Patents by Inventor Roger D. Ridgeway

Roger D. Ridgeway 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: 11738416
    Abstract: A spacer grid welding fixture comprises a frame sized to receive an assembled spacer grid comprising a first set of parallel straps and a second set of parallel straps oriented orthogonally to the first set of parallel straps, the first and second sets of parallel straps interlocked together by slots cut into the straps. A first set of grid engagement bars is placed on a first side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the first set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the second set of parallel straps. A second set of grid engagement bars is placed on an opposite second side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the second set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the first set of parallel straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
  • Publication number: 20220355424
    Abstract: A spacer grid welding fixture comprises a frame sized to receive an assembled spacer grid comprising a first set of parallel straps and a second set of parallel straps oriented orthogonally to the first set of parallel straps, the first and second sets of parallel straps interlocked together by slots cut into the straps. A first set of grid engagement bars is placed on a first side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the first set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the second set of parallel straps. A second set of grid engagement bars is placed on an opposite second side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the second set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the first set of parallel straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
  • Patent number: 11338398
    Abstract: A spacer grid welding fixture comprises a frame sized to receive an assembled spacer grid comprising a first set of parallel straps and a second set of parallel straps oriented orthogonally to the first set of parallel straps, the first and second sets of parallel straps interlocked together by slots cut into the straps. A first set of grid engagement bars is placed on a first side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the first set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the second set of parallel straps. A second set of grid engagement bars is placed on an opposite second side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the second set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the first set of parallel straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
  • Patent number: 11286172
    Abstract: A process for producing a metal-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a metal source to provide a metal-Mo composition. The metal-Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of metal-Mo particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: BWXT Isotope Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, Earl Brian Barger, Benjamin I. Bishop, Barbara B. Bohannon, Christopher Sean Fewox, James B. Inman, Erik T. Nygaard, Timothy A. Policke, Stephen D. Preite, Roger D. Ridgeway, Steve W. Schilthelm, Bryan Blake Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20220081317
    Abstract: A process for producing a metal-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a metal source to provide a metal-Mo composition. The metal-Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of metal-Mo particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: William Earl RUSSELL, II, Earl B. BARGER, Benjamin Isaiah BISHOP, Barbara B. BOHANNON, Christopher Sean FEWOX, James B. INMAN, Erik T. NYGAARD, Timothy A. POLICKE, Stephen D. PREITE, Roger D. RIDGEWAY, Steve W. SCHILTHELM, Bryan Blake WIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20220017382
    Abstract: A process for producing a metal-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a metal source to provide a metal-Mo composition. The metal-Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of metal-Mo particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: William Earl RUSSELL, II, Earl B. BARGER, Benjamin I. BISHOP, Barbara B. BOHANNON, Christopher Sean FEWOX, James B. INMAN, Erik T. NYGAARD, Timothy A. POLICKE, Stephen D. PREITE, Roger D. RIDGEWAY, Steve W. SCHILTHELM, Bryan Blake WIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20210335509
    Abstract: A fuel rod for a nuclear reactor, including a cladding tube having a first end with an annular end face, a second end with an annular end face, and a cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, and a first tube end plug including a front portion, an annular lip with an annular end face, and a substantially straight cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, wherein the surface area of the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are substantially equal, and the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are connected by a resistance pressure weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 11127508
    Abstract: A packing device for filling fuel elements with a powder through a fill aperture in an outer shell of the fuel element, including a stationary base, a clamp assembly including a body defining a bore therein, the bore being configured to slidably receive a fuel element therein, wherein the clamp assembly is movable along a vertical axis with respect to the stationary base, a cam assembly including a cam and a drive motor configured to rotate the cam, wherein rotation of the cam alternatingly raises the clamp assembly up along the vertical axis and subsequently drops the clamping assembly, and a powder reservoir assembly including a powder reservoir and a fill needle in fluid communication with the powder reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: BWXT Nuclear Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell L. Lake, James B. Inman, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 11049623
    Abstract: A fuel rod for a nuclear reactor, including a cladding tube having a first end with an annular end face, a second end with an annular end face, and a cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, and a first tube end plug including a front portion, an annular lip with an annular end face, and a substantially straight cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, wherein the surface area of the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are substantially equal, and the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are connected by a resistance pressure weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Publication number: 20210047199
    Abstract: A process for producing a titanium-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mo composition. The Ti—Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, Earl Brian Barger, Benjamin I. Bishop, Barbara B. Bohannon, Christopher Sean Fewox, James B. Inman, Erik T. Nygaard, Timothy A. Policke, Stephen D. Preite, Roger D. Ridgeway, Steve W. Schilthelm, Bryan Blake Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20200376610
    Abstract: A spacer grid welding fixture comprises a frame sized to receive an assembled spacer grid comprising a first set of parallel straps and a second set of parallel straps oriented orthogonally to the first set of parallel straps, the first and second sets of parallel straps interlocked together by slots cut into the straps. A first set of grid engagement bars is placed on a first side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the first set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the second set of parallel straps. A second set of grid engagement bars is placed on an opposite second side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the second set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the first set of parallel straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
  • Patent number: 10759007
    Abstract: A spacer grid welding fixture comprises a frame sized to receive an assembled spacer grid comprising a first set of parallel straps and a second set of parallel straps oriented orthogonally to the first set of parallel straps, the first and second sets of parallel straps interlocked together by slots cut into the straps. A first set of grid engagement bars is placed on a first side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the first set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the second set of parallel straps. A second set of grid engagement bars is placed on an opposite second side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the second set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the first set of parallel straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
  • Publication number: 20200251230
    Abstract: A spacer grid welding fixture comprises a frame sized to receive an assembled spacer grid comprising a first set of parallel straps and a second set of parallel straps oriented orthogonally to the first set of parallel straps, the first and second sets of parallel straps interlocked together by slots cut into the straps. A first set of grid engagement bars is placed on a first side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the first set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the second set of parallel straps. A second set of grid engagement bars is placed on an opposite second side of the spacer grid with each grid engagement bar arranged parallel with the straps of the second set of parallel straps and engaging the straps of the first set of parallel straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
  • Publication number: 20200111585
    Abstract: A packing device for filling fuel elements with a powder through a fill aperture in an outer shell of the fuel element, including a stationary base, a clamp assembly including a body defining a bore therein, the bore being configured to slidably receive a fuel element therein, wherein the clamp assembly is movable along a vertical axis with respect to the stationary base, a cam assembly including a cam and a drive motor configured to rotate the cam, wherein rotation of the cam alternatingly raises the clamp assembly up along the vertical axis and subsequently drops the clamping assembly, and a powder reservoir assembly including a powder reservoir and a fill needle in fluid communication with the powder reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Russell L. Lake, James B. Inman, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Publication number: 20200051703
    Abstract: A fuel rod for a nuclear reactor, including a cladding tube having a first end with an annular end face, a second end with an annular end face, and a cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, and a first tube end plug including a front portion, an annular lip with an annular end face, and a substantially straight cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, wherein the surface area of the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are substantially equal, and the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are connected by a resistance pressure weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Patent number: 10410754
    Abstract: A fuel rod for a nuclear reactor, including a cladding tube having a first end with an annular end face, a second end with an annular end face, and a cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, and a first tube end plug including a front portion, an annular lip with an annular end face, and a substantially straight cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, wherein the surface area of the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are substantially equal, and the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are connected by a resistance pressure weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Publication number: 20180244535
    Abstract: A process for producing a titanium-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a titanium source to provide a Ti—Mo composition. The Ti—Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of Ti—Mo particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, Earl Brian Barger, Benjamin I. Bishop, Barbara B. Bohannon, Christopher Sean Fewox, James B. Inman, Erik T. Nygaard, Timothy A. Policke, Stephen D. Preite, Roger D. Ridgeway, Steve W. Schilthelm, Bryan Blake Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20180244536
    Abstract: A process for producing a metal-molybdate material is provided. The process includes a step of reacting a metal molybdenum (Mo) material in a liquid medium with a first acid to provide a Mo composition and combining the Mo composition with a metal source to provide a metal-Mo composition. The metal-Mo composition can be pH adjusted with a base to precipitate a plurality of metal-Mo particulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: William Earl Russell, II, Earl Brian Barger, Benjamin I. Bishop, Barbara B. Bohannon, Christopher Sean Fewox, James B. Inman, Erik T. Nygaard, Timothy A. Policke, Stephen D. Preite, Roger D. Ridgeway, Steve W. Schilthelm, Bryan Blake Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20180102192
    Abstract: A fuel rod for a nuclear reactor, including a cladding tube having a first end with an annular end face, a second end with an annular end face, and a cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, and a first tube end plug including a front portion, an annular lip with an annular end face, and a substantially straight cylindrical body portion extending therebetween, wherein the surface area of the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are substantially equal, and the annular end face of the first end of the cladding tube and the annular end face of the annular lip of the first tube end plug are connected by a resistance pressure weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
  • Publication number: 20170206984
    Abstract: An end cap for a nuclear fuel rod and methods of welding the end cap to a cladding tube, particularly an HT9 end cap to an HT9 cladding tube, such as by resistance pressure welding or pressure resistance welding. The end cap includes an annular shoulder and an angled recess. Also provided are welding techniques and techniques for classifying fuel rod welds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Todd Lee, Earl Brian Barger, Scott Fitzner, Roger D. Ridgeway, Micah J. Hackett