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).
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Patent number: 11738416Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
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Publication number: 20220355424Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
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Patent number: 11338398Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
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Patent number: 11286172Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20220081317Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220017382Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20210335509Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Patent number: 11127508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: BWXT Nuclear Energy, Inc.Inventors: Russell L. Lake, James B. Inman, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Patent number: 11049623Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Publication number: 20210047199Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20200376610Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
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Patent number: 10759007Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
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Publication number: 20200251230Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Roger D. Ridgeway, Jeffrey W. Austin, Jeffrey T. Lee
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Publication number: 20200111585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Inventors: Russell L. Lake, James B. Inman, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Publication number: 20200051703Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Patent number: 10410754Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: BWXT mPower, Inc.Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Publication number: 20180244535Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180244536Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20180102192Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Earl Brian Barger, Scott L. Fitzner, Jeffrey T. Lee, Roger D. Ridgeway
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Publication number: 20170206984Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2016Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey Todd Lee, Earl Brian Barger, Scott Fitzner, Roger D. Ridgeway, Micah J. Hackett