Patents by Inventor Patrick K. Day

Patrick K. Day 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: 11525717
    Abstract: Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, James P. Sineath, Dean D. Molinaro, William C. Dawn, William J. Garcia, Oscar L. Meek, Patrick K. Day
  • Publication number: 20200273590
    Abstract: Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, James P. Sineath, Dean D. Molinaro, William C. Dawn, William J. Garcia, Oscar L. Meek, Patrick K. Day
  • Patent number: 10650931
    Abstract: Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, James P. Sineath, Dean D. Molinaro, William C. Dawn, William J. Garcia, Oscar L. Meek, Patrick K. Day
  • Publication number: 20180277267
    Abstract: Vibration-based flowmeters are useable in inaccessible nuclear reactor spaces. Flowmeters include an extension that blocks fluid flow in a path and a detector that detects vibrations caused by vortex shedding in the fluid flow around the extension. The detected frequency of the vibrations determines the flow rate. A Strouhal number may be used to calculate the flow speed using extension surface diameter and detected vortex shedding frequency. Several extensions may cover a range of frequencies and flow speeds. Pipe-organ-type flowmeters include a passage with an opening constricted, and subsequent widening section. An extension and outlet that create turbulence in the flow at the outlet create a standing wave and vibration in the extension and/or entire flowmeter. A flow rate of the fluid through the flowmeter can be calculated using length of the passage and/or known properties of the fluid. Multiple, flowmeters of customized physical properties and types are useable together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Eric P. Loewen, James P. Sineath, Dean D. Molinaro, William C. Dawn, William J. Garcia, Oscar L. Meek, Patrick K. Day