David S Leary

US Patent:

40642046, Dec 20, 1977

Filed:

Sep 30, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/510390

Inventors:

David F. Leary - San Diego CA
Roy G. Cooper - Rancho Santa Fe CA
Gary N. Miertschin - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Atomic Company - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G21C 2102

US Classification:

264 5

Abstract:

Nuclear fuel rods are manufactured utilizing a graphite flour-pitch matrix formulation containing an additive. The matrix formulation has a decreased viscosity at fabrication temperatures which permits manufacture of the fuel rods with lower fabrication pressures. Also, the matrix formulation does not cause the fuel rod to adhere or bond to the fuel element during heat treatment of the fuel rod in the fuel element. The nuclear fuel rods are suitable for use in high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactors.

US Patent:

40565840, Nov 1, 1977

Filed:

Sep 30, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/510282

Inventors:

Gary N. Miertschin - San Diego CA
David F. Leary - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Atomic Company - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G21C 2102

US Classification:

264 5

Abstract:

Particulate nuclear fuel material, particulate carbon and pitch are combined with an additive which is effective to reduce the coke yield upon carbonization to mold a green fuel body. The additive may be polystyrene, a styrene-butadiene copolymer, an aromatic hydrocarbon having a molecular weight between about 75 and 300 or a saturated hydrocarbon polymer. The green fuel body is inserted in a complementary cavity within a porous nuclear fuel element body and heated in situ to decompose the pitch and additive, leaving a relatively close-fitting fuel body in the cavity.

US Patent:

42171741, Aug 12, 1980

Filed:

Dec 8, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/858677

Inventors:

David F. Leary - San Diego CA
Roy G. Cooper - Rancho Santa Fe CA
Gary N. Miertschin - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Atomic Company - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G21C 2102

US Classification:

176 82

Abstract:

Nuclear fuel rods are manufactured utilizing a graphite flour-pitch matrix formulation containing an additive. The matrix formulation has a decreased viscosity at fabrication temperatures which permits manufacture of the fuel rods with lower fabrication pressures. Also, the matrix formulation does not cause the fuel rod to adhere or bond to the fuel element during heat treatment of the fuel rod in the fuel element. The nuclear fuel rods are suitable for use in high temperature gas cooled nuclear reactors.

US Patent:

39579336, May 18, 1976

Filed:

Mar 5, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/555694

Inventors:

Walter Egli - San Diego CA
William H. Bailey - San Diego CA
David F. Leary - San Diego CA
Richard J. Lansley - Del Mar CA

Assignee:

General Atomic Company - San Diego CA

International Classification:

B29B 103

US Classification:

264 14

Abstract:

Apparatus is described for producing microspherical particles. Also described is a method for operating said apparatus. A droplet generator dispenses uniform spherical droplets into a gelling column which is sealed at both ends to prevent entry of air thereinto. A gelling liquid and a gelling gas are provided in the column, and a further gas, which is of a density lower than that of the gelling gas, is introduced to the region above the gelling gas. At the interface between the gelling gas and the further gas, the gases are withdrawn from the gelling column.

US Patent:

40354520, Jul 12, 1977

Filed:

Jan 21, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/542714

Inventors:

Dwight E. Davis - Escondido CA
David F. Leary - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Atomic Company - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G21C 2102

US Classification:

264 5

Abstract:

Particulate graphite having a particle size not greater than about 1500 microns is impregnated with a polymerizeable organic compound in liquid form. The impregnated particles are treated with a hot aqueous acid solution to at least begin the polymerization reaction and remove excess impregnant from the outer surface thereof. The treated particles are heated to complete the polymerization and then blended with particulate nuclear fuel. A nuclear fuel body is formed by joining the blend into a cohesive mass using a carbonaceous binder.