Patents by Inventor Richard D. Carleton

Richard D. Carleton 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).

  • Variable flow control for a nuclear reactor control rod
    Patent number: 4118275
    Abstract: A variable flow control for a control rod assembly of a nuclear reactor that depends on turbulent friction though an annulus. The annulus is formed by a piston attached to the control rod drive shaft and a housing or sleeve fitted to the enclosure housing the control rod. As the nuclear fuel is burned up and the need exists for increased reactivity, the control rods are withdrawn, which increases the length of the annulus and decreases the rate of coolant flow through the control rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Richard D. Carleton, Ajay Bhattacharyya