Patents by Inventor Tim Head

Tim Head 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: 12292138
    Abstract: A pipe connector for use in high temperature environments, such as those characteristics of molten salt reactors. The pipe connector can be used in any industry that uses pipe connectors, and in particular, can be used in a molten salt system including a reactor requiring a connection rated for a maximum of about 725° C. and about 15,000 psi. The pipe connector may comprise a pin, a seal ring, a retainer ring, a box, a locking nut, and a retaining nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Abilene Christian University
    Inventors: Rusty Towell, Thomas Bailey, Tim Head
  • Publication number: 20250035537
    Abstract: A coupon sampler for a reactor system includes a lower assembly having an in-line portion configured to receive a flow of a molten salt, and a lower assembly pipe portion extending transverse from the in-line portion and defining a lower channel therethrough. The coupon sampler further includes an upper assembly fluidically coupled with the lower assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper assembly pipe portion defining an upper channel therethrough and cooperating with the lower channel to define a sampling channel of the coupon sampler. The coupon sampler further includes a coupon device disposed fully within the sampling channel. The coupon sampler further includes an actuation mechanism operatively coupled with the coupon device and configured to move the coupon device axially into and out of the flow of the molten salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: Tim Head, Jonathan Scherr, Jack Shoemate, Trevor Ruhl, Steven Biegalski, Preet Singh
  • Publication number: 20230408002
    Abstract: A pipe connector for use in high temperature environments, such as those characteristics of molten salt reactors. The pipe connector can be used in any industry that uses pipe connectors, and in particular, can be used in a molten salt system including a reactor requiring a connection rated for greater than 700° C. and up to 15,000 psi. The pipe connector 100 may comprise a pin 110, a seal ring 140, a retainer ring 150, a box 160, a locking nut 180, and a retaining nut 190.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Rusty Towell, Thomas Bailey, Tim Head