Patents by Inventor Matthew G. Watrous

Matthew G. Watrous 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: 10773203
    Abstract: A xenon capture system that reduces the concentration of xenon in a carrier gas is disclosed. An example xenon capture system includes a carrier gas with a first concentration of xenon that flows through an intake into a chamber. Within the chamber is a reaction area that has at least one peripheral sidewall. The reaction area operates at a predetermined temperature, flow rate, and low pressure. Within the reaction area is at least one xenon capture mechanism that is at least partially formed of a transition metal. When the carrier gas is exposed to the xenon capture mechanism, the xenon capture mechanism adsorbs xenon from the carrier gas. The carrier gas, with a second concentration of xenon, exits the chamber through the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Catherine Riddle, Dawn M. Scates, Troy G. Garn, Matthew G. Watrous
  • Publication number: 20190091622
    Abstract: A xenon capture system that reduces the concentration of xenon in a carrier gas is disclosed. An example xenon capture system includes a carrier gas with a first concentration of xenon that flows through an intake into a chamber. Within the chamber is a reaction area that has at least one peripheral sidewall. The reaction area operates at a predetermined temperature, flow rate, and low pressure. Within the reaction area is at least one xenon capture mechanism that is at least partially formed of a transition metal. When the carrier gas is exposed to the xenon capture mechanism, the xenon capture mechanism adsorbs xenon from the carrier gas. The carrier gas, with a second concentration of xenon, exits the chamber through the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Catherine . Riddle, Dawn M. Scates, Troy G. Garn, Matthew G. Watrous
  • Patent number: 9683976
    Abstract: Containers for a fluid sample containing a radionuclide for measurement of radiation from the radionuclide include an outer shell having one or more ports between an interior and an exterior of the outer shell, and an inner shell secured to the outer shell. The inner shell includes a detector receptacle sized for at least partial insertion into the outer shell. The inner shell and outer shell together at least partially define a fluid sample space. The outer shell and inner shell are configured for maintaining an operating pressure within the fluid sample space of at least about 1000 psi. Systems for measuring radioactivity in a fluid include such a container and a radiation detector received at least partially within the detector receptacle. Methods of measuring radioactivity in a fluid sample include maintaining a pressure of a fluid sample within a Marinelli-type container at least at about 1000 psi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC.
    Inventors: Nicholas R Mann, Matthew G Watrous, Christopher P Oertel, Christopher A McGrath
  • Publication number: 20160047785
    Abstract: Containers for a fluid sample containing a radionuclide for measurement of radiation from the radionuclide include an outer shell having one or more ports between and interior and an exterior of the outer shell, and an inner shell secured to the outer shell. The inner shell includes a detector receptacle sized for at least partial insertion into the outer shell. The inner shell and outer shell together at least partially define a fluid sample space. The outer shell and inner shell are configured for maintaining an operating pressure within the fluid sample space of at least about 1000 psi. Systems for measuring radioactivity in a fluid include such a container and a radiation detector received at least partially within the detector receptacle. Methods of measuring radioactivity in a fluid sample include maintaining a pressure of a fluid sample within a Marinelli-type container at least at about 1000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: NICHOLAS R. MANN, MATTHEW G. WATROUS, CHRISTOPHER P. OERTEL, CHRISTOPHER A. McGRATH
  • Patent number: 8329122
    Abstract: A method is presented for producing and isolating an isotopically enriched compound of a desired isotope from a parent radionuclide. The method includes forming, or placing, a precipitate containing a parent radionuclide of the desired daughter isotope in a first reaction zone and allowing sufficient time for the parent to decay into the desired gaseous daughter radioisotope. The method further contemplates collecting the desired daughter isotope as a solid in a second reaction zone through the application of temperatures below the freezing point of the desired isotope to a second reaction zone that is connected to the first reaction zone. Specifically, a method is presented for producing isotopically enriched compounds of xenon, including the radioactive isotope Xe-131m and the stable isotope Xe-131.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventor: Matthew G. Watrous