Patents by Inventor Ronald E. Mizia

Ronald E. Mizia 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).

  • Neutron absorbing coating for nuclear criticality control
    Patent number: 7286626
    Abstract: A neutron absorbing coating for use on a substrate, and which provides nuclear criticality control is described and which includes a nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and gadolinium alloy having less than about 5% boron, by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald E. Mizia, Richard N. Wright, William D. Swank, Tedd E. Lister, Patrick J. Pinhero
  • Composite neutron absorbing coatings for nuclear criticality control
    Patent number: 6919576
    Abstract: Thermal neutron absorbing composite coating materials and methods of applying such coating materials to spent nuclear fuel storage systems are provided. A composite neutron absorbing coating applied to a substrate surface includes a neutron absorbing layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate surface, and a corrosion resistant top coat layer overlying at least a portion of the neutron absorbing layer. An optional bond coat layer can be formed on the substrate surface prior to forming the neutron absorbing layer. The neutron absorbing layer can include a neutron absorbing material, such as gadolinium oxide or gadolinium phosphate, dispersed in a metal alloy matrix. The coating layers may be formed by a plasma spray process or a high velocity oxygen fuel process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Bechtel Bwxt Idaho LLC
    Inventors: Richard N. Wright, W. David Swank, Ronald E. Mizia
  • Neutron absorbing alloys
    Patent number: 6730180
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to new classes of advanced neutron absorbing structural materials for use in spent nuclear fuel applications requiring structural strength, weldability, and long term corrosion resistance. Particularly, an austenitic stainless steel alloy containing gadolinium and less than 5% of a ferrite content is disclosed. Additionally, a nickel-based alloy containing gadolinium and greater than 50% nickel is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald E. Mizia, Eric L. Shaber, John N. DuPont, Charles V. Robino, David B. Williams
  • Composite neutron absorbing coatings for nuclear criticality control
    Publication number: 20030147485
    Abstract: Thermal neutron absorbing composite coating materials and methods of applying such coating materials to spent nuclear fuel storage systems are provided. A composite neutron absorbing coating applied to a substrate surface includes a neutron absorbing layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate surface, and a corrosion resistant top coat layer overlying at least a portion of the neutron absorbing layer. An optional bond coat layer can be formed on the substrate surface prior to forming the neutron absorbing layer. The neutron absorbing layer can include a neutron absorbing material, such as gadolinium oxide or gadolinium phosphate, dispersed in a metal alloy matrix. The coating layers may be formed by a plasma spray process or a high velocity oxygen fuel process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Richard N. Wright, W. David Swank, Ronald E. Mizia