Patents by Inventor Melissa Allen

Melissa Allen 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).

  • Publication number: 20220339701
    Abstract: A device for atomizing a metallic, intermetallic or ceramic melt stream by means of a gas to form a spherical powder, comprising a melt chamber, a powder chamber, an induction coil in the melt chamber, a melt material, preferably melt rod in the induction coil and an atomizer nozzle interconnecting the melt and powder chambers and being arranged in a nozzle plate, for the melt stream melted off from the melt material by the induction coil, wherein the atomizer nozzle has an exclusively convergent nozzle profile having nozzle flanks which have a circular-arc-shaped cross-section, and therefore both the atomizing gas and the melt stream and the droplets generated therefrom reach a velocity which is at most equal to, preferably below the acoustic velocity of the atomizing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Volker GÜTHER, Karin RATSCHBACHER, Melissa ALLEN, Sergejs SPITANS, Henrik FRANZ
  • Patent number: 9773577
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of producing desired isotopes in commercial nuclear reactors and associated apparatuses using instrumentation tubes conventionally found in nuclear reactor vessels to expose irradiation targets to neutron flux found in the operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiments include irradiation targets for producing radioisotopes in nuclear reactors and instrumentation tubes thereof. Example embodiments include one or more irradiation targets useable with example delivery systems that permit delivery into instrumentation tubes. Example embodiments may be sized, shaped, fabricated, and otherwise configured to successfully move through example delivery systems and conventional instrumentation tubes while producing desired isotopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: David Allan Rickard, Bradley Bloomquist, Melissa Allen, Nicholas R. Gilman, Jennifer M. Bowie, William Earl Russell, II
  • Patent number: 9589691
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of producing desired isotopes in commercial nuclear reactors using instrumentation tubes conventionally found in nuclear reactor vessels to expose irradiation targets to neutron flux found in the operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiments include assemblies for retention and producing radioisotopes in nuclear reactors and instrumentation tubes thereof. Example embodiments include one or more retention assemblies that contain one or more irradiation targets and are useable with example delivery systems that permit delivery of irradiation targets. Example embodiments may be sized, shaped, fabricated, and otherwise configured to successfully move through example delivery systems and conventional instrumentation tubes while containing irradiation targets and desired isotopes produced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Allen, Nicholas R. Gilman, Heather Hatton, William Earl Russell, II
  • Patent number: 9431138
    Abstract: A method for producing uniform activity targets according to an embodiment of the invention may include arranging a plurality of targets in a holding device having an array of compartments, each target being assigned to a compartment based on a known flux of a reactor core so as to facilitate an appropriate exposure of the targets to the flux based on target placement within the array of compartments. The holding device may be positioned within the reactor core to irradiate the targets. The method may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas, LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Allen, William Earl Russell, II
  • Patent number: 9240253
    Abstract: At least one system for eluting a radioactive material and a method of eluting a radioactive material is provided. The system for eluting a radioactive material may include an elution column configured to enclose an radioactive material, a first sealing member sealing a first end of the elution column, a second sealing member sealing a second end of the elution column, an elution supply source connected to the first end of the elution column via a first needle, a collection system connected to the second end of the elution column via a second needle, and a filter in the elution column, the filter being configured to support the radioactive material and prevent the radioactive material from contacting the second needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer Varnedoe, William Earl Russell, II, Bradley D. Bloomquist, Melissa Allen, James Edward Paine, Alan Anthony Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20130336436
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of producing desired isotopes in commercial nuclear reactors using instrumentation tubes conventionally found in nuclear reactor vessels to expose irradiation targets to neutron flux found in the operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiments include assemblies for retention and producing radioisotopes in nuclear reactors and instrumentation tubes thereof. Example embodiments include one or more retention assemblies that contain one or more irradiation targets and are useable with example delivery systems that permit delivery of irradiation targets. Example embodiments may be sized, shaped, fabricated, and otherwise configured to successfully move through example delivery systems and conventional instrumentation tubes while containing irradiation targets and desired isotopes produced therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Melissa ALLEN, Nicholas GILMAN, Heather HATTON, William Earl RUSSELL, II
  • Patent number: 8542789
    Abstract: Example embodiments and methods are directed to irradiation target positioning devices and systems that are configurable to permit accurate irradiation of irradiation targets and accurate production of daughter products, including isotopes and radioisotopes, therefrom. These include irradiation target plates having precise loading positions for irradiation targets, where the targets may be maintained in a radiation field. These further include a target plate holder for retaining and positioning the target plates and irradiation targets therein in the radiation field. Example embodiments include materials with known absorption cross-sections for the radiation field to further permit precise, desired levels of exposure in the irradiation targets. Example methods configure irradiation target retention systems to provide for desired amounts of irradiation and daughter product production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, Heather J. Hatton, Melissa Allen, Melissa L. Hladik, Samuel John Lafountain, Luis Alberto Torres, Erick W. Dittmer
  • Patent number: 8488733
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of producing desired isotopes in commercial nuclear reactors and associated apparatuses using instrumentation tubes conventionally found in nuclear reactor vessels to expose irradiation targets to neutron flux found in the operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiments include assemblies for retention and producing radioisotopes in nuclear reactors and instrumentation tubes thereof. Example embodiments include one or more retention assemblies that contain one or more irradiation targets and are useable with example delivery systems that permit delivery of irradiation targets. Example embodiments may be sized, shaped, fabricated, and otherwise configured to successfully move through example delivery systems and conventional instrumentation tubes while containing irradiation targets and desired isotopes produced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Allen, Nicholas R. Gilman, Heather Hatton, William Earl Russell, II
  • Patent number: 8366088
    Abstract: A target holding device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of target plates, each target plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface has a plurality of holes. A shaft may be used to facilitate the alignment and joinder of the target plates such that the first surface of one target plate contacts a second surface of an adjacent target plate. The target holding device may optionally include end plates arranged to sandwich the target plates therebetween and/or separator plates alternately arranged with the target plates. The target holding device may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Melissa Allen, William Earl Russell, II, David Allan Rickard, Jigar Rajendra Shah
  • Publication number: 20110250107
    Abstract: At least one system for eluting a radioactive material and a method of eluting a radioactive material is provided. The system for eluting a radioactive material may include an elution column configured to enclose an radioactive material, a first sealing member sealing a first end of the elution column, a second sealing member sealing a second end of the elution column, an elution supply source connected to the first end of the elution column via a first needle, a collection system connected to the second end of the elution column via a second needle, and a filter in the elution column, the filter being configured to support the radioactive material and prevent the radioactive material from contacting the second needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Jennifer Varnedoe, William Earl Russell, II, Bradley D. Bloomquist, Melissa Allen, James Edward Paine, Alan Anthony Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20110216868
    Abstract: Example embodiments and methods are directed to irradiation target positioning devices and systems that are configurable to permit accurate irradiation of irradiation targets and accurate production of daughter products, including isotopes and radioisotopes, therefrom. These include irradiation target plates having precise loading positions for irradiation targets, where the targets may be maintained in a radiation field. These further include a target plate holder for retaining and positioning the target plates and irradiation targets therein in the radiation field. Example embodiments include materials with known absorption cross-sections for the radiation field to further permit precise, desired levels of exposure in the irradiation targets. Example methods configure irradiation target retention systems to provide for desired amounts of irradiation and daughter product production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, Heather J. Hatton, Melissa Allen, Melissa L. Hladik, Samuel John Lafountain, Luis Alberto Torres, Erick W. Dittmer
  • Publication number: 20110051872
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of producing desired isotopes in commercial nuclear reactors and associated apparatuses using instrumentation tubes conventionally found in nuclear reactor vessels to expose irradiation targets to neutron flux found in the operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiments include irradiation targets for producing radioisotopes in nuclear reactors and instrumentation tubes thereof. Example embodiments include one or more irradiation targets useable with example delivery systems that permit delivery into instrumentation tubes. Example embodiments may be sized, shaped, fabricated, and otherwise configured to successfully move through example delivery systems and conventional instrumentation tubes while producing desired isotopes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: David Allan RICKARD, Bradley BLOOMQUIST, Melissa ALLEN, Nicholas R. GILMAN, Jennifer M. BOWIE, William Earl RUSSELL, II
  • Publication number: 20110051874
    Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to methods of producing desired isotopes in commercial nuclear reactors and associated apparatuses using instrumentation tubes conventionally found in nuclear reactor vessels to expose irradiation targets to neutron flux found in the operating nuclear reactor. Example embodiments include assemblies for retention and producing radioisotopes in nuclear reactors and instrumentation tubes thereof. Example embodiments include one or more retention assemblies that contain one or more irradiation targets and are useable with example delivery systems that permit delivery of irradiation targets. Example embodiments may be sized, shaped, fabricated, and otherwise configured to successfully move through example delivery systems and conventional instrumentation tubes while containing irradiation targets and desired isotopes produced therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: MELISSA ALLEN, NICHOLAS R. GILMAN, HEATHER HATTON, WILLIAM EARL RUSSELL, II
  • Publication number: 20110009686
    Abstract: A method for producing uniform activity targets according to an embodiment of the invention may include arranging a plurality of targets in a holding device having an array of compartments, each target being assigned to a compartment based on a known flux of a reactor core so as to facilitate an appropriate exposure of the targets to the flux based on target placement within the array of compartments. The holding device may be positioned within the reactor core to irradiate the targets. The method may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Melissa Allen, William Earl Russell, II
  • Publication number: 20110006186
    Abstract: A target holding device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of target plates, each target plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface has a plurality of holes. A shaft may be used to facilitate the alignment and joinder of the target plates such that the first surface of one target plate contacts a second surface of an adjacent target plate. The target holding device may optionally include end plates arranged to sandwich the target plates therebetween and/or separator plates alternately arranged with the target plates. The target holding device may be used to produce brachytherapy and/or radiography targets (e.g., seeds, wafers) in a reactor core such that the targets have relatively uniform activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Melissa Allen, William Earl Russell, II, David Allan Rickard, Jigar Rajendra Shah
  • Publication number: 20050042469
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive based on ethylene-2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer finds use in packaging applications where high heat resistance, as well as good cold tolerance, is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Lie-zhong Gong, Melissa Allen, Justin Mehaffy, Darshak Desai, Dale Haner, Tuyet Le
  • Patent number: 6838187
    Abstract: An aqueous adhesive composition with good release properties. A preferred embodiment comprises sodium lauryl sulfate and a modified tapioca dextrin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund W. Figiel, Melissa Allen, Peter D. Pierce, Kristina L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030211351
    Abstract: An aqueous adhesive composition with good release properties. A preferred embodiment comprises sodium lauryl sulfate and a modified tapioca dextrin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Edmund W. Figiel, Melissa Allen, Peter D. Pierce, Kristina Thompson