Patents by Inventor Richard A. Basel
Richard A. Basel 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).
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Publication number: 20240112824Abstract: A system configured to monitor the structural health of reactor vessel internals of a nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. The system includes a memory configured to store historical information associated with past performance of the nuclear reactor, and an anomaly detection subsystem including a control circuit configured to receive a signal from a sensor. The anomaly detection subsystem is configured to determine, via the control circuit, a characteristic of a vibrational response of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the signal; access, via the control circuit, the historical information stored in the memory; compare, via the control circuit, the determined characteristic to the historical information stored in the memory; and determine, via the control circuit, a condition of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined characteristic and the historical information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Gregory A. BANYAY, Richard A. BASEL, David C. DIBASILIO, Jeremy R. KOETHER, Gregory A. MEYER, Stephen D. SMITH
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Patent number: 11791059Abstract: A system configured to monitor the structural health of reactor vessel internals of a nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. The system includes a memory configured to store historical information associated with past performance of the nuclear reactor, and an anomaly detection subsystem including a control circuit configured to receive a signal from a sensor. The anomaly detection subsystem is configured to determine, via the control circuit, a characteristic of a vibrational response of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the signal; access, via the control circuit, the historical information stored in the memory; compare, via the control circuit, the determined characteristic to the historical information stored in the memory; and determine, via the control circuit, a condition of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined characteristic and the historical information.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Gregory A. Banyay, Richard A. Basel, David C. DiBasilio, Jeremy R. Koether, Gregory A. Meyer, Stephen D. Smith
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Publication number: 20220270772Abstract: A system configured to monitor the structural health of reactor vessel internals of a nuclear reactor is disclosed herein. The system includes a memory configured to store historical information associated with past performance of the nuclear reactor, and an anomaly detection subsystem including a control circuit configured to receive a signal from a sensor. The anomaly detection subsystem is configured to determine, via the control circuit, a characteristic of a vibrational response of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the signal; access, via the control circuit, the historical information stored in the memory; compare, via the control circuit, the determined characteristic to the historical information stored in the memory; and determine, via the control circuit, a condition of the reactor vessel internals based, at least in part, on the comparison of the determined characteristic and the historical information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Westinghouse Electric Company LLCInventors: Gregory A. BANYAY, Richard A. BASEL, David C. DIBASILIO, Jeremy R. KOETHER, Gregory A. MEYER, Stephen D. SMITH
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Patent number: 11390524Abstract: A method for producing carbon powder having a defined carbon particle size distribution comprises the steps of: —a) selecting a carbon precursor powder of a defined precursor particle size distribution, the carbon precursor powder consisting of or comprising particles of one or more meltable carbon precursors; b) treating the carbon precursor powder to round at least some of the particles of the carbon precursor and thereby produce a rounded carbon precursor; and c) carbonizing the rounded carbon precursor; wherein the defined precursor particle size distribution is such that on carbonization the powder of defined carbon particle size distribution is produced.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: National Electrical Carbon Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard Basel, Richard Clark, Andrew Joseph Goshe, Douglas Miller
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Publication number: 20200002169Abstract: A method for producing carbon powder having a defined carbon particle size distribution comprises the steps of:—a) selecting a carbon precursor powder of a defined precursor particle size distribution, the carbon precursor powder consisting of or comprising particles of one or more meltable carbon precursors; b) treating the carbon precursor powder to round at least some of the particles of the carbon precursor and thereby produce a rounded carbon precursor; and c) carbonizing the rounded carbon precursor; wherein the defined precursor particle size distribution is such that on carbonization the powder of defined carbon particle size distribution is produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2018Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Richard Basel, Richard Clark, Andrew Goshe, Douglas Miller
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Patent number: 8097381Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator is provided for electrochemically reacting a fuel gas with a flowing oxidant gas at an elevated temperature to produce power. The generator includes a generator section receiving a fuel gas and a plurality of elongated fuel cells extending through the generator section and having opposing open fuel cell ends for directing an oxidant gas between opposing plena in the generator. A sealant defines a seal on the fuel cells adjacent at least one of the fuel cell ends. The sealant is a modified lanthanum borate aluminosilicate glass composition having a minimal amount of boron oxide and silica, and in which the sealant maintains substantially constant physical characteristics throughout multiple thermal cycles.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Robert Draper, Gong Zhang, Roswell J. Ruka, Kevin P. Litzinger, Paolo R. Zafred, Richard A. Basel
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Patent number: 8043752Abstract: A fuel cell for a fuel cell generator including a housing including a gas flow path for receiving a fuel from a fuel source and directing the fuel across the fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an elongate member including opposing first and second ends and defining an interior cathode portion and an exterior anode portion. The interior cathode portion includes an electrode in contact with an oxidant flow path. The exterior anode portion includes an electrode in contact with the fuel in the gas flow path. The anode portion includes a catalyst material for effecting fuel reformation along the fuel cell between the opposing ends. A fuel reformation control layer is applied over the catalyst material for reducing a rate of fuel reformation on the fuel cell. The control layer effects a variable reformation rate along the length of the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Roswell J. Ruka, Richard A. Basel, Gong Zhang
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Publication number: 20090280362Abstract: A fuel cell for a fuel cell generator including a housing including a gas flow path for receiving a fuel from a fuel source and directing the fuel across the fuel cell. The fuel cell includes an elongate member including opposing first and second ends and defining an interior cathode portion and an exterior anode portion. The interior cathode portion includes an electrode in contact with an oxidant flow path. The exterior anode portion includes an electrode in contact with the fuel in the gas flow path. The anode portion includes a catalyst material for effecting fuel reformation along the fuel cell between the opposing ends. A fuel reformation control layer is applied over the catalyst material for reducing a rate of fuel reformation on the fuel cell. The control layer effects a variable reformation rate along the length of the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.Inventors: Roswell J. Ruka, Richard A. Basel, Gong Zhang
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Publication number: 20090081517Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator is provided for electrochemically reacting a fuel gas with a flowing oxidant gas at an elevated temperature to produce power. The generator includes a generator section receiving a fuel gas and a plurality of elongated fuel cells extending through the generator section and having opposing open fuel cell ends for directing an oxidant gas between opposing plena in the generator. A sealant defines a seal on the fuel cells adjacent at least one of the fuel cell ends. The sealant is a modified lanthanum borate aluminosilicate glass composition having a minimal amount of boron oxide and silica, and in which the sealant maintains substantially constant physical characteristics throughout multiple thermal cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.Inventors: Robert Draper, Gong Zhang, Roswell J. Ruka, Kevin P. Litzinger, Paolo R. Zafred, Richard A. Basel
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Publication number: 20080318775Abstract: A method for reducing the detrimental effects of pesticides, fertilizers or a combination thereof on a plant. The method comprises treating a plant with pesticides, fertilizers or a combination thereof; and with a safener.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Richard Basel, Edward Charles Kostansek
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Publication number: 20070105722Abstract: A composition is provided that contains one or more molecular encapsulation agents within each of which is encapsulated one or more cyclopropenes and that contains one or more non-hydrocarbon oils. Also provided is a method that includes the step of contacting such compositions to one or more plants or plant parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2006Publication date: May 10, 2007Inventors: Richard Basel, Edward Kostansek, Bridget Stevens
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Publication number: 20060160704Abstract: Provided is a method for treating a plant comprising contacting said plant with at least one composition (i) comprising at least one cyclopropene and contacting said non-citrus plant with at least one composition (ii) comprising at least one plant growth regulator that is not a cyclopropene. Further provided is a liquid composition suitable for treating plants comprising at least one cyclopropene, at least one plant growth regulator that is not a cyclopropene, and one or more further ingredients selected from the group consisting of metal complexing agents, surfactants, hydrocarbon oils, and alcohols.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2006Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Richard Basel, Edward Kostansek
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Publication number: 20050261131Abstract: A composition is provided that contains one or more molecular encapsulation agents within each of which is encapsulated one or more cyclopropenes and that contains one or more adjuvants selected from the group consisting of surfactants, alcohols, hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof. Also provided is a method that includes the step of contacting such compositions to one or more plants or plant parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2005Publication date: November 24, 2005Inventors: Richard Basel, Edward Kostansek, Bridget Stevens
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Patent number: 6689499Abstract: A fuel cell generator apparatus contains at least one fuel cell subassembly module in a module housing, where the housing is surrounded by a pressure vessel such that there is an air accumulator space, where the apparatus is associated with an air compressor of a turbine/generator/air compressor system, where pressurized air from the compressor passes into the space and occupies the space and then flows to the fuel cells in the subassembly module, where the air accumulation space provides an accumulator to control any unreacted fuel gas that might flow from the module.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: James E. Gillett, Paolo R. Zafred, Richard A. Basel
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Patent number: 6656623Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator (10) contains stacks (20) of hollow, tubular axially elongated fuel cells (36) which can operate to generate electricity; a single oxidant inlet plenum (52) including a bottom enclosing member, having hole therethrough which acts as an oxidant feed tube positioning board (77); a fuel inlet plenum (11); an oxidant/fuel exhaust chamber (94); power leads (32) electrically connected to the fuel cells transverse to the axis (36′) of the fuel calls; and a plurality of oxidant feed tubes (51); all surrounded by insulation (76); where there are at least two fuel cell stacks arranged in a row next to each other, the oxidant feed tube positioning board at the bottom of the oxidant inlet plenum is a laminate of layers of porous alumino-silicate ceramic fibers bonded with a ceramic alumina binder and dense woven ceramic (78) impregnated with ceramic adhesive (79), and wherein the insulation constitutes, primarily, bulk ceramic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Randall A. Holmes, Paolo R. Zafred, James E. Gillett, Robert Draper, Louis K. Lau, Richard A. Basel, Robert L. Cather, Vinod B. Doshi, James M. Toms
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Patent number: 6641946Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for eliminating the chemical energy of fuel remaining in a pressurized fuel cell generator (10) when the electrical power output of the fuel cell generator is terminated during transient operation, such as a shutdown; where, two electrically resistive elements (two of 28, 53, 54, 55) at least one of which is connected in parallel, in association with contactors (26, 57, 58, 59), a multi-point settable sensor relay (23) and a circuit breaker (24), are automatically connected across the fuel cell generator terminals (21, 22) at two or more contact points, in order to draw current, thereby depleting the fuel inventory in the generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Richard A. Basel, John E. King
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Publication number: 20030054210Abstract: A fuel cell generator apparatus contains at least one fuel cell subassembly module in a module housing, where the housing is surrounded by a pressure vessel such that there is an air accumulator space, where the apparatus is associated with an air compressor of a turbine/generator/air compressor system, where pressurized air from the compressor passes into the space and occupies the space and then flows to the fuel cells in the subassembly module, where the air accumulation space provides an accumulator to control any unreacted fuel gas that might flow from the module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: James E. Gillett, Paolo R. Zafred, Richard A. Basel
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Publication number: 20020110716Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell generator (10) contains stacks (20) of hollow, tubular axially elongated fuel cells (36) which can operate to generate electricity; a single oxidant inlet plenum (52) including a bottom enclosing member, having holes therethrough which acts as an oxidant feed tube positioning board (77); a fuel inlet plenum (11); an oxidant/fuel exhaust chamber (94); power leads (32) electrically connected to the fuel cells transverse to the axis (36′) of the fuel calls; and a plurality of oxidant feed tubes (51); all surrounded by insulation (76); where there are at least two fuel cell stacks arranged in a row next to each other, the oxidant feed tube positioning board at the bottom of the oxidant inlet plenum is a laminate of layers of porous alumino-silicate ceramic fibers bonded with a ceramic alumina binder and dense woven ceramic (78) impregnated with ceramic adhesive (79), and wherein the insulation constitutes, primarily, bulk ceramic fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Randall A. Holmes, Paolo R. Zafred, James E. Gillett, Robert Draper, Louis K. Lau, Richard A. Basel, Robert L. Cather, Vinod B. Doshi, James M. Toms
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Publication number: 20020110717Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for eliminating the chemical energy of fuel remaining in a pressurized fuel cell generator (10) when the electrical power output of the fuel cell generator is terminated during transient operation, such as a shutdown; where, two electrically resistive elements (two of 28, 53, 54, 55) at least one of which is connected in parallel, in association with contactors (26, 57, 58, 59), a multi-point settable sensor relay (23) and a circuit breaker (24), are automatically connected across the fuel cell generator terminals (21, 22) at two or more contact points, in order to draw current, thereby depleting the fuel inventory in the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Richard A. Basel, John E. King
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Purge gas protected transportable pressurized fuel cell modules and their operation in a power plant
Patent number: 5573867Abstract: A fuel cell generator apparatus and method of its operation involves: passing pressurized oxidant gas, (O) and pressurized fuel gas, (F), into fuel cell modules, (10 and 12), containing fuel cells, where the modules are each enclosed by a module housing (18), surrounded by an axially elongated pressure vessel (64), where there is a purge gas volume, (62), between the module housing and pressure vessel; passing pressurized purge gas, (P), through the purge gas volume, (62), to dilute any unreacted fuel gas from the modules; and passing exhaust gas, (82), and circulated purge gas and any unreacted fuel gas out of the pressure vessel; where the fuel cell generator apparatus is transpatable when the pressure vessel (64) is horizontally disposed, providing a low center of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventors: Paolo R. Zafred, Jeffrey T. Dederer, James E. Gillett, Richard A. Basel, Annette B. Antenucci