Patents by Inventor Gerald L. Ritter

Gerald L. Ritter 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).

  • Advanced boiling water reactor fuel assembly design
    Patent number: 4957698
    Abstract: An advanced boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel design is described that preferentially directs more unvoided water coolant into the upper portion of the fuel assembly. This allows relatively more fuel to be placed in the lower portion of the fuel assembly. This arrangement allows a more nearly optimun moderation of neutrons in the upper portion of the assembly while preserving a higher volume of fuel in the lower portion. In addition to providing a more nearly optimum distribution of water in the assembly, the larger number of fuel rods can be used in the lower portion to reduce the linear heat generation rate (power peaking) in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Advanced Nuclear Fuels Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald L. Ritter