Patents by Inventor Richard L. Briggs

Richard L. Briggs 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).

  • Vacuum annealing of zirconium based articles
    Patent number: 4636267
    Abstract: A method of more rapidly and uniformly heating bundles of zirconium alloy tubes in a vacuum annealing furnace utilizes an induction coil to preheat the entire bundle as it is being moved into the hot zone of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: William A. Jacobsen, Richard L. Briggs
  • Liquid sodium dip seal maintenance system
    Patent number: 4230526
    Abstract: A system for spraying liquid sodium onto impurities associated with liquid dip seals of nuclear reactors. The liquid sodium mixing with the impurities dissolves the impurities in the liquid sodium. The liquid sodium having dissolved and diluted the impurities carries the impurities away from the site thereby cleaning the liquid dip seal and surrounding area. The system also allows wetting of the metallic surfaces of the dip seal thereby reducing migration of radioactive particles across the wetted boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Richard L. Briggs, Sterling A. Meacham