James Carson Pierce

US Patent:

52512444, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Aug 21, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/933279

Inventors:

David F. Wazybok - Castle Hayne NC
Bobby R. Cosper - Piedmont SC
Harold B. King - Wrightsville Beach NC
David K. Underwood - Stokesdale NC
James E. Pierce - Wilmington NC

Assignee:

General Electric Company - San Jose CA

International Classification:

G21C 2100

US Classification:

376261

Abstract:

A nuclear fuel pellet loading system includes pellet handling apparatus and cladding tube handling apparatus functionally interfaced by a bushing assembly. Pellet rows of varying zone lengths are alternately built up on two tracks, measured for zone length, weighed and then loaded by separate pusher carriages through separate bushing assembly passageways into a pair of empty cladding tubes indexed into loading positions by the tube handling apparatus. Separate zone interface tapes affixed to the pusher carriages indicate to an operator the length each pellet zone is to be built to. The tube handling apparatus accommodates cladding tubes of varying lengths and is equipped to automatically read a serial number imprinted on each tube endplug.

US Patent:

48005037, Jan 24, 1989

Filed:

Sep 19, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/909222

Inventors:

James M. Pierce - Greensboro NC
Jerry F. Mallard - High Point NC

Assignee:

Burlington Industries, Inc. - Greensboro NC

International Classification:

G06F 1546
G06F 900
D06H 302
G10L 900

US Classification:

364470

Abstract:

A fabric grading method and system includes a computer and speech command system for converting oral commands spoken by an operator to signals for driving an inspection frame and a defect labeling device. The operator's spoken defect descriptions are automatically recorded and discriminated so that the defect labeler is only driven in response to detected major defects. The system also receives and records width and pick per inch measuring data for the fabric being inspected.