Patents by Inventor Jeffrey S. Tucker

Jeffrey S. Tucker 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).

  • Mixing vane protecting flap
    Patent number: 5790624
    Abstract: A protection flap provided on mixing vanes of structural or mid-span mixer grids in order to eliminate or substantially reduce fretting of fuel rods retained by such grids. The flap is an extension or addition of vane material bent upwardly so as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fuel rod being retained. The flap provides a smooth, vertical surface against which the fuel rod contacts in case of vibration, bowing or shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Framatome Cogema Fuels
    Inventors: J. Scott D'orio, Jeffrey S. Tucker
  • Spacer grid for a nuclear fuel assembly
    Patent number: 5299245
    Abstract: A spacer grid for a nuclear fuel assembly. A plurality of metal strips are interleaved on edge to define a plurality of individual cells. Each cell is sized to receive a single nuclear fuel rod. A series of projections, grid mixing vanes, extend from one edge of each metal strip and are alternately bent to extend on opposite sides of the metal strip. The alternating projections provide four grid mixing vanes that extend into each individual cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: B&W Fuel Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Aldrich, David A. Farnsworth, Charles D. Morgan, Jeffrey S. Tucker