Patents by Inventor Kenneth B. Stuckey

Kenneth B. Stuckey 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: 9978467
    Abstract: The invention is an innovative design/repair methodology for PWR piping nozzles and vessel nozzles that are attached to the piping/vessel base material with a full penetration weld joint geometry. The development of a robust repair methodology for nozzles of this configuration is necessary due to plant aging, potential material degradation in the original materials of construction, potential increased nondestructive examination requirements, and PWSCC phenomena in the susceptible original materials of construction. The purpose/objective of the repair methodology is to provide a means of partially replacing the existing pressure boundary susceptible materials with PWSCC-resistant materials to facilitate the long-term repair life of the plant. The invention may be applied to a plurality of nozzle, piping, and vessel sizes with a full penetration weld joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Framatome Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Graves, David E. Waskey, Andrew C. Smith, Kenneth B. Stuckey
  • Publication number: 20160141057
    Abstract: The invention is an innovative design/repair methodology for PWR piping nozzles and vessel nozzles that are attached to the piping/vessel base material with a full penetration weld joint geometry. The development of a robust repair methodology for nozzles of this configuration is necessary due to plant aging, potential material degradation in the original materials of construction, potential increased nondestructive examination requirements, and PWSCC phenomena in the susceptible original materials of construction. The purpose/objective of the repair methodology is to provide a means of partially replacing the existing pressure boundary susceptible materials with PWSCC-resistant materials to facilitate the long-term repair life of the plant. The invention may be applied to a plurality of nozzle, piping, and vessel sizes with a full penetration weld joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Charles A. Graves, David E. Waskey, Andrew C. Smith, Kenneth B. Stuckey
  • Patent number: 5094801
    Abstract: A replacement heater sleeve for a nuclear reactor coolant system pressurizer and method for replacing a damaged original heater nozzle. The original heater and heater nozzle are removed from the pressurizer and the original bore is enlarged. An outer sleeve is installed in the enlarged bore on the same center as the original heater nozzle and is substantially flush with the interior of the pressurizer. The outer sleeve is welded to the pressurizer on its interior and exterior surfaces. An inner sleeve is installed in the inner diameter of the outer sleeve and extends beyond the outer sleeve into the pressurizer. The inner sleeve is welded to the lower end of the outer sleeve and is provided with an inner diameter sized to receive a heater of the same size as that originally installed in the pressurizer. The inner sleeve also maintains the original heater alignment in the pressurizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Dixon, Fred L. Snow, Kenneth B. Stuckey
  • Patent number: 5091140
    Abstract: A replacement heater sleeve for nuclear reactor coolant system pressurizer and method for replacing a damaged original heater nozzle. The original heater and heater nozzle are removed from the pressurizer and the original bore is enlarged. An outer sleeve is installed in the enlarged bore on the same center as the original heater nozzle and is substantially flush with the interior of the pressurizer. The outer sleeve is welded to the pressurizer on its interior and exterior surfaces. An inner sleeve is installed in the inner diameter of the outer sleeve and extends beyond the outer sleeve into the pressurizer. The inner sleeve is welded to the lower end of the outer sleeve and is provided with an inner diameter sized to receive a heater of the same size as that originally installed in the pressurizer. The inner sleeve also maintains the original heater alignment in the pressurizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Dixon, Fred L. Snow, Kenneth B. Stuckey