Patents by Inventor Leonard W. Niedrach

Leonard W. Niedrach 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: 5164152
    Abstract: A method of reducing flow assisted corrosion of a carbon steel component exposed to flowing low-oxygen water is disclosed. The method comprises forming a coating of a platinum group metal on the carbon steel component, and providing a ratio of hydrogen to oxygen of about 1:8 or greater in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Young J. Kim, Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 5147602
    Abstract: A high-chromium stainless steel alloy having improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking in high temperature water is comprised of, in weight percent; about 22 to 32 percent chromium, about 16 to 40 percent nickel, up to about 10 percent manganese, up to about 0.06 percent carbon, and the balance substantially iron. A preferred high-chromium alloy is further comprised of about 2 to 9 weight percent of a metal from the group consisting of titanium, niobium, tantalum, and mixtures thereof. Another preferred high-chromium alloy is further comprised of a platinum group metal in an effective amount to reduce the corrosion potential of the alloy in high-temperature water provided with hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Andresen, Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 5135709
    Abstract: A method for lowering the corrosion potential on components formed from carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel based alloys, or cobalt based alloys, and exposed to high-temperature water comprised of oxidizing species, comprising: providing a reducing species in the high temperature water that can combine with the oxidizing species, and forming the component to have a catalytic layer of a platinum group metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Andresen, Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 5130080
    Abstract: A method of extending the life of components of newly constructed nuclear reactors or newly replaced components of existing reactors is taught. The method involves forming a deposit on the surfaces of metallic elements of the nuclear containment, as well as on the surfaces of internal components which are exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water and steam. The deposit formed is a deposit of at least one member of the platinum group of metals. The deposit is formed by any of a number of conventional methods such as electroless deposition, electrochemical deposition, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering or other conventional method. In operation, this deposit facilitates the combination of hydrogen and oxygen to form water and thereby aids in reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of the system to values below a critical potential range that prevents stress corrosion cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 5130081
    Abstract: A method of extending the life of components of in service nuclear reactors or components of existing reactors is taught. The method involves forming a deposit on the surface coatings of metallic elements of the nuclear containment, as well as on the surfaces of encrusted internal components which are exposed to high-temperature, high-pressure water and steam. The deposit formed is a deposit of at least one member of the platinum group of metals. The deposit is formed by electroless deposition. In operation, this deposit facilitates the combination of hydrogen and oxygen to form water and thereby aids in reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of the system to values below a critical potential that prevents stress corrosion cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 4990855
    Abstract: A conductivity probe able to withstand high water temperatures and pressures, and intense nuclear radiation is suitable for use within the core of the nuclear reactor. The probe is made with a ceramic insulator, such as sapphire, and a central electrode that is mounted on the insulator. A sleeve that supports the insulator and the central electrode is made from metals having a coefficient of thermal expansion compatible with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulator, such as Kovar. The central electrode and sleeve are bonded to the insulator by a brazed compressive seal that protects an internal conductor in the probe from intrusion of the reactor water. A counter electrode made from a corrosion resistant metal, such as Kovar, is attached to the sleeve so that it extends over the central electrode a fixed, spaced distance. A positioning and signal transfer arrangement operatively supports the sleeve and conveys electrical signals to and from the two electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leonard W. Niedrach, Dale F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4948492
    Abstract: An electrode probe suited for employment as a reference electrode in a high pressure, high temperature, and high radiation field environment such as adjacent the core of a nuclear reactor is described. The electrode is a brazed and welded assembly consisting of only ceramic and metal parts including a sapphire crucible which is brazed to a kovar/stainless steel housing, welded in turn, to a coaxial cable assembly for signal transfer. The crucible incorporates an integrally formed pedestal through which a conductor wire extends and over which is positioned a selectively coated cylindrically shaped sealing retainer. The device is particularly suited for employment with a silver/silver chloride electrode system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leonard W. Niedrach, Maurice E. Indig, Laura L. H. King
  • Patent number: 4681673
    Abstract: An improved oxygen sensor is provided which gives oxygen concentration readings immediately and without the uncertain delays of a break-in period. The break-in period is decreased substantially by imparting to a copper counter electrode a uniform distribution of cuprous oxide throughout its structure. More reliable performance of the sensor is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leonard W. Niedrach, Fritz G. Will
  • Patent number: 4652359
    Abstract: An improved oxygen sensor is provided which gives oxygen concentration readings immediately and without the uncertain delays of a break-in period. The break-in period is decreased substantially by imparting to a copper counter electrode a uniform distribution of cuprous oxide throughout its structure. More reliable performance of the sensor is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leonard W. Niedrach, Fritz G. Will
  • Patent number: 4627907
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor having increased stability in its sensitivity is provided. The oxygen sensor includes a sensing electrode spaced from a cadmium counter electrode. An alkaline electrolyte extends between the electrodes and permits the formation of cadmium hydroxide in the counter electrode as the cell is used. An electrical circuit connects the counter electrode and sensing electrode externally of the cell. The circuit includes a resistor and thermistor network and a voltmeter. Readings on the voltmeter can be calibrated to show the concentration of ambient oxygen diffusing a polymer membrane to the sensor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leonard W. Niedrach, Fritz G. Will
  • Patent number: 4554310
    Abstract: Room temperature vulcanizable organopolysiloxane compositions are provided which exhibit improved stability and a reduced tendency to corrode copper upon contact resulting from the employment of an effective amount of a tin condensation catalyst having organo radicals attached to tin by carbon tin linkages and whose remaining valences are satisfied by a chelate radical or a dicarboxylate radical in combination with an organic triazole such as benzotriazole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wengrovius, Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 4264424
    Abstract: A hydrogen ion sensor comprising in combination a gas impervious membrane sheath of an oxygen ion conducting ceramic, an electrochemical system partially contained therein, a terminal external to the ceramic sheath electrically connected to the electrochemical system and means for sealing the interior of the ceramic sheath from the ambient, the electrochemical system providing a fixed steady electrical potential that varies only with temperature between the inner surface of the ceramic sheath and the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Leonard W. Niedrach
  • Patent number: 4120292
    Abstract: The reference electrode, which is physically removed from the sensing electrode, is functionally connected by means of a Ringer's solution formulation serving as an electrolyte bridge between the reference electrode and the fluid or tissue of the patient under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Oliver H. LeBlanc, Jr., Leonard W. Niedrach, William H. Stoddard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3957612
    Abstract: An in vivo specific ion sensor contains a specific ion electrode and surrounding reference half cell which has its immobilized electrolyte adjacent to and spaced from the specific ion electrode. The specific ion sensor is introduced, for example, into the blood stream by passing it through a cannula which perforates the subject's tissue and the underlying wall of the blood vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leonard W. Niedrach, Oliver H. LeBlanc, Jr.