Patents by Inventor Harold W. Behnke

Harold W. Behnke 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: 5271048
    Abstract: A replacement nozzle and method for replacing a nozzle in a pressure vessel. The original nozzle is removed and a weld preparation is machined into the original weld. The vacated nozzle hole is partially drilled out from the interior of the vessel. A weld land sleeve is received in the drilled out portion of the nozzle hole and a replacement nozzle is received in the weld land sleeve. The sleeve and replacement nozzle are welded in place on the inside of the vessel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: B&W Nuclear Service Company
    Inventors: Harold W. Behnke, Richard T. Bottoms, Larry D. Dixon
  • Patent number: 5230860
    Abstract: A nuclear reactor vessel cavity seal plate. An annular support plate is positioned over the cavity between the reactor vessel and the shield structure. The inner diameter of the support plate rests freely upon the reactor vessel flange to allow movement of the vessel thereunder during thermal expansion and contraction. A flexible annular seal positioned over the support plate has its inner diameter seal welded to the reactor vessel flange and its outer diameter seal welded to the shield structure. Matching ports in the support plate and seal provide access to nuclear instruments below the support plate. A mounting block around each port accepts a cover plate that seals the port. This provides a permanent seal plate that allows flooding of the cavity for refueling with it only being necessary to remove the cove plates for normal reactor operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: B&W Nuclear Service Company
    Inventors: Harold W. Behnke, Larry D. Dixon, James E. McCann