Patents by Inventor John J. Ashburn

John J. Ashburn 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: 5586155
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for inspecting a core shroud by remote operation. The apparatus is a robotic scanning device which can be installed in the narrow space between the core shroud and the jet pumps and which can scan azimuthally and vertically around the circumference of the core shroud. The scanning device provides gross positioning to the area of interest and precise motion control in a limited scanning range. The scanning uses a thin wide arm to support a bank of transducers at its bottom end, and is rigidly mounted to a precision two-axis positioner at its top end. The arm is of narrow thickness to pass through the 0.5-inch access opening and to allow radial flexibility to absorb surface contour variation over the inspection area. The transducer mounting includes a water jet thruster to provide a radially inwardly directed reaction force to maintain the transducers in contact against the shroud. The arm is fabricated with a row of longitudinal holes extending throughout its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John G. Erbes, Stephen B. Bayne, John J. Ashburn
  • Patent number: 4499691
    Abstract: An apparatus for underwater separation of a jet pump beam from the inlet mixer of a jet pump in a nuclear reactor system. The apparatus underwater cuts a retaining piece coupling the beam with the inlet mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Karazim, Bob Y. Okashima, John J. Ashburn