Patents by Inventor Michael R. Chilton

Michael R. Chilton 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).

  • Process to reclaim UO.sub.2 scrap powder
    Patent number: 5514306
    Abstract: A process for reclaiming scrap UO.sub.2 materials yields a high-sinter-density pellet. The scrap is oxidized in a high-temperature furnace to produce U.sub.3 O.sub.8. The U.sub.3 O.sub.8 particles from the oxidation furnace are reacted with nitric acid to produce a solution of uranyl nitrate that meets the concentration and free acid requirements of the ADU precipitation process. A controlled two-stage ADU precipitation process is carried out to produce ADU particles with a size and morphology that leads to high-surface-area UO.sub.2 powder with excellent sintered pellet ceramic characteristics. After calcination and hydrogen reduction to UO.sub.2, the high-surface-area UO.sub.2 powder is passivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard I. Larson, Thomas J. Flaherty, III, William R. Becker, Michael R. Chilton
  • Decontamination process
    Patent number: 5473648
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of decontaminating zirconium-based alloy claddings tubes used in nuclear reactor fuel rods. The process involved the use of a permanganate in a dilute acid solution. The process renders the alloy suitable for uncontrolled release into a non-radioactive environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard I. Larson, Michael R. Chilton