Geoff Gettelfinger 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: 6881131
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diamond wire cutting of metal structures, such as nuclear reactor vessels, is provided. A diamond wire saw having a plurality of diamond beads with beveled or chamfered edges is provided for sawing into the walls of the metal structure. The diamond wire is guided by a plurality of support structures allowing for a multitude of different cuts. The diamond wire is cleaned and cooled by CO2 during the cutting process to prevent breakage of the wire and provide efficient cutting. Concrete can be provided within the metal structure to enhance cutting efficiency and reduce airborne contaminants. The invention can be remotely controlled to reduce exposure of workers to radioactivity and other hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The Trustees of Princeton University
    Inventors: Robert Parsells, Geoff Gettelfinger, Erik Perry, Keith Rule
  • Publication number: 20040231654
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for diamond wire cutting of metal structures, such as nuclear reactor vessels, is provided. A diamond wire saw having a plurality of diamond beads with beveled or chamfered edges is provided for sawing into the walls of the metal structure. The diamond wire is guided by a plurality of support structures allowing for a multitude of different cuts. The diamond wire is cleaned and cooled by CO2 during the cutting process to prevent breakage of the wire and provide efficient cutting. Concrete can be provided within the metal structure to enhance cutting efficiency and reduce airborne contaminants. The invention can be remotely controlled to reduce exposure of workers to radioactivity and other hazards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Parsells, Geoff Gettelfinger, Erik Perry, Keith Rule
  • Patent number: 5938821
    Abstract: A method of separating tritium oxide from a gas stream containing tritium oxide. The gas stream containing tritium oxide is fed into a container of water having a head space above the water. Bubbling the gas stream containing tritium oxide through the container of water and removing gas from the container head space above the water. Thereafter, the gas from the head space is dried to remove water vapor from the gas, and the water vapor is recycled to the container of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Keith Rule, Geoff Gettelfinger, Paul Kivler