Patents by Inventor Glen R. Longhurst

Glen R. Longhurst 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).

  • Methods for absorbing neutrons
    Patent number: 8229054
    Abstract: A conduction cooled neutron absorber may include a metal matrix composite that comprises a metal having a thermal neutron cross-section of at least about 50 barns and a metal having a thermal conductivity of at least about 1 W/cm·K. Apparatus for providing a neutron flux having a high fast-to-thermal neutron ratio may include a source of neutrons that produces fast neutrons and thermal neutrons. A neutron absorber positioned adjacent the neutron source absorbs at least some of the thermal neutrons so that a region adjacent the neutron absorber has a fast-to-thermal neutron ratio of at least about 15. A coolant in thermal contact with the neutron absorber removes heat from the neutron absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Donna P. Guillen, Glen R. Longhurst, Douglas L. Porter, James R. Parry
  • CONDUCTION COOLED NEUTRON ABSORBERS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING FAST FLUX NEUTRON FIELDS
    Publication number: 20100027732
    Abstract: A conduction cooled neutron absorber may include a metal matrix composite that comprises a metal having a thermal neutron cross-section of at least about 50 barns and a metal having a thermal conductivity of at least about 1 W/cm·K. Apparatus for providing a neutron flux having a high fast-to-thermal neutron ratio may include a source of neutrons that produces fast neutrons and thermal neutrons. A neutron absorber positioned adjacent the neutron source absorbs at least some of the thermal neutrons so that a region adjacent the neutron absorber has a fast-to-thermal neutron ratio of at least about 15. A coolant in thermal contact with the neutron absorber removes heat from the neutron absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Donna P. Guillen, Glen R. Longhurst, Douglas L. Porter, James R. Parry