Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Krill, Jr.

Stephen J. Krill, Jr. 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).

  • Process for making uranium carbide
    Patent number: 6599490
    Abstract: An improved radiation shielding material and storage systems for radioactive materials incorporating the same. The PYRolytic Uranium Compound (“PYRUC”) shielding material is preferably formed by heat and/or pressure treatment of a precursor material comprising microspheres of a uranium compound, such as uranium dioxide or uranium carbide, and a suitable binder. The PYRUC shielding material provides improved radiation shielding, thermal characteristic, cost and ease of use in comparison with other shielding materials. The shielding material can be used to form containment systems, container vessels, shielding structures, and containment storage areas, all of which can be used to house radioactive waste. The preferred shielding system is in the form of a container for storage, transportation, and disposal of radioactive waste. In addition, improved methods for preparing uranium dioxide and uranium carbide microspheres for use in the radiation shielding materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Steven M. Mirsky, Stephen J. Krill, Jr., Alexander P. Murray
  • Radiation shielding materials and containers incorporating same
    Patent number: 6372157
    Abstract: An improved radiation shielding material and storage systems for radioactive materials incorporating the same. The PYRolytic Uranium Compound (“PYRUC”) shielding material is preferably formed by heat and/or pressure treatment of a precursor material comprising microspheres of a uranium compound, such as uranium dioxide or uranium carbide, and a suitable binder. The PYRUC shielding material provides improved radiation shielding, thermal characteristic, cost and ease of use in comparison with other shielding materials. The shielding material can be used to form containment systems, container vessels, shielding structures, and containment storage areas, all of which can be used to house radioactive waste. The preferred shielding system is in the form of a container for storage, transportation, and disposal of radioactive waste. In addition, improved methods for preparing uranium dioxide and uranium carbide microspheres for use in the radiation shielding materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Stephen J. Krill, Jr., Steven M. Mirsky, Alexander P. Murray