Donald R Hill

US Patent:

6801593, Oct 5, 2004

Filed:

Nov 21, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/301044

Inventors:

Yung-An Chao - Pittsburgh PA
Donald James Hill - Pittsburgh PA
Michael David Heibel - Irwin PA
Jeffrey Robert Secker - Monroeville PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Company LLC - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G21C 1744

US Classification:

376254, 376245, 376255

Abstract:

A method of monitoring reactivity changes in a nuclear reaction when the nuclear reaction is subcritical. The method controls the parameter of the nuclear reaction that affects reactivity of the reaction to slightly alter the reactivity while monitoring an output of a source range detector. The Inverse Count Rate Ratio from the output of the detector is determined periodically during a transient portion of the output. A correction factor is applied to the Inverse Count Rate Ratio data and the data is plotted as a function of time. The correction factor linearizes the Inverse Count Rate Ratio data so that the curve can be predictably extrapolated.

US Patent:

59343575, Aug 10, 1999

Filed:

Nov 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/748668

Inventors:

Ralph R. Sawtell - Mars PA
Michael S. Cooper - Apollo PA
Thomas V. Pierce - Delmont PA
James E. Luzader - Pittsburgh PA
John J. Connelly - North Huntingdon PA
Donald P. Hill - Saltsburg PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B22D 1700
B22D 1900

US Classification:

164303

Abstract:

A system for manufacturing metal matrix composites, each including a porous preform infiltrated with molten metal, includes a programmable, automated arrangement for handling preforms for sequential introduction into a die caster of the system. A preform loader includes a reciprocable loading head which receives each preform from an associated stack, and delivers each preform to a horizontally reciprocable carrier of a preform shuttle. The preform shuttle effects indexed movement of each preform along a substantially horizontal path, through a preheating furnace, and into the die caster. Efficient operation of the system is promoted, while undesirable damage to the relatively brittle porous preforms is avoided.